Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
þ
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
OR
o
 
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 001-34295
 
SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
38-3916511

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor
 
 
New York, New York
 
10104
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 584-5100
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not Applicable
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  þ        No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ        No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting 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 þ
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
 
Emerging growth company o
 
 
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
(Class)
 
(Outstanding as of April 23, 2018)
COMMON STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE
 
4,478,744,103
SHARES

 

Table of Contents

SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

Item No.
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents


SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
Revenue:
 

 
 

Subscriber revenue
$
1,117,084

 
$
1,078,257

Advertising revenue
42,048

 
36,016

Equipment revenue
35,089

 
29,658

Music royalty fee and other revenue
180,881

 
150,135

Total revenue
1,375,102

 
1,294,066

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

Cost of services:
 

 
 

Revenue share and royalties
310,132

 
277,300

Programming and content
100,836

 
95,544

Customer service and billing
93,865

 
96,775

Satellite and transmission
22,722

 
20,576

Cost of equipment
7,097

 
6,912

Subscriber acquisition costs
122,693

 
127,488

Sales and marketing
106,711

 
96,909

Engineering, design and development
30,637

 
23,817

General and administrative
84,606

 
78,201

Depreciation and amortization
72,212

 
76,704

Total operating expenses
951,511

 
900,226

Income from operations
423,591

 
393,840

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

Interest expense
(89,789
)
 
(81,657
)
Other income
35,888

 
8,863

Total other expense
(53,901
)
 
(72,794
)
Income before income taxes
369,690

 
321,046

Income tax expense
(80,249
)
 
(113,973
)
Net income
$
289,441

 
$
207,073

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
(9,584
)
 
(17
)
Total comprehensive income
$
279,857

 
$
207,056

Net income per common share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.06

 
$
0.04

Diluted
$
0.06

 
$
0.04

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
4,491,362

 
4,710,340

Diluted
4,586,445

 
4,784,420

Dividends declared per common share
$
0.011


$
0.010

 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.


2
Table of Contents

SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017
ASSETS
(unaudited)



Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
78,539

 
$
69,022

Receivables, net
244,779

 
241,727

Inventory, net
17,353

 
20,199

Related party current assets
12,877

 
10,284

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
147,077

 
129,669

Total current assets
500,625

 
470,901

Property and equipment, net
1,464,394

 
1,462,766

Intangible assets, net
2,516,984

 
2,522,846

Goodwill
2,286,582

 
2,286,582

Related party long-term assets
977,795

 
962,080

Deferred tax assets
430,619

 
505,528

Other long-term assets
122,289

 
118,671

Total assets
$
8,299,288

 
$
8,329,374

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
764,146

 
$
794,341

Accrued interest
84,384

 
137,428

Current portion of deferred revenue
1,910,432

 
1,881,825

Current maturities of long-term debt
4,911

 
5,105

Related party current liabilities
3,923

 
2,839

Total current liabilities
2,767,796

 
2,821,538

Deferred revenue
165,956

 
174,579

Long-term debt
6,807,448

 
6,741,243

Related party long-term liabilities
6,742

 
7,364

Deferred tax liabilities
8,169

 
8,169

Other long-term liabilities
107,645

 
100,355

Total liabilities
9,863,756

 
9,853,248

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)


 


Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:
 

 
 

Common stock, par value $0.001; 9,000,000 shares authorized; 4,481,266 and 4,530,928 shares issued; 4,480,763 and 4,527,742 outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
4,480

 
4,530

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
12,836

 
18,407

Additional paid-in capital
1,360,968

 
1,713,816

Treasury stock, at cost; 503 and 3,186 shares of common stock at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
(3,123
)
 
(17,154
)
Accumulated deficit
(2,939,629
)
 
(3,243,473
)
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity
(1,564,468
)
 
(1,523,874
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity
$
8,299,288

 
$
8,329,374


See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3
Table of Contents

SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Common Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Total
Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity
(in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
4,530,928

 
$
4,530

 
$
18,407

 
$
1,713,816

 
3,186

 
$
(17,154
)
 
$
(3,243,473
)
 
$
(1,523,874
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
 
—

 
—

 
4,013

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
14,403

 
18,416

Comprehensive income, net of tax
 
—

 
—

 
(9,584
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
289,441

 
279,857

Share-based payment expense
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
29,118

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
29,118

Exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units
 
5,285

 
5

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock-based compensation
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(23,860
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(23,860
)
Cash dividends paid on common stock
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(49,397
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(49,397
)
Common stock repurchased
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
52,264

 
(294,728
)
 
—

 
(294,728
)
Common stock retired
 
(54,947
)
 
(55
)
 
—

 
(308,704
)
 
(54,947
)
 
308,759

 
—

 
—

Balance at March 31, 2018
 
4,481,266

 
$
4,480

 
$
12,836

 
$
1,360,968

 
503

 
$
(3,123
)
 
$
(2,939,629
)
 
$
(1,564,468
)

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4
Table of Contents

SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
289,441

 
$
207,073

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
72,212

 
76,704

Non-cash interest expense, net of amortization of premium
2,344

 
2,104

Provision for doubtful accounts
11,139

 
14,044

Amortization of deferred income related to equity method investment
(694
)
 
(694
)
Gain on unconsolidated entity investments, net
(981
)
 
(3,014
)
Gain on fair value instrument
(31,375
)
 
—

Dividend received from unconsolidated entity investment
979

 
3,606

Share-based payment expense
34,233

 
29,446

Deferred income taxes
72,065

 
107,505

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Receivables
(14,191
)
 
(25,363
)
Inventory
2,846

 
3,391

Related party, net
(1,652
)
 
(503
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(9,240
)
 
(7,930
)
Other long-term assets
5,349

 
1,691

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(37,899
)
 
(99,707
)
Accrued interest
(53,044
)
 
(32,746
)
Deferred revenue
65,876

 
27,937

Other long-term liabilities
7,290

 
5,781

Net cash provided by operating activities
414,698

 
309,325

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Additions to property and equipment
(81,405
)
 
(53,365
)
Purchases of restricted and other investments
(6,831
)
 
(7,021
)
Repayment of related party loan
3,242

 
—

Net cash used in investing activities
(84,994
)
 
(60,386
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for stock-based compensation
(23,309
)
 
(15,609
)
Net borrowings related to revolving credit facility
65,000

 
140,000

Principal payments of long-term borrowings
(3,816
)
 
(3,669
)
Common stock repurchased and retired
(308,759
)
 
(305,975
)
Dividends paid
(49,397
)

(47,137
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(320,281
)
 
(232,390
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
9,423

 
16,549

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
79,374

 
223,828

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period(1)
$
88,797

 
$
240,377

(1)
The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the statement of cash flows to the balance sheet. The restricted cash balances are primarily due to letters of credit which have been issued to the landlords of leased office space. The terms of the letters of credit primarily extend beyond one year.
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents
$
78,539

 
$
69,022

 
$
230,488

 
$
213,939

Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets
150

 
244

 
—

 
—

Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets
10,108

 
10,108

 
9,889

 
9,889

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
88,797

 
$
79,374

 
$
240,377

 
$
223,828

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5
Table of Contents

SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)

 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash and Non-Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
139,176

 
$
110,655

Income taxes paid
$
5,625

 
$
6,215

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations incurred to acquire assets
$
499

 
$
—

Treasury stock not yet settled
$
14,031

 
$
15,488

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit for related party
$
9,584

 
$
17


See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.


6
Table of Contents
SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)



(1)
Business & Basis of Presentation
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q presents information for Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Holdings”).  The terms “Holdings,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “our company” as used herein and unless otherwise stated or indicated by context, refer to Sirius XM Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries, and “Sirius XM” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary Sirius XM Radio Inc. Holdings has no operations independent of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sirius XM.
Business
We transmit music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis through our two proprietary satellite radio systems.  Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus features such as SiriusXM On Demand, over our Internet radio service, including through applications for mobile devices, home devices and other consumer electronic equipment.  We also provide connected vehicle services.  Our connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle operators while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers.
We have agreements with every major automaker (“OEMs”) to offer satellite radio in their vehicles, through which we acquire the majority of our subscribers. We also acquire subscribers through marketing to owners and lessees of previously owned vehicles that include factory-installed satellite radios that are not currently subscribing to our services. Our satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers, retailers, and our website. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain rental car companies.
Our primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of our customers subscribing to annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly plans.  We offer discounts for prepaid, longer-term subscription plans, as well as a multiple subscription discount.  We also derive revenue from activation and other fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of satellite radios and accessories, and other ancillary services, such as our weather, traffic and data services.
In certain cases, a subscription to our radio services is included in the sale or lease price of new or previously owned vehicles. The length of these subscriptions varies but is typically three to twelve months.  We receive payments for these subscriptions from certain automakers.  We also reimburse various automakers for certain costs associated with satellite radios installed in new vehicles and pay revenue share to various automakers.
As of March 31, 2018, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.  As a result, we are a “controlled company” for the purposes of the NASDAQ corporate governance requirements.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Holdings and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Certain numbers in our prior period consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been reclassified or consolidated to conform to our current period presentation.
All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of our management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2018 and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 have been made.
Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read together with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was filed with the SEC on January 31, 2018.
Public companies are required to disclose certain information about their reportable operating segments.  Operating segments are defined as significant components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance of the segment. We have determined that we have one reportable segment as our chief

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Table of Contents
SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, assesses performance and allocates resources based on the consolidated results of operations of our business.
We have evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date and prior to the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and have determined that no events have occurred that would require adjustment to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.  For a discussion of subsequent events that do not require adjustment to our unaudited consolidated financial statements refer to Note 16.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes.  Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.  Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include asset impairment, depreciable lives of our satellites, share-based payment expense, and income taxes.

(2)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fair Value Measurements
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 based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. 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. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value were as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Fair
Value
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pandora Media, Inc. (“Pandora”) - investment (a)
—

 
$
511,847

 
—

 
$
511,847

 
—

 
480,472

 
—

 
$
480,472

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Debt (b)
—

 
$
6,756,559

 
—

 
$
6,756,559

 
—

 
$
6,987,473

 
—

 
$
6,987,473

(a)
During the year ended December 31, 2017, Sirius XM completed a $480,000 investment in Pandora. We have elected the fair value option to account for this investment. Refer to Note 10 for information on this transaction.
(b)
The fair value for non-publicly traded debt is based upon estimates from a market maker and brokerage firm.  Refer to Note 11 for information related to the carrying value of our debt as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income of $12,836 was primarily comprised of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments related to our investment in and loan to Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Canada”) (refer to Note 10 for additional information). During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded a foreign currency translation adjustment loss of $9,584 net of tax of $3,072. In addition, we recorded $4,013 related to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires a company to recognize lease assets and liabilities arising from operating leases in the statement of financial

8
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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

position. This ASU does not significantly change the previous lease guidance for how a lessee should recognize the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. Additionally, the criteria for classifying a finance lease versus an operating lease are substantially the same as the previous guidance. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. This ASU must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We plan to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. We currently believe the most significant changes will be related to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets for operating leases.
Recently Adopted Accounting Policies
ASU 2014-09, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which requires entities to recognize revenues when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We adopted ASU 2014-09, and all related amendments, which established Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 (the "new revenue standard"), effective as of January 1, 2018. We adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard to all non-completed contracts as of January 1, 2018 as an adjustment to opening Accumulated deficit in the period of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605.
The new revenue standard primarily impacts how we account for revenue share payments as well as other immaterial impacts.
Revenue Share
We previously recorded revenue share related to paid trials as Revenue share and royalties expense. Under the new revenue standard, we have recorded these revenue share payments as a reduction to revenue as the payments do not transfer a distinct good or service to us. Prior to the adoption, a portion of deferred revenue was for the revenue share related to paid trials. Under the new revenue standard, we reclassified the revenue share related to paid trials existing as of the date of adoption from Current portion of deferred revenue to Accounts payable and accrued expenses. For new paid trials, the net amount of the paid trial will be recorded as deferred revenue and the portion of revenue share will be recorded to Accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Other Impacts
Other impacts of the new revenue standard include:
•
Activation fees were previously recognized over the expected subscriber life using the straight-line method. Under the new revenue standard, the activation fees have been recognized over a one month period from activation as the activation fees are non-refundable and they do not convey a material right. As of January 1, 2018, we reduced deferred revenue related to activation fees of $8,260, net of tax, to Accumulated deficit.
•
Loyalty payments to OEMs were previously expensed when incurred as Subscriber acquisition costs. Under the new revenue standard, these costs have been capitalized in Prepaid expenses and other current assets as costs to obtain a contract and these costs will be amortized to Subscriber acquisition costs over an average self-pay subscriber life of that OEM. As of January 1, 2018, we capitalized previously expensed loyalty payments of $10,156, net of tax, to Prepaid expenses and other current assets by reducing Accumulated deficit.
These changes do not have a material impact to our financial statements.
ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 to amend its standard on comprehensive income to provide an option for an entity to reclassify the stranded tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

“Tax Act”) that was passed in December 2017 from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) directly to retained earnings. The stranded tax effects result from the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities which were originally recorded in comprehensive income but whose remeasurement is reflected in the income statement. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt ASU 2018-02 effective January 1, 2018 and reclassified the stranded tax effects due to the Tax Act of $4,013 related to the currency translation adjustment from our investment balance and note receivable with Sirius XM Canada from AOCI to Accumulated deficit.
The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2018-02 are included in the table below.
 
