Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

13.    Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

Capital Stock and Additional Paid-In Capital

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the following capital stock: (i) 1,600,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; (ii) 800,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share; (iii) 800,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share; and (iv) 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no outstanding shares of Class C common stock or preferred stock.

The Class A, Class B and Class C common stock are equivalent except for voting rights.  Holders of Class A and Class C common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share.  Each share of Class B and Class C common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A common stock.  Our Class A common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “DISH.”  Upon a change in control of DISH Network, each holder of outstanding shares of Class C common stock is entitled to 10 votes for each share of Class C common stock held.  Our principal stockholder owns the majority of all outstanding Class B common stock.  Together with all other stockholders, he also owns outstanding Class A common stock.

Common Stock Repurchase Program

Our Board of Directors previously authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A common stock.  On November 5, 2013, our Board of Directors extended this authorization such that we are currently authorized to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock through and including December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, we may repurchase up to $1.0 billion under this plan.  During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were no repurchases of our Class A common stock.

Cash Dividend

On December 28, 2012, we paid a cash dividend of $1.00 per share, or approximately $453 million, on our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2012.

On December 1, 2011, we paid a cash dividend of $2.00 per share, or approximately $893 million, on our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2011.