Use these links to rapidly review the document

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART IV
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table of Contents



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

ý


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

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

OR

o


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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                        TO                         .
(Mark One)

ýANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                 TO                 .
Commission file number: 001-33807

EchoStar Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada
26-1232727
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 26-1232727
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado
80112-5308
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 

80112-5308
(Zip Code)

Registrant's

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(303) 706-4000

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

Title of each className of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, $0.001 par value The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o No ý

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 ý  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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý  No  o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant'sregistrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  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“large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer"” “accelerated filer” and "smaller“smaller reporting company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filerýx
 
Accelerated filero
 
Non-accelerated filero
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a
smaller
reporting company)
 Smaller reporting companyo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No ý

As of June 30, 2014,2016, the aggregate market value of Class A common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $2.29$1.80 billion based upon the closing price of the Class A common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market as of the close of business on that date.

As of February 13, 2015,15, 2017, the registrant'sregistrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 44,109,04546,907,032 shares of Class A common stock and 47,687,039 shares of Class B common stock, each $0.001 par value.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following documents are incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference:

Portions of the registrant'sregistrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

Disclosure Regarding Forward Looking Statements

i
  
 

PART I

 

Item 1.

1

Business

  
 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

  18

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

37

Item 2.

Properties

38

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

39

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

39

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant'sRegistrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Item 7.

Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

  
 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

  78

Item 9B.

Other Information

79

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

  
 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

Signatures

89

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements





DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS


This Annual Report on Form 10-K ("(“Form 10-K"10-K”) contains "forward-looking statements"“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to statements about our estimates, expectations, plans, objectives, strategies, and financial condition, expected impact of regulatory developments and legal proceedings, opportunities in our industries and businesses and other trends and projections for the next fiscal quarter and beyond. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may also be identified by words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "predict," "continue," "future," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may"“anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “predict,” “continue,” “future,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may” and similar terms.  These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this Form 10-K and represent management'smanagement’s current views and assumptions.  Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve potential known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control and may pose a risk to our operating and financial condition.  Accordingly, actual performance, events or results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors including, but not limited to:

our reliance on our primary customer, DISH Network Corporation ("and its subsidiaries (“DISH Network"Network”), for a significant portion of our revenue;

the impact of variable demand and the adverse pricing environment for digital set-top boxes;

dependence on
our ability to successfully manufactureimplement our strategic initiatives;
risks and sell our digital set-top boxes in increasing volumes on a cost-effective basis anduncertainties associated with acceptable quality;

our ability to bring advanced technologies to market to keep pacethe pending Share Exchange with our competitors;

DISH Network (as described below);
significant risks related to the construction, launch and operation of our satellites, such as the risk of material malfunction on one or more of our satellites, risks resulting from delays or failures of launches of our satellites and potentially missing our regulatory milestones, changes in the space weather environment that could interfere with the operation of our satellites, and our general lack of commercial insurance coverage on our satellites;

the
our failure to adequately anticipate the need for satellite capacity or the inability to obtain satellite capacity for our Hughes segment; and

the failure of third-party providers of components, manufacturing, installation services and customer support services to appropriately deliver the contracted goods or services.

services;

our ability to bring advanced technologies to market to keep pace with our customers and competitors;
risk related to our foreign operations and other uncertainties associated with doing business internationally, including changes in foreign exchange rates between foreign currencies and the United States dollar, economic instability and political disturbances;
the impact of variable demand and the adverse pricing and regulatory environment for digital set-top boxes; and
dependence on our ability to successfully manufacture and sell our digital set-top boxes in increasing volumes on a cost-effective basis and with acceptable quality.
Other factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7. Management's— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Form 10-K and those discussed in other documents we file with the SEC.

Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

All cautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. Investors should consider the risks and uncertainties described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We do not undertake, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements, to reflect the occurrencewhether as a result of anticipated or unanticipatednew information, future events or circumstances after the date of such statements,otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws.

law.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any forward-looking statements. We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in any documents we file with the SEC.

Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein or in any documents we file with the SEC occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

i



PART I

Item 1.    BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

EchoStar Corporation (which, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to as "EchoStar,"“EchoStar,” the "Company," "we," "us"“Company,” “we,” “us” and/or "our"“our”) is a holding company that was organized in October 2007 as a corporation under the laws of the State of Nevada. We are a global provider of satellite service operations, video delivery solutions, digital set-top boxes, and broadband satellite technologies and broadband services for home and small office deliveringcustomers. We deliver innovative network technologies, managed services, and various communications solutions for enterprisesenterprise and governments.government customers. Our Class A common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market ("Nasdaq"(“Nasdaq”) under the symbol "SATS."

“SATS.”


We currently operate in the following three business segments.

    segments:
Hughes — which provides broadband satellite technologies and broadband services to home and small office customers and network technologies, managed services and communication solutions to domestic and international consumers and enterprise and government customers. The Hughes segment also provides managed services, hardware, and satellite services to large enterprises and government customers, and designs, provides and installs gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems. In addition, our Hughes segment provides satellite ground segment systems and terminals to mobile system operators.
EchoStar Technologies — which designs, develops and distributes secure end-to-end video technology solutions including digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers and telecommunication companies. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries (“DISH Network”) and Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Dish Mexico”), a joint venture we entered into in 2008. In addition, we provide our TV Anywhere technology through Slingbox® units directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the pay-TV operator market. Beginning in 2015, this segment also includes our over-the-top (“OTT”), Streaming Video on Demand (“SVOD”) platform business, which primarily provides support services to DISH Network’s Sling TVTM service (“Sling TV”).
EchoStar Satellite Services (“ESS”) — which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to provide satellite service operations and video delivery solutions on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, United States (“U.S.”) government service providers, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers. We also manage satellite operations for several satellites owned by third parties.
Following consummation of the Share Exchange described below under “Pending Share Exchange,” we will no longer operate the EchoStar Technologies ("ETC")—which designs, develops and distributes digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers, telecommunication companies and international cable companies. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries ("DISH Network"). In addition, we provide our Slingboxes directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as the payTV operator market via our partnership with Arris Group, Inc. ("Arris").

Hughes—which provides satellite broadband internet access to North American consumers and broadband network services and equipment to domestic and international enterprise markets. The Hughes segment also provides managed services to large enterprises and solutions to customers for mobile satellite systems.

EchoStar Satellite Services ("ESS")—which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to provide satellite services on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("Dish Mexico"), a joint venture we entered into in 2008, United States ("U.S.") government service providers, state agencies, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers.

business segment.


Our operations also include real estate and other activities that have not been assigned to our operating segments, including costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments, and our centralized treasury operations, including income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt.

In 2008, DISH Network completed its distribution to us of its digital set-top box business, certain infrastructure, and other assets and related liabilities, including certain of theirits satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, and real estate (the "Spin-off"“Spin-off”). Since the Spin-off, EchoStar and DISH Network have operated as separate publicly-traded companies. However, as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, described in Note 24 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report, DISH Network owns sharespreferred tracking stock in EchoStar Corporation and one of our and our subsidiary's preferred tracking stocksubsidiaries representing an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment. The tracking stock is an equity security and the rights of DISH Network, as the holder of the tracking stock, in our assets are subject to the claims of our creditors. In addition, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of EchoStar and DISH Network and EchoStar is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.



PENDING SHARE EXCHANGE

On January 31, 2017, EchoStar and certain subsidiaries of EchoStar entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) among DISH Network Corporation (“DISH”), DISH Network L.L.C., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of DISH (“DNLLC”), DISH Operating L.L.C., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of DNLLC (“DOLLC” and, collectively with DISH and DNLLC, the “DISH Parties”), EchoStar, EchoStar Broadcasting Holding Parent L.L.C., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar’s subsidiary Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“EB LLC”), EchoStar Broadcasting Holding Corporation, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of EB LLC (“EB Corp”), EchoStar Technologies Holding Corporation, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar (“ET Corp”), and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar.

Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, among other things: (i) EchoStar will receive all of the shares of EchoStar Tracking Stock (as defined below) owned by DNLLC in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of ET Corp, which will hold that portion of the EchoStar Technologies business segment of EchoStar that (a) designs, develops and distributes secure end-to-end video technology solutions including digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers and telecommunication companies, (b) provides TV Anywhere technology through Slingbox® units directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the pay-TV operator market, and (c) includes our over-the-top, Streaming Video on Demand platform business, which includes assets acquired from Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (formerly DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) and primarily provides support services to DISH’s Sling TV™ operations, and (ii) EB LLC will receive all of the shares of HSS Tracking Stock (as defined below) owned by DOLLC in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of EB Corp, which will hold EchoStar’s business of providing online video delivery and satellite video delivery for broadcasters and pay-TV operators, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management and other services ((i) and (ii) collectively, the “Share Exchange”). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, EchoStar will also transfer certain assets, investments in joint ventures, spectrum licenses and real estate properties and the DISH Parties will assume certain liabilities relating to the transferring assets and businesses. In 2011, we completedconnection with the acquisitionShare Exchange, EchoStar and DISH Network and certain of Hughes Communications, Inc.their subsidiaries will enter into certain customary agreements covering, among other things, matters relating to taxes, employees, intellectual property and the provision of transitional services. The Share Exchange has been structured in a manner to be a tax-free exchange for each of EchoStar and DISH.

In March 2014, EchoStar
and its subsidiariessubsidiary Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSS”) each issued shares of preferred stock (the “EchoStar Tracking Stock” and related financing transactions ("“HSS Tracking Stock,” respectively, and together, the “Tracking Stock”) to DNLLC and DOLLC, respectively. The Tracking Stock tracks the economic performance of the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes Acquisition"segment, including certain operations, assets and liabilities attributed to such business (collectively, the “Hughes Retail Group” or “HRG”), and represents in the aggregate an 80.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group (the EchoStar Tracking Stock representing a 51.89% and the HSS Tracking Stock representing a 28.11% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, respectively).

Following the closing of the Share Exchange, the Tracking Stock will be retired and all agreements, arrangements and policy statements with respect to, and terms of, the Tracking Stock will terminate and be of no further effect. For more information regarding the Tracking Stock, see Note 4
in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.


The Share Exchange is expected to be consummated three business days after the satisfaction or waiver of all of the closing conditions to the transaction (other than conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction of those conditions at such time), but no earlier than February 28, 2017. The Share Exchange Agreement provides for customary termination rights of EchoStar and DISH, including the right of either party to terminate the Share Exchange Agreement if the Share Exchange has not closed by March 31, 2017. The closing conditions to the transaction involving third parties or governmental approvals have been satisfied (other than those that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing).  While we currently expect the Share Exchange to be consummated on or about February 28, 2017, no assurance can be given that the Share Exchange will be consummated on the terms or within the time frame disclosed, or at all.

See “Risks Related to the Pending Share Exchange” in Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For more information regarding the Share Exchange, see Note 20 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report and our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 31, 2017.


Table of Contents

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

Capitalize on demand for broadband services.services.  We intend to capitalize on the global demand for satellite-delivered broadband services and enterprise solutions by utilizing, among other things, our industry expertise, technology leadership, increased satellite capacity, access to spectrum resources, and high-quality, reliable service to continuedrive growth in consumer subscribers and the enterprise market.

customers.

Expand satellite capacity and related infrastructure.    Our  With the launch in December 2016 of the EchoStar XIX satellite and the expected start of service on the satellite late in the first quarter of 2017, we expect to significantly increase our satellite capacity in North America, Mexico and certain Latin American countries and to add capability for aeronautical, enterprise and international broadband services. We expect that our expertise in the identification, acquisition and development of satellite spectrum and orbital rights and satellite operations, together with our increased satellite capacity and existing, acquired or acquireddeveloped infrastructure, will provide opportunities to cross sell services, bundle satellite broadband and video services, and explore opportunities inenter new international markets.  We also believe market opportunities exist that will facilitate the acquisition or leasing of additional satellite capacity which will enable us to provide services to a broader customer base, including providers of pay-TV services, satellite-delivered broadband, corporate communications, and government services.
Continue development of S-band and other hybrid spectrum resources.  We believe we areremain in a unique position to deploy a European wide mobile satellite service ("MSS"(“MSS”)/complementary ground component ("CGC"(“CGC”) network and maximize the long termlong-term value of our S-band spectrum, in Europe and other regions within the scope of our licenses.

  We will also continue to explore development of S-band similar spectrum assets in additional international markets.

Exploit international opportunities.    We believe that direct-to-home ("DTH") satellite and satellite broadband services are particularly well-suited for countries without extensive telecommunications and cable infrastructure. We intend to selectively pursue partnerships, joint ventures and strategic acquisition opportunities that allow us to capitalize on our extensive experience in delivering end-to-end satellite broadband and pay-TV consumer services.

Expand our set-top box and customer premise equipment sales.video delivery expertise.  With our extensive experience in designing, developing, manufacturing and distributing digital set-top boxesoperating video delivery systems for satellite direct-to-home (“DTH”) and related products,internet streaming, we believe we can leverage the broader adoption of advanced technologies such as whole home digital video recorder ("DVR"), placeshifting functionality, hybrid internet offerings and other in-home solutions to create opportunities for us.  Therefore, if the Share Exchange is not consummated, we will continue to explore opportunities, including partnerships, joint ventures and strategic acquisitions, to expand our existing markets or enter new markets.  In addition, if the Share Exchange is not consummated, we intend to seek opportunities to license our technology to other original equipment manufacturers and pay-TV providers.

Develop improved technologies.    Theand new technologies.  Our engineering capabilities of our combined business units providesprovide us with the opportunity to develop and deploy cutting edge technologies, license our technologies to others, and maintain a leading technological position in the industries in which we are active.


BUSINESS SEGMENTS

ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES

HUGHES SEGMENT

Our Products

Digital Set-Top Boxes. and Services

Our EchoStar Technologies segment offers a wide range of digital set-top boxes that allow consumers to watch and control their television programming and contain a variety of other capabilities and functionality. Our current digital set-top boxes include:

    High-definition ("HD") digital set-top boxes.  These devices allow consumers who subscribe to television services from multi-channel video distributors to access the enhanced picture quality and sound of high-definition content, in addition to the standard-definition ("SD") functionality of our SD digital set-top boxes.

    SD digital set-top boxes.  These devices allow consumers who subscribe to television service from multi-channel video distributors to access encrypted digital video and audio content.

Table of Contents

Certain models of our HD digital set-top boxes and SD digital set-top boxes also contain certain of the following advanced capabilities and functionalities:

    Interactive Applications.  Include an on-screen program guide, pay-per-view offerings, video content/meta-data enhancing user applications, social media, games, and shopping.

    Digital Video Recorder ("DVR").  Enables subscribers to pause, stop, reverse, fast forward, record, and replay digital television content using a built-in and/or external hard drive capable of storing content. Our whole-home HD DVR receiver provides subscribers a variety of features that a consumer can use, at his or her option, to control, and/or record programming.

    Broadband Internet Connectivity.  Provides internet protocol television ("IPTV") functionality, which supports on-demand services that allow consumers to download television programming, movies, music, applications, and other content.

    Slingbox "placeshifting" functionality.  Allows a customer, at his or her option, to watch and control their digital television content anywhere in the world via a broadband internet connection.

In addition to digital set-top boxes, we also design and develop related products such as satellite dishes and remote controls. We are also exploring the development of other in-home products and applications.

Digital Broadcast Operations.    We operate a number of digital broadcast centers in the U.S. Our principal digital broadcast centers are located in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Gilbert, Arizona. We also have multiple regional and micro digital broadcast centers that allow us to maximize the use of the spot beam capabilities of our satellites and our customers' satellites. Programming and other data are received at these centers by fiber optic cable or satellite. The data is then processed, compressed, encrypted and then uplinked to our satellites and our customers' satellites for transmission to end-users.

Our Customers

The primary customer of our EchoStar TechnologiesHughes segment is DISH Network. DISH Network accounted for 88.6%, 90.1% and 76.9% of the EchoStar Technologies segment's revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We expect DISH Network will continue to be the primary customer and the key revenue contributor for our EchoStar Technologies segment. See Note 19 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for further discussion of our related party transactions with DISH Network.

We also currently sell our digital set-top boxes to other international DTH satellite and cable providers, including Bell TV, a DTH satellite services provider in Canada, and Dish Mexico. The majority of our EchoStar Technologies segment's international revenue during each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was attributable to sales of digital set-top boxes and accessories to Bell TV and Dish Mexico. In 2012, we amended our pricing agreement with Bell TV, which among other things entitles us to be Bell TV's exclusiveglobal provider of digital set-top boxes, subject to certain limited exceptions,broadband satellite technologies and provides fixed pricing over the term of the agreement as well as providingbroadband services for future engineering developmenthome and small office customers. We deliver network technologies, managed services, equipment, and communications solutions for enhanced Bell TV service offerings. In January 2014, we further amended the agreement, which extended our exclusivity rights under the pricing agreement until December 31, 2015.

Our Competition

The set-top box industry is highly competitive,domestic and market leadership changes frequently as a result of new products, designsinternational consumers and pricing. As we seek to grow our revenueenterprise and market share in the digital


Table of Contents

set-top box industry, we face substantial competition. Many of our primary competitors, such as Arris, Cisco Systems, Inc. ("Cisco"), Pace Micro Technology Plc. ("PACE"), Samsung, and Technicolor S.A. ("Technicolor"), have established longstanding relationships with their customers. In addition, a number of rapidly growing companies have recently entered the market with set-top box offerings similar to our existing satellite set-top box products. The entry of these new competitors may result in increased pricing pressure in the market. We may also face competition from international developers of digital set-top box systems that may be able to develop and manufacture products and services at costs that are substantially lower than our costs. Furthermore, we depend heavily on our ability to successfully bring advanced technologies to the market, including internet delivery of video content and our Slingbox placeshifting functionality, to keep pace with our competitors.

Our use of proprietary technology, together with our in-house engineering expertise, enables us to innovate and bring new features and enhancements quickly to ourgovernment customers. In addition, our end-to-end video solutions allow us to provide a more cost-effective solutionHughes segment provides and installs gateway and terminal equipment and provides satellite ground segment systems and terminals for a pay-TV operator who may have to negotiate hardware, middleware and a conditional accessother satellite systems, including mobile system separately. We have a long-standing relationship with DISH Network and provide them with technologically advanced set-top boxes, including advanced hybrid satellite and internet protocol over-the-top delivery solutions, Slingbox placeshifting functionality, and whole-home DVR features.

Our Manufacturers

Although we design, engineer and distribute digital set-top boxes and related products, we are not directly engaged in the manufacturing process. Rather, we outsource the manufacturing of our digital set-top boxes and related products to third parties who manufacture our products according to specifications supplied by us. We depend on a few manufacturers, and in some cases a single manufacturer, for the production of digital set-top boxes and related products. Although there can be no assurance, we do not believe that the loss of any single manufacturer would materially impact our business. Sanmina-SCI Corporation, Shanghai DD&TT Electronic Enterprise Co., LTD and Jabil Circuit, Inc. currently manufacture the majority of our digital set-top boxes and accessories.

HUGHES SEGMENT

Our Products and Services

operators.

Our Hughes segment uses its two owned satellites, SPACEWAY 3 and EchoStar XVII, and additional satellite capacity acquired from multiple third-party providers, to provideprovides satellite broadband internet access and satellite technologies to North American consumers,home and office costumers, which we refer to as the consumer market, and broadband network technologies, managed services, equipment and equipmentcommunications solutions to domestic and international enterprise markets.and government customers.  Our Hughes segment also provides managed services, equipment and communications solutions to large enterprises and solutions toenterprise customers for mobile satellite systems.  We incorporate advances in technology to reduce costs and to increase the functionality and reliability of our products and services.  Through the usage of advanced spectrally efficient modulation and coding methodologies, proprietary software web acceleration and compression techniques, we continue to improve the efficiency of our networks.  We invest in technologies to enhance our system and network management capabilities, specifically our managed services for enterprises.  We also continue to invest in next generation technologies that can be applied to our future products and services.  BeginningOur consumer revenue growth depends on our success in October 2012,adding new subscribers and driving higher average revenue per subscriber across our wholesale and retail channels. The growth of our enterprise and equipment businesses relies heavily on global economic conditions and the competitive landscape for pricing relative to competitors and alternative technologies.


With the launch in December 2016 and expected start of service of the EchoStar XIX satellite late in the first quarter of 2017, we introducedexpect to increase our subscribers and grow our consumer, enterprise and government revenue.  The addition of new subscribers and the performance of our consumer service offering, primarily drive the revenue growth in our consumer business.  Service costs related to ongoing support of our direct and indirect customers and partners are typically impacted most significantly by our growth.  Long-term trends continue to be influenced primarily by the subscriber growth in our consumer business.
Our Hughes segment currently uses its two owned satellites, the SPACEWAY 3 satellite and the EchoStar XVII satellite, and additional satellite capacity acquired from multiple third-party providers, to provide satellite broadband internet access and communications services to our customers. We currently provide HughesNet Gen4 satellite broadband internet services to our consumer market customers in North America on the EchoStar XVII satellite. In December 2016, we launched our EchoStar XIX satellite, a next-generation, high throughput geostationary satellite, which will provide significant capacity for continued subscriber growth.  The EchoStar XIX satellite employs a multi-spot beam, bent pipe Ka-band architecture and will provide additional capacity for the Hughes broadband services to our customers in North America and added capacity in Mexico and certain Latin American countries and is expected to add capability for aeronautical, enterprise and international broadband services. EchoStar contributed the EchoStar XIX satellite to its Hughes segment in February 2017.
We continue our efforts to grow our consumer satellite services business outside of the U.S. In April 2014, we entered into a satellite services agreement pursuant to which Eutelsat do Brasil provides us Ka-band capacity into Brazil on EchoStar XVII.

the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite for a 15-year term.  That satellite was launched in March 2016 and we began delivering high-speed consumer satellite broadband services in Brazil in July 2016. In September 2015, we entered into satellite services agreements pursuant to which affiliates of Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) will provide to us the Ka-band capacity on a satellite to be located at the 63 degree west longitude orbital location for a 15-year term. We expect the satellite to be launched in the second quarter of 2018 and plan to provide service in additional markets across South America once that capacity is available for commercial use.

Our Customers

Our Hughes segment delivers broadband satellite technologies and broadband internet serviceservices to North American consumers.home and small office customers.  It also providesdelivers network technologies, managed services, hardware, equipment and satellite network productscommunications solutions for domestic and servicesinternational consumers and managed network servicesenterprise and equipment to


Table of Contents

enterprises and broadband service providersgovernment customers worldwide.  In addition, our Hughes segment provides and installs gateway and terminal equipment and provides satellite ground segment systems and terminals tofor other satellite systems, including mobile system operators.

Examples of our enterprise and government customers include lottery agencies, gas station operators and companies with multi-branch networks that rely on satellite or terrestrial networks for critical communication across wide geographies. Most of our enterprise customers have contracts with us for the services they purchase. Developments toward the launch of next-generation satellite systems including low-earth orbit (“LEO”) and geostationary systems could provide additional opportunities to drive the demand for our network equipment and services.

In October 2012, we entered into a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement"“Distribution Agreement”) with dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. ("dishNET"(“dishNET”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, pursuant to which dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the Hughes satellite internet service (the "Hughes service"“Hughes service”) under the dishNET brand.  In February 2014, we amended the Distribution Agreement which, among other things, extended the term of the agreement through March 1, 2024. DISH Network accounted for 8.5%7.7%, 9.3%,7.8% and 2.9%8.5% of our total Hughes segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, respectively.  See Note 19 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for further discussion of our related party transactions with DISH Network.

As of December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, our Hughes segment had approximately 977,000, 860,000,1,036,000, 1,035,000 and 636,000977,000 broadband subscribers, respectively.  These broadband subscribers include customers that subscribe to our HughesNet broadband services through retail, wholesale and small/medium enterprise service channels.

As of December 31, 20142016 and 2013, 2015,our Hughes segment had approximately $1.26$1.52 billion and $1.15and $1.44 billion, respectively, of contracted revenue backlog.  We define Hughes contracted revenue backlog as our expected future revenue under customer contracts that are non-cancelable, excluding agreements with customers in our consumer market. Of the total contracted revenue backlog as of December 31, 2014,2016, we expect to recognize approximately $407.9$436.5 million of revenue in 2015.

2017.

Our Competition

The network communications industry is highly competitive.  As a global provider of data network products and services, our Hughes segment competes with a large number of telecommunications service providers.  This increasingly competitive

environment has put pressure on prices and margins.  To compete effectively, we emphasize our network quality, our customization capability, our offering of networks as a turnkey managed service, our position as a single point of contact for products and services and our competitive prices.

In our consumer market, we compete against traditional telecommunications and wireless carriers, other satellite internet providers, as well as digital subscriber line ("DSL"(“DSL”) and cable internet service providers offering competitive services in many communities we seek to serve.  Cost, speed and accessibility are key determining factors in the selection of a service provider by the consumer.  Our primary satellite competitor in our North American consumer market is ViaSat Communications, Inc. ("(“ViaSat Communications"Communications”), which is owned by ViaSat, Inc. ("ViaSat"(“ViaSat”).  We seek to differentiate ourselves based on the ubiquitous availability of our service, quality, proprietary technology, and distribution channels.

In our enterprise market,and government markets, our principal competitors for the supply of very-small-aperture terminal ("VSAT"(“VSAT”) satellite networks are Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd, ViaSat, SageNet LLC, Newtec and iDirect Technologies ("iDirect"(“iDirect”).  To differentiate ourselves from our competitors, we emphasize particular technological features of our products and services, our ability to customize networks and perform desired development work and the quality of our customer service.  We also face competition from resellers and numerous local companies who purchase equipment and sell services to local customers, including domestic and international telecommunications operators, cable companies and other major carriers.

Our broadband networks generally have an advantage over terrestrial networks where the network must reach many locations over large distances, where the customer has a "last mile" or a congestion problem that cannot be solved easily with terrestrial facilities and where there is a need for transmission to remote locations or emerging markets. By comparison, ground-based facilities


Table of Contents

(e.g., fiber optic cables) often have an advantage for carrying large amounts of bulk traffic between a small number of fixed locations. Our relative competitive position is constantly changing as we and our competitors strive to improve our respective positions. While our current competitive position provides us the opportunity to grow our business, we cannot be certain of its continuing effects on our business as our competitors modify or adapt their strategies and service offerings.

Manufacturing

Certain products in our Hughes segment are assembled at our facilities in Maryland and we outsource a significant portion of the manufacturing of our products to third parties.  We believe that the manufacturing facilities used by our Hughes segment have sufficient capacity to handle current demand.  We adjust our capacity based on our production requirements.  We also work with third-party vendors for the development and manufacture of components that are integrated into our products.  We develop dual sourcing capabilities for critical parts when practical and we evaluate outsourced subcontract vendors on a periodic basis.  Our operations group, together with our engineering group, works with our vendors and subcontractors to reduce development costs, to increase production efficiency, and to obtain components at lower prices.

ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES SEGMENT
Our Products and Services
Our EchoStar Technologies business segment provides secure end-to-end video and broadcast technology products and services to businesses and directly to consumers. Following consummation of the Share Exchange, we will no longer operate the EchoStar Technologies segment.

Video Delivery Products and Related Technologies.  Our EchoStar Technologies segment designs, develops and distributes a wide range of video delivery products and related technologies that allow consumers to watch and control their subscription and over-the-air (“OTA”) TV programming from inside their homes.  Our current video delivery products and related technologies include:
Set-top boxes.  Provides consumers with the ability to access the enhanced picture quality and sound of 4K, high-definition (“HD”) and/or standard definition (“SD”) content, interactive applications, broadband connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming, depending on the type of set-top box purchased.

DVR and Whole-Home HD DVR solutions.  Provides customers with the ability to record, replay and store content and multi-room HD content sharing functionality to create a whole-home entertainment experience, including commercial skipping and sideloading technologies.
TV Anywhere “Placeshifting” Functionality.  Provides customers with the ability to watch and control digital television content on a desktop or mobile device via a broadband internet connection.  Customers have these abilities when using our set-top boxes as well as our standalone Slingbox units, which are sold directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the pay-TV operator market.
In addition to digital set-top boxes, we design and develop related products such as satellite dishes and remote controls.
Video Broadcast Services.  Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides online video delivery and satellite video delivery for broadcasters and pay-TV operators, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing,

conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network and Dish Mexico.  We operate a number of digital broadcast centers in the U.S.  Our principal digital broadcast centers are located in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Gilbert, Arizona.  We also have multiple regional and micro digital broadcast centers that allow us to maximize the use of the spot beam capabilities of our satellites and our customers’ satellites.  Programming and other data are received at these centers by fiber optic cable or satellite.  The data is processed, compressed, encrypted and then uplinked to our satellites and our customers’ satellites for transmission to end-users.
Over-the-Top (“OTT”) Services.  We have developed and launched a comprehensive OTT Streaming Video on Demand and live linear service platform solution currently utilized by DISH Network’s Sling TV service, which launched in 2015.  We have continued to develop and enhance the platform for Sling TV to improve the customer experience.  We also have continued to explore new ways to leverage this technology for other business opportunities.
Our Customers
The primary customer of our EchoStar Technologies segment is DISH Network.  DISH Network accounted for 90.5%, 87.9% and 88.7% of the EchoStar Technologies segment’s revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  See Note 19 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for further discussion of our related party transactions with DISH Network.  We also currently sell our digital set-top boxes to other international DTH satellite and cable providers, including Bell TV, a DTH satellite services provider in Canada, and Dish Mexico, to whom we also provide video broadcast services.
The number of potential new customers for our set-top box business in our EchoStar Technologies segment is small and may be limited as prospective customers that have been competitors of DISH Network may continue to view us as a competitor due to our common ownership with DISH Network.  Our customers face emerging competition from other providers of digital media and potential government action preventing them from using security systems in connection with set-top boxes. In particular, programming offered over the internet has become more prevalent as the speed and quality of broadband networks have improved.

Our Competition
The video delivery and broadcast and OTT industries are highly competitive. Market leadership changes frequently as a result of new products, designs and pricing, and we face substantial competition.  Many of our primary competitors, such as Arris Group, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and Technicolor S.A., have established longstanding relationships with their customers.  In addition, a number of rapidly growing companies have recently entered the market with offerings similar to our existing and contemplated products.  The entry of these new competitors may result in increased pricing pressure in the market.  In the video delivery industry, we may also face competition from international developers of digital set-top box systems that may be able to develop and manufacture products and services at costs that are substantially lower than our costs.  Furthermore, we depend heavily on our ability to successfully bring advanced technologies to the market, including internet delivery of video content and our Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality.
We believe our use of proprietary technology, together with our in-house engineering expertise, enables us to innovate and bring new features and enhancements quickly to our customers.  In addition, our end-to-end video solutions may allow us to provide a more cost-effective solution for a pay-TV operator who may have to negotiate hardware, middleware and a conditional access system separately.  We have a long-standing relationship with DISH Network and provide them with technologically advanced set-top boxes, including advanced hybrid satellite and internet protocol over-the-top delivery solutions, Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality, and whole-home DVR features.
Our Manufacturers
Although we design, engineer and distribute digital set-top boxes and other products, we are not directly engaged in the manufacturing process.  Rather, we outsource the manufacturing of our products to third parties who manufacture our products according to specifications supplied by us.  We depend on a few manufacturers, and in some cases a single manufacturer, for the production of digital set-top boxes and related products.  Although there can be no assurance, we do not believe that the loss of any single manufacturer would materially impact our business.  Sanmina-SCI Corporation, Shanghai DD&TT Electronic Enterprise Co., LTD and Jabil Circuit, Inc. currently manufacture the majority of our digital set-top boxes and accessories.

ECHOSTAR SATELLITE SERVICES SEGMENT

Our Services

Our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment operates itsis a global provider of satellite service operations and video delivery solutions. We operate our business using its 16our owned and leased in-orbit satellites.  We provide satellite services on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network (our largest customer), Dish Mexico, U.S. government service providers, state agencies, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers and private enterprise customers. We also manage satellite operations for several satellites owned by third parties.  Our satellite capacity is currently used by our customers for a variety of applications:

    DTH Services.  We provide satellite capacity to satellite TV providers, broadcasters and programmers who use our satellites to deliver programming. Our satellites are also used for the transmission of live sporting events, internet access, disaster recovery, and satellite news gathering services.

    Government Services.  We provide satellite services and technical services to U.S. government service providers and directly to some state agencies. We believe the U.S. government may increase its use of commercial satellites for homeland security, emergency response, continuing education, distance learning, and training.

    Network Services.  We provide satellite capacity and terrestrial network services to companies. These networks are dedicated private networks that allow delivery of video and data services for corporate communications. Our satellites can be used for point-to-point or point to multi-point communications.

DTH Services.  We provide satellite capacity to satellite TV providers, broadcasters and programmers who use our satellites to deliver programming.  Our satellites are also used for the transmission of live sporting events, internet access, disaster recovery, and satellite news gathering services.
Government Services.  We provide satellite services and technical services to U.S. government service providers.  We believe the U.S. government may increase its use of commercial satellites for homeland security, emergency response, continuing education, distance learning, and training.
Network Services.  We provide satellite capacity and terrestrial network services to companies.  These networks are dedicated private networks that allow delivery of video and data services for corporate communications.  Our satellites can be used for point-to-point or point to multi-point communications.

Our Customers

We provide satellite capacity on our satellite fleet primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, U.S. government service providers, state agencies, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers and private enterprise customers.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, DISH Network accounted for approximately 84.1%85.7%, 74.9%86.3% and 72.4%84.1% of our total EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment revenue.  We have entered into certain commercial agreements with DISH Network pursuant to which we are obligated to provide DISH Network with satellite services at fixed prices for varying lengths of time depending on the satellite.  See Note 19 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for further discussion of our related party transactions with DISH Network.  DISH Network’s capacity requirements have been driven by the addition of new channels and migration of programming to high-definition TV and video on demand services. The services that we provide to DISH Network are critical to its nationwide delivery of content to its customers across the U.S. While we expect to continue to provide satellite services to DISH Network, its satellite


Table of Contents

capacity requirements may change for a variety of reasons, including its ability to construct and launch its own satellites.  Any termination or reduction in the services we provide to DISH Network may cause us to have unused capacity on our satellites and require that we aggressively pursue alternative sources of revenue for this business. 


We currently have available satellite capacity.  Our other satellite service sales generally are characterized by shorter-term contracts or spot market sales.

Revenue growth in our ESS segment depends largely on our ability to continuously make additional satellite capacity available for sale. We continue to pursue expanding our business offerings by providing value added services such as telemetry, tracking and control services to third parties, which leverages the ground monitoring networks and personnel currently within our ESS segment.

The agreements with DISH Network for the EchoStar I and EchoStar VIII satellites expired pursuant to their terms effective November 2015.  In addition, our agreement with SES Americom Colorado, Inc. (“SES”) for satellite services on the AMC-16 satellite terminated according to its terms in February 2016.  The loss of capacity and/or service provided on these three satellites has, and is expected to continue to, adversely impact our revenue, results of operations and cash flow.
As of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment had contracted revenue backlog attributable to satellites currently in orbit of approximately $1.71$1.16 billion and $1.14$1.41 billion, respectively. The increase in backlog is primarily the result of additional satellite services on EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and EchoStar XIV provided to DISH Network beginning March 1, 2014, as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. See Note 2 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for a further discussion of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.  Of the total contracted revenue backlog as of December 31, 2014,2016, we expect to recognize approximately $398.1$365.1 million of revenue in 2015.

2017.


Our Competition

In the fixed satellite services market, EchoStar Satellite Servicesour ESS segment competes against larger, well-established satellite service companies, such as Intelsat S.A. ("Intelsat"(“Intelsat”), SES S.A. ("SES"), Telesat, Canada ("Telesat"), and Eutelsat Communications S.A. ("Eutelsat"(“Eutelsat”), in an industry that is characterized by long-term contracts and high costs for customers to change service providers.  Therefore, it will beis difficult to displace customers from their current relationships with our competitors.  Intelsat, SES S.A. and SESother competitors maintain key North American and other international orbital slots that may further limit competition and competitive pricing.

While we believe that there may be opportunities to capture new business as a result of market trends such as the increased communications demands of homeland security initiatives, there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively compete against our competitors due to their significant resources and operating history.

OTHER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Our industry is evolving with the increase in worldwide demand for broadband internet access for information, entertainment and commerce. In addition to fiber and wireless systems, other technologies such as geostationary high throughput satellites, low-earth orbit (“LEO”) networks, balloons, and High Altitude Platform Systems have begun to play significant roles in enabling global broadband access, networks and services. We areintend to use our expertise, technologies, capital, investments, global presence, relationships and other capabilities to continue to provide broadband internet systems, equipment, networks and services for information, entertainment and commerce in North America and internationally for consumers, enterprises and governments.

We continue to selectively exploringexplore opportunities to pursue partnerships, joint ventures and strategic acquisition opportunities,acquisitions, domestically and internationally, that we believe may allow us to increase our existing market share, expand into new markets and new customers, broaden our portfolio of services, products and intellectual property, and strengthen our relationships with our customers.

We may allocate significant resources for long-term initiatives that may not have a short or medium-term or any positive impact on our revenue, results of operations, or cash flow.

In 2012, we acquired the right to use various frequencies at the 45 degree west longitude orbital location ("(“Brazilian Authorization"Authorization”) from ANATEL, the Brazilian communications regulatory agency.  The Brazilian Authorization provides us the rights to utilize Ku-band spectrum, for broadcast satellite service ("BSS"), Ka-band spectrum and S-band spectrum. With regards to the Ku-band BSS spectrum, we continue to pursue various opportunities to support a Brazilian service and remain focused on delivering a pay-TV service to Brazil via a high-powered BSS satellite.  We are exploring options for the Ka-band and S-band spectrums.

In April 2014, we entered into an agreement with Space Systems Loral, LLC (“SS/L”) for the construction of the EchoStar XXIII satellite, a high powered broadcast satellite service (“BSS”) satellite.  The EchoStar XXIII satellite will be deployed at the 45 degree west longitude orbital location. Due to anomalies experienced by our launch provider, the expected launch date of our EchoStar XXIII satellite was delayed and we currently expect to launch the EchoStar XXIII satellite in the first quarter of 2017. We have regulatory obligations to meet certain in-service milestones by the second quarter of 2017 for our Brazilian license at 45 west longitude for the Ka-, Ku- and S-band frequency bands. We currently expect to meet our regulatory milestone for the Ku-band.  We have sought an extension of the S- and Ka-band milestones, which may or may not be granted, and, if granted, may be subject to penalties, additional conditions or other requirements.


In December 2013, we acquired 100.0%100% of Solaris Mobile, which is based in Dublin, Ireland and licensed by the European Union ("EU") and individual EU Member Statesits member states (“EU”) to provide MSS/MSS and CGC services covering the entire EU using S-band spectrum.  Solaris Mobile changed its name to EchoStar Mobile Limited (“EchoStar Mobile”) in the first quarter of 2015.  We are in the process of developing commercial services expected to begin inutilizing the first half of 2016, utilizing our existingoperable payload we own on the EUTELSAT 10A (also known as "W2A") satellite, along with our EchoStar XXI S-band satellite.  We are currently constructing, and have contracted to launch,The EchoStar XXI tosatellite will provide space segment capacity to Solaris Mobile in the first half of 2016.EchoStar Mobile.  We believe we are in a unique position to deploy an EUa European wide MSS/CGC network and maximize the long termlong-term value of our S-band spectrum in Europe and other regions within the scope of our licenses.

Due to anomalies experienced by our launch provider, the expected launch of our EchoStar XXI satellite was delayed and we currently expect to launch the EchoStar XXI satellite in the second or third quarter of 2017. We had regulatory obligations to meet certain milestones by the fourth quarter of 2016 regarding the operations of the EchoStar XXI satellite across the EU. We have notified the regulators in the EU of our delay and we intend to seek extensions of certain of these requirements to the extent we determine necessary. Although we anticipate being able to receive them, any such necessary extensions may be subject to additional conditions, penalties or other requirements.
We are tracking closely the developments in next-generation satellite businesses, and we are seeking to utilize our services, technologies and expertise to find new commercial opportunities for our business. In June 2015, we made an equity investment in WorldVu Satellites Limited (“OneWeb”), a global LEO satellite service company. In addition, our Hughes segment entered into an agreement with OneWeb to provide certain equipment and services in connection with the ground systems for OneWeb’s LEO satellites.

Table

Capital expenditures associated with the construction and launch of Contents

the EchoStar XXIII and EchoStar XXI satellites are included in “All Other and Eliminations” in our segment reporting.


OUR SATELLITE FLEET

Our operating satellite fleet consists of both owned and leased satellites detailed in the table below.

below as of December 31, 2016.

SatellitesSegmentLaunch DateNominal Degree
Orbital Location
(Longitude)
Depreciable
Life
(In (In Years)

Owned:

SPACEWAY 3 (1)HughesAugust 200795 W12
EchoStar XVIIHughesJuly 2012107 W15
EchoStar I (2)(3)(4)ESSDecember 199577 W
EchoStar III (4)ESSOctober 199761.5 W12
EchoStar VI (4)ESSJuly 200096.2 W12
EchoStar VII (2)(3)ESSFebruary 2002119 W3
EchoStar VIII (2)(4)ESSAugust 200277 W12
EchoStar IX (2)(4)ESSAugust 2003121 W12
EchoStar X (2)(3)ESSFebruary 2006110 W7
EchoStar XI (2)(3)ESSJuly 2008110 W9
EchoStar XII (2)(4)(5)ESSJuly 200361.5 W2
EchoStar XIV (2)(3)ESSMarch 2010119 W11
EchoStar XVI (2)ESSNovember 201261.5W15
EUTELSAT 10A (“W2A”) (6)OtherApril 200910 E
         

SPACEWAY 3(1)

HughesAugust 2007Capital Leases:  95 W12

EchoStar XVII

HughesJuly 2012  107 W15

EchoStar I(2)(3)(4)

ESSDecember 1995  77 W

EchoStar III(4)

ESSOctober 199761.5 W12

EchoStar VI(4)

ESSJuly 200096.2 W12

EchoStar VII(2)(3)

ESSFebruary 2002119 W3

EchoStar VIII(2)

ESSAugust 200277 W12

EchoStar IX(2)

ESSAugust 2003121 W12

EchoStar X(2)(3)

ESSFebruary 2006110 W7

EchoStar XI(2)(3)

ESSJuly 2008110 W9

EchoStar XII(2)(4)(5)

ESSJuly 200361.5 W2

EchoStar XIV(2)(3)

ESSMarch 2010119 W11

EchoStar XVI(2)

ESSNovember 201261.5 W15

EUTELSAT 10A ("W2A")(6)

OtherApril 200910 E

Capital Leases:


AMC-16(4)

ESSDecember 200485 W10

Nimiq 5(2)

5 (2)
 ESS September 2009 72.7 W 15

QuetzSat-1(2)

QuetzSat-1 (2)
 ESS September 2011 77 W 10

Operating Leases:

Eutelsat 65 West A
 

Hughes
 

March 2016
65 W15
  
 
 

EchoStar XV

Operating Lease:
AMC-15 ESS October 2004 45 W

AMC-15

ESSOctober 2004105 W 

(1)
(1)Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 8, 2011, the date EchoStar completed its acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
(2)See Note 19 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for discussion of related party transactions with DISH Network.
(3)Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of March 1, 2014, the effective date of our receipt of the satellites from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction (See Note 4 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report).
(4)Fully depreciated assets.
(5)Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 30, 2013, the date the EchoStar XII satellite was impaired.
(6)The Company acquired the S-band payload on this satellite, which prior to the acquisition in December 2013, experienced an anomaly at the time of the launch. As a result, the S-band payload is not fully operational.
Construction in progress included the following owned and leased satellites under construction or undergoing in-orbit testing as of the date of the Hughes Acquisition.

(2)
See Note 19 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for further discussion of our transactions with DISH Network.

(3)
Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of March 1, 2014, the effective date of our receipt of the satellites from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction (See Note 2 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report).

(4)
Fully depreciated assets.

(5)
Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 30, 2013, the date EchoStar XIIDecember 31, 2016.
SatellitesSegmentExpected Launch Date
EchoStar XIXOther (3)Fourth quarter of 2016 (1)
EchoStar XXIOtherSecond or third quarter of 2017
EchoStar XXIIIOtherFirst quarter of 2017
EchoStar 105/SES-11ESSSecond quarter of 2017
Telesat T19V (“63 West”) (2) HughesSecond quarter of 2018
(1)    This satellite was impaired.

(6)
The Company acquired the S-band payload on this satellite, which prior to the acquisitionlaunched in December 2013, experienced an anomaly at the time of the launch. As a result, the S-band payload is not fully operational.

Table of Contents

Recent Developments

EchoStar XXIII.    In April 2014, we entered into an agreement with Space Systems Loral, LLC ("SS/L") for the construction of the EchoStar XXIII satellite, a high powered BSS satellite which will use some of the components from CMBStar, a satellite that we suspended construction in 2008. EchoStar XXIII2016 and is expected to launchbe placed into service late in the second halffirst quarter of 2016 and will be initially deployed at 45 degree west longitude orbital location.

EUTELSAT 65 West A.    In April 2014, we2017.

(2)    We entered into a satellite services agreement pursuantfor certain capacity on this satellite once launched, but are not party to which Eutelsat do Brasil will providethe construction contract.
(3)    EchoStar contributed the EchoStar XIX satellite to its Hughes Telecomunicações do Brasil Ltda, our subsidiary, a fixed broadband service using the Ka-band capacity into Brazil on the EUTELSAT 65 West Asegment in February 2017.


Recent Developments
EchoStar XIX. The EchoStar XIX satellite for a 15-year term. The satellite services agreement requires us to make prepayments duringwas launched in December 2016 and we expect the satellite construction period. The satellite is scheduled to be placed into service late in the first quarter of 2017. We expect the EchoStar XIX satellite to provide additional capacity for the Hughes broadband services to our customers in North America and added capacity in Mexico and certain Latin American countries and to add capability for aeronautical, enterprise and international broadband services. EchoStar contributed the EchoStar XIX satellite to its Hughes segment in February 2017.

Eutelsat 65 West A. The Eutelsat 65 West A satellite was launched in March 2016 and our Hughes segment began to offer consumer broadband services in Brazil using our leased Ka-band payload on the satellite in July 2016.
EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII. Due to anomalies experienced by our launch providers, the launch dates of our EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII satellites were delayed with expected launch dates in the second or third quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2017, respectively. We are in the process of evaluating the implications of these delays, including, without limitation, potential increased costs, regulatory and contractual milestone compliance and other satellite resource allocations. We had regulatory obligations to meet certain milestones by the fourth quarter of 2016 regarding the operations of the EchoStar XXI satellite across the European Union. We have notified the regulators in the EU of our delay and we intend to seek extensions of certain of these requirements to the extent we determine necessary. Although we anticipate being able to receive them, any such necessary extensions may be subject to additional conditions, penalties or other requirements. We also have regulatory obligations to meet certain in-service milestones by the second quarter of 2016 and will deliver consumer satellite broadband services in Brazil and create a platform to potentially allow2017 for further development of our spectrum in Brazil.

EchoStar XIX.    In February 2012 and September 2013, ViaSat and its subsidiary ViaSat Communications, filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against SS/L, the manufacturer of EchoStar XVII and EchoStar XIX. Those cases, to which we were not a party, were settled in 2014 with no material impact on the design, construction or planned operations of EchoStar XIX.

EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and EchoStar XIV.    As discussed in Note 2 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report, we received five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV) from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. These satellites are BSS satellites operating in Ku-band frequencies and DISH Network began receiving certain services from us on these satellites effective March 1, 2014.

EchoStar VIII.    In May 2013, DISH Network began receiving satellite services from us on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare. Effective March 1, 2014, this service arrangement was converted to a month-to-month service agreement. Both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days' notice.

EchoStar XV.    In May 2013, we began receiving satellite services from DISH Network on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite to theBrazilian license at 45 degree west longitude orbital location. Effective March 1, 2014, this service arrangement was convertedfor the Ka-, Ku- and S-band frequency bands.  We currently expect to a month-to-month service agreement. Both partiesmeet our regulatory milestone for the Ku-band.  We have sought an extension of the rightS- and Ka-band milestones, which may or may not be granted, and, if granted, may be subject to terminate this agreement upon 30 days' notice.

penalties, additional conditions or other requirements.

EchoStar 105/SES-11.    In August 2014, we entered into: (i) a construction contract with Airbus Defence and Space SAS for Due to anomalies experienced by our launch provider, the constructionexpected launch date of our EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite has been delayed until the second quarter of 2017. Our Ku-band payload on the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite with C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band payloads; (ii) an agreement with SES Satellite Leasing Limited for the procurement of the related launch services; and (iii) an agreement with SES Americom Inc. ("SES") pursuant to which we will transfer the title to the C-band and Ka-band payloads to SES Satellite Leasing Limited at launch and transfer the title to the Ku-band payload to SES following in-orbit testing of the satellite. Additionally, SES will provide to us satellite servicesreplace our current capacity on the entire Ku-band payload on EchoStar 105/SES-11 for an initial ten-year term, with an option for us to renew the agreement on a year-to-year basis. The satellite is scheduled to be placed into service in the first half of 2017. We expect to account for the satellite services we receive from SES on the Ku-band payload as a prepaid capital lease with a term equal to the 15-year estimated life of theAMC-15 satellite.