Balance at
December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments Due to ASU 2014-09
 
Adjustments Due to ASU 2018-02
 
Balance at
January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
129,669

 
$
8,262

 
$
—

 
$
137,931

Other long-term assets
118,671

 
2,576

 
—

 
121,247

Deferred tax assets
505,528

 
(5,915
)
 
—

 
499,613

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
794,341

 
32,399

 
—

 
826,740

Current portion of deferred revenue
1,881,825

 
(41,902
)
 
—

 
1,839,923

Deferred revenue
174,579

 
(3,990
)
 
—

 
170,589

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
(3,243,473
)
 
18,416

 
(4,013
)
 
(3,229,070
)
AOCI, net of tax
18,407

 
—

 
4,013

 
22,420

The following table illustrates the impact that adopting ASU 2014-09 has had on our reported results in the unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The adoption of ASU 2018-02 did not impact our unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
As Reported
 
Impact of Adopting ASU 2014-09
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09
Income Statement
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Subscriber revenue
$
1,117,084

 
$
24,392

 
$
1,141,476

 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue share and royalties
310,132

 
22,069

 
332,201

Subscriber acquisition costs
122,693

 
1,046

 
123,739

Income tax expense
(80,249
)
 
(277
)
 
(80,526
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
289,441

 
$
1,000

 
$
290,441


The adoption of the new revenue standard did not have a material impact to our unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018.

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This ASU updates the guidance related to the statement of cash flows and requires that the statement include restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning and ending cash. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and we adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018. As a result of the adoption, we have added restricted cash to the reconciliation of beginning and ending cash and cash equivalents and included a reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the balance sheet for each period presented in the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows. Refer to the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows for the impacts of this adoption.

(3)
Revenues
Adoption of the new revenue standard
We adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard to all non-completed contracts as of January 1, 2018 as an adjustment to opening Accumulated deficit in the period of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents the revenues disaggregated by revenue source:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017(1)
Types of Revenue
 
 
 
Subscription Revenue
$
1,117,084

 
$
1,078,257

Advertising Revenue
42,048

 
36,016

Equipment Revenue
35,089

 
29,658

Music Royalty Fee and Other Revenue(2)
180,881

 
150,135

Total
$
1,375,102

 
$
1,294,066

(1)
Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.
(2)
Music Royalty Fee and Other Revenue includes revenue of $1,813 related to purchase price accounting adjustments, which are not subject to the new revenue standard.
Nature of goods and services
The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate our revenue, including from subscribers, advertising, and sales of equipment.
Subscription Revenue
Subscription revenue consists primarily of subscription fees and other ancillary subscription based revenues. Revenue is recognized on a straight line basis when the performance obligations to provide each service for the period are satisfied, which is over time as our subscription services are continuously transmitted and can be consumed by customers at any time. Consumers purchasing or leasing a vehicle with a factory-installed satellite radio typically receive between a three and twelve month subscription to our service.  In certain cases, the subscription fee for these consumers are prepaid by the applicable automaker. Prepaid subscription fees received from certain automakers or directly from consumers are recorded as deferred revenue and amortized to revenue ratably over the service period which commences upon sale and activation. Activation fees are recognized over one month as the activation fees are non-refundable and do not provide for a material right to the customer. There is no revenue recognized for unpaid trial subscriptions. In some cases we pay a loyalty fee to the OEM when we receive a certain amount of payments from self-pay customers acquired from that OEM. These fees are considered incremental costs to obtain a contract and are, therefore, recognized as an asset and amortized to Subscriber acquisition costs over an average

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

subscriber life of that OEM. Revenue share and loyalty fees paid to the OEM offering a paid trial are accounted for as a reduction of revenue as the payment does not provide a distinct good or service.
Advertising Revenue
We recognize revenue from the sale of advertising as performance obligations are satisfied upon airing of the advertising; therefore, revenue is recognized at a point in time when each advertising spot is transmitted. Agency fees are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory and are reported as a reduction of advertising revenue.  Additionally, we pay certain third parties a percentage of advertising revenue.  Advertising revenue is recorded gross of such revenue share payments as we control the advertising service including the ability to establish pricing and we are primarily responsible for providing the service.  Advertising revenue share payments are recorded to Revenue share and royalties during the period in which the advertising is transmitted.
Equipment Revenue
Equipment revenue and royalties from the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories are recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied and control is transferred, which is generally upon shipment. Revenue is recognized net of discounts and rebates.
Music Royalty Fee and Other Revenue
Music Royalty Fee and Other Revenue primarily consists of U.S. music royalty fees ("MRF"). The related costs we incur for the right to broadcast music and other programming are recorded as Revenue share and royalties expense.  Fees received from subscribers for the MRF are recorded as deferred revenue and amortized to revenue ratably over the service period as the royalties relate to the subscription services which are continuously delivered to our customers.
Deferred Revenue
Customers generally pay for the services in advance of the performance obligation and therefore these prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue. The deferred revenue is recognized as revenue in our unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income as the services are provided. Changes in the contract liability balance during the period ended March 31, 2018 was not materially impacted by other factors.
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
As the majority of our contracts are one year or less, we have utilized the optional exemption under ASC 606-10-50-14 and will not disclose information about the remaining performance obligations for contracts which have original expected durations of one year or less. As of March, 31, 2018, less than ten percent of our total deferred revenue balance related to contracts that extended beyond one year. These contracts primarily include prepaid data trials which are typically provided for three to five years as well as for self-pay customers who prepay for their audio subscriptions for up to three years in advance. These amounts will be recognized on a straight-line basis as our services are provided.

(4)
Earnings per Share
Basic net income per common share is calculated by dividing the income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during each reporting period.  Diluted net income per common share adjusts the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents (stock options and restricted stock units) were exercised or converted into common stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. We had no participating securities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Common stock equivalents of 43,734 and 63,668 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 

 
 

Net income available to common stockholders for basic and diluted net income per common share
$
289,441

 
$
207,073

Denominator:
 

 
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic net income per common share
4,491,362

 
4,710,340

Weighted average impact of dilutive equity instruments
95,083

 
74,080

Weighted average shares for diluted net income per common share
4,586,445

 
4,784,420

Net income per common share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.06

 
$
0.04

Diluted
$
0.06

 
$
0.04


(5)
Receivables, net
Receivables, net, includes customer accounts receivable, receivables from distributors and other receivables.
Customer accounts receivable, net, includes receivables from our subscribers and other customers, including advertising, and is stated at amounts due, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon our assessment of various factors.  We consider historical experience, the age of the receivable balances, current economic conditions and other factors that may affect the counterparty’s ability to pay.  Bad debt expense is included in Customer service and billing expense in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Receivables from distributors primarily include billed and unbilled amounts due from OEMs for services included in the sale or lease price of vehicles, as well as billed amounts due from wholesale distributors of our satellite radios.  Other receivables primarily include amounts due from manufacturers of our radios, modules and chipsets where we are entitled to subsidies and royalties based on the number of units produced.  We have not established an allowance for doubtful accounts for our receivables from distributors or other receivables as we have historically not experienced any significant collection issues with OEMs or other third parties.
Receivables, net, consists of the following:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Gross customer accounts receivable
$
99,761

 
$
100,342

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(8,820
)
 
(9,500
)
Customer accounts receivable, net
$
90,941

 
$
90,842

Receivables from distributors
125,217

 
121,410

Other receivables
28,621

 
29,475

Total receivables, net
$
244,779

 
$
241,727


(6)
Inventory, net
Inventory consists of finished goods, refurbished goods, chipsets and other raw material components used in manufacturing radios and connected vehicle devices. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market.  We record an estimated allowance for inventory that is considered slow moving or obsolete or whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value.  The provision related to products purchased for resale in our direct to consumer distribution channel and components held for resale by us is reported as a component of Cost of equipment in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  The provision related to inventory consumed in our OEM channel is reported as a component of Subscriber acquisition costs in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Inventory, net, consists of the following:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Raw materials
$
4,345

 
$
6,489

Finished goods
19,162

 
21,225

Allowance for obsolescence
(6,154
)
 
(7,515
)
Total inventory, net
$
17,353

 
$
20,199


(7)
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Our annual impairment assessment of our single reporting unit is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year, and an assessment is performed at other times if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, states that an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. ASC 350 also states that a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount is not required to perform a qualitative assessment. The carrying amount and goodwill recorded for our one reporting unit was $(1,564,468) and $2,286,582, respectively, as of March 31, 2018.
As of March 31, 2018, there were no indicators of impairment, and no impairment losses were recorded for goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.  As of March 31, 2018, the cumulative balance of goodwill impairments recorded since the July 2008 merger (the “Merger”) between our wholly owned subsidiary, Vernon Merger Corporation, and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (“XM”), was $4,766,190, which was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2008.

(8)
Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include the following:
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Weighted
Average
Useful Lives
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Value
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Value
Indefinite life intangible assets:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

FCC licenses
Indefinite
 
$
2,083,654

 
$
—

 
$
2,083,654

 
$
2,083,654

 
$
—

 
$
2,083,654

Trademarks
Indefinite
 
250,800

 
—

 
250,800

 
250,800

 
—

 
250,800

Definite life intangible assets:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Subscriber relationships
9 years
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
380,000

 
(380,000
)
 
—

OEM relationships
15 years
 
220,000

 
(64,778
)
 
155,222

 
220,000

 
(61,111
)
 
158,889

Licensing agreements
12 years
 
45,289

 
(35,271
)
 
10,018

 
45,289

 
(34,350
)
 
10,939

Software and technology
7 years
 
33,872

 
(16,582
)
 
17,290

 
43,915

 
(25,351
)
 
18,564

Total intangible assets
 
 
$
2,633,615

 
$
(116,631
)
 
$
2,516,984

 
$
3,023,658

 
$
(500,812
)
 
$
2,522,846


Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
We have identified our FCC licenses and the XM and Automatic Labs Inc. trademarks as indefinite life intangible assets after considering the expected use of the assets, the regulatory and economic environment within which they are used and the effects of obsolescence on their use.

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

We hold FCC licenses to operate our satellite digital audio radio service and provide ancillary services. The following table outlines the years in which each of our satellite licenses expires:
FCC satellite licenses
 
Expiration year
SIRIUS FM-5
 
2025
SIRIUS FM-6
 
2022
XM-3
 
2021
XM-4
 
2022
XM-5
 
2018
Prior to expiration, we are required to apply for a renewal of our FCC licenses.  The renewal and extension of our licenses is reasonably certain at minimal cost, which is expensed as incurred.  Each of the FCC licenses authorizes us to use the radio spectrum, which is a renewable, reusable resource that does not deplete or exhaust over time.
Our annual impairment assessment of our identifiable indefinite life intangible assets is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year. An assessment is performed at other times if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible assets exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. As of March 31, 2018, there were no indicators of impairment, and no impairment loss was recognized for intangible assets with indefinite lives during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
Definite Life Intangible Assets
Amortization expense for all definite life intangible assets was $5,862 and $11,528 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We retired definite lived intangible assets of $390,043 during the three months ended March 31, 2018. There were no retirements of definite lived intangible assets during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Expected amortization expense for the remaining period in 2018, each of the fiscal years 2019 through 2022 and for periods thereafter is as follows:
Years ending December 31,
 
Amount
2018 (remaining)
 
$
17,276

2019
 
22,701

2020
 
22,121

2021
 
16,678

2022
 
15,542

Thereafter
 
88,212

Total definite life intangible assets, net
 
$
182,530



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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

(9)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Satellite system
$
1,586,794

 
$
1,586,794

Terrestrial repeater network
124,620

 
123,254

Leasehold improvements
59,184

 
57,635

Broadcast studio equipment
100,240

 
96,582

Capitalized software and hardware
692,594

 
639,516

Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities
71,336

 
69,147

Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
98,052

 
96,965

Land
38,411

 
38,411

Building
61,823

 
61,824

Construction in progress
306,205

 
301,153

Total property and equipment
3,139,259

 
3,071,281

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1,674,865
)
 
(1,608,515
)
Property and equipment, net
$
1,464,394

 
$
1,462,766

Construction in progress consists of the following:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Satellite system
$
206,757

 
$
183,243

Terrestrial repeater network
2,689

 
2,515

Capitalized software and hardware
78,641

 
94,456

Other
18,118

 
20,939

Construction in progress
$
306,205

 
$
301,153

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $66,350 and $65,176 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  We retired property and equipment of $13,811 during the three months ended March 31, 2017. There were no retirements of property and equipment during the three months ended March 31, 2018.
We capitalize a portion of the interest on funds borrowed to finance the construction and launch of our satellites and launch vehicles. Capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset’s cost and depreciated over the satellite’s useful life. Capitalized interest costs were $2,254 and $718 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which related to the construction of our SXM-7 and SXM-8 satellites.
Satellites
As of March 31, 2018, we owned a fleet of five satellites.  The chart below provides certain information on our satellites as of March 31, 2018:
Satellite Description
 
Year Delivered
 
Estimated End of
Depreciable Life
SIRIUS FM-5
 
2009
 
2024
SIRIUS FM-6
 
2013
 
2028
XM-3
 
2005
 
2020
XM-4
 
2006
 
2021
XM-5
 
2010
 
2025


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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

(10)
Related Party Transactions 
In the normal course of business, we enter into transactions with related parties. Our related parties are Liberty Media, Sirius XM Canada and Pandora.

