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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
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 October 23, 2017)
COMMON STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE
 
4,595,820,002
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 September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Subscriber revenue
$
1,136,027

 
$
1,069,746

 
$
3,325,295

 
$
3,112,712

Advertising revenue
41,462

 
34,268

 
117,656

 
99,330

Equipment revenue
32,337

 
31,306

 
91,669

 
86,285

Other revenue
169,770

 
142,326

 
486,611

 
415,895

Total revenue
1,379,596

 
1,277,646

 
4,021,231

 
3,714,222

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of services:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Revenue share and royalties
296,498

 
272,823

 
866,691

 
788,952

Programming and content
98,239

 
89,015

 
290,038

 
257,760

Customer service and billing
94,655

 
94,923

 
286,754

 
285,502

Satellite and transmission
21,378

 
22,224

 
61,557

 
80,609

Cost of equipment
8,254

 
9,674

 
24,537

 
29,181

Subscriber acquisition costs
119,555

 
120,111

 
372,197

 
381,516

Sales and marketing
114,519

 
99,194

 
318,135

 
279,278

Engineering, design and development
29,433

 
19,254

 
81,033

 
57,588

General and administrative
83,187

 
90,369

 
245,995

 
249,052

Depreciation and amortization
79,913

 
67,880

 
230,136

 
202,215

Total operating expenses
945,631

 
885,467

 
2,777,073

 
2,611,653

Income from operations
433,965

 
392,179

 
1,244,158

 
1,102,569

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(92,634
)
 
(89,092
)
 
(257,085
)
 
(250,888
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(43,679
)
 

 
(43,679
)
 

Other income
86,971

 
2,370

 
83,897

 
15,733

Total other expense
(49,342
)
 
(86,722
)
 
(216,867
)
 
(235,155
)
Income before income taxes
384,623

 
305,457

 
1,027,291

 
867,414

Income tax expense
(108,901
)
 
(111,556
)
 
(342,387
)
 
(326,108
)
Net income
$
275,722

 
$
193,901

 
$
684,904

 
$
541,306

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
3,680

 
(14
)
 
6,426

 
420

Total comprehensive income
$
279,402

 
$
193,887

 
$
691,330

 
$
541,726

Net income per common share:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.06

 
$
0.04

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.11

Diluted
$
0.06

 
$
0.04

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.11

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
4,618,368

 
4,870,281

 
4,660,041

 
4,957,820

Diluted
4,704,571

 
4,919,829

 
4,734,841

 
5,005,133

Dividends declared per common share
$
0.010


$

 
$
0.030

 
$

 
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)
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
(unaudited)



Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
73,553

 
$
213,939

Receivables, net
225,001

 
223,029

Inventory, net
22,469

 
20,363

Related party current assets
12,375

 
6,170

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
163,164

 
179,148

Total current assets
496,562

 
642,649

Property and equipment, net
1,427,614

 
1,398,693

Intangible assets, net
2,528,709

 
2,544,801

Goodwill
2,286,559

 
2,205,107

Related party long-term assets
1,017,350

 
8,918

Deferred tax assets
777,002

 
1,084,330

Other long-term assets
118,620

 
119,097

Total assets
$
8,652,416

 
$
8,003,595

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
736,782

 
$
713,034

Accrued interest
92,539

 
114,633

Current portion of deferred revenue
1,846,285

 
1,832,609

Current maturities of long-term debt
4,220

 
5,485

Related party current liabilities
3,018

 
2,840

Total current liabilities
2,682,844

 
2,668,601

Deferred revenue
178,180

 
176,319

Long-term debt
6,728,349

 
5,842,764

Related party long-term liabilities
6,778

 
7,955

Deferred tax liabilities
6,418

 
6,418

Other long-term liabilities
99,948

 
93,553

Total liabilities
9,702,517

 
8,795,610

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)


 


Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:
 

 
 

Common stock, par value $0.001; 9,000,000 shares authorized; 4,604,441 and 4,746,047 shares issued; 4,601,941 and 4,740,947 outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
4,604

 
4,745

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
6,287

 
(139
)
Additional paid-in capital
2,159,239

 
3,117,666

Treasury stock, at cost; 2,500 and 5,100 shares of common stock at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
(13,754
)
 
(22,906
)
Accumulated deficit
(3,206,477
)
 
(3,891,381
)
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity
(1,050,101
)
 
(792,015
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity
$
8,652,416

 
$
8,003,595


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, 2016
 
4,746,047

 
$
4,745

 
$
(139
)
 
$
3,117,666

 
5,100

 
$
(22,906
)
 
$
(3,891,381
)
 
$
(792,015
)
Comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 

 
6,426

 

 

 

 
684,904

 
691,330

Issuance of common stock as part of investment in Sirius XM Canada
 
35,000

 
35

 

 
178,815

 

 

 

 
178,850

Share-based payment expense
 

 

 

 
82,485

 

 

 

 
82,485

Exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units
 
20,318

 
21

 

 
753

 

 

 

 
774

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

 

 

 
(84,560
)
 

 

 

 
(84,560
)
Cash dividends paid on common stock
 

 

 

 
(139,854
)
 

 

 

 
(139,854
)
Common stock repurchased
 

 

 

 

 
194,324

 
(987,111
)
 

 
(987,111
)
Common stock retired
 
(196,924
)
 
(197
)
 

 
(996,066
)
 
(196,924
)
 
996,263

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017
 
4,604,441

 
$
4,604

 
$
6,287

 
$
2,159,239

 
2,500

 
$
(13,754
)
 
$
(3,206,477
)
 
$
(1,050,101
)

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 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
684,904

 
$
541,306

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
230,136

 
202,215

Non-cash interest expense, net of amortization of premium
6,731

 
6,571

Provision for doubtful accounts
42,329

 
39,629

Amortization of deferred income related to equity method investment
(2,082
)
 
(2,082
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
43,679

 

Gain on unconsolidated entity investments, net
(7,541
)
 
(9,725
)
Dividend received from unconsolidated entity investment
3,606

 
7,160

Loss on disposal of assets

 
12,912

Share-based payment expense
94,588

 
77,890

Deferred income taxes
318,190

 
308,613

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Receivables
(43,665
)
 
(38,266
)
Inventory
(396
)
 
(5,735
)
Related party, net
(77,179
)
 
(2,373
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
16,698

 
(15,985
)
Other long-term assets
7,559

 
26,668

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
1,951

 
(1,841
)
Accrued interest
(22,094
)
 
16,715

Deferred revenue
9,955

 
52,421

Other long-term liabilities
6,395

 
11

Net cash provided by operating activities
1,313,764

 
1,216,104

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Additions to property and equipment
(206,717
)
 
(132,246
)
Purchases of restricted and other investments
(7,595
)
 
(4,168
)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
(107,736
)
 

Investment in convertible preferred stock of related party
(480,000
)


Loan to related party
(130,794
)
 

Payments to acquire additional ownership in related party
(132,205
)
 

Net cash used in investing activities
(1,065,047
)
 
(136,414
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
774

 
348

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for stock-based compensation
(84,291
)
 
(32,603
)
Net repayments related to revolving credit facility
(100,000
)
 
(340,000
)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of costs
2,473,506

 
987,257

Principal payments of long-term borrowings
(1,509,910
)
 
(8,864
)
Payment of premiums on redemption of debt
(33,065
)
 

Common stock repurchased and retired
(996,263
)
 
(1,225,284
)
Dividends paid
(139,854
)


Net cash used in financing activities
(389,103
)
 
(619,146
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(140,386
)
 
460,544

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
213,939

 
111,838

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
73,553

 
$
572,382

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 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash and Non-Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
270,365

 
$
222,110

Income taxes paid
$
16,647

 
$
15,857

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

 
$
6,647

Treasury stock not yet settled
$
13,754

 
$
12,526

Issuance of common stock as part of investment in Sirius XM Canada
$
178,850

 
$

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax benefit for loan to related party
$
6,426

 
$


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 and MySXM, over our Internet radio service, including through applications for mobile devices, home devices and other consumer electronic equipment.  We are also a leader in providing 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. 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, retail stores nationwide, and through 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.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we entered into several strategic transactions:
On April 18, 2017, Sirius XM acquired Automatic Labs Inc. (“Automatic”). Refer to Note 2 for information on this transaction.
On May 25, 2017, Sirius XM completed a recapitalization of Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Canada”). Refer to Note 10 for information on this transaction.
On September 22, 2017, Sirius XM completed a $480,000 investment in Pandora Media, Inc. (“Pandora”). Refer to Note 10 for information on this transaction.
As of September 30, 2017, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 69% 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”), the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial reporting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.