AMC-15 and AMC-16.In August 2014, in connection with the execution of agreements related to the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite, we entered into amendments that extend the terms of our existing agreements with SES Americom Colorado, Inc. (“SES”) for satellite services on the AMC-15 and AMC-16.AMC-16 satellites. As amended, the term of our agreement for satellite


Table of Contents

services on certain transponders on the AMC-15 satellite was extended from December 2014 through a certain period following the in-service date of the EchoStar 105/SES-11.SES-11 satellite and is being accounted for as an operating lease. The amended agreement for the AMC-16 satellite services extendsextended the term for the satellite'ssatellite’s entire communications capacity, subject to available power, for one year following expiration of the initial term in February 2015. The extended2015 and the agreement terminated according to its terms of these agreements are being accounted for as operating leases.

EchoStar XXI.    In August 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a development agreement ("T2 Development Agreement") with respect to the TerreStar-2 ("T2") satellite under which we reimbursed DISH Network for amounts it paid to SS/L in connection with the construction of the T2 satellite. As amended in December 2013, the T2 Development Agreement provided EchoStar an option to purchase DISH Network's rights and obligations under the T2 satellite construction agreement. In December 2014, we exercised our option to purchase DISH Network's rights and obligations under the T2 satellite construction agreement (including the right to take delivery of the T2 satellite, now renamed EchoStar XXI) for $55.0 million in cash. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we recorded a $9.6 million charge to additional-paid-in-capital, net of related deferred income taxes. EchoStar XXI is designed to provide mobile satellite services using S-band frequencies and we intend to use this satellite in conjunction with our S-band spectrum in Europe as well as to develop opportunities in other parts of the world. EchoStar XXI is expected to launch inFebruary 2016.

Satellite Anomalies and Impairments

Certain of our

Our satellites have experiencedmay experience anomalies from time to time, some of which may have had a significant adverse impact on their remaining useful lives, and/or the commercial operation of the satellites.satellites or our operating results. We are not aware of any anomalies with respect to our owned or leased satellites that have had any such material adverse effect during the year ended December 31, 2016.  There can be no assurance, however, that existing and future anomalies will not further impacthave any such adverse impacts in the remaining useful life and/or the commercial operation of any of the satellites in our fleet.future. In addition, there can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our in-orbit satellites were to fail.
We generally dohistorically have not carrycarried in-orbit insurance on our satellites; therefore,satellites because we assessed that the cost of insurance was uneconomical relative to the risk of failures. Therefore, we generally bear the risk of any uninsured in-orbit failures. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements governing certain portions of our indebtedness, we are required, subject to certain limitations on coverage, to maintain launch and in-orbit insurance for our SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVI, and EchoStar XVII. In addition, althoughXVII satellites. Based on economic analysis of the current insurance market we have elected to obtain, subject to certain limitations on coverage, launch and in-orbit insurance for our EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII satellites and our interest in the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite. All other satellites, either in orbit or under construction, are not requiredcovered by launch or in-orbit insurance. We will continue to maintain in-orbitassess circumstances going forward and make insurance pursuant todecisions on a case by case basis.

We evaluate our service agreement with DISH Networksatellites for EchoStar XV, we are liableimpairment and test for any damage caused by our userecoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Certain of the satellite and therefore we carry third-party insuranceanomalies previously disclosed, may be considered to represent a significant adverse change in the physical condition of a particular satellite. However, based on EchoStar XV.

The five satellites received from DISH Network pursuant to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction have experienced certain anomalies prior to March 1, 2014, the effective date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction as described below.

EchoStar I.    During the first quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar I experienced a communications receiver anomaly. The communications receivers process signals sent from the uplink center for transmission by the satellite to customers. While this anomaly did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not impact its future commercial operation. EchoStar I was fully depreciated prior to the date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.

EchoStar VII.    Prior to 2012, EchoStar VII experienced certain thruster failures. During the fourth quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar VII experienced an additional thruster failure. Thrusters control the satellite's location and orientation. While this anomaly did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.

redundancy designed

Table

within each satellite, certain of Contents

EchoStar X.    During the second and third quarters of 2010, EchoStar X experienced anomalies which affected seven solar array circuits reducing the number of functional solar array circuits to 17. While these anomalies did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.

EchoStar XI.    During the first quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar XI experienced solar array anomalies that reduced the total power available for use by the satellite. While these anomalies did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.

EchoStar XIV.    During the third quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar XIV experienced solar array anomalies that reduced the total power available for use by the satellite. While these anomalies did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.

We are not awarenecessarily considered to be significant events that would require a test of any anomalies that have occurred on any of our owned or leased satellites in 2014 as of the date of this report that affected the commercial operation of satellites.

recoverability.


GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

We are subject to comprehensive regulation by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC")FCC for our domestic, as well as some international, satellite and telecommunications operations and equipment businesses.  We are also regulated by other U.S. federal agencies, state and local authorities, the International Telecommunication Union ("ITU"(“ITU”), and certain foreign governments, including the EU.  In addition, we are also subject to the export control laws and regulations and trade sanctions laws and regulations of the U.S. and other countries with respect to the export of telecommunications equipment and services.  Depending upon the circumstances, noncompliance with applicable legislation or regulations could result in suspension or revocation of our licenses or authorizations, the termination or loss of contracts or the imposition of contractual damages, civil fines or criminal penalties.

The following summary of regulations and legislation is not intended to describe all present and proposed government regulation and legislation affecting our business.  Government regulations that are currently the subject of judicial or administrative proceedings, draft legislation or administrative proposals could adversely affectimpact us and our industries to varying degrees.  The FCC and other regulators from time to time initiate proceedings that could adversely impact our satellite operations, including spectrum usage.  We cannot predict either the outcome of these proceedings or proposals or any potential impact they might have on the industry or on our operations.

Under its Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, the FCC enabled the use of one of the frequency bands we utilize, the Ka-band, on a shared basis with 5G services, which could limit our flexibility to change the way we use the Ka-band in the future.  The FCC has also opened a proceeding on non-geostationary satellites, which may adversely impact our ability to use certain spectrum for user terminals.

FCC Regulations Applicable to Our Operations

FCC Jurisdiction over Satellite and Terrestrial Operations.Operations.  Non-governmental, including commercial entities, that use radio frequencies to provide communications services to, from or within the U.S. are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"“Communications Act”).  The Communications Act gives the FCC regulatory jurisdiction over many areas relating to communications operations, including:


Table of Contents

the assignment of satellite radio frequencies and orbital locations to specific services and companies, the licensing of satellites and earth stations, and the granting of related authorizations;
approval for the relocation of satellites to different orbital locations, the replacement of a satellite with another new or existing satellite, and the authorization of specific earth stations to communicate with such newly relocated satellites;
ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of assignments, licenses, authorizations, and approvals;
avoiding harmful interference with other radio frequency emitters; and
ensuring compliance with other applicable provisions of the Communications Act and FCC rules and regulations.


All satellite licenses issued by the FCC are subject to expiration unless extended by the FCC.  The term of each of our U.S. direct broadcast satellite ("DBS"(“DBS”) licenses is 10 years, and our U.S. fixed satellite services ("FSS"(“FSS”) licenses generally have 15 year terms.  We hold licenses and authorizations for satellite and earth stations as well as other services, including terrestrial wireless services.  To obtain and operate under such FCC licenses and authorizations, for satellites and earth stations, satellite operatorswe must satisfy legal, technical qualification requirements and financial qualification requirements. Once issued, these licenses and authorizations may be subject to a number ofother conditions including, among other things, satisfaction of certain technical and ongoing due diligence obligations, implementation bonds, annual regulatory fees and various reporting requirements, implementation and operation of the satellite system in a manner consistent with certain milestones (such as for contracting, satellite design, construction, launch, and implementation of service), that arequirements. A license must be obtained prior to launching or operating the satellite, or that a license be obtained before interconnecting with the local switched telephone network.

satellite.


FCC Jurisdiction over Set-Top Box Operations.Operations.  Our digital set-top boxes and similar devices must also comply with FCC technical standards and requirements, including accessibility and other requirements.  The FCC has specific Part 15 regulations for television broadcast receivers and television interface devices.

We anticipate that we will no longer be subject to these regulations following the consummation of the Share Exchange.

Telecommunications Regulation.  Many of the services we provide are also subject to FCC regulation as telecommunications services.  For certain services in the U.S., we are required to contribute fees, computed as a percentage of our revenue from telecommunications services to the Universal Service Fund ("USF"(“USF”) to support mechanisms that subsidize the provision of services to low-income consumers, high-cost areas, schools, libraries, and rural health care providers.  Current FCC rules permit us to pass this USF contribution through to our customers.  The FCC also requires broadband internet access and internet telephony service providers to comply with the requirements of the Federal Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act ("CALEA"(“CALEA”).  CALEACA

LEA generally requires telecommunications carriers to ensure that law enforcement agencies are able to conduct lawfully-authorized surveillance of users of their services.  In addition, as a provider of interconnected voice over internet protocol services ("VOIP"(“VOIP”), we are required to abide by a number of rules related to telephony service, including rules dealing with the protection of customer information and the processing of emergency calls.

State and Local Regulation

We are also regulated by state and local authorities.  While the FCC has preempted many state and local regulations that would impair the installation and use of VSATs and other consumer satellite dishes, our businesses nonetheless may beare subject to state and local regulation, including, among others, obtaining regulatory authorizations and zoning regulations that affect the ability to install these consumer satellite earth station antennas.

International Regulation

Foreign Administrations'Administrations’ Jurisdiction Over Satellite and Terrestrial Operations.Operations.  Some of our satellites and earth stations are licensed in foreign jurisdictions.  We also have terrestrial authorizations in foreign jurisdictions.  In order to provide service to a foreign location from a U.S. satellite, we are required to obtain approvals from the FCC and foreign administrative agencies.  The laws and regulations addressing access to satellite and terrestrial systems vary from country to country.  In most countries, a license is required to provide our services and to operate satellite earth stations.  Such licenses may impose certain conditions, including implementation and operation of the satellite system in a manner consistent with certain milestones (such as for contracting, satellite design,


Table of Contents

construction, launch, and implementation of service), that the satellite or its launch be procured through a national entity, that the satellite control center be located in national territory, that a license be obtained prior to launching or operating the satellite, or that a license be obtained before interconnecting with the local switched telephone network.  Some countries may have restrictions on the services we provide and how we provide them.  In addition, certain countries may limit the rates that can be charged for the services we provide or impose other service terms or restrictions.

The ITU Frequency and Orbital Location Registration.  The orbital location and frequencies for our satellites are subject to the frequency registration and coordination process of the International Telecommunications Union ("ITU").ITU.  The ITU Radio Regulations define the international rules, regulations, and rights for a satellite and associated earth stations to use specific radio frequencies at a specific orbital location.  These rules, which include deadlines for the bringing of satellite networks into use, differ depending on the type of service to be provided and the frequencies to be used by the satellite.  On our behalf, various countries have made, and may in the future make, additional filings for the frequency assignments at particular orbital locations that are used or to be used by our current satellite networks and potential future satellite networks we may build or acquire.  In the event the international coordination process that is triggered by ITU filings under applicable rules is not successfully completed, or that the requests for modification of the BSS plan regarding the allocation of orbital locations and frequencies are not granted by the ITU, we will have to operate the applicable satellite(s) on a non-interference basis.basis, which could have an adverse impact on our business operations.  If we cannot do so, we may have to cease operating such satellite(s) at the affected orbital locations.  We cannot be sure of the successful outcome of these ITU coordination processes.  We make commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the filing nation in the preparation of ITU filings, coordination of our operations in accordance with the relevant ITU Radio Regulations, and responses to relevant ITU inquiries.


Registration in the UN Registry of Space Objects.  The U.S. and other jurisdictions in which we license satellites are generally parties to the United Nations ("UN"(“UN”) Convention on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space ("(“UN Convention"Convention”).  The UN Convention requires a satellite'ssatellite’s launching state to register the satellite as a space object.  The act of registration carries liability for the registering country in the event that the satellite causes third party damage.  Administrations may place certain requirements on satellite licensees in order to procure the necessary launch or operational authorizations that accompany registration of the satellite.  In some jurisdictions, these authorizations are separate and distinct, with unique requirements, from the authorization to use a set of frequencies to provide satellite services.

Telecommunications Regulation.  Many of the services we provide are also are subject the regulation of other countries as telecommunications services.  For certain services, we may be required to contribute fees to a universal service or other fund to support mechanisms that subsidize the provision of services to designated groups.  Many countries also impose requirements on telecommunications carriers to ensure that law enforcement agencies are able to conduct lawfully-authorized surveillance of users of their services.  In addition, we are subject to a number of other rules, including rules related to telephony service such as the protection of customer information and processing of emergency calls.

Export Control Regulation

In the operation of our business, we must comply with all applicable export control and trade sanctions laws and regulations of the U.S. and other countries.  Applicable U.S. laws and regulations include the Arms Export Control Act, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"(“ITAR”), the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"(“EAR”), and the trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury'sTreasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"(“OFAC”).

The export of certain hardware, technical data, and services relating to satellites and the supply of certain ground control equipment, technical data and services to non-U.S. persons or to destinations outside the U.S. is regulated by the U.S. Department of Commerce'sCommerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS"(“BIS”) under the EAR.  In addition, BIS regulates our export of satellite communications network equipment to non-U.S. persons or to destinations outside of the U.S.  The export of other items is regulated by the U.S. Department of State'sState’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls ("DDTC"(“DDTC”) under the ITAR and are subject to strict export control and prior approval requirements.  In addition, we cannot provide certain equipment or services to certain countries subject to U.S. trade sanctions unless we first obtain the necessary authorizations from OFAC.  We are also subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other similar foreign regulations, which generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper


Table of Contents

payments or giving or promising to give anything of value to foreign government officials and other individuals for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or gaining a competitive advantage.

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to the requirements of federal, state, local, and foreign environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations.  These include laws regulating air emissions, waterwaste-water discharge and waste management, hazardous chemicals and product disposal, most significantly the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"(“RCRA”) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act ("EPCRA"(“EPCRA”).  Under the RCRA, our Hughes segment is considered a small quantity generator.

As required by the EPCRA, we file periodicannual reports with regulatorsregulatory agencies covering four areas: Emergency Planning, Emergency Release, Hazardous Chemical Storage, and Toxic Chemical Release.Release Inventory.  We maintain small quantities of hazardous materials on our premises and, therefore, have relatively modest reporting requirements under the EPCRA.  We are also subject to the requirements of other environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations.  Additionally, we review SARA Title III regulatory requirements and annually report quantities of onsite material storage using Tier II, reporting requirements of the Departmentstate DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality which requiresQuality) reporting the storage of hazardous materials in large quantities and if they've changed from year to year. These are state run programs and each state may have slightly different requirements.

systems.

Our environmental compliance costs to date have not been material, and we currently have no reason to believe that such costs will become material in the foreseeable future.  We do not expect capital or other expenditures for environmental compliance to be material in 2015.2017.  However, environmental requirements are complex, change frequently, and have become more stringent over time.  Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that these requirements will not change or become more stringent in the future in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

We currently rely on a combination of patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark law, together with licenses, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements and technical measures, to establish and protect proprietary rights in our products.  We hold U.S. and foreign patents covering various aspects of our products and services.  The duration of each of our U.S. patents is generally 20 years from the earliest filing date to which the patent has priority.  We have granted licenses to use our trademarks and service-marks to affiliates and resellers worldwide, and we typically retain the right to monitor the use of those marks and impose significant restrictions on their use in efforts to ensure a consistent brand identity.  We protect our proprietary rights in our software through software licenses that, among other things, require that the software source code be maintained as confidential information and that prohibit any reverse-engineering of that code.

We believe that our patents are important to our business.  We also believe that, in some areas, the improvement of existing products and the development of new products, as well as reliance upon trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how, are important in establishing and maintaining a competitive advantage.  We believe, to a certain extent, that the value of our products and services are dependent upon our proprietary software, hardware, and other technology remaining trade secrets and/or subject to copyright protection.  Generally, we enter into non-disclosure and invention assignment agreements with our employees, subcontractors, and certain customers and other business partners.  Please see Item 3.—Legal Proceedings of this report for more information.


RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING

We have a skilled and multi-disciplined engineering organization that develops our products and services.  Our in-house technological capability includes a wide range of skills required to develop


Table of Contents

systems, hardware, software, and firmware used in our products and services.  In addition, we have pioneered numerous advances in the area of wireless communication systems, techniques and methodologies, television broadcasting, video placeshifting, video copy protection, and digital video recording.

With respect to hardware development, we have skill sets that include complex digital designs, radio frequency and intermediate frequency analog designs, advanced application-specific integrated circuit designs, and sophisticated consumer and system level packaging designs.  We also have extensive experience in developing products for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing for the consumer industry, including satellite TV set-top receivers and dual mode satellite and wireless handsets.

As a complement to our hardware development, we have extensive experience in designing reliable, real time, embedded software systems as part of our communication systems and services offerings.  For example, our broadband product line for the enterprise market supports an extensive range of protocols for data communications.  Our engineers have also developed many large turnkey systems for our customers by designing the overall solution, implementing the various subsystems, deploying the entire network and user terminals, integrating and verifying the operational system, and ultimately training the customers'customers’ technicians and operators.

Research

Costs incurred in research and development efforts not directly funded by our customersactivities generally are expensed as incurred. A significant portion of our research and development efforts have generally been conductedcosts are incurred in direct response toconnection with the specific requirements of a customer's order and, accordingly,customer’s order. In such instances, the amounts for these customer funded development efforts are charged to the customer and included in cost of sales. The portionCost of our cost of sales which includes research and development funded by customers for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 wascosts incurred in connection with customer’s orders of approximately $68.4$67.8 million, $65.3$59.2 million and $60.9 million, respectively. In addition, we incurred $60.9 million, $67.9 million and $69.6$68.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, forrespectively.  In addition, we incurred other research and development expenses funded byof approximately $76.0 million, $78.3 million and $60.9 million for the Company.

years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


GEOGRAPHIC AREA DATA AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS

For principal geographic area data and transactions with major customers for 2016, 2015 and 2014, 2013 and 2012, see Note 17 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.  See Item 1A—1A. — Risk Factors for information regarding risks related to our foreign operations.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had approximately 4,4004,000 employees and generally consider relations with them to be good.  Other than approximately 100170 of our employees located in Italy and Brazil, none are represented by a union.

Approximately 1,800 of our employees are expected to transfer to DISH Network upon consummation of the Share Exchange.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and accordingly file an annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"(“SEC”).  The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC'sSEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.  As an electronic filer, our public filings are also maintained on the SEC'sSEC’s internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.  The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov.


Table of Contents

WEBSITE ACCESS

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, may also be accessed free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC.  The address of that website is http://www.echostar.com.

We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers, in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder.  Our code of ethics is available on our corporate website at http://www.echostar.com.  In the event that

we make changes in, or provide waivers of, the provisions of this code of ethics that the SEC requires us to disclose, we intend to disclose these events on our website.


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
(furnished in accordance with Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K, pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K)

The following table and information below sets forth the name, age and position with EchoStar of each of our executive officers, the period during which each executive officer has served as such, and each executive officer'sofficer’s business experience during at least the past five years:

NameAgePosition

Charles W. Ergen

 6163 Chairman

Michael T. Dugan

 6668 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

David J. Rayner

 5759 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer

Mark W. Jackson

Anders N. Johnson
 5459 President, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.

Anders N. Johnson

57Chief Strategy Officer and President, EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C.

Pradman P. Kaul

 6870 President, Hughes Communications, Inc. and Director

Kenneth G. Carroll

Vivek Khemka
 5944 Executive Vice President, Corporate and Business DevelopmentEchoStar Technologies L.L.C.

Sandra L. Kerentoff

Kranti K. Kilaru
 61Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources

Kranti K. Kilaru

4951 Executive Vice President, Business Systems IT and Operations

Dean A. Manson

 4850 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Charles W. Ergen.  Mr. Ergen has served as our executive Chairman since November 2009 and Chairman of the Board of Directors since our formation in 2007.  Mr. Ergen served as our Chief Executive Officer from our formation in 2007 until November 2009.  Mr. Ergen serves as executive Chairman and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of DISH Network since its formation and, during the past five years, has held executive officer and director positions with DISH Network and its subsidiaries.

  He has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network since March 2015.

Michael T. Dugan.Dugan.  Mr. Dugan has served as our Chief Executive Officer and President since November 2009.  Mr. Dugan has also served as a member of our Board of Directors since our formation in 2007.  Mr. Dugan served as a senior advisor to EchoStar from January 1, 2008 until November 2009.  From May 2004 to December 2007, he was a director of DISH Network, and from 1990 to 2004 served in several executive roles at DISH Network, alternatelyincluding as President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technical Officer and senior advisor from time to time. Mr. Dugan served as a director of Frontier Corporation from October 2006 until November 2009.

David J. Rayner.Rayner.  Mr. Rayner has served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer since December 2012.  In September 2016, Mr. Rayner also was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer. From November 2011 to November 2012, Mr. Rayner served as Chief Financial Officer of Tendril Networks, Inc., a Boulder, Colorado software company.  Mr. Rayner served as our Chief Financial Officer from June 2010 to November 2011 and served as our Chief


Table of Contents

Administrative Officer from January 2008 to June 2010.  Prior to that, Mr. Rayner served as Executive Vice President of Installation and Service Networks of DISH Network and had previously held the position ofas Chief Financial Officer of DISH Network from December 2004 to September 2006.Network.  Before joining DISH Network in December 2004, Mr. Rayner served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Time Warner Telecom in Denver, beginning in June 1998.

Mark W. Jackson.    Mr. Jackson has served as President of EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. since 2004 and oversees all day to day operations of our EchoStar Technologies segment. Mr. Jackson served as President of EchoStar Technologies Corporation from June 2004 through December 2007.


Anders N. Johnson.Johnson.  Mr. Johnson has served as President of EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. since June 2011.  In September 2016, Mr. Johnson also was appointed as our Chief Strategy Officer. Before joining EchoStar, Mr. Johnson was previouslymost recently at SES World Skies where he served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Satellite Development.  Mr. Johnson joined SES GLOBAL after the combination of GE Americom and SES GLOBAL in 2001.  Prior to SES GLOBAL, Mr. Johnson worked at GE Capital beginning in 1985 in a variety of executive level roles in Satellite Services, Aviation Services, and Transportation & Industrial Financing.

Pradman P. Kaul.Kaul.  Mr. Kaul has served as President of Hughes Communications, Inc. (“Hughes Communications”) since its formation in February 2006.2006, and as President of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications (“HNS” and, together with Hughes Communications, “Hughes”) since 2000.  Mr. Kaul has also served as a member of our Board of Directors since August 2011 as well as a member of the board of directors of Hughes Communications from February 2006 until June 2011.  Previously, Mr. Kaul served as the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Director of Engineering of HughesHNS.


Vivek Khemka.  Mr. Khemka has been serving as President of EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement between EchoStar and DISH Network Systems, LLC ("HNS" and together with Hughes Communications, "Hughes"), a wholly owned subsidiaryoversees all day to day operations of Hughes Communications.

Kenneth G. Carroll.our EchoStar Technologies segment.  Mr. CarrollKhemka, who is employed by DISH Network, has served as our Executive Vice President, Corporate and Business Development since December 2012. Mr. Carroll served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from November 2011 to November 2012. Mr. Carroll, a 20-year veteran in the satellite TV and satellite broadband industry, served as Chief OperatingTechnology Officer of EchoStar Satellite Services from August 2010 to June 2011, and as Executive Vice President, Business Development and International, of EchoStar Corporation from June 2011 to November 2011. Prior to joining EchoStar, from 2003 to 2010,DISH Network since December 2015. Mr. Carroll served as President and Chief Operating Officer of WildBlue Communications, Inc., a nationwide satellite broadband company. In addition, Mr. CarrollKhemka previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Liberty Satellite & Technology and DTH satellite TV provider, PrimeStar.

Sandra L. Kerentoff.    Ms. Kerentoff has served as our Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources since February 2012, following her appointment as head of Global Human Resources in October 2011. Ms. Kerentoff also has served as Senior Vice President Administrationof Product Management of DISH Network from March 2013 to December 2015 and Human Resourcesas Vice President of HughesCustomer Technology of DISH Network Systems, LLC since April 2000. Ms. Kerentoff joined Hughesfrom December 2011 to March 2013. Before joining DISH Network Systems, LLC in 1977 and, from 1977 to 2000,2009, Mr. Khemka held various positions at Danaher, Motorola and McKinsey & Co. Following consummation of increasing responsibility.

the Share Exchange, Mr. Khemka will no longer serve as an executive officer of EchoStar.


Kranti K. Kilaru.Kilaru.  Mr. Kilaru has served as our Executive Vice President, Business Systems IT, and Operations since July 2013.  Mr. Kilaru served as our Senior Vice President of our systems engineering group from April 2005 to July 2013 and was responsible for all broadcast centers, systems engineering, and global information technology infrastructure and operations.2013.  Mr. Kilaru joined EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. in 1989 and, from 1989 to 2005, held various positions of increasing responsibility.

1989.

Dean A. Manson.Manson.  Mr. Manson has served as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since November 2011,2011. Mr. Manson also serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and is responsible for all legal and government affairsSecretary of EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries.Hughes Communications.  Mr. Manson joined Hughes Network Systems, LLC in 2000 from the law firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, where he focused on international project finance and corporate transactions, and was appointed General Counsel of Hughes Communications in 2004.


Table of Contents

There are no arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which any executive officer was selected as such.  Pursuant to the Bylaws of EchoStar, executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.




Item 1A.    RISK FACTORS

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us.  If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, or results of operation, prospects or ability to fund a share repurchase program, invest capital in our business or return capital to our shareholders could be materially and adversely affected.

GENERAL RISKS AFFECTING OUR BUSINESS

We currently derive a significant portion of our revenue from our primary customer, DISH Network.  TheIf the Share Exchange is not consummated, the loss of, or a significant reduction in, orders from, or a decrease in selling prices of digital set-top boxes, broadband equipment and services, provision of satellite services and digital broadcast services, and/or other products, components or services to DISH Network would significantly reduce our revenue and materially adversely impact our results of operations.

DISH Network accounted for 57.3%52.3%, 58.8%53.5% and 49.5%57.3% of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, respectively.  DISH Network is currently our primary customer of digital set-top boxes, digital broadcast operation services and our satellite services. These products and services are provided pursuant to contracts that expire on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  DISH Network is also a wholesale distributor of the Hughes satellite internet service, and in connection with such wholesale distribution, purchases certain broadband equipment from us to support the sale of the Hughes service.  In addition, DISH Network has no obligations to continue to purchase our products and only certain obligations to continue to purchase certain of our services.  Therefore, our relationship with DISH Network could be terminated or substantially curtailed with little or no advance notice.  Any material reduction in or termination of our sales to DISH Network or reduction in the prices it pays for the products and services it purchases from us could have a significantmaterial adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial position.

As previously disclosed by

DISH Network is involved in several legal proceedings relating to products, components and services purchased from us.  Adverse decisions against DISH Network in May 2012, Fox Broadcasting Company, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. filed a lawsuit against DISH Network Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, DISH Network, L.L.C., in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that certain services provided by DISH Network, including Slingbox placeshifting functionality infringe their copyrights and breach their carriage contracts. An adverse decision against DISH Networkthese proceedings could decrease the number of Sling Media technology enabled set-top boxesproducts, components and/or services we sellprovide to DISH Network, which could have ana material adverse impacteffect on theour business, results of operations, of our EchoStar Technologies segment.

and financial position.

In addition, because a significant portion of our revenue is derived from DISH Network, our success also depends to a significant degree on the continued success of DISH Network in attracting new subscribers and marketing programming packages and other services and features to subscribers that will result in the purchase of new digital set-top boxes, and in particular, new digital set-top boxes at the high-end of our product range that incorporate high-definition, multiple tuners, and other advanced technology.

In addition, the timing of orders for digital set-top boxes from DISH Network could vary significantly depending on equipment promotions offered to its subscribers, changes in technology, and its use of remanufactured digital set-top boxes, which may cause our revenue to vary significantly quarter over quarter and could expose us to the risks of inventory shortages or excess inventory.  These inventory risks are particularly acute during product end-of-life transitions in which a new generation of digital set-top boxes is being deployed and inventory of older generation digital set-top boxes is at a higher risk of obsolescence.  This in turn could cause our operating results to fluctuate significantly.


Table of Contents

There are a relatively small number of potential new customers for our digital set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations, and we expect this customer concentration to continue for the foreseeable future.  If we lose DISH Network as a customer, it may be difficult for us to replace, in whole or in part, our historical revenue from DISH Network as we have had limited success in attracting such potential new customers in the past.  Furthermore, because of the maturing and competitive nature of the digital set-top box business, the limited number of potential new customers, and the short-term nature of our purchase orders with DISH Network, we have experienced, and could in the future continue to experience, downward pricing pressure on our digital set-top boxes sold to DISH Network, which in turn would adversely affect our gross margins and profitability.  Historically, many potential customers have perceived us as a competitor due to our affiliation with DISH Network. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any commercial relationships with potential new customers who are competitors of DISH Network (particularly if we continue to be perceived as affiliated with DISH Network as a result of common ownership and certain shared services).  If we do not develop relationships with new customers, we may not be able to expand our customer base or maintain or increase our revenue.



Our strategic initiatives may not be successfully implemented, may not elicit the expected customer response in the market and may result in competitive reactions.
We have identified a number of strategic initiatives that we intend to pursue which are discussed in more detail in Item 1. — Business of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The successful implementation of those strategic initiatives requires an investment of time, talent and money and is dependent upon a number of factors some of which are not within our control.  Those factors include the ability to execute such initiatives in the market, the response of existing and potential new customers, and the actions or reactions of competitors.  We may allocate significant resources for long-term initiatives that may not have a short or medium term or any positive impact on our revenue, results of operations, or cash flow.  If we fail to properly execute or deliver products or services that address customers’ expectations, it may have an adverse effect on our ability to retain and attract customers and may increase our costs and reduce our revenue.  Similarly, competitive actions or reactions to our initiatives or advancements in technology or competitive products or services could impair our ability to execute those strategic initiatives or advancements.  In addition, new strategic initiatives may face barriers to entering existing markets with established competitors.  There can be no assurance that we will successfully implement these strategic initiatives or that, if successfully pursued, they will have the desired effect on our business or results of operations.
We could face decreased demand and increased pricing pressure to our products and services due to competition.

Our business operates in an intensely competitive, consumer-driven and rapidly changing environment and competes with a growing number of companies that provide products and services to consumers.  Risks to our business from competition include, but are not limited to, the following:
The digital set-top box market is intensely competitive, and market leadership changes frequently as a result of new products, designs, pricing and pricing.regulations.  We currently face competition from well-established companies, from new, rapidly growing companies, and from digital video providers who have developed their own digital set-top boxes, and in the future we may face competition from new and existing companies that do not currently compete in the market for set-top boxes.  If we do not distinguish our products, particularly our retail products, through distinctive, technologically advanced features and design, as well as build and strengthen our brand recognition, our business could be harmed as we may not be able to effectively compete on price alone against new low cost market entrants.  Increased pricing pressure may also make it particularly difficult for us to make profitable sales in international markets where new competitors are present and in which we have not previously made sales of set-top boxes.  In addition, it can be difficult to acquire additional market share in the digital set-top box market because gaining additional market share would require displacing well-established companies who have had long termlong-term contracts with major cable operators in the U.S., which results in relatively high costs for cable operators to change set-top box providers making it more difficult for us to displace potential customers from their current relationships with our competitors. Any of these competitive threats, alone or in combination with others, could significantly harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our satellite services business competes against larger, well-established satellite service companies, such as Intelsat, SES, Telesat, and Eutelsat. Becausecondition if the satellite services industryShare Exchange is relatively mature, our growth strategy depends largely on our ability to displace current incumbent providers, which often have the benefit of long-term contracts with customers. These long-term contracts and other factors result in relatively high costs for customers to change service providers, making it more difficult for us to displace customers from their current relationships with our competitors. In addition, the supply of satellite capacity available in the market has increased in recent years, which makes it more difficult for us to sell our services in certain markets and to price our capacity at acceptable levels. Competition may cause downward pressure on prices and further reduce the utilization of our capacity, both of which could have an adverse effect on our financial performance. Our satellite services business also competes with fiber optic cable and other terrestrial delivery systems, which may have a cost advantage, particularly in point-to-point applications where such delivery systems have been installed.

In our consumer market, we face competition primarily from DSL and cable internet service providers. Also, other telecommunications, satellite and wireless broadband companies have launched or are planning the launch of consumer internet access services in competition with our service offerings in North America. Some of these competitors offer consumer services and hardware at lower prices than ours. In addition, terrestrial alternatives do not require our
consummated.
Our EchoStar Satellite Services segment (“ESS”) competes against larger, well-established satellite service companies, such as Intelsat, SES, Telesat, and Eutelsat.  Because the satellite services industry is relatively mature, our growth strategy depends largely on our ability to displace current incumbent providers, which often have the benefit of long-term contracts with customers.  These long-term contracts and other factors result in relatively high costs for customers to change service providers, making it more difficult for us to displace customers from their current relationships with our competitors.  In addition, the supply of satellite capacity available in the market has increased in recent years, which makes it more difficult for us to sell our services in certain markets and to price our capacity at acceptable levels.  Competition may cause downward pressure on prices and further reduce the utilization of our capacity, both of which could have an adverse effect on our financial performance.  Our ESS segment also competes with both fiber optic cable and terrestrial delivery systems, which may have a cost advantage, particularly in point-to-point applications where such delivery systems have been installed, and with new delivery systems being developed, which may have lower latency and other advantages.
In our consumer market, we face competition primarily from DSL, fiber and cable internet service providers.  Also, other telecommunications, satellite and wireless broadband companies have launched or are planning the launch of consumer internet access services in competition with our service offerings in North America and Brazil.  Some of these competitors offer consumer services and hardware at lower prices than ours.  In addition, terrestrial alternatives do not require our external dish, which may limit customer acceptance of our products.  We may be unsuccessful in competing effectively against DSL, fiber and cable internet service providers and other satellite broadband providers, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Table of Contents

In our enterprise network communications market, we face competition from providers of terrestrial-based networks, such as fiber, DSL, cable modem service, multiprotocol label switching and internet protocol-based virtual private networks, which may have advantages over satellite networks for certain customer applications.  Although we also sell terrestrial services to this market, we may not be as cost competitive and it may become more difficult for us to compete.  The network communications industry is characterized by competitive pressures to provide enhanced functionality for the same or lower price with each new generation of technology.  Terrestrial-based networks are offered by telecommunications carriers and other large companies, many of which have substantially greater financial resources and greater name recognition than us.  As the prices of our products decrease, we will need to sell more products and/or reduce the per-unit costs to improve or maintain our results of operations.  The costs of a satellite network may exceed those of a terrestrial-based network or other networks, especially in areas that have experienced significant DSL and cable internet build-out.  It may become more difficult for us to compete with terrestrial and other providers as the number of these areas increases and the cost of their network and hardware services declines.  Terrestrial networks also have a competitive edge because of lower latency for data transmission.

The average selling price and gross margins of our digital set-top boxes have been decreasing and may decrease even further, which could negatively impact our financial position and results of operations.

The average selling price and gross margins of our digital set-top boxes have been decreasing and may decrease even further if the Share Exchange is not consummated due to, among other things, an increase in the sales of lower-priced digital set-top boxes to DISH Network, and increased competitive pricing pressure.pressure and production costs.  Furthermore, our ability to increase the average selling prices of our digital set-top boxes is limited and our average selling price may decrease even further in response to competitive pricing pressures, new product introductions by us or our competitors, lack of demand for our new product introductions or other factors.  If we are unable to increase or at least maintain the average selling prices of our digital set-top boxes, or if such selling prices further decline, and we are unable to respond in a timely manner by developing and introducing new products and continually reducing our product costs, our revenue and gross margin may be negatively affected, which will harm our financial position and results of operations.

operations if the Share Exchange is not consummated.

If significant numbers of television viewers are unwilling to pay for pay-TV services that utilize digital set-top boxes, we may not be able to sustain our current revenue level.

level if the Share Exchange is not consummated.

We are substantially dependent upon the ability of our customers to promote the delivery of pay-TV services, including, among others, premium programming packages and services that utilize technology incorporated into our digital set-top boxes, such as HD technology and IPTV, to generate future revenue.

However, our  Our customers face emerging competition from other providers of digital media and potential government action preventing them from using security systems in connection with set-top boxes.  In particular, programming offered over the internet has become more prevalent as the speed and quality of broadband networks have improved.

Our customers may be unsuccessful in promoting value-added services or may promote alternative packages, such as free programming packages, in lieu of promoting packages that utilize our high-end digital set-top box offerings.  If our customers are unable to develop and effectively market compelling reasons for their subscribers to continue to purchase their pay-TV services that utilize our more advanced digital set-top boxes, it will be difficult for us to sustain our historical revenue.  Furthermore, as technologies develop, other means of delivering information and entertainment to television viewers are evolvinghave evolved and contributingcontributed to, and will likely continue to evolve and contribute to, increasing consumer demand for online platforms that provide for the distribution and viewing of movies, television and other video programming that competes with our customers'customers’ pay-TV services.  To the extent that these online platforms and other new technologies compete successfully against our customers for viewers, the ability of our existing customer base to attract and retain subscribers may be adversely affected.  As a result, demand for our satellite


Table of Contents

television digital set-top boxes could decline, and we may not be able to sustain our current revenue levels.

We may have available satellite capacity in our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment, and our results of operations may be materially adversely affected if we are not able to leaseprovide satellite services on this capacity to third parties, including DISH Network.

We have available satellite capacity in our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment.  While we are currently evaluating various opportunities to make profitable use of our available satellite capacity (including, but not limited to, supplying satellite capacity for new international ventures), we do not have firm plans to utilize all of our satellite capacity. Therethere can be no assurance that we can successfully develop thethese business opportunities we currently plan to pursue to utilize this capacity.opportunities.  If we are unable to leaseutilize our available satellite capacity for providing satellite services to third parties, including DISH Network, our margins could be negatively impacted, and we may be required to record impairments related to our satellites.


The failure to adequately anticipate the need for satellite capacity or the inability to obtain satellite capacity for our Hughes segment could harm our results of operations.

Our Hughes segment has made substantial contractual commitments for satellite capacity based on our existing customer contracts and backlog, as well as anticipated future business.backlog.  If future demand does not meet our expectations,existing customer contracts were to be terminated prior to their respective expiration dates, we may be committed to maintaining excess satellite capacity for which we will have insufficient revenue to cover our costs, which would have a negative impact on our margins and results of operations oroperations.  Alternatively, we may not have sufficient satellite capacity to meet demand.  We have satellite capacity commitments, generally for two to five year terms, with third parties to cover different geographical areas or support different applications and features; therefore, we may not be able to quickly or easily adjust our capacity to changes in demand.  If weWe generally only purchase satellite capacity based on existing contracts and bookings,bookings.  Therefore, capacity for certain types of coverage in the future may not be readily available to us, and we may not be able to satisfy certain needs of our customers, which could result in a loss of possible new business and could negatively impact the margins earned for those services.  At present, until the launch and operation of additional satellites, there is limited availability of capacity on the frequencies we use in North America.America, including within our own fleet of satellites.  Our ability to provide additional capacity for subscriber growth in our North American consumer market could also be adversely affected by regulations in the U.S. recently adopted by the FCC that enable the use of a portion of the frequency bands, including without limitation, the Ka-band, where we operate our broadband gateway earth stations, for 5G mobile terrestrial services, which could limit our flexibility to change the way in which we use the Ka-band in the future. In addition, the FSS industry has seen consolidation in the past decade, and today, the main FSS providers in North America and a number of smaller regional providers own and operate the current satellites that are available for our capacity needs.  The failure of any of these FSS providers to replace existing satellite assets at the end of their useful lives or a downturn in their industry as a whole could reduce or interrupt the satellite capacity available to us.  If we are not able to renew our capacity leases at economically viable rates, or if capacity is not available due to problems experienced by thethese FSS providers, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are dependent upon third-party providers for components, manufacturing, installation services, and customer support services, and our results of operations may be materially adversely affected if any of these third-party providers fail to appropriately deliver the contracted goods or services.

We are dependent upon third-party services and products provided to us, including the following:

Components.  A limited number of suppliers manufacture, and in some cases a single supplier manufactures, some of the key components required to build our products. These key components may not be continually available and we may not be able to forecast our component requirements sufficiently in advance, which may have a detrimental effect on supply.  If we are required to change suppliers for any reason, we would experience a delay in manufacturing our products if another supplier is not able to meet our requirements on a timely basis.  In addition, if we are unable to obtain the necessary volumes of components on favorable terms or prices on a timely basis, we may be unable to produce our products at competitive prices and we may be unable to satisfy demand from our customers.  Our reliance on a single or limited group of suppliers, particularly foreign suppliers, and our reliance on subcontractors, involves several risks.  These risks include a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components, reduced control over pricing, quality, and timely delivery of these components, and the potential bankruptcy, lack of liquidity or operational failure of our suppliers.  We do not generally maintain long-term agreements with any of our suppliers or subcontractors for our products.  An inability to obtain adequate deliveries or any other circumstances requiring us to seek alternative sources of supply could affect our ability to ship our products on a timely basis, which could damage our relationships with current and prospective customers and harm our business, resulting in a loss of market share, and reduced revenue and income.
Commodity Price Risk.  Fluctuations in pricing of raw materials can affect our product costs.  To the extent that component pricing does not decline or increases, whether due to inflation, increased demand, decreased supply or other factors, we may not be able to pass on the impact of increasing raw materials prices, component prices or labor and other costs, to our customers, and we may not be able to operate profitably.  Such changes could have an adverse impact on our product costs.
Manufacturing.  While we develop and manufacture prototypes for certain of our products, we use contract manufacturers to produce a significant portion of our hardware.  If these contract manufacturers fail to provide products that meet our specifications in a timely manner, then our customer relationships and revenue may be harmed.
Installation and customer support services.  Some of our products and services, such as our North American and international operations, utilize a network of third-party installers to deploy our hardware.  In addition, a portion of our customer support and management is provide

Table of Contents

Other services.  Some of our products rely on third parties to provide services necessary for the operation of functionalities of the products, such as third party cloud computing services.  The failure of these services could disrupt the operation of certain functionalities of our products, which could harm our customer relationship and result in a loss of sales.  In addition, if the agreements for the provision of these services are terminated or not renewed, we could face difficulties replacing these service providers, which would adversely affect our ability to obtain and retain customers and result in reduced revenue and income.

Our foreign operations expose us to regulatory risks and restrictions not present in our domestic operations.

Our operationssales outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 14.1%14.2%, 14.1%14.6% and 23.0%14.1% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, respectively.  Collectively, we expect our foreign operations to continue to represent a significant portion of our business. We have operations in Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, the Russian Federation, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland and the United Kingdom, among other nations.  Over the last 10 years, we have sold products in over 100 countries.  Our foreign operations involve varying degrees of risk and uncertainties inherent in doing business abroad.  Such risks include:

Complications in complying with restrictions on foreign ownership and investment and limitations on repatriation.  We may not be permitted to own our operations in some countries and may have to enter into partnership or joint venture relationships.  Many foreign legal regimes restrict our repatriation of earnings to the U.S. from our subsidiaries and joint venture entities.  Applicable law in such foreign countries may also limit our ability to distribute or access our assets in certain circumstances.  In such event, we will not have access to the cash flow and assets of our subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Difficulties in following a variety of laws and regulations related to foreign operations.  Our international operations are subject to the laws and regulations of many different jurisdictions that may differ significantly from U.S. laws and regulations.  For example, local political or intellectual property law may hold us responsible for the data that is transmitted over our network by our customers.  In addition, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions that generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or giving or promising to give anything of value to foreign officials and other individuals for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or gaining a competitive advantage.  Our policies mandate compliance with these laws.  However, we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced corruption to some degree.  Compliance with these laws may lead to increased operations costs or loss of business opportunities.  Violations of these laws could result in fines or other penalties or sanctions, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Restrictions on space station landing/terrestrial rights.  Satellite market access and landing rights and terrestrial wireless rights are dependent on the national regulations established by foreign governments, including, but not limited to obtaining national authorizations or approvals and meeting other regulatory, coordination and registration requirements for satellites.  Because regulatory schemes vary by country, we may be subject to laws or regulations in foreign countries of which we are not presently aware.  Non-compliance with these requirements may result in the loss of the authorizations and licenses to conduct business in these countries, as well as fines or other financial and non-financial penalties for non-compliance with regulations.  If that were to be the case, we could be subject to sanctions and/or other actions by a foreign government that could materially and adversely affect our ability to operate in that country.  There is no assurance that any current regulatory approvals held by us are, or will remain, sufficient in the view of foreign regulatory authorities, or that any additional necessary approvals will be granted on a timely basis or at all, in all jurisdictions in which we wish to operate new satellites, or that applicable restrictions in those jurisdictions will not be unduly burdensome.  Violations of laws or regulations may result in various sanctions including fines, loss of authorizations and the denial of applications for new authorizations or for the renewal of existing authorizations, and the failure to obtain or comply with the authorizations and regulations governing our international operations could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and our overall competitive position.
Financial and legal constraints and obligations.  Operating pursuant to foreign licenses subjects us to certain financial constraints and obligations, including, but not limited to: (a) tax liabilities that may or may not be dependent on revenue; (b) the burden of creating and maintaining additional entities, branches, facilities and/or staffing in foreign jurisdictions; and (c) legal regulations requiring that we make certain satellite capacity available for “free,” which may impact our revenue.  In addition, if we need to pursue legal remedies against our customers or our business partners located outside of the U.S., it may be difficult for us to enforce our rights against them.
Compliance with applicable export control laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries.  We must comply with all applicable export control and trade sanctions laws and regulations of the U.S. and other countries.  U.S. laws and regulations applicable to us include the Arms Export Control Act, ITAR, EAR and the trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by OFAC.  The export of certain hardware, technical data and services

Table of Contents

contracts.

Table of Contents

We may experience significant financial losses on our existing investments.

We have entered into certain strategic transactions and investments in North and South America, Asia, Europe and elsewhere.investments.  These investments involve a high degree of risk and could diminish our financial condition or our ability to fund a share repurchase program, invest capital in our business or return capital to our shareholders.  The overall sustained economic uncertainty, as well as financial, operational and other difficulties encountered by certain companies in which we have invested increases the risk that the actual amounts realized in the future on our debt and equity investments will differ significantly from the fair values currently assigned to them.  In addition, the companies in which we invest or with whom we partner may not be able to compete effectively or there may be insufficient demand for the services and products offered by these companies.  These investments could also expose us to significant financial losses and may restrict our ability to make other investments or limit alternative uses of our capital resources.  If our investments suffer losses, our financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the companies in which we invest or with whom we partner may not be able to compete effectively or there may be insufficient demand for the services and products offered by these companies.

We may pursue acquisitions, capital expenditures and other strategic transactions to complement or expand our business, which may not be successful and we may lose a portion or all of our investment in these acquisitions and transactions.

Our future success may depend on the existence of, and our ability to capitalize on, opportunities to acquire or develop other businesses or technologies or partner with other companies that could complement, enhance or expand our current business, services or products or that may otherwise offer us growth opportunities.  We may pursue acquisitions, joint ventures or other

business combination or development activities to complement or expand our business.  Any such acquisitions, transactions or investments that we are able to identify and complete which may become substantial over time, involve a high degree of risk, including, but not limited to, the following:

the diversion of our management’s attention from our existing business to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired or combined business, technology or joint venture;
the ability and capacity of our management team to carry out all of our business plans, including with respect to our existing businesses and any businesses we acquire or embark on in the future;
possible adverse effects on our and our targets’ and partners’ business, financial condition or operating results during the integration process;
exposure to significant financial losses if the transactions, investments and/or the underlying ventures are not successful; and/or we are unable to achieve the intended objectives of the transaction or investment;
the inability to obtain in the anticipated time frame, or at all, any regulatory approvals required to complete proposed acquisitions, transactions or investments;
the risks associated with complying with regulations applicable to the acquired or developed business or technologies which may cause us to incur substantial expenses;
the inability to realize anticipated benefits or synergies from an acquisition; and
the disruption of relationships with employees, vendors or customers.

New acquisitions, transactions or investments; and

the risks associated with complying with regulations applicable to the acquired business which may cause us to incur substantial expenses.

Table of Contents

New acquisitions,investments, joint ventures and other transactions may require the commitment of significant capital that may otherwise be directed to investments in our existing businesses or be distributed to shareholders.  Commitment of this capital may cause us to defer or suspend any share repurchases or capital expenditures that we otherwise may have made.