Liberty Media
As of March 31, 2018, Liberty Media beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Liberty Media has two executives and one of its directors on our board of directors.  Gregory B. Maffei, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Media, is the Chairman of our board of directors.

Sirius XM Canada
On May 25, 2017, Sirius XM completed a recapitalization of Sirius XM Canada (the “Transaction”), which is now a privately held corporation.
Following the Transaction, Sirius XM holds a 70% equity interest and 33% voting interest in Sirius XM Canada, with the remainder of the voting power and equity interests held by two of Sirius XM Canada’s previous shareholders. The total consideration from Sirius XM to Sirius XM Canada, excluding transaction costs, during the year ended December 31, 2017 was $308,526, which included $129,676 in cash and we issued 35,000 shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of $178,850 to the holders of the shares of Sirius XM Canada acquired in the Transaction. Sirius XM received common stock, non-voting common stock and preferred stock of Sirius XM Canada. We own 590,950 shares of preferred stock of Sirius XM Canada, which has a liquidation preference of one Canadian dollar per share.
In connection with the Transaction, Sirius XM also made a contribution in the form of a loan to Sirius XM Canada in the aggregate amount of $130,794. The loan is denominated in Canadian dollars and is considered a long-term investment with any unrealized gains or losses reported within Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. The loan has a term of fifteen years, bears interest at a rate of 7.62% per annum and includes customary covenants and events of default, including an event of default relating to Sirius XM Canada’s failure to maintain specified leverage ratios. The terms of the loan require Sirius XM Canada to prepay a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the loan within sixty days of the end of each fiscal year in an amount equal to any cash on hand in excess of C$10,000 at the last day of the financial year if all target dividends have been paid in full. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, Sirius XM Canada repaid $3,242 of the principal amount of the loan.
In connection with the Transaction, Sirius XM also entered into a Services Agreement and an Advisory Services Agreement with Sirius XM Canada. Each agreement has a thirty year term. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, Sirius XM Canada pays Sirius XM 25% of its gross revenues on a monthly basis through December 31, 2021 and 30% of its gross revenues on a monthly basis thereafter. Pursuant to the Advisory Services Agreement, Sirius XM Canada pays Sirius XM 5% of its gross revenues on a monthly basis. These agreements superseded and replaced the former agreements between Sirius XM Canada and its predecessors and Sirius XM.
Sirius XM Canada is accounted for as an equity method investment, and its results are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. Sirius XM Canada does not meet the requirements for consolidation as we do not have the ability to direct the most significant activities that impact Sirius XM Canada's economic performance.
We had the following related party balances associated with Sirius XM Canada:

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017
Related party current assets
$
12,877

 
$
10,284

Related party long-term assets
$
465,948

 
$
481,608

Related party current liabilities
$
3,923

 
$
2,839

Related party long-term liabilities
$
6,742

 
$
7,364

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our related party current asset balance included amounts due under the Services Agreement and Advisory Services Agreement and certain amounts related to transactions outside the scope of the new services arrangements. Our related party long-term assets balance as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 included the

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

carrying value of our investment balance in Sirius XM Canada of $332,311 and $341,214, respectively, and, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, also included $133,324 and $140,073, respectively, for the long-term value of the outstanding loan to Sirius XM Canada. Our related party liabilities as of each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 included $2,776 for the current portion of deferred revenue and $4,394 and $5,088, respectively, for the long-term portion of deferred revenue recorded as of the Merger date related to agreements with legacy XM Canada, now Sirius XM Canada.  These costs are being amortized on a straight line basis through 2020.

Sirius XM Canada paid gross dividends to us of $1,031 and $3,796 during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Dividends are first recorded as a reduction to our investment balance in Sirius XM Canada to the extent a balance exists and then as Other income for any remaining portion.
We recorded the following revenue and other income associated with Sirius XM Canada in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue (a)(b)
$
24,097

 
$
12,216

Other income
 

 
 

Share of net earnings (b)
$
981

 
$
3,014

Interest income (c)
$
2,647


$
—

(a)
Prior to the Transaction, under our former agreements with Sirius XM Canada, we received a percentage-based fee of 10% and 15% for certain types of subscription revenue earned by Sirius XM Canada for the use of the Sirius and XM platforms, respectively, and additional fees for premium services and fees for activation fees and reimbursements for other charges.  We record revenue from Sirius XM Canada as Other revenue in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
(b)
Prior to the Transaction, we recognized our proportionate share of revenue and earnings or losses attributable to Sirius XM Canada on a one month lag. As a result of the Transaction, there is no longer a one-month lag and Sirius XM Canada changed its fiscal year-end to December 31 to align with us. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, Share of net earnings included $623 of amortization related to equity method intangible assets.
(c)
This interest income relates to the loan to Sirius XM Canada and is recorded as Other income in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Pandora
On September 22, 2017, Sirius XM completed a $480,000 investment in Pandora. Pursuant to an Investment Agreement with Pandora, Sirius XM purchased 480 shares of Pandora’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), for an aggregate purchase price of $480,000. As of March 31, 2018, the Series A Preferred Stock, including accrued but unpaid dividends, represents a stake of approximately 19% of Pandora's common stock outstanding and approximately a 16% interest on an as-converted basis. Pandora operates an internet-based music discovery platform, offering a personalized experience for listeners.
The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holders at any time into shares of common stock of Pandora (“Pandora Common Stock”) at an initial conversion price of $10.50 per share of Pandora Common Stock and an initial conversion rate of 95.2381 shares of Pandora Common Stock per share of Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain customary anti-dilution adjustments. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to a cumulative dividend at the rate of 6.0% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, if and when declared. Pandora has the option to pay dividends in cash when authorized by their Board and declared by Pandora or accumulate dividends in lieu of paying cash. Any conversion of Series A Preferred Stock may be settled by Pandora, at its option, in shares of Pandora Common Stock, cash or any combination thereof. However, unless and until Pandora’s stockholders have approved the issuance of greater than 19.99% of the outstanding Pandora Common Stock, the Series A Preferred Stock may not be converted into more than 19.99% of Pandora’s outstanding Pandora Common Stock as of June 9, 2017. The liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock, including accrued dividends of $18,211, was $498,211 as of March 31, 2018.
The investment includes a mandatory redemption feature on any date from and after September 22, 2022 whereby Sirius XM, at its option, may require Pandora to purchase the Series A Preferred Stock at a price equal to 100% of the liquidation preference plus accrued but unpaid dividends for, at the election of Pandora, cash, shares of Pandora Common Stock or a

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

combination thereof, and as such the investment qualifies as a debt security under ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities. As the investment includes a conversion option, we have elected to account for this investment under the fair value option to reduce the accounting asymmetry that would otherwise arise when recognizing the changes in the fair value of available-for-sale investments. Under the fair value option, any gains (losses) associated with the change in fair value will be recognized in Other income within our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income. A $31,375 unrealized gain was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as Other income in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income associated with this investment. The fair value of our investment, including accrued dividends, as of March 31, 2018 was $511,847 and is recorded as a related party long-term asset within our unaudited consolidated balance sheets. This investment does not meet the requirements for the equity method of accounting as it does not qualify as in-substance common stock.
Sirius XM has appointed James E. Meyer, our Chief Executive Officer, David J. Frear, our Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Gregory B. Maffei, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, to Pandora's Board of Directors pursuant to our designation rights under the Investment Agreement. Mr. Maffei also serves as the Chairman of Pandora's Board of Directors.
Sirius XM's right to designate directors will fall away once Sirius XM and its affiliates fail to beneficially own shares of Series A Preferred Stock and/or Pandora Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof equal to (on an as-converted basis) at least 50% of the number of shares of Pandora Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock purchased under the Investment Agreement. Following the earlier to occur of (i) September 22, 2019 and (ii) the date on which Sirius XM and its affiliates fail to beneficially own shares of Series A Preferred Stock and/or Pandora Common Stock that were issued upon conversion thereof equal to (on an as-converted basis) at least 75% of the number of shares of Pandora Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock purchased under the Investment Agreement, Sirius XM has the right to designate only two directors.
We are subject to certain standstill restrictions, including, among other things, that we are restricted from acquiring additional securities of Pandora until December 9, 2018.
Except as to matters that may be voted upon separately by holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, Sirius XM is entitled to vote as a single class with the holders of Pandora Common Stock on an as-converted basis (up to a maximum of 19.99% of the Pandora Common Stock outstanding on June 9, 2017, unless stockholder approval has been received). Sirius XM is also entitled to a separate class vote with respect to certain amendments to Pandora’s organizational documents, issuances by Pandora of securities that are senior to, or equal in priority with, the Series A Preferred Stock and the incurrence of certain indebtedness by Pandora.
Upon certain change of control events involving Pandora, Pandora is required to repurchase all of the Series A Preferred Stock at a price equal to the greater of (1) an amount in cash equal to 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends through June 9, 2022 (assuming such shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding through such date) and (2) the consideration the holders would have received if they had converted their shares of Series A Preferred Stock into Pandora Common Stock immediately prior to the change of control event (disregarding the 19.99% cap).
Beginning on September 22, 2020, if the volume weighted average price per share of Pandora Common Stock exceeds $18.375, as may be adjusted, for at least 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading days, Pandora may redeem all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock at a price equal to 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends for, at the election of Pandora, cash, shares of Pandora Common Stock or a combination thereof, provided that, unless stockholder approval has been received, Pandora may not settle the redemption for shares of Pandora Common Stock to the extent the 19.99% cap would be exceeded.
Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into with Pandora, Sirius XM has certain customary registration rights with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Pandora Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof.