7

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)

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 September 30, 2017 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 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, 2016, which was filed with the SEC on February 2, 2017.
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 makers 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 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 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)
Acquisition
On April 18, 2017, Sirius XM acquired Automatic, a connected vehicle device and mobile application company, for an aggregate purchase price of $107,736, net of cash and restricted cash acquired of $819. Automatic has created and operates a data-driven platform that enables vehicle owners to be safer and drive smarter. The company's proprietary Automatic Pro and Automatic Lite connected car adapters provide, among other things, vehicle diagnostic alerts, emergency crash assistance, fuel monitoring, access to parking information and live vehicle location tracking.
During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded an increase of $3,929 to the Deferred income tax asset, net, related to the acquired assets, which resulted in a decrease to Goodwill. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the working capital calculation associated with this acquisition was finalized, resulting in an increase of $248 to the original purchase price and Goodwill. As of September 30, 2017, our Goodwill balance associated with the acquisition was $81,452. No other assets or liabilities have been adjusted.


8

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)

The condensed table below summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Acquired Assets:
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization
$
14,700

Goodwill
81,452

Deferred income tax asset, net
14,783

Other assets
4,019

Trademark
800

Total Assets
$
115,754

 
 
Assumed Liabilities:
 
Deferred revenue
(5,582
)
Other liabilities
(1,617
)
Total Liabilities
$
(7,199
)
Total Consideration
$
108,555

The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The initial purchase price allocation is subject to change upon receipt of the final valuation analysis for Automatic. The fair value assessed for the majority of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed equaled their carrying value. The excess purchase price over identifiable net assets of $81,452 has been recorded to Goodwill in our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2017. A total of $14,700 has been allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization and relates to the assessed fair value of software and technology and a total of $800 has been allocated to the Automatic trademark.
We recognized acquisition related costs of $913 that were expensed in General and administrative expenses in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Pro forma financial information related to this acquisition has not been provided as it is not material to our consolidated results of operations.

(3)
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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Fair
Value
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pandora - investment (a)

 
$
552,245

 

 
$
552,245

 

 

 

 
$

Sirius XM Canada - investment (b)

 

 

 
N/A
 
$
178,696

 

 

 
$
178,696

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Debt (c)

 
$
7,081,843

 

 
$
7,081,843

 

 
$
6,008,205

 

 
$
6,008,205

(a)
During the nine months ended September 30, 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.

9

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)

(b)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Sirius XM completed a recapitalization of Sirius XM Canada. Following this recapitalization, Sirius XM Canada ceased to be a publicly traded company. Refer to Note 10 for information on this transaction. The amount as of December 31, 2016 approximated fair value.  The carrying value of our investment in Sirius XM Canada was $323,593 and $8,615 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Additionally, as part of this transaction we loaned Sirius XM Canada $130,794. The carrying value of the loan as of September 30, 2017 was $141,189 and approximated its fair value.
(c)
The fair value for non-publicly traded instruments 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income of $6,287 was primarily comprised of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments related to the loan to Sirius XM Canada (refer to Note 10 for additional information related to this loan). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded a foreign currency translation adjustment gain of $3,680 and $6,426, respectively, which is recorded net of a tax benefit of $2,176 and $3,921, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350).  This ASU eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, entities 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. Additionally, this ASU eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU. We do not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the 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 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 the 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 liability on our consolidated balance sheet for operating leases.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which amended the effective date of this ASU to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. In 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance which clarified principal versus agent considerations, identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing. In addition, the FASB issued guidance regarding practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to the guidance on transition, collectibility, non-cash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. We currently plan to adopt this ASU under the modified retrospective method.

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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 have completed our evaluation of the impact this ASU will have on our primary revenue streams.  Based on our assessment of the impact of implementing this ASU on January 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective method, the most significant impact of the ASU relates to the classification of Revenue share and certain subsidy payments made to automakers associated with a paid promotional subscription.  Under the new standard, these payments associated with a paid promotional subscription will be treated as a reduction to the transaction price rather than as an expense as classified under ASC 605.  We expect this change to reduce Subscription revenue by less than 3% upon adoption along with a corresponding reduction to Revenue share and royalties and Subscriber acquisition costs, and as a result, we do not expect this change to have an impact to our Net income.  Additionally, within our consolidated balance sheets, upon adoption, the amount of revenue share and certain subsidy payments made to automakers associated with a paid promotional subscription will be classified as a liability separate from deferred revenue.
The adoption of this ASU will also have an impact to the timing of recognition of certain other ancillary revenue and expense streams, which we do not expect to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
We expect to complete our implementation process, which includes the necessary changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure, prior to the adoption of this ASU on January 1, 2018.

(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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Common stock equivalents of 54,555 and 192,134 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 42,481 and 239,205 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 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 September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Numerator:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders for basic and diluted net income per common share
$
275,722

 
$
193,901

 
$
684,904

 
$
541,306

Denominator:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic net income per common share
4,618,368

 
4,870,281

 
4,660,041

 
4,957,820

Weighted average impact of dilutive equity instruments
86,203

 
49,548

 
74,800

 
47,313

Weighted average shares for diluted net income per common share
4,704,571

 
4,919,829

 
4,734,841

 
5,005,133

Net income per common share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Basic
$
0.06

 
$
0.04

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.11

Diluted
$
0.06

 
$
0.04

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.11


(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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

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:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Gross customer accounts receivable
$
105,875

 
$
105,737

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(9,967
)
 
(8,658
)
Customer accounts receivable, net
$
95,908

 
$
97,079

Receivables from distributors
102,523

 
98,498

Other receivables
26,570

 
27,452

Total receivables, net
$
225,001

 
$
223,029


(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.
Inventory, net, consists of the following:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Raw materials
$
6,649

 
$
10,219

Finished goods
23,962

 
19,581

Allowance for obsolescence
(8,142
)
 
(9,437
)
Total inventory, net
$
22,469

 
$
20,363


(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.  If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. As a result of the acquisition of Automatic, we recorded additional goodwill of $81,452 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
As of September 30, 2017, there were no indicators of impairment, and no impairment loss was recorded, for goodwill during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.  As of September 30, 2017, 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.