We may not be able to generate cash to meet our debt service needs or fund our operations.

Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSS"),


As of December 31, 2016, our subsidiary that, together with its subsidiaries, operates our Hughes segment and our EchoStar Satellite Services segment, has incurred significant indebtedness. HSS currently has outstanding $1.10 billion of senior secured notes (the "Secured Notes") and $900.0 million of senior unsecured notes (the "Unsecured Notes" and, together with the Secured Notes, the "Notes"), which are due in 2019 and 2021, respectively. HSS'total indebtedness was approximately $3.66 billion.  Our ability to make payments on or to refinance itsour indebtedness and to fund itsour operations will depend on itsour ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject in part to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.  HSSWe may need to raise additional debt in order to fund ongoing operations or to capitalize on business opportunities.  HSSWe may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations and future borrowings may not be available in amounts sufficient to enable HSSus to service itsour indebtedness or to fund itsour operations or other liquidity needs.  If HSS iswe are unable to generate sufficient cash, itwe may be forced to take actions such as revising or delaying itsour strategic plans, reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing itsour debt or seeking additional equity capital.  HSSWe may not be able to implement any of these remediesactions on satisfactory terms, or at all.  The indentures governing the Notes alsoour indebtedness limit HSS'our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from such dispositions.  Therefore, HSSwe may not be able to consummate those dispositions on satisfactory terms, or at all, or to use those proceeds in a manner itwe may otherwise prefer.

In addition, weaknessconditions in the financial markets could make it difficult for us to access capital markets at acceptable terms or at all.  Instability or other conditions in the equity markets could make it difficult for us to raise equity financing without incurring substantial dilution to our existing shareholders.  In addition, sustained or increased economic weaknessweaknesses or pressures or new economic conditions may limit our ability to generate sufficient internal cash to fund investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.  We cannot predict with any certainty whether or not we will be impacted by sustained economic weakness.conditions.  As a result, these conditions make it difficult for us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities because we may not have access to funding sources necessary for us to pursue organic and strategic business development opportunities.

Covenants in HSS'our indentures restrict itsour business in many ways.

The indentures governing the Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSS”), a subsidiary of EchoStar, 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Senior Secured Notes”), 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Senior Unsecured Notes”), 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2026 (the “2026 Senior Secured Notes”) and 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due August 1, 2026 (the “2026 Senior Unsecured Notes” and together with the 2026 Senior Secured Notes, the “2026 Notes”) contain various covenants, subject to certain exceptions, that limit HSS'our ability and/or itsour restricted subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

incur additional debt;


incur additional debt;

make certain investments;

create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

merge or consolidate with another company;

transfer and sell assets;

pay dividends or make distributions on HSS’ capital stock or repurchase HSS’ capital stock;
make certain investments;
create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
enter into transactions with affiliates; and
merge or consolidate with another company;
transfer and sell assets; and

Table of Contents

Failure to comply with these and certain other financial covenants, if not cured or waived, may result in an event of default under the indentures, which could have a material adverse effect on HSS'our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.  If an event of default occurs and is continuing under the respective indenture, the trustee under that indenture or the requisite holders of the Notesnotes under that indenture may declare all such Notesnotes to be immediately due and payable and, in the case of the indentureindentures governing the Secured Notes,any of our secured notes, could proceed against the collateral that secures the Secured Notes. HSSapplicable secured notes. We and certain of itsour subsidiaries have pledged a significant portion of theirour assets as collateral underto secure the indenture governing2019 Senior Secured Notes and the 2026 Senior Secured Notes.  If HSS doeswe do not have enough cash to service itsour debt or fund other liquidity needs, itwe may be required to take actions such as requesting a waiver from the holders of the Notes,notes, reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing all or part of the existing debt, or seeking additional equity capital.  We cannot assure you that any of these remedies can be implemented on commercially reasonable terms or at all, which could result in the trustee declaring the Notesnotes to be immediately due and payable and/or foreclosing on the collateral.

We rely on key personnel and the loss of their services may negatively affect our businesses.

We believe that our future success will depend to a significant extent upon the performance of Mr. Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and certain other key executives.  The loss of Mr. Ergen or of certain other key executives or of the ability of Mr. Ergen or certain other key executives to devote sufficient time and effort to our business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Although allmost of our key executives have agreements limiting their ability to work for or consult with competitors, if they leave us,under certain circumstances, we generally do not have employment agreements with them.  To the extent Mr. Ergen or other officers are performing services to both DISH Network and us, their attention may be diverted away from our business and therefore adversely affect our business.

Pursuant to the terms of our preferred tracking stock and related agreements and policies, we could be required to use assets attributed to one group to pay liabilities attributed to the other group.

group if the Share Exchange is not consummated.

Even though we attribute, for financial reporting purposes, all of our consolidated assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and cash flows to either the EchoStar Group or the Hughes Retail Group (see Note 24 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for definitions and a further discussion of the preferred tracking stock, the EchoStar Group and the Hughes Retail Group) and prepare separate attributed financial information for the Hughes Retail Group, we retain legal title to all of our assets and our capitalization will not limit our legal responsibility, or that of our subsidiaries, for the liabilities included in our financial statements and such attributed financial information.  As such, the assets attributed to one group are potentially subject to the liabilities attributed to the other group, even if those liabilities arise from lawsuits, contracts or indebtedness that are attributed to such other group.  Although the Policy Statementpolicy statement (the “Policy Statement”) regarding the relationships between the EchoStar Group and the Hughes Retail Group with respect to matters such as the attribution and allocation of costs, tax liabilities and benefits, attribution of assets, corporate opportunities and similar items generally requires that all changes in the attribution of assets from one group to the other group will be made on a fair value basis as determined in accordance with certain guiding principles, these policies and our articles of incorporation generally do not prevent us from satisfying liabilities of one group with assets of the other group, and our creditors are not limited by our tracking stock capitalization from proceeding against any assets they could have proceeded against if we did not have a tracking stock capitalization.

We may be subject to risks relating to the referendum of the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union.

In June 2016, the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”) held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union and its member states (“EU”), commonly referred to as the “Brexit.” As a result of the referendum, it is expected that the U.K. government will begin negotiating the terms of the U.K.’s future relationship with the EU. Although it is unknown what those terms will be, it is possible that there will be greater restrictions on imports and exports between the U.K. and EU countries. 

Table

Additionally, with the U.K. no longer being a part of Contents

the EU, we anticipate that there may be certain regulatory changes that may impact the regulatory regime under which we operate in both the U.K. and the EU.  These and other changes, implications and consequences of the Brexit may adversely affect our business and results of operations.


A natural disaster could diminish our ability to provide service to our customers.

Natural disasters could damage or destroy our ground stations, resulting in a disruption of service to our customers.  We currently have backup systems and technology in place to safeguard our antennas and protect our ground stations during natural disasters such as tornadoes, but the possibility still exists that our ground facilities could be impacted during a major natural disaster.  If a future natural disaster impairs or destroys any of our ground facilities, we may be unable to provide service to our customers in the affected area for a period of time which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We may have additional tax liabilities.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions.  Significant judgments are required in determining our provisions for income taxes.  In the course of preparing our tax provisions and returns, we must make calculations where the ultimate tax determination may be uncertain.  Our tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), state, and foreign tax authorities.  There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these examinations.  If the ultimate determination of taxes owed is for an amount in excess of amounts previously accrued, our operating results, cash flows, and financial condition could be adversely affected.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR SATELLITES

Our owned and leased satellites in orbit are subject to significant operational and environmental risks that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.

Satellites are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit.  These risks include malfunctions, commonly referred to as anomalies, which have occurred and may occur in the future in our satellites and the satellites of other operators as a result of various factors, such as satellite design and manufacturing defects, problems with the power systems or control systems of the satellites and general failures resulting from operating satellites in the harsh environment of space.

Although we work closely with the satellite manufacturers to determine and eliminate the cause of anomalies in new satellites and provide for redundancies of many critical components in the satellites, we may not be able to prevent anomalies from occurring and may experience anomalies in the future, whether of the types described above or arising from the failure of other systems or components.

Any single anomaly or series of anomalies could materially and adversely affect our ability to utilize the satellite, our operations and revenue as well as our relationshiprelationships with current customers and our ability to attract new customers.  In particular, future anomalies may result in, among other things, the loss of individual transponderstransponders/beams on a satellite, a group of transponderstransponders/beams on that satellite or the entire satellite, depending on the nature of the anomaly. Anomalies may also reduce the expected capacity or useful life of a satellite, thereby reducing the revenue that could be generated by that satellite, or create additional expenses due to the need to provide replacement or back-up satellites or satellite capacity.

capacity earlier than planned.

The loss of a satellite or other satellite malfunctions or anomalies could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, which we may not be able to mitigate by using available capacity on other satellites.  There can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our in-orbit satellites were to fail.  In addition, the loss of a satellite or other satellite malfunctions or anomalies could affect our ability to comply with FCC and other regulatory obligations and our ability to fund the construction or acquisition of replacement satellites for our in-orbit fleet in a timely fashion, or at all.  There can be no assurance that anomalies will not impact the remaining useful life and/or the commercial operation of any of the satellites in our fleet.  In addition, there can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our in-orbit satellites were to fail.
Meteoroid events pose a potential threat to all in-orbit satellites.  The probability that meteoroids will damage those satellites increases significantly when the Earth passes through the particulate stream left behind by comets.  Occasionally, increased solar activity also poses a potential threat to all in-orbit satellites.

Some decommissioned spacecraft are in uncontrolled orbits, which pass through the geostationary belt at various points and present hazards to operational spacecraft, including our satellites.  We may be required to perform maneuvers to avoid

collisions and these maneuvers may prove unsuccessful or could reduce the useful life of the satellite through the expenditure of fuel to perform these maneuvers.  The loss, damage or destruction of any of our satellites as a result of an electrostatic storm, collision with space debris, malfunction or other event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We generally dohistorically have not carrycarried in-orbit insurance on anymany of our satellites other than SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XV, EchoStar XVI and EchoStar XVII, and often do not use commercial insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of launch or in-orbit failures because we believeassessed that the cost of insurance premiums iswas uneconomical relative to the risk of such failures. If one or more of our in-orbit uninsured satellites fail, we could be required to record significant impairment charges for the satellite.

Our satellites have minimum design lives ranging from 12 to 15 years, but could fail or suffer reduced capacity before then.

Generally, the minimum design life of each of our satellites ranges from 12 to 15 years.  We can provide no assurance, however, as to the actual operational lives of our satellites, which may be shorter or longer than their design lives.  Our ability to earn revenue depends on the continued operation of our satellites, each of which has a limited useful life.  A number of factors affect the useful lives of the satellites, including, among other things, the quality of their design and construction, the durability of their component parts, the ability to continue to maintain proper orbit and control over the satellite'ssatellite’s functions, the efficiency of the launch vehicle used, and the remaining on-board fuel following orbit insertion.


Table In addition, continued improvements in satellite technology may make obsolete our existing satellites, or any satellites we may acquire in the future, prior to the end of Contents

their design lives.

In the event of a failure or loss of any of our satellites, we may relocate another satellite and use it as a replacement for the failed or lost satellite, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  SuchAdditionally, such relocation would require FCCgovernmental approval.  We cannot be certain that we could obtain such FCCgovernmental approval.  In addition, we cannot guarantee that another satellite will be available for use as a replacement for a failed or lost satellite, or that such relocation can be accomplished without a substantial utilization of fuel.  Any such utilization of fuel would reduce the operational life of the replacement satellite.

Our satellites under construction are subject to risks related to construction and launch that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.

Satellite construction and launch are subject to significant risks, including delays, anomalies, launch failure and incorrect orbital placement.  Certain launch vehicles that may be used by us have either unproven track records or have experienced launch failures in the past.  The risks of launch delay, launch anomalies and launch failure are usually greater when the launch vehicle does not have a track record of previous successful flights.  Launch anomalies and failures can result in significant delays in the deployment of satellites because of the need both to construct replacement satellites, which can take more than three years, and to obtain other launch opportunities.  Construction and launchSuch significant delays could materially and adversely affect our business, expenses and results of operations, our ability to meet regulatory or contractual required milestones, the availability and our use of other or replacement satellite resources and our ability to provide services to customers as capacity becomes full on existing satellites.  In addition, significant delays in a satellite program could give customers who have purchased or reserved capacity on that satellite a right to terminate their service contracts relating to the satellite.  We may not be able to accommodate affected customers on other satellites until a replacement satellite is available.  A customer’s termination of its service contracts with us as a result of a launch delay or failure would reduce our contracted backlog and our ability to generate revenue.  One of our primary launch services providers is a Russian Federation state-owned company.  Recent ongoing political events including the imposition of sanctions, have created uncertainty as to the stability of U.S. and Russian Federation relations.  This could add to risks relative to scheduling uncertainties and timing.  Historically, we generally have not always carried launch insurance for the launch of our satellites; ifsatellites. If a launch delay, anomaly or failure were to occur, it could result in the revocation of the applicable license to operate the satellite, undermine our ability to implement our business strategy or develop or pursue existing or future business opportunities with applicable licenses and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, expenses, assets, revenue, results of operations and ability to fund future satellite procurement and launch opportunities.  In addition, the occurrence of launch anomalies and failures, whether on our satellites or those of others, may significantly reduce our ability to place launch insurance for our satellites or make launch insurance premiums uneconomical.

Our use of certain satellites is often dependent on satellite coordination agreements, which may be difficult to obtain.

Satellite transmissions and the use of frequencies often are dependent on coordination with other satellite systems operated by U.S. or foreign satellite operators, including governments, and it can be difficult to determine the outcome of these coordination agreements with these other entities and governments.  The impact of a coordination agreement may result in the loss of rights

to the use of certain frequencies or access to certain markets.  The significance of such a loss would vary and it can therefore be difficult to determine which portion of our revenue will be impacted.

Furthermore, the satellite coordination process is conducted under the guidance of the ITU radio regulations and the national regulations of the satellites involved in the coordination process.  These rules and regulations could be amended and could therefore materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may face interference from other services sharing satellite spectrum.

The FCC and other regulators have adopted rules or may adopt rules in the future that allow non-geostationary orbit satellite services to operate on a co-primary basis in the same frequency band as DBS and FSS.  The FCC has also authorized the use of multichannel video and data distribution service ("MVDDS"(“MVDDS”) in the DBS band.  Several MVDDS systems are now being commercially deployed.  Despite regulatory provisions designed to protect DBS and FSS operations from harmful interference, there can be no assurance that operations by other satellites or terrestrial communication services in the DBS and FSS bands will not interfere with our DBS and FSS operations and adversely affect our business.


Table of Contents

Our dependence on outside contractors could result in delays related to the design, manufacture and launch of our new satellites, which could in turn adversely affect our operating results.

There are a limited number of manufacturers that are able to design and build satellites according to the technical specifications and standards of quality we require, including Airbus Defence and Space, Boeing Satellite Systems, Lockheed Martin, SS/L and Thales Alenia Space.  There are also a limited number of launch service providers that are able to launch such satellites, including International Launch Services, Arianespace, UnitedLockheed Martin Commercial Launch Alliance,Services and Space Exploration and Sea Launch Company.Exploration.  The loss of any of our manufacturers or launch service providers could increase the cost and result in the delay of the design, construction or launch of our satellites.  Even if alternate suppliers for such services are available, we may have difficulty identifying them in a timely manner or we may incur significant additional expense in changing suppliers, and this could result in difficulties or delays in the design, construction or launch of our satellites.  Any delays in the design, construction or launch of our satellites could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


RISKS RELATED TO OUR PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY

If we are unable to properly respond to technological changes, our business could be significantly harmed.

Our business and the markets in which we operate are characterized by rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards and frequent product and service introductions and enhancements.  If we or our suppliers are unable to properly respond to or keep pace with technological developments, fail to develop new technologies, or if our competitors obtain or develop proprietary technologies that are perceived by the market as being superior to ours, our existing products and services may become obsolete and demand for our products and services may decline.  Even if we keep up with technological innovation, we may not meet the demands of the markets we serve.  Furthermore, after we have incurred substantial research and development costs, one or more of the technologies under our development, or under development by one or more of our strategic partners, could become obsolete prior to its introduction.  If we are unable to respond to or keep pace with technological advances on a cost-effective and timely basis, or if our products, applications or services are not accepted by the market, then our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Our response to technological developments depends, to a significant degree, on the work of technically skilled employees.  Competition for the services of such employees is intense.  Although we strive to attract, retain and retainmotivate these employees, we may not succeed in this respect.

these respects.

We have made and will continue to make significant investments in research, development, and marketing for new products, services and related technologies, as well as entry into new business areas.  Investments in new technologies and business areas are inherently speculative and commercial success thereof depends on numerous factors including innovativeness, quality of service and support, and effectiveness of sales and marketing.  We may not achieve revenue or profitability from such investments for a number of years, if at all.  Moreover, even if such products, services, technologies and business areas become profitable, their operating margins may be minimal.


Our future growth depends on growing demand for advanced technologies.

Future demand and effective delivery for our digital set-top boxesproducts will depend significantly on the growing demand for advanced technologies, such as broadband internet connectivity and, if the Share Exchange is not consummated, Ultra HDTV, 3D TV, whole-home HD DVR features, mobile internet delivery of video content, and broadband internet connectivity, and on digital television operators developing and building infrastructure to provide these advanced technologies.  If the deployment of, or demand for, advanced technologies is not as widespread or as rapid as we or our customers expect, our revenue growth will be limited.

negatively impacted.

Table of Contents

Our business depends on certain intellectual property rights and on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others.  The loss of our intellectual property rights or our infringement of the intellectual property rights of others could have a significant adverse impact on our business.

We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services.  Legal challenges to our intellectual property rights and claims by third parties of intellectual property infringement could require that we enter into royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms, incur substantial monetary liability or be enjoined preliminarily or permanently from further use of the intellectual property in question or from the continuation of our businesses as currently conducted, which could require us to change our business practices or limit our ability to compete effectively or could otherwise have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations.operations or prospects.  Even if we believe any such challenges or claims are without merit, they can be time-consuming and costly to defend and may divert management'smanagement’s attention and resources away from our business.

Moreover, due to the rapid pace of technological change, we rely in part on technologies developed or licensed by third parties, and if we are unable to obtain or continue to obtain licenses or other required intellectual property rights from these third parties on reasonable terms, our business, financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.  Technology licensed from third parties may have undetected errors that impair the functionality or prevent the successful integration of our products or services.  As a result of any such changes or loss, we may need to incur additional development costs to ensure continued performance of our products or suffer delays until replacement technology, if available, can be obtained and integrated.

In addition, we work with third parties such as vendors, contractors and suppliers for the development and manufacture of components that are integrated into our products and our products may contain technologies provided to us by these third parties.  We may have little or no ability to determine in advance whether any such technology infringes the intellectual property rights of others.  Our vendors, contractors and suppliers may not be required to indemnify us in the event that a claim of infringement is asserted against us, or they may be required to indemnify us only up to a maximum amount, above which we would be responsible for any further costs or damages.  Legal challenges to these intellectual property rights may impair our ability to use the products and technologies that we need in order to operate our business and may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are, and may become, party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, particularly lawsuits regarding intellectual property.

We are, and may become, subject to various legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of our business.  Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services related to those that we offer.  In general, if a court determines that one or more of our products or services infringes valid intellectual property rights held by others, we may be required to cease developing or marketing those products or services, to obtain licenses from the holders of the intellectual property at a material cost, or to redesign those products or services in such a way as to avoid infringement.  If those intellectual property rights are held by a competitor, we may be unable to license the necessary intellectual property rights at any price, which could adversely affect our competitive position.

We may not be aware of all patents and other intellectual property rights that our products and services may potentially infringe.  In addition, patent applications in the U.S. and foreign countries are confidential until the Patent and Trademark Office either publishes the application or issues a patent (whichever arises first) and, accordingly, our products may infringe claims contained in pending patent applications of which we are not aware.  Further, the process of determining definitively whether a


Table of Contents

patent claim is valid and whether a particular product infringes a valid patent claim often involves expensive and protracted litigation, even if we are ultimately successful on the merits.


We cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to intellectual property rights held by others and the availability and cost of any such licenses.  Those costs, and their impact on our results of operations, could be material.  Damages in patent infringement cases can be substantial, and in certain circumstances, can be trebled.  To the extent that we are required to pay unanticipated royalties to third parties, these increased costs of doing business could negatively affect our liquidity and operating results.  We are currently defending multiple patent infringement actions and may assert our own actions against parties we suspect of infringing our patents and trademarks.  We cannot be certain the courts will conclude these companies do not own the rights they claim, that these rights are not valid, or that our products and services do not infringe on these rights.  We also cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we would be able to redesign our products and services to avoid infringement.  The legal costs associated with defending patent suits and pursuing patent claims against others may be borne by us if we are not awarded reimbursement through the legal process.  Please seeSee further discussion under Item 1. Business—- Business — Patents and Trademarks and Item 3. - Legal Proceedings of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.
We may become involved in lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, consumer claims and governmental and other legal proceedings arising from of our business, including new products and services that we may offer.  Some of these proceedings may raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and can be subject to uncertainties and complexities.  The timing of the final resolutions to lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and governmental and other legal proceedings is typically uncertain.  Additionally, the possible outcomes of, or resolutions to, these proceedings could include adverse judgments, settlements or liabilities, any of which could require substantial payments or have other adverse impacts on our revenue, results of operations or cash flow.
If the encryption and related security technology used in our digital set-top boxesproducts is compromised, sales of our digital set-top boxesproducts may decline.

Our customers use encryption and related security technology obtained from us or our suppliers in the digital set-top boxesproducts that they purchase from us to control access to their programming content.content and to protect their data and products from unauthorized access to the features or functionalities of such products.  Such encryption and related security technology has been compromised in the past and may be compromised in the future even though we continue to respond with significant investment in security measures, such as updates in security software, that are intended to make signal theft more difficult.  It has been our prior experience that security measures may only be effective for short periods of time or not at all.  We cannot ensure that we will be successful in reducing or controlling theft of our customers'customers’ programming content.  As a result, sales of our digital set-top boxesproducts may decline, our reputation and customer relationship could be damaged and we may incur additional costs or financial liability in the future if security of our customers'customers’ system is compromised.

We rely on network and information systems and other technologies and a disruption, cyber-attack, failure or destruction of such networks, systems or technologies may disrupt or harm our business and damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

The capacity, reliability and security of our information technology hardware and software infrastructure are important to the operation of our business, which would suffer in the event of system disruptions or failures, such as computer hackings, cyber-attacks, computer viruses or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks or other malicious activities.  An increasing number of companies recently disclosed securitySecurity breaches, attacks, unauthorized access and other malicious activities have significantly increased in recent years, and some of whichthem have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks on their computer networks.  Our networks, systems and technologies and those of our third-party service providers and our customers may also be vulnerable to such security breaches, attacks, malicious activities and unauthorized access, resulting in misappropriation, misuse, leakage, corruption, unscheduled downtime, falsification and accidental or intentional release or loss of information maintained on our and our third party service providers’ information technology systems and networks, including but not limited to customer, personnel and vendor data.  If such risks were to materialize, we could be exposed to significant costs and interruptions, delays or malfunctions in our operations, any of which could damage our reputation and credibility and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  We may also be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of security breachesthese threats or to alleviate problems, including reputational harm and litigation, caused by any breaches.  Although we have implementedsignificantly invested in and intend to continue to implement industry-standardgenerally recognized security measures, these measures may prove to be inadequate and we


Table of Contents

could be subject to regulatory penalties, fines, sanctions, enforcement actions, remediation obligations, and/or private litigation by parties whose information was improperly accessed, disclosed or misused which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Furthermore, the amount and scope of insurance that we maintain against losses resulting from these events may not be sufficient to compensate us adequately for any disruptions to our business or otherwise cover our losses, including reputational harm and negative publicity


as well as any litigation liability.  In addition, our ability to expand and update our information technology infrastructure in response to our growth and changing needs is important to the continued implementation of our new service offering initiatives.  Our inabilityA security breach or attack could impact our ability to expand or upgrade our technology infrastructure which could have adverse consequences, which could includeincluding the delayed implementation of new offerings, product or service interruptions, and the diversion of development resources.

If our products contain defects, we could be subject to significant costs to correct such defects and our product and network service contracts could be delayed or cancelled, which could adversely affect our revenue.

The products and the networks we deploy are highly complex, and some may contain defects when first introduced or when new versions or enhancements are released, despite testing and our quality control procedures.  For example, set-top boxesour products may contain software "bugs"“bugs” that can unexpectedly interfere with their operation.  Defects may also occur in components and products that we purchase from third parties.  In addition, many of our products and network services are designed to interface with our customers'customers’ existing networks, each of which has different specifications and utilize multiple protocol standards.  Our products and services must interoperate with the other products and services within our customers'customers’ networks, as well as with future products and services that might be added to these networks, to meet our customers'customers’ requirements.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix all defects in the products and networks we sell.  The occurrence of any defects, errors or failures in our products or network services could result in: (i) additional costs to correct such defects; (ii) cancellation of orders and lost revenue; (iii) a reduction in revenue backlog; (iv) product returns or recalls; (v) diversion of our resources; (vi) the issuance of credits to customers and other losses to us, our customers or end-users; (vii) liability for harm to persons and (vii)property caused by defects in or failures of our products or services; and (viii) harm to our reputation if we fail to detect or effectively address such issues through design, testing or warranty repairs.  Any of these occurrences could also result in the loss of or delay in market acceptance of our products and services and loss of sales, which would harm our reputation and our business and materially adversely affect our revenue and profitability.

RISKS RELATED TO THE REGULATION OF OUR BUSINESS

Our business is subject to risks of adverse government regulation.

Our business is subject to varying degrees of regulation in the U.S. by the FCC, and other federal, state and local entities, and in foreign countries by similar entities and internationally by the ITU.  These regulations are subject to the administrative and political process and do change, for political and other reasons, from time to time.  For example, the FCC recently adopted an order in its “Spectrum Frontiers” proceeding under which a portion of the Ka-band, in which we operate our broadband gateway earth stations, has been enabled for 5G mobile terrestrial services, which could limit our flexibility to change the way in which we use Ka-band in the future. Other countries in which we currently, or may in the future, operate are also considering regulations that could limit access to the Ka-band or other frequency bands. The FCC has also opened a proceeding on non-geostationary satellites, which may adversely impact our ability to use certain spectrum for user terminals. Moreover, a substantial number of foreign countries in which we have, or may in the future make, an investment, regulate, in varying degrees, the ownership of satellites and the distribution and ownership of programming servicesother telecommunication facilities/networks and foreign investment in telecommunications companies.  Violations of laws or regulations may result in various sanctions including fines, loss of authorizations and the denial of applications for new authorizations or for the renewal of existing authorizations.  Further material changes in law and regulatory requirements must be anticipated,may also occur, and there can be no assurance that our business and the business of our subsidiaries and affiliates will not be adversely affected by future legislation, new regulation or deregulation.

  The failure to obtain or comply with the authorizations and regulations governing our operations could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and our overall competitive position and could result in our suffering serious harm to our reputation.

Table of Contents

Our business depends on regulatory authorizations issued by the FCC and state and foreign regulators that can expire, be revoked or modified, and applications for licenses and other authorizations that may not be granted.

Generally all satellite, earth stations and other licenses granted by the FCC and most other countries are subject to expiration unless renewed by the regulatory agency.  Our satellite licenses are currently set to expire at various times.  In addition, we occasionally receive special temporary authorizations that are granted for limited periods of time (e.g., 180 days or less) and subject to possible renewal.  Generally, our licenses and special temporary authorizations have been renewed on a routine basis, but there can be no assurance that this will continue.  There can be no assurance that the FCC or other regulators will continue granting applications for new earth stationslicenses or for the renewal of existing ones.  If the FCC or other regulators were to cancel, revoke, suspend, or fail to renew any of our licenses or authorizations, or fail to grant our applications for FCC or other licenses, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Specifically, loss of a frequency authorization would reduce the amount of spectrum available to us, potentially reducing the amount of services

we provide to our customers.  The significance of such a loss of authorizations would vary based upon, among other things, the orbital location, the frequency band and the availability of a replacement spectrum.  In addition, the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government and foreign governments often consider legislation and regulatory requirements that could affect us, as could the actions that the FCC and foreign regulatory bodies take.  We cannot predict the outcomes of these legislative or regulatory proceedings or their effect on our business.

In addition, third parties have or may oppose some of our license applications and pending and future requests for extensions, modifications, waivers and approvals of our licenses.  Even if we have fully complied with all of the required reporting, filing and other requirements in connection with our authorizations, it is possible a regulator could decline to grant certain of our applications or requests for authority, or could revoke, terminate, condition or decline to modify, extend or renew certain of our authorizations or licenses.

Our ability to sell our digital set-top boxes to certain operators if the Share Exchange is not consummated depends on our ability to obtain licenses to use the conditional access systems utilized by these operators.

Our commercial success in selling our digital set-top boxes to cable television and other operators depends significantly on our ability to obtain licenses to use the conditional access systems deployed by these operators in our digital set-top boxes.  In many cases, the intellectual property rights to these conditional access systems are owned by the set-top box manufacturer that currently provides the system operator with its set-top boxes.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain required licenses on commercially favorable terms, or at all.  If we do not obtain the necessary licenses, we may be delayed or prevented from pursuing the development of some potential products with cable or other television operators.  OurIf the Share Exchange is not consummated, our failure to obtain a license to use the conditional access systems that we may require to develop or commercialize our digital set-top boxes with cable television or other operators, in turn, would harm our ability to grow our customer base and revenue.

our financial condition, revenue and results of operation.

We may face difficulties in accurately assessing and collecting contributions towards the USF.

Universal Service Fund.

Because our customer contracts often include both telecommunications services, which create obligations to contribute to the USF, and other goods and services, which do not, it can be difficult to determine what portion of our revenue forms the basis for our required contribution to the USF and the amount that we can recover from our customers.  If the FCC, which oversees the USF, or a court or other governmental entity were to determine that we computed our USF contribution obligation incorrectly or passed the wrong amount onto our customers, we could become subject to additional assessments, liabilities, or other financial penalties.  In addition, the FCC is considering substantial changes to its USF contribution and distribution rules.  These changes could impact our future


Table of Contents

contribution obligations and those of third parties that provide communication services to our business.  Any such change to the USF contribution rules could adversely affect our costs of providing service to our customers.  In addition, changes to the USF distribution rules could intensify the competition we face by offering subsidies to competing firms and/or technologies.


RISKS RELATED TO THE PENDING SHARE EXCHANGE

There are risks and uncertainties associated with the pending Share Exchange.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties associated with the pending Share Exchange including, among others, the potential failure to satisfy the conditions to closing, including the conditions related to obtaining required governmental approvals. To the extent that the market price of our Class A common stock reflects an assumption that the Share Exchange will be consummated in the time frame and the manner currently anticipated, any delay or failure to close could cause a decline in such market price. Similarly, any delay or failure to complete the Share Exchange could negatively impact our relationships with DISH Network, other customers, suppliers and employees and could adversely affect our business.

Pending completion of the Share Exchange, the attention of our management may be focused on the transaction and related matters, and diverted from our day-to-day business operations, including from other opportunities that might benefit us. In addition, pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, prior to closing of the Share Exchange, we have agreed to conduct the transferring businesses in the ordinary course and not to undertake certain actions without the written consent of DISH Network. These restrictions could prevent us from pursuing certain beneficial business opportunities.

If we successfully complete the Share Exchange, thus divesting the transferring businesses, our revenues will decrease accordingly and our business will be subject to concentration of the risks that affect our retained businesses. In addition, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant transaction costs, expenses and fees for professional services in connection with the pending Share Exchange, which are payable by us regardless of whether the Share Exchange is consummated.

We might not be able to engage in certain strategic transactions because we have agreed to certain restrictions to comply with U.S. federal income tax requirements for a tax-free split-off.

To preserve the intended tax-free treatment of the Share Exchange, we will undertake upon closing of the Share Exchange to comply with certain restrictions under current U.S. federal income tax laws for split-offs, including (i) refraining from engaging in certain transactions that would result in a fifty percent or greater change by vote or by value in our stock ownership, (ii) continuing to own and manage our historic businesses, and (iii) limiting sales or redemptions of our and our subsidiary Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s common stock. If these restrictions, among others, are not followed, the Share Exchange could be taxable to us and possibly our stockholders. In addition, we could be required to indemnify DISH Network for any tax liability incurred by DISH Network as a result of our non-compliance with these restrictions.

OTHER RISKS

We are controlled by one principal stockholder who is our Chairman.

Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, beneficially owns approximately 34.1%43.3% of our total equity securities (assuming conversion of only the Class B Common Stockcommon stock held by Mr. Ergen into Class A Common Stock)common stock and giving effect to the exercise of options held by Mr. Ergen that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2017) and possesses approximately 62.4%63.6% of the total voting power.power of all classes of shares (assuming no conversion of the Class B common stock and no conversion of the preferred tracking stock and giving effect to the exercise of options held by Mr. Ergen'sErgen that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2017).  Mr. Ergen’s beneficial ownership of us excludes 1,6361,640 shares of our Class A Common Stockcommon stock and 15,188,44514,493,094 shares of our Class A Common Stockcommon stock issuable upon conversion of shares of our Class B Common Stock,common stock, in each case, currently held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.  These trusts beneficially own approximately 15.5%23.6% of our total equity securities (assuming conversion of only the Class B Common Stockcommon stock held by such trusts into Class A Common Stock)common stock) and possess approximately 29.1%27.6% of our total voting power.power of all classes of shares (assuming no conversion of the Class B common stock and no conversion of the preferred tracking stock).  Thus, Mr. Ergen has the ability to elect a majority of our directors and to control all other matters requiring the approval of our stockholders.  As a result of Mr. Ergen'sErgen’s voting power, we are a "controlled company"“controlled company” as defined in the Nasdaq listing rules and, therefore, are not subject to Nasdaq requirements that would otherwise require us to have (i) a majority of independent directors; (ii) a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors; (iii) compensation of our executive officers determined by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; and (iv) director nominees selected, or recommended for the Board'sBoard’s selection, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors.


We have potential conflicts of interest with DISH Network due to our common ownership and management.

ownership.

Questions relating to conflicts of interest may arise between DISH Network and us in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships.  Areas in which conflicts of interest between DISH Network and us could arise include, but are not limited to, the following:

Cross officerships, directorships and stock ownership.  We have certain overlap in our directors, executive officers and Chairman position with DISH Network, which may lead to conflicting interests.  Our board of directors includes persons who are officers or members of the board of directors of DISH Network, including Charles W. Ergen, who serves as the Chairman of and is employed by both companies.  Our Chairman, the members of our board of directors and executive officers who overlap with DISH Network also have fiduciary duties to DISH Network’s shareholders.  Mr. Vivek Khemka, who remains employed as DISH Network’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, currently also provides services to us pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement as President - EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. Therefore, these individuals may have actual or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company.  For example, there is potential for a conflict of interest when we or DISH Network look at acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for both companies.  In addition, many of our directors and officers own DISH Network stock and options to purchase DISH Network stock, certain of which they acquired or were granted prior to the Spin-off, including Mr. Ergen.  Furthermore, until consummation of the Share Exchange, DISH Network holds shares of preferred tracking stock in us and HSS that in the aggregate represents an 80.0% economic interest in our residential retail satellite broadband business.  These ownership interests could create actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our company and DISH Network.

Table of Contents

Intercompany agreements with DISH NetWe have entered into various agreements with DISH Network.  Pursuant to certain agreements, DISH Network providesus certain professional services, for which we pay DISH Network an amount equal to DISH Network’s cost plus a fixed margin.  Certain other intercompany agreements cover matters such as tax sharing and our responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by DISH Network for certain of our businesses.  We have also entered into certain commercial agreements with DISH Network.  The terms of certain of these agreements were established while we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network and were not the result of arm’s length negotiations.  The allocation of assets, liabilities, rights, indemnifications and other obligations between DISH Network and us under the separation and ancillary agreements we entered into with DISH Network did not necessarily reflect what two unaffiliated parties might have agreed to.  Had these agreements been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties, their terms may have been more favorable, or less favorable, to us. In addition, DISH Network or its affiliates will continu us or our subsidiaries or other affiliates, including in connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange transaction.  Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between DISH Network anaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.d us and, when appropriate, subject to the approval ofaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.e to enter into transactions with us or our subsidiaries or other affiliates, including in connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange transaction.  Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between DISH Network anaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.d us and, when appropriate, subject to the approval ofaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.workWe have entered into various agreements with DISH Network.  Pursuant to certain agreements, DISH Network providesus certain professional services, for which we pay DISH Network an amount equal to DISH Network’s cost plus a fixed margin.  Certain other intercompany agreements cover matters such as tax sharing and our responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by DISH Network for certain of our businesses.  We have also entered into certain commercial agreements with DISH Network.  The terms of certain of these agreements were established while we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network and were not the result of arm’s length negotiations.  The allocation of assets, liabilities, rights, indemnifications and other obligations between DISH Network and us under the separation and ancillary agreements we entered into with DISH Network did not necessarily reflect what two unaffiliated parties might have agreed to.  Had these agreements been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties, their terms may have been more favorable, or less favorable, to us. In addition, DISH Network or its affiliates will continu us or our subsidiaries or other affiliates, including in connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange transaction.  Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between DISH Network anaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.d us and, when appropriate, subject to the approval ofaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.e to enter into transactions with us or our subsidiaries or other affiliates, including in connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange transaction.  Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between DISH Network anaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.d us and, when appropriate, subject to the approval ofaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.We have entered into various agreements with DISH Network.  Pursuant to certain agreements, DISH Network providesus certain professional services, for which we pay DISH Network an amount equal to DISH Network’s cost plus a fixed margin.  Certain other intercompany agreements cover matters such as tax sharing and our responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by DISH Network for certain of our businesses.  We have also entered into certain commercial agreements with DISH Network.  The terms of certain of these agreements were established while we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network and were not the result of arm’s length negotiations.  The allocation of assets, liabilities, rights, indemnifications and other obligations between DISH Network and us under the separation and ancillary agreements we entered into with DISH Network did not necessarily reflect what two unaffiliated parties might have agreed to.  Had these agreements been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties, their terms may have been more favorable, or less favorable, to us. In addition, DISH Network or its affiliates will continu us or our subsidiaries or other affiliates, including in connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange transaction.  Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between DISH Network anaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.d us and, when appropriate, subject to the approval ofaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.e to enter into transactions with us or our subsidiaries or other affiliates, including in connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange transaction.  Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between DISH Network anaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.d us and, when appropriate, subject to the approval ofaudit committee and committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained in negotiations between unaffiliated third parties.
Competition for business opportunities.  DISH Network retains its interests in various companies that have subsidiaries or controlled affiliates that own or operate domestic or foreign services that may compete with services offered by our businesses.  In addition, pursuant to a distribution agreement, DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute our Hughes segment’s satellite broadband internet service under the dishNET brand which could compete with sales by our Hughes segment.  DISH Network also has a distribution agreement with ViaSat, a competitor of our Hughes segment, to sell services similar to those offered by our Hughes segment.  We may also compete with DISH Network when we participate in auctions for spectrum or orbital slots for our satellites.

We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts of interest with DISH Network and, even if we do so, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing with an unaffiliated party.

Except for certain arrangements with Sling TV Holding L.L.C. ("(“Sling TV",TV Holding,” formerly DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) that we entered into with DISH Network, which, subject to certain exceptions, limits DISH Network'sNetwork’s and our ability to operate an IPTVinternet protocol television (“IPTV”) service other than that operated by Sling TV Holding, we do not have any agreements not to compete with DISH Network that would prevent us from competing with each other.Network.  However, many of our potential customers who compete with DISH Network have historically perceived us as a competitor due to our affiliation with DISH Network.  There can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any commercial relationships with potential customers who are competitors of DISH Network (particularly if we continue to be perceived as affiliated with DISH Network as a result of common ownership, and certain shared management services)services and other arrangements with DISH Network).

It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our shareholders, because of our capital structure.

Certain provisions of our certificatearticles of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company that a shareholder may consider favorable.  These provisions include the following:

a capital structure with multiple classes of common stock:  a Class A that entitles the holders to one vote per share,share; a Class B that entitles the holders to ten votes per share,share; a Class C that entitles the holders to one vote per share, except upon a change in control of our company in which case the holders of Class C are entitled to ten votes per share and a non-voting Class D;

Table of Contents

a provision that authorizes the issuance of "blank check"“blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;

a provision limiting who may call special meetings of shareholders; and

a provision establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by shareholders at shareholder meetings.

In addition, Charles W. Ergen owns a majority of our common stock, including Class B common stock, which results in Mr. Ergen having the power to elect all of our directors and control shareholder decision on matters on which all classes of our common stock vote together.

In addition, pursuant to our articles of incorporation we have a significant amount of authorized and unissued stock that would allow our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, thereby protecting the continuity of management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us.
The preferred tracking stock in our capital structure may create conflicts of interest for our board of directors and management, and our board of directors may make decisions that could adversely affect only one group of holders.

Our

If the Share Exchange is not consummated, our preferred tracking stock capital structure could give rise to occasions when the interests of holders of stock of one group might diverge or appear to diverge from the interests of holders of stock of the other group and our board of directors or officers could make decisions that could adversely affect only one group of holders.  Nevada law requires that our board of directors and officers act in good faith and with a view to the interest of the company and are not required to consider, as a dominant factor, the effect of a proposed corporate action upon any particular group of stockholders.  Decisions deemed to be in the interest of our company may not always align with the best interest of a particular group of our stockholders when considered independently.  Examples include, but are not limited to:

decisions as to the terms of any business relationships that may be created between the EchoStar Group and the Hughes Retail Group and the terms of any reattributions of assets between the groups;
decisions as to the allocation of corporate opportunities between the groups, especially where the opportunities might meet the strategic business objectives of both groups;
decisions as to operational and financial matters that could be considered detrimental to one group but beneficial to the other;
decisions as to the internal or external financing attributable to businesses or assets attributed to either of our groups;
decisions as to the payment of dividends on our common stock or preferred tracking stock; and
decisions as to the disposition of assets of either of our groups.
In addition, as the Tracking Stockour preferred tracking stock is currently held by DISH Network, if the Share Exchange is not consummated questions relating to conflicts of interest may also arise between DISH Network and us due to our common ownership and management.

Chairman. Provisions of Nevada law and our articles of incorporation may protect decisions of our board of directors and officers that have a disparate impact on one group of holders.  Our stockholders may have limited or no legal remedies under Nevada law with respect to such decisions even if the actions of our directors or officers adversely affect the market value of our common stock.

Our

If the Share Exchange is not consummated, our board of directors has the ability to change our attribution policies at any time without a vote of our common stockholders.

Our board of directors has adopted a policy statement (the "Policy Statement") regarding the relationships between the EchoStar Group and the Hughes Retail Group with respect to matters such as the attribution and allocation of costs, tax liabilities and benefits, attribution of assets, corporate opportunities and similar items.Policy Statement.  Our board of directors may at any time change or make exceptions to


Table of Contents

the Policy Statement with only the consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock.our preferred tracking stock.  Because these policies relate to matters concerning the day-to-day management of our company as opposed to significant corporate actions, such as a merger involving the Company or a sale of substantially all of our assets, no approval from the holders of our Class A common stock is required with respect to the changes or exceptions to these policies.  A decision to change, or make exceptions to the Policy Statement or adopt additional policies could disadvantage one group of shareholders while advantaging another.

If the other.

In addition, pursuantShare Exchange is not consummated, the preferred tracking stock results in, and may result in further, vote dilution for existing holders of common stock.

Each share of preferred tracking stock is entitled to one-tenth (1/10th) of one vote per share.  This voting right will cause a reduction in the relative voting power of our certificateexiting common stock holders.  Additionally, if the Share Exchange is not consummated, we may be required to register some or all of the outstanding shares of the preferred tracking stock.  Following such registration, these shares of preferred tracking stock may be converted or exchanged into shares of EchoStar Class A common stock.  Such conversion may result in further reducing the relative voting power of our existing common stock holders.  As a result of the dilutive effect of the preferred tracking stock, the ability of existing holders of common stock to elect our directors or to control all other matters requiring the approval of our stockholders may be reduced.

We generally may dispose of assets of the Hughes Retail Group without shareholder approval.
Nevada law requires stockholder approval only for a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, taken as a whole, and our amended articles of incorporation we havedo not require a separate class vote in the case of a sale of a significant amount of authorizedassets of any of our groups.  As long as the assets attributed to the Hughes Retail Group proposed to be disposed of represent less than substantially all of our assets, we may approve sales and unissued stockother dispositions of any amounts of the assets of such group without any shareholder approval.  Based on the current composition of the Hughes Retail Group and our Company, if the Share Exchange is not consummated, we believe that a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Hughes Retail Group would not be considered a sale of substantially all of our assets requiring stockholder approval.  Our board of directors would determine how best to proceed in any such sale consistent with its fiduciary duties to all of our shareholders.  Ultimately, however, our board of directors is not required under Nevada law to select the option that would allowresult in the highest value to any particular group of stockholders.
If the Share Exchange is not consummated, the market value of our Boardcommon stock could be adversely affected by events involving the assets and businesses attributed to only the Hughes Retail Group.
Because we are the issuer of Directorscommon stock and preferred tracking stock, events relating to issue sharesthe assets and businesses attributed to persons friendlythe Hughes Retail Group, such as earnings announcements or announcements of new products or services, or acquisitions or dispositions that the market does not view favorably, may cause an adverse reaction to current management, thereby protectingour common stock.  This could occur even if the continuitytriggering event is not material to us as a whole.
Our articles of management, orincorporation designate the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County of the State of Nevada as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seekinglimit our stockholders’ ability to obtain controla favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.

Our articles of us.

incorporation provide that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County of the State of Nevada will be the sole and exclusive forum for any and all actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, administrative or investigative or that asserts any claim or counterclaim brought in our name or on our behalf, asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, arising or asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Nevada Restated Statutes Chapters 78 or 92A, our articles of incorporation or our bylaws, interpreting, applying, enforcing or determining the validity of our articles of incorporation or bylaws or asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to this provision of our articles of incorporation. This choice of forum provision may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring certain claims, including claims against our directors, officers or employees, in a judicial forum that the stockholder finds favorable and therefore the choice of forum provision may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Stockholders who do bring a claim in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County could face additional litigation costs in pursuing any such claim, particularly if they do not reside in or near Nevada. The Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments or results may be more favorable to us than to our stockholders. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of our articles of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.


Changes in United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) could adversely affect our reported financial results and may require significant changes to our internal accounting systems and processes.

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These principles are subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles and guidance.

The FASB is currently working together with the International Accounting Standards Board to converge certain accounting principles and facilitate more comparable financial reporting between companies that are required to follow GAAP and those that are required to follow International Financial Reporting Standards. In connection with this initiative, the FASB issued new accounting standards for revenue recognition and accounting for leases. For information regarding new accounting standards, please refer to Note 2 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report under the heading “New Accounting Pronouncements.” These and other such standards may result in different accounting principles, which may

significantly impact our reported results or could result in volatility of our financial results. In addition, we may need to significantly change our customer and vendor contracts, accounting systems and processes. The cost and effect of these changes may adversely impact our results of operations.

We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the SEC.


Item 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.


Table of Contents

Item 2.    PROPERTIES

Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado 80112-5308 and our telephone number is (303) 706-4000.  The following table sets forth certain information concerning our principal properties related to our Hughes segment (“Hughes”), EchoStar Technologies segment ("ETC"), Hughes segment ("Hughes"(“ETC”), EchoStar Satellite Services segment ("ESS"(“ESS”) and to our other operations and administrative functions ("Other"(“Other”). as of December 31, 2016.  We operate various facilities in the U.S. and abroad.  We believe that our facilities are well maintained and are sufficient to meet our current and projected needs.