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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

(11)
Debt
Our debt as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value(a) at
Issuer / Borrower
 
Issued
 
Debt
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Payable
 
Principal Amount at March 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Sirius XM
(b)
 
July 2017
 
3.875% Senior Notes
(the "3.875% Notes")
 
August 1, 2022
 
semi-annually on February 1 and August 1
 
1,000,000

 
992,409

 
992,011

Sirius XM
(b)
 
May 2013
 
4.625% Senior Notes
(the "4.625% Notes")
 
May 15, 2023
 
semi-annually on May 15 and November 15
 
500,000

 
496,784

 
496,646

Sirius XM
(b)
 
May 2014
 
6.00% Senior Notes
(the "6.00% Notes")
 
July 15, 2024
 
semi-annually on January 15 and July 15
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,377

 
1,488,002

Sirius XM
(b)
 
March 2015
 
5.375% Senior Notes
(the "5.375% Notes due 2025")
 
April 15, 2025
 
semi-annually on April 15 and October 15
 
1,000,000

 
991,529

 
991,285

Sirius XM
(b)
 
May 2016
 
5.375% Senior Notes
(the "5.375% Notes due 2026")
 
July 15, 2026
 
semi-annually on January 15 and July 15
 
1,000,000

 
990,366

 
990,138

Sirius XM
(b)
 
July 2017
 
5.00% Senior Notes
(the "5.00% Notes")
 
August 1, 2027
 
semi-annually on February 1 and August 1
 
1,500,000

 
1,486,443

 
1,486,162

Sirius XM
(c)
 
December 2012
 
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility")
 
June 16, 2020
 
variable fee paid quarterly
 
1,750,000

 
365,000

 
300,000

Sirius XM
 
Various
 
Capital leases
 
Various
 
 n/a
 
 n/a

 
9,684

 
10,597

Total Debt
 
6,820,592

 
6,754,841

Less: total current maturities
 
4,911

 
5,105

Less: total deferred financing costs for Notes
 
8,233

 
8,493

Total long-term debt
 
$
6,807,448

 
$
6,741,243

(a)
The carrying value of the obligations is net of any remaining unamortized original issue discount.
(b)
Substantially all of our domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries have guaranteed these notes.
(c)
Sirius XM's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of its material domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a lien on substantially all of Sirius XM's assets and the assets of its material domestic subsidiaries.  Interest on borrowings is payable on a monthly basis and accrues at a rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable rate.  Sirius XM is also required to pay a variable fee on the average daily unused portion of the Credit Facility which is payable on a quarterly basis.  The variable rate for the unused portion of the Credit Facility was 0.25% per annum as of March 31, 2018.  Sirius XM's outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as Long-term debt within our unaudited consolidated balance sheets due to the long-term maturity of this debt.
Covenants and Restrictions
Under the Credit Facility, Sirius XM, our wholly-owned subsidiary, must comply with a debt maintenance covenant that it cannot exceed a total leverage ratio, calculated as consolidated total debt to consolidated operating cash flow, of 5.0 to 1.0.  The Credit Facility generally requires compliance with certain covenants that restrict Sirius XM's ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) merge or consolidate with another person, (vi) sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Sirius XM's assets, and (vii) make voluntary prepayments of certain debt, in each case subject to exceptions.
The indentures governing Sirius XM's notes restrict Sirius XM's non-guarantor subsidiaries' ability to create, assume, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness without such non-guarantor subsidiary guaranteeing each such series of notes on a pari passu basis.  The indentures governing the notes also contain covenants that, among other things, limit Sirius XM's ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to create certain liens; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; and merge or consolidate.
Under Sirius XM's debt agreements, the following generally constitute an event of default: (i) a default in the payment of interest; (ii) a default in the payment of principal; (iii) failure to comply with covenants; (iv) failure to pay other indebtedness

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

after final maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness exceeding a specified amount; (v) certain events of bankruptcy; (vi) a judgment for payment of money exceeding a specified aggregate amount; and (vii) voidance of subsidiary guarantees, subject to grace periods where applicable.  If an event of default occurs and is continuing, our debt could become immediately due and payable.
At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.

(12)
Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
We are authorized to issue up to 9,000,000 shares of common stock. There were 4,481,266 and 4,530,928 shares of common stock issued and 4,480,763 and 4,527,742 shares outstanding on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
As of March 31, 2018, there were 303,926 shares of common stock reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding stock based awards to be granted to members of our board of directors, employees and third parties.
Quarterly Dividends
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, our board of directors declared the following dividend:
Declaration Date
 
Dividend Per Share
 
Record Date
 
Total Amount
 
Payment Date
January 23, 2018
 
$
0.011

 
February 7, 2018
 
$
49,397

 
February 28, 2018
Stock Repurchase Program
As of March 31, 2018, our board of directors had approved for repurchase an aggregate of $12,000,000 of our common stock.  Our board of directors did not establish an end date for this stock repurchase program.  Shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, in privately negotiated transactions, including transactions with Liberty Media and its affiliates, or otherwise.  As of March 31, 2018, our cumulative repurchases since December 2012 under our stock repurchase program totaled 2,526,399 shares for $9,671,848, and $2,328,152 remained available under our stock repurchase program.
The following table summarizes our total share repurchase activity for the three months ended:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2017
Share Repurchase Type
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
Open Market (a)
 
52,264

 
$
294,728

 
61,539

 
$
298,557

(a)
As of March 31, 2018, $3,123 of common stock repurchases had not settled, nor been retired, and were recorded as Treasury stock within our unaudited consolidated balance sheets and unaudited consolidated statements of stockholders’ (deficit) equity. For a discussion of subsequent events refer to Note 16.
Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share
We are authorized to issue up to 50,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock with a liquidation preference of $0.001 per share.  There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.

(13)
Benefit Plans 
We recognized share-based payment expense of $34,233 and $29,446 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
In May 2015, our stockholders approved the Sirius XM Holdings Inc. 2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”).  Employees, consultants and members of our board of directors are eligible to receive awards under the 2015 Plan.  The 2015 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards that the compensation committee of our board of directors deem appropriate.  Stock-based awards granted under the 2015 Plan are generally subject to a graded vesting requirement, which is generally three to four years from the grant date.  Stock options generally expire ten years from the date of grant.  Restricted stock units include performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), the vesting of which are subject to the achievement of performance goals and the employee's continued employment and generally cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. Each restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive one share of common stock upon vesting.  As of March 31, 2018, 165,795 shares of common stock were available for future grants under the 2015 Plan.
Other Plans
We maintain three other share-based benefit plans — the Sirius XM Radio Inc. 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, the XM 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and the Amended and Restated Sirius Satellite Radio 2003 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. Excluding dividend equivalent units granted as a result of a declared dividend, no further awards may be made under these plans.
The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used to compute the fair value of options granted to employees:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Risk-free interest rate
2.4%
 
1.6%
Expected life of options — years
3.57
 
3.71
Expected stock price volatility
21%
 
26%
Expected dividend yield
0.7%
 
0.8%
There were no options granted to our board of directors or third parties during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
The following table summarizes stock option activity under our share-based plans for the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017
280,457

 
$
3.76

 
 
 
 
Granted
6,972

 
$
6.12

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(19,088
)
 
$
3.20

 
 
 
 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired
(487
)
 
$
4.68

 
 
 
 
Outstanding as of March 31, 2018
267,854

 
$
3.86

 
6.53
 
$
638,150

Exercisable as of March 31, 2018
113,849

 
$
3.24

 
5.17
 
$
341,025

The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $1.10.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $55,205 and $34,662, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2018 the number of net settled shares which were issued as a result of stock option exercises was 5,199.
We recognized share-based payment expense associated with stock options of $19,659 and $19,512 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, including PRSU, activity under our share-based plans for the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Shares
 
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Nonvested as of December 31, 2017
31,323

 
$
4.54

Granted
5,049

 
$
6.02

Vested
(150
)
 
$
3.98

Forfeited
(148
)
 
$
4.95

Nonvested as of March 31, 2018
36,074

 
$
4.75

The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, including PRSUs, vesting during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $925 and $1,745, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the number of net settled shares which were issued as a result of restricted stock units vesting totaled 86. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we granted 2,499 PRSUs to certain employees. We believe it is probable that the performance target applicable to these PRSUs will be achieved.
In connection with the cash dividend paid during the three months ended March 31, 2018, we granted 69 restricted stock units, including PRSUs, in accordance with the terms of existing award agreements. These grants did not result in any additional incremental share-based payment expense being recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018.
We recognized share-based payment expense associated with restricted stock units, including PRSUs, of $14,574 and $9,934 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested share-based payment awards for stock options and restricted stock units, including PRSUs, granted to employees, members of our board of directors and third parties at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $259,076 and $241,521, respectively.  The total unrecognized compensation costs at March 31, 2018 are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.
401(k) Savings Plan
Sirius XM sponsors the Sirius XM Radio Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Sirius XM Plan”) for eligible employees. The Sirius XM Plan allows eligible employees to voluntarily contribute from 1% to 50% of their pre-tax eligible earnings, subject to certain defined limits. We match 50% of an employee’s voluntary contributions per pay period on the first 6% of an employee’s pre-tax salary up to a maximum of 3% of eligible compensation.  We may also make additional discretionary matching, true-up matching and non-elective contributions to the Sirius XM Plan.  Employer matching contributions under the Sirius XM Plan vest at a rate of 33.33% for each year of employment and are fully vested after three years of employment for all current and future contributions.  Our cash employer matching contributions are not used to purchase shares of our common stock on the open market, unless the employee elects our common stock as their investment option for this contribution.  We recognized $1,869 and $1,682 in expense during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, in connection with the Sirius XM Plan.
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
In 2015, we adopted the Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DCP”).  The DCP allows members of our board of directors and certain eligible employees to defer all or a portion of their base salary, cash incentive compensation and/or board of directors’ cash compensation, as applicable.  Pursuant to the terms of the DCP, we may elect to make additional contributions beyond amounts deferred by participants, but we are under no obligation to do so.  We have established a grantor (or “rabbi”) trust to facilitate the payment of our obligations under the DCP.
Contributions to the DCP, net of withdrawals, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $6,831 and $7,021, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value of the investments held in the trust were $21,672 and $14,641, respectively, which is included in Other long-term assets in our unaudited consolidated balance sheets and are classified as trading securities.  Trading gains and losses associated with these investments are recorded in Other

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

income within our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  The associated liability is recorded within Other long-term liabilities in our unaudited consolidated balance sheets, and any increase or decrease in the liability is recorded in General and administration expense within our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded an immaterial amount of unrealized losses and gains, respectively, on investments held in the trust.

(14)
Commitments and Contingencies 
The following table summarizes our expected contractual cash commitments as of March 31, 2018:
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022

Thereafter

Total
Debt obligations
$
3,810


$
3,938


$
366,208


$
728


$
1,000,000


$
5,500,000


$
6,874,684

Cash interest payments
218,042


350,883


343,499


334,381


334,375


915,938


2,497,118

Satellite and transmission
100,797


94,898


51,034


4,325


2,416


4,287


257,757

Programming and content
233,954


311,250


262,417


177,665


51,975


162,438


1,199,699

Marketing and distribution
16,264


13,892


8,827


7,801


1,608


188


48,580

Satellite incentive payments
10,824


10,652


10,197


8,574


8,558


61,767


110,572

Operating lease obligations
30,162


42,668


40,424


34,612


30,619


127,404


305,889

Other
35,981


31,216


12,625


1,987


51


20


81,880

Total (1)
$
649,834


$
859,397


$
1,095,231


$
570,073


$
1,429,602


$
6,772,042


$
11,376,179

(1)
The table does not include our reserve for uncertain tax positions, which at March 31, 2018 totaled $13,832.
Debt obligations.    Debt obligations include principal payments on outstanding debt and capital lease obligations.
Cash interest payments.    Cash interest payments include interest due on outstanding debt and capital lease payments through maturity.
Satellite and transmission.    We have entered into agreements with several third parties to design, build, launch and insure two satellites, SXM-7 and SXM-8. We also have entered into agreements with third parties to operate and maintain satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities and certain components of our terrestrial repeater networks.
Programming and content.    We have entered into various programming agreements. Under the terms of these agreements, our obligations include fixed payments, advertising commitments and revenue sharing arrangements. Our future revenue sharing costs are dependent upon many factors and are difficult to estimate; therefore, they are not included in our minimum contractual cash commitments.
Marketing and distribution.    We have entered into various marketing, sponsorship and distribution agreements to promote our brand and are obligated to make payments to sponsors, retailers, automakers and radio manufacturers under these agreements. Certain programming and content agreements also require us to purchase advertising on properties owned or controlled by the licensors. We also reimburse automakers for certain costs associated with the incorporation of satellite radios into new vehicles they manufacture.
Satellite incentive payments.    Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc., the manufacturer of certain of our in-orbit satellites, may be entitled to future in-orbit performance payments with respect to XM-3 and XM-4 meeting their fifteen-year design life, which we expect to occur.  Boeing may also be entitled to up to $10,000 of additional incentive payments if our XM-4 satellite continues to operate above baseline specifications during the five years beyond the satellite’s fifteen-year design life.
Space Systems/Loral, the manufacturer of certain of our in-orbit satellites, may be entitled to future in-orbit performance payments with respect to XM-5, SIRIUS FM-5 and SIRIUS FM-6 meeting their fifteen-year design life, which we expect to occur.

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating lease obligations.    We have entered into both cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases for office space, equipment and terrestrial repeaters. These leases provide for minimum lease payments, additional operating expense charges, leasehold improvements and rent escalations that have initial terms ranging from one to fifteen years, and certain leases have options to renew. The effect of the rent holidays and rent concessions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including reasonably assured renewal periods.
Other.    We have entered into various agreements with third parties for general operating purposes. In addition to the minimum contractual cash commitments described above, we have entered into agreements with other variable cost arrangements. These future costs are dependent upon many factors and are difficult to anticipate; however, these costs may be substantial. We may enter into additional programming, distribution, marketing and other agreements that contain similar variable cost provisions.  The cost of our common stock acquired in our capital return program but not paid for as of March 31, 2018 was also included in this category.
In addition to the expected contractual cash commitments above, we also have a surety bond of approximately $45,000 primarily used as security against non-performance in the normal course of business. We do not have any other significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant or party to various claims and lawsuits, including the following discussed below.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. We may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others, because: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the relative early stages; (iii) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) there remain significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) the relevant law is unsettled; or (vii) the proceedings involve novel or untested legal theories. In such instances, there may be considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

SoundExchange Royalty Claims. In August 2013, SoundExchange, Inc. filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (“SoundExchange I”) alleging that we underpaid royalties for statutory licenses in violation of the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board for the 2007-2012 period. SoundExchange principally alleges that we improperly reduced our gross revenues subject to royalties by deducting revenue attributable to pre-1972 recordings and Premier package revenue that was not “separately charged” as required by the regulations. We believe that we properly applied the gross revenue exclusions contained in the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board. SoundExchange is seeking compensatory damages of not less than $50,000 and up to $100,000 or more, payment of late fees and interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

In August 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, in response to our motion to dismiss the complaint, stayed the case on the grounds that it properly should be pursued in the first instance before the Copyright Royalty Board rather than the District Court.  In its opinion, the District Court concluded that the gross revenue exclusions in the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board for the 2007-2012 period were ambiguous and did not, on their face, make clear whether our royalty calculation approaches were permissible under the regulations. In December 2014, SoundExchange filed a petition with the Copyright Royalty Board requesting an order interpreting the applicable regulations.