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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)

(8)
Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include the following:
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
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

Trademark
Indefinite
 
250,800

 

 
250,800

 
250,000

 

 
250,000

Definite life intangible assets:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Subscriber relationships
9 years
 
380,000

 
(380,000
)
 

 
380,000

 
(364,893
)
 
15,107

OEM relationships
15 years
 
220,000

 
(57,444
)
 
162,556

 
220,000

 
(46,444
)
 
173,556

Licensing agreements
12 years
 
45,289

 
(33,428
)
 
11,861

 
45,289

 
(30,664
)
 
14,625

Software and technology
7 years
 
43,915

 
(24,077
)
 
19,838

 
29,215

 
(21,356
)
 
7,859

Total intangible assets
 
 
$
3,023,658

 
$
(494,949
)
 
$
2,528,709

 
$
3,008,158

 
$
(463,357
)
 
$
2,544,801


Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
We have identified our FCC licenses and the XM trademark 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. As part of the Automatic acquisition in April 2017, we have also identified $800 related to its trademark.
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 September 30, 2017, there were no indicators of impairment, and no impairment loss was recorded, for intangible assets with indefinite lives during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Definite Life Intangible Assets
As part of the Automatic acquisition in April 2017, $14,700 was allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization and relates to the assessed fair value of software and technology. Amortization expense for all definite life intangible assets was $7,966 and $12,080 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $31,592 and $36,778 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Expected amortization expense for the remaining period in 2017, each of the fiscal years 2018 through 2021 and for periods thereafter is as follows:
Years ending December 31,
 
Amount
2017 (remaining)
 
$
5,863

2018
 
23,138

2019
 
22,701

2020
 
22,121

2021
 
16,678

Thereafter
 
103,754

Total definite life intangible assets, net
 
$
194,255


(9)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Satellite system
$
1,586,794

 
$
1,586,794

Terrestrial repeater network
123,584

 
127,854

Leasehold improvements
55,090

 
53,898

Broadcast studio equipment
91,181

 
84,697

Capitalized software and hardware
579,075

 
558,101

Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities
67,492

 
77,290

Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
90,817

 
90,214

Land
38,411

 
38,411

Building
61,810

 
61,597

Construction in progress
280,614

 
144,954

Total property and equipment
2,974,868

 
2,823,810

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1,547,254
)
 
(1,425,117
)
Property and equipment, net
$
1,427,614

 
$
1,398,693

Construction in progress consists of the following:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Satellite system
$
141,707

 
$
43,977

Terrestrial repeater network
2,215

 
1,139

Capitalized software
112,561

 
82,204

Other
24,131

 
17,634

Construction in progress
$
280,614

 
$
144,954

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $71,947 and $55,800 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $198,544 and $165,437 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  We retired property and equipment of $77,040 and $583,562 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We recognized a loss on disposal of assets of $12,912, which was recorded in Satellite and

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

transmission expense in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which related to the disposal of certain obsolete spare parts for a future satellite.
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 was $1,324 and $3,047 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $107 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, which related to the construction of our SXM-7 and SXM-8 satellites.
Satellites
As of September 30, 2017, we owned a fleet of five satellites.  The chart below provides certain information on our satellites as of September 30, 2017:
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

(10)
Related Party Transactions 
In the normal course of business, we enter into transactions with related parties.

Liberty Media
As of September 30, 2017, Liberty Media beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 69% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and 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 interest 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 nine months ended September 30, 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. Sirius XM now owns 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 on May 25, 2017. 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. 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. In addition, 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.
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

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Canada will pay 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 will pay Sirius XM 5% of its gross revenues on a monthly basis. These agreements supersede and replace the existing 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. We do 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:

September 30, 2017

December 31, 2016
Related party current assets
$
12,375

 
$
6,170

Related party long-term assets
$
465,105

 
$
8,918

Related party current liabilities
$
3,018

 
$
2,840

Related party long-term liabilities
$
6,778

 
$
7,955

Under the legacy agreement with Sirius XM Canada, as of December 31, 2016, our related party current assets balance primarily consisted of activation fees and streaming and chipset costs for which we were reimbursed. As of September 30, 2017, our related party current asset balance included amounts due under the new services arrangements and certain amounts related to transactions outside the scope of the new services arrangements. Our related party long-term assets balance as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included the carrying value of our investment balance in Sirius XM Canada of $323,593 and $8,615, respectively, and, as of September 30, 2017, also included $141,189 for the current value of the outstanding loan to Sirius XM Canada. Our related party liabilities as of each of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included $2,776 for the current portion of deferred revenue and $5,782 and $7,867, 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.
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 September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue (a)(b)
$
23,141

 
$
11,551

 
$
63,486


$
32,129

Other income
 

 
 

 





Share of net earnings (b)
$
9,725

 
$
1,274

 
$
7,542


$
9,725

Dividends (c)
$

 
$

 
$


$
3,575

Interest income (d)
$
2,718


$


$
3,521


$

(a)
Prior to the Transaction, under our legacy 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 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 as they occurred as Other revenue and as a component of Other income, respectively, in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income on a one month lag. As a result of the Transaction, there is no longer a one-month lag for recognizing our proportionate share of revenue and earnings or losses attributable to Sirius XM Canada.
(c)
Sirius XM Canada did not pay any dividends to us during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Sirius XM Canada paid gross dividends to us of $3,796 and $7,548 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  These dividends were first recorded as a reduction to our investment balance in Sirius XM Canada to the extent a balance existed and then as Other income for the remaining portion.
(d)
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.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

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. The Series A preferred stock represents a stake of approximately 19% of Pandora's currently outstanding common stock, 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 adjustments for accrued but unpaid dividends and 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. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized $2,991 and $3,595, respectively, related to the dividend declared by Pandora, which was recorded to Other income in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income and Long-term investment within our unaudited consolidated balance sheets. 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 the Initial Closing.
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 combination thereof, and as such the investment qualifies as a debt security under ASC 320. 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 $68,650 unrealized gain was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as Other income in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income associated with this investment. The fair value of our investment as of September 30, 2017 was $552,245 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.
Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, we have appointed three of our senior executives or members of our Board of Directors to Pandora’s Board of Directors, one of whom serves as the Chairman of Pandora's Board of Directors.
Our right to designate directors will fall away once we and our 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 we and our affiliates fail to beneficially own shares of Series A Preferred Stock and/or Pandora Common Stock that were issued upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock 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, we have 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, we are 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). We are 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.

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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)

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, we have certain customary registration rights with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Pandora Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof.

(11)
Debt
Our debt as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value(a) at
Issuer / Borrower
 
Issued
 
Debt
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Payable
 
Principal Amount at September 30, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Sirius XM
(b)(e)
 
May 2013
 
4.25% Senior Notes
(the "4.25% Notes")
 
May 15, 2020
 
semi-annually on May 15 and November 15
 
$

 
$

 
$
497,069

Sirius XM
(b)(f)
 
August 2013
 
5.75% Senior Notes
(the "5.75% Notes")
 
August 1, 2021
 
semi-annually on February 1 and August 1
 

 

 
596,386

Sirius XM
(b)(h)
 
July 2017
 
3.875% Senior Notes
(the "3.875% Notes")
 
August 1, 2022
 
semi-annually on February 1 and August 1
 
1,000,000

 
991,617

 

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

 
496,510

 
496,111

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

 
1,487,632

 
1,486,556

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

 
991,044

 
990,340

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

 
989,914

 
989,259

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

 
1,485,884

 

Sirius XM
(b)(c)(g)
 
August 2012
 
5.25% Senior Secured Notes (the "5.25% Notes")
 
August 15, 2022
 
semi-annually on February 15 and August 15
 

 

 
396,232

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

 
290,000

 
390,000

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

 
8,718

 
13,559

Total Debt
 
6,741,319

 
5,855,512

Less: total current maturities
 
4,220

 
5,485

Less: total deferred financing costs for Notes
 
8,750

 
7,263

Total long-term debt
 
$
6,728,349

 
$
5,842,764

(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.