Location(3)
Location (3) (4)Segment(s)Leased/OwnedFunction

Foster City, California

 ETCSegment(s) Leased
Leased/
Owned
 Engineering and data centerFunction

Superior, Colorado

ETCLeasedEngineering offices

Atlanta, Georgia

ETCLeasedEngineering offices

Bangalore, India

ETCLeasedEngineering office

Kharkov, Ukraine

ETCLeasedEngineering office

Steeton, England

ETCOwnedEngineering office

San Diego, California

 Hughes Leased Engineering and sales offices

Gaithersburg, Maryland

 Hughes Leased Manufacturing and testing facilities, engineering and logistics and administrative offices

Southfield, Michigan(1)

Michigan (1)
 Hughes Leased Shared hub

Las Vegas, Nevada(1)

Nevada (1)
 Hughes Leased Shared hub, antennae yards, gateway, backup network operation and control center for Hughes corporate headquarters

Barueri, Brazil(1)

Brazil (1)
 Hughes Leased Shared hub and warehouse

Sao Paulo, Brazil

 Hughes Leased Hughes Brazil corporate headquarters, sales offices, and warehouse

Griesheim, Germany(1)

Bangalore, India (2)
 Hughes Leased Shared hub, operations, administrative offices and warehouseOffice space

Gurgaon, India(1)India (1) (2)

 Hughes Leased Administrative offices, shared hub, operations, warehouse, and development center

New Delhi, India

 Hughes Leased Hughes India corporate headquarters

Mexico City, Mexico

HughesLeasedSales office, gateways
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

 Hughes Leased Hughes Europe corporate headquarters and operations

American Fork, Utah

(5)
 Hughes/OtherETC Leased Office space, engineering and operations

Germantown, Maryland(1)

Maryland (1)
 Hughes Owned Hughes corporate headquarters, engineering offices, network operations and shared hubs

Griesheim, Germany (1)

HughesOwnedShared hub, operations, administrative offices and warehouse
Atlanta, GeorgiaETCLeasedEngineering offices
Foster City, California (5)ETCLeasedEngineering offices
Superior, Colorado (5)ETCLeasedEngineering offices
Kharkov, Ukraine (5)ETCLeasedEngineering office
Bangalore, India (5)ETC/HughesLeasedEngineering office and office space
Gilbert, Arizona(1)

Arizona (1) (5)
 ETC/ESS Owned Digital broadcast operations center

Kankakee, Illinois(1)

ETC/ESSOwnedRegional digital broadcast operations center

Monee, Illinois(1)

ETC/ESSOwnedRegional digital broadcast operations center

Orange, New Jersey(1)

ETC/ESSOwnedRegional digital broadcast operations center

New Braunfels, Texas(1)

ETC/ESSOwnedRegional digital broadcast operations center

Mustang Ridge, Texas(1)

Texas (1) (5)
 ETC/ESS Owned Micro digital broadcast operations center

Mt. Jackson, Virginia(1)

ETC/ESSOwnedRegional digital broadcast operations center

Winchester, Virginia(1)

ETC/ESSOwnedRegional digital broadcast operations center

Spokane, Washington(1)

ETC/ESSOwnedRegional digital broadcast operations center

Cheyenne, Wyoming(1)

Wyoming (1) (5)
 ETC/ESS Owned Digital broadcast operations center

Black Hawk, South Dakota(1)

Dakota (1)
 Hughes/ESS Owned Spacecraft autotrack operations center

Englewood, Colorado

(5)
 Hughes/ETC/ ESS/Other Owned Corporate headquarters, engineering offices, gateways

 _______________________________________________________
(1)We perform network services and customer support functions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at these locations.
(2)These properties are used by subsidiaries that are less than wholly-owned by the Company.
(3)In addition to the above properties, we have multiple gateways throughout the Western part of the U.S., Mexico and Canada that support the SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVII, and EchoStar XIX satellites as well as multiple regional broadcast operations centers.
(4)In addition to the above properties, we lease rack and roof top space in 210 designated market areas throughout the U.S. as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico to collect and broadcast local channels that are used by the ETC segment.
(5)These properties or a portion thereof will be transferred in connection with, and upon consummation of, the pending Share Exchange. Hughes and ESS may enter into agreements with DISH Network for continued use of all or a portion of some of these facilities. See Note 20 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 for further discussion of the Share Exchange.
(1)
We perform network services and customer support functions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at these locations.

(2)
These properties are used by subsidiaries that are less than wholly-owned by the Company.


Table of Contents

(3)
In addition to the above properties, we have multiple gateways throughout the Western part of the U.S. that support the SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVII, and EchoStar XIX satellites.

(4)
In addition to the above properties, we lease rack and roof top space in 210 designated market areas throughout the U.S. as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico to collect and broadcast local channels that are used by the ETC segment.

Item 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


For a discussion of legal proceedings, see Note 16 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.


Item 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


Table of Contents


PART II


Item 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'SREGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant'sRegistrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Market Information.Information.  Our Class A common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market ("Nasdaq"(“Nasdaq”) under the symbol "SATS."“SATS.”  The high and low closing sale prices of our Class A common stock during 20142016 and 20132015 on Nasdaq (as reported by Nasdaq) are set forth below.

2014
 High Low 
2016 High Low

First Quarter

 $51.90 $43.41  $45.89
 $33.39

Second Quarter

 $53.73 $44.26  $43.94
 $37.25

Third Quarter

 $53.42 $47.96  $43.83
 $36.91

Fourth Quarter

 $54.18 $43.00  $53.35
 $43.60


2013
 High Low 
2015 High Low

First Quarter

 $39.99 $32.55  $55.31
 $49.36

Second Quarter

 $40.98 $36.92  $52.70
 $47.95

Third Quarter

 $45.50 $37.22  $49.29
 $41.93

Fourth Quarter

 $51.60 $44.17  $46.39
 $36.63

Holders.  As of February 13, 2015,15, 2017, there were approximately 9,6968,919 holders of record of our Class A common stock, not including stockholders who beneficially own Class A common stock held in nominee or street name.  As of February 13, 2015, 32,498,59415, 2017, 33,193,945 of the 47,687,039 outstanding shares of our Class B common stock were held by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and the remaining 15,188,44514,493,094 were held in trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Ergen'sErgen’s family.  There is currently no established trading market for our Class B common stock.

Dividends.

Dividends.  We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock in the past two years.  We currently do not intend to declare dividends on our common stock.  Payment of any future dividends will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, and other factors the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors considers appropriate.  We currently intend to retain our earnings, if any, to support future growth and expansion although we expect tomay repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time.  See further discussion under Item 7. Management's— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.Plans.  See Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Pursuant to a stock repurchase planprogram approved by our Boardboard of Directors,directors, we are authorized to repurchase up to $500.0 million of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock through December 31, 2015.2017.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we did not repurchase any common stock under this plan.

program.


Item 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for 20142016 have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"(“GAAP”) included in our Consolidated


Table of Contents

Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

On June 8, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("the Hughes Acquisition"). As a result, Hughes became a new segment and our historical financial statements on and after June 9, 2011 give effect to the Hughes Acquisition. Therefore, our financial position as of December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is not comparable to our financial position as of December 31, 2010, and our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are not comparable to our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

The following tables present selected information relating to our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the past five years.  The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and "Management's“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"Operations” included elsewhere in this report.

Historical financial data presented below may not be indicative of future financial condition. See Note 20 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for further discussion of the Share Exchange transaction.



 For the Years Ended December 31,  For the Years Ended December 31,
Statements of Operations Data:
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010  2016 2015 2014 (1) 2013 2012

 (In thousands, except per share amounts)
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

 $3,445,578 $3,282,452 $3,121,704 $2,761,431 $2,350,369 
Total revenue $3,056,730
 $3,143,714
 $3,445,578
 $3,282,452
 $3,121,704

Total costs and expenses

 3,117,488 3,178,865 3,021,818 2,680,593 2,208,044  2,692,332
 2,787,681
 3,117,488
 3,178,865
 3,021,818

Operating income

 $328,090 $103,587 $99,886 $80,838 $142,325  $364,398
 $356,033
 $328,090
 $103,587
 $99,886
          

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock

 $165,268 $2,525 $211,048 $3,639 $204,358  $181,673
 $163,700
 $165,268
 $2,525
 $211,048
          

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding

 91,190 89,405 87,150 86,223 85,084  93,795
 92,397
 91,190
 89,405
 87,150

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding

 92,616 90,952 87,959 87,089 85,203  94,410
 93,466
 92,616
 90,952
 87,959

Basic earnings per share

 $1.81 $0.03 $2.42 $0.04 $2.40  $1.94
 $1.77
 $1.81
 $0.03
 $2.42

Diluted earnings per share

 $1.78 $0.03 $2.40 $0.04 $2.40  $1.92
 $1.75
 $1.78
 $0.03
 $2.40


 
 As of December 31, 
Balance Sheet Data:
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities

 $1,688,156 $1,620,652 $1,547,565 $1,696,442 $1,130,900 

Total assets

 $7,253,998 $6,701,963 $6,600,233 $6,543,737 $3,842,020 

Total debt and capital lease obligations

 $2,367,687 $2,422,388 $2,488,499 $2,528,654 $406,570 

Total stockholders' equity

 $3,623,638 $3,226,231 $3,150,227 $3,051,626 $3,013,190 
  As of December 31,
Balance Sheet Data: 2016 2015 2014 (1) 2013 2012
  (In thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities $3,093,659
 $1,536,578
 $1,688,156
 $1,620,652
 $1,547,565
Total assets (2) (3) $9,008,859
 $7,209,486
 $7,214,936
 $6,657,088
 $6,549,957
Total debt and capital lease obligations (3) $3,660,186
 $2,192,365
 $2,328,625
 $2,377,513
 $2,438,223
Total stockholders’ equity $4,006,805
 $3,781,642
 $3,623,638
 $3,226,231
 $3,150,227



 For the Years Ended December 31,  For the Years Ended December 31,
Cash Flow Data:
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010  2016 2015 2014 (1) 2013 2012

 (In thousands)
  (In thousands)

Net cash flows from:

             
  
  
  
  

Operating activities

 $840,131 $450,507 $505,149 $447,018 $404,015  $803,343
 $776,451
 $840,131
 $450,507
 $505,149

Investing activities

 $(887,590)$(570,289)$(346,781)$(1,888,045)$(238,558) $(632,267) $(275,311) $(887,590) $(570,289) $(346,781)

Financing activities

 $(35,096)$18,326 $(43,976)$1,913,547 $(46,973) $1,475,689
 $(120,257) $(35,096) $18,326
 $(43,976)
(1)In March 2014, we issued preferred tracking stock to DISH Network in exchange for five satellites and $11.4 million in cash.  Please see Note 4 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.  As a result, our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are not comparable to our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
(2)In 2015, we prospectively adopted Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.  As a result, our total assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is not comparable to our total assets as reported in prior years.
(3)In March 2016, we retrospectively adopted Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. As a result, our total assets and total debt and capital lease obligations for all dates presented reflect the application of this Update.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context indicates otherwise, as used herein, the terms "we," "us," "EchoStar,"“we,” “us,” “EchoStar,” the "Company"“Company” and "our"“our” refer to EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries.  References to "$"“$” are to United States dollars.  The following management'smanagement’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to our financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  This management'smanagement’s discussion and analysis is intended to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and our results of operations.  Many of the statements in this management'smanagement’s discussion and analysis are forward-looking statements that involve assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond our control.  Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  See "Disclosure“Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements"Statements” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.  For a discussion of additional risks, uncertainties and other factors that could impact our results of operations or financial condition, see the caption "Risk Factors"“Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Further, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and we undertake no obligation to update them.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EchoStar is a global provider of satellite service operations, video delivery solutions, anddigital set-top boxes, broadband satellite technologies and broadband services for the home and small office deliveringcustomers. We deliver innovative network technologies, managed services, and various communications solutions for enterprisesenterprise and governments.government customers. We currently operate in three business segments, which are differentiated primarily by their operational focus:  Hughes, EchoStar Technologies, Hughes, and EchoStar Satellite Services.Services (“ESS”). These segments are consistent with the way decisions regarding the allocation of resources are made, as well as how operating results are reviewed by our chief operating decision maker ("CODM"(“CODM”), who for EchoStar is the Company'sCompany’s Chief Executive Officer.

Our segment operating results do not include real estate and other activities, costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments, and our centralized treasury operations, including income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt.  These activities are accounted for in "All“All Other and Eliminations."

On January 31, 2017, we entered into the Share Exchange Agreement. The Share Exchange Agreement provides that EchoStar and its subsidiaries will receive all of the shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock and Hughes Retail Preferred Track in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of certain EchoStar subsidiaries that will hold our EchoStar Technologies businesses. Following consummation of the Share Exchange, EchoStar will no longer operate the EchoStar Technologies business segment and the EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSS Tracking Stock will be retired and all agreements, arrangements and policy statements with respect to, and terms of, such tracking stock will terminate and be of no further effect. See “Pending Share Exchange” in Item 1. Business and “Risks Related to the Pending Share Exchange” in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Highlights from our financial results are as follows:

2014

Consolidated Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014


Revenue of $3.06 billion
Operating income of $328.1$364.4 million

Net income attributable to EchoStar of $152.9$180.7 million

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock of $165.3 million and basic earnings per share of common stock of $1.81

EBITDA of $902.6 million (See non-GAAP reconciliation in Note 17 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.)

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock of $181.7 million and basic earnings per share of common stock of $1.94
EBITDA of $883.5 million (see reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure on page 52)
Consolidated Financial Condition as of December 31, 2014

2016


Total assets of $9.01 billion
Total liabilities of $5.00 billion

Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



Total stockholders’ equity of $4.01 billion
Cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities of $3.09 billion
Hughes Segment
Our Hughes segment is a global provider of $3.11broadband satellite technologies and broadband services for home and small office customers. We deliver network technologies, managed services, equipment, and communications solutions for domestic and international consumers and enterprise and government customers. In addition, our Hughes segment provides and installs gateway and terminal equipment and provides satellite ground segment systems and terminals for other satellite systems, including mobile system operators.
We continue to focus our efforts on growing our Hughes segment consumer revenue by maximizing utilization of our existing satellites while planning for new satellites to be launched. Our consumer revenue growth depends on our success in adding new subscribers and driving higher average revenue per subscriber across our wholesale and retail channels.

Our Hughes segment currently uses its two owned satellites, the SPACEWAY 3 satellite and the EchoStar XVII satellite, and additional satellite capacity acquired from multiple third-party providers, to provide satellite broadband internet access and communications services to our customers. We currently provide HughesNet Gen4 satellite broadband internet services to our consumer market customers in North America on the EchoStar XVII satellite. In December 2016, we launched our EchoStar XIX satellite, a next-generation, high throughput geostationary satellite, which will provide significant capacity for continued subscriber growth.  The EchoStar XIX satellite employs a multi-spot beam, bent pipe Ka-band architecture and will provide additional capacity for the Hughes broadband services to our customers in North America and added capacity in Mexico and certain Latin American countries and is expected to add capability for aeronautical, enterprise and international broadband services.  Capital expenditures associated with the construction and launch of the EchoStar XIX satellite are included in “All Other and Eliminations” in our segment reporting. EchoStar contributed the EchoStar XIX satellite to its Hughes segment in February 2017.
In addition to our broadband consumer service offerings, our Hughes segment also provides network technologies, managed services, hardware, equipment and satellite services to large enterprise and government customers globally. Examples of such customers include lottery agencies, gas station operators and companies with multi-branch networks that rely on satellite or terrestrial networks for critical communication across wide geographies. Most of our enterprise customers have contracts with us for the services they purchase.

Developments toward the launch of next-generation satellite systems including low-earth orbit (“LEO”) and geostationary systems could provide additional opportunities to drive the demand for our network equipment and services. The growth of our enterprise and equipment businesses relies heavily on global economic conditions and the competitive landscape for pricing relative to competitors and alternative technologies.
We continue our efforts to grow our consumer satellite services business outside of the U.S. In April 2014, we entered into a satellite services agreement pursuant to which Eutelsat do Brasil provides us Ka-band capacity into Brazil on the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite for a 15-year term.  That satellite was launched in March 2016 and we began delivering high-speed consumer satellite broadband services in Brazil in July 2016. In September 2015, we entered into satellite services agreements pursuant to which affiliates of Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) will provide to us the Ka-band capacity on a satellite to be located at the 63 degree west longitude orbital location for a 15-year term. We expect the satellite to be launched in the second quarter of 2018 and plan to provide service in additional markets across South America once that capacity is available for commercial use.
As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, our Hughes segment had approximately 1,036,000, 1,035,000 and 977,000 broadband subscribers, respectively.  These broadband subscribers include customers that subscribe to our HughesNet broadband services through retail, wholesale and small/medium enterprise service channels.  Gross subscriber additions increased by approximately 19,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016 when compared to the third quarter of 2016 primarily due to an increase in additions in our retail channel due to the launch of our broadband service in Brazil in the second quarter of 2016 offset partially by a decrease in additions in our wholesale channel due to our lack of free capacity due to satellite beams servicing certain areas reaching capacity.  Our average monthly subscriber churn percentage for the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased as compared to the third quarter of 2016.  As a result of higher gross subscriber additions and a decrease in churn, net subscribers for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 increased by approximately 30,000 when compared to the third quarter of
Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


2016 with increases in retail and decreases in wholesale subscribers. Subscriber additions and churn include only subscribers through our retail and wholesale channels.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015,our Hughes segment had approximately $1.52 billion

Total stockholders' equityand $1.44 billion, respectively, of $3.62 billion

Cash, cash equivalentscontracted revenue backlog.  We define Hughes contracted revenue backlog as our expected future revenue under customer contracts that are non-cancelable, excluding agreements with customers in our consumer market. The increase in contracted revenue backlog is primarily due to an increase in customer contracts from our international markets as a result of future commitments to provide satellite services and current marketable investment securitiesgateway and network management services on the EchoStar XIX satellite. Of the total contracted revenue backlog as of $1.69 billion

December 31, 2016, we expect to recognize approximately $436.5 million of revenue in 2017.


EchoStar Technologies Segment

Our EchoStar Technologies segment designs, develops and distributes secure end-to-end video technology solutions including digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers telecommunication companies and international cabletelecommunication companies.  The primary customer for our digital set-top boxes is DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries ("(“DISH Network"Network”), and we also sell our digital set-top boxes to Bell TV, a DTHdirect-to-home satellite service provider in Canada, ("Bell TV"),and Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("(“Dish Mexico"Mexico”), a joint venture that we entered into in 2008, and other international customers. 2008.

We dependhave depended on DISH Network for a substantial portion of our EchoStar Technologies segment revenue and if the Share Exchange is not consummated we expect that DISH Network will continue to be the primary source of revenue for our EchoStar Technologies segment.  In addition, our equipment revenue from DISH Network depends on the timing of orders for set-top boxes and related accessories from DISH Network based on its actual and projected subscriber growth.  Therefore, the results of operations of our EchoStar Technologies segment are, and, if the Share Exchange is not consummated, are likely to continue to be, closely linked to the performance of DISH Network'sNetwork’s pay-TV service.

Our EchoStar Technologies segment offers multiple set-top boxes with different price points depending on their capabilities and functionalities. The revenue and associated margins we earn on sales are determined largely through the receiver agreement, effective January 2012, between us and DISH Network (the “2012 Receiver Agreement”) which could result in prices reflecting, among other things, the set-top boxes and other equipment that meet DISH Network’s current sales and marketing priorities, the product and service alternatives available from other equipment suppliers, our ability to respond to DISH Network’s requirements, and our ability to differentiate ourselves from other equipment suppliers on bases other than pricing. In addition, products containing new technologies and features typically have higher initial prices, which reduce over time as a result of manufacturing efficiencies. , If the Share Exchange is not consummated, volume of unit sales could continue to reduce over time as a result of continued demand decreases or as DISH Network increases the deployment of refurbished units as opposed to new units purchased from us.

Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network.Network and Dish Mexico.  In addition, we provide our SlingboxesTV Anywhere technology through Slingbox units directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the payTVpay-TV operator market viamarket. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also includes our partnership with Arris.over-the-top (“OTT”), Streaming Video on Demand (“SVOD”) platform business, which licenses technology and provides services to DISH Network’s Sling Media "placeshifting" technology gives consumersTV service (“Sling TV”) (see Note 19 in the ability, at their option,notes to watch and control their home digital video and audio content viaconsolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report). 
During the second quarter of 2015, our EchoStar Technologies segment contributed several of its European subsidiaries to SmarDTV SA (“SmarDTV”), a broadband internet connection.

We continue to focus on building and strengthening our brand recognition by providing unique and technologically advanced features and products. Products containing new technologies and features typically have higher initial selling prices, margins and volumes. The market for our digitalSwiss subsidiary of Kudelski SA that offers set-top boxes like other electronic products hasand conditional access modules, in exchange for a 22.5% interest in the equity and subordinated debt of SmarDTV.  We and SmarDTV also been characterized by regular reductionsentered into a services agreement pursuant to which our EchoStar Technologies segment purchases certain engineering services from SmarDTV. Following consummation of the Share Exchange, EchoStar will no longer own its interest in selling pricesthe equity and production costs. Our ability to sustain or increase profitability also depends in large part on our ability to control or reduce our costssubordinated debt of producing digital set-top boxes. Based on our experience, we expect our cost of manufacturing a specific set-top box model to decline over time as our contract manufacturers generate efficiencies with scale of productionSmarDTV and will no longer purchase engineering cost reductions. Overall, our success depends heavily on our ability to bring advanced technologies to market to keep pace with our competitors.

services from SmarDTV.

The number of potential new customers for our set-top box business in our EchoStar Technologies segment is small and may be limited as prospective customers that have been competitors of DISH Network may continue to view us as a competitor due to our common ownership with DISH Network.  We believe that our best opportunities for developingOur customers face emerging competition from other providers of digital media and potential new customers for our EchoStar Technologies segment over the near term liegovernment action preventing them from using security systems in international markets, including through joint ventures. We have extended our exclusive equipment partnershipconnection with Bell TV through the end of 2015. Additionally, our joint venture with Dish Mexico continues to see growth. We are continuing to work with Dish Mexico on enhanced features and services that will help it respond to competitive pressures in Mexico. We are also exploring the development of other in-home products and applications.

set-top boxes. In particular,

Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued

Hughes



programming offered over the internet has become more prevalent as the speed and quality of broadband networks have improved.
In July 2016 we made the decision not to proceed with our direct to consumer security and home automation solution product offering and associated services which we had introduced earlier in the year.  We have completed the process of shutting down all activities, services and operations related to this product offering.
EchoStar Satellite Services Segment

Our HughesESS segment is a global provider of broadband satellite technologies and services for the home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services, and solutions for consumers, enterprises and governments.

We continue our efforts in growing our consumer revenue, which depends on our success in adding new subscribers on our Hughes segment's satellite networks. The addition of new subscribers and the performance of our consumer service offering, primarily drive the revenue growth in our consumer business. Service costs related to ongoing support of our direct and indirect customers and partners are typically impacted most significantly by our growth. Long term trends continue to be influenced primarily by the subscriber growth in our consumer business. Additional capacity provided in this business by new satellite launches provides impetus for initial subscriber growth while we manage subscriber growth across our satellite platform. In March 2013, we entered into a contract for the design and construction of the EchoStar XIX satellite, which is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2016. EchoStar XIX is a next-generation, high throughput geostationary satellite that will employ a multi-spot beam, bent pipe Ka-band architecture and will provide additional capacity for the Hughes broadband services to the consumer market in North America. The costs associated with the construction and launch of EchoStar XIX are included in "All Other and Eliminations" in our segment reporting.

Our Hughes segment also provides managed services, hardware, and satellite services to large enterprises. In addition, we provide gateway and terminal equipment to customers for mobile satellite systems. The fixed pricing nature of our long term enterprise contracts minimizes significant quarter to quarter fluctuations. We continue to monitor the competitive landscape for pricing in relation to our competitors and alternative technologies. However, the growth of our enterprise businesses relies heavily on global economic conditions.

In April 2014, we entered into a satellite services agreement pursuant to which Eutelsat do Brasil will provide to Hughes Telecomunicações do Brasil Ltda., our subsidiary, fixed broadband service using the Ka-band capacity into Brazil on the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite for a 15-year term. The satellite service agreement requires us to make prepayments during the construction period. The satellite is scheduled to be placed into service in the second quarter of 2016operations and will deliver consumer satellite broadband services in Brazil and creates a platform to potentially allow for further development ofvideo delivery solutions. We operate our spectrum in Brazil.

As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our Hughes segment had approximately 977,000, 860,000 and 636,000 broadband subscribers, respectively. These subscribers include subscriptions with HughesNet services, through retail, wholesale and small/medium enterprise service channels. Gross subscriber additions decreased in 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to satellite beams servicing certain areas reaching capacity. Our average monthly subscriber churn in 2014 remained at the same level as compared to the same period in 2013, however, total disconnects increased due to the increased number of subscribers. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2014, net subscriber additions of 117,000 were lower than the same period last year primarily reflecting the decrease in gross subscriber additions and churn on the increasing base of subscribers.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our Hughes segment had approximately $1.26 billion and $1.15 billion, respectively, of contracted revenue backlog. We define Hughes revenue backlog as our expected future revenue under customer contracts that are non-cancelable, excluding agreements with


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

customers in our consumer market. Of the total contracted revenue backlog as of December 31, 2014, we expect to recognize approximately $407.9 million of revenue in 2015.

EchoStar Satellite Services Segment

Our EchoStar Satellite Services segment operates its business using its 16our owned and leased in-orbit satellites.  We provide satellite services on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network (our largest customer), Dish Mexico, U.S. government service providers, state agencies, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers and private enterprise customers.

We depend on DISH Network for a significant portion of the revenue for our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment, and we expect that DISH Network will continue to be the primary source of revenue for our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment.  Therefore, the results of operations of our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment are linked to long-term changes in DISH Network'sNetwork’s satellite capacity requirements.  We continueDISH Network’s capacity requirements have been driven by the addition of new channels and migration of programming to pursue expanding our business offerings by providing value addedhigh-definition TV and video on demand services. The services such as telemetry, tracking and control servicesthat we provide to third parties. Revenue growth in our EchoStar Satellite Services segment is a functionDISH Network are critical to its nationwide delivery of available satellite capacitycontent to sell. The satelliteits customers across the U.S. While we currently have under construction is expected to ultimately produce revenue once launched and placed into operation, and therefore, factors that interfere with our construction and launch schedules will impact our expected revenue growth. In addition, any disruption in planned renewals of our service arrangements could impact customer commitments and have an impact on our revenue and financial performance. Technical issues, regulatory and licensing issues, manufacturer performance/stability and availability of capitalexpect to continue to fundprovide satellite services to DISH Network, its satellite capacity requirements may change for a variety of reasons, including its ability to construct and launch its own satellites.  Any termination or reduction in the services we provide to DISH Network may cause us to have unused capacity on our programs also are factors in achieving our business planssatellites and require that we aggressively pursue alternative sources of revenue for this segment.

business.


In August 2014, we entered into: (i) a construction contract with Airbus Defence and Space SAS for the construction of the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite with C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band payloads; (ii) an agreement with SES Satellite Leasing Limited for the procurement of the related launch services; and (iii) an agreement with SES Americom Inc. ("SES"(“SES”) pursuant to which we will transfer the title to the C-band and Ka-band payloads to SES Satellite Leasing Limited at launch and transfer the title to the Ku-band payload to SES following in-orbit testing of the satellite. Additionally,Simultaneously, SES will provide to us satellite service on the entire Ku-band payload on the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite for an initial ten-year term, with an option for us to renew the agreement on a year-to-year basis.

Due to anomalies experienced by our launch provider, the expected launch date of the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite has been delayed.  We currently expect to launch the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite in the second quarter of 2017. Our Ku-band payload on the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite will replace and augment our current capacity on the AMC-15 satellite. As a result of this launch delay, we have incurred and expect to incur additional costs related to the lease of the AMC-15 satellite.


Revenue growth in our ESS segment depends largely on our ability to continuously make additional satellite capacity available for sale.  Once the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite is launched and placed into operation, we expect periodic revenue from the satellite to exceed the amount currently generated by the AMC-15 satellite. As a result of the launch delay, we expect a delay in revenue generated from the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite.
We continue to pursue expanding our business offerings by providing value added services such as telemetry, tracking, and control services to third parties, which leverages the ground monitoring networks and personnel currently within our ESS segment.

As of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment had contracted revenue backlog attributable to satellites currently in orbit of approximately $1.71$1.16 billion and $1.14$1.41 billion, respectively.  The increase in backlogdecrease is primarily driven by the resultfixed-term nature of additionalthe satellite services on EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and EchoStar XIV provided toagreements with DISH Network beginning March 1, 2014, as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.Network.  Of the total contracted revenue backlog as of December 31, 2014,2016, we expect to recognize approximately $398.1$365.1 million of revenue in 2015.

2017.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


New Business Opportunities

Our industry is evolving with the increase in worldwide demand for broadband internet access for information, entertainment and commerce. In addition to fiber and wireless systems, other technologies such as geostationary high throughput satellites, low-earth orbit (“LEO”) networks, balloons, and High Altitude Platform Systems have begun to play significant roles in enabling global broadband access, networks and services. We areintend to use our expertise, technologies, capital, investments, global presence, relationships and other capabilities to continue to provide broadband internet systems, equipment, networks and services for information, entertainment and commerce in North America and internationally for consumers, enterprises and governments.

We continue to selectively exploringexplore opportunities to pursue partnerships, joint ventures and strategic acquisition opportunities,acquisitions, domestically and internationally, that we believe may allow us to increase our existing market share, expand into new markets and new customers, broaden our portfolio of services, products and intellectual property, and strengthen our relationships with our customers.


Table We may allocate significant resources for long-term initiatives that may not have a short or medium-term or any positive impact on our revenue, results of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

operations, or cash flow.

In 2012, we acquired the right to use various frequencies at the 45 degree west longitude orbital location ("(“Brazilian Authorization"Authorization”) from ANATEL, the Brazilian communications regulatory agency.  The Brazilian Authorization provides us the rights to utilize Ku-band spectrum, for broadcast satellite service ("BSS"), Ka-band spectrum and S-band spectrum. With regards to the Ku-band BSS spectrum, we continue to pursue various opportunities to support a Brazilian service and remain focused on delivering a pay-TV service to Brazil via a high-powered BSS satellite.  We are exploring options for the Ka-band and S-band spectrums. In April 2014, we entered into an agreement with Space Systems Loral, LLC ("(“SS/L"L”) for the construction of the EchoStar XXIII satellite, a high powered BSSbroadcast satellite which will use some of the components from CMBStar, a satellite that we suspended construction of in 2008.service (“BSS”) satellite.  The EchoStar XXIII is expected to launch in the second half of 2016 andsatellite will be initially deployed at the 45 degree west longitude orbital location.

Due to anomalies experienced by our launch provider, the expected launch date of our EchoStar XXIII satellite was delayed and we currently expect to launch the EchoStar XXIII satellite in the first quarter of 2017. We have regulatory obligations to meet certain in-service milestones by the second quarter of 2017 for our Brazilian license at 45 west longitude for the Ka-, Ku- and S-band frequency bands. We currently expect to meet our regulatory milestone for the Ku-band.  We have sought an extension of the S- and Ka-band milestones, which may or may not be granted, and, if granted, may be subject to penalties, additional conditions or other requirements.


In December 2013, we acquired 100.0%100% of Solaris Mobile, which is based in Dublin, Ireland and licensed by the European Union ("EU") and individual EU Member Statesits member states (“EU”) to provide mobile satellite services ("MSS"(“MSS”) and complementary ground component ("CGC"(“CGC”) services covering the entire EU using S-band spectrum.  Solaris Mobile changed its name to EchoStar Mobile Limited (“EchoStar Mobile”) in the first quarter of 2015.  We are in the process of developing commercial services expected to begin inutilizing the first half of 2016, utilizing our existingoperable payload we own on the EUTELSAT 10A (also known as "W2A") satellite, along with our EchoStar XXI S-band satellite.  We are currently constructing, and have contracted to launch,The EchoStar XXI tosatellite will provide space segment capacity to Solaris Mobile in the first half of 2016.EchoStar Mobile.  We believe we are in a unique position to deploy ana European wide MSS/CGC network and maximize the long termlong-term value of our S-band spectrum in Europe and other regions within the scope of our licenses.

Due to anomalies experienced by our launch provider, the expected launch of our EchoStar XXI satellite was delayed and we currently expect to launch the EchoStar XXI satellite in the second or third quarter of 2017. We had regulatory obligations to meet certain milestones by the fourth quarter of 2016 regarding the operations of the EchoStar XXI satellite across the EU. We have notified the regulators in the EU of our delay and we intend to seek extensions of certain of these requirements to the extent we determine necessary. Although we anticipate being able to receive them, any such necessary extensions may be subject to additional conditions, penalties or other requirements.

We are tracking closely the developments in next-generation satellite businesses, and we are seeking to utilize our services, technologies and expertise to find new commercial opportunities for our business. In June 2015, we made an equity investment in WorldVu Satellites Limited (“OneWeb”), a global LEO satellite service company. In addition, our Hughes segment entered into an agreement with OneWeb to provide certain equipment and services in connection with the ground systems for OneWeb’s LEO satellites.

Capital expenditures associated with the construction and launch of the EchoStar XXIII and EchoStar XXI satellites are included in “All Other and Eliminations” in our segment reporting.

Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Basis of Presentation

The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated results of operations is presented on a historical basis.

Prior to 2015, our OTT, SVOD platform business, including certain assets distributed to us in August 2014 in connection with the Exchange Agreement with Sling TV Holding (see Notes 6 and 19 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report), was managed separately from our existing operating segments and was reported within “All Other and Eliminations.”  In the first quarter of 2015, we assigned management responsibility for our OTT, SVOD platform business to our EchoStar Technologies segment, where it continues to be managed and reported as a separate reporting unit.  All prior period amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to present operations of our OTT, SVOD platform business in our EchoStar Technologies segment.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Year Ended December 31, 20142016 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 
 For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance 
Statements of Operations Data(1)
 2014 2013 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

Revenue:

             

Equipment revenue—DISH Network

 $1,145,979 $1,311,446 $(165,467) (12.6)

Equipment revenue—other

  374,049  347,910  26,139  7.5 

Services and other revenue—DISH Network

  828,612  620,189  208,423  33.6 

Services and other revenue—other

  1,096,938  1,002,907  94,031  9.4 

Total revenue

  3,445,578  3,282,452  163,126  5.0 

Costs and Expenses:

             

Cost of sales—equipment

  1,288,998  1,430,777  (141,779) (9.9)

% of Total equipment revenue

  84.8% 86.2%      

Cost of sales—services and other

  838,918  776,121  62,797  8.1 

% of Total services and other revenue

  43.6% 47.8%      

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  372,010  358,499  13,511  3.8 

% of Total revenue

  10.8% 10.9%      

Research and development expenses

  60,886  67,942  (7,056) (10.4)

% of Total revenue

  1.8% 2.1%      

Depreciation and amortization

  556,676  507,111  49,565  9.8 

Impairment of long-lived asset

    38,415  (38,415) (100.0)

Total costs and expenses

  3,117,488  3,178,865  (61,377) (1.9)

Operating income

  328,090  103,587  224,503  * 

Other Income (Expense):

             

Interest income

  9,102  14,656  (5,554) (37.9)

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

  (171,349) (192,554) 21,205  (11.0)

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net

  41  38,341  (38,300) (99.9)

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net

  8,198  (5,024) 13,222  * 

Other, net

  4,251  6,958  (2,707) (38.9)

Total other expense, net

  (149,757) (137,623) (12,134) 8.8 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  178,333  (34,036) 212,369  * 

Income tax benefit (provision), net

  (30,784) 37,437  (68,221) * 

Net income

  147,549  3,401  144,148  * 

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in

             

HSS Tracking Stock

  (6,714)   (6,714) * 

Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests

  1,389  876  513  58.6 

Net income attributable to EchoStar

 $152,874 $2,525 $150,349  * 

Other Data:

             

EBITDA

 $902,581 $650,097 $252,484  38.8 

Subscribers, end of period

  977,000  860,000  117,000  13.6 

2015
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
Statements of Operations Data (1)  2016 2015 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:  
  
  
  
Services and other revenue - DISH Network $888,603
 $918,301
 $(29,698) (3.2)
Services and other revenue - other 1,109,597
 1,103,928
 5,669
 0.5
Equipment revenue - DISH Network 711,289
 763,184
 (51,895) (6.8)
Equipment revenue - other 347,241
 358,301
 (11,060) (3.1)
Total revenue 3,056,730
 3,143,714
 (86,984) (2.8)
Costs and Expenses:  
  
  
  
Cost of sales - services and other 844,498
 856,065
 (11,567) (1.4)
% of Total services and other revenue 42.3% 42.3%  
  
Cost of sales - equipment 891,108
 948,655
 (57,547) (6.1)
% of Total equipment revenue 84.2% 84.6%  
  
Selling, general and administrative expenses 385,634
 374,116
 11,518
 3.1
% of Total revenue 12.6% 11.9%  
  
Research and development expenses 76,024
 78,287
 (2,263) (2.9)
% of Total revenue 2.5% 2.5%  
  
Depreciation and amortization 495,068
 528,158
 (33,090) (6.3)
Impairment of long-lived assets 
 2,400
 (2,400) (100.0)
Total costs and expenses 2,692,332
 2,787,681
 (95,349) (3.4)
Operating income 364,398
 356,033
 8,365
 2.3
         
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
Interest income 21,249
 10,429
 10,820
 *
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (123,630) (122,066) (1,564) 1.3
Loss from partial redemption of debt 
 (5,044) 5,044
 (100.0)
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net 9,767
 (17,669) 27,436
 *
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net 13,310
 1,895
 11,415
 *
Other, net 1,750
 (2,006) 3,756
 *
Total other expense, net (77,554) (134,461) 56,907
 (42.3)
Income before income taxes 286,844
 221,572
 65,272
 29.5
Income tax provision, net (106,152) (72,201) (33,951) 47.0
Net income 180,692
 149,371
 31,321
 21.0
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock (944) (5,603) 4,659
 (83.2)
Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests 1,706
 1,617
 89
 5.5
Net income attributable to EchoStar $179,930
 $153,357
 $26,573
 17.3
         
Other Data:  
  
  
  
EBITDA (2) $883,531
 $865,353
 $18,178
 2.1
Subscribers, end of period 1,036,000
 1,035,000
 1,000
 0.1
*
Percentage is not meaningful.

(1)
An explanation of our key metrics is included on pages 7470 and 75.
71 under the heading “Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items.”

(2)    A reconciliation of EBITDA to “Net income,” the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the accompanying financial statements, is included on page 52. For further information on our use of EBITDA, see “Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items” on page 71.


Services and other revenue — DISH Network.  “Services and other revenue — DISH Network” totaled $888.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $29.7 million, or 3.2%, compared to the same period in 2015.
Services and other revenue — DISH Network from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $4.0 million, or 4.3%, to $98.5 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued

Equipment revenue—DISH Network.    "Equipment revenue—DISH Network" totaled $1.15 billion for



attributable to an increase in the year ended December 31, 2014,average revenue per subscriber as a result of an increase in wholesale subscribers receiving higher end service plans pursuant to our Distribution Agreement with dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. (“dishNET”), partially offset by a decrease of $165.5 million, or 12.6%, compared to the same period in 2013.

Services and other revenue — DISH Network from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased2016 increased by $128.3$39.5 million, or 10.3%10.2%, to $1.11 billion$428.5 million compared to the same period in 2013. Our EchoStar Technologies segment offers multiple set-top boxes with different price points depending on their capabilities2015.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of $48.2 million in revenue earned for engineering support services related to Sling TV and functionalities.other projects. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $9.0 million in revenue earned for support services related to receiver developments in 2015.

Services and associated margins we earn on sales are determined largely through our Receiver Agreement withother revenue — DISH Network which could result in prices reflecting, among other things, the set-top boxes and other equipment that meet DISH Network's current sales and marketing priorities, the product and service alternatives available from other equipment suppliers, our ability to respond to DISH Network's requirements, and our ability to differentiate ourselves from other equipment suppliers on bases other than pricing. In addition, products containing new technologies and features typically have higher initial prices, which reduce over time as a result of manufacturing efficiencies, demand decreases or as DISH Network's demand changes for new or refurbished units. The decrease in revenueESS segment for the year ended December 31, 20142016 decreased by $73.9 million, or 17.5%, to $349.6 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was primarily due to both the sale of set-top boxes and related accessories. In set-top boxes, the decrease wasmainly due to a 15.0% decrease of $74.1 million in revenue as a result of the weighted average price offset by a 4.3% increase intermination of the unit sales. In related accessories, the decrease was duesatellite services provided to a 13.5% decrease in unit sales partially offset by a 5.4% increase in the weighted average price.

Equipment revenue—DISH Network from the EchoStar I and EchoStar VIII satellites effective in November 2015.

Services and other revenue — other.  “Services and other revenue — other” totaled $1.11 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $5.7 million, or 0.5%, compared to the same period in 2015.
Services and other revenue — other from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $37.22016 increased by $16.7 million, or 53.8%1.6%, to $31.9$1.05 billion compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $28.6 million in sales of broadband services to our domestic consumer customers as a result of an increase in retail subscribers and the average revenue per subscriber. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $10.8 million of broadband services to our international enterprise customers attributable to an unfavorable foreign exchange impact and non-renewal of certain service contracts.
Services and other revenue — other from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $1.4 million, or 14.0%, to $8.8 million compared to the same period in 2013.2015.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the sales volume of our paid Sling mobile applications due to our offering of a free mobile application in 2016.
Services and other revenue — other from our ESS segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $9.0 million, or 13.4%, to $58.1 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in sales of transponder services due to a decrease in the number of transponders available for use in providing service as our lease of the AMC-16 satellite ended in February 2016.

Equipment revenue — DISH NetworkEquipment revenue — DISH Network” totaled $711.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $51.9 million, or 6.8%, compared to the same period in 2015.

Equipment revenue — DISH Network from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $1.9 million, or 17.8%, to $8.8 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease in revenue was primarily due to the decrease in the unit sales of broadband equipment to dishNET.


Equipment revenue—other.    "Equipment revenue—other" totaled $374.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $26.1 million or 7.5%, compared to the same period in 2013.

Equipment revenue — otherEquipment revenue — other” totaled $347.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease in the average price per unit was dueof $11.1 million, or 3.1%, compared to the high volume of remanufactured products and the mix of product models purchased by our international customers and the renewal of certain customer contracts at lower contract prices with volume commitments.

same period in 2015.

Equipment revenue—revenue — other from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 20142016 increased by $16.1$26.2 million, or 8.3%12.4%, to $210.8$237.9 million compared to the same period in 2013.2015.  The increase was mainly due to a $27.2 million increase in sales of telecom systems equipment and a $4.8 million increase in sales to international enterprise customers, partially offset by a decrease in sales of broadband equipment of $15.5 million primarily due to lower sales to our consumer and domestic enterprise markets.

Services and other revenue—DISH Network.    "Services and other revenue—DISH Network" totaled $828.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $208.4 million or 33.6%, compared to the same period in 2013.


Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



increase of $40.7 million in sales of broadband equipment to our domestic enterprise and government customers, partially offset by a decrease of $14.7 million in revenue from our international and telecom systems customers.
Equipment revenue — other revenue—DISH Network from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased2016 decreased by $8.1$37.1 million, or 2.7%25.3%, to $311.8$109.4 million compared to the same period in 2013.2015.  The increasedecrease was primarily dueattributable to an increasea decrease in the weighted average price of $9.9 million related to application development for set-top boxes and related accessories of 19.7% and 8.1%, respectively, sold primarily to DISH Network.

Servicesour international customers and a decrease in the volume of unit sales of set-top boxes and related accessories of 10.0% and 12.9%, respectively, sold primarily to our international customers.


Cost of sales — services and other revenue—DISH Network.  “Cost of sales — services and other” totaled $844.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $11.6 million, or 1.4%, compared to the same period in 2015.
Cost of sales — services and other from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased2016 decreased by $36.0$2.2 million, or 80.4%0.5%, to $80.8$454.5 million compared to the same period in 2013.2015.  The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease of Ku-band space segment costs as customers either terminated services or migrated to the Ka-band platform offset by the increase in service costs as a result of the increase in sales of broadband services to our domestic consumer customers.
Cost of sales — services and other from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $41.6 million, or 14.7%, to $323.9 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in engineering support costs related to Sling TV and other projects.

Cost of sales — services and other from our ESS segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $6.0 million, or 8.6%, to $64.2 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in cost of sales of transponder services as a result of a decrease in the number of leased transponders available for use in providing service as our lease of the AMC-16 satellite ended in February 2016.

Cost of sales — services and other from All Other and Eliminations for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $45.0 million, or 95.7%, to $2.0 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in cost of sales relating to the EchoStar XV satellite for services provided from DISH Network as a result of the termination of the satellite service agreement effective in November 2015.
Cost of sales — equipmentCost of sales — equipment” totaled $891.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $57.5 million, or 6.1%, compared to the same period in 2015.
Cost of sales — equipment from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $9.3 million, or 4.8%, to $204.4 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $20.3 million in equipment costs related to the increase in sales volume of broadband equipment to our domestic enterprise and government customers, partially offset by a decrease of $12.3 million in equipment costs related to the decrease in sales to our international and telecom systems customers.
Cost of sales — equipment from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $66.8 million, or 8.9%, to $686.7 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in equipment costs as a result of the decrease in the volume of unit sales of set-top boxes and related accessories sold to DISH Network. The decrease was also attributable to decreases in the volume of unit sales and the weighted average cost of set-top boxes and related accessories sold to our international customers.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. “Selling, general and administrative expenses” totaled $385.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $11.5 million, or 3.1%, compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to $14.1 million in restructuring charges as a result of our decision not to proceed with our direct-to-consumer security and home automation solution product offering and associated services within our EchoStar Technologies segment and an increase of $6.7 million and $3.8 million in marketing and promotional costs from our EchoStar Technologies segment and Hughes segment, respectively, offset partially by a decrease of $8.0 million due to litigation settlements recorded in 2015 and a decrease of $6.6 million of stock-based compensation cost.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Research and development expenses.  “Research and development expenses” totaled $76.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 2.9%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in research and development expense of $7.1 million in our EchoStar Technologies segment, partially offset by an increase in research and development expense of $4.8 million in our Hughes segment.  Our research and development activities vary based on the activity level and scope of other engineering and customer related development contracts.
Depreciation and amortization.  “Depreciation and amortization” expenses totaled $495.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $33.1 million, or 6.3%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was primarily related to certain of our fully amortized other intangible assets in our Hughes segment and All Other & Eliminations and the fully depreciated EchoStar IX satellite as of October 2015 in our ESS segment. The decrease was also attributable to a decrease in depreciation expense in our EchoStar Technologies segment as a result of our fully depreciated machinery and equipment in 2016.
Impairment of long-lived assets.  “Impairment of long-lived assets” totaled zero for the year ended December 31, 2016. In 2015, the $2.4 million loss was attributable to the impairment of certain building and equipment in our EchoStar Technologies segment.

Interest income.  “Interest income” totaled $21.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $10.8 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in our short term investments from proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in the third quarter of 2016 and an increase in yield percentage.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.  “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” totaled $123.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $1.6 million or 1.3%, compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was mainly attributable to an increase of $38.1 million related to the issuance of 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2026 (the “2026 Senior Secured Notes”) and 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due August 1, 2026 (the “2026 Senior Unsecured Notes” and together with the 2026 Senior Secured Notes, the “2026 Notes”) in the third quarter of 2016. The increase was partially offset by an increase in capitalized interest of $30.6 million related to the construction of the EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI, EchoStar XXIII, and EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellites, and payments for satellite services on the EUTELSAT 65 West A and 63 West satellites, a decrease of $3.2 million relating to the partial redemption of the outstanding principal amount of HSS’ 6 1/2 Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Senior Secured Notes”) in the second quarter of 2015, and a decrease of $2.8 million relating to the accounting impact of two of our satellites that are treated as capital leases.

Loss from partial redemption of debt. “Loss from partial redemption of debt” totaled zero for the year ended December 31, 2016. In 2015, the $5.0 million loss was related to the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes in the second quarter of 2015 which included a $3.3 million redemption premium and a $1.7 million write off of related unamortized financing costs.

Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net. “Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net” totaled $9.8 million in gains for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $17.7 million in losses for the same period in 2015.  The change of $27.4 million was primarily due to an other than temporary impairment loss of $11.2 million on certain strategic equity securities in 2015, an increase of $10.5 million in gains on our trading securities in 2016, and an increase of $5.6 million in realized gains on our securities classified as available-for-sale in 2016.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net. “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net” totaled $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $11.4 million compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily related to an increase in earnings from our investment in Dish Mexico.

Other, net.  “Other, net” totaled $1.8 million in income for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $2.0 million of expense for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The change of $3.8 million was primarily related to (i) $13.5 million for a provision recorded in the first half of 2015 in connection with FCC regulatory fees, which was reversed in the first quarter of 2016, (ii) an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $7.7 million in 2015, (iii) a decrease of $8.8 million related to a protective put associated with our trading securities in 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015, (iv) a $4.5 million non-recurring reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites recorded in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of anomalies that previously affected the operation of these satellites, (v) a gain of $1.7 million on the exchange of accounts
Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


receivable for certain trading securities in the second quarter of 2015, and (vi) proceeds of $1.3 million from a domain name auction in 2015. 