On September 11, 2017, the Copyright Royalty Board issued a ruling concluding that we correctly interpreted the revenue exclusions applicable to pre-1972 recordings. Given the limitations on its jurisdiction, the Copyright Royalty Board deferred to further proceedings in the District Court the question of whether we properly applied those pre-1972 revenue exclusions when calculating our royalty payments. The Judges also concluded that we improperly claimed a revenue exclusion based on our Premier package upcharge, because, in the Judges’ view, the portion of the package that contained programming

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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

that did not include sound recordings was not offered for a “separate charge.” We have filed a notice of appeal of this ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. We expect that the ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board in this matter will be transmitted back to the District Court for further proceedings, such as adjudication of claims relating to damages and defenses, although those proceedings may be delayed pending the appeal of the Judges’ interpretive decision. We believe we have substantial defenses to SoundExchange claims that can be asserted in the District Court, and will continue to defend this action vigorously.

This matter is captioned SoundExchange, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., No.13-cv-1290-RJL (D.D.C.); the Copyright Royalty Board referral was adjudicated under the caption Determination of Rates and Terms for Preexisting Subscription Services and Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services, United States Copyright Royalty Board, No. 2006-1 CRB DSTRA.  Information concerning SoundExchange I is publicly available in filings under the docket numbers.

On December 12, 2017, SoundExchange filed second action against us under the Copyright Act in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (“SoundExchange II”). This action includes claims that SoundExchange has also attempted to add to the SoundExchange I litigation through a proposed amended complaint. SoundExchange alleges that we have systematically underpaid it for our statutory license by impermissible understating our gross revenues, as defined in the applicable regulations and, in certain cases, understating the performances of recordings on our internet radio service. Specifically, the complaint in SoundExchange II alleges that: from at least 2013 through the present, we improperly excluded from gross revenues a portion of our revenues received from our Premier and All Access packages attributable to premium channels; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly excluded late fees received from subscribers from the calculation of gross revenues; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly excluded certain credits, adjustments and bad debt for which the underlying revenues had never been included in the first instance; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly deducted from gross revenues certain transaction fees and other expenses - for instance, credit card processing fees, collection fees and sales and use taxes - that are purportedly not permitted by the Copyright Royalty Board regulations; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly deducted amounts attributable to performances of recordings claimed to be directly licensed on both our satellite radio and internet radio services, even though they were not; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly excluded from royalty calculations performances of recordings less than thirty seconds long under the provisions of the Copyright Royalty Board regulations and the Webcaster Settlement Agreement; from 2010 through 2012, we excluded from royalty calculations performances of songs on our internet radio services that we claimed we were unable to identify; we owe associated late fees for the previously identified underpayments under the applicable Copyright Royalty Board regulations; and we have underpaid SoundExchange by an amount exceeding 10% of the royalty payment and we are therefore obligated to pay the reasonable costs of an audit. We believe that we properly applied in all material respects the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board. SoundExchange is seeking compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial from the alleged underpayments, unspecified late fees and penalties pursuant to the Copyright Royalty Board’s regulations and the Webcaster Settlement Agreement and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and expenses.

This matter is titled SoundExchange, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., No.17-cv-02666-RJL (D.D.C.).  Information concerning SoundExchange II is publicly available in filings under the docket number.

As of March 31, 2018, we concluded a loss, in excess of our recorded liabilities, was considered remote in connection with SoundExchange I or SoundExchange II.  The assumptions underlying our conclusions may change from time to time and the actual loss may vary from the amounts recorded.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act Suits. On March 13, 2017, Thomas Buchanan, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a class action complaint against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The plaintiff in this action alleges that we violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (the “TCPA”) by, among other things, making telephone solicitations to persons on the National Do-Not-Call registry, a database established to allow consumers to exclude themselves from telemarketing calls unless they consent to receive the calls in a signed, written agreement, and making calls to consumers in violation of our internal Do-Not-Call registry. The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief, including statutory damages of five hundred dollars for each violation of the TCPA or, in the alternative, treble damages of up to fifteen hundred dollars for each knowing and willful violation of the TCPA and a permanent injunction prohibiting us from making, or having made, any calls to land lines that are listed on the National Do-Not-Call registry or our internal Do-Not-Call registry. We believe we have substantial defenses to the claims asserted in this action, and we intend to defend this action vigorously.


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SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Other Matters.  In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant in various other lawsuits and arbitration proceedings, including derivative actions; actions filed by subscribers, both on behalf of themselves and on a class action basis; former employees; parties to contracts or leases; and owners of patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property.  None of these other matters, in our opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

(15)
Income Taxes
We file a consolidated federal income tax return for all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Sirius XM.  For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, income tax expense was $80,249 and $113,973, respectively.
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 21.7% and 35.5%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was impacted by the reduced federal income tax rate as a result of the Tax Act. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was impacted by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to share based compensation. We estimate our effective tax rate for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be approximately 24%.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of $52,459 and $52,883, respectively, that were not likely to be realized due to certain net operating loss limitations and acquired net operating losses that were not more likely than not going to be utilized.

(16)
Subsequent Events
For the period from April 1, 2018 to April 23, 2018, we repurchased 2,274 shares of our common stock on the open market for an aggregate purchase price of $14,028, including fees and commissions.


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ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
All amounts referenced in this Item 2 are in thousands, except per subscriber and per installation amounts, unless otherwise stated.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q presents information for Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Holdings”).  The terms “Holdings,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “our company” as used herein and unless otherwise stated or indicated by context, refer to Sirius XM Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries, and "Sirius XM" refers to, our wholly-owned subsidiary Sirius XM Radio Inc. Holdings has no operations independent of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sirius XM.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The following cautionary statements identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other reports and documents published by us from time to time. Any statements about our beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions, future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection” and “outlook.” Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other reports and documents published by us from time to time, particularly the risk factors described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” herein and in Part II, Item 7, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Among the significant factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are:
•
we face substantial competition and that competition is likely to increase over time;
•
our ability to retain subscribers or increase the number of subscribers is uncertain;
•
our ability to profitably attract and retain subscribers as our marketing efforts reach more price-sensitive consumers is uncertain;
•
if we fail to protect the security of personal information about our customers, we could be subject to costly government enforcement actions and private litigation and our reputation could suffer;
•
our service may experience harmful interference from new wireless operations;
•
we engage in extensive marketing efforts and the continued effectiveness of those efforts are an important part of our business;
•
consumer protection laws and their enforcement could damage our business;
•
we may not realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic investments and initiatives;
•
the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation could have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial condition;
•
the market for music rights is changing and is subject to significant uncertainties;
•
our business depends in large part upon the auto industry;
•
general economic conditions can affect our business;
•
existing or future laws and regulations could harm our business;
•
failure of our satellites would significantly damage our business;
•
interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems could negatively impact our results and our brand;

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•
rapid technological and industry changes and new entrants could adversely impact our services;
•
failure of third parties to perform could adversely affect our business;
•
failure to comply with FCC requirements could damage our business;
•
we may from time to time modify our business plan, and these changes could adversely affect us and our financial condition;
•
we have a significant amount of indebtedness, and our debt contains certain covenants that restrict our operations;
•
our studios, terrestrial repeater networks, satellite uplink facilities or other ground facilities could be damaged by natural catastrophes or terrorist activities;
•
our principal stockholder has significant influence, including over actions requiring stockholder approval, and its interests may differ from the interests of other holders of our common stock;
•
we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing rules and, as a result, qualify for, and rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements;
•
our business may be impaired by third-party intellectual property rights; and
•
while we currently pay a quarterly cash dividend to holders of our common stock, we may change our dividend policy at any time.

Because the risk factors referred to above could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf, you should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. In addition, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made, to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise, except as required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise or to assess with any precision the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Executive Summary
We transmit music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis through our two proprietary satellite radio systems.  Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus features such as SiriusXM On Demand, over our Internet radio service, including through applications for mobile devices, home devices and other consumer electronic equipment.  We also provide connected vehicle services.  Our connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle operators while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers.  
We have agreements with every major automaker (“OEMs”) to offer satellite radio in their vehicles, through which we acquire the majority of our subscribers.  We also acquire subscribers through marketing to owners and lessees of previously owned vehicles that include factory-installed satellite radios that are not currently subscribing to our services.  Our satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers; retailers; and our website. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain rental car companies.
As of March 31, 2018, we had approximately 33.1 million subscribers of which approximately 27.7 million were self-pay subscribers and approximately 5.3 million were paid promotional subscribers. Our subscriber totals include subscribers under our regular pricing plans; discounted pricing plans; subscribers that have prepaid, including payments either made or due from automakers for subscriptions included in the sale or lease price of a vehicle; subscribers to our Internet services who do not also have satellite radio subscriptions; and certain subscribers to our weather, traffic, and data services who do not also have satellite radio subscriptions.  Subscribers and subscription related revenues and expenses associated with the Sirius XM Canada service, which had approximately 2.6 million subscribers as of March 31, 2018, and connected vehicle services are not included in our subscriber count or subscriber-based operating metrics.
Our primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of our customers subscribing to annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly plans.  We offer discounts for prepaid subscription plans, as well as a multiple subscription discount.  We also derive revenue from activation and other fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of

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satellite radios and accessories, and other ancillary services, such as our weather, traffic and data services. We provide traffic services to approximately 7.8 million vehicles.
In certain cases, a subscription to our radio services is included in the sale or lease price of new vehicles or previously owned vehicles. The length of these subscriptions varies but is typically three to twelve months.  We receive payments for these subscriptions from certain automakers.  We also reimburse various automakers for certain costs associated with satellite radios installed in new vehicles and pay revenue share to certain automakers.
As of March 31, 2018, Liberty Media beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.  As a result, we are a “controlled company” for the purposes of the NASDAQ corporate governance requirements.
Sirius XM holds an equity method investment in Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Canada”), which offers satellite radio services in Canada. As of March 31, 2018, Sirius XM owned an approximate 70% equity interest and 33% voting interest in Sirius XM Canada.
Sirius XM holds an investment in Pandora Media, Inc. (“Pandora”), which operates an internet-based music discovery platform, offering a personalized experience for listeners. As of March 31, 2018, Sirius XM's interest in Pandora represented an approximately 19% interest in Pandora's then outstanding common stock, and an approximately 16% interest on an as-converted basis.

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Results of Operations
Set forth below are our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with the three months ended March 31, 2017.
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018 vs 2017 Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Amount
 
%
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subscriber revenue
$
1,117,084

 
$
1,078,257

 
$
38,827

 
4
 %
Advertising revenue
42,048

 
36,016

 
6,032

 
17
 %
Equipment revenue
35,089

 
29,658

 
5,431

 
18
 %
Music royalty fee and other revenue
180,881

 
150,135

 
30,746

 
20
 %
Total revenue
1,375,102

 
1,294,066

 
81,036

 
6
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue share and royalties
310,132

 
277,300

 
32,832

 
12
 %
Programming and content
100,836

 
95,544

 
5,292

 
6
 %
Customer service and billing
93,865

 
96,775

 
(2,910
)
 
(3
)%
Satellite and transmission
22,722

 
20,576

 
2,146

 
10
 %
Cost of equipment
7,097

 
6,912

 
185

 
3
 %
Subscriber acquisition costs
122,693

 
127,488

 
(4,795
)
 
(4
)%
Sales and marketing
106,711

 
96,909

 
9,802

 
10
 %
Engineering, design and development
30,637

 
23,817

 
6,820

 
29
 %
General and administrative
84,606

 
78,201

 
6,405

 
8
 %
Depreciation and amortization
72,212

 
76,704

 
(4,492
)
 
(6
)%
Total operating expenses
951,511

 
900,226

 
51,285

 
6
 %
Income from operations
423,591

 
393,840

 
29,751

 
8
 %
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(89,789
)
 
(81,657
)
 
(8,132
)
 
(10
)%
Other income
35,888

 
8,863

 
27,025

 
305
 %
Total other expense
(53,901
)
 
(72,794
)
 
18,893

 
26
 %
Income before income taxes
369,690

 
321,046

 
48,644

 
15
 %
Income tax expense
(80,249
)
 
(113,973
)
 
33,724

 
30
 %
Net income
$
289,441

 
$
207,073

 
$
82,368

 
40
 %
Total Revenue
Subscriber Revenue includes subscription, activation and other fees.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, subscriber revenue was $1,117,084 and $1,078,257, respectively, an increase of 4%, or $38,827. The increase was primarily attributable to a 5% increase in the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the three months ended March 31, 2018, partially offset by approximately $24,392 from the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all related amendments, which established Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606 (the "new revenue standard"), effective as of January 1, 2018.
We expect subscriber revenues to increase based on the growth of our subscriber base, increases in certain of our subscription rates and the sale of additional services to subscribers.