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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)

(c)
The liens that secured the 5.25% Notes were equal and ratable to the liens granted to secure the Credit Facility.  
(d)
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 0.30% per annum as of September 30, 2017.  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.
(e)
On July 27, 2017, Sirius XM redeemed $500,000 in outstanding principal amount of the 4.25% Notes for an aggregate purchase price, including premium and interest, of $509,565. We recognized $8,393 to Loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of unamortized discount, deferred financing fees and repayment premium, as a result of this redemption.
(f)
On August 4, 2017, Sirius XM redeemed $600,000 in outstanding principal amount of the 5.75% Notes for an aggregate purchase price, including premium and interest, of $617,538. We recognized $20,964 to Loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of unamortized discount, deferred financing fees and repayment premium, as a result of this redemption.
(g)
On September 1, 2017, Sirius XM redeemed $400,000 in outstanding principal amount of the 5.25% Notes for an aggregate purchase price, including premium and interest, of $411,433. We recognized $14,322 to Loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of unamortized discount, deferred financing fees and repayment premium, as a result of this redemption. In addition, all security interests and other liens securing the 5.25% Notes were released.
(h)
In July 2017, Sirius XM issued $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 3.875% Notes and $1,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the 5.00% Notes with a net original issuance discount and deferred financing costs in the aggregate of $10,291 and $16,638, respectively.
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 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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 4,604,441 and 4,746,047 shares of common stock issued and 4,601,941 and 4,740,947 shares outstanding on September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. As part of the recapitalization of Sirius XM Canada, we issued 35,000 shares of our common stock to the holders of the shares of Sirius XM Canada.
As of September 30, 2017, there were 321,868 shares of common stock reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding stock based awards and common stock to be granted to members of our board of directors, employees and third parties.

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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)

Quarterly Dividends, $0.010 per share
On July 11, 2017, our board of directors declared a dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.010 per share of common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 8, 2017. The dividend was paid in cash on August 31, 2017 in the aggregate amount of $46,216. We also paid a dividend in cash on February 28, 2017 and April 25, 2017 in the aggregate amount of $47,137 and $46,501, respectively. For a discussion of subsequent events refer to Note 16.
Stock Repurchase Program
As of September 30, 2017, our board of directors had approved for repurchase an aggregate of $10,000,000 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 September 30, 2017, our cumulative repurchases since December 2012 under our stock repurchase program totaled 2,397,932 shares for $8,960,948, and $1,039,052 remained available under our stock repurchase program.
The following table summarizes our total share repurchase activity for the nine months ended:
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
Share Repurchase Type
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
Open Market (a)
 
194,324

 
$
987,111

 
315,051

 
$
1,214,083

(a)
As of September 30, 2017, $13,754 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

(13)
Benefit Plans 
We recognized share-based payment expense of $34,891 and $30,020 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $94,588 and $77,890 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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 three-year anniversary of the grant date. Each restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive one share of common stock upon vesting.  As of September 30, 2017, 167,055 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.

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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 weighted-average assumptions used to compute the fair value of options granted to employees and members of our board of directors:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Risk-free interest rate
1.8%
 
1.1%
 
1.8%
 
1.1%
Expected life of options — years
4.66
 
4.48
 
4.60
 
4.27
Expected stock price volatility
24%
 
22%
 
24%
 
22%
Expected dividend yield
0.7%
 
0.0%
 
0.7%
 
0.0%
There were no options granted to third parties during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.  Since we did not historically pay dividends on our common stock prior to the fourth quarter of 2016, the expected dividend yield used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model was zero for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
The following table summarizes stock option activity under our share-based plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:
 
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016
332,648

 
$
3.50

 
 
 
 
Granted
27,218

 
$
5.49

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(65,413
)
 
$
3.20

 
 
 
 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired
(4,551
)
 
$
3.90

 
 
 
 
Outstanding as of September 30, 2017
289,902

 
$
3.75

 
6.87
 
$
513,625

Exercisable as of September 30, 2017
128,288

 
$
3.16

 
5.67
 
$
302,230

The weighted average grant date fair value per share of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.17.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $148,133 and $59,531, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the number of net settled shares which were issued as a result of stock option exercises was 15,092.
We recognized share-based payment expense associated with stock options of $21,454 and $21,484 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $61,091 and $59,510 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, including PRSUs, activity under our share-based plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:
 
Shares
 
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Nonvested as of December 31, 2016
29,893

 
$
4.03

Granted
11,618

 
$
5.38

Vested
(8,561
)
 
$
3.91

Forfeited
(984
)
 
$
4.23

Nonvested as of September 30, 2017
31,966

 
$
4.55

The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vesting during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $46,920 and $16,890, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 the number of net settled shares which were issued as a result of restricted stock units vesting totaled 5,226. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we

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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)

granted 929 PRSUs to certain employees. We believe it is probable that the performance target applicable to these and previously granted PRSUs will be achieved.
In connection with the cash dividends paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we granted 162 restricted stock units, including PRSUs, in accordance with the terms of existing award agreements. This grant did not result in any additional incremental share-based payment expense being recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
We recognized share-based payment expense associated with restricted stock units, including PRSUs, of $13,437 and $8,536 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $33,497 and $18,380 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested share-based payment awards for stock options and restricted stock units granted to employees, members of our board of directors and third parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $281,311 and $266,045, respectively.  The total unrecognized compensation costs at September 30, 2017 are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 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 $1,775 and $1,640 in expense during three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $5,292 and $4,857 in expense during nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, were $240 and $215, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, were $7,595 and $4,169, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, the fair value of the investments held in the trust was $13,890, which is included in Other long-term assets in our unaudited consolidated balance sheets and is classified as trading securities.  Trading gains and losses associated with these investments are recorded in Other 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we recorded an immaterial amount of unrealized gains on investments held in the trust.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

(14)
Commitments and Contingencies 
The following table summarizes our expected contractual cash commitments as of September 30, 2017:
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021

Thereafter

Total
Debt obligations
$
647


$
4,477


$
3,169


$
290,425


$


$
6,500,000


$
6,798,718

Cash interest payments
42,020


356,691


348,377


342,211


334,375


1,250,313


2,673,987

Satellite and transmission
23,358


133,938


86,810


43,699


4,296


6,667


298,768

Programming and content
74,742


323,499


298,920


252,648


173,689


214,037


1,337,535

Marketing and distribution
7,166


17,436


12,813


8,620


7,801


1,608


55,444

Satellite incentive payments
3,415


14,302


10,652


10,197


8,574


70,324


117,464

Operating lease obligations
7,604


43,266


39,639


37,391


31,560


153,449


312,909

Other
24,362


30,429


16,421


2,672


527


30


74,441

Total (1)
$
183,314


$
924,038


$
816,801


$
987,863


$
560,822


$
8,196,428


$
11,669,266

(1)
The table does not include our reserve for uncertain tax positions, which at September 30, 2017 totaled $9,730, as the specific timing of any cash payments cannot be projected with reasonable certainty.
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.    During the year ended December 31, 2016, we entered into an agreement with Space Systems/Loral to design and build two satellites, SXM-7 and SXM-8, for our service. 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.
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.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

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 September 30, 2017 was also included in this category.
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 those 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 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 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 applicable to royalties by improperly deducting revenue attributable to pre-1972 recordings and Premier package revenue that is 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. 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.”

Rulings by the Copyright Royalty Board, including its September 11, 2017 ruling, are subject to limited legal review by the Register of Copyrights. Following a review by the Register of Copyrights and publication in the Federal Register, we expect that the ultimate ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board in this matter will be transmitted back to the District Court for further proceedings, such as adjudication claims relating to damages and defenses. We believe we have substantial defenses to SoundExchange claims that can be asserted, including in proceedings in the District Court, and will continue to defend this action vigorously.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)


This matter is titled SoundExchange, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., No.13-cv-1290-RJL (D.D.C.), and 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 the action is publicly available in filings under the docket numbers. This matter is not related to certain claims under state law brought by owners of pre-1972 recording copyrights arising out of our use and performance of those recordings.

At December 31, 2016, we concluded that a loss, in excess of our recorded liabilities, was reasonably possible in connection with the SoundExchange royalty claims. At September 30, 2017, the estimable portion of such possible loss ranged from $0 to $85,000, plus any related interest or late fees. Based on our defenses, such a loss is not considered probable at this time and no liability for such additional loss has been recorded. The matters underlying this estimated range and the estimable portion of reasonably possible losses may change from time to time and the actual possible loss may vary from this estimate.