Income tax provision, net.  Income tax expense was $106.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $34.0 million or 47.0%, compared to the same period in 2015. Our effective income tax rate was 37.0% and 32.6% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The variations in our current year effective tax rate from the U.S. federal statutory rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 were primarily due to state income taxes and various permanent tax differences, partially offset by research and experimentation credits. The variations in our effective tax rate from the U.S. federal statutory rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 were primarily due to research and experimentation tax credits.
Net income attributable to EchoStar.  “Net income attributable to EchoStar” was $179.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $26.6 million or 17.3%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in capitalized interest of $30.6 million related to the construction of the EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI, EchoStar XXIII, and EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellites, and payments for satellite services on the EUTELSAT 65 West A and 63 West satellites, (ii) an increase of $27.4 million in gains on marketable investments, net of losses and impairments, (iii) $13.5 million for a provision recorded in the first half of 2015 in connection with FCC regulatory fees, which was reversed in the first quarter of 2016, (iv) an increase of $11.4 million in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net, (v) an increase of $10.8 million in interest income primarily attributable to the increase in our short term investments from proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in the third quarter of 2016 and an increase in yield percentage, (vi) an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $7.7 million in 2015, (vii) a $5.0 million loss related to the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes in the second quarter of 2015, (viii) a decrease in interest expense of $3.2 million relating to the partial redemption of the outstanding principal amount of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes in the second quarter of 2015 and (ix) a decrease of $2.8 million in interest expense relating to the accounting impact of two of our satellites that are treated as capital leases. The increase was partially offset by (i) an increase of $38.1 million in interest expense related to the 2026 Notes in the third quarter of 2016, (ii) an increase of $34.0 million in income tax expense in 2016, (iii) a decrease of $8.8 million related to a protective put associated with our trading securities in 2016, and (iv) a $4.5 million non-recurring reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites recorded in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of anomalies that previously affected the operation of these satellites.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).  EBITDA was $883.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $18.2 million, or 2.1%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily due to (i) an increase of $27.4 million in gains on marketable investments, net of losses and impairments, (ii) $13.5 million for a provision recorded in the first half of 2015 in connection with FCC regulatory fees, which was reversed in the first quarter of 2016, (iii) an increase of $11.4 million in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net, (iv) an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $7.7 million in 2015, and (v) a $5.0 million loss related to the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes in the second quarter of 2015.  The increases were partially offset by (i) a decrease in operating income, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $24.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, (ii) a decrease of $8.8 million related to a protective put associated with our trading securities in 2016, (iii) an increase of $4.7 million in net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock and other noncontrolling interests in 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015, (iv) $4.5 million non-recurring reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites recorded in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of anomalies that previously affected the operation of these satellites, and (v) a gain of $1.7 million on the exchange of accounts receivable for certain trading securities in the second quarter of 2015.  EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is described under Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items below. 

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


The following table reconciles EBITDA to Net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the accompanying financial statements.
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2016 2015 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Net income $180,692
 $149,371
 $31,321
 21.0
         
Interest income and expense, net 102,381
 111,637
 (9,256) (8.3)
Income tax provision, net 106,152
 72,201
 33,951
 47.0
Depreciation and amortization 495,068
 528,158
 (33,090) (6.3)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock and other noncontrolling interests (762) 3,986
 (4,748) *
EBITDA $883,531
 $865,353
 $18,178
 2.1
*    Percentage is not meaningful.

Segment Operating Results and Capital Expenditures
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015
  Hughes 
EchoStar
Technologies
 
EchoStar
Satellite
Services
 
All
Other and
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
  (In thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
Total revenue $1,392,361
 $1,249,197
 $407,660
 $7,512
 $3,056,730
Capital expenditures $322,362
 $69,744
 $58,925
 $247,223
 $698,254
EBITDA $427,802
 $89,549
 $339,496
 $26,684
 $883,531
           
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
Total revenue $1,347,340
 $1,298,198
 $490,591
 $7,585
 $3,143,714
Capital expenditures $285,499
 $50,593
 $101,215
 $266,213
 $703,520
EBITDA $396,684
 $106,745
 $412,607
 $(50,683) $865,353
Hughes Segment
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2016 2015 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Total revenue $1,392,361
 $1,347,340
 $45,021
 3.3
Capital expenditures $322,362
 $285,499
 $36,863
 12.9
EBITDA $427,802
 $396,684
 $31,118
 7.8
Revenue
Hughes segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $45.0 million, or 3.3%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of $40.7 million in sales of broadband equipment to our domestic enterprise and government customers and an increase of $28.6 million in sales of broadband services to our domestic consumer customers.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $25.5 million in revenue of broadband equipment and services to our international and telecom systems customers.
Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Capital Expenditures
Hughes segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $36.9 million, or 12.9%, compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to an increase in expenditures on the 63 West satellite. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures on satellite ground infrastructures related to the EchoStar XIX and EchoStar XXI satellites. Capital expenditures associated with the construction and launch of the EchoStar XIX satellite are included in “All Other and Eliminations” in our segment reporting.
EBITDA
Hughes segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $427.8 million, an increase of $31.1 million, or 7.8%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase was primarily attributable to a $37.9 million increase in total gross margin and an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $3.6 million in 2015. These increases were partially offset by an increase of $4.8 million in research and development expenses and an increase of $3.8 million in marketing and promotional costs.

EchoStar Technologies Segment
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2016 2015 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Total revenue $1,249,197
 $1,298,198
 $(49,001) (3.8)
Capital expenditures $69,744
 $50,593
 $19,151
 37.9
EBITDA $89,549
 $106,745
 $(17,196) (16.1)
Revenue
EchoStar Technologies segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $49.0 million, or 3.8%, compared to the same period in 2015, primarily resulting from a decrease of $50.0 million in equipment revenue from DISH Network, a decrease of $37.1 million in equipment revenue - other and a decrease of $1.4 million in service revenue - other, partially offset by an increase of $39.5 million in service revenue from DISH Network.
Capital Expenditures
EchoStar Technologies segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $19.2 million, or 37.9%, compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to an increase of $36.2 million in expenditures related to the support of our OTT, SVOD platform business, partially offset by a decrease of $15.5 million in expenditures related to our digital broadcast centers.
EBITDA
EchoStar Technologies segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $89.5 million, a decrease of $17.2 million, or 16.1%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease in EBITDA for our EchoStar Technologies segment was primarily driven by a decrease of $23.8 million in gross margin, an increase of $14.1 million in restructuring charges as a result of our decision not to proceed with our direct-to-consumer security and home automation solution product offering and associated services in the third quarter of 2016, and an increase in losses of $1.7 million in equity of a certain unconsolidated affiliate. These decreases were offset partially by a decrease of $7.1 million in research and development expenses in 2016, a decrease of $5.0 million in a litigation settlement recorded in 2015, a decrease of $4.8 million in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2016 and an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $4.3 million in 2015.
Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


EchoStar Satellite Services Segment
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2016 2015 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Total revenue $407,660
 $490,591
 $(82,931) (16.9)
Capital expenditures $58,925
 $101,215
 $(42,290) (41.8)
EBITDA $339,496
 $412,607
 $(73,111) (17.7)
Revenue
ESS segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $82.9 million, or 16.9%, compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to a decrease of $74.1 million in revenue as a result of the termination of the satellite services provided to DISH Network from the EchoStar I and EchoStar VIII satellites effective in November 2015 and a decrease of $9.0 million primarily attributable to a decrease in sales of transponder services.
Capital Expenditures
ESS segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $42.3 million, or 41.8%, compared to the same period in 2015, primarily related to a decrease in expenditures on the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite.
EBITDA
ESS segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $339.5 million, a decrease of $73.1 million, or 17.7%, compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease in EBITDA for our ESS segment was primarily due to a decrease of $76.9 million in gross margin and $4.5 million non-recurring reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites recorded in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of anomalies that previously affected the operation of these satellites. The decrease in EBITDA was partially offset by $7.5 million for a provision recorded in the first half of 2015 in connection with FCC regulatory fees, which was reversed in the first quarter of 2016.
All Other and Eliminations
All Other and Eliminations accounts for certain items and activities in our consolidated financial statements that have not been assigned to our operating segments.  These include without limitation real estate and other activities, costs incurred in satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments, and our centralized treasury activities, including without limitation income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt.
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2016 2015 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Total revenue $7,512
 $7,585
 $(73) (1.0)
Capital expenditures $247,223
 $266,213
 $(18,990) (7.1)
EBITDA $26,684
 $(50,683) $77,367
 *
*    Percentage is not meaningful.

Capital Expenditures
For the year ended December 31, 2016, All Other and Eliminations capital expenditures decreased by $19.0 million, or 7.1%, compared to the same period in 2015, primarily related to a decrease of $71.9 million in satellite expenditures on the EchoStar XXIII satellite, partially offset by an increase of $55.3 million in satellite expenditures on the EchoStar XIX satellite.  The EchoStar XIX satellite will be used to provide additional capacity for the Hughes broadband services in North America and certain Latin American countries and was contributed to the Hughes segment in the first quarter of 2017.  The EchoStar XXI
Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


satellite is intended to be used by EchoStar Mobile in providing mobile satellite services in the European Union and the EchoStar XXIII satellite will be deployed at the 45 degree west longitude orbital location providing services in Brazil.

EBITDA
For the year ended December 31, 2016, All Other and Eliminations EBITDA was $26.7 million in income compared to $50.7 million in loss for the same period in 2015.  The change of $77.4 million in EBITDA was primarily related to (i) a decrease of $44.2 million in cost of sales relating to the EchoStar XV satellite for services provided from DISH Network as a result of the termination of the satellite service agreement effective in November 2015, (ii) an increase of $13.2 million in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net in 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015, (iii) an other than temporary impairment loss of $11.2 million on certain strategic equity securities in 2015, (iv) $6.0 million for a provision recorded in the first half of 2015 in connection with FCC regulatory fees, which was reversed in the first quarter of 2016, and (v) an increase of $5.6 million in realized gains on our securities classified as available-for-sale in 2016. The increases were partially offset by an increase of $4.6 million in net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014

  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
Statements of Operations Data (1)  2015 2014 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:  
  
  
  
Services and other revenue - DISH Network $918,301
 $828,612
 $89,689
 10.8
Services and other revenue - other 1,103,928
 1,096,938
 6,990
 0.6
Equipment revenue - DISH Network 763,184
 1,145,979
 (382,795) (33.4)
Equipment revenue - other 358,301
 374,049
 (15,748) (4.2)
Total revenue 3,143,714
 3,445,578
 (301,864) (8.8)
Costs and Expenses:  
  
  
  
Cost of sales - services and other 856,065
 838,918
 17,147
 2.0
% of Total services and other revenue 42.3% 43.6%  
  
Cost of sales - equipment 948,655
 1,288,998
 (340,343) (26.4)
% of Total equipment revenue 84.6% 84.8%  
  
Selling, general and administrative expenses 374,116
 372,010
 2,106
 0.6
% of Total revenue 11.9% 10.8%  
  
Research and development expenses 78,287
 60,886
 17,401
 28.6
% of Total revenue 2.5% 1.8%  
  
Depreciation and amortization 528,158
 556,676
 (28,518) (5.1)
Impairment of long-lived assets 2,400
 
 2,400
 *
Total costs and expenses 2,787,681
 3,117,488
 (329,807) (10.6)
Operating income 356,033
 328,090
 27,943
 8.5
         
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
Interest income 10,429
 9,102
 1,327
 14.6
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (122,066) (171,349) 49,283
 (28.8)
Loss from partial redemption of debt (5,044) 
 (5,044) *
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net (17,669) 41
 (17,710) *
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net 1,895
 8,198
 (6,303) (76.9)
Other, net (2,006) 4,251
 (6,257) *
Total other expense, net (134,461) (149,757) 15,296
 (10.2)
Income before income taxes 221,572
 178,333
 43,239
 24.2
Income tax provision, net (72,201) (30,784) (41,417) *
Net income 149,371
 147,549
 1,822
 1.2
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock (5,603) (6,714) 1,111
 (16.5)
Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests 1,617
 1,389
 228
 16.4
Net income attributable to EchoStar $153,357
 $152,874
 $483
 0.3
         
Other Data:  
  
  
  
EBITDA (2) $865,353
 $902,581
 $(37,228) (4.1)
Subscribers, end of period 1,035,000
 977,000
 58,000
 5.9
*    Percentage is not meaningful.
(1)    An explanation of our key metrics is included on pages 70 and 71 under the heading “Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items.”
(2)    A reconciliation of EBITDA to “Net income,” the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the accompanying financial statements, is included on page 60. For further information on our use of EBITDA, see “Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items” on page 71.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Services and other revenue — DISH Network.  “Services and other revenue — DISH Network” totaled $918.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $89.7 million or 10.8%, compared to the same period in 2014.
Services and other revenue — DISH Network from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $13.7 million, or 16.9%, to $94.4 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in wholesale subscribers receiving services pursuant to our Distribution Agreement with dishNET.

Services and other revenue—revenue — DISH Network from our EchoStar Satellite ServicesTechnologies segment for the year ended December 31, 20142015 increased by $160.1$59.6 million, or 64.8%18.1%, to $407.2$389.0 million compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of $57.0 million in revenue earned for engineering services related to Sling TV Holding and other projects and satellite uplink/downlink services.
Services and other revenue — DISH Network from our ESS segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $16.2 million, or 4.0%, to $423.5 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was mainly due to an increase of $147.9$26.9 million in revenue recognized from certain satellite services provided to DISH Network fromfor the five satellites transferred to us from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction and an increaseTransaction.  See Note 4 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of $15.7 million from the renewal of our satellite services agreementthis report for further discussion related to services provided by the EchoStar VIII satellite to DISH Network that expired in the first quarter of 2013Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.  The increase was renewed in the second quarter of 2013. The increases werepartially offset partially by a decrease of $3.5$9.0 million attributable to the amended telemetry, tracking and control ("TT&C") agreement where we no longer provide TT&Cin services provided to DISH Network on the five satellites transferred to us from DISH Network as part of the SatelliteEchoStar VIII and Tracking Stock Transaction.

EchoStar XII satellites.

Services and other revenue—other.    "Servicesrevenue — other.  “Services and other revenue—other"revenue — other totaled $1.10 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014,2015 an increase of $94.0$7.0 million, or 9.4%0.6%, compared to the same period in 2013.

Services and other revenue—revenue — other from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $26.2 million, or 2.6%, to $1.03 billion compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $54.2 million in sales of broadband services to our domestic consumer customers, partially offset by a decrease of $24.7 million of broadband services to our international customers, primarily due to weakening foreign exchange rates in certain markets.
Services and other revenue — other from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased2015 decreased by $4.0$10.6 million, or 23.7%51.1%, to $20.8$10.2 million compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The increasedecrease was primarily attributable to an increase of $5.4 million for system integration solutions, offset partially by a decrease of $1.8$6.1 million attributable to nonrecurringin revenue from system integration services and $4.7 million in revenue from certain non-recurring engineering projects and licenses.

services.

Services and other revenue—revenue — other from our ESS segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $10.0 million, or 13.0%, to $67.1 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in sales of transponder services in 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 due to a decrease in transponders available for sale.
Equipment revenue — DISH NetworkEquipment revenue — DISH Network” totaled $763.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $382.8 million, or 33.4%, compared to the same period in 2014.
Equipment revenue — DISH Network from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased2015 decreased by $94.6$21.2 million, or 10.4%66.3%, to $1.00 billion compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in sales of broadband services to our consumer and international customers.

Services and other revenue—other from our EchoStar Satellite Services segment for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased by $5.8 million, or 7.0%, to $77.1$10.8 million compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The decrease was mainlyprimarily due to the decrease in the volume of unit sales of broadband equipment to dishNET.  Sales of broadband equipment to dishNET have been decreasing as a result of a decrease of $5.4 million in the unit sales of uplink services in 2014 comparedbroadband equipment to the same period in 2013.

Cost of sales—equipment.    "Cost of sales—equipment" totaled $1.29 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $141.8 million, or 9.9%, compared to the same period in 2013.

Equipment revenue — DISH Network from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 20142015 decreased by $113.8$361.6 million, or 9.5%32.5%, to $1.08 billion$752.4 million compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The decrease in revenue was primarily due to a decrease in the sales of set-top boxes and related accessories.  The decrease in revenue of set-top boxes was due to a 41.8% decrease in the volume of unit sales and a 2.1% decrease in the weighted average price of the set-top boxes sold.  The decrease in revenue of related accessories was due to a 10.1% decrease in the volume of unit sales and an 8.6% decrease in the weighted average price of related accessories sold.
Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Equipment revenue — otherEquipment revenue — other” totaled $358.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $15.7 million or 4.2%, compared to the same period in 2014.
Equipment revenue — other from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $0.9 million, or 0.4%, to $211.7 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was mainly due to an increase of $5.8 million in sales of broadband equipment to our international customers and domestic enterprise customers, partially offset by a decrease of $5.5 million in sales of broadband equipment to our domestic consumer customers and government projects.
Equipment revenue — other from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $16.5 million, or 10.1%, to $146.6 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The decrease was attributable to an 11.4% decrease in the volume of unit sales of related accessories, a 7.5% decrease in the weighted average price of set-top boxes sold primarily to our international customers and a 6.7% decrease in the weighted average price of related accessories.
Cost of sales — services and other.  “Cost of sales — services and other” totaled $856.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $17.1 million, or 2.0%, compared to the same period in 2014.
Cost of sales — services and other from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $26.7 million, or 5.5%, to $456.7 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $19.2 million in service costs of our broadband services provided to our international customers primarily due to lower in-country costs denominated in local currency and a decrease of $3.7 million in the cost of sales related to our domestic broadband services due to the decrease of third party space segment costs as customers either terminated services or migrated to our platform.

Cost of sales — services and other from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $35.8 million, or 14.5%, to $282.2 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in support costs related to engineering and uplink services provided in 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

Cost of sales — services and other from our ESS segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $13.5 million, or 23.8%, to $70.2 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in cost of sales related to the commencement of the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellite operating leases in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, respectively.
Cost of sales — equipmentCost of sales — equipment” totaled $948.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $340.3 million, or 26.4%, compared to the same period in 2014.
Cost of sales — equipment from our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $13.9 million, or 6.6%, to $195.1 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in equipment costs of $120.5 million related to the decrease in sales volume of broadband equipment to DISH Network related to our Distribution Agreement with dishNET, partially offset by an increase in the cost of sales of broadband equipment to our domestic enterprise customers.
Cost of sales — equipment from our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $326.4 million, or 30.2%, to $753.5 million compared to the same period in 2014.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in equipment costs related to the decrease in the volume of sales of set-top boxes and related accessories sold to


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Research and (ii) equipment development costs of $6.0 million for DISH Network as compared to the same period in 2013. These decreases were partially offset by higher equipment costs associated with the increase in sales of broadband equipment to our international enterprise customersexpenses.  “Research and telecom systems equipment.

Cost of sales—services and other.    "Cost of sales—services and other"development expenses totaled $838.9$78.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2015, an increase of $62.8$17.4 million, or 8.1%28.6%, compared to the same period in 2013.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.    "Selling, general and administrative expenses" totaled $372.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $13.5 million, or 3.8%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was mainly due to a $16.4 million increase in marketing expenses primarily in our Hughes segment and an increase of $1.8 million in professional fees, offset partially by a $4.0 million decrease in personnel and other employee-related expenses.

Research and development.    "Research and development" expenses totaled $60.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $7.1 million or 10.4%, compared to the same period in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to reductions of research and development related activities in our EchoStar Technologies and Hughes segments of $5.4 million and $1.7 million,segment, respectively.  The Company'sCompany’s research and development activities vary based on the activity level and scope of other engineering and customer related development contracts. Research and development expenses within our EchoStar Technologies segment decreased primarily due to an increased amount of customer funded projects, which is included in cost of sales. Additionally, the decrease in research and development expenses in our Hughes segment was primarily due to a $6.1 million increase in the development of software projects for products and features to be marketed or sold to customers that were eligible to be capitalized.

Depreciation and amortization.    "Depreciation and amortization" expense totaled $556.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $49.6 million or 9.8%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily related to an increase in depreciation of $39.7 million from our


Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



Depreciation and amortization.  “Depreciation and amortization” expenses totaled $528.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $28.5 million, or 5.1%, compared to the same period in 2014.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $15.0 million in amortization expense from certain of our fully amortized other intangible assets, a decrease in depreciation expense of $18.5 million relating to the fully depreciated EchoStar Satellite ServicesVIII and EchoStar XII satellites and a decrease in depreciation expense of $3.5 million relating to the expiration of the capital lease for the AMC-15 satellite in December 2014.  The decreases were partially offset by increases in depreciation of $7.9 million from our ESS segment, primarily due to the depreciation of the five satellites we received from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, an increase in depreciation of $18.6 million associated with customer rental equipment from our Hughes segment, and an increase of $4.5 million in amortization expense for the regulatory authorizations with finite useful lives. The increase in depreciation and amortization was partially offset by a decrease in depreciation of $5.7 million due to the impairment of the EchoStar XII satellite's carrying amount that occurred in the second quarter of 2013, a decrease in depreciation of $3.7 million attributable to EchoStar VIII satellite as it was fully depreciated as of September 2014 and a decrease in depreciation of $3.3 million relating to the retirement of certain machinery and equipment.

Transaction.

Impairment of long-lived assets.    "Impairmentassets.  “Impairment of long-lived assets"assets totaled zero$2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease2015, an increase of $38.4$2.4 million compared to the same period in 2013,2014, due to the impairment of our EchoStar XII satellite of $34.7 millioncertain building and equipment in June 2013 and a $3.8 million impairment of goodwill of our EchoStar Technologies segment in December 2013. See Note 10 in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the impairment in the second quarter of 2013.

segment.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.    "Interestcapitalized.  “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized"capitalized totaled $171.3$122.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2015, a decrease of $21.2$49.3 million, or 11.0%28.8%, compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The decrease was primarily due to higher capitalized interest of $19.8$40.0 million associated withrelated to the construction of ourthe EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI, EchoStar XXIII, EchoStar 105/SES-11 and EUTELSAT 65 West A satellites, and a decrease in interest expense of $7.7 million relating to the partial redemption of $110.0 million of the principal amount of 2019 Senior Secured Notes in the year ended December 31, 2014 comparedsecond quarter of 2015, the expiration of capital leases for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites, and interest expense relating to the same period in 2013.

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net.    "Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net"two of our satellites that are accounted for as capital leases.

Loss from partial redemption of debt. “Loss from partial redemption of debt totaled $41.3 thousand$5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2015. In 2015, the $5.0 million loss was related to the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes in the second quarter of 2015 which included a decrease$3.3 million redemption premium and a $1.7 million write off of $38.3related unamortized financing costs.
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net. “Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net” totaled $17.7 million in losses for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase in loss of $17.7 million compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The decreaseincrease in loss was primarily relateddue to a gainother than temporary impairment losses of $35.9$11.2 million recognized from the saleon certain strategic equity securities in our available-for-sale securities portfolio and an increase of a strategic investment$6.5 million in a public company in 2013 and a gain of $2.6 million that resulted from the conversion of one oflosses on our investments into a marketable investment security in 2013.

trading securities.

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net.    "Equitynet. “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net"net totaled $8.2$1.9 million in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase2015, a decrease of $13.2$6.3 million, or 76.9%, compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The increase wasdecrease in earnings is primarily relateddue to a $10.3 million non-recurring adjustment to increase our equity in earnings of Dish Mexicounconsolidated affiliates to reflect an increase from 24.0% to 49.0% in our interest in Dish Mexico'sMexico’s inception-to-date net income in 2014 and a net decrease of $6.2 million in our equity of earnings of certain unconsolidated affiliates in 2015.  The decreases were partially offset partially by a $5.6$10.2 million increase in equity in losses in Dish Mexico when compared to the same period in 2013. In addition, the increase was also attributable to the decrease in equity in lossesnet loss of $6.4 million from our investment in Sling TV formerly DISH Digital Holding L.L.C, due to our exchange of our one-third voting interest in Sling TV which we accounted for using the equity method, for a 10.0% non-voting interest in Sling TV, which we account for using the cost method beginning in August 2014.  See Note 6 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for more information regarding our investmentfurther discussion of the agreement.
Other, net.  “Other, net” totaled $2.0 million in Dish Mexico and Sling TV.

Other, net.    "Other, net" totaled $4.3 millionexpenses for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $2.72015 compared to $4.3 million or 38.9%, compared toin income for the same period in 2013.2014.  The decrease of $6.3 million was primarily related to a loss of $6.8 million attributable to FCC regulatory fees, a gain of $5.8 million in 2014 related to our investment in TerreStar Networks Inc. (“TerreStar”), an increase of $4.7 million in foreign exchange losses and a loss of $2.6 million related to the deconsolidation of certain of our European subsidiaries in connection with our investment in SmarDTV.  The decrease was primarily attributablepartially offset by a $4.8 million gain on an instrument related to our trading securities, a non-recurring gain of $6.7$4.5 million in 2013 resulting from a reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellitesatellites in the first quarter of 2015 and a gain of $2.6$1.7 million on the exchange of accounts receivable for certain trading securities in connection with the settlementsecond quarter of certain accounts receivables2015.


Income tax provision, net.  Income tax expense was $72.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $30.8 million for the same period in 2013. This decrease2014.  Our effective income tax rate was partially offset by a gain of $5.8 million32.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 17.3% for the same period in 2014.  The variation in our current year effective tax rate from the U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily due to research and experimentation tax credits.  For the same period in 2014, related

the variation in our effective tax rate from the U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily due to research and experimentation tax credits and a lower state effective tax rate.

Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



Net income attributable to our investment in TerreStar. See Note 6 in the notesEchoStar.  “Net income attributable to consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our investment in TerreStar.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.    EBITDAEchoStar was $902.6$153.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2015, an increase of $252.5$0.5 million, or 38.8%0.3%, compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The increase was primarily due to a decrease in interest expense of $49.3 million related to capitalization of interest expense associated with the construction of certain of our satellites, the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes, the expiration of capital leases for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites, and interest expense relating to two of our satellites that are accounted for as capital leases, and an increase in operating income, excludingincluding depreciation and amortization, and the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, of $280.3 million,$27.9 million.  The increases were partially offset by an increase of $13.2$41.4 million in income tax expense, an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $11.2 million on certain strategic equity fromsecurities in our marketable investment securities, offset partially by a $4.8 million gain on an instrument related to our trading securities, a $10.3 million non-recurring adjustment to increase our equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates to reflect an increase from 24.0% to 49.0% in our interest in Dish Mexico’s inception-to-date net andincome in 2014, a loss of $6.8 million attributable to FCC regulatory fees, a gain of $5.8 million in 2014 related to our investment in TerreStar and a loss of $5.0 million from the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes.


Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).  EBITDA was $865.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $37.2 million, or 4.1%, compared to the same period in 2014.  The increaseGross margin, which we define as total revenue less total cost of sales, increased by $21.3 million.  There was partially offset byalso a $4.8 million gain of $35.9on an instrument related to our trading securities, as well as a $4.5 million recognized from the sale of a strategic investment in a public company in 2013, a non-recurring gain of $6.7 million recognized in 2013 resulting from a reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellite,satellites in the first quarter of 2015.  These increases in EBITDA were more than offset by increases in research and development expenses of $17.4 million, $16.1 million of non-recurring gains from 2014, an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $11.2 million on certain strategic equity securities, a gainloss of $2.6$6.8 million that resultedattributable to FCC regulatory fees, an increase of $4.7 million in foreign exchange losses, and a loss of $5.0 million from the conversionpartial redemption of one of our investments into a marketable investment security in 2013 and a gain of $2.6 million in connection with the settlement of certain accounts receivables in 2013.2019 Senior Secured Notes.  EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is described under Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items below.  The following table reconciles EBITDA to Income (loss) beforeNet income taxes,, the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the accompanying financial statements.

 
 For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2014 2013 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

EBITDA

 $902,581 $650,097 $252,484  38.8 

Interest income and expense, net

  (162,247) (177,898) 15,651  (8.8)

Depreciation and amortization

  (556,676) (507,111) (49,565) 9.8 

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock

  (6,714)   (6,714) * 

Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests

  1,389  876  513  58.6 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 $178,333 $(34,036)$212,369  * 

  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2015 2014 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Net income $149,371
 $147,549
 $1,822
 1.2
         
Interest income and expense, net 111,637
 162,247
 (50,610) (31.2)
Income tax provision, net 72,201
 30,784
 41,417
 *
Depreciation and amortization 528,158
 556,676
 (28,518) (5.1)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock and other noncontrolling interests 3,986
 5,325
 (1,339) (25.1)
EBITDA $865,353
 $902,581
 $(37,228) (4.1)
*
Percentage is not meaningful.

Income tax benefit (provision), net.    Income tax expense was $30.8 million for the year ended

Segment Operating Results and Capital Expenditures
Year Ended December 31, 2014, compared2015 Compared to an income tax benefit of $37.4 million for the same period in 2013. Our effective income tax rate was 17.3% for the year endedYear Ended December 31, 2014 compared to 110.0% for the same period in 2013. The variation in our current year effective tax rate from a U.S. federal statutory rate for the current period was primarily due to changes of our valuation allowance associated with realized and unrealized losses that are capital in nature, research and experimentation tax credits, and a lower state effective tax rate. For the same period in 2013, the variation in our effective tax rate from a U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily due to the decrease of our valuation allowance associated with realized and unrealized losses that are capital in nature, current year research and experimentation tax credits, and reinstatement of the research and experimentation tax credit for 2012, as provided by the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 2, 2013.

Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar.    Net income attributable to EchoStar was $152.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $150.3 million, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to higher operating income, including depreciation and amortization, of $224.5 million, an increase in capitalized interest of $19.8 million associated with the


  Hughes 
EchoStar
Technologies
 
EchoStar
Satellite
Services
 
All
Other and
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
  (In thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
Total revenue $1,347,340
 $1,298,198
 $490,591
 $7,585
 $3,143,714
Capital expenditures $285,499
 $50,593
 $101,215
 $266,213
 $703,520
EBITDA $396,684
 $106,745
 $412,607
 $(50,683) $865,353
           
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
Total revenue $1,327,718
 $1,627,366
 $484,455
 $6,039
 $3,445,578
Capital expenditures $218,607
 $48,616
 $28,734
 $384,069
 $680,026
EBITDA $356,871
 $154,786
 $419,442
 $(28,518) $902,581

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued

construction of



Hughes Segment
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2015 2014 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Total revenue $1,347,340
 $1,327,718
 $19,622
 1.5
Capital expenditures $285,499
 $218,607
 $66,892
 30.6
EBITDA $396,684
 $356,871
 $39,813
 11.2
Revenue
Hughes segment total revenue for the EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI, EchoStar XXIII, and EUTELSAT 65 West A satellites,year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $19.6 million, or 1.5%, compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of $13.2$70.5 million in equity in earningsrevenue related to sales of unconsolidated affiliates, net,broadband services to our consumer markets and an increase of $6.7 million in the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock. The increase in "Net income attributable to EchoStar" wasdishNET.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $68.2$24.7 million of broadband services to our international customers primarily due to weakening foreign exchange rates in income tax benefit, a gain of $35.9 million recognized from the sale of a strategic investment in a public company in 2013, a non-recurring gain of $6.7 million resulting from a reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-16 satellite in 2013,certain markets and a decrease of $5.6$21.2 million in interest income duesales of broadband equipment to lower market interest rates.

Segment Operating Results and dishNET.

Capital Expenditures

Year Ended

Hughes segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2014 Compared2015 increased by $66.9 million, or 30.6%, compared to the Year Endedsame period in 2014, primarily as a result of an increase in expenditures on satellite ground infrastructures and the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite.
EBITDA
Hughes segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2013

2015 was $396.7 million, an increase of $39.8 million, or 11.2%, compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was primarily driven by an increase of $66.6 million in gross margin primarily related to an increase in sales of broadband services to our consumer market and dishNET, offset partially by a decrease in broadband services to our international market, $11.3 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, and a $6.2 million increase in research and development expenses.
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014
 EchoStar
Technologies
 Hughes EchoStar
Satellite
Services
 All
Other and
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Total
 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Total revenue

 $1,609,820 $1,327,718 $484,455 $23,585 $3,445,578 

Capital expenditures

 $48,616 $218,607 $28,734 $384,069 $680,026 

EBITDA

 $152,439 $356,871 $419,442 $(26,171)$902,581 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2013

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total revenue

 $1,715,991 $1,218,126 $330,177 $18,158 $3,282,452 

Capital expenditures

 $56,935 $186,561 $12,700 $135,677 $391,873 

EBITDA

 $136,057 $281,513 $235,993 $(3,466)$650,097 

EchoStar Technologies Segment


 For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance

 2014 2013 Amount %  2015 2014 Amount %

 (Dollars in thousands)
  (Dollars in thousands)

Total revenue

 $1,609,820 $1,715,991 $(106,171) (6.2) $1,298,198
 $1,627,366
 $(329,168) (20.2)

Capital expenditures

 $48,616 $56,935 $(8,319) (14.6) $50,593
 $48,616
 $1,977
 4.1

EBITDA

 $152,439 $136,057 $16,382 12.0  $106,745
 $154,786
 $(48,041) (31.0)


Revenue

EchoStar Technologies segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 20142015 decreased by $106.2$329.2 million, or 6.2%20.2%, compared to the same period in 2013,2014, primarily resulting from a decrease of $128.3$361.6 million in equipment revenue earned from DISH Network, a decrease of $16.5 million in equipment revenue - other and a decrease of $10.6 million in service revenue — other, partially offset partially by an increase of $10.0$59.6 million in other equipment revenue, a $8.1 million increase in service revenue from DISH Network and a $4.0 million increase in other service revenue.

Network.

Capital Expenditures

EchoStar Technologies segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased2015 increased by $8.3$2.0 million, or 14.6%4.1%, compared to the same period in 2013,2014, primarily due to increased expenditures related to the support of our OTT, SVOD platform business of $5.3 million and engineering services of $0.7 million, partially offset by a decrease of $7.5 million in expenditures related to our digital broadcast center.

centers of $5.0 million.

Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



EBITDA

EchoStar Technologies segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 20142015 was $152.4$106.7 million, an increasea decrease of $16.4$48.0 million, or 12.0%31.0%, compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The increasedecrease in EBITDA for our EchoStar Technologies segment was primarily driven by a decrease of $14.5$38.6 million in gross margin primarily as a result of the decrease in sales of set-top boxes and related accessories to DISH Network.  The decrease in EBITDA was also the result of an increase of $11.2 million in research and development expense, a loss of $2.6 million related to the deconsolidation of certain of our European subsidiaries in connection with our investment in SmarDTV and an impairment loss of $2.4 million on certain building and equipment.  The decreases were partially offset by a $9.4 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, a decrease of $5.4 million in research and development, and a decrease of $3.8 million in impairment of goodwill, partially offset by a $4.2 million decrease in gross margin and an increase of $2.6 million in foreign exchange losses.

Hughesexpenses.

EchoStar Satellite Services Segment


 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 Variance  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance

 2014 2013 Amount %  2015 2014 Amount %

 (Dollars in thousands)
  (Dollars in thousands)

Total revenue

 $1,327,718 $1,218,126 $109,592 9.0  $490,591
 $484,455
 $6,136
 1.3

Capital expenditures

 $218,607 $186,561 $32,046 17.2  $101,215
 $28,734
 $72,481
 *

EBITDA

 $356,871 $281,513 $75,358 26.8  $412,607
 $419,442
 $(6,835) (1.6)

*    Percentage is not meaningful.

Revenue

Hughes

ESS segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 20142015 increased by $109.6$6.1 million, or 9.0%1.3%, compared to the same period in 2013,2014, primarily due to an increase in service revenue of $94.6$16.2 million mainly attributable to an increase in sales of broadband services to our consumer and international customers, an increase of $36.0 million in service revenue from DISH Network as a result of the increase in wholesale subscribers on dishNET and an increase in other equipment revenue of $16.1 million. The increase in revenue was partially offset by a decrease in equipment revenue from DISH Network of $37.2 million.

Capital Expenditures

Hughes segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $32.0 million, or 17.2%, compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to an increase in expenditures related to EUTELSAT 65 West A and the EchoStar XIX ground infrastructure. Capital expenditures for the construction and launch of EchoStar XIX are reported in "All Other and Eliminations" in our segment reporting.

EBITDA

Hughes segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $356.9 million, an increase of $75.4 million or 26.8%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to a $104.6 million increase in gross margin, partially offset by a $26.0 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and a gain of $2.6 million in connection with the settlement of certain accounts receivables in 2013.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

EchoStar Satellite Services Segment

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2014 2013 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

Total revenue

 $484,455 $330,177 $154,278  46.7 

Capital expenditures

 $28,734 $12,700 $16,034  * 

EBITDA

 $419,442 $235,993 $183,449  77.7 

Revenue

EchoStar Satellite Services segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $154.3 million, or 46.7%, compared to the same period in 2013, due to a $154.3 million increase in service revenue primarily related to satellite services provided to DISH Network on the five satellites we received as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.

Transaction, partially offset by a decrease of $10.0 million in service revenue — other attributable to a decrease in sales of transponder services due to a decrease in transponders available for sale.


Capital Expenditures

EchoStar Satellite Services

ESS segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 20142015 increased by $16.0$72.5 million, compared to the same period in 2013,2014, primarily due to an increase in the satellite expenditures related to the increase in expenditures on the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite of $28.5 million in 2014, partially offset by a decrease in satellite expenditures related to the EchoStar XVI satellite of $12.3 million in 2013. Capital expenditures for our EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII satellite programs are reported in our corporate and other activities.

satellite.

EBITDA

EchoStar Satellite Services

ESS segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 20142015 was $419.4$412.6 million, an increasea decrease of $183.4$6.8 million, or 77.7%1.6%, compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The increasedecrease in EBITDA for our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment was primarily attributabledue to an increase in cost of $154.4sales — services of $13.5 million in gross margin and a $34.7 million decrease in loss on impairments due to the impairment of our EchoStar XII satellite in June 2013. The increase was partially offset by a non-recurring gain of $6.7 million in 2013 resulting from a reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-16 satellite.

All Other and Eliminations

Capital Expenditures

For the year ended December 31, 2014, All Other and Eliminations capital expenditures increased by $248.4 million compared to the same period in 2013, primarily related to the increasecommencement of the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellite operating leases in satellite expenditures on the EchoStar XXI satellitefourth quarter of $103.4 million, the EchoStar XIX satellite of $102.7 million,2014 and the EchoStar XXIII satellitefirst quarter of $48.1 million. The increases in satellite expenditures were2015, respectively, partially offset by a $4.8 million expenditure related to a launch contractan increase in 2013. The EchoStar XIX satellite is expected to be used in the operations of our Hughes segment and the EchoStar XXI satellite is intended to be used by Solaris Mobile in providing mobile satellite services in the European Union. EchoStar XXIII is expected to launch in the second half of 2016 and will be initially deployed at 45 degree west longitude orbital location.

service revenue.

Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued

EBITDA



All Other and Eliminations
All Other and Eliminations accounts for certain items and activities in our consolidated financial statements that have not been assigned to our operating segments.  These include without limitation real estate and other activities, costs incurred in satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments, and our centralized treasury activities, including without limitation income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt.
  For the Years
Ended December 31,
 Variance
  2015 2014 Amount %
  (Dollars in thousands)
Total revenue $7,585
 $6,039
 $1,546
 25.6
Capital expenditures $266,213
 $384,069
 $(117,856) (30.7)
EBITDA $(50,683) $(28,518) $(22,165) 77.7
Capital Expenditures
For the year ended December 31, 2014,2015, All Other and Eliminations EBITDA was a loss of $26.2 million, compared to a loss of $3.5 million for the same period in 2013. The $22.7 million decrease in EBITDA was primarily due to a gain of $35.9 million recognized from the sale of a strategic investment in a public company in 2013, an increase of $15.7 million in cost of sales relating to our acquisition of satellite services on the EchoStar XV satellite from DISH Network in May 2013, which has not been assigned to any of our segments, offset partiallycapital expenditures decreased by an increase of $13.2 million in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net, an increase of $6.7 million in the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock and a gain of $5.8 million related to our investment in TerreStar.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
Statements of Operations Data(1)
 2013 2012 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

Revenue:

             

Equipment revenue—DISH Network

 $1,311,446 $1,028,588 $282,858  27.5 

Equipment revenue—other

  347,910  621,495  (273,585) (44.0)

Services and other revenue—DISH Network

  620,189  515,176  105,013  20.4 

Services and other revenue—other

  1,002,907  956,445  46,462  4.9 

Total revenue

  3,282,452  3,121,704  160,748  5.1 

Costs and Expenses:

             

Cost of sales—equipment

  1,430,777  1,397,512  33,265  2.4 

      % of Total equipment revenue

  86.2% 84.7%      

Cost of sales—services and other

  776,121  691,922  84,199  12.2 

      % of Total services and other revenue

  47.8% 47.0%      

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  358,499  372,644  (14,145) (3.8)

      % of Total revenue

  10.9% 11.9%      

Research and development expenses

  67,942  69,649  (1,707) (2.5)

      % of Total revenue

  2.1% 2.2%      

Depreciation and amortization

  507,111  457,326  49,785  10.9 

Impairment of long-lived assets

  38,415  32,765  5,650  17.2 

Total costs and expenses

  3,178,865  3,021,818  157,047  5.2 

Operating income

  103,587  99,886  3,701  3.7 

Other Income (Expense):

             

Interest income

  14,656  11,176  3,480  31.1 

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

  (192,554) (153,029) (39,525) 25.8 

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net

  38,341  177,558  (139,217) (78.4)

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net

  (5,024) (438) (4,586) * 

Other, net

  6,958  59,531  (52,573) (88.3)

Total other income (expense), net

  (137,623) 94,798  (232,421) * 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (34,036) 194,684  (228,720) * 

Income tax benefit, net

  37,437  16,329  21,108  * 

Net income

  3,401  211,013  (207,612) (98.4)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests

  876  (35) 911  * 

Net income attributable to EchoStar

 $2,525 $211,048 $(208,523) (98.8)

Other Data:

             

EBITDA

 $650,097 $793,898 $(143,801) (18.1)

Subscribers, end of period

  860,000  636,000  224,000  35.2 

*
Percentage is not meaningful.

(1)
An explanation of our key metrics is included on pages 74 and 75.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Equipment revenue—DISH Network.    "Equipment revenue—DISH Network" totaled $1.31 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $282.9$117.9 million, or 27.5%30.7%, compared to the same period in 2012.

Equipment revenue—other.    "Equipment revenue—other" totaled $347.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $273.6 million or 44.0%, compared to the same period in 2012.

Services and other revenue—DISH Network.    "Services and other revenue—DISH Network" totaled $620.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $105.0 million or 20.4%, compared to the same period in 2012.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Services and other revenue—other.    "Services and other revenue—other" totaled $1.00 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $46.5 million or 4.9%, compared to the same period in 2012.

Cost of sales—equipment.    "Cost of sales—equipment" totaled $1.43 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $33.3 million, or 2.4%, compared to the same period in 2012.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Cost of sales—services and other.    "Cost of sales—services and other" totaled $776.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $84.2 million, or 12.2%, compared to the same period in 2012.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.    "Selling, general and administrative expenses" totaled $358.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $14.1 million or 3.8%, compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease was mainly due to a $21.6 million decrease in general and administrative expenses as a result of an increase in services billed to DISH Network, a $11.5 million decrease in other general and administrative expenses, a $3.9 million decrease in professional services, and a $3.8 million decrease in professional services provided to us by DISH Network pursuant to our related party agreements. These decreases in general and administrative expenses were partially offset by higher marketing and advertising expenses of $21.8 million incurred primarily by our Hughes segment and an increase of $4.8 million in personnel and other employee-related expenses.

Depreciation and amortization.    "Depreciation and amortization" expense totaled $507.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $49.8 million or 10.9%, compared to the same period in 2012. The increase was primarily related to an increase in depreciation of $25.3 million from our Hughes segment related to depreciation from EchoStar XVII, which was placed into service in October 2012, an increase of $24.4 million in depreciation from our EchoStar Satellite Services segment, primarily due to the depreciation of EchoStar XVI, which was placed into service in January 2013, and a $17.4 million increase in depreciation associated with customer rental equipment. These increases in depreciation were partially offset by a decrease in depreciation of $13.5 million on EchoStar VI, which was fully depreciated in August 2012, and a decrease in depreciation of $5.7 million on EchoStar XII due to the impairment of the satellite's carrying amount in the second quarter of 2013.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Impairment of long-lived assets.    "Impairment of long-lived assets" totaled $38.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $5.7 million or 17.2%, compared to the same period in 2012. Impairment losses in 2013 consisted of a $34.7 million impairment of our EchoStar XII satellite and a $3.8 million impairment of goodwill of our EchoStar Technologies segment. Impairment losses in 2012 consisted of a $22.0 million impairment of certain contract rights of our Hughes segment, a $6.6 million impairment of goodwill of our EchoStar Technologies segment, and a $4.2 million impairment of certain regulatory authorizations.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.    "Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized" totaled $192.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $39.5 million or 25.8%, compared to the same period in 2012. The increase was mainly due to a $45.1 million decrease in capitalized interest associated with the EchoStar XVII and EchoStar XVI satellites which were placed into service in October 2012 and January 2013, respectively, partially offset by the capitalization of interest expense of $4.0 million primarily related to the construction of the EchoStar XIX and the EchoStar XXI satellites in 2013.

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net.    "Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net" was $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a $4.6 million increase compared to the same period in 2012. The increase was primarily attributable to a $6.3 million increase in our one-third share of losses incurred by DISH Digital Holding, L.L.C., which commenced operations in July 2012.

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net.    "Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net" totaled $38.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $139.2 million or 78.4%, compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease was mainly related to a decrease in gains of $136.4 million recognized on the sale of certain strategic investments in public companies in 2012.

Other, net.    "Other, net" totaled $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $52.6 million, or 88.3%, compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily related to a non-recurring dividend of $46.0 million received from a strategic investment in 2012 and a $5.9 million decrease in gains arising from reductions of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-16 satellite as a result of a partial loss of satellite capacity.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.    EBITDA was $650.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $143.8 million, or 18.1%, compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in gains of $139.2 million recognized from the sale of certain strategic investments in several public companies in 2012, a non-recurring dividend of $46.0 million received from a strategic investment in 2012, a decrease in gains of $5.9 million arising from reductions of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-16 satellite when compared to the same period in 2012, and a decrease of $4.6 million in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. These


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

decreases were partially offset by a $53.5 million increase in operating income, exclusive of depreciation and amortization. The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2013 2012 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

EBITDA

 $650,097 $793,898 $(143,801) (18.1)

Interest income and expense, net

  (177,898) (141,853) (36,045) 25.4 

Depreciation and amortization

  (507,111) (457,326) (49,785) 10.9 

Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests

  876  (35) 911  * 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 $(34,036)$194,684 $(228,720) * 

*
Percentage is not meaningful.

Income tax benefit, net.    Income tax benefit totaled $37.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $21.1 million, compared to the same period in 2012. Our effective income tax rate was 110.0% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to (8.4%) for the same period in 2012. The variation in our current year effective tax rate from a U.S. federal statutory rate for the current period was primarily due to the release of the valuation allowance associated with capital loss carryforwards in conjunction with the sale of certain of our capital investments, current year research and experimentation credits, and the reinstatement of the research and experimentation tax credit for 2012, as provided by the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 2, 2013. For the same period in 2012, the variation from a U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to the release of the valuation allowance associated with the sale of certain capital investments. In addition, significant fluctuation in the effective tax rate from a U.S. federal statutory rate resulted from our pre-tax losses in the current year.

Net income attributable to EchoStar.    Net income attributable to EchoStar was $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $208.5 million, or 98.8%, compared to the same period in 2012. The change was primarily due to a decrease in gains of $139.2 million recognized from the sale of marketable investment securities and other investments in 2012, a gain recognized in 2012 associated with a non-recurring dividend of $46.0 million received from a strategic investment that was not received in 2013, a decrease in capitalized interest of $45.1 million associated with EchoStar XVII and EchoStar XVI, which were placed into service in October 2012 and January 2013, respectively, and a decrease in other income of $5.9 million as a result of a reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-16 satellite when compared to the same period in 2012. These reductions were offset partially by an increase of $21.1 million in income tax benefit, the capitalization of interest expense of $4.0 million primarily related to the construction of the EchoStar XIX and the EchoStar XXI satellites in 2013, and an increase in operating income of $3.7 million.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Segment Operating Results and Capital Expenditures

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2012

For the Years Ended December 31, 2013
 EchoStar
Technologies
 Hughes EchoStar
Satellite
Services
 All
Other and
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Total
 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Total revenue

 $1,715,991 $1,218,126 $330,177 $18,158 $3,282,452 

Capital expenditures

 $56,935 $186,561 $12,700 $135,677 $391,873 

EBITDA

 $136,057 $281,513 $235,993 $(3,466)$650,097 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total revenue

 $1,660,029 $1,158,714 $277,985 $24,976 $3,121,704 

Capital expenditures

 $69,809 $292,222 $118,998 $31,976 $513,005 

EBITDA

 $110,933 $265,756 $212,549 $204,660 $793,898 

EchoStar Technologies Segment

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2013 2012 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

Total revenue

 $1,715,991 $1,660,029 $55,962  3.4 

Capital expenditures

 $56,935 $69,809 $(12,874) (18.4)

EBITDA

 $136,057 $110,933 $25,124  22.6 

Revenue

EchoStar Technologies segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $56.0 million, or 3.4%, compared to the same period in 2012, primarily as a result of a $269.0 million increase in both equipment and service revenue provided to DISH Network, offset partially by a $213.1 million decrease in other equipment and service revenue primarily due to a decrease in sales of set-top boxes and related accessories to Bell TV and our other international customers.

