Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements prepared under GAAP. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Our results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries, investments in entities in which we have controlling influence and variable interest entities where we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary. Minority interests are recorded as noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling interests. See below for further information. Non-consolidated investments are accounted for using the equity method when we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. When we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of an investee, the cost method is used. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

On February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries completed the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) that was previously entered into on January 31, 2017 (the “Share Exchange”). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, among other things, EchoStar transferred to us certain assets and liabilities of the EchoStar technologies and EchoStar broadcasting businesses, consisting primarily of the businesses that design, develop and distribute digital set-top boxes, provide satellite uplinking services and develop and support streaming video technology, as well as certain investments in joint ventures, spectrum licenses, real estate properties and EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest in Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (the “Transferred Businesses”), and in exchange, we transferred to EchoStar the 6,290,499 shares of preferred tracking stock issued by EchoStar (the “EchoStar Tracking Stock”) and 81.128 shares of preferred tracking stock issued by Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of EchoStar (the “HSSC Tracking Stock,” and together with the EchoStar Tracking Stock, collectively, the “Tracking Stock”), that tracked the residential retail satellite broadband business of Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”). In connection with the Share Exchange, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries entered into certain agreements covering, among other things, tax matters, employee matters, intellectual property matters and the provision of transitional services. See Note 11 for further information.

As the Share Exchange was a transaction between entities that are under common control, accounting rules require that our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the results of the Transferred Businesses for all periods presented, including periods prior to the completion of the Share Exchange. We initially recorded the Transferred Businesses at EchoStar’s historical cost basis. The difference between the historical cost basis of the Transferred Businesses and the net carrying value of the Tracking Stock is recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The results of the Transferred Businesses were prepared from separate records maintained by EchoStar for the periods prior to March 1, 2017, and may not necessarily be indicative of the conditions that would have existed, or the results of operations, if the Transferred Businesses had been operated on a combined basis with our subsidiaries. The primary impacts to our financial statement presentation are as follows:

Our investments in the EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSSC Tracking Stock are no longer included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The assets and liabilities of the Transferred Businesses are recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the results of operations of the Transferred Businesses, including sales of set-top boxes to third parties, are recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Sling TV Holding L.L.C., in which EchoStar held a 10% non-voting interest prior to the Share Exchange, is accounted for as though it was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of us.

Intercompany transactions between the Transferred Businesses and us, including, among others, the sale of set-top boxes and broadcast services from EchoStar to us, have been eliminated to the extent possible, including the margin EchoStar received on those sales.

Our subsequent annual and quarterly financial statements will include the results of the Transferred Businesses as described above for all periods presented in those financial statements, including periods prior to the completion of the Share Exchange. The table below includes unaudited supplemental pro forma information for revenue and net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as if the results of the Transferred Businesses were included for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively:



		DISH DBS (as previously reported)		Adjustments Relating to the Transferred Businesses		DISH DBS (as currently reported)
				(In thousands)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Total revenue	$	3,632,115	$	21,659	$	3,653,774
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	177,114	$	11,027	$	188,141

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:
Total revenue	$	11,023,684	$	90,018	$	11,113,702
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	702,742	$	35,266	$	738,008

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016:
Total revenue	$	14,637,043	$	118,896	$	14,755,939
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	916,528	$	48,086	$	964,614

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for doubtful accounts, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of options granted under our stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, fair value of multi-element arrangements, capital leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, independent third-party retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives. Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.

Marketable Investment Securities

We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except for investments which we account for as trading securities, discussed below. We adjust the carrying amount of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Declines in the fair value of a marketable investment security which are determined to be “other-than-temporary” are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. Our trading securities are also carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at amortized cost less impairment losses, if any. The costs of satellites under construction, including interest and certain amounts prepaid under our satellite service agreements, are capitalized during the construction phase, assuming the eventual successful launch and in-orbit operation of the satellite. If a satellite were to fail during launch or while in-orbit, the resultant loss would be charged to expense in the period such loss was incurred. The amount of any such loss would be reduced to the extent of insurance proceeds estimated to be received, if any. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from one to 40 years. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Renewals and improvements that add value or extend the asset’s useful life are capitalized. Costs related to the procurement and development of software for internal-use are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software.