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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, income tax expense was $108,901 and $111,556, respectively, and $342,387 and $326,108 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 28.3% and 36.5%, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 33.3% and 37.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was impacted by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation and a benefit related to a federal tax credit under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 for research and development activities. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was impacted by the recognition of tax shortfalls related to stock compensation. Our adjusted effective tax rate for the year ending December 31, 2017 is anticipated to be approximately 34%.
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of $44,828 and $47,682, 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
Capital Return Program
For the period from October 1, 2017 to October 23, 2017, we repurchased 6,452 shares of our common stock on the open market for an aggregate purchase price of $36,388, including fees and commissions.
On October 3, 2017, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.011 per share of common stock payable on November 30, 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 9, 2017.

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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, 2016.
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, 2016 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, 2016.

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 attract and retain subscribers in the future is uncertain;
our service may experience harmful interference from new wireless operations;
consumer protection laws and their enforcement could damage our business;
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;
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;
existing or future government 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;
we may not realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic investments and initiatives;
rapid technological and industry changes 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;

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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 and MySXM, over our Internet radio service, including through applications for mobile devices, home devices and other consumer electronic equipment.  We are also a leader in providing 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.  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; retail stores nationwide; and through our website. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain rental car companies.
As of September 30, 2017, we had approximately 32.2 million subscribers of which approximately 27.0 million were self-pay subscribers and approximately 5.2 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 our connected vehicle services and the Sirius XM Canada service 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, 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 vehicles or previously owned vehicles. The length of these subscriptions varies but is typically three to twelve months.  We receive payments for

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these subscriptions from certain automakers.  We also reimburse various automakers for certain costs associated with satellite radios installed in new vehicles.
As of September 30, 2017, Liberty Media beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 69% 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.

Recent Transactions

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we entered into several strategic transactions.

Acquisition of Automatic Labs. On April 18, 2017, Sirius XM acquired Automatic Labs Inc. (“Automatic”), a connected vehicle device and mobile application company, for an aggregate purchase price of $107,736, net of cash and restricted cash acquired.

Recapitalization of Sirius XM Canada. On May 25, 2017, Sirius XM completed a recapitalization (the “Transaction”) of Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Canada”), 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 interest 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 nine months ended September 30, 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. Sirius XM now owns 590,950 shares of preferred stock of Sirius XM Canada, which has a liquidation preference of one Canadian dollar per share. Future dividends on the common stock of Sirius XM Canada are expected to be declared on a 6.0% annual basis.

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 on May 25, 2017. 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. 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. In addition, 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.

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 will pay 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 will pay Sirius XM 5% of its gross revenues on a monthly basis. These agreements supersede and replace the existing 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. We do 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.

Investment in Pandora Media, Inc. On September 22, 2017, Sirius XM completed a $480,000 investment in Pandora. Pursuant to an Investment Agreement with Pandora Media, Inc. (“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. The Series A preferred stock represents a stake of approximately 19% of Pandora's currently outstanding common stock, 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 adjustments for accrued but unpaid dividends and 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. During the

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three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized $2,991 and $3,595, respectively, related to the dividend declared by Pandora, which was recorded to Other income in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income and Long-term investment within our unaudited consolidated balance sheets. 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 the Initial Closing.
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 combination thereof, and as such the investment qualifies as a debt security under ASC 320. 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 $68,650 unrealized gain was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as Other income in our unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income associated with this investment. The fair value of our investment as of September 30, 2017 was $552,245 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.
We have appointed three of our senior executives or members of our Board of Directors to Pandora’s Board of Directors, one of whom serves as the Chairman of Pandora's Board of Directors.
Our right to designate directors will fall away once we and our 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 we and our affiliates fail to beneficially own shares of Series A Preferred Stock and/or Pandora Common Stock that were issued upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock 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, we have 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, we are 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). We are 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, we have certain customary registration rights with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Pandora Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof.


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Results of Operations
Set forth below are our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 vs 2016 Change
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months
 
Nine Months
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subscriber revenue
$
1,136,027

 
$
1,069,746

 
$
3,325,295


$
3,112,712

 
$
66,281

 
6
 %
 
$
212,583

 
7
 %
Advertising revenue
41,462

 
34,268

 
117,656


99,330

 
7,194

 
21
 %
 
18,326

 
18
 %
Equipment revenue
32,337

 
31,306

 
91,669


86,285

 
1,031

 
3
 %
 
5,384

 
6
 %
Other revenue
169,770

 
142,326

 
486,611


415,895

 
27,444

 
19
 %
 
70,716

 
17
 %
Total revenue
1,379,596

 
1,277,646

 
4,021,231


3,714,222

 
101,950

 
8
 %
 
307,009

 
8
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services:
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue share and royalties
296,498

 
272,823

 
866,691


788,952

 
23,675

 
9
 %
 
77,739

 
10
 %
Programming and content
98,239

 
89,015

 
290,038


257,760

 
9,224

 
10
 %
 
32,278

 
13
 %
Customer service and billing
94,655

 
94,923

 
286,754


285,502

 
(268
)
 
 %
 
1,252

 
 %
Satellite and transmission
21,378

 
22,224

 
61,557


80,609

 
(846
)
 
(4
)%
 
(19,052
)
 
(24
)%
Cost of equipment
8,254

 
9,674

 
24,537


29,181

 
(1,420
)
 
(15
)%
 
(4,644
)
 
(16
)%
Subscriber acquisition costs
119,555

 
120,111

 
372,197


381,516

 
(556
)
 
 %
 
(9,319
)
 
(2
)%
Sales and marketing
114,519

 
99,194

 
318,135


279,278

 
15,325

 
15
 %
 
38,857

 
14
 %
Engineering, design and development
29,433

 
19,254

 
81,033


57,588

 
10,179

 
53
 %
 
23,445

 
41
 %
General and administrative
83,187

 
90,369

 
245,995


249,052

 
(7,182
)
 
(8
)%
 
(3,057
)
 
(1
)%
Depreciation and amortization
79,913

 
67,880

 
230,136


202,215

 
12,033

 
18
 %
 
27,921

 
14
 %
Total operating expenses
945,631

 
885,467

 
2,777,073


2,611,653

 
60,164

 
7
 %
 
165,420

 
6
 %
Income from operations
433,965

 
392,179

 
1,244,158


1,102,569

 
41,786

 
11
 %
 
141,589

 
13
 %
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(92,634
)
 
(89,092
)
 
(257,085
)

(250,888
)
 
(3,542
)
 
(4
)%
 
(6,197
)
 
(2
)%
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(43,679
)
 

 
(43,679
)
 

 
(43,679
)
 
 %
 
(43,679
)
 
 %
Other income
86,971

 
2,370

 
83,897


15,733

 
84,601

 
nm

 
68,164

 
nm

Total other expense
(49,342
)
 
(86,722
)
 
(216,867
)

(235,155
)
 
37,380

 
43
 %
 
18,288

 
8
 %
Income before income taxes
384,623

 
305,457

 
1,027,291


867,414

 
79,166

 
26
 %
 
159,877

 
18
 %
Income tax expense
(108,901
)
 
(111,556
)
 
(342,387
)

(326,108
)
 
2,655

 
2
 %
 
(16,279
)
 
(5
)%
Net income
$
275,722

 
$
193,901

 
$
684,904


$
541,306

 
$
81,821

 
42
 %
 
$
143,598

 
27
 %
nm - not meaningful
Total Revenue
Subscriber Revenue includes subscription, activation and other fees.