Capital Expenditures

EchoStar Technologies segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased by $12.9 million, or 18.4%, compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to lower capital requirements related to our digital broadcast center and network operations.

EBITDA

EchoStar Technologies segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $136.1 million, an increase of $25.1 million, or 22.6%, compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in EBITDA for our EchoStar Technologies segment was primarily driven by a $27.3 million increase in operating income offset partially by a decrease of $1.7 million in gains on the sale of investments compared to the same period in 2012.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Hughes Segment

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2013 2012 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

Total revenue

 $1,218,126 $1,158,714 $59,412  5.1 

Capital expenditures

 $186,561 $292,222 $(105,661) (36.2)

EBITDA

 $281,513 $265,756 $15,757  5.9 

Revenue

Hughes segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $59.4 million, or 5.1%, compared to the same period in 2012. This increase was primarily due to an increase in both service and hardware revenue from DISH Network of $34.5 million and $45.4 million, respectively. This increase in revenue from DISH Network was primarily a result of an increase in sales of broadband equipment and services pursuant to the Distribution Agreement we entered into with dishNET in October 2012. Also contributing to the increase in our Hughes segment revenue was an increase of $41.1 million of other service revenue related to an increase in sales of broadband services. These increases were offset partially by a decrease of $61.5 million in equipment revenue as a result of a decrease in sales of mobile satellite systems equipment and international broadband equipment.

Capital Expenditures

Hughes segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased by $105.7 million, or 36.2%, compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to a decrease in satellite expenditures related to EchoStar XVII, which was launched in July 2012.

EBITDA

EBITDA for our Hughes segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $281.5 million, an increase of $15.8 million, or 5.9%, compared to the same period in 2012. The increase was due primarily to a $22.0 million impairment loss in 2012 on certain contract rights associated with the Hughes Acquisition that did not occur in 2013 and a gain of $2.6 million in connection with the settlement of certain accounts receivables in 2013. These increases were offset partially by a decrease in gains on marketable investment securities of $10.5 million compared to the same period in 2012.

EchoStar Satellite Services Segment

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2013 2012 Amount % 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 

Total revenue

 $330,177 $277,985 $52,192  18.8 

Capital expenditures

 $12,700 $118,998 $(106,298) (89.3)

EBITDA

 $235,993 $212,549 $23,444  11.0 

Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Revenue

EchoStar Satellite Services segment total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $52.2 million, or 18.8%, compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to an increase in sales of transponder services to DISH Network.

Capital Expenditures

EchoStar Satellite Services segment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased by $106.3 million, or 89.3%, compared to the same period in 2012, primarily related to a decrease in satellite expenditures due to the launch of EchoStar XVI in November 2012.

EBITDA

EchoStar Satellite Services segment EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $236.0 million, an increase of $23.4 million, or 11.0%, compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in EBITDA for our EchoStar Satellite Services segment was primarily due to a $64.1 million increase in operating income excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment losses primarily related to an increase in the sales of transponder services provided in 2013 compared to 2012 and a decrease in cost of sales related to the termination of our satellite lease contract with DISH Network on EchoStar I, which was effective in July 2012. The increase in operating income was partially offset by the impairment loss of our EchoStar XII satellite of $34.7 million in June 2013 and a decrease in gains of $5.9 million as a result of a reduction of the capital lease obligation for the AMC-16 satellite when compared to the same period in 2012.

All Other and Eliminations

Capital Expenditures

For the year ended December 31, 2013 capital expenditures increased by $103.7 million compared to the same period in 2012, primarily related to the increase in satellite expenditures on the EchoStar XIX satellite of $100.8$149.0 million and the EchoStar XXI satellite of $13.9$43.5 million, partially offset by the increase in satellite expenditures on the EchoStar XXIII satellite of $73.5 million.  The EchoStar XIX satellite is expected to be used in the operations of our Hughes segment andin providing satellite broadband services, the EchoStar XXI satellite is intended to be used by SolarisEchoStar Mobile in providing mobileMSS in the EU, and the EchoStar XXIII satellite will be deployed at the 45 degree west longitude orbital location providing services in Brazil.

EBITDA
For the EU.

EBITDA

year ended December 31, 2015, All Other and Eliminations EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2013 was a loss of $3.5$50.7 million, compared to incomea loss of $204.7$28.5 million for the same period in 2012.2014.  The $208.1$22.2 million decrease in EBITDA was primarily duerelated to a decrease$16.1 million of non-recurring gains from 2014, an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $11.2 million on certain strategic equity securities in gains of $126.1 million recognized from the sale ofour marketable investment securities, offset partially by a $4.8 million gain on an instrument related to our trading securities, and other investmentsa loss of $5.0 million from the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes.  The decreases were partially offset by a decrease of $6.9 million in 2012 and non-recurring dividendscost of $46.0 million receivedsales relating to termination of satellite services on the EchoStar XV satellite from a strategic investmentDISH Network in 2012.

November 2015.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Current Marketable Investment Securities

We consider all liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.  See Item 7A.—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion regarding our marketable investment securities. 

As of


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

December 31, 2014,2016, our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities totaled $1.69$3.09 billion compared to $1.62$1.54 billion as of December 31, 2013,2015, an increase of $67.5 million.

We have investments in$1.56 billion.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we held $522.5 million and $612.3 million, respectively, of various debt and equity instruments including corporate bonds, corporate equity securities, government bonds and variable rate demand notes ("VRDNs"). VRDNs are long term floating rate bonds with embedded put options that allow the bondholder to sell the security at par plus accrued interest. All of the put options are secured by a pledged liquidity source. Our VRDN portfolio is comprised of investments in municipalities and corporations, which are backed by financial institutions or other highly rated companies that serve as the pledged liquidity source. While they are classified as marketable investment securities, the put option allows VRDNs to be liquidated generally on the same day or on a five business day settlement basis. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we held VRDNs, within our current marketable investment securities portfolio, with fair values of $4.3 million and $34.7 million, respectively. Our other current marketable investment securities portfolio consists primarily of corporate and government bonds. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we held $1.09 billion and $918.2 million, respectively, of corporate and government bonds and other investment securities.

mutual funds.

The following discussion highlights our cash flow activities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012.

2014.

Cash flows from operating activities.activities.  We typically reinvest the cash flow from operating activities in our business.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we reported net cash inflows from operating activities of $803.3 million, $776.5 million and $840.1 million, $450.5 million and $505.1 million, respectively.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Net cash flowsinflows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 20142016 increased by $389.6$26.9 million compared to the same period in 2013.2015. The increase in cash inflows was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash outflows of $20.1 million resulting from timing differences in operating assets and liabilities and higher net income of $252.9$6.8 million adjusted to exclude: (i) "DepreciationDepreciation and amortization;"amortization;” (ii) "EquityImpairment of long-lived assets;” (iii) “Loss from partial redemption of debt;” (iv) “Equity in lossesearnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net;" (iii) "Realized gainsnet;” (v) “Losses (gains) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net;” (vi) “Stock-based compensation;” (vii) “Deferred tax provision;” and other investments, net;" (iv) "Impairment of long-lived asset," (v) "Stock-based compensation;" (vi) "Deferred tax benefit (provision);" and (vii) "Other, net." In addition,Other, net.”

Net cash inflows were increased by $136.7 million resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities related to timing differences between the incurrence of expense and cash payments.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 20132015 decreased by $54.6$63.7 million compared to the same period in 2012.2014.  The decrease was primarily attributable to lowera decrease of $98.8 million resulting from timing differences in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by higher net income of $33.8$35.1 million adjusted to exclude: (i) "DepreciationDepreciation and amortization;"amortization;” (ii) "Realized gainsImpairment of long-lived assets;” (iii) “Loss from partial redemption of debt;” (iv) “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net;” (v) “Losses (gains) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net;” (vi) “Stock-based compensation;” (vii) “Deferred tax provision;” and other investments, net;" (iii) "Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates, net;" (iv) "Impairment of long-lived assets", (v) "Stock-based compensation;" (vi) "Deferred tax benefit;" and (vii) "Other, net." In addition,(viii)“Other, net cash inflows decreased by $20.8 million resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities related to timing differences between the incurrence of expense and cash payments.

.”


Cash flows from investing activities.activities.  Our investing activities generally include purchases and sales of marketable investment securities, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and strategic investments.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we reported net cash outflows from investing activities of $632.3 million, $275.3 million and $887.6 million, $570.3 million and $346.8 million, respectively.

Net cash outflows from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 20142016 increased by $317.3$357.0 million compared to the same period in 2013.2015.  The increase in cash outflows primarily related to an increase of $440.7 million in purchases of marketable investment securities, net of sales and maturities. The increase in cash outflows was partially offset by a $288.2$64.7 million increaseinvestment in WorldVu and SmarDTV in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of $9.1 million in restricted cash relating to a release in funds for certain satellite slots as a result of a FCC settlement in 2016, an decrease of $5.3 million in capital expenditures, net of related refunds, in 20142016 when compared to the same period in 2013,2015 and the acquisition of a


Table regulatory authorization in the first quarter of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

decrease2015 of $15.7 million in restricted cash and marketable investment securities, and an increase of $11.6 million in capital contributions to certain investees.

$3.4 million.

Net cash outflows from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased2015 decreased by $223.5$612.3 million compared to the same period in 2012.2014.  The decrease in cash outflows primarily related to a decrease of $691.0 million in purchases of marketable investment securities, net of sales and maturities, a cash receipt of $105.8 million refund relating to the cancellation of an existing launch services agreement and capital contributions of $18.6 million to certain investees in 2014, partially offset by an increase in cash outflows primarily related to ana $129.2 million increase of $446.0 million in net purchases of marketable investment securities. This increase was partially offset by a $121.1 million reduction in capital expenditures decreasein 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, a $64.7 million investment in WorldVu and SmarDTV in the second quarter of $56.7 million in acquisitions of regulatory authorizations,2015, and proceeds of $40.4 million in 2013 from the transferacquisition of a regulatory authorization and satellite launch services contract to DISH Network.

in the first quarter of 2015 of $3.4 million.


Cash flows from financing activities.activities.  Our financing activities generally include proceeds related to the issuance of long-term debt and cash used for the repurchase, redemption or payment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, and the proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.stock incentive plans and employee stock purchase plan.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we reported net cash inflows from financing activities of $1.48 billion, net cash outflows from financing activities of $120.3 million, net cash outflows from financing activities of $35.1 million, netrespectively.
Net cash inflows from financing activities increased by $1.60 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase in cash inflows was primarily due to the proceeds of $18.3$1.5 billion from the issuance of the 2026 Notes in the third quarter of 2016, the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes of $110.0 million and related premium of $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of $7.7 million in capital lease obligation payments relating to the expiration of the capital lease for the AMC-16 satellite, effective February 2015, partially offset by a decrease of $11.3 million in net cash outflowsproceeds from financing activitiesClass A common stock options exercised and stock issued under our stock incentive plans and employee stock purchase plan, payments of $44.0debt issuance costs of $7.1 million, respectively.

and a decrease of $3.1 million in excess tax benefits recognized on the exercise of stock options.

Net cash outflows from financing activities increased by $53.4$85.2 million for the year ended December 31, 20142015 compared to the same period in 2013.2014.  The increase in cash outflows was primarily due to lower proceedsthe partial redemption of $42.4the 2019 Senior Secured Notes of $110.0 million received from Class A common stock option exercises and stock issued under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, a decreaserelated premium of $19.9$3.3 million in excess tax benefits from stock option exercises,the second quarter of 2015, and an increase of $5.7 million for in-orbit incentive obligation payments, which was partially offset by proceeds of $11.4 million, net of offering costs of $3.9 million from the issuance of Hughes Retailour preferred tracking stock andreceived in 2014, partially offset by a decrease of $5.5$22.7 million in capital lease obligation payments.

Net cash inflows from financing activities increasedpayments relating to $18.3 millionthe expiration of the capital lease for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to net cash outflows of $44.0 million for the same period in 2012. The increase was primarily due to higher proceeds of $55.8 million received from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and an increase in excess tax benefit from stock option exercises, which was partially offset by an increase in repayments of long-term debt of $8.2 million.

AMC-16

Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



satellite, effective February 2015, and an increase of $11.2 million in excess tax benefits recognized on the exercise of stock options.
Obligations and Future Capital Requirements

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2014:

2016:


 Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31,  Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31,

 Total 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter  Total 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter

 (In thousands)
  (In thousands)

Long-term debt

 $2,001,240 $1,234 $6 $ $ $1,100,000 $900,000  $3,390,000
 $
 $
 $990,000
 $
 $900,000
 $1,500,000

Capital lease obligations

 366,447 40,678 29,724 32,697 36,232 40,114 187,002  302,007
 37,307
 36,927
 40,370
 44,733
 46,131
 96,539

Interest on long-term debt and capital lease obligations

 962,957 176,044 173,085 169,924 166,410 126,962 150,532  1,487,583
 252,999
 248,428
 212,318
 175,799
 136,673
 461,366

Satellite-related obligations

 1,265,685 569,895 251,177 74,479 59,802 54,727 255,605  732,004
 220,421
 135,987
 63,499
 60,479
 45,308
 206,310

Operating lease obligations

 66,117 21,731 16,757 11,614 5,126 3,776 7,113  87,558
 34,974
 14,920
 11,484
 8,425
 7,385
 10,370

Purchase and other obligations

 189,452 186,118 1,667 1,667     105,923
 105,923
 
 
 
 
 

Total

 $4,851,898 $995,700 $472,416 $290,381 $267,570 $1,325,579 $1,500,252  $6,105,075
 $651,624
 $436,262
 $1,317,671
 $289,436
 $1,135,497
 $2,274,585

"


Satellite-related obligations"obligations” primarily include payments pursuant to agreements for the construction of the EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI, EchoStar XXIII, EUTELSAT 65 West A and EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellites,satellites; payments pursuant to launch services contracts and regulatory authorizations,authorizations; executory costs for our capital lease satellites,satellites; costs under transponder agreementssatellite service agreements; and in-orbit incentives relating to certain satellites,satellites; as well as commitments for long termlong-term satellite operating leases and transponder capacitysatellite service arrangements.

Our "Purchase“Purchase and other obligations"obligations” primarily consists of binding purchase orders for digital set-top boxes and related components.  Our purchase obligations can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to, among other things, management'smanagement’s control of inventory levels, and can materially impact our future operating asset and liability balances, and our future working capital requirements.

The table above does not include amounts related to deferred tax liabilities, unrecognized tax positions and certain other amounts recorded in our noncurrent liabilities as the timing of any payments is uncertain.  The table also excludes long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities that do not require future cash payments.

In certain circumstances, the dates on which we are obligated to pay our contractual obligations could change.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than the transactions described below, we generally do not engage in off-balance sheet financing activities or use derivative financial instruments for hedge accounting or speculative purposes.

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had $45.6$32.9 million of letters of credit and insurance bonds.  Of this amount, $16.9$12.0 million was secured by restricted cash; $14.6cash, $1.4 million was related to insurance bonds;bonds, and $14.1$19.5 million was issued under credit arrangements available to our foreign subsidiaries.  Certain letters of credit are secured by assets of our foreign subsidiaries.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had foreign currency forward contracts with a notional value of $5.0$3.0 million in place to partially mitigate foreign currency exchange risk.  From time to time, we may enter into foreign currency forward contracts, or take other measures, to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency transactions.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Satellite Insurance

We generally dohistorically have not carrycarried in-orbit insurance for any of the in-orbiton our satellites that we use because we believeassessed that the premium costs arecost of insurance was uneconomical relative to the risk of satellite failure. However, pursuantfailures. Therefore, we generally bear the risk of any in-orbit failures. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements governing certain portions of our indebtedness, we are required, subject to certain limitations on coverage, to maintain launch and in-orbit insurance for our SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVI, and EchoStar XVII. AlthoughXVII satellites. Based on economic analysis of the current insurance market we have elected to obtain, subject to certain limitations on coverage, launch and in-orbit insurance for our EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII satellites and our interest in the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite. All other satellites, either in orbit or under construction, are not requiredcovered by launch or in-orbit insurance. We will continue to maintain in-orbitassess circumstances going forward and make insurance pursuant to our service agreement with DISH Network for EchoStar XV, we are liable for any damage causeddecisions on a case by our use of the satellite and therefore we carry third-party insurance on EchoStar XV. The loss of a satellite or other satellite malfunctions or anomalies could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, which we may not be able to mitigate by using available capacity on other satellites. There can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our in-orbit satellites were to fail. In addition, the loss of a satellite or other satellite malfunctions or anomalies could affect our ability to comply with FCC and other regulatory obligations and our ability to fund the construction or acquisition of replacement satellites for our in-orbit fleet in a timely fashion, or at all.

case basis.

Future Capital Requirements

We primarily rely on our existing cash and marketable investment securities balances, as well as cash flow generated through our operations to fund our investment needs. Since we currently depend on DISH Network for a substantial portion of our revenue, our cash flow from operations depends heavily on DISH Network's needs for equipment and services. To the extent that DISH Network's gross subscriber additions decrease or DISH Network experiences a net loss of subscribers, sales of our digital set-top boxes and related components as well as broadband services provided to DISH Network may decline, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.business.  There can be no assurance that we will have positive cash flows from operations.  Furthermore, if we experience negative cash flows, our existing cash and marketable investment securities balances may be reduced.


We currently depend on DISH Network for a substantial portion of our revenue and our cash flow from operations. If the Share Exchange is not consummated, to the extent that DISH Network’s gross new subscriber activations decrease or DISH Network experiences a net loss of subscribers, sales of our digital set-top boxes and related components to DISH Network may continue to decline, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. If the Share Exchange is consummated, we expect to no longer generate cash flow from our EchoStar Technologies segment.
We have a significant amount of outstanding indebtedness.  As of December 31, 2014,2016, our total indebtedness was $2.37$3.66 billion, of which $366.4$302.0 million related to capital lease obligations. For a discussion of the terms of our indebtedness, see Note 11 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report  Our liquidity requirements will be significant, primarily due to our debt service requirements.  In addition, our future capital expenditures are likely to increase if we make acquisitions or additional investments in infrastructure or joint ventures necessary to support and expand our business, or if we decide to purchase one or more additional satellites.  Other aspects of our business operations may also require additional capital.  We periodically evaluate various strategic initiatives, the pursuit of which could also require us to invest or raise significant additional capital.

capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all.

We anticipate that our existing cash and marketable investment securities are sufficient to fund the currently anticipated operations of our business through the next twelve months.

Satellites

As our satellite fleet ages, we will be required to evaluate replacement alternatives such as acquiring, leasing or constructing additional satellites, with or without customer commitments for capacity.  We


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

may also construct or lease additional satellites in the future to provide satellite services at additional orbital locations or to improve the quality of our satellite services.

Stock Repurchases

Pursuant to a stock repurchase planprogram approved by our Boardboard of Directors,directors, we are authorized to repurchase up to $500.0 million of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock through December 31, 2015.2017.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we did not repurchase any common stock under this plan.

program.


Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheets, the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period, and certain information disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.  We base our estimates, judgments, and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements.  We review our estimates and assumptions periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur or prospectively if the revised estimate affects future periods.  The following represent what we believe are the critical accounting policies that may involve a high degree of estimation, judgment and complexity.  For a summary of our significant accounting policies, including those discussed below, see Note 32 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.

Marketable Securities and Other Investments

We hold investments in debt and equity securities of various companies, including marketable investments in publicly traded securities and non-marketable investments in securities of privately held companies.  Our marketable investment securities ordinarily are accounted for as available-for-sale; accordingly, we report those securities at fair value on a recurring basis and generally recognize unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income (loss).  Except in unusual circumstances, the estimated fair values of our marketable investment securities are determined by reference to quoted prices for identical securities or based primarily on other observable market inputs.  Our investments in non-marketable securities typically are strategic investments in privately held companies and may be highly speculative.  We account for such investments using the equity method when we exertexercise significant influence over the investee; otherwise, we account for such investments using the cost method.

All of our investments are subject to quarterly evaluations to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, in which case we record an impairment loss in determining net income.  For our marketable investment securities, our impairment evaluation considers factors such as the length of time the security has been in a continuous unrealized loss position, the magnitude of the unrealized loss, current market conditions, company-specific information, and whether we have the intent and ability to hold the investment in the foreseeable future.  Generally, it is not practicable to estimate fair value of our cost method and equity method investments on a recurring basis.  Our impairment evaluation for such investments considers whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.  As part of our evaluation, we review available information such as recent company financial


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

statements, business plans and current economic conditions for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investments.  When we determine that an investment is impaired and the impairment is other-than-temporary,other than temporary, we adjust the carrying amount of the investmentsinvestment to its estimated fair value and recognize an impairment loss in earnings.  In these circumstances, our fair value estimates may reflect significant unobservable inputs.

Our periodic investment impairment evaluations require us to make significant estimates, judgments and assumptions about uncertain future events.  In some cases, there may be limited or no observable market data to support significant assumptions in our estimates.  As a result of weakening economic conditions, or other future events and changes in circumstances affecting our investments, we may subsequently determine that an investment is impaired or that an existing impairment is other-than-temporary.other than temporary.  Such events and changes in circumstances could result in our recognition of material investment impairment losses in the future.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

We evaluate our long-lived assets other than goodwill orand intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment whenever events and changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is considered to not be recoverable when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows from such asset or asset group is less than its carrying amount.  In that event, an impairment loss is recorded in the determination of operating income based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the long-lived asset or asset group.  Fair value is determined primarily using discounted cash flow techniques reflecting the estimated cash flows and discount rate that would be assumed by a market participant for the asset or asset group under review.  Our discounted cash flow estimates typically include assumptions based on unobservable inputs and may reflect probability-weighting of alternative scenarios.  Estimated losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale may be determined in a similar manner, except that
Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


fair value estimates are reduced for estimated selling costs.  Changes in estimates of future cash flows, discountsdiscount rates and other assumptions could result in recognition of additional impairment losses in future periods.

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

We test our goodwill for impairment annually and more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred.  There are two steps to the goodwill impairment test.  Step one compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.  If the reporting unit'sunit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, it is necessary to perform the second step of the impairment test, which compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill to determine the amount of impairment loss.  We may bypass the two-step quantitative impairment test when we determine based on a qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount including goodwill.

As of December 31, 2014,2016, our goodwill consisted primarily of goodwill assigned to reporting units of the Hughes segment.  We test such goodwill annually in our second fiscal quarter.  Based on our qualitative assessment of impairment of the goodwill assigned to the Hughes segment in the second quarter of 2014each of 2016 and 2013,2015, we determined that no further testing of goodwill for impairment was necessary as it was more likely than not that the fair values of the Hughes segment reporting units exceeded their corresponding carrying amounts. Our qualitative assessments considered the results of


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

our quantitative annual impairment test in 2012 and generally favorable trends in the operations of the reporting units and in other significant inputs that would be used to determine fair value.  Depending on our assessment of future events and changes in circumstances, we may be required to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test in the future.  We may determine that some or all of our goodwill is impaired in connection with future impairment tests.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of regulatory authorizations for the use of spectrum in specified orbital locations.  We test these intangible assets annually in our fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred.  We recognize an impairment loss in the determination of operating income when we determine that the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value.  Fair value is determined primarily using discounted cash flow techniques reflecting the estimated cash flows and discount rate that we believe would be assumed by market participants.  Our cash flow projections typically include significant assumptions based on unobservable inputs.  Changes in economic conditions, laws and regulations, technology, competition and other factors could affect the assumptions reflected in our fair value estimates and may result in future intangible asset impairments.

We may bypass the quantitative impairment test when we determine based on a qualitative assessment that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired.

Revenue Recognition

Our Hughes segment enters into contracts to design, develop, and deliver telecommunication networks to customers in our enterprise and mobile satellite systems markets.  Those contracts require significant effort to develop and construct the network over an extended time period.  Revenue from such contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method.  Depending on the nature of the arrangement, we measure progress toward completion using the cost-to-cost method or the units-of-delivery method.  Under the cost-to-cost method, revenue reflects the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion.  Under the units-of-delivery method, revenue and related costs are recognized as products are delivered based on the expected profit for the entire agreement.  Profit margins on long-term contracts are based on estimates of total revenue and costs at completion.  We review and revise our estimates periodically and recognize related adjustments in the period in which the revisions are made.  Estimated losses on contracts are recorded in the period in which they are identified.  Changes in our periodic estimates for these contracts could result in significant adjustments to our revenue or costs, which could be material to our consolidated results of operations.

Income Taxes

We record deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their corresponding carrying amounts reported in the accompanyingour consolidated balance sheets, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Determining necessary valuation allowances for deferred tax assets requires us to make assessments about the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities.  We periodically evaluate the need for valuation allowances based on both historical evidence, including trends, and future expectations.  Our future operating results and other events and circumstances could have a significant effect on the realization of tax benefits.  Those future events and circumstances could require significant adjustments to our valuation allowances in future periods, which could be material to our consolidated results of operations.


Table of Contents


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OPERATIONS - Continued



Management evaluates the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions based on applicable tax law, regulations, case law, administrative rulings and pronouncements, and the facts and circumstances surrounding the tax position.  Changes in our estimates related to the recognition and measurement of the amount recorded for uncertain tax positions could result in significant adjustments to our income tax provision or benefit in future periods, which could be material to our consolidated results of operations.

Contingent Liabilities

We record an accrual for litigation and other loss contingencies when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  Legal fees and other costs of defending litigation are charged to expense as incurred.  A significant amount of management judgment is required in determining whether an accrual should be recorded for a loss contingency and the amount of such accrual.  Estimates generally are developed in consultation with legal counsel and are based on an analysis of potential outcomes.  Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the likelihood of potential outcomes and the potential financial statement impact of such outcomes, it is possible that upon further development or resolution of a contingent matter, charges related to existing loss contingencies could be recorded in future periods, which could be material to our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements, see Note 32 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.  We are assessingcontinuing to assess the impact of adopting the recently issued accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Seasonality

For our EchoStar Technologies segment, we are affected by seasonality to the extent it impacts our customers as a result of their sales and promotion activities, which can vary from year to year. Although the seasonal impacts have not been significant, historically, the first half of the year generally produces fewer new subscribers for the pay-TV industry than the second half of the year. However, we cannot provide assurance that this trend will continue in the future.

For our Hughes segment, service revenue is generally not impacted by seasonal fluctuations other than those associated with fluctuations related to sales and promotional activities.  However, like many communications infrastructure equipment vendors, a higher amount of our hardware revenue occurs in the second half of the year due to our customers'customers’ annual procurement and budget cycles.  Large enterprises and operators often allocate their capital expenditure budgets at the beginning of their fiscal year (which often coincides with the calendar year).  The typical sales cycle for large complex system procurements is six to 12 months, which often results in the customer expenditure occurring towards the end of the year.  Customers often seek to expend the budgeted funds prior to the end of the year and the next budget cycle. In
For our EchoStar Technologies segment, we are affected by seasonality to the Hughes consumer business, we seeextent it impacts our customers as a similar seasonality for consumer acquisitions,result of their sales and therefore hardware revenue, as is seen inpromotion activities, which can vary from year to year.  Although the consumer and retail sectors whereseasonal impacts have not been significant, historically, the first and fourth calendar quarters tend to be higherhalf of the year generally produces fewer new subscribers for the pay-TV industry than the second and third quarters.

half of the year.  However, we cannot provide assurance that this trend will continue in the future.

Our EchoStar Satellite ServicesESS segment is not generally affected by seasonal impacts.



Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

Inflation

Inflation has not materially affected our operations during the past three years.  We believe that our ability to increase the prices charged for our products and services in future periods will depend primarily on competitive pressures or contractual terms.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued



EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS

Equipment revenue—


Services and other revenue — DISH Network.  “Services and other revenue — DISH Network” primarily includes revenue associated with satellite and transponder services, satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, development of web-based applications for set-top boxes, professional services, facilities rental revenue and other services provided to DISH Network.    "Equipment revenue—  “Services and other revenue — DISH Network"Network” also includes subscriber wholesale service fees for the Hughes service sold to dishNET.
Services and other revenue — other.  “Services and other revenue — other” primarily includes the sales of enterprise and consumer broadband services, as well as maintenance and other contracted services.  “Services and other revenue — other” also includes revenue associated with satellite and transponder services, satellite uplinking/downlinking and other services provided to customers other than DISH Network.
Equipment revenue — DISH Network.  “Equipment revenue — DISH Network primarily includes sales of digital set-top boxes and related components, including Slingbox products and related hardware products, and sales of satellite broadband equipment and related equipment, primarily related to the Hughes service, to DISH Network.

Equipment revenue—other.    "Equipment revenue—other"revenue — other.  “Equipment revenue — other primarily includes sales of digital set-top boxes and related components to Bell TV, Dish Mexico and other domestic and international customers, including sales of Slingbox products and related hardware products, and sales of broadband equipment and networks to customers in our enterprise and consumer markets.

Services


Cost of sales — services and other revenue—DISH Network.    "Services.  “Cost of sales — services and other revenue—DISH Network" primarily includes revenue associated with satellite and transponder services, satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, development of web-based applications for set-top boxes, professional services, facilities rental revenue and other services provided to DISH Network. Beginning in October 2012, "Services and other revenue—DISH Network" also includes subscriber wholesale service fees for the Hughes service sold to dishNET.

Services and other revenue—other.    "Services and other revenue—other" primarily includes the sales of enterprise and consumer broadband services, as well as maintenance and other contracted services. "Services and other revenue—other" also includes revenue associated with satellite and transponder services, satellite uplinking/downlinking and other services provided to customers other than DISH Network.

Cost of sales—equipment.    "Cost of sales—equipment" principally includes costs associated with digital set-top boxes and related components sold to DISH Network, Bell TV, Dish Mexico and other domestic and international customers, including costs associated with Slingbox products and related hardware products. "Cost of sales—equipment" also includes the cost of broadband equipment and networks sold to customers in our enterprise and consumer markets, and to DISH Network.

Cost of sales—services and other.    "Cost of sales—services and other" primarily includes the cost of broadband services provided to our enterprise and consumer customers, and to DISH Network, as well as the cost of providing maintenance and other contracted services.  "CostCost of sales—sales — services and other"other also includes the costs associated with satellite and transponder services, satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, product support and development of applications for set-top boxes, professional services, facilities rental costs, and other services provided to our customers, including DISH Network.

Research and development expenses.    "Research and development expenses" primarily

Cost of sales — equipment.  “Cost of sales — equipment” principally includes costs associated with digital set-top boxes and related components sold to DISH Network, Bell TV, Dish Mexico and other domestic and international customers, including costs associated with Slingbox products and related hardware products.  “Cost of sales — equipment” also includes the designcost of broadband equipment and development of productsnetworks sold to support future growthcustomers in our enterprise and provide new technologyconsumer markets, and innovation to our customers.

DISH Network.


Selling, general and administrative expenses.    "Selling,expenses.  “Selling, general and administrative expenses"expenses primarily includes selling and marketing costs and employee-related costs associated with administrative services


Table of Contents

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Continued

(e.g. (e.g., information systems, human resources and other services), including stock-based compensation expense.  It also includes professional fees (e.g. legal, information systems and accounting services) and other items associated with facilities and administrative services provided by DISH Network and other third parties.

Research and development expenses.  “Research and development expenses” primarily includes costs associated with the design and development of products to support future growth and provide new technology and innovation to our customers.
Impairment of long-lived assets.    "Impairmentassets.  “Impairment of long-lived assets"assets includes our impairment losses related to our property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.


Interest income.    "Interest income"income.  “Interest income primarily includes interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities, including premium amortization and discount accretion on debt securities.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.    "Interestcapitalized.  “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized"capitalized primarily includes interest expense associated with our long-term debt and capital lease obligations (net of capitalized interest), and amortization of debt issuance costs.

Table of Contents

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued


Loss from partial redemption of debtLoss from partial redemption of debt” primarily includes the loss from the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes representing the redemption premium that the Company paid to the holders of its 2019 Senior Secured Notes and the write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs.
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net.  “Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net” primarily includes gains, net of any losses, on the sale or exchange of investments and other-than-temporary impairment on certain of our marketable investment securities.
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net.    "Equitynet. “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net"net includes earnings or losses from our investments accounted for under the equity method.

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net.    "Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net" primarily includes gains,

Other, net of any losses, on the sale or exchange of investments.

. “Other, net.    "Other, net"net primarily includes foreign exchange gains and losses, dividends received from our marketable investment securities, equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net, and other non-operating income or expense items that are not appropriately classified elsewhere in our Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Operationsoperations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)comprehensive income (loss).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"(“EBITDA”).EBITDA is defined as "NetNet income (loss) attributable to EchoStar" excluding "InterestInterest expense, net of amounts capitalized" "Interest,” “Interest income" "Income,” “Income tax benefit (provision)provision, net, net" and "DepreciationDepreciation and amortization."amortization.”  EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP measure is reconciled to "Income (loss) beforeNet income taxes" in our discussion of "Results“Results of Operations"Operations” above. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA is used by our management as a measure of operating efficiency and overall financial performance for benchmarking against our peers and competitors. Management believes EBITDA provides meaningful supplemental information regarding liquidity and the underlying operating performance of our business. Management also believes that EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate the performance of companies in our industry.

Subscribers.    Subscribers“Subscribers” include customers that subscribe to our Hughes segment'ssegment’s HughesNet broadband services, through retail, wholesale and small/medium enterprise service channels.


Table of Contents

Item 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risks Associated with Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency

Our investments and debt are exposed to market risks, discussed below.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Current Marketable Investment Securities

As of December 31, 2014,2016, our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities had a fair value of $1.69$3.09 billion. Of this amount, a total of $1.65$3.00 billion was invested in: (a) cash; (b) commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; (c) VRDNs convertible into cash at par value plus accrued interest generally in five business days or less; (d) debt instruments of the U.S. government and its agencies; and/or (e)(d) instruments with similar risk, duration and credit quality characteristics to the commercial paper and corporate obligations described above. The primary purpose of these investing activities has been to preserve principal until the cash is required to, among other things, fund operations, make strategic investments and expand the business. Consequently, the size of this portfolio fluctuates significantly as cash is received and used in our business. The value of this portfolio may be negatively impacted by credit losses; however, this risk is mitigated through diversification that limits our exposure to any one issuer.

Interest Rate Risk

A change in interest rates would not affect the fair value of our cash, or materially affect the fair value of our cash equivalents due to their maturities of less than 90 days. A change in interest rates would affect the fair value of our current marketable debt securities portfolio; however, we normally hold these investments to maturity. Based on our current non-strategic investment portfolio of $1.65$3.00 billion as of December 31, 2014,2016, a hypothetical 10% change in average interest rates during 20142016 would not have a material impact on the fair value of our cash, cash equivalents and debt securities portfolio due to the limited duration of our investments.

Our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable debt securities had an average annual rate of return for the year ended December 31, 20142016 of 0.6%1.0%. A change in interest rates would affect our future annual interest income from this portfolio, since funds would be re-invested at different rates as the instruments mature. A hypothetical 10% decrease in average interest rates during 20142016 would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $0.9$2.0 million in annual interest income.

Strategic Marketable Investment Securities

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we held current strategic investments in the publicly traded common stock of several companies with a fair value of $41.7$94.8 million. These investments, which are held for strategic and financial purposes, are concentrated in a small number of companies, are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. The fair value of these investments can be significantly impacted by the risk of adverse changes in securities markets generally, as well as risks related to the performance of the companies whose securities we have invested in, risks associated with specific industries, and other factors. These investments are subject to significant fluctuations in fair value due to the volatility of the securities markets and of the underlying businesses. In general, our strategic marketable investment securities portfolio is not significantly impacted by interest rate fluctuations as it currently consists solely of equity securities, the value of which is more closely related to factors specific to the underlying business. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in the market price of our public strategic equity investments would result in a decrease of approximately $4.2$9.5 million in the fair value of these investments.



Table of Contents

Item 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK—Continued

Restricted Cashcash and Marketable Investment Securitiesmarketable investment securities and Other Investments

investments in unconsolidated entities

Restricted Cashcash and Marketable Investment Securities

marketable investment securities

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had $18.9$12.9 million of restricted cash and marketable investment securities invested in: (a) cash; (b) VRDNs convertible into cash at par value plus accrued interest generally in five business days or less; (c) debt instruments of the U.S. government and its agencies; (d)(c) commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; (d) mutual funds; and (e) instruments with similar risk, duration and credit quality characteristics to the commercial paper described above. Based on our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2014,2016, a hypothetical 10% increase in average interest rates would not have a material impact on the fair value of our restricted cash and marketable investment securities.

Other


Investments

in unconsolidated entities

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had $160.0$197.2 million of noncurrent equity instruments that we hold for strategic business purposes and account for under the cost or equity methods of accounting. The fair value of these instruments is not readily determinable. We periodically review these investments and estimate fair value when there are indications of impairment. A hypothetical 10% adverse change inequal to 10% of the valuecarrying amount of these debt and equity instruments would result in a decrease of approximately $16.0$19.7 million in the value of these investments.

Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are not publicly tradedprivately held depends on the success of those companies'companies’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Because private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain fair value for them.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We generally conduct our business in U.S. dollars. Our international business is conducted in a variety of foreign currencies with our largest exposures being to the Brazilian real, the Indian rupee, and it is therefore exposedthe British pound. This exposes us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Transactions in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect on the dates of the transactions.
Our objective in managing our exposure to foreign currency changes is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Accordingly, we may enter into foreign exchangecurrency forward contracts, or take other measures, to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency transactions. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had $16.8$6.5 million of net foreign currency denominated receivables and payables outstanding, and foreign currency forward contracts with a notional value of $5.0$3.0 million in place to partially mitigate foreign currency exchange risk. The estimated fair values of the foreign exchange contracts were not material as of December 31, 2014.2016. The impact of a hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates on the carrying amount of the net assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries would be an estimated loss to the cumulative translation adjustment of $20.1$36.6 million as of December 31, 2014.

2016.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We generally do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes and we generally do not apply hedge accounting treatment to our derivative financial instruments. We evaluate our derivative financial instruments from time to time but there can be no assurance that we will not enter into additional foreign currency forward contracts, or take other measures, in the future to mitigate our foreign exchange risk.



Table of Contents

Item 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Our Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements are included in Item 15 of this report beginning on page F-4.

4.

Item 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.


None.

Item 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

report such that the information required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)1934, as amended) that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter of 2014ended December 31, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We continue to review our internal control over financial reporting, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing its effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our business.

Management's

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii)
provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors; and
(iii)
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.



Table of Contents

Item 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES—Continued

Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.

2016.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20142016 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Item 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.


Table of Contents


PART III


Item 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item with respect to the identity and business experience of our directors and corporate governance will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014,2016, under the caption "Election“Election of Directors," which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to the identity and business experience of our executive officers is set forth on pages 16-1815-16 of this report under the caption "Executive“Executive Officers of the Registrant."

The information required by this Item with respect to our code of ethics is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Item 1. — Business — Website Access.”

Item 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014,2016, under the caption "Executive“Executive Compensation and Other Information," which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to our code of ethics is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption "Item 1: Business—Website Access."


Item 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014,2016, under the captions "Election“Election of Directors," "Equity” “Equity Security Ownership"Ownership” and "Equity“Equity Compensation Plan Information," which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.


Item 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014,2016, under the caption "Certain“Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions," which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.


Item 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014,2016, under the caption "Principal“Principal Accountant Fees and Services," which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.


Table of Contents


PART IV


Item 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:

(1)
Consolidated Financial Statements


Page
(1)  Consolidated Financial Statements

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20142016 and 2013

2015

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012

2014

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012

2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012

2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  
F-8(2)  Financial Statement Schedules 

Condensed Balance Sheets

Condensed Statements of Operations

and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Schedule II—II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

2.1*2.1*
Form of Separation Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment No. 31 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 28,12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).

2.2* 
2.2*
Agreement and Plan of Merger between EchoStar Corporation, EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., Broadband Acquisition Corporation and Hughes Communications, Inc. dated as of February 13, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed February 15, 2011, Commission File No. 1-33040). ******

3.1* 
3.1*
Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807), as amended by the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 25, 2008, Commission File No. 001-33807).

3.2* Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar Corporation, dated as of May 4, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation, filed May 5, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
3.3* 
3.2*
Bylaws of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).


3.4*
 

Table of Contents

3.3*EchoStar Corporation Certificate of Designation Establishing the Voting Powers, Designations, Preferences, Limitations, Restrictions, and Relative Rights of the Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 3, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807)


4.1* 
4.1*
Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 31 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 28,12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).

4.2* 
4.2*
Indenture relating to the EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation) 61/2% 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019, dated as of June 1, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).

4.3* 
4.3*
Indenture relating to the EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation) 75/8% 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021, dated as of June 1, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).

4.4* 
4.4*
Supplemental Indenture relating to the 61/2% 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 of EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), dated as of June 8, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).

4.5* 
4.5*
Supplemental Indenture relating to the 75/8% 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 of EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), dated as of June 8, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).

4.6* 
4.6*
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2011, among EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).

4.7* 
4.7*
Security Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2011, among EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).

4.8* 
4.8*
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2014, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807)..

Table of Contents

.

4.9* 
4.9*Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2014, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.10* 
4.10*Joinder Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2014, to the Security Agreement dated as of June 8, 2011, by and among EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C., EchoStar XIV Holding L.L.C., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporationfor the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.11* 
Form of Note for 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (included as part of Exhibit 4.2).

4.12* 
Form of Note for 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (included as part of Exhibit 4.3).

4.13* 10.1Indenture, relating to the 5.250% Senior Secured Notes, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).

*
4.14*Indenture, relating to the 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.15*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.16*Additional Secured Party Joinder, dated as of July 27, 2016, among U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.17*Form of 5.250% Senior Secured Note due 2026 (included as part of Exhibit 4.13)
4.18*Form of 5.250% Senior Secured Note due 2026 (included as part of Exhibit 4.13)
10.1*
Form of Tax Sharing Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 31 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 28,12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).

10.2* 
10.2*
Form of Employee Matters Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Amendment No. 31 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 28,12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.3* 
10.3*
Form of Intellectual Property Matters Agreement between EchoStar Corporation, EchoStar Acquisition L.L.C., Echosphere L.L.C., DISH DBS Corporation, EIC Spain SL, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 31 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 28,12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).

10.4* 
10.5*Manufacturing Agreement, dated as of March 22, 1995, between HTS and SCI Technology, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish Ltd., Commission File No. 33-81234).
10.6*Agreement between HTS, DISH Network L.L.C. and ExpressVu Inc., dated January 8, 1997, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1996, as amended, Commission File No. 0-26176).
10.7*
Agreement to Form NagraStar L.L.C., dated as of June 23, 1998, by and between Kudelski S.A., DISH Network Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed March 17, 1999, Commission File No. 0-26176)000-26176).

10.5* 
10.8*
Satellite Service Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2003, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, filed May 6, 2003, Commission File No. 0-26176)000-26176).***

10.6* 
10.9*
Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement dated March 31,July 10, 2003 between SES Americom Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No. 0-26176).***
10.10*Satellite Service Agreement dated as of August 13, 2003 between SES Americom Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended September 30,filed November 10, 2003, Commission File No. 0-26176)000-26176).***


10.7*
 

Table of Contents

10.11*Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No. 0-26176).***
10.12*Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated March 10, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No. 0-26176).***
10.13*Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No. 0-26176).***
10.14*Amendment No. 2 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 30, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended June 30,filed May 6, 2004, Commission File No. 0-26176)000-26176). *****

10.8* 
10.15*
Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated October 21, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed March 16, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176)000-26176).***

10.9* 
10.16*Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004 between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 1, 2004, Commission File No. 0-26176).***
10.17*
Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed March 16, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176)000-26176). *****


10.10* 
10.18*
Amendment No. 6 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No. 0-26176).***
10.19*Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 6, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended June 30,filed March 16, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176)000-26176).***

10.11* 
10.20*Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated June 20, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).***
10.21*
Form of EchoStar Corporation 2008 Class B CEO Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Amendment No. 31 of EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Form 10 datedfiled December 28,12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).**


10.12*
 

Table of Contents

10.22*Form of Satellite Capacity Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to Amendment No. 2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 of EchoStar Corporation filed on December December��26, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).

10.13* 
10.23*Pricing Agreement, dated March 11, 2008, by and among EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., Bell ExpressVu Inc., in its capacity as General Partner of Bell ExpressVu Limited Partnership, Bell Distribution Inc., and Bell Canada (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.24*
QuetzSat-1 Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 24, 2008, between SES Latin America S.A. and EchoStar 77 Corporation, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807). *****

10.14* 
10.25*
QuetzSat-1 TransponderSatellite Service Agreement, dated November 24, 2008, between EchoStar 77 Corporation, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation, and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807). *****

10.15* 
10.26*Bell TV Pricing Amendment, dated February 6, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and Bell TV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.27*
Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.16* 
10.28*
Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Stock Incentive Plan”) (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed September 18, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.17*
Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2008 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “2008 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan”) (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.18* 
10.29*Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2008 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation's Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14 filed March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.30*
NIMIQ 5 Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated September 15, 2009, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).***

10.19* 
10.31*
NIMIQ 5 Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated September 15, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).***

10.20* 
10.32*Professional Services Agreement, dated August 4, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).***


Table of Contents

10.33*Allocation Agreement, dated August 4, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, filed November 9, 2004, Commission File No. 001-33807).

10.21* 
10.34*
Form A Amendment to form of Satellite Capacity Agreement (Form A) between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).

10.22* 
10.35*
Form B Amendment to Form of Satellite Capacity Agreement (Form B) between EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).

10.23* 
10.36*
EchoStar XVI Satellite Transponder Service Agreement between EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C., effective December 21, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).***


10.24* 
10.37*Assignment of Rights Under Launch Service Contract from EchoStar Corporation to DISH Orbital II L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.38*
Contract between Hughes Network Systems, LLC and Space Systems/Loral, Inc. for the Hughes Jupiter Satellite Program dated June 8, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly reportQuarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed August 7, 2009, (FileCommission File No. 001-33040)). *****

10.25* 
10.39*Launch Services Agreement by and between Hughes Network Systems, LLC and Arianespace dated April 30, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hughes Network Systems, LLC filed August 4, 2010 (File No. 333-138009)).***
10.40*
Employment Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2005 between Hughes Network Systems, LLC and Pradman Kaul (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed December 5, 2005, (FileCommission File No. 333-130136)).**

10.26* Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2016, between 2010 between Hughes Communications, Inc. and Pradman Kaul (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation, filed April 6, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.27* 
10.41*
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2010 between Hughes Communications, Inc. and Pradman Kaul (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed March 3, 2011 (File No. 001-33040)).
10.42*Memorandum of Understanding, dated May 6, 2011 among EchoStar Global B.V., EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., Bell ExpressVu Inc., Bell ExpressVu Limited Partnership, Bell Mobility Inc., and Bell Canada (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation filed August 9,7, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807)001-33040).***

10.28* 
10.43*
Cost Allocation Agreement, dated April 29, 2011, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporationfor the quarter ended June 30, 2011, filed August 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).


10.29*
 

Table of Contents

10.44*Settlement and Patent License between TiVo Inc. and DISH Network Corporation and EchoStar Corporation, dated as of April 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of EchoStar Corporationfor the quarter ended June 30, 2011, filed February 21, 2012, Commission File No. 001-33807).***

10.30* 
10.45*
Receiver Agreement dated January 1, 2012 between Echosphere L.L.C and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. (“2012 Receiver Agreement”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporationfor the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed May 7, 2012, Commission File No. 001-33807).***

10.31* 
Second Amendment to 2012 Receiver Agreement, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).

10.32(H) 
Third Amendment to 2012 Receiver Agreement, dated November 4, 2016.

10.33* 10.46*
Broadcast Agreement dated January 1, 2012 between EchoStar Broadcasting Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation,for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed May 7, 2012, Commission File No. 001-33807). *****

10.34(H) 
First Amendment to Broadcast Agreement, dated November 4, 2016.

10.35* 
10.47*
First Amendment to EchoStar XVI Satellite Transponder Service Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2012 between EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation,for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed February 20, 2013, Commission File No. 001-33807).***

10.36* 
10.48*
Transaction Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2014, by and among EchoStar Corporation, Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, Alpha Company LLC, DISH Network, L.L.C., DISH Operating L.L.C. and EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation,for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).***

10.37* 
10.49*
Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2014, by and among EchoStar Corporation, Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, DISH Operating L.L.C. and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to theEchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation,for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).***

10.38* 
10.50*
Form of Satellite Transponder Service Agreement by and between EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation and DISH Operating L.L.C.L.L.C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).


10.39*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive or Director (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, filed November 6, 2015, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.40*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.41*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Employee (2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.42*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive (2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2105, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.43*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Employee (2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.44*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive (2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807). **

10.45*
Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807). **

10.46*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive or Director (2011) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**

10.47*Echostar Corporation Executive Officer Bonus Incentive Plan, dated as of May 4, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation, filed May 5, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
21(H) 
21(H)
Subsidiaries of EchoStar Corporation.