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Advertising Revenue includes the sale of advertising on certain non-music channels.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, advertising revenue was $42,048 and $36,016, respectively, an increase of 17%, or $6,032. The increase was primarily due to a greater number of advertising spots sold and transmitted as well as increases in rates charged per spot.
We expect our advertising revenue to continue to grow as more advertisers are attracted to our national platform and growing subscriber base and as we launch additional non-music channels.
Equipment Revenue includes revenue from the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories as well as the sale of connected vehicle devices and royalty revenue on chipset modules.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, equipment revenue was $35,089 and $29,658, respectively, an increase of 18%, or $5,431. The increase was driven by additional royalty revenue due to our transition to a new generation of chipsets and revenue from the sales of connected vehicle devices, partially offset by lower radio sales to consumers.
We expect equipment revenue to increase due to royalty revenues associated with certain modules related to our transition to a new generation of chipsets.
Music Royalty Fee and Other Revenue includes amounts earned from subscribers for the U.S. Music Royalty Fee, and service and advisory revenue from our Canadian affiliate, our connected vehicle services, and ancillary revenues.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, other revenue was $180,881 and $150,135, respectively, an increase of 20%, or $30,746. The increase was primarily driven by revenues from the U.S. Music Royalty Fee due to subscribers paying at a higher rate and an increase in the number of subscribers as well as higher revenue from the new Sirius XM Canada service and advisory agreements.
Other revenue is expected to increase due to an increase in U.S. Music Royalty Fees as subscribers migrate to the new rate and as our subscriber base grows.
Operating Expenses
Revenue Share and Royalties include royalties for transmitting content and web streaming as well as automaker, content provider and advertising revenue share.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, revenue share and royalties were $310,132 and $277,300, respectively, an increase of 12%, or $32,832, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was due to a 41% increase in the statutory royalty rate applicable to our use of post-1972 recordings, which increased from 11% in 2017 to 15.5% in 2018 and overall greater revenues subject to revenue share to automakers. The increase was partially offset by approximately $22,069 from the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard effective as of January 1, 2018.
We expect our revenue share and royalty costs to increase as our revenues grow and as a result of the increase in the royalty rate payable for sound recordings contained in the December 2017 initial determination of the Copyright Royalty Board (the “CRB”). On December 14, 2017, the CRB issued its initial determination regarding the post-1972 royalty rate payable by us under the statutory license covering the performance of sound recordings over our satellite radio service, and the making of ephemeral (server) copies in support of such performances, for the five-year period starting January 1, 2018 and ending on December 31, 2022. Under the terms of the CRB’s decision, we are required to pay a royalty of 15.5% of gross revenues, subject to exclusions and adjustments, for the five year period.
Programming and Content includes costs to acquire, create, promote and produce content. We have entered into various agreements with third parties for music and non-music programming that require us to pay license fees and other amounts.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, programming and content expenses were $100,836 and $95,544, respectively, an increase of 6%, or $5,292, but decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to increased personnel-related costs, higher content license costs, and increased programming operations costs.

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We expect our programming and content expenses to increase as we offer additional programming, and renew or replace expiring agreements.
Customer Service and Billing includes costs associated with the operation and management of internal and third party customer service centers, and our subscriber management systems as well as billing and collection costs, bad debt expense, and transaction fees.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, customer service and billing expenses were $93,865 and $96,775, respectively, a decrease of 3%, or $2,910, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease in customer service and billing expense was driven by lower call center costs due to lower agent rates, contact rates, and bad debt expense.
We expect our customer service and billing expenses to increase as our subscriber base grows.
Satellite and Transmission consists of costs associated with the operation and maintenance of our terrestrial repeater networks; satellites; satellite telemetry, tracking and control systems; satellite uplink facilities; studios; and delivery of our Internet streaming and connected vehicle services.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, satellite and transmission expenses were $22,722 and $20,576, respectively, an increase of 10%, or $2,146, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was driven by higher wireless costs associated with our connected vehicle services, higher Internet streaming costs, and increased personnel-related costs.
We expect satellite and transmission expenses to increase as costs associated with our investment in Internet streaming services increase.
Cost of Equipment includes costs from the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories as well as connected vehicle devices, and provisions for inventory allowance attributable to products purchased for resale in our direct to consumer distribution channels.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, cost of equipment was $7,097 and $6,912, respectively, an increase of 3%, or $185, but decreased as a percentage of equipment revenue. The increase was primarily due to the incremental costs associated with the sale of connected vehicle devices, partially offset by lower satellite radio sales to consumers.
We expect cost of equipment to fluctuate with changes in sales.
Subscriber Acquisition Costs include hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers; subsidies paid for chipsets and certain other components used in manufacturing radios; device royalties for certain radios and chipsets; product warranty obligations; and freight. The majority of subscriber acquisition costs are incurred and expensed in advance of, or concurrent with, acquiring a subscriber. Subscriber acquisition costs do not include advertising costs, marketing, loyalty payments to distributors and dealers of satellite radios or revenue share payments to automakers and retailers of satellite radios.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, subscriber acquisition costs were $122,693 and $127,488, respectively, a decrease of 4%, or $4,795, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease was driven by reductions to OEM hardware subsidy rates, lower subsidized costs related to the transition of chipsets, and a decrease in the volume of installations.
We expect subscriber acquisition costs to fluctuate with OEM installations and aftermarket volume; however, the subsidized chipsets cost is expected to decline as we transition to a new generation of chipsets.  We intend to continue to offer subsidies and other incentives to induce OEMs to include our technology in their vehicles.
Sales and Marketing includes costs for marketing, advertising, media and production, including promotional events and sponsorships; cooperative marketing; and personnel. Marketing costs include expenses related to direct mail, outbound telemarketing and email communications.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, sales and marketing expenses were $106,711 and $96,909, respectively, an increase of 10%, or $9,802, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily

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due to additional subscriber communications, retention programs and acquisition campaigns, as well as higher personnel-related costs.
We anticipate that sales and marketing expenses will increase as we expand programs to retain our existing subscribers, win back former subscribers, and attract new subscribers.
Engineering, Design and Development consists primarily of compensation and related costs to develop chipsets and new products and services, including streaming and connected vehicle services, research and development for broadcast information systems and costs associated with the incorporation of our radios into new vehicles manufactured by automakers.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, engineering, design and development expenses were $30,637 and $23,817, respectively, an increase of 29%, or $6,820, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was driven by the additional costs associated with our connected vehicle services and the development of our audio and video streaming products.
We expect engineering, design and development expenses to increase in future periods as we continue to develop our infrastructure, products and services.
General and Administrative primarily consists of compensation and related costs for personnel and facilities, and include costs related to our finance, legal, human resources and information technologies departments.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, general and administrative expenses were $84,606 and $78,201, respectively, an increase of 8%, or $6,405, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily driven by higher personnel-related, and software license and maintenance expense, partially offset by lower legal costs.
We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase to support the growth of our business.
Depreciation and Amortization represents the recognition in earnings of the cost of assets used in operations, including our satellite constellations, property, equipment and intangible assets, over their estimated service lives.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, depreciation and amortization expense was $72,212 and $76,704, respectively, a decrease of 6%, or $4,492, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease was driven by lower amortization expense due to our subscriber relationships and certain software assets being fully amortized during 2017, partially offset by additional assets placed in-service.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Expense includes interest on outstanding debt.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, interest expense was $89,789 and $81,657, respectively, an increase of 10%, or $8,132. The increase was primarily due to higher average debt.
Other Income primarily includes realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividend income, our share of the income or loss of Sirius XM Canada, and transaction costs related to non-operating investments.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, other income was $35,888 and $8,863, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded an unrealized gain of $31,375 from a fair value adjustment of our investment in Pandora, interest earned on our loan to Sirius XM Canada, and our share of Sirius XM Canada's net income. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, other income was driven by our share of Sirius XM Canada's net income.
Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense includes the change in our deferred tax assets, foreign withholding taxes and current federal and state tax expenses.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, income tax expense was $80,249 and $113,973, respectively.
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 21.7% and 35.5%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was impacted by the reduced federal income tax rate as a result of the Tax Act. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was impacted by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to share based compensation. We estimate our effective tax rate for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be approximately 24%.


Key Financial and Operating Performance Metrics
In this section, we present certain financial performance measures some of which are not calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“Non-GAAP”), which include free cash flow and adjusted EBITDA. We also present certain operating performance measures, which include average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU; customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber; and subscriber acquisition cost, or SAC, per installation. Our adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact of share-based payment expense and certain purchase price accounting adjustments related to the merger of Sirius and XM (the “Merger”).  Additionally, when applicable, our adjusted EBITDA metric excludes the effect of significant items that do not relate to the on-going performance of our business.  We use these Non-GAAP financial and operating performance measures to manage our business, to set operational goals and as a basis for determining performance-based compensation for our employees. See accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for more details and for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure (where applicable).
We believe these Non-GAAP financial and operating performance measures provide useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations. We believe investors find these Non-GAAP financial and operating performance measures useful in evaluating our core trends because they provide a direct view of our underlying costs. We believe investors use our adjusted EBITDA to estimate our current enterprise value and to make investment decisions. We believe free cash flow provides useful supplemental information to investors regarding our cash available for future subscriber acquisition and capital expenditures, to repurchase or retire debt, to acquire other companies and to evaluate our ability to return capital to stockholders. By providing these Non-GAAP financial and operating performance measures, together with the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure (where applicable), we believe we are enhancing investors' understanding of our business and our results of operations.
Our Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for or superior to, our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.  In addition, our Non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures by other companies.  Please refer to the glossary (pages 40 through 43) for a further discussion of such Non-GAAP financial and operating performance measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure (where applicable).  Subscribers and subscription related revenues and expenses associated with our connected vehicle services and Sirius XM Canada are not included in our subscriber count or subscriber-based operating metrics.

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Set forth below are our subscriber balances as of March 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2017.

As of March 31,
 
2018 vs 2017 Change

2018
 
2017
 
Amount
 
%
Self-pay subscribers
27,720

 
26,210

 
1,510

 
6
 %
Paid promotional subscribers
5,347

 
5,393

 
(46
)
 
(1
)%
Ending subscribers (a)
33,066

 
31,602

 
1,464

 
5
 %
(a)
Amounts may not sum as a result of rounding
The following table contains our Non-GAAP financial and operating performance measures which are based on our adjusted results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The ARPU and SAC, per installation, metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2018 have been reduced by the adoption of the new revenue standard as of January 1, 2018 by $0.25 and $0.31, respectively. For more information regarding the impact on these metrics, refer to the glossary (pages 40 through 43). For more information regarding the adoption of the new revenue standard, refer to Note 2 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018 vs 2017 Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Amount
 
%
Self-pay subscribers
206

 
259

 
(53
)
 
(20
)%
Paid promotional subscribers
124

 
(3
)
 
127

 
4,233
 %
Net additions (a)
330

 
257

 
73

 
28
 %
Daily weighted average number of subscribers
32,828

 
31,369

 
1,459

 
5
 %
Average self-pay monthly churn
1.8
%
 
1.8
%
 
—

 
—
 %
New vehicle consumer conversion rate
39
%
 
40
%
 
(1
)%
 
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARPU
$
12.95

 
$
12.95

 
$
—

 
—
 %
SAC, per installation
$
28.18

 
$
29.22

 
$
(1.04
)
 
(4
)%
Customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber
$
0.88

 
$
0.97

 
$
(0.09
)
 
(9
)%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
531,849

 
$
501,803

 
$
30,046

 
6
 %
Free cash flow
$
326,462

 
$
248,939

 
$
77,523

 
31
 %
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (GAAP)
4,586,445

 
4,784,420

 
(197,975
)
 
(4
)%
(a)
Amounts may not sum as a result of rounding.
Subscribers. At March 31, 2018, we had approximately 33.1 million subscribers, an increase of 1.5 million subscribers, or 5%, from the approximately 31.6 million subscribers as of March 31, 2017. The increase in total subscribers was primarily due to growth in our self-pay subscriber base, which increased 1.5 million, partially offset by a 46 thousand decrease in paid promotional subscribers. The increase in self-pay subscribers was primarily from original and subsequent owner trial conversions and subscriber win back programs, partially offset by deactivations.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net additions were 330 thousand and 257 thousand, respectively, an increase of 28%. Growth in paid promotional net additions was due to paid promotional subscription starts out-pacing paid promotional subscription ends as a result of higher shipments from automakers offering paid promotional subscriptions. Self-pay net additions principally declined due to slightly higher vehicle turnover in our subscriber base.
Average Self-pay Monthly Churn is derived by dividing the monthly average of self-pay deactivations for the period by the average number of self-pay subscribers for the period. (See accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for more details.)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, our average self-pay monthly churn rate was 1.8%.
New Vehicle Consumer Conversion Rate is the percentage of owners and lessees of new vehicles that receive our service and convert to become self-paying subscribers after an initial promotional period. The metric excludes rental and fleet vehicles. (See accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for more details.)