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For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, subscriber revenue was $1,136,027 and $1,069,746, respectively, an increase of 6%, or $66,281. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, subscriber revenue was $3,325,295 and $3,112,712, respectively, an increase of 7%, or $212,583. The increases were primarily attributable to a 4% and 5% increases in the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, as well as a 3% increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber that resulted from certain rate increases implemented in 2016.
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.
Advertising Revenue includes the sale of advertising on certain non-music channels.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, advertising revenue was $41,462 and $34,268, respectively, an increase of 21%, or $7,194. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, advertising revenue was $117,656 and $99,330, respectively, an increase of 18%, or $18,326. The increases were 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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, equipment revenue was $32,337 and $31,306, respectively, an increase of 3%, or $1,031. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, equipment revenue was $91,669 and $86,285, respectively, an increase of 6%, or $5,384. The increase for the three and nine month period was driven by an increase in royalty revenue on certain modules starting in the second quarter of 2016 due to our transition to a new generation of chipsets and revenue from the sales of connected vehicle devices since the acquisition of Automatic, partially offset by lower satellite radio sales to distributors and consumers.
We expect equipment revenue to increase due to the increases in royalty revenues associated with certain modules related to our transition to a new generation of chipsets.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, other revenue was $169,770 and $142,326, respectively, an increase of 19%, or $27,444. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, other revenue was $486,611 and $415,895, respectively, an increase of 17%, or $70,716. The increases were primarily driven by higher revenue from the new Sirius XM Canada service and advisory agreements, additional revenues from the U.S. Music Royalty Fee due to an increase in the number of subscribers and subscribers paying at a higher rate of 13.9% and higher revenue generated from our connected vehicle services.
Other revenue is expected to increase due to an increase in U.S. Music Royalty Fees as our subscriber base continues to grow and an increase in revenue from Sirius XM Canada due to the new service and advisory agreements.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, revenue share and royalties were $296,498 and $272,823, respectively, an increase of 9%, or $23,675, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, revenue share and royalties were $866,691 and $788,952, respectively, an increase of 10%, or $77,739, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increases were due to overall greater revenues subject to royalties for transmitting content and revenue share to automakers and a 5% increase in the statutory royalty rate applicable to our use of post-1972 recordings, which increased from 10.5% in 2016 to 11% in 2017.

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We expect our revenue share and royalty costs to increase as our revenues grow. Our revenue share and royalty costs may also increase as a result of a rate setting proceeding currently pending before the Copyright Royalty Board (“CRB”). The CRB initiated a proceeding in January 2016 to set the rates and terms by which our satellite radio service may perform sound recordings by digital transmission and make ephemeral reproductions during the 2018-2022 period. As part of this proceeding, SoundExchange, on behalf of the recording industry, proposed a new rate structure and a number of material changes to the governing regulations, including relating to the applicable revenue base for the percent-of-revenue royalty calculations and fees for trial subscriptions. If the CRB adopts the proposals made by SoundExchange, the ruling would further increase, possibly in a material manner, the sound recording royalties payable by us. The CRB is expected to issue its final ruling in this proceeding no later than December 15, 2017.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, programming and content expenses were $98,239 and $89,015, respectively, an increase of 10%, or $9,224, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, programming and content expenses were $290,038 and $257,760, respectively, an increase of 13%, or $32,278, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increases were primarily due to the addition of video content rights, payment for which started during the third quarter of 2016, as well as increased talent and personnel-related costs.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, customer service and billing expenses were $94,655 and $94,923, respectively, a decrease of less than 1%, or $268, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, customer service and billing expenses were $286,754 and $285,502, respectively, an increase of less than 1%, or $1,252, but decreased as a percentage of total revenue. For both the three and nine month periods, customer service and billing expense reflected lower call center costs due to lower agent rates and lower contact rates, partially offset by increased transaction fees and bad debt expense from a higher subscriber base.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, satellite and transmission expenses were $21,378 and $22,224, respectively, a decrease of 4%, or $846, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, satellite and transmission expenses were $61,557 and $80,609, respectively, a decrease of 24%, or $19,052, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decreases for the three and nine month periods were driven by lower wireless costs associated with our connected vehicle services, and lower terrestrial repeater costs as a result of the elimination of duplicative repeater sites; partially offset by increased Internet streaming costs. In addition, the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 included a loss on disposal of certain obsolete satellite parts of $12,912, recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2016.
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 and devices, and provisions for inventory allowance attributable to products purchased for resale in our direct to consumer distribution channels.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, cost of equipment was $8,254 and $9,674, respectively, a decrease of 15%, or $1,420, and decreased as a percentage of equipment revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, cost of equipment was $24,537 and $29,181, respectively, a decrease of 16%, or $4,644,

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and decreased as a percentage of equipment revenue. The decreases were primarily due to lower sales to distributors and consumers, partially offset by the incremental costs associated with the sale of connected vehicle devices since the acquisition of Automatic.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, subscriber acquisition costs were $119,555 and $120,111, respectively, a decrease of less than 1%, or $556, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, subscriber acquisition costs were $372,197 and $381,516, respectively, a decrease of 2%, or $9,319, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decreases were 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. The three month period ended September 30, 2016 benefited from a one-time true-up from a contractual reduction to a subsidy rate.
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 acquire subscribers.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, sales and marketing expenses were $114,519 and $99,194, respectively, an increase of 15%, or $15,325, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, sales and marketing expenses were $318,135 and $279,278, respectively, an increase of 14%, or $38,857, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increases were primarily due to additional subscriber communications, retention programs and acquisition campaigns, as well as higher personnel-related costs; partially offset by the timing of OEM marketing campaigns.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, engineering, design and development expenses were $29,433 and $19,254, respectively, an increase of 53%, or $10,179, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, engineering, design and development expenses were $81,033 and $57,588, respectively, an increase of 41%, or $23,445, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increases were driven by additional costs associated with the development of our audio and video streaming products and increased development of our connected vehicle services.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, general and administrative expenses were $83,187 and $90,369, respectively, a decrease of 8%, or $7,182, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, general and administrative expenses were $245,995 and $249,052, respectively, a

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decrease of 1%, or $3,057, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decreases were primarily driven by lower legal costs due to insurance recoveries recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2017, lower consulting costs, and lower rent expense.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, depreciation and amortization expense was $79,913 and $67,880, respectively, an increase of 18%, or $12,033, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, depreciation and amortization expense was $230,136 and $202,215, respectively, an increase of 14%, or $27,921, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increases were driven by acceleration of amortization related to a shorter useful life of certain software as well as additional assets placed in-service.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Expense includes interest on outstanding debt.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, interest expense was $92,634 and $89,092, respectively, an increase of 4%, or $3,542. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, interest expense was $257,085 and $250,888, respectively, an increase of 2%, or $6,197. The increases were primarily due to higher average debt during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, includes losses incurred as a result of the redemption of certain debt.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, loss on extinguishment of debt, net, was $43,679 and $0, respectively. We recorded losses on extinguishment of debt during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to the redemption of our 4.25% Senior Notes due 2020, 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2022. There was no loss on extinguishment of debt during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017, other income was $86,971 and $83,897, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded an unrealized gain of $68,650 from a fair value adjustment of our investment in Pandora, interest earned on our loan to Sirius XM Canada, dividends accrued from Pandora, and our share of Sirius XM Canada's net income or loss, partially offset by transaction costs associated with our investment in Pandora. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, other income was $2,370 driven by our share of Sirius XM Canada's net income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, other income was $15,733 driven by our share of Sirius XM Canada’s net income and the dividends received from Sirius XM Canada in excess of our investment.
Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense includes the change in our deferred tax assets, foreign withholding taxes and current federal and state tax expenses.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, income tax expense was $108,901 and $111,556, respectively, and $342,387 and $326,108 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 28.3% and 36.5%, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 33.3% and 37.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was impacted by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation and a benefit related to a federal tax credit under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 for research and development activities. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was impacted by the recognition of tax shortfalls related to stock compensation. Our adjusted effective tax rate for the year ending December 31, 2017 is anticipated to be approximately 34%.