23(H) 
23(H)
Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

24(H) 
24(H)
Powers of Attorney of Charles W. Ergen, R. Stanton Dodge, Anthony M. Federico, Pradman P. Kaul, Tom A. Ortolf and C. Michael Schroeder.

31.1(H) 
31.1(H)
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2(H) 
31.2(H)
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1(I) 
32.1(H)
Section 906 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

99.1(H) 
99.1(H)
Unaudited Condensed Attributed Financial Information and Notes for Hughes Retail Group

101.SCH 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

101101.CAL The following materials from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 20, 2015, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language ("XBRL"): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) related notes to these financial statements.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.



(H)
Filed herewith.
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
(H)Filed herewith.
(I)Furnished herewith
*Incorporated by reference.
**Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
***Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment.
****Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. We agree to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit upon request, subject to our right to request confidential treatment of any requested schedule or exhibit.

Item 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.


Table of Contents

*
Incorporated by reference.

**
Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

***
Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment.

****
Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. We agree to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit upon request, subject to our right to request confidential treatment of any requested schedule or exhibit.
SIGNATURES

Table of Contents


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.

 ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

 

 

By:

By:

/s/ DAVID J. RAYNER

David J. Rayner
David J. Rayner
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Operating Officer, and
Treasurer

Date:  February 20, 2015

24, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
Title
Date


 

Title

 



Date
/s/ MICHAEL T. DUGAN

Michael T. Dugan
 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (PrincipalFebruary 24, 2017
Michael T. Dugan(Principal Executive Officer) February 20, 2015

/s/ DAVID J. RAYNER

David J. Rayner

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
David J. RaynerChief Operating Officer and Treasurer (PrincipalFebruary 24, 2017
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

February 20, 2015

*

ChairmanFebruary 24, 2017
Charles W. Ergen
 

Chairman

 

February 20, 2015

*

R. Stanton Dodge

 

Director

 

February 20, 2015

*

Anthony M. Federico


Director


February 20, 2015

*

Pradman P. Kaul


Director


February 20, 2015

Table of Contents

Signature
Title
Date







*

Tom A. Ortolf
 Director February 20, 201524, 2017

R. Stanton Dodge
*

DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Anthony M. Federico
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Pradman P. Kaul
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Tom A. Ortolf
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
C. Michael Schroeder
 

Director

 

February 20, 2015

*By:

 

*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
William David Wade
* By:/s/ DEAN A. MANSON

Dean A. Manson
Attorney-in-Fact

 

 

 

Dean A. Manson
Attorney-in-Fact 

Table of Contents


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Page

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20142016 and 2013

2015

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012

2014

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012

2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012

2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Table

Report of Contents


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
EchoStar Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EchoStar Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders'stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014,2016, and the financial statement schedules I and II listed in Item 15. We also have audited EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management'sManagement’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules and an opinion on EchoStar Corporation'sCorporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company'scompany’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EchoStar Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014,2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


Table of Contents

Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, EchoStar Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2016 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 20, 2015

COSO
.


/s/ KPMG LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 24, 2017


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 

Assets

       

Current Assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

 $549,053 $634,119 

Marketable investment securities

  1,139,103  986,533 

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,188 and $13,237, respectively

  163,232  159,292 

Trade accounts receivable—DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero

  251,669  355,135 

Inventory

  62,963  66,084 

Prepaid expenses

  67,164  55,400 

Deferred tax assets

  87,208  69,633 

Other current assets

  7,699  29,930 

Total current assets

  2,328,091  2,356,126 

Noncurrent Assets:

       

Restricted cash and marketable investment securities

  18,945  16,137 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,899,353 and $2,499,889, respectively

  3,194,793  2,546,377 

Regulatory authorizations, net

  568,378  583,900 

Goodwill

  510,630  504,173 

Other intangible assets, net

  195,662  262,039 

Other investments

  159,962  169,771 

Other receivable—DISH Network

  90,241  89,811 

Other noncurrent assets, net

  187,296  173,629 

Total noncurrent assets

  4,925,907  4,345,837 

Total assets

 $7,253,998 $6,701,963 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

       

Current Liabilities:

       

Trade accounts payable

 $188,282 $201,416 

Trade accounts payable—DISH Network

  32,474  55,743 

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

  41,912  69,791 

Deferred revenue and prepayments

  71,708  57,592 

Accrued compensation

  32,117  30,940 

Accrued royalties

  27,590  24,010 

Accrued expenses and other

  123,650  118,953 

Total current liabilities

  517,733  558,445 

Noncurrent Liabilities:

       

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion

  2,325,775  2,352,597 

Deferred tax liabilities

  679,524  488,206 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  107,328  76,484 

Total noncurrent liabilities

  3,112,627  2,917,287 

Total liabilities

  3,630,360  3,475,732 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)

       

Stockholders' Equity:

  
 
  
 
 

Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized:

       

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock, $.001 par value, 13,000,000 shares authorized, 6,290,499 issued and outstanding and zero shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively

  6   

Common Stock, $.001 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized:

       

Class A common stock, $.001 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 49,576,247 shares issued and 44,043,929 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 48,370,956 shares issued and 42,838,638 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013

  50  48 

Class B common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 47,687,039 shares issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2014 and 2013

  48  48 

Class C common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     

Class D common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     

Additional paid-in capital

  3,706,122  3,502,005 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (55,856) (14,655)

Accumulated deficit

  (19,040) (171,914)

Treasury stock, at cost

  (98,162) (98,162)

Total EchoStar stockholders' equity

  3,533,168  3,217,370 

Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock

  80,457   

Other noncontrolling interests

  10,013  8,861 

Total stockholders' equity

  3,623,638  3,226,231 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $7,253,998 $6,701,963 
  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
Assets  
  
Current Assets:  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $2,571,143
 $924,240
Marketable investment securities, at fair value 522,516
 612,338
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,400 and $12,485, respectively 209,788
 179,240
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero 278,615
 277,159
Inventory 72,444
 67,010
Prepaids and deposits 57,919
 56,949
Other current assets 10,862
 16,723
Total current assets 3,723,287
 2,133,659
Noncurrent Assets:  
  
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities 12,926
 21,002
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,407,470 and $2,998,074, respectively 3,669,303
 3,412,990
Regulatory authorizations, net 544,633
 543,812
Goodwill 510,630
 510,630
Other intangible assets, net 88,454
 132,653
Investments in unconsolidated entities 197,219
 209,264
Other receivable - DISH Network 90,586
 90,966
Other noncurrent assets, net 171,821
 154,510
Total noncurrent assets 5,285,572
 5,075,827
Total assets $9,008,859
 $7,209,486
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  
  
Current Liabilities:  
  
Trade accounts payable $189,815
 $213,671
Trade accounts payable - DISH Network 5,032
 24,682
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations 37,307
 35,698
Deferred revenue and prepayments 62,956
 61,881
Accrued compensation 58,106
 42,767
Accrued interest 46,504
 8,596
Accrued royalties 23,199
 22,531
Accrued expenses and other 108,519
 117,005
Total current liabilities 531,438
 526,831
Noncurrent Liabilities:  
  
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 3,622,879
 2,156,667
Deferred tax liabilities, net 754,020
 650,392
Other noncurrent liabilities 93,717
 93,954
Total noncurrent liabilities 4,470,616
 2,901,013
Total liabilities 5,002,054
 3,427,844
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16) 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:  
  
Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized:  
  
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock, $.001 par value, 13,000,000 shares authorized, 6,290,499 issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 6
 6
Common stock, $.001 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized:  
  
Class A common stock, $.001 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 52,243,465 shares issued and 46,711,147 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 51,087,839 shares issued and 45,555,521 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 52
 51
Class B common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 47,687,039 shares issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 48
 48
Class C common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 
 
Class D common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 
 
Additional paid-in capital 3,828,677
 3,776,451
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (124,803) (117,233)
Accumulated earnings 314,247
 134,317
Treasury stock, at cost (98,162) (98,162)
Total EchoStar stockholders’ equity 3,920,065
 3,695,478
Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock 73,910
 74,854
Other noncontrolling interests 12,830
 11,310
Total stockholders’ equity 4,006,805
 3,781,642
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $9,008,859
 $7,209,486

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Revenue:

          

Equipment revenue—DISH Network

 $1,145,979 $1,311,446 $1,028,588 

Equipment revenue—other

  374,049  347,910  621,495 

Services and other revenue—DISH Network

  828,612  620,189  515,176 

Services and other revenue—other

  1,096,938  1,002,907  956,445 

Total revenue

  3,445,578  3,282,452  3,121,704 

Costs and Expenses:

          

Cost of sales—equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

  1,288,998  1,430,777  1,397,512 

Cost of sales—services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

  838,918  776,121  691,922 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  372,010  358,499  372,644 

Research and development expenses

  60,886  67,942  69,649 

Depreciation and amortization

  556,676  507,111  457,326 

Impairment of long-lived assets

    38,415  32,765 

Total costs and expenses

  3,117,488  3,178,865  3,021,818 

Operating income

  328,090  103,587  99,886 

Other Income (Expense):

          

Interest income

  9,102  14,656  11,176 

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

  (171,349) (192,554) (153,029)

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments (includes reclassification of realized gains on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities out of accumulated other comprehensive loss of $41, $36,312, and $175,223, respectively), net

  41  38,341  177,558 

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net

  8,198  (5,024) (438)

Other, net

  4,251  6,958  59,531 

Total other income (expense), net

  (149,757) (137,623) 94,798 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  178,333  (34,036) 194,684 

Income tax benefit (provision), net

  (30,784) 37,437  16,329 

Net income

  147,549  3,401  211,013 

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock

  (6,714)    

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests

  1,389  876  (35)

Net income attributable to EchoStar

  152,874  2,525  211,048 

Less: Net loss attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2)

  (12,394)    

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock

 $165,268 $2,525 $211,048 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Class A and B common stock:

          

Basic

  91,190  89,405  87,150 

Diluted

  92,616  90,952  87,959 

Earnings per share—Class A and B common stock:

          

Basic

 $1.81 $0.03 $2.42 

Diluted

 $1.78 $0.03 $2.40 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

          

Net income

 $147,549 $3,401 $211,013 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

          

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (31,935) (16,394) (2,501)

Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities and other

  (9,462) 18,413  30,799 

Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities in net income

  (41) (36,312) (175,223)

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax

  (41,438) (34,293) (146,925)

Comprehensive income (loss)

  106,111  (30,892) 64,088 

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock

  (6,714)    

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests

  1,152  (10) 59 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar

 $111,673 $(30,882)$64,029 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
Revenue:  
  
  
Services and other revenue - DISH Network $888,603
 $918,301
 $828,612
Services and other revenue - other 1,109,597
 1,103,928
 1,096,938
Equipment revenue - DISH Network 711,289
 763,184
 1,145,979
Equipment revenue - other 347,241
 358,301
 374,049
Total revenue 3,056,730
 3,143,714
 3,445,578
Costs and Expenses:  
  
  
Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 844,498
 856,065
 838,918
Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 891,108
 948,655
 1,288,998
Selling, general and administrative expenses 385,634
 374,116
 372,010
Research and development expenses 76,024
 78,287
 60,886
Depreciation and amortization 495,068
 528,158
 556,676
Impairment of long-lived assets 
 2,400
 
Total costs and expenses 2,692,332
 2,787,681
 3,117,488
Operating income 364,398
 356,033
 328,090
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
Interest income 21,249
 10,429
 9,102
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (123,630) (122,066) (171,349)
Loss from partial redemption of debt 
 (5,044) 
Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net 9,767
 (6,443) 41
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities 
 (11,226) 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net 13,310
 1,895
 8,198
Other, net 1,750
 (2,006) 4,251
Total other expense, net (77,554) (134,461) (149,757)
Income before income taxes 286,844
 221,572
 178,333
Income tax provision, net (106,152) (72,201) (30,784)
Net income 180,692
 149,371
 147,549
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock (944) (5,603) (6,714)
Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests 1,706
 1,617
 1,389
Net income attributable to EchoStar 179,930
 153,357
 152,874
Less: Net loss attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 4) (1,743) (10,343) (12,394)
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock $181,673
 $163,700
 $165,268
       
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:  
  
  
Basic 93,795
 92,397
 91,190
Diluted 94,410
 93,466
 92,616
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:  
  
  
Basic $1.94
 $1.77
 $1.81
Diluted $1.92
 $1.75
 $1.78
       
Comprehensive Income (Loss)  
  
  
Net income $180,692
 $149,371
 $147,549
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:  
  
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments (11,315) (62,731) (31,935)
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income 
 1,889
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other 9,149
 (12,046) (9,462)
Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on available-for-sale securities in net income 
 11,226
 
Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income (5,590) (35) (41)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax (7,756) (61,697) (41,438)
Comprehensive income 172,936
 87,674
 106,111
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock (944) (5,603) (6,714)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests 1,520
 1,297
 1,152
Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar $172,360
 $91,980
 $111,673


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS'STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)


 Hughes
Retail
Preferred
Tracking
Stock
 Class A and B
Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Treasury
Stock
 Noncontrolling
Interest in
HSS Tracking
Stock
 Other
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total 

Balance, January 1, 2011

 $ $93 $3,360,301 $165,771 $(385,487)$(98,162)$ $9,110 $3,051,626 
 
Class
A and B
Common
Stock
 
Hughes Retail
Preferred
Tracking
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Earnings
(Deficit)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Noncontrolling
Interest in
HSS Tracking
Stock
 
Other
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Balance, January 1, 2014 $96
 $
 $3,502,005
 $(14,655) $(171,914) $(98,162) $
 $8,861
 $3,226,231

Issuances of Class A common stock:

                     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Exercise of stock options

   11,469      11,469  2
 
 16,708
 
 
 
 
 
 16,710

Employee benefits

   4,282      4,282  
 
 10,316
 
 
 
 
 
 10,316

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   3,929      3,929  
 
 12,147
 
 
 
 
 
 12,147

Stock-based compensation

   14,585      14,585  
 
 14,683
 
 
 
 
 
 14,683

Other, net

   80     168 248 
Issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 4) 
 6
 163,510
 
 
 
 87,171
 
 250,687
Sling TV Holding exchange (Note 6) 
 
 8,843
 
 
 
 
 
 8,843
EchoStar XXI option payment, net (Note 19) 
 
 (9,569) 
 
 
 
 
 (9,569)
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises 
 
 (7,252) 
 
 
 
 
 (7,252)
R&D tax credits utilized by DISH Network 
 
 (5,269) 
 
 
 
 
 (5,269)

Net income (loss)

     211,048   (35) 211,013  
 
 
 
 152,874
 
 (6,714) 1,389
 147,549

Unrealized losses on AFS securities, net and other

    (144,424)     (144,424)
Unrealized losses on available-for sale securities, net and other 
 
 
 (9,503) 
 
 
 
 (9,503)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    (2,595)    94 (2,501) 
 
 
 (31,698) 
 
 
 (237) (31,935)

Balance, December 31, 2012

  93 3,394,646 18,752 (174,439) (98,162)  9,337 3,150,227 
Balance, December 31, 2014 98
 6
 3,706,122
 (55,856) (19,040) (98,162) 80,457
 10,013
 3,623,638

Issuances of Class A common stock:

                     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Exercise of stock options

  3 61,461      61,464  1
 
 24,840
 
 
 
 
 
 24,841

Employee benefits

   4,761      4,761  
 
 10,711
 
 
 
 
 
 10,711

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   9,783      9,783  
 
 13,888
 
 
 
 
 
 13,888

Stock-based compensation

   18,353      18,353  
 
 21,839
 
 
 
 
 
 21,839

Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises

   12,663      12,663  
 
 3,929
 
 
 
 
 
 3,929
R&D tax credits utilized by DISH Network 
 
 (3,048) 
 
 
 
 
 (3,048)

Other, net

   338     (466) (128) 
 
 
(1,830
) 
 
 
 
 
 (1,830)

Net income

     2,525   876 3,401 

Unrealized losses on AFS securities, net and other

    (17,899)     (17,899)
Net income (loss) 
 
 
 
 153,357
 
 (5,603) 1,617
 149,371
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net and other 
 
 
 (855) 
 
 
 
 (855)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    (15,508)    (886) (16,394) 
 
 
 (60,522) 
 
 
 (320) (60,842)

Balance, December 31, 2013

  96 3,502,005 (14,655) (171,914) (98,162)  8,861 3,226,231 
Balance, December 31, 2015 99
 6
 3,776,451
 (117,233) 134,317
 (98,162) 74,854
 11,310
 3,781,642

Issuances of Class A common stock:

                     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Exercise of stock options

  2 16,708      16,710  1
 
 13,065
 
 
 
 
 
 13,066

Employee benefits

   10,316      10,316  
 
 11,126
 
 
 
 
 
 11,126

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   12,147      12,147  
 
 14,367
 
 
 
 
 
 14,367

Stock-based compensation

   14,683      14,683  
 
 15,234
 
 
 
 
 
 15,234

Issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2)

 6  163,510    87,171  250,687 

DISH Digital exchange (Note 6)

   8,843      8,843 

EchoStar XXI option payment, net (Note 9)

   (9,569)      (9,569)

Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises

   (7,252)      (7,252) 
 
 848
 
 
 
 
 
 848

R&D credits utilized by DISH Network, net

   (5,269)      (5,269)
R&D tax credits utilized by DISH Network 
 
 (1,600) 
 
 
 
 
 (1,600)
Other, net 
 
 (814) 
 
 
 
 
 (814)

Net income (loss)

     152,874  (6,714) 1,389 147,549  
 
 
 
 179,930
 
 (944) 1,706
 180,692

Unrealized losses on AFS securities, net and other

    (9,503)     (9,503)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    (31,698)    (237) (31,935)       (11,129) 
 
 
 (186) (11,315)

Balance, December 31, 2014

 $6 $98 $3,706,122 $(55,856)$(19,040)$(98,162)$80,457 $10,013 $3,623,638 
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net and other 
 
 
 3,559
 
 
 
 
 3,559
Balance, December 31, 2016 $100
 $6
 $3,828,677
 $(124,803) $314,247
 $(98,162) $73,910
 $12,830
 $4,006,805



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

          

Net income

 $147,549 $3,401 $211,013 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

          

Depreciation and amortization

  556,676  507,111  457,326 

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net

  (8,198) 5,024  438 

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net

  (41) (38,341) (177,558)

Impairment of long-lived assets

    38,415  32,765 

Stock-based compensation

  14,683  18,353  14,585 

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

  31,742  (35,780) (1,075)

Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net:

          

Trade accounts receivable

  (18,023) 42,580  1,357 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  950  (2,995) (1,590)

Trade accounts receivable—DISH Network

  104,051  (77,790) (56,735)

Inventory

  2,608  16,529  (16,109)

Other current assets

  9,930  5,182  10,447 

Trade accounts payable

  (22,230) (76,497) 65,577 

Trade accounts payable—DISH Network

  (26,508) 28,783  10,597 

Accrued expenses and other

  26,469  38,085  (18,197)

Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net

  (8,305) (41,650) (42,302)

Other, net

  28,778  20,097  14,610 

Net cash flows from operating activities

  840,131  450,507  505,149 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

          

Purchases of marketable investment securities

  (1,523,514) (1,080,437) (971,154)

Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities

  1,353,157  912,030  1,248,748 

Purchases of property and equipment

  (680,026) (391,873) (513,005)

Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities

  (2,808) 12,908  (4,759)

Capital contribution to DISH Digital

  (18,569) (7,000)  

Acquisition of regulatory authorizations

    (41,748) (98,477)

Proceeds from asset transfer to DISH Network

    40,398   

Purchase of strategic investments

  (35) (428) (2,608)

Distribution received from investment in affiliates

      7,500 

Other, net

  (15,795) (14,139) (13,026)

Net cash flows from investing activities

  (887,590) (570,289) (346,781)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

          

Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under

          

the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  28,857  71,247  15,398 

Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

  (63,122) (68,225) (60,022)

Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 2)

  7,526     

Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises

  (7,252) 12,663   

Other

  (1,105) 2,641  648 

Net cash flows from financing activities

  (35,096) 18,326  (43,976)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

  (2,511) 3,961  3,187 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  (85,066) (97,495) 117,579 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  634,119  731,614  614,035 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 $549,053 $634,119 $731,614 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

          

Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)

 $188,087 $188,331 $192,611 

Capitalized interest

 $23,774 $3,968 $45,497 

Cash paid for income taxes

 $14,221 $16,728 $15,798 

Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock

 $10,316 $4,761 $4,282 

Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations

 $3,312 $5,316 $30,317 

Increase (decrease) in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net

 $11,436 $(8,921)$16,812 

Net noncash assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for Tracking Stock (Note 2)

 $386,691 $ $ 

Assets received from DISH Digital (Note 6)

 $34,075 $ $ 

Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations

 $ $18,000 $24,950 

Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-16

 $ $6,694 $12,599 

Liabilities assumed in regulatory authorization acquisition

 $ $10,304 $ 

Contribution of assets to Dish Digital

 $ $ $44,712 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:  
  
  
Net income $180,692
 $149,371
 $147,549
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:  
  
  
Depreciation and amortization 495,068
 528,158
 556,676
Impairment of long-lived assets 
 2,400
 
Loss from partial redemption of debt 
 5,044
 
Losses (gains) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net (9,767) 17,669
 (41)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net (13,310) (1,895) (8,198)
Stock-based compensation 15,234
 21,839
 14,683
Deferred tax provision 98,148
 56,132
 31,742
Dividends received from unconsolidated entities 15,000
 5,000
 7,400
Proceeds from sale of trading securities 7,140
 380
 17,053
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net:  
  
  
Trade accounts receivable, net (26,942) (38,452) (17,073)
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (1,456) (25,490) 104,051
Inventory (4,814) (4,906) 2,608
Other current assets 2,263
 6,499
 9,930
Trade accounts payable (24,571) 37,228
 (22,230)
Trade accounts payable - DISH Network (19,650) (7,792) (26,508)
Accrued expenses and other 55,998
 1,477
 26,469
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net 9,459
 1,616
 (8,305)
Other, net 24,851
 22,173
 4,325
Net cash flows from operating activities 803,343
 776,451
 840,131
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:  
  
  
Purchases of marketable investment securities (921,247) (536,430) (1,523,514)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities 1,001,166
 1,057,034
 1,353,157
Expenditures for property and equipment (722,341) (809,270) (680,026)
Refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures 24,087
 105,750
 
Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities 8,076
 (2,057) (2,808)
Investments in unconsolidated entities (1,636) (64,655) (18,569)
Acquisition of regulatory authorization 
 (3,428) 
Expenditures for externally marketed software (23,252) (22,327) (22,955)
Other, net 2,880
 72
 7,125
Net cash flows from investing activities (632,267) (275,311) (887,590)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:  
  
  
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 1,500,000
 
 
Payments of debt issuance costs (7,097) 
 
Repayment of 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 and related premium 
 (113,300) 
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations (40,364) (44,804) (63,122)
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 27,432
 38,729
 28,857
Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 4) 
 
 7,526
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises 848
 3,929
 (7,252)
Other, net (5,130) (4,811) (1,105)
Net cash flows from financing activities 1,475,689
 (120,257) (35,096)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 138
 (5,696) (2,511)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,646,903
 375,187
 (85,066)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 924,240
 549,053
 634,119
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $2,571,143
 $924,240
 $549,053
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:  
  
  
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) $172,707
 $179,114
 $188,087
Capitalized interest $94,395
 $63,808
 $23,774
Cash paid for income taxes $11,700
 $6,394
 $14,221
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock $11,126
 $10,711
 $10,316
Property and equipment financed under capital lease obligations $7,652
 $8,604
 $3,312
Increase (decrease) in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net $3,054
 $(7,123) $11,436
Noncash assets contributed to SmarDTV (Note 6) $
 $6,651
 $
Net noncash assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for Tracking Stock (Note 4) $
 $
 $386,691
Noncash assets received from Sling TV Holding (Note 6) $
 $
 $34,075
Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites $
 $4,500
 $


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 1.1.    Organization and Business Activities

Principal Business

EchoStar Corporation (which, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to as "EchoStar,"“EchoStar,” the "Company," "we," "us"“Company,” “we,” “us” and/or "our"“our”) is a holding company that was organized in October 2007 as a corporation under the laws of the State of Nevada. We are a global provider of satellite service operations, video delivery solutions, digital set-top boxes, and broadband satellite technologies and broadband services for home and small office deliveringcustomers. We deliver innovative network technologies, managed services, and various communications solutions for enterprisesenterprise and governments.government customers. Our Class A common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market ("Nasdaq"(“Nasdaq”) under the symbol "SATS."

“SATS.”


On January 31, 2017, we and certain subsidiaries of EchoStar entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) with DISH Network Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries. The Share Exchange Agreement provides, among other things, that EchoStar and its subsidiaries will receive all of the shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSS Tracking Stock in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of certain EchoStar subsidiaries that will hold our EchoStar Technologies businesses (collectively, the “Share Exchange”). Following consummation of the Share Exchange, EchoStar will no longer operate the EchoStar Technologies business segment and the EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSS Tracking Stock will be retired and all agreements, arrangements and policy statements with respect to, and terms of, such tracking stock will terminate and be of no further effect. The Share Exchange is expected to be consummated three business days after the satisfaction or waiver of all of the closing conditions to the transaction (other than conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction of those conditions at such time), but no earlier than February 28, 2017. The closing conditions to the transaction involving third parties or governmental approvals have been satisfied (other than those that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing).  While we currently expect the Share Exchange to be consummated on or about February 28, 2017, no assurance can be given that the Share Exchange will be consummated on the terms or within the time frame disclosed, or at all. See Note 20 for further discussion of the Share Exchange transaction and Note 4 for more information regarding the tracking stock.
We currently operate in the following three business segments.

Hughes which provides broadband satellite technologies and broadband services to home and small office customers and network technologies, managed services and communication solutions to domestic and international consumers and enterprise and government customers. The Hughes segment also provides managed services, hardware, and satellite services to large enterprises and government customers, and designs, provides and installs gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems. In addition, our Hughes segment provides satellite ground segment systems and terminals to mobile system operators.
EchoStar Technologies which designs, develops and distributes secure end-to-end video technology solutions including digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers and telecommunication companies and international cable companies. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries (“DISH Network”) and Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Dish Mexico”), a joint venture we entered into in 2008. In addition, we provide our TV Anywhere technology through Slingbox® units directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the pay-TV operator market. Beginning in 2015, this segment also includes our over-the-top (“OTT”), Streaming Video on Demand (“SVOD”) platform business, which primarily provides support services to DISH Network’s Sling TVTM service (“Sling TV”).
EchoStar Satellite Services (“ESS”) — which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to provide satellite service operations and video delivery solutions on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, United States (“U.S.”) government service providers, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers. We also manage satellite operations for several satellites owned by third parties.

Our operations also include real estate and other activities that have not been assigned to our operating segments, including costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments, and our centralized treasury operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management,income from our investment portfolio and other services, primarily to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries ("DISH Network"). In addition, we provideinterest expense on our Slingboxes directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the payTV operator market via our partnership with Arris Group, Inc. ("Arris").debt.


Hughes—which provides satellite broadband internet access to North American consumers, and broadband network services and equipment to domestic and international enterprise markets. The Hughes segment also provides managed services to large enterprises and solutions to customers for mobile satellite systems.

EchoStar Satellite Services ("ESS")—which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to provide satellite services on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("Dish Mexico"), a joint venture we entered into in 2008, United States ("U.S.") government service providers, state agencies, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

In 2008, DISH Network completed its distribution to us of its digital set-top box business, certain infrastructure, and other assets and related liabilities, including certain of theirits satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, and real estate (the "Spin-off"“Spin-off”). Since the Spin-off, EchoStar and DISH Network have operated as separate publicly-traded companies. However, as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, described in Note 2,4 below, DISH Network owns shares of our and our subsidiary's preferred tracking stock in EchoStar Corporation and one of our subsidiaries representing an aggregate of 80.0% economic interest in the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment. The tracking stock is an equity security and the rights of DISH Network, as the holder of the tracking stock, in our assets are subject to the claims of our creditors. In addition, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of EchoStar and DISH Network and EchoStar is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

In 2011,


Note 2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
We consolidate all entities in which we completedhave a controlling financial interest. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in other entities when we own more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting shares and other shareholders do not have substantive rights to participate in management. For entities we control but do not wholly own, we record a noncontrolling interest within stockholders’ equity for the portion of the entity’s equity attributed to the noncontrolling ownership interests. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, noncontrolling interests consist primarily of HSS Tracking Stock owned by DISH Network, as described in Note 4 below. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheets, the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period, and certain information disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, amortization periods for deferred subscriber acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc.costs, revenue recognition using the percentage-of-completion method, allowances for doubtful accounts, allowances for sales returns and its subsidiariesrebates, warranty obligations, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related financing transactions ("Hughes Acquisition").

Note 2. Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock

Satellitevaluation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of stock-based compensation awards, fair value of assets and Tracking Stock Transaction

On February 20,liabilities acquired in business combinations, lease classifications, asset impairment testing, useful lives and methods for depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, and certain royalty obligations. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience, observable market inputs and on various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Changing economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. We review our estimates and assumptions periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur or prospectively if the revised estimate affects future periods.

Foreign Currency
The functional currency for certain of our foreign operations is determined to be the local currency. Accordingly, we translate assets and liabilities of these foreign entities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates and translate income and expense accounts at monthly average rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as “Foreign currency translation adjustments” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We have not recorded deferred income taxes related to our foreign currency translation adjustments.
Gains and losses resulting from re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies into the functional currency are recognized in “Other, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $0.5 million, $7.7 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, EchoStar entered into agreements with certain subsidiaries of DISH Network pursuant to which, effective March 1, 2014, (i) EchoStar issued shares of its newly authorized Hughes

respectively.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (the "EchoStar Tracking Stock")


Cash and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSS"), a subsidiaryCash Equivalents
We consider all liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of EchoStar, also issued shares90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of its newly authorized Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (the "HSS Tracking Stock"December 31, 2016 and together with the EchoStar Tracking Stock, the "Tracking Stock") to DISH Network2015 primarily consisted of money market funds, government bonds, corporate notes, and commercial paper. The amortized cost of these investments approximates their fair value.

Marketable Investment Securities
We classify our marketable investment securities as available for sale, except in exchange for five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and EchoStar XIV), including the assumption of related in-orbit incentive obligations, and $11.4 million in cash and (ii) DISH Network began receivinguncommon instances where we have designated certain satellite services on these five satellites from us (the "Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction"). The Tracking Stock tracks the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment, including certain operations, assets and liabilities attributed to such business (collectively, the "Hughes Retail Group" or "HRG").

EchoStar and HSS have adopted policy statements (the "Policy Statements") setting forth management and allocation policies for purposes of attributingsecurities as trading securities. We report all of the business and operations of EchoStar to either the Hughes Retail Group or the "EchoStar Group," which is defined as all other operations of EchoStar, including all existing and future businesses, other than the Hughes Retail Group. Among other things, the Policy Statements govern how assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses are attributed or allocated between HRG and the EchoStar Group. Such attributions and allocations generally do not affect the amounts reportedmarketable investment securities at fair value in our consolidated financial statements, except forbalance sheets. We recognize periodic changes in the attributionfair value of stockholders' equitytrading securities and realized gains and losses on sale of available-for-sale securities in “Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities,” a component of net income, or loss between the holders of Tracking Stock and common stock. The Policy Statements also do not significantly affect the way that management assesses operating performance and allocates resources within our Hughes segment.

See Note 9 for information about the five satellites received from DISH Network and Note 19 for information regarding the related satellite services agreements with DISH Network. We provide unaudited attributed financial information for HRG and the EchoStar Group in an exhibit to our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K. Set forth below is information about certain terms of the Tracking Stock and the initial recording of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction in our consolidated financial statements.

Descriptionstatements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For available-for-sale securities, we recognize periodic changes in the difference between fair value and amortized cost in other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses upon sale of available-for-sale securities are reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in net income on the trade date. We use the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to determine the cost basis on sales of marketable investment securities. Interest and dividend income from marketable investment securities is reported in “Interest income” and “Other, net,” respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.

We evaluate our available-for-sale securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other than temporary. Our evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things:
the fair value of each security compared to its amortized cost;
the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of a security has been lower than amortized cost;
the historical volatility of the Tracking Stock

Tracking stock is a typeprice of capital stock thateach security;

any market and company-specific factors related to each security; and
our intent and ability to hold the issuing company intendsinvestment to reflect or "track"recovery.
Where the economic performancefair value of a particular business component withindebt security has declined below its amortized cost, we consider the company, ratherdecline to be other than reflect the economic performancetemporary if any of the company asfollowing factors apply:
we intend to sell the security,
it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before maturity or recovery, or
we do not expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis, even if there is no intent to sell the security.
Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities that are determined to be other than temporary are reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in net income, thus establishing a whole. The Tracking Stock is intendednew cost basis for the investment.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities — Cost and Equity Method
We use the equity method to trackaccount for equity investments in entities that we do not control but have the economic performanceability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the Hughes Retail Group. The sharesinvestee. We use the cost method when we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the Tracking Stock issued to DISH Network represent an aggregate 80.0% economic interest ininvestee.
Generally, our equity investments accounted for using either the Hughes Retail Group (51.89% issued as EchoStar Tracking Stockequity method or cost method are not publicly traded and 28.11% issued as HSS Tracking Stock). In addition to the remaining 20.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, EchoStar retains all economic interest in the wholesale satellite broadband business and other businesses of EchoStar. The Hughes Retail Groupit is not practicable to regularly estimate the fair value of such investments. We evaluate these equity investments on a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securitiesquarterly basis to determine whether an event or enter into legally binding agreements. Holderschanges in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the Tracking Stock have no direct claiminvestment. As part of our evaluation, we review available information such as business plans and current financial statements of these companies for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investments. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, unprofitable operations, negative cash flow, material litigation, violations of debt covenants, bankruptcy and changes in business strategy. When we determine that an investment is impaired, and the assetsimpairment is other than temporary, we adjust the carrying amount of the Hughes Retail Group; rather, holdersinvestment to its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in net income.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Generally, equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our proportionate share of the Tracking Stock are stockholdersnet earnings or loss of its respective issuer (EchoStar or HSS)the investee, which is reported in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and are subject to all riskscomprehensive income (loss). The carrying amount of our investments may include a component of goodwill if the cost of our investment exceeds the fair value of the underlying identifiable assets and liabilities of the issuer. Holders of sharesinvestee. Dividends received from equity method investees reduce the carrying amount of the Tracking Stock vote with holdersinvestment. We defer, to the extent of our ownership interest in the investee, recognition of intra-entity profits on sales of equipment to the investee until the investee has charged the cost of the outstanding sharesequipment to expense in a subsequent sale to a third party or through depreciation. In these circumstances, we report the gross amounts of common stockrevenue and cost of its respective issuer, assales in the statement of operations and include the intra-entity profit eliminations within “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net.”
Accounts Receivable
We estimate allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable based upon past collection experience and consideration of other relevant factors. Past experience may not be indicative of future collections and therefore additional adjustments could be recognized in the future to reflect differences between estimated and actual collections.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, determined using the FIFO method, or net realizable value. Cost of inventory consists primarily of materials, direct labor and indirect overhead incurred in the procurement and manufacturing of our products. We use standard costing methodologies in determining the cost of certain of our finished goods and work-in-process inventories. We determine net realizable value using our best estimates of future use or recovery, considering the aging and composition of inventory balances, the effects of technological and/or design changes, forecasted future product demand based on firm or near-firm customer orders, and alternative means of disposition of excess or obsolete items. We recognize losses within operating income when we determine that the cost of inventory and commitments to purchase inventory exceed net realizable value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The cost of our satellites includes construction costs, including the present value of in-orbit incentives payable to the satellite manufacturer, launch costs, capitalized interest, and related insurance premiums. Depreciation is recorded on a single class, with respectstraight-line basis over lives ranging from one to any40 years. Repair and all matters presentedmaintenance costs are charged to stockholdersexpense when incurred. Costs of renewals and betterments are capitalized.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We review our long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their action or consideration. Each sharecarrying amounts may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the Tracking Stockcash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets held and used in operations, the asset is entitlednot recoverable if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. When an asset is not recoverable, we adjust the carrying amount of such asset to one-tenth (1/10th)its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in net income. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill, but test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Our goodwill as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consists primarily of goodwill assigned to reporting units of our Hughes segment. We test Hughes goodwill for impairment in the second fiscal quarter. There are two steps to the goodwill impairment test. Step one vote. The EchoStar Tracking Stock is a series of preferred stock consisting of 13,000,000 authorized shares with a parcompares the fair value of $0.001 per share, of which 6,290,499 shares were issued to DISH Network on March 1, 2014. The HSS Tracking Stock is a series of HSS preferred stock consisting of 300 authorized sharesreporting unit with a parits carrying amount, including goodwill. We typically estimate fair value of $0.001

the reporting units using discounted cash flow techniques, which includes significant assumptions about prospective financial information, terminal value and discount rates (Level 3 inputs). If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, it is necessary to perform the second step of the impairment test, which compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill to determine the amount of impairment loss. We may bypass the two-step goodwill impairment test if we determine, based on a

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

per share,


qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of which 81.128 shares were issueda reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount including goodwill.
Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets
At acquisition and periodically thereafter, we evaluate our intangible assets to DISH Network on March 1, 2014. Followingdetermine whether their useful lives are finite or indefinite. We consider our intangible assets to have indefinite lives when no significant legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, or other factors limit the issuanceuseful life.
Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from approximately one to 30 years. When we expect to incur significant costs to renew or extend finite-lived intangible assets, we amortize the total initial and estimated renewal costs over the combined initial and expected renewal terms. In such instances, actual renewal costs are capitalized when they are incurred. We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the sharesasset may not be recoverable, as discussed above under “Impairment of Long-lived Assets.”
We do not amortize our indefinite-lived intangible assets, but test those assets for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the EchoStar Tracking Stockasset may be impaired. Costs incurred to maintain or renew indefinite-lived intangible assets are expensed as incurred.
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets include Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) authorizations and the HSS Tracking Stock, DISH Network held 6.5% and 7.5% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of EchoStar and HSS capital stock, respectively.

Investor Rights Agreement

In connection with the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, EchoStar, HSS and DISH Network entered into an agreement (the "Investor Rights Agreement") setting forth certain other contractual or regulatory rights and obligations of the parties with respectto use spectrum at specified orbital locations (collectively “Regulatory Authorizations”). We have determined that our FCC authorizations generally have indefinite useful lives due to the Tracking Stock. Among other provisions,following:

FCC authorizations are non-depleting assets;
renewal satellite applications generally are authorized by the Investor Rights Agreement provides: (i) certain information and consultation rights for DISH Network; (ii) certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfer of the Tracking Stock until March 1, 2015), with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to us in connection with a change of control of DISH Network and a right to require us to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each caseFCC subject to certain termsconditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative, and conditions;legal environment;
expenditures required to maintain the authorization are not significant; and (iii) certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock.

In addition, the Investor Rights Agreement provides that DISH Network may, on or after September 1, 2016, require EchoStar

we intend to use its commercially reasonable effortsthese authorizations indefinitely.
Our non-FCC Regulatory Authorizations consist primarily of authorizations in Europe and Brazil that we acquired in 2013 and 2012, respectively. We have determined that those Regulatory Authorizations have finite lives due to register someuncertainties about the ability to extend or all of the outstanding shares of the Tracking Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, subject to certain termsrenew their terms.
Income Taxes
We recognize a provision or benefit for income taxes currently payable or receivable and conditions (including our right, upon the receipt of a demand for registration, to offer to repurchase all of the Tracking Stock). In connection with any demand for registration, DISH Network may require any outstanding shares of the HSS Tracking Stock to be exchanged for shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock with an equivalent economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group. In the event that a registration of shares of Tracking Stock is effected, EchoStar is required to use its reasonable best efforts to amend the terms of the Tracking Stock so that the Tracking Stock will be convertible or exchangeable for shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock with equivalent market value.

Initial Recording of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction

EchoStar and DISH Network are entities under common control. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, EchoStar and HSS recorded the net assets received from DISH Network in the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction at their historical carrying amounts as reflected in DISH Network's consolidated financial statements as of February 28, 2014, the day prior to the effective date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. DISH Network transferred the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, and EchoStar X satellites to HSS and


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

transferred the EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites to EchoStar. The historical carrying amounts of net assets transferred to EchoStar and HSS were as follows:

 
 EchoStar(1) HSS Total 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Cash

 $ $11,404 $11,404 

Property and equipment, net

  349,243  82,837  432,080 

Current liabilities

  (3,479) (3,076) (6,555)

Noncurrent liabilities

  (30,121) (8,713) (38,834)

Transferred net assets

 $315,643 $82,452 $398,095 

(1)
All of the net assets received by EchoStar as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction were immediately transferred to HSS and are being used by our EchoStar Satellite Services segment.

The transferred net assets increased EchoStar stockholders' equity and HSS shareholders' equity by amounts that reflect the carrying amounts of net assets that would be distributed to holders of the Tracking Stock and common stock in a hypothetical liquidation, which would be in proportion to the relative market values (as defined in applicable agreements) of each class of stock. The amounts credited to equity were reduced by direct costs of the Tracking Stock issuance and deferred income tax amounts deferred to future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities arising fromare recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the financial reporting carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we determine it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. We determine deferred tax assets and liabilities separately for each taxing jurisdiction and report the net amount for each jurisdiction as a noncurrent asset or liability in our consolidated balance sheets.

From time to time, we engage in transactions where the income tax consequences are uncertain. We recognize tax benefits when, in management’s judgment, a tax filing position is more likely than not to be sustained if challenged by the tax authorities. For tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, we may not recognize a portion of a tax benefit depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. Unrecognized tax benefits generally are netted against the deferred tax assets associated with our net operating loss carryforwards. We adjust our estimates periodically based on ongoing examinations by and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax provision or benefit.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

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 utilize the highest level of inputs available according to 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; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with characteristics of the asset or liability that would be considered by market participants in a transaction to purchase or sell the asset or liability.
Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are considered to occur at the beginning of the quarterly accounting period. There were no transfers between levels for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, accounts payable and accrued liabilities were equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates.
Fair values of our marketable investment securities are based on a variety of observable market inputs. For our investments in publicly traded equity securities and U.S. government securities, fair value ordinarily is determined based on a Level 1 measurement that reflects quoted prices for identical securities in active markets. Fair values of our investments in other marketable debt securities generally are based on Level 2 measurements, as the markets for such debt securities are less active. Trades of identical debt securities on or near the measurement date are considered a strong indication of fair value. Matrix pricing techniques that consider par value, coupon rate, credit quality, maturity and other relevant features also may be used to determine fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities.
Fair values for our 2019 Senior Secured Notes, 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes and 2026 Notes (see Note 11) are based on quoted market prices in less active markets and are categorized as Level 2 measurements. The fair values of our other debt are Level 2 measurements and are estimated to approximate their carrying amounts based on the proximity of their interest rates to current market rates. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair values of our in-orbit incentive obligations, based on measurements categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, approximated their carrying amounts of $74.1 million and $79.3 million, respectively. We use fair value measurements from time to time in connection with asset impairment testing and the tax basesassignment of purchase consideration to assets and liabilities of acquired companies. Those fair value measurements typically include significant unobservable inputs and are categorized within Level 3 of the transferred satellites.

The net amounts creditedfair value hierarchy.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of equipment and services generally is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, prices are fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured, and the goods have been delivered or services have been rendered. If any of these criteria are not met, revenue recognition is deferred until such time as all of the criteria are met. Revenue from equipment sales generally is recognized upon shipment to EchoStar stockholders' equitycustomers. Revenue from recurring services generally is recognized ratably over the service term. Upfront fees collected in connection with services to consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment are deferred and recognized as revenue over the estimated subscriber life. We may offer rebates to qualifying new consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment. We reduce related revenue at inception of the subscriber contract based on an estimate of the number of rebates that will be redeemed. Our estimates are based on historical experience and actual sales during the promotion. Services and other revenue includes revenue from leases of satellite capacity and equipment. We typically determine based on applicable criteria that our leasing arrangements are operating leases and recognize related revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

In situations where customer offerings represent an arrangement for both services and equipment, revenue elements with standalone value to the customer are separated for revenue recognition purposes based on their selling prices if sold separately. We determine selling prices under a hierarchy that considers vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), third-party evidence and estimated selling prices. Typically, we derive VSOE from service renewal rates and optional equipment prices specified in customer contracts or we estimate prices based on the gross margin that we ordinarily realize in transactions with similarly situated customers.
In addition to equipment and service offerings, our Hughes segment also enters into contracts to design, develop, and deliver complex telecommunication networks to customers in its enterprise and mobile satellite systems markets. Those contracts require significant effort to develop and construct the network over an extended time period. Revenue from such contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Depending on the nature of the arrangement, we measure progress toward contract completion using the cost-to-cost method or the units-of-delivery method. Under the cost-to-cost method, revenue reflects the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion multiplied by the total estimated contract revenue. Under the units-of-delivery method, revenue and related costs are recognized as products are delivered based on the expected profit for the EchoStar Tracking Stock (primarily additional paid-in capital)entire agreement. Profit margins on long-term contracts are based on estimates of revenue and costs at completion. We review and revise our estimates periodically and recognize related adjustments in the period in which the revisions are made. Estimated losses on contracts are recorded in the period in which they are identified.
We report revenue net of sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Since we primarily act as an agent for the governmental authorities, the amount charged to the customer is collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.
Debt Issuance Costs
Costs of issuing debt generally are deferred and amortized utilizing the effective interest method with amortization included in “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We report unamortized debt issuance costs as a reduction of the related long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets.
Cost of Sales - Services and Equipment
Cost of sales - services primarily consists of costs of digital broadcast operations, satellite capacity and services, hub infrastructure, customer care, wireline and wireless capacity, and direct labor costs associated with the services provided. Costs of sales - services generally are charged to expense as incurred. Cost of sales - equipment primarily consists of inventory costs, including freight and royalties. Cost of sales - equipment generally is recognized as products are delivered to customers and related revenue is recognized.
Research and Development
Costs incurred in research and development activities generally are expensed as incurred. A significant portion of our research and development costs are incurred in connection with the specific requirements of a customer’s order. In such instances, the amounts for these customer funded development efforts are included in cost of sales.
Cost of sales includes research and development costs incurred in connection with customer’s orders of approximately $67.8 million, $59.2 million and $68.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In addition, we incurred other research and development expenses of approximately $76.0 million, $78.3 million and $60.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Subscriber Acquisition Costs
Subscriber Acquisition Costs (“SAC”) consists of costs paid to third-party dealers and customer service representative commissions on new service activations and hardware upgrades and, in certain cases, the cost of hardware and installation services provided to non-wholesale consumer customers at the inception of service or hardware upgrade. SAC is deferred when a customer enters into a service agreement and is subsequently amortized over the service agreement term in proportion to when the related service revenue is recognized. We monitor the recoverability of deferred SAC and are entitled to an early termination fee if the subscriber cancels service prior to the end of the service agreement term. The recoverability of deferred SAC is reasonably assured through the monthly service fee charged to customers, our ability to recover the equipment, and/or

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

our ability to charge an early termination fee. Deferred SAC is included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Capitalized Software Costs
Costs related to the procurement and development of software for internal-use and externally marketed software are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, not in excess of five years. Capitalized costs of internal-use software are included in “Property and equipment, net” and capitalized costs of externally marketed software are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our consolidated balance sheets. Externally marketed software generally is installed in the equipment we sell to customers. We conduct software program reviews for externally marketed capitalized software costs at least annually, or as events and circumstances warrant such a review, to determine if capitalized software development costs are recoverable and to ensure that costs associated with programs that are no longer generating revenue are expensed. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the net carrying amount of externally marketed software was $76.3 million and $62.8 million, respectively, of which $50.1 million and $32.6 million, respectively, is under development and not yet placed in service. We capitalized costs related to the development of externally marketed software of $23.3 million, $22.4 million and $23.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We recorded amortization expense relating to the development of externally marketed software of $9.7 million, $8.4 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The weighted average useful life of our externally marketed software was approximately three years as of December 31, 2016.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the fair value of stock awards ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Compensation expense for awards with service conditions only is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation expense for awards subject to performance conditions is recognized only when satisfaction of the performance condition is probable.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We incurred advertising expense of $56.3 million, $49.9 million and $50.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). It outlines a single comprehensive model, codified in Topic 606 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.”  In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which deferred the mandatory effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. As a result, public entities are required to adopt the new revenue standard in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and in interim periods within those annual periods. The standard may be applied either retrospectively to prior periods or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, but not before annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations, which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which amends guidance on identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which addresses collectibility, noncash consideration, completed contracts at transition, a practical expedient for contract modifications at transition, and an accounting policy election related to the presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections to Topic 606, which clarifies, but does not fundamentally change, certain aspects of the new revenue standard. We have not selected the transition method that we will apply upon adoption. We continue to evaluate the

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

impact of the new standard and available adoption methods on our consolidated financial statements. We are in the process of evaluating arrangements with customers and identifying differences in accounting between new and existing standards.
In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). This standard amends the consolidation guidance for variable interest entities and general partners’ investments in limited partnerships and similar entities. ASU 2015-02 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods, and required either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We adopted ASU 2015-02 in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of the standard did not impact our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). This standard requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. ASU 2015-03 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods, and required a retrospective approach to adoption. We adopted ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016. Upon adoption, we presented unamortized debt issuance cost previously reported in “Other noncurrent assets, net” with a carrying amount of $31.3 million as of December 31, 2015, as a reduction of our “Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs.”