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For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, our new vehicle consumer conversion rate was 39% and 40%, respectively.  The decrease in new vehicle consumer conversion rate was driven by a slight decline in conversion of first time trial subscribers, partially offset by slight improvements in conversion of promotional subscribers who are also existing self-pay subscribers.
ARPU is derived from total earned subscriber revenue (excluding revenue derived from our connected vehicle services), net advertising revenue and other subscription-related revenue, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. (See the accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for more details.)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, ARPU was $12.95. The increase in certain of our subscription rates, including the U. S. Music Royalty Fee, and higher advertising revenue was offset by the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard, effective as of January 1, 2018 of $0.25 and the growth in subscription discounts offered through customer acquisition and retention programs.
SAC, Per Installation, is derived from subscriber acquisition costs and margins from the sale of radios, components and accessories (excluding connected vehicle services), divided by the number of satellite radio installations in new vehicles and shipments of aftermarket radios for the period. (See the accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for more details.)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, SAC, per installation, was $28.18 and $29.22, respectively.  The decrease was driven by reductions to OEM hardware subsidy rates, our transition to a new generation of chipsets as well as the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard, effective as of January 1, 2018 of $0.31.
Customer Service and Billing Expenses, Per Average Subscriber, is derived from total customer service and billing expenses, excluding connected vehicle customer service and billing expenses and share-based payment expense, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. (See the accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for more details.)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber, was $0.88 and $0.97, respectively. The decrease was primarily related to lower call center costs due to lower contact rates, agent rates, and bad debt expense.
Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact of other income, loss on extinguishment of debt, other non-cash charges, such as certain purchase price accounting adjustments, share-based payment expense and loss on disposal of assets. (See the accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for a reconciliation to GAAP and for more details.)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, adjusted EBITDA was $531,849 and $501,803, respectively, an increase of 6%, or $30,046.  The increase was due to growth of 6% in total revenue which was primarily a result of the increase in our subscriber base and certain of our subscription rates and an increase in other revenue from higher revenue from the new Sirius XM Canada service and advisory agreements and additional revenues from the U.S. Music Royalty Fee, as well as lower subscriber acquisition costs. The increase was partially offset by higher revenue share and royalty costs due to growth in our revenues and royalty rates, programming and content, sales and marketing, engineering, design and development costs, and general and administrative costs.
Free Cash Flow includes cash provided by operations, net of additions to property and equipment, and restricted and other investment activity. (See the accompanying glossary on pages 40 through 43 for a reconciliation to GAAP and for more details.)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, free cash flow was $326,462 and $248,939, respectively, an increase of $77,523, or 31%.  The increase was driven by higher net cash provided by operating activities resulting from improved operating performance and a payment of a legal settlement during the first quarter of 2017, partially offset by an increase in additions to property and equipment resulting from new satellite construction, and the timing of interest payments.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with the three months ended March 31, 2017
The following table presents a summary of our cash flow activity for the periods set forth below:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 

 
2018
 
2017
 
2018 vs 2017
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
414,698

 
$
309,325

 
$
105,373

Net cash used in investing activities
(84,994
)
 
(60,386
)
 
(24,608
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(320,281
)
 
(232,390
)
 
(87,891
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
9,423

 
16,549

 
(7,126
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
79,374

 
223,828

 
(144,454
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
88,797

 
$
240,377

 
$
(151,580
)
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $105,373 to $414,698 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $309,325 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Our largest source of cash provided by operating activities is generated by subscription and subscription-related revenues.  We also generate cash from the sale of advertising on certain non-music channels and the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories.  Our primary uses of cash from operating activities include revenue share and royalty payments to distributors, programming and content providers, and payments to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers. In addition, uses of cash from operating activities include payments to vendors to service, maintain and acquire subscribers, general corporate expenditures, and compensation and related costs.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were primarily due to additional spending to construct replacement satellites, improve our terrestrial repeater network, for capitalized software, and deferred compensation. We spent $35,800 and $12,100 to construct replacement satellites during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities consists of the issuance and repayment of long-term debt, the purchase of common stock under our share repurchase program, the payment of cash dividends and taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for stock-based compensation.  Proceeds from long-term debt have been used to fund our operations, construct and launch new satellites, invest in other infrastructure improvements and purchase shares of our common stock.
Cash flows used in financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2018 were primarily due to the purchase and retirement of shares of our common stock under our repurchase program for $308,759, and the payment of a cash dividend of $49,397 partially offset by net borrowings of $65,000 under the Credit Facility. Cash flows used in financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2017 were primarily due to the purchase and retirement of shares of our common stock under our repurchase program for $305,975, and the payment of a cash dividend of $47,137, partially offset by net borrowings of $140,000 under the Credit Facility.
Future Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements
Based upon our current business plans, we expect to fund operating expenses, capital expenditures, including the construction of replacement satellites, working capital requirements, legal settlements, interest payments, taxes and scheduled maturities of our debt with existing cash, cash flow from operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility.  As of March 31, 2018, $1,385,000 was available for future borrowing under our Credit Facility.  We believe that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents as well as debt capacity to cover our estimated short-term and long-term funding needs, as well as fund stock repurchases, future dividend payments and strategic opportunities.

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Table of Contents

Our ability to meet our debt and other obligations depends on our future operating performance and on economic, financial, competitive and other factors. We continually review our operations for opportunities to adjust the timing of expenditures to ensure that sufficient resources are maintained.
We regularly evaluate our business plans and strategy. These evaluations often result in changes to our business plans and strategy, some of which may be material and significantly change our cash requirements. These changes in our business plans or strategy may include: the acquisition of unique or compelling programming; the development and introduction of new features or services; significant new or enhanced distribution arrangements; investments in infrastructure, such as satellites, equipment or radio spectrum; and acquisitions and investments, including acquisitions and investments that are not directly related to our satellite radio business.
Capital Return Program
As of March 31, 2018, our board of directors had authorized for repurchase an aggregate of $12,000,000 of our common stock.  As of March 31, 2018, our cumulative repurchases since December 2012 under our stock repurchase program totaled 2,526,399 shares for $9,671,848, and $2,328,152 remained available under our stock repurchase program.
Shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market and in privately negotiated transactions, including in accelerated stock repurchase transactions and transactions with Liberty Media and its affiliates. We intend to fund the additional repurchases through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and future borrowings.
On February 28, 2018, we paid a cash dividend of $0.011 per share of common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 7, 2018. Our board of directors expects to declare regular quarterly dividends, in an aggregate annual amount of $0.044 per share of common stock.
Debt Covenants
The indentures governing Sirius XM's senior notes and the agreement governing the Credit Facility include restrictive covenants.  As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with such covenants.  For a discussion of our “Debt Covenants,” refer to Note 11 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements other than those disclosed in Note 14 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Contractual Cash Commitments
For a discussion of our “Contractual Cash Commitments,” refer to Note 14 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Related Party Transactions
For a discussion of “Related Party Transactions,” refer to Note 10 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
For a discussion of our “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” refer to “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2017.
We adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard to all non-completed contracts as of January 1, 2018 as an adjustment to opening Accumulated deficit in the period of adoption. For more information regarding the adoption of the new revenue standard, refer to Note 2 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Table of Contents

Glossary
Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization. We adjust EBITDA to exclude the impact of other income as well as certain other charges discussed below. Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial measure that excludes (if applicable): (i) certain adjustments as a result of the purchase price accounting for the Merger, (ii) share-based payment expense and (iii) other significant operating expense (income) that do not relate to the on-going performance of our business. We believe adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of the underlying trend of our operating performance, which provides useful information about our business apart from the costs associated with our capital structure and purchase price accounting. We believe investors find this Non-GAAP financial measure useful when analyzing our past operating performance with our current performance and comparing our operating performance to the performance of other communications, entertainment and media companies. We believe investors use adjusted EBITDA to estimate our current enterprise value and to make investment decisions. As a result of large capital investments in our satellite radio system, our results of operations reflect significant charges for depreciation expense. We believe the exclusion of share-based payment expense is useful as it is not directly related to the operational conditions of our business. We also believe the exclusion of the legal settlements and reserves related to the historical use of sound recordings, loss on extinguishment of debt and loss on disposal of assets, to the extent they occur during the period, is useful as they are significant expenses not incurred as part of our normal operations for the period.
Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations in that it does not take into account the impact to our statements of comprehensive income of certain expenses, including share-based payment expense and certain purchase price accounting for the Merger. We endeavor to compensate for the limitations of the Non-GAAP measure presented by also providing the comparable GAAP measure with equal or greater prominence and descriptions of the reconciling items, including quantifying such items, to derive the Non-GAAP measure.  Investors that wish to compare and evaluate our operating results after giving effect for these costs, should refer to net income as disclosed in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Since adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure, our calculation of adjusted EBITDA may be susceptible to varying calculations; may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies; and should not be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The reconciliation of net income to the adjusted EBITDA is calculated as follows:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018
 
2017
Net income:
$
289,441

 
$
207,073

Add back items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
 
Purchase price accounting adjustments:
 
 
 
Revenues
1,813

 
1,813

Share-based payment expense
34,233

 
29,446

Depreciation and amortization
72,212

 
76,704

Interest expense
89,789

 
81,657

Other income
(35,888
)
 
(8,863
)
Income tax expense
80,249

 
113,973

Adjusted EBITDA
$
531,849

 
$
501,803


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Table of Contents

ARPU - is derived from total earned subscriber revenue, advertising revenue and other subscription-related revenue, excluding revenue associated with our connected vehicle services, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. Other subscription-related revenue includes the U.S. Music Royalty Fee.  The ARPU for the three months ended March 31, 2018 reflects adjustments as a result of adopting the new revenue standard as of January 1, 2018. Refer to the table below the following calculation for the impact of the new standard. ARPU is calculated as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Subscriber revenue, excluding connected vehicle services
$
1,092,249

 
$
1,058,054

Add: advertising revenue
42,048

 
36,016

Add: other subscription-related revenue
140,816

 
124,468

 
$
1,275,113

 
$
1,218,538

Daily weighted average number of subscribers
32,828

 
31,369

ARPU
$
12.95

 
$
12.95

The table below illustrates the impact that the adoption of the new revenue standard has had on ARPU for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
As Reported
 
Impact of Adopting ASU 2014-09
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09
Subscriber revenue, excluding connected vehicle services
$
1,092,249

 
$
24,392

 
$
1,116,641

Add: advertising revenue
42,048

 
—

 
42,048

Add: other subscription-related revenue
140,816

 
—

 
140,816

 
$
1,275,113

 
$
24,392

 
$
1,299,505

Daily weighted average number of subscribers
32,828

 
32,828

 
32,828

ARPU
$
12.95

 
$
0.25

 
$
13.20

Average self-pay monthly churn - is defined as the monthly average of self-pay deactivations for the period divided by the average number of self-pay subscribers for the period.
Customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber - is derived from total customer service and billing expenses, excluding connected vehicle customer service and billing expenses and share-based payment expense, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. We believe the exclusion of share-based payment expense in our calculation of customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber, is useful as share-based payment expense is not directly related to the operational conditions that give rise to variations in the components of our customer service and billing expenses. Customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber, is calculated as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Customer service and billing expenses, excluding connected vehicle services
$
87,733

 
$
92,120

Less: share-based payment expense
(1,064
)
 
(1,011
)