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Key Financial and Operating Performance Metrics
In this section, we present certain financial performance measures that 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 and free cash flow metrics exclude 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 contractual 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 September 30, 2017 compared to September 30, 2016:

As of September 30,
 
2017 vs 2016 Change

2017

2016
 
Amount

%
Self-pay subscribers
26,986


25,528

 
1,458


6
 %
Paid promotional subscribers
5,181


5,463

 
(282
)

(5
)%
Ending subscribers
32,167


30,991

 
1,176


4
 %
The following table contains our Non-GAAP financial and operating performance measures which are based on our adjusted results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 vs 2016 Change
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months
 
Nine Months
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017

2016
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Self-pay subscribers
311

 
385

 
1,035


1,240

 
(74
)
 
(19
)%
 
(205
)
 
(17
)%
Paid promotional subscribers
(191
)
 
(39
)
 
(214
)

157

 
(152
)
 
(390
)%
 
(371
)
 
(236
)%
Net additions (a)
119

 
345

 
821


1,397

 
(226
)
 
(66
)%
 
(576
)
 
(41
)%
Daily weighted average number of subscribers
32,029

 
30,776

 
31,717


30,290

 
1,253

 
4
 %
 
1,427

 
5
 %
Average self-pay monthly churn
1.9
%
 
1.9
%
 
1.8
%

1.8
%
 
0
%
 
0
 %
 
0
%
 
0
 %
New vehicle consumer conversion rate
40
%
 
40
%
 
40
%

39
%
 
0
%
 
0
 %
 
1
%
 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARPU
$
13.41

 
$
13.04

 
$
13.19


$
12.83

 
$
0.37

 
3
 %
 
$
0.36

 
3
 %
SAC, per installation
$
30

 
$
28

 
$
30


$
31

 
$
2

 
7
 %
 
$
(1
)
 
(3
)%
Customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber
$
0.92

 
$
0.97

 
$
0.94


$
0.98

 
$
(0.05
)
 
(5
)%
 
$
(0.04
)
 
(4
)%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
550,582

 
$
491,892

 
$
1,574,320


$
1,401,024

 
$
58,690

 
12
 %
 
$
173,296

 
12
 %
Free cash flow
$
433,788

 
$
356,527

 
$
1,099,452


$
1,079,690

 
$
77,261

 
22
 %
 
$
19,762

 
2
 %
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (GAAP)
4,704,571

 
4,919,829

 
4,734,841

 
5,005,133

 
(215,258
)
 
(4
)%
 
(270,292
)
 
(5
)%
(a)
Amounts may not sum as a result of rounding.
Subscribers. At September 30, 2017, we had approximately 32.2 million subscribers, an increase of 1.2 million subscribers, or 4%, from the approximately 31.0 million subscribers as of September 30, 2016. 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 282 thousand decrease in paid promotional subscribers. The increase in self-pay subscribers is primarily from original and subsequent owner trial conversions and subscriber win back programs, partially offset by deactivations.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, net additions were 119 thousand and 345 thousand, respectively, a decrease of 66%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, net additions were 821 thousand and 1,397 thousand, respectively, a decrease of 41%. The decline in paid promotional net additions was due to paid promotional subscription ends out-pacing paid promotional subscription starts as a result of lower shipments from automakers offering paid promotional subscriptions. Self-pay net additions declined due to higher vehicle turnover of our subscriber base mitigated by growth in gross additions.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, our average self-pay monthly churn rate was 1.9%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our average self-pay monthly churn rate was 1.8%.

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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.)
For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our new vehicle consumer conversion rate was 40%.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our new vehicle consumer conversion rate was 40% and 39%, respectively.  The increase in new vehicle consumer conversion rate for the nine month period was driven by improvements in conversion of paid 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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, ARPU was $13.41 and $13.04, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, ARPU was $13.19 and $12.83, respectively. The increases were driven primarily by increases in certain of our subscription rates in 2016, partially offset by 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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, SAC, per installation, was $30 and $28, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, SAC, per installation, was $30 and $31, respectively. The three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 benefited from a contractual reduction to a subsidy rate. Adjusted for this one-time benefit, the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased primarily driven by our transition to a new generation of chipsets.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber, was $0.92 and $0.97, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber, was $0.94 and $0.98, respectively. The decreases were primarily related to lower call center costs due to lower contact rates and lower agent rates, partially offset by higher transaction fees.
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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, adjusted EBITDA was $550,582 and $491,892, respectively, an increase of 12%, or $58,690.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, adjusted EBITDA was $1,574,320 and $1,401,024, respectively, an increase of 12%, or $173,296. The increases were due to growth in revenues primarily as 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 general and administrative costs. These increases were partially offset by higher revenue share and royalty costs due to growth in our revenues and royalty rates, programming and content, sales and marketing and engineering, design and development 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 September 30, 2017 and 2016, free cash flow was $433,788 and $356,527, respectively, an increase of $77,261, or 22%.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, free cash flow was $1,099,452 and $1,079,690, respectively, an increase of $19,762, or 2%. The increase for the three month period was driven by higher net cash provided by operating activities resulting from improved operating performance, partially offset by an increase in additions to property and equipment resulting from new satellite construction, and timing of interest

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payments. The increase for the nine month period was driven by higher net cash provided by operating activities resulting from improved operating performance; partially offset by an increase in additions to property and equipment resulting from new satellite construction and a payment of a legal settlement during the first quarter of 2017 and timing of interest payments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
The following table presents a summary of our cash flow activity for the periods set forth below:
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 

 
2017
 
2016
 
2017 vs 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,313,764

 
$
1,216,104

 
$
97,660

Net cash used in investing activities
(1,065,047
)
 
(136,414
)
 
(928,633
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(389,103
)
 
(619,146
)
 
230,043

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(140,386
)
 
460,544

 
(600,930
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
213,939

 
111,838

 
102,101

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
73,553

 
$
572,382

 
$
(498,829
)
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $97,660 to $1,313,764 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $1,216,104 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was driven by improved operating performance, partially offset by the timing of interest payments and a payment for a legal settlement.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 were primarily due to our investment in Pandora of $480,000, loans to related parties of $130,794, payments to acquire additional ownership in related parties (inclusive of transaction costs) of $132,205, the acquisition of Automatic for $107,736 (net of cash and restricted cash acquired), and additional spending of $78,852 to construct replacement satellites, improve our terrestrial repeater network, and for capitalized software.  In 2016, our cash flows used in investing activities were primarily due to additional spending to improve our terrestrial repeater network and for capitalized software.
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 and the payment of cash dividends.  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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 were primarily due to the redemption of $1,500,000 aggregate principal amount of then-outstanding notes, the purchase and retirement for $996,263 of shares of our common stock under our repurchase program, the payment of cash dividends of $139,854, and net repayments of $100,000 under the Credit Facility. Cash flows provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were primarily due to the issuance of $2,500,000 aggregate principal amount of notes. Cash flows used in financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were primarily due to the purchase and retirement for $1,225,284 of shares of our common stock under our repurchase program, partially offset by net borrowings of $638,393.