Cost of Sales – Equipment and Other

Costs include the cost of non-subsidized sales of DBS accessories and the cost of sales of digital receivers and related components to third-party pay-TV providers, both of which include freight and royalties. Costs are generally recognized as products are delivered to customers and the related revenue is recognized.

Fair Value Measurements

We determine fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Market or observable inputs are the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. We apply the following hierarchy in determining fair value:

Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;

Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; and quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other participants therefore requiring assumptions based on the best information available.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) and current liabilities (excluding the “Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations”) was equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates. See Note 4 for the fair value of our marketable investment securities.

Fair values for our publicly traded debt securities are based on quoted market prices, when available. The fair values of private debt are based on, among other things, available trade information, and/or an analysis in which we evaluate market conditions, related securities, various public and private offerings, and other publicly available information. In performing this analysis, we make various assumptions regarding, among other things, credit spreads, and the impact of these factors on the value of the debt securities. See Note 7 for the fair value of our long-term debt.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when an arrangement exists, prices are determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and the goods or services have been delivered.

Revenue from our Pay-TV services is recognized when programming is broadcast to subscribers. Payments received from Pay-TV subscribers in advance of the broadcast or service period are recorded as “Deferred revenue and other” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until earned. Revenue from equipment sales generally is recognized upon shipment to customers.

For certain of our promotions, subscribers are charged an upfront fee. A portion of these fees may be deferred and recognized over the estimated subscriber life for new subscribers or the estimated remaining life for existing subscribers ranging from four to five years. Revenue from advertising sales is recognized when the related services are performed.

Subscriber fees for DISH branded pay-TV equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including fees for DVRs, additional outlet fees, advertising services and fees earned from our in-home service operations are recognized as revenue as earned. Generally, revenue from equipment sales, equipment upgrades and sales of streaming-capable devices for our Sling branded pay-TV services are recognized upon shipment to customers.

Certain of our existing and new subscriber promotions include programming discounts. Programming revenues are recorded as earned at the discounted monthly rate charged to the subscriber.

We offer our customers the opportunity to download movies for a specific viewing period or permanently purchase a movie from our website. We recognize revenue when the movie is successfully downloaded by the customer, which, based on our current technology, occurs at the time the customer plays the movie for the first time.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $8 million and $10 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Research and development costs totaled $24 million and $34 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), and has modified the standard thereafter. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral on the effective date for implementation of this standard, which changed the effective date for us to January 1, 2018. This converged standard on revenue recognition was issued jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board to create common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2014-09 provides a framework for revenue recognition that replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption, and we plan on using the modified retrospective method. We are currently finalizing our accounting policies under ASU 2014-09. While we have not determined the ultimate impact of the standard on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, we believe the most significant impact to us is that the standard will require that incremental costs to obtain a customer, which represent a significant portion of our non-advertising subscriber acquisition costs, be deferred and recognized over a period of time, whereas our current policy is to expense these costs as incurred. Note that where the expected amortization period is less than a year, we plan to use the practical expedient which permits expensing of these costs. From a revenue perspective, for substantially all of our residential video customers under a contract, we have concluded that the contract term under ASC 2014-09 is one month. Accordingly, while there will be changes in the way certain upfront fees and other items are recognized, we do not believe at this time there will be a material change to our revenue recognition model for our residential video customers. We are currently in the process of identifying and implementing changes to our systems, processes, and internal controls to meet the requirements of the standard. The ultimate impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 for both revenue recognition and costs to obtain and fulfill contracts will depend on the promotions and offers in place during the period leading up to and after the adoption of ASU 2014-09.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This amendment requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The ultimate impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 will depend on the materiality of equity investments we hold and fluctuations in the fair value of those investments.

Leases. On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), which relates to the accounting of leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the way entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net earnings. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Statement of Cash Flows – Update. On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). This update consists of eight provisions that provide guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. If practicable, this update should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. For the provisions that are impracticable to apply retrospectively, those provisions may be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. This update will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We expect that the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have an immaterial impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. On November 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”), which addresses the diversity where changes in restricted cash are classified on the cash flow statement. ASU 2016-18 requires that changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts on the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We expect that the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have an immaterial impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.