$
86,669

 
$
91,109

Daily weighted average number of subscribers
32,828

 
31,369

Customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber
$
0.88

 
$
0.97


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Free cash flow - is derived from cash flow provided by operating activities, net of additions to property and equipment and restricted and other investment activity. Free cash flow is a metric that our management and board of directors use to evaluate the cash generated by our operations, net of capital expenditures and other investment activity. In a capital intensive business, with significant investments in satellites, we look at our operating cash flow, net of these investing cash outflows, to determine cash available for future subscriber acquisition and capital expenditures, to repurchase or retire debt, to acquire other companies and to evaluate our ability to return capital to stockholders. We exclude from free cash flow certain items that do not relate to the on-going performance of our business, such as cash outflows for acquisitions, strategic investments and net loan activity with related parties. We believe free cash flow is an indicator of the long-term financial stability of our business.  Free cash flow, which is reconciled to “Net cash provided by operating activities,” is a Non-GAAP financial measure.  This measure can be calculated by deducting amounts under the captions “Additions to property and equipment” and deducting or adding Restricted and other investment activity from “Net cash provided by operating activities” from the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows. Free cash flow should be used in conjunction with other GAAP financial performance measures and may not be comparable to free cash flow measures presented by other companies.  Free cash flow should be viewed as a supplemental measure rather than an alternative measure of cash flows from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP.  Free cash flow is limited and does not represent remaining cash flows available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt maturities. We believe free cash flow provides useful supplemental information to investors regarding our current cash flow, along with other GAAP measures (such as cash flows from operating and investing activities), to determine our financial condition, and to compare our operating performance to other communications, entertainment and media companies. Free cash flow is calculated as follows:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018
 
2017
Cash Flow information
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
414,698

 
$
309,325

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(84,994
)
 
$
(60,386
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(320,281
)
 
$
(232,390
)
Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
414,698

 
$
309,325

Additions to property and equipment
(81,405
)
 
(53,365
)
Purchases of restricted and other investments
(6,831
)
 
(7,021
)
Free cash flow
$
326,462

 
$
248,939

New vehicle consumer conversion rate - is defined as the percentage of owners and lessees of new vehicles that receive our satellite radio service and convert to become self-paying subscribers after the initial promotion period. At the time satellite radio enabled vehicles are sold or leased, the owners or lessees generally receive trial subscriptions ranging from three to twelve months. We measure conversion rate three months after the period in which the promotional period ends. The metric excludes rental and fleet vehicles.
Subscriber acquisition cost, per installation - or SAC, per installation, is derived from subscriber acquisition costs and margins from the sale of radios and accessories (excluding connected vehicle services), divided by the number of satellite radio installations in new vehicles and shipments of aftermarket radios for the period.  The SAC, per installation, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 reflects adjustments as a result of adopting the new revenue standard as of January 1, 2018. Refer to the table below the following calculation for the impact of the new standard. SAC, per installation, is calculated as follows:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018
 
2017
Subscriber acquisition costs, excluding connected vehicle services
$
122,693

 
$
127,488

Less: margin from sales of radios and accessories, excluding connected vehicle services
(27,458
)
 
(22,746
)

$
95,235

 
$
104,742

Installations
3,380

 
3,584

SAC, per installation
$
28.18

 
$
29.22



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Table of Contents

The table below illustrates the impact that the adoption of the new revenue standard has had on SAC, per installation, for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
As Reported
 
Impact of Adopting ASU 2014-09
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09
Subscriber acquisition costs, excluding connected vehicle services
$
122,693

 
$
1,046

 
$
123,739

Less: margin from sales of radios and accessories, excluding connected vehicle services
(27,458
)
 
—

 
(27,458
)
 
$
95,235

 
$
1,046

 
$
96,281

Installations
3,380

 
3,380

 
3,380

SAC, per installation
$
28.18

 
$
0.31

 
$
28.49


ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISKS
As of March 31, 2018, we did not hold or issue any free-standing derivatives.  We hold investments in money market funds and certificates of deposit.  These securities are consistent with the objectives contained within our investment policy.  The basic objectives of our investment policy are the preservation of capital, maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet operating requirements and maximizing yield. As of March 31, 2018, we also held the following investments:
•
Pandora Media, Inc. ("Pandora") Series A Preferred Stock, which investment we have elected to account for under the fair value option. As of March 31, 2018, the fair value of this investment was $511.8 million, which was based on a Black-Scholes option pricing model and an income approach - discounted cash flow analysis. Had the market price of Pandora's common stock been 10% lower as of March 31, 2018, the value of our investment would have been approximately $12.0 million lower.
•
In connection with the recapitalization of Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc. ("Sirius XM Canada"), on May 25, 2017, we loaned Sirius XM Canada $130.8 million. The loan is denominated in Canadian dollars and is subject to changes in foreign currency. It is considered a long-term investment with any unrealized gains or losses reported within Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. Such loan has a term of fifteen years, bears interest at a rate of 7.62% per annum and includes customary covenants and events of default, including an event of default relating to Sirius XM Canada’s failure to maintain specified leverage ratios. The carrying value of the loan as of March 31, 2018 was $133.3 million and approximates its fair value as of such date. Had the Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate been 10% lower as of March 31, 2018, the value of this loan would have been approximately $13.3 million lower.
Our debt includes fixed rate instruments and the fair market value of our debt is sensitive to changes in interest rates. Sirius XM's borrowings under the Credit Facility carry a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable rate based on its debt to operating cash flow ratio.  We currently do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Controls and Procedures
We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act of 1934, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.


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Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2018, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including James E. Meyer, our Chief Executive Officer, and David J. Frear, our Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2018.
    
There has been no significant change in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant or party to various claims and lawsuits, including the following discussed below.

SoundExchange Royalty Claims. In August 2013, SoundExchange, Inc. filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (“SoundExchange I”) alleging that we underpaid royalties for statutory licenses in violation of the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board for the 2007-2012 period. SoundExchange principally alleges that we improperly reduced our gross revenues subject to royalties by deducting revenue attributable to pre-1972 recordings and Premier package revenue that was not “separately charged” as required by the regulations. We believe that we properly applied the gross revenue exclusions contained in the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board. SoundExchange is seeking compensatory damages of not less than $50 million and up to $100 million or more, payment of late fees and interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

In August 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, in response to our motion to dismiss the complaint, stayed the case on the grounds that it properly should be pursued in the first instance before the Copyright Royalty Board rather than the District Court.  In its opinion, the District Court concluded that the gross revenue exclusions in the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board for the 2007-2012 period were ambiguous and did not, on their face, make clear whether our royalty calculation approaches were permissible under the regulations. In December 2014, SoundExchange filed a petition with the Copyright Royalty Board requesting an order interpreting the applicable regulations.

On September 11, 2017, the Copyright Royalty Board issued a ruling concluding that we correctly interpreted the revenue exclusions applicable to pre-1972 recordings. Given the limitations on its jurisdiction, the Copyright Royalty Board deferred to further proceedings in the District Court the question of whether we properly applied those pre-1972 revenue exclusions when calculating our royalty payments. The Judges also concluded that we improperly claimed a revenue exclusion based on our Premier package upcharge, because, in the Judges’ view, the portion of the package that contained programming that did not include sound recordings was not offered for a “separate charge.” We have filed a notice of appeal of this ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. We expect that the ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board in this matter will be transmitted back to the District Court for further proceedings, such as adjudication of claims relating to damages and defenses, although those proceedings may be delayed pending the appeal of the Judges’ interpretive decision. We believe we have substantial defenses to SoundExchange claims that can be asserted in the District Court, and will continue to defend this action vigorously.

This matter is captioned SoundExchange, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., No.13-cv-1290-RJL (D.D.C.); the Copyright Royalty Board referral was adjudicated under the caption Determination of Rates and Terms for Preexisting Subscription Services and Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services, United States Copyright Royalty Board, No. 2006-1 CRB DSTRA.  Information concerning SoundExchange I is publicly available in filings under the docket numbers.

On December 12, 2017, SoundExchange filed a second action against us under the Copyright Act in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (“SoundExchange II”). This action includes claims that SoundExchange has also attempted to add to the SoundExchange I litigation through a proposed amended complaint. SoundExchange alleges that we have systematically underpaid it for our statutory license by impermissibly understating our gross revenues, as defined in the applicable regulations and, in certain cases, understating the compensable performances of recordings on our internet radio service. Specifically, the complaint in SoundExchange II alleges that: from at least 2013 through the present, we improperly excluded from gross revenues a portion of our revenues received from our Premier and All Access packages attributable to premium channels; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly excluded late fees received from subscribers from the calculation of gross revenues; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly excluded certain credits, adjustments and bad debt for which the underlying revenues had never been included in the first instance; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly deducted from gross revenues certain transaction fees and other expenses - for instance, credit card processing fees, collection fees and sales and use taxes - that are not permitted by the Copyright Royalty Board regulations; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly deducted amounts attributable to performances of recordings claimed to be directly licensed on both our satellite radio and internet radio services, even though they were not; at least between 2010 and 2012, we improperly excluded from royalty calculations performances of recordings less than thirty seconds long under the provisions of the Copyright Royalty Board regulations and the Webcaster Settlement Agreement; from 2010 through 2012, we excluded from royalty calculations performances of songs on our internet radio services that we claimed we were unable to identify; we owe associated late fees for the previously identified underpayments under the applicable Copyright Royalty Board regulations; and we have underpaid SoundExchange by an amount exceeding 10% of the royalty payment and we are therefore obligated to pay

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the reasonable costs of an audit. We believe that we properly applied in all material respects the regulations established by the Copyright Royalty Board. SoundExchange is seeking compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial from the alleged underpayments, unspecified late fees and penalties pursuant to the Copyright Royalty Board’s regulations and the Webcaster Settlement Agreement and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and expenses.

This matter is titled SoundExchange, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., No.17-cv-02666-RJL (D.D.C.).  Information concerning SoundExchange II is publicly available in filings under the docket number.

As of March 31, 2018, we concluded a loss, in excess of our recorded liabilities, was considered remote at this time in connection with SoundExchange I or SoundExchange II.  The assumptions underlying our conclusions may change from time to time and the actual loss may vary from the amounts recorded.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act Suits. On March 13, 2017, Thomas Buchanan, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a class action complaint against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The plaintiff in this action alleges that we violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (the “TCPA”) by, among other things, making telephone solicitations to persons on the National Do-Not-Call registry, a database established to allow consumers to exclude themselves from telemarketing calls unless they consent to receive the calls in a signed, written agreement, and making calls to consumers in violation of our internal Do-Not-Call registry. The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief, including statutory damages of $500 for each violation of the TCPA or, in the alternative, treble damages of up to $1,500 for each knowing and willful violation of the TCPA and a permanent injunction prohibiting us from making, or having made, any calls to land lines that are listed on the National Do-Not-Call registry or our internal Do-Not-Call registry. We believe we have substantial defenses to the claims asserted in this action, and we intend to defend this action vigorously.

Other Matters.  In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant in various other lawsuits and arbitration proceedings, including derivative actions; actions filed by subscribers, both on behalf of themselves and on a class action basis; former employees; parties to contracts or leases; and owners of patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property.  None of these other matters, in our opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in response to Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
As of March 31, 2018, our board of directors had authorized for repurchase an aggregate of $12.0 billion of our common stock.  Our board of directors did not establish an end date for this stock repurchase program.  Shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, in privately negotiated transactions, including transactions with Liberty Media and its affiliates, or otherwise.  As of March 31, 2018, our cumulative repurchases since December 2012 under our stock repurchase program totaled 2.5 billion shares for $9.7 billion, and $2.3 billion remained available under our stock repurchase program. The size and timing of these purchases will be based on a number of factors, including price and business and market conditions.
    
The following table provides information about our purchases of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, as amended, during the quarter ended March 31, 2018:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share (a)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (a)
January 1, 2018 - January 31, 2018
 
38,590,496

 
$
5.50

 
38,590,496

 
$
2,410,444,402

February 1, 2018 - February 28, 2018
 
12,609,951

 
$
6.00

 
12,609,951

 
$
2,334,740,433

March 1, 2018 - March 31, 2018
 
1,063,767

 
$
6.19

 
1,063,767

 
$
2,328,152,040

Total
 
52,264,214

 
$
5.64

 
52,264,214

 
 
(a)
These amounts include fees and commissions associated with the shares repurchased.

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ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
See Exhibit Index attached hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
 
Description
 
 
 
31.1

 
 
 
 
31.2

 
 
 
 
32.1

 
 
 
 
32.2

 
 
 
 
*10.1

 
 
 
 
101.1

 
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017; (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (Unaudited); (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
 ____________________
*
This document has been identified as a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on this 25th day of April 2018.

SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC.
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/     DAVID J. FREAR
 
 
David J. Frear
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)


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