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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 September 30, 2017, $1,460,000 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.
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 September 30, 2017, our board of directors had authorized for repurchase an aggregate of $10,000,000 of our common stock.  As of September 30, 2017, our cumulative repurchases since December 2012 under our stock repurchase program totaled 2,397,932 shares for $8,960,948, and $1,039,052 remained available under our stock repurchase program.
On October 3, 2017, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.011 per share of common stock payable on November 30, 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 9, 2017. 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 September 30, 2017, 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 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 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 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 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, 2016. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2016.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which amended the effective date of this ASU to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. In 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance which clarified principal versus agent considerations, identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing. In addition, the FASB issued guidance regarding practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to the guidance on transition, collectibility, non-cash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. We currently plan to adopt this ASU under the modified retrospective method.
We have completed our evaluation of the impact this ASU will have on our primary revenue streams.  Based on our assessment of the impact of implementing this ASU on January 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective method, the most significant impact of the ASU relates to the classification of Revenue share and certain subsidy payments made to automakers associated with a paid promotional subscription.  Under the new standard, these payments associated with a paid promotional subscription will be treated as a reduction to the transaction price rather than as an expense as classified under ASC 605.  We expect this change to reduce Subscription revenue by less than 3% upon adoption along with a corresponding reduction to Revenue share and royalties and Subscriber acquisition costs, and as a result, we do not expect this change to have an impact to our Net income, or our key financial performance metrics, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. We expect this change will impact certain of our operating performance metrics, specifically a reduction in ARPU by less than 3% and to a lesser extent SAC, Per Installation. Additionally, within our consolidated balance sheets, upon adoption, the amount of revenue share and certain subsidy payments made to automakers associated with a paid promotional subscription will be classified as a liability separate from deferred revenue.
The adoption of this ASU will also have an impact to the timing of recognition of certain other ancillary revenue and expense streams, which we do not expect to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements or our key financial or operating performance metrics.
We expect to complete our implementation process, which includes the necessary changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure, prior to the adoption of this ASU on January 1, 2018.
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 one of the primary Non-GAAP financial measures we use to (i) evaluate the performance of our on-going core operating results period over period, (ii) base our internal budgets and (iii) compensate management. 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. Because 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.

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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 September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income:
$
275,722

 
$
193,901

 
$
684,904


$
541,306

Add back items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
 
 





Purchase price accounting adjustments:
 
 
 
 





Revenues
1,813

 
1,813

 
5,438


5,438

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

 
12,912

Share-based payment expense
34,891

 
30,020

 
94,588


77,890

Depreciation and amortization
79,913

 
67,880

 
230,136


202,215

Interest expense
92,634

 
89,092

 
257,085


250,888

Loss on extinguishment of debt
43,679

 

 
43,679

 

Other income
(86,971
)
 
(2,370
)
 
(83,897
)

(15,733
)
Income tax expense
108,901

 
111,556

 
342,387


326,108

Adjusted EBITDA
$
550,582

 
$
491,892

 
$
1,574,320


$
1,401,024

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.  ARPU is calculated as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Subscriber revenue, excluding connected vehicle services
$
1,115,383

 
$
1,048,033

 
$
3,263,793


$
3,044,438

Add: advertising revenue
41,462

 
34,268

 
117,656


99,330

Add: other subscription-related revenue
131,831

 
122,013

 
384,478


353,606

 
$
1,288,676

 
$
1,204,314

 
$
3,765,927

 
$
3,497,374

Daily weighted average number of subscribers
32,029

 
30,776

 
31,717


30,290

ARPU
$
13.41

 
$
13.04

 
$
13.19


$
12.83

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.

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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 September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Customer service and billing expenses, excluding connected vehicle services
$
89,463

 
$
90,582

 
$
271,971

 
$
270,964

Less: share-based payment expense
(1,171
)
 
(1,069
)
 
(3,211
)
 
(2,694
)

$
88,292

 
$
89,513

 
$
268,760

 
$
268,270

Daily weighted average number of subscribers
32,029

 
30,776

 
31,717

 
30,290

Customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber
$
0.92

 
$
0.97

 
$
0.94

 
$
0.98

Free cash flow - is derived from cash flow provided by operating activities, net of additions to property and equipment, restricted and other investment activity and the return of capital from investment in unconsolidated entity. 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 loans to 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 consolidated statements of cash flows, adjusted for any significant legal settlements. 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 September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Cash Flow information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
521,228

 
$
421,816

 
$
1,313,764

 
$
1,216,104

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(397,367
)
 
$
(65,289
)
 
$
(1,065,047
)
 
$
(136,414
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(93,046
)
 
$
(260,598
)
 
$
(389,103
)
 
$
(619,146
)
Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
521,228

 
$
421,816

 
$
1,313,764

 
$
1,216,104

Additions to property and equipment
(87,200
)
 
(65,074
)
 
(206,717
)
 
(132,246
)
Purchases of restricted and other investments
(240
)
 
(215
)
 
(7,595
)
 
(4,168
)
Free cash flow
$
433,788

 
$
356,527

 
$
1,099,452

 
$
1,079,690

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

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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 trial service 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.  SAC, per installation, is calculated as follows:

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Subscriber acquisition costs, excluding connected vehicle services
$
119,544

 
$
120,111

 
$
372,186

 
$
381,516

Less: margin from sales of radios and accessories, excluding connected vehicle services
(23,862
)
 
(21,632
)
 
(66,893
)
 
(57,104
)

$
95,682

 
$
98,479

 
$
305,293

 
$
324,412

Installations
3,221

 
3,498

 
10,167

 
10,404

SAC, per installation
$
30

 
$
28

 
$
30

 
$
31

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISKS
As of September 30, 2017, 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 September 30, 2017, we also held the following investments:
Pandora Media, Inc. ("Pandora") Series A Preferred Stock, which we have elected to account for this investment under the fair value option. As of September 30, 2017, the fair value of this investment was $552.2 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 September 30, 2017, the value of this investment would have been approximately $23.7 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 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 September 30, 2017 was $141.2 million and approximates its fair value. As the loan is denominated in Canadian dollars it is subject to changes in foreign currency. Had the Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate been 10% lower as of September 30, 2017, the value of this loan would have been approximately $14.1 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

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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.

As of September 30, 2017, 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 September 30, 2017.
    
There has been no 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 September 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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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 those discussed below.

SoundExchange Royalty Claims. In August 2013, SoundExchange, Inc. filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia 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 applicable to royalties by improperly deducting revenue attributable to pre-1972 recordings and Premier package revenue that is 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. 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.”

Rulings by the Copyright Royalty Board, including its September 11, 2017 ruling, are subject to limited legal review by the Register of Copyrights. Following a review by the Register of Copyrights and publication in the Federal Register, we expect that the ultimate ruling by the Copyright Royalty Board in this matter will be transmitted back to the District Court for further proceedings, such as adjudication claims relating to damages and defenses. We believe we have substantial defenses to SoundExchange claims that can be asserted, including in proceedings in the District Court, and will continue to defend this action vigorously.

This matter is titled SoundExchange, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., No.13-cv-1290-RJL (D.D.C.), and 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 the action is publicly available in filings under the docket numbers. This matter is not related to certain claims under state law brought by owners of pre-1972 recording copyrights arising out of our use and performance of those recordings.

At December 31, 2016, we concluded that a loss, in excess of our recorded liabilities, was reasonably possible in connection with the SoundExchange royalty claims. At September 30, 2017, the estimable portion of such possible loss ranged from $0 to $85 million, plus any related interest or late fees. Based on our defenses, such a loss is not considered probable at this time and no liability for such additional loss has been recorded. The matters underlying this estimated range and the estimable portion of reasonably possible losses may change from time to time and the actual possible loss may vary from this estimate.

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 1, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
As of September 30, 2017, our board of directors had authorized for repurchase an aggregate of $10.0 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 September 30, 2017, our cumulative repurchases since December 2012 under our stock repurchase program totaled 2.4 billion shares for $9.0 billion, and $1.0 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 September 30, 2017:
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)
July 1, 2017 - July 31, 2017
 
14,252,939

 
$
5.42

 
14,252,939

 
$
1,173,207,778

August 1, 2017 - August 31, 2017
 
3,039,163

 
$
5.55

 
3,039,163

 
$
1,156,336,225

September 1, 2017 - September 30, 2017
 
21,321,097

 
$
5.50

 
21,321,097

 
$
1,039,052,453

Total
 
38,613,199

 
$
5.48

 
38,613,199

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

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On May 25, 2017, in connection with the recapitalization of Sirius XM Canada, we issued 35 million shares of our common stock to the holders of the shares of Sirius XM Canada acquired in the transaction. The issuance of such shares of common stock was not registered under the Securities Act, because the shares were offered and sold in an exchange of securities exempt from the registration under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act.

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.1
 
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016; (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (Unaudited); (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
 ____________________

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 October 2017.

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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