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). This update substantially revises standards for the recognition, measurement and presentation of financial instruments, including requiring all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. It also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted for certain requirements. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). This standard requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms more than 12 months, including leases classified as operating leases. The standard also modifies the definition of a lease and the noncontrolling interestcriteria for classifying leases as operating leases or financing leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which simplifies the accounting for share-based payment awards. This update requires all excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit and permits an entity to make an entity-wide policy election to either estimate forfeitures or recognize forfeitures as they occur. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those periods. The update specifies requirements for retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective application for the various amendments contained in the HSS Tracking Stock wereupdate. Upon adoption of this standard as follows:

of January 1, 2017, we recorded a $14.5 million deferred tax asset and a corresponding credit to retained earnings for excess tax benefits that had not previously been recognized because the related tax deductions had not reduced taxes payable. We will not change our accounting policy which is to estimate forfeitures.


In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”), which improves the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
 
 EchoStar
Stockholders
 Noncontrolling
Interest
 Total 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Transferred net assets

 $315,643 $82,452 $398,095 

Offering costs, net of tax

  (2,302) (610) (2,912)

Deferred income taxes

  (114,525) (29,971) (144,496)

Reallocation based on relative liquidation values

  (35,300) 35,300   

Net increase in stockholders' equity

 $163,516 $87,171 $250,687 

within those periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”). This standard clarifies the guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows, along with other cash-flow-related issues. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted, which must apply the guidance retrospectively to all periods presented. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). The standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and to be 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 will apply this new accounting standard in future periods if we determine that the carrying amount of any reporting units including goodwill exceeds fair value of the reporting unit.

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries, investments in entities in which we have controlling interest and variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. For entities we control but do not wholly-own, we record a noncontrolling interest within stockholders' equity for the portion of the entity's equity attributed to the noncontrolling ownership interests. For the noncontrolling interest in the HSS Tracking Stock (see Note 2), we periodically attribute a portion of HSS net income or loss to the noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock with such portion equal to the economic interest (28.11%) in the Hughes Retail Group represented by the HSS Tracking Stock, as determined in accordance with the Policy Statements and other documents governing the Tracking Stock. We use the equity method to account for investments in entities that we do not control but have the ability to


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. When we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee, the cost method is used. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheets, the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period, and certain information disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, amortization periods for deferred revenue and deferred subscriber acquisition costs, revenue recognition using the percentage-of-completion method, allowances for doubtful accounts, allowances for sales returns and rebates, warranty obligations, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of awards granted under our stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, lease classifications, asset impairments, useful lives and methods for depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangible assets, goodwill impairment testing, royalty obligations, and allocations that affect the periodic determination of net income or loss attributable to the Tracking Stock. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience, observable market inputs and on various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Weakened economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. We review our estimates and assumptions periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur or prospectively if the revised estimate affects future periods.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency for certain of our foreign operations is determined to be the local currency. Accordingly, we translate assets and liabilities of these foreign entities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates and translate income and expense accounts at monthly average rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as "Foreign currency translation adjustments" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Gains and losses resulting from re-measurement of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies into the functional currency are recognized in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We occasionally enter into forward exchange contracts to mitigate foreign currency exchange risks related to certain of our assets and liabilities and forecasted transactions. We have not designated such contracts as qualified hedges; therefore, changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in earnings. We recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $3.0 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and recognized a net gain of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 primarily consisted of money market


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

funds, government bonds, corporate notes, and commercial paper. The amortized cost of these investments approximates their fair value.

Marketable Investment Securities

We classify our marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except in certain instances where we have accounted for certain securities as trading securities. We report our available-for-sale securities at fair value and generally recognize the difference between fair value and amortized cost as "Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities that are determined to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings, thus establishing a new cost basis for the investment. We did not record any other-than-temporary losses during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, or 2012. Interest and dividend income from marketable investment securities is reported in "Interest income" and "Other, net," respectively, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.

We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other-than-temporary. Our evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things:

Where the fair value of a debt security has declined below its amortized cost, we consider the decline to be other-than-temporary if any of the following factors apply:

We use the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method to determine the cost basis on sales of marketable investment securities.

Other Investment Securities—Cost and Equity Method

Generally, we account for our non-marketable equity investments using either the equity method or cost method of accounting. It is not practicable to regularly estimate the fair value of our equity securities that are not publicly traded. We evaluate these equity investments on a quarterly basis to determine whether an event or changes in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. As part of our evaluation, we review available information such as business plans and current financial statements of these companies for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investments. Such factors may include, but are not limited to,


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

unprofitable operations, negative cash flow, material litigation, violations of debt covenants, bankruptcy and changes in business strategy. When we determine that an investment is impaired, and the impairment is other-than-temporary, we adjust the carrying amount of the investment to its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in earnings.

Investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or otherwise have significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our proportionate share of the net earnings or loss of the investee, which is reported in "Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The carrying amount of our investments may include a component of goodwill if the cost of our investment exceeds the fair value of the underlying identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee. Dividends received from equity method investees reduce the carrying amount of the investment. We defer, to the extent of our ownership interest in the investee, recognition of intra-entity profits on sales of equipment to the investee until the investee has charged the cost of the equipment to expense in a subsequent sale to a third party or through depreciation. In these circumstances, we report the gross amounts of revenue and cost of sales in the statement of operations and include the intra-entity profit eliminations within "Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net."

Accounts Receivable

We estimate allowances for the potential non-collectability of accounts receivable based upon past collection experience and consideration of other relevant factors. Past experience may not be indicative of future collections and therefore additional adjustments could be recognized in the future to reflect differences between estimated and actual collections.

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, determined using the FIFO method, or net realizable value. We use standard costing methodologies in determining the cost of certain of our finished goods and work-in-process inventories. We determine net realizable value using our best estimates of future use or recovery, considering the aging and composition of inventory balances, the effects of technological and/or design changes, forecasted future product demand based on firm or near-firm customer orders, and alternative means of disposition of excess or obsolete items.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The cost of our satellites includes construction costs, including the present value of in-orbit incentives payable to the satellite manufacturer, launch costs, capitalized interest, and related insurance premiums. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over lives ranging from one to 40 years. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Costs of renewals and betterments are capitalized.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets held and used in operations, the asset is not recoverable if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. When an asset is not recoverable, we adjust the carrying amount of such asset to its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in earnings. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill, but test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Our goodwill as of December 31, 2014 consists primarily of goodwill assigned to reporting units of our Hughes segment. We test Hughes goodwill for impairment in the second fiscal quarter. There are two steps to the goodwill impairment test. Step one compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. We typically estimate fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flow techniques, which includes significant assumptions about prospective financial information, terminal value and discount rates. If the reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, it is necessary to perform the second step of the impairment test, which compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill to determine the amount of impairment loss. We may bypass the two-step goodwill impairment test if we determine, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount including goodwill.

Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets

At acquisition and periodically thereafter, we evaluate our intangible assets to determine whether their useful lives are finite or indefinite. We consider our intangible assets to have indefinite lives when no significant legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, or other factors limit the useful life.

Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from approximately one to 30 years. When we expect to incur significant costs to renew or extend finite-lived intangible assets, we amortize the total initial and estimated renewal costs over the combined initial and expected renewal terms. In such instances, actual renewal costs are capitalized when they are incurred. We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, as discussed above under "Impairment of Long-lived Assets."

We do not amortize our indefinite-lived intangible assets, but test those assets for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired. Costs incurred to renew or extend indefinite-lived intangible assets are expensed as incurred.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets include Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") authorizations and certain other contractual or regulatory rights to use spectrum at specified orbital locations (collectively "Regulatory Authorizations"). We have determined that our FCC authorizations have indefinite useful lives due to the following:

Our non-FCC regulatory authorizations consist primarily of authorizations in Europe and Brazil that we acquired in 2013 and 2012, respectively. We have determined that those Regulatory Authorizations have finite lives due to the absence of largely perfunctory renewal provisions and uncertainties about the regulatory environments.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Income Taxes

We recognize a provision or benefit for income taxes currently payable or receivable and for income tax amounts deferred to future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the financial reporting carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we determine it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future.

From time to time, we engage in transactions where the income tax consequences are uncertain. We recognize tax benefits when, in management's judgment, a tax filing position is more likely than not of being sustained if challenged by the tax authorities. For tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, we may not recognize a portion of a tax benefit depending on management's assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. Unrecognized tax benefits generally are netted against the deferred tax assets associated with our net operating loss carryforwards. We adjust our estimates periodically based on ongoing examinations by and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax provision or benefit.

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 utilize the highest level of inputs available according to the following hierarchy in determining fair value:

Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are considered to occur at the beginning of the quarterly accounting period. There were no transfers between levels for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, accounts payable and accrued liabilities were equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates.

Fair values of our current marketable investment securities are based on a variety of observable market inputs. For our investments in publicly traded equity securities and U.S. government securities, fair value ordinarily is determined based on a Level 1 measurement that reflects quoted prices for identical securities in active markets. Fair values of our investments in other marketable debt securities generally are based on Level 2 measurements as the markets for such debt securities are less active. Trades of


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

identical debt securities on or near the measurement date are considered a strong indication of fair value. Matrix pricing techniques that consider par value, coupon rate, credit quality, maturity and other relevant features also may be used to determine fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities.

Fair values for our publicly traded long-term debt are based on quoted market prices in less active markets and are categorized as Level 2 measurements. The fair values of our privately held debt are Level 2 measurements and are estimated to approximate their carrying amounts based on the proximity of their interest rates to current market rates. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of our in-orbit incentive obligations, based on measurements categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, approximated their carrying amounts of $85.8 million and $48.4 million, respectively. We use fair value measurements from time-to-time in connection with impairment testing and the assignment of purchase consideration to assets and liabilities of acquired companies. Those fair value measurements typically include significant unobservable inputs and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of equipment and services generally is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, prices are fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and the goods have been delivered or services have been rendered. If any of these criteria are not met, revenue recognition is deferred until such time as all of the criteria are met. Revenue from equipment sales generally is recognized upon shipment to customers. Revenue from recurring services generally is recognized ratably over the service term. Upfront fees collected in connection with services to consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment are deferred and recognized as revenue over the estimated subscriber life. We offer a rebate to qualifying new consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment and reduce related revenue based on an estimate of the number of rebates that will be redeemed. This estimate is based on historical experience and actual sales during the promotion.

Services and other revenue includes revenue from leases of satellite capacity and equipment. We typically determine based on applicable criteria that our leasing arrangements are operating leases and recognize related revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

In situations where customer offerings represent an arrangement for both services and equipment, revenue elements with standalone value to the customer are separated for revenue recognition purposes based on their selling prices if sold separately. We determine selling prices under a hierarchy that considers vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE"), third-party evidence and estimated selling prices. Typically, we derive VSOE from service renewal rates and optional equipment prices specified in customer contracts or we estimate prices based on the gross margin that we ordinarily realize in transactions with similarly situated customers.

In addition to equipment and service offerings, our Hughes segment also enters into contracts to design, develop, and deliver complex telecommunication networks to customers in its enterprise and mobile satellite systems markets. Those contracts require significant effort to develop and construct the network over an extended time period. Revenue from such contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Depending on the nature of the arrangement, we measure progress toward contract completion using the cost-to-cost method or the units-of-delivery method. Under the cost-to-cost method, revenue reflects the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion multiplied by the total estimated contract revenue. Under the units-of-delivery method, revenue and related costs are recognized as products are delivered based on the expected profit for the entire


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

agreement. Profit margins on long-term contracts are based on estimates of revenue and costs at completion. We review and revise our estimates periodically and recognize related adjustments in the period in which the revisions are made. Estimated losses on contracts are recorded in the period in which they are identified.

We report revenue net of sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Since we primarily act as an agent for the governmental authorities, the amount charged to the customer is collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs of issuing debt generally are deferred and amortized utilizing the effective interest method with amortization included in "Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Cost of Equipment and Services

Cost of equipment primarily consists of materials and direct labor costs associated with the procurement and manufacture of our products and indirect overhead incurred in the procurement and production process, including freight and royalties. Cost of equipment generally is recognized as products are delivered to customers and related revenue is recognized. Cost of services primarily consists of costs of digital broadcast operations, transponder capacity service agreements, satellite services, hub infrastructure, customer care, wireline and wireless capacity, and direct labor costs associated with the service provided. Cost of services are charged to expense as incurred.

Research and Development

Research and development efforts not directly funded by our customers are expensed as incurred. A significant portion of our research and development efforts have generally been conducted in direct response to the specific requirements of a customer's order and, accordingly, the amounts for these customer funded development efforts are included in cost of sales.

The portion of our cost of sales, which includes research and development funded by customers for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $68.4 million, $65.3 million and $60.9 million, respectively. In addition, we incurred $60.9 million, $67.9 million and $69.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for research and development expenses funded by the Company.

Subscriber Acquisition Costs ("SAC")

SAC consists of costs paid to third-party dealers and customer service representative commissions on new service activations and hardware upgrades and, in certain cases, the cost of hardware and installation services provided to non-wholesale consumer customers at the inception of service or hardware upgrade. SAC is deferred when a customer enters into a service agreement and is subsequently amortized over the service agreement term in proportion to when the related service revenue is recognized. We monitor the recoverability of deferred SAC and are entitled to an early termination fee if the subscriber cancels service prior to the end of the service agreement term. The recoverability of deferred SAC is reasonably assured through the monthly service fee charged to customers, our ability to recover the equipment, and/or our ability to charge an early termination fee. Deferred SAC is included in "Other noncurrent assets, net" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Capitalized Software Costs

Development costs related to software for internal use and externally marketed software are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, not in excess of five years. Internal use capitalized software costs are included in "Property and equipment, net" and externally marketed capitalized software costs are included in "Other noncurrent assets, net" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We conduct software program reviews for externally marketed capitalized software costs at least annually, or as events and circumstances warrant such a review, to determine if capitalized software development costs are recoverable and to ensure that costs associated with programs that are no longer generating revenue are expensed. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the net carrying amount of externally marketed software was $48.9 million and $31.4 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we capitalized $23.1 million, $17.0 million and $10.2 million, respectively, of costs related to development of externally marketed software. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded $5.4 million, $1.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of amortization expense relating to our externally marketed software.

Stock-based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the fair value of stock awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Compensation expense only for awards with service conditions is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation expense for awards subject to a performance condition is recognized only when satisfaction of the performance condition is probable.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred advertising expense of $50.8 million, $47.4 million and $47.0 million, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). It outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that "an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services." ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods and may be applied either retrospectively to prior periods or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. Management has not selected a transition method and is assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Note 4.    Earnings per Share

We present basic earnings per share ("EPS"(“EPS”) and diluted EPS for our Class A and Class B common stock. The EchoStar Tracking Stock (see Note 4 for definitions and a further discussion of the preferred tracking stock, the EchoStar Group and the Hughes Retail Group) is a participating security that shares in our consolidated earnings and therefore, effective March 1, 2014, the issuance date of the EchoStar Tracking Stock, we apply the two-class method to calculate EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate net income or loss attributable to EchoStar between common stock and the EchoStar Tracking Stock considering both dividends declared on each class of stock and the participation rights of each class of stock in undistributed earnings. Based on the 51.89% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, currently outstanding asrepresented by the EchoStar Tracking Stock, we allocate undistributed earnings to the EchoStar Tracking Stock based on 51.89% of the attributed net income or loss of the Hughes Retail Group. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we allocated a net loss of $12.4 million to the EchoStar Tracking Stock, reflecting DISH Network's 51.89% economic interest (represented by the EchoStar Tracking Stock) in the net loss of the Hughes Retail Group for the period from the issuance of the EchoStar Tracking Stock on March 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Moreover, because the reported amount of "Net“Net income attributable to EchoStar” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) excludes DISH Network'sNetwork’s 28.11% economic interest (represented by the HSS Tracking Stock) in the net loss of the Hughes Retail Group (reported as a noncontrolling interest), the amount of consolidated net income or loss allocated to holders of Class A and Class B common stock effectively excludes an aggregate 80.0% interest inof the attributed net loss of the Hughes Retail Group.

Basic EPS for our Class A and Class B common stock excludes potential dilution and is computed by dividing "NetNet income (loss) attributable to EchoStar"EchoStar common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if ourshares of common stock awards were exercised.issued pursuant to our stock-based compensation awards. The potential dilution from common stock awards was computed using the treasury stock method based on the average market value of our Class A common stock during the period. The calculation of our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding excluded (i) options to purchase shares of our Class A common stock, whose effect would be anti-dilutive, of 3.5 million, 2.3 million 2.7 million and 4.42.3 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and (ii)respectively. The calculation also excluded 0.7 million shares of our Class A common stock that are contingentlywere issuable pursuant to our performance based stock incentive plan basedplans contingent upon meeting a company-specific performance measure by March 31, 2015, whichthat was not probableachieved and which resulted in the expiration of being achievedsuch awards as of DecemberMarch 31, 2014, of 0.7 million shares for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

2015.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued


The following table presents basic and diluted EPS amounts for all periods and the corresponding weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculations.

  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to EchoStar $179,930
 $153,357
 $152,874
Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock (1,743) (10,343) (12,394)
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock $181,673
 $163,700
 $165,268
       
Weighted-average common shares outstanding :  
  
  
Class A and B common stock:  
  
  
Basic 93,795
 92,397
 91,190
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding 615
 1,069
 1,426
Diluted 94,410
 93,466
 92,616
       
Earnings per share:  
  
  
Class A and B common stock:  
  
  
Basic $1.94
 $1.77
 $1.81
Diluted $1.92
 $1.75
 $1.78

Note 4.    Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
On January 31, 2017, we entered into the Share Exchange Agreement. The Share Exchange Agreement provides, among other things, that EchoStar and its subsidiaries will receive all of the shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock (as defined below) and HSS Tracking Stock (as defined below) in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of certain EchoStar subsidiaries that will hold our EchoStar Technologies businesses. Following consummation of the Share Exchange, the EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSS Tracking Stock will be retired and all agreements, arrangements and policy statements with respect to, and terms of, such tracking stock will terminate and be of no further effect. See Note 20 for further discussion of the Share Exchange.

Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
In February 2014, EchoStar entered into agreements with certain subsidiaries of DISH Network pursuant to which, effective March 1, 2014, (i) EchoStar issued shares of its newly authorized Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (the “EchoStar Tracking Stock”) and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSS”), a subsidiary of EchoStar, also issued shares of its newly authorized Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (the “HSS Tracking Stock” and together with the EchoStar Tracking Stock, the “Tracking Stock”) to DISH Network in exchange for five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and EchoStar XIV), including the assumption of related in-orbit incentive obligations, and $11.4 million in cash and (ii) DISH Network began receiving certain satellite services on these five satellites from us (the “Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction”). The Tracking Stock tracks the economic performance of the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment, including certain operations, assets and liabilities attributed to such business (collectively, the “Hughes Retail Group” or “HRG”). The Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction was consistent with the long-term strategy of the Company to increase the scale of its satellite services business, which provides high-margin revenues, while continuing to benefit from the growth of the satellite broadband business. As a result of the additional satellites received in the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, EchoStar increased short-term cash flow that it believes has better positioned it to achieve its strategic objectives.

EchoStar and HSS have adopted policy statements (the “Policy Statements”) setting forth management and allocation policies for purposes of attributing all of the business and operations of EchoStar to either the Hughes Retail Group or the “EchoStar Group,” which is defined as all other operations of EchoStar, including all existing and future businesses, other than the Hughes Retail Group. Among other things, the Policy Statements govern how assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses are attributed or allocated between HRG and the EchoStar Group. Such attributions and allocations generally do not affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements, except for the attribution of stockholders’ equity and net income or loss between the

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

holders of Tracking Stock and common stock. The Policy Statements also do not significantly affect the way that management assesses operating performance and allocates resources within our Hughes segment.
We provide unaudited attributed financial information for HRG and the EchoStar Group in an exhibit to our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. Set forth below is information about certain terms of the Tracking Stock and the initial recording of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction in our consolidated financial statements, as well as the purpose and effect of the transaction on the Company and the Company’s Class A common stock.
Description of the Tracking Stock
Tracking stock is a type of capital stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or “track” the economic performance of a particular business component within the company, rather than reflect the economic performance of the company as a whole. The Tracking Stock is intended to track the economic performance of the Hughes Retail Group. The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to DISH Network represent an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group (the shares issued as EchoStar Tracking Stock represent a 51.89% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group and the shares  issued as HSS Tracking Stock represent a 28.11% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group). In addition to the remaining 20.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, EchoStar retains all economic interest in the wholesale satellite broadband business and other businesses of EchoStar. The 80.0% economic interest was determined at the time of issuance based on the estimated fair value of the consideration received from DISH Network in exchange for the Tracking Stock, consisting of the five satellites and $11.4 million in cash, relative to the estimated fair value of the Hughes Retail Group. The allocation of economic interest represented by the Tracking Stock of 51.89% issued as EchoStar Tracking Stock and 28.11% issued as HSS Tracking Stock reflected the relative assignment to HSS Tracking Stock and EchoStar Tracking Stock of the aggregate increase in equity resulting from DISH Network’s contribution of the satellites and cash. The tracking stock structure and the allocation of the tracking stock economic interest between EchoStar and HSS was advantageous to EchoStar from an economic and tax perspective by allowing the Company to increase cash flow by using the value of the Hughes Retail Group to purchase the satellites from DISH Network.
While DISH Network, as the holder of the Tracking Stock, holds an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, the Hughes Retail Group is not a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securities or enter into legally binding agreements. Holders of the Tracking Stock have no direct claim to the assets of the Hughes Retail Group; rather, holders of the Tracking Stock are stockholders of its respective issuer (EchoStar or HSS) and are subject to all risks and liabilities of the issuer.
The EchoStar Tracking Stock is a series of preferred stock consisting of 13,000,000 authorized shares with a par value of $0.001 per share, of which 6,290,499 shares were issued to DISH Network on March 1, 2014. The HSS Tracking Stock is a series of HSS preferred stock consisting of 300 authorized shares with a par value of $0.001 per share, of which 81.128 shares were issued to DISH Network on March 1, 2014. Following the issuance of the shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock and the HSS Tracking Stock, DISH Network held 6.5% and 7.5% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of EchoStar and HSS capital stock, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, DISH Network held 6.3% and 7.5% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of EchoStar and HSS capital stock, respectively.
Holders of shares of the Tracking Stock vote with holders of the outstanding shares of common stock of its respective issuer, as a single class, with respect to any and all matters presented to stockholders for their action or consideration. Each share of the Tracking Stock is entitled to one tenth (1/10th) of one vote, which resulted in a relative loss of voting power for our Class A and Class B common stockholders. In the event of a liquidation of EchoStar, holders of shares of EchoStar Class A common stock, EchoStar Class B common stock and the EchoStar Tracking Stock are entitled to receive their respective proportionate interests in the net assets of EchoStar, if any, remaining for distribution upon liquidation, pro rata based upon the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock (determined by an independent appraisal to the extent such shares are not then listed or quoted on any U.S. national or regional securities exchange or quotation system) as compared to the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of EchoStar Class A common stock and EchoStar Class B common stock. Similarly, in the event of a liquidation of HSS, holders of shares of HSS common stock and HSS Tracking Stock are entitled to receive their respective proportionate interests in the net assets of HSS, if any, remaining for distribution upon liquidation, pro rata based upon the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of HSS Tracking Stock as compared to the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of HSS common stock. Market values of HSS Tracking Stock and HSS common stock are to be determined by an independent appraisal to the extent such shares are not then listed or quoted on any U.S. national or regional securities exchange or quotation system.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Should our board of directors, or the board of directors of HSS, make a future determination to pay a dividend on any shares of capital stock, the respective board of directors may, in its sole discretion, declare dividends only on shares of common stock, only on shares of the Tracking Stock or on shares of both the common stock and the Tracking Stock of the respective company. No dividend or other distribution may be paid on any shares of EchoStar Tracking Stock unless a dividend or distribution in an equivalent amount is paid on shares of HSS Tracking Stock and no dividend or other distribution may be paid on any shares of HSS Tracking Stock unless a dividend or distribution in an equivalent amount is paid on shares of EchoStar Tracking Stock.
EchoStar and HSS may each, at its option, redeem all of the outstanding shares of its Tracking Stock in exchange for shares of common stock in an HRG Holding Company (as defined below), which EchoStar is required to establish pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement discussed below.
Investor Rights Agreement
In connection with the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, EchoStar, HSS and DISH Network entered into an agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) setting forth certain rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the Tracking Stock. Among other provisions, the Investor Rights Agreement provides: (i) certain information and consultation rights for DISH Network; (ii) certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar), an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to us in connection with a change of control of DISH Network and a right to require us to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions; (iii) certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock; and (iv) a requirement for EchoStar to establish a holding company subsidiary (an “HRG Holding Company”) that is directly or indirectly wholly owned by EchoStar and that will hold the Hughes Retail Group.
In addition, the Investor Rights Agreement provides that DISH Network may, at any time on or after September 1, 2016, require EchoStar to use its commercially reasonable efforts to register some or all of the outstanding shares of the Tracking Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, subject to certain terms and conditions (including our right, upon the receipt of a demand for registration, to offer to repurchase all of the Tracking Stock). In connection with any demand for registration, DISH Network may require any outstanding shares of the HSS Tracking Stock to be exchanged for shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock with an equivalent economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group. In the event that a registration of shares of Tracking Stock is effected, EchoStar is required to use its reasonable best efforts to amend the terms of the Tracking Stock so that the Tracking Stock will be convertible or exchangeable for shares of EchoStar Class A common stock with equivalent market value.
Initial Recording of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
EchoStar and DISH Network are entities under common control. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, EchoStar and HSS recorded the net assets received from DISH Network in the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction at their historical carrying amounts as reflected in DISH Network’s consolidated financial statements as of February 28, 2014, the day prior to the effective date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. DISH Network transferred the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, and EchoStar X satellites to HSS and transferred the EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites to EchoStar. The historical carrying amounts of net assets transferred to EchoStar and HSS at the date of transfer were as follows:
 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (In thousands, except per share amounts)
 

Net income attributable to EchoStar

 $152,874 $2,525 $211,048 

Net loss attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock

  (12,394)    

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock

 $165,268 $2,525 $211,048 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding :

          

Class A and B common stock:

          

Basic

  91,190  89,405  87,150 

Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding

  1,426  1,547  809 

Diluted

  92,616  90,952  87,959 

Earnings per share:

          

Class A and B common stock:

          

Basic

 $1.81 $0.03 $2.42 

Diluted

 $1.78 $0.03 $2.40 
  EchoStar(1) HSS Total
  (In thousands)
Cash $
 $11,404
 $11,404
Property and equipment, net 349,243
 82,837
 432,080
Current liabilities (3,479) (3,076) (6,555)
Noncurrent liabilities (30,121) (8,713) (38,834)
Transferred net assets $315,643
 $82,452
 $398,095

(1)All of the net assets received by EchoStar as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction were immediately transferred to HSS and are being used by our ESS segment.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The transferred net assets increased EchoStar stockholders’ equity and HSS shareholders’ equity by amounts that reflect the carrying amounts of net assets that would be distributed to holders of the Tracking Stock and common stock in a hypothetical liquidation, which would be in proportion to the relative market values (as defined in applicable agreements) of each class of stock. The amounts credited to equity were reduced by direct costs of the Tracking Stock issuance and deferred income tax liabilities arising from differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts and the tax bases of the transferred satellites.
The net amounts credited to EchoStar stockholders’ equity for the EchoStar Tracking Stock (primarily additional paid-in capital) and the noncontrolling interest in the HSS Tracking Stock were as follows:
  
EchoStar
Stockholders
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 Total
  (In thousands)
Transferred net assets $315,643
 $82,452
 $398,095
Offering costs, net of tax (2,302) (610) (2,912)
Deferred income taxes (114,525) (29,971) (144,496)
Reallocation based on relative liquidation values (35,300) 35,300
 
Net increase in stockholders’ equity $163,516
 $87,171
 $250,687


Note 5.    Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects

We have not recognized any tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments because they are not expected to result in future taxable income or deductions. We have not recognized any tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities because such gains or losses would affect the amount of existing capital loss carryforwards for which the related deferred tax asset has been fully offset by a valuation allowance.

Accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss includes cumulative foreign currency translation losses of $63.8$135.4 million, $32.1$124.3 million and $16.6$63.8 million as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 2013respectively.

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2012, respectively.

2014 were as follows:
Accumulated Other Comprehensive 
Loss Components
 Affected Line Item in our Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
    (In thousands)
Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income (1) Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net $(5,590) $(35) $(41)
Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income (2) Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities 
 11,226
 
Recognition of foreign currency translation losses in net income (3) Other, net 
 1,889
 
Total reclassifications, net of tax and noncontrolling interests   $(5,590) $13,080
 $(41)
(1)When available-for-sale securities are sold, the related unrealized gains and losses that were previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified and recognized as “Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
(2)We recorded other-than-temporary impairment losses on shares of certain common stock included in our strategic equity securities.
(3)As a result of the deconsolidation of several of our European subsidiaries in connection with our investment in SmarDTV SA in May 2015, the related cumulative translation adjustments that were previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were reclassified and recognized as a loss within “Other income (expense)” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). See Note 6 for further discussion.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued


Note 6.6.    Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments in unconsolidated entities consisted of the following:

 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Marketable investment securities—current:

       

Corporate bonds

 $1,049,139 $833,791 

VRDNs

  4,290  34,705 

Strategic equity securities

  41,705  33,613 

Other

  43,969  84,424 

Total marketable investment securities—current

  1,139,103  986,533 

Restricted marketable investment securities(1)

  11,712  7,965 

Total

  1,150,815  994,498 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents(1)

  7,233  8,172 

Other investments—noncurrent:

       

Cost method. 

  31,174  25,977 

Equity method

  128,788  143,794 

Total other investments—noncurrent

  159,962  169,771 

Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments. 

 $1,318,010 $1,172,441 

(1)
Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in "Restricted cash and marketable investment securities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
  (In thousands)
Marketable investment securities—current, at fair value:  
  
Corporate bonds $402,670
 $562,236
Strategic equity securities 94,816
 38,864
Other 25,030
 11,238
Total marketable investment securities—current 522,516
 612,338
Restricted marketable investment securities (1) 12,203
 13,227
Total 534,719
 625,565
     
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1) 723
 7,775
     
Investments in unconsolidated entities—noncurrent:  
  
Cost method 81,174
 81,174
Equity method 116,045
 128,090
Total investments in unconsolidated entities—noncurrent 197,219
 209,264
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities $732,661
 $842,604
(1)Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash and marketable investment securities” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Marketable Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities portfolio consists of various debt and equity instruments, all of which generally are classified as available-for-sale.

available-for-sale or trading securities depending on our investment strategy for those securities. The value of our investment portfolio depends on the value of such securities and other instruments comprising the portfolio.

Corporate Bonds

Our corporate bond portfolio includes debt instruments issued by individual corporations, primarily in the industrial and financial services industries.

Variable Rate Demand Notes ("VRDNs")

VRDNs are long-term floating rate bonds with embedded put options that allow the bondholder to sell the security at par plus accrued interest. All of the put options are secured by a pledged liquidity source. Our VRDN portfolio is comprised of investments in municipalities and corporations, which are backed by financial institutions or other highly rated companies that serve as the pledged liquidity source. While they are classified as marketable investment securities, the put option allows VRDNs to be liquidated generally on a same day or on a five business day settlement basis.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Strategic Equity Securities

Our strategic investment portfolio consists of investments in shares of common stock of public companies, which are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. The value of our investment portfolio depends on the value of such shares of common stock. We did not receive any dividend income for the years ended December 31, 20142016, 2015 and 2013. For2014.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our strategic equity securities included shares of common stock of one of our customers that we received in satisfaction of certain milestone payments that were required to be paid to us under an existing long-term contract. “Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net” for the yearyears ended December 31, 2012,2016 and 2015 included gains of $0.6 million and losses of $6.5 million, respectively, related to trading securities that we received $46.0 million in dividend income from oneheld as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair values of our strategic investments.

trading securities were $7.2 million and $10.3 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other

Our other current marketable investment securities portfolio includes investments in various debt instruments, including U.S. government bonds.

bonds, commercial paper and mutual funds.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities

As of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit or surety bonds.

Other Investments—

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities
The components of our available-for-sale securities are summarized in the table below.
  Amortized Unrealized Estimated
  Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
  (In thousands)
As of December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
Corporate bonds $402,472
 $285
 $(87) $402,670
Other (including restricted) 32,488
 3
 (23) 32,468
Equity securities - strategic 77,149
 13,120
 (2,652) 87,617
Total available-for-sale securities $512,109
 $13,408
 $(2,762) $522,755
As of December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
Corporate bonds $562,849
 $10
 $(623) $562,236
Other (including restricted) 24,495
 
 (30) 24,465
Equity securities - strategic 20,855
 7,748
 (82) 28,521
Total available-for-sale securities $608,199
 $7,758
 $(735) $615,222

As of December 31, 2016, restricted and non-restricted available-for-sale securities included debt securities of $426.7 million with contractual maturities of one year or less and $8.4 million with contractual maturities greater than one year. We may realize proceeds from certain investments prior to their contractual maturity as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to their contractual maturity.
Available-for-Sale Securities in a Loss Position
The following table reflects the length of time that our available-for-sale securities have been in an unrealized loss position. We do not intend to sell these securities before they recover or mature, and it is more likely than not that we will hold these securities until they recover or mature. We believe that changes in the estimated fair values of these securities are primarily related to temporary market conditions.
  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
  Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
  (In thousands)
Less than 12 months $154,826
 $(2,760) $364,160
 $(609)
12 months or more 1,571
 (2) 149,889
 (126)
Total $156,397
 $(2,762) $514,049
 $(735)

Sales of Available-for-Sale Securities
We recognized gains from the sales of our available-for-sale securities of $5.6 million, de minimis and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We recognized de minimis losses from the sales of our available-for-sale securities for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Proceeds from sales of our available-for-sale securities totaled $80.4 million, $111.5 million and $190.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Fair Value Measurements
Our current marketable investment securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as summarized in the table below. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not have investments that were categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
  Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2
  (In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted) $2,490,168
 $62,332
 $2,427,836
 $840,950
 $38,771
 $802,179
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Corporate bonds $402,670
 $
 $402,670
 $562,236
 $
 $562,236
Other (including restricted) 37,233
 13,517
 23,716
 24,465
 12,078
 12,387
Equity securities - strategic 94,816
 94,816
 
 38,864
 38,864
 
Total marketable investment securities $534,719
 $108,333
 $426,386
 $625,565
 $50,942
 $574,623

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities — Noncurrent

We have several strategic investments in certain non-publicly traded equity securities that are accounted for using either the equity or the cost method of accounting. Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are not publicly traded depends on the success of those companies'companies’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Because private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain fair value for them.


We recorded cash distributions from certain of our investments accounted for using the equity method of $15.0 million, $5.0 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These cash distributions were determined to be a return on investment and reported in cash flows from operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
In June 2015, we made an equity investment in WorldVu Satellites Limited (“OneWeb”), a global low-earth orbit satellite service company. OneWeb plans to develop and operate a global network of low-earth orbit Ku-band satellites to provide internet access to fixed and mobile terminals. We do not exercise significant influence over the management of OneWeb; accordingly, we account for the investment using the cost method.

In May 2015, we acquired a 22.5% interest in the equity and subordinated debt of SmarDTV SA (“SmarDTV”), a Swiss subsidiary of Kudelski SA that offers set-top boxes and conditional access modules, in exchange for cash of $13.9 million and the contribution of several of our European subsidiaries to SmarDTV. We recorded our initial investment in SmarDTV at $20.0 million, representing our estimate of the investment’s fair value using discounted cash flow techniques. Our estimate included significant unobservable inputs related to SmarDTV’s future operations and is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of the acquisition date, we deconsolidated the contributed entities and recognized a $2.6 million loss within “Other income (expense)” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), consisting of: (i) a $0.7 million loss resulting from our initial investment (at fair value) being less than the sum of our $13.9 million cash payment and the carrying amount of the net assets of the deconsolidated entities and (ii) the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.9 million in foreign currency translation adjustments related to the deconsolidated entities. The net assets of the deconsolidated entities included property and equipment of $6.7 million and cash of $0.8 million. We have the ability to exercise significant influence over SmarDTV and therefore account for our investment using the equity method. We and SmarDTV also entered into a services agreement pursuant to which our EchoStar Technologies segment purchases certain engineering services from SmarDTV. See Note 19 for information about our related party transactions with SmarDTV subsequent to the date of our initial investment. Following consummation of the Share Exchange, EchoStar will no longer own its interest in the equity and subordinated debt of SmarDTV and will no longer purchase engineering services from SmarDTV.
On August 8, 2014, an option providing for an unrelated party to acquire a 51.0% equity interest in Dish Mexico was terminated. Although we have owned 49.0% of the equity of Dish Mexico since its inception in 2008, we accounted for our

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

investment as a 24.0% equity interest using the equity method based on assumed dilution that would occur upon the exercise of the option. Upon termination of the option, we recorded a $10.3 million adjustment to increase “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net” to reflect an increase from 24.0% to 49.0% in our interest in Dish Mexico’s inception-to-date net income. For periods subsequent to the date of the termination of the option, we account for our investment in Dish Mexico as a 49.0% equity interest using the equity method.

As of December 31, 2013, our equity method investments included $18.0 million for our investment in DISH Digital Holding, L.L.C. ("DISH Digital"(now known as Sling TV Holding L.L.C., “Sling TV Holding”), a joint venture between us and DISH Network. The carrying amount of our investment reflected the $44.7 million aggregate carrying amount of cash and certain noncash assets that we contributed to DISH DigitalSling TV Holding upon its formation on July 1, 2012 in exchange for a one-third equity interest in DISH Digital,Sling TV Holding, less our equity in the net loss of DISH DigitalSling TV Holding of $16.5 million and $10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Effective August 1, 2014, we and DISH DigitalSling TV Holding entered into an exchange agreement (the "Exchange Agreement"“Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which, we exchanged our one-third voting interest in DISH Digital thatSling TV Holding, which we accounted for using the equity method, for a 10.0% non-voting interest in DISH Digital, thatSling TV Holding, which we account for using the cost method. As part of this transaction, we received a distribution of certain noncurrent assets associated with an internet protocol television technologyour OTT, SVOD platform business, including property and equipment, technology-related intangible assets and goodwill. Because we and DISH DigitalSling TV Holding are entities under common control, we recorded the distributed assets at their carrying amounts in DISH Digital'sSling TV Holding’s accounts, which totaled $34.1 million at the date of distribution, and we recorded our non-voting interest at $1.1 million, which represents 10.0% of the carrying amount of the remaining equity in DISH Digital.Sling TV Holding. These amounts exceeded the carrying amount of our existing equity method investment by $8.8 million, which was credited to additional paid-in capital because gain recognition generally is precluded by GAAP in exchanges between entities under common control. For the seven months ended July 31, 2014, we recognized equity in the net loss of DISH Digital of $10.2 million, further reducing our investment. In connection with our obligations associated with our interest prior to the Exchange Agreement, we contributed $18.6 million in cash to DISH DigitalSling TV Holding during the third quarter of 2014. DISH Digital recently changed its name to Sling TV Holding L.L.C. ("Sling TV"). We


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

have no obligation to contribute additional capital to Sling TV.TV Holding. See Note 19 for more information regarding the Exchange Agreement with Sling TV.

Our equity method investments asTV Holding. Following the consummation of December 31, 2014 include our 49.0% equity interest in Dish Mexico, whichthe Share Exchange, we acquired in 2008. On August 8, 2014, an option providing for an unrelated party to acquire a 51.0% equity interest in Dish Mexico was terminated. Prior to that time, we accounted forwill no longer hold our investment in Dish Mexico as a 24.0% equity interest using the equity method based on assumed dilution that would occur upon the exercise of the option. Upon termination of the option, we recorded a $10.3 million adjustment to increase "Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates" to reflect an increase from 24.0% to 49.0% in our interest in Dish Mexico's inception-to-date net income. For periods subsequent to the date of the termination of the option, we account for our investment in Dish Mexico as a 49.0% equity interest using the equity method.

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities

The components of our available-for-sale investments are summarized in the table below.

Sling TV Holding.
 
  
 Unrealized  
 
 
 Amortized
Cost
 Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
 Gains Losses 
 
 (In thousands)
 

As of December 31, 2014

             

Debt securities:

             

Corporate bonds. 

 $1,050,803 $33 $(1,697)$1,049,139 

VRDNs

  4,290      4,290 

Other (including restricted)

  55,687  1  (7) 55,681 

Equity securities—strategic

  32,081  12,849  (3,225) 41,705 

Total marketable investment securities. 

 $1,142,861 $12,883 $(4,929)$1,150,815 

As of December 31, 2013

             

Debt securities:

             

Corporate bonds

 $833,888 $227 $(324)$833,791 

VRDNs

  34,705      34,705 

Other (including restricted)

  92,876  14  (501) 92,389 

Equity securities—strategic

  15,272  18,341    33,613 

Total marketable investment securities. 

 $976,741 $18,582 $(825)$994,498 

As of December 31, 2014, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $882.5 million with contractual maturities of one year or less and $226.6 million with contractual maturities greater than one year. We may realize proceeds from certain investments prior to their contractual maturity as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to their contractual maturity.

Marketable Investment Securities in a Loss Position

The following table reflects the length of time that our available-for-sale securities have been in an unrealized loss position. We do not intend to sell these securities before they recover or mature, and it is more likely than not that we will hold these securities until they recover or mature. We believe that


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

these changes in the estimated fair values of these securities are primarily related to temporary market conditions.


 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Less than 12 months

 $968,941 $(4,929)$571,592 $(825)

Total

 $968,941 $(4,929)$571,592 $(825)

Sales of Marketable Investment Securities

We recognized gains from the sales of our available-for-sale marketable investment securities of $0.1 million, $36.3 million and $175.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We recognized losses from the sales of our available-for-sale marketable investment securities of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. We recognized minimal losses from the sales of our available-for-sale marketable investment securities for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Proceeds from sales of our available-for-sale marketable investment securities totaled $190.5 million, $177.5 million and $601.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Our current marketable investment securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as summarized in the table below. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we did not have investments that were categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Cash equivalents (including restricted)

 $437,886 $58,108 $379,778 $548,714 $49,338 $499,376 

Debt securities:

                   

Corporate bonds

 $1,049,139 $ $1,049,139 $833,791 $ $833,791 

VRDNs

  4,290    4,290  34,705    34,705 

Other (including restricted)

  55,681  5,630  50,051  92,389    92,389 

Equity securities—strategic

  41,705  41,705    33,613  33,613   

Total marketable investment securities

 $1,150,815 $47,335 $1,103,480 $994,498 $33,613 $960,885 

Investment in TerreStar

In 2008, we invested in certain debt securities ("(“Exchangeable Notes"Notes”) of TerreStar Networks Inc. ("TerreStar"(“TerreStar”), which subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in 2010. We accounted for our investment in the Exchangeable Notes using the fair


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

value method and, as of December 31, 2011, our investment was stated at its estimated fair value of zero. Effective March 29, 2012, the Exchangeable Notes were cancelled pursuant to TerreStar'sTerreStar’s Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. In December 2014 and January 2016, we received a $5.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in cash distributiondistributions from the indenture trustee in satisfaction of our claims related to the Exchangeable Notes. We accrued a receivable as of December 31, 2015 for the 2016 receipt and recognized this distributionthe distributions as a gaingains in "Other, net"Other, net within "Other“Other Income (Expense)" in our Consolidated Statementconsolidated statements of Operationsoperations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and wecomprehensive income (loss). We reported the 2014 and 2016 cash receiptreceipts in "Other, net"“Other, net” within "Cash“Cash Flows from Investing Activities"Activities” in our Consolidated Statementconsolidated statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2014.

cash flows.

Note 7.    Trade Accounts Receivable

Our trade accounts receivable consisted of the following:

 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Trade accounts receivable

 $160,886 $164,900 

Contracts in process, net. 

  16,534  7,629 

Total trade accounts receivable

  177,420  172,529 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (14,188) (13,237)

Trade accounts receivable—DISH Network

  251,669  355,135 

Total trade accounts receivable, net

 $414,901 $514,427 
  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
  (In thousands)
Trade accounts receivable $187,018
 $168,714
Contracts in process, net 36,170
 23,011
Total trade accounts receivable 223,188
 191,725
Allowance for doubtful accounts (13,400) (12,485)
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network 278,615
 277,159
Total trade accounts receivable, net $488,403
 $456,399


As of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, progress billings offset against contracts in process amounted to $2.5$14.6 million and $2.6$2.9 million, respectively.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Note 8.    Inventory

Our inventory consisted of the following:

 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Finished goods

 $49,038 $50,357 

Raw materials

  6,192  8,658 

Work-in-process

  7,733  7,069 

Total inventory

 $62,963 $66,084 
  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
  (In thousands)
Finished goods $58,797
 $52,839
Raw materials 7,361
 9,042
Work in process 6,286
 5,129
Total inventory $72,444
 $67,010



As a result of our decision not to proceed with our direct-to-consumer security and home automation solution product offering and associated services, “Selling, general and administrative expenses” of our EchoStar Technologies segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes a $9.3 million adjustment to reduce inventory and related purchase commitments to estimated net realizable value.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Note 10.    Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair values of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets at the time of the acquisition is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting units within our operating segments and is subject to impairment testing annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not less than its carrying amount.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately $504.2 million of our goodwill was assigned to reporting units of our Hughes segment and $6.4 million was assigned to our OTT, SVOD platform business reporting unit of our EchoStar Technologies segment. We test this goodwill for impairment annually for the Hughes and EchoStar Technologies segments in the second quarter and third quarter, respectively. Based on our qualitative assessment of impairment of our Hughes segment goodwill in the second quarter of 2016, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the Hughes segment reporting units were less than the corresponding carrying amounts, including goodwill.

Regulatory Authorizations
Regulatory authorizations included amounts with finite and indefinite useful lives, as follows:
  As of
December 31,
2015
 Additions 
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 As of
December 31,
2016
  (In thousands)
Finite useful lives:  
  
  
  
Cost $82,007
 $
 $5,952
 $87,959
Accumulated amortization (9,852) (4,685) (446) (14,983)
Net 72,155
 (4,685) 5,506
 72,976
Indefinite lives 471,657
 
 
 471,657
Total regulatory authorizations, net $543,812
 $(4,685) $5,506
 $544,633


Amortization expense for the regulatory authorizations with finite lives was $4.7 million, $4.7 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Other Intangible Assets
Our other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, consisted of the following:
  
Weighted Average Useful Life
(in Years)
 As of December 31,
   2016 2015
   Cost 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
 Cost 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
    (In thousands)
Customer relationships 8 $293,932
 $(238,176) $55,756
 $293,932
 $(213,543) $80,389
Contract-based 4 69,440
 (69,440) 
 255,366
 (251,493) 3,873
Technology-based 7 137,197
 (125,908) 11,289
 137,337
 (111,840) 25,497
Trademark portfolio 20 29,700
 (8,291) 21,409
 29,700
 (6,806) 22,894
Total other intangible assets   $530,269
 $(441,815) $88,454
 $716,335
 $(583,682) $132,653

Customer relationships are amortized predominantly in relation to the expected contribution of cash flow to the business over the life of the intangible asset. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods the assets are expected to contribute to our cash flows. Intangible asset amortization expense, including amortization of regulatory authorizations with finite lives and externally marketed capitalized software, was $58.4 million, $75.9 million and $92.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Future Amortization
As of December 31, 2016, our estimated future amortization of intangible assets, including regulatory authorizations with finite lives, was as follows:
 Amount
 (In thousands)
For the Years Ending December 31, 
2017$30,253
201822,538
201921,324
202015,988
20219,350
Thereafter65,997
Total$165,450


Note 9.9.    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

  Depreciable Life (In Years) As of December 31,
   2016 2015
    (In thousands)
Land  $42,363
 $41,457
Buildings and improvements 1-40 370,980
 367,947
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other 1-12 1,372,158
 1,254,325
Customer rental equipment 2-4 689,579
 588,430
Satellites - owned 2-15 2,381,120
 2,381,120
Satellites acquired under capital leases 10-15 781,761
 665,518
Construction in progress  1,438,812
 1,112,267
Total property and equipment   7,076,773
 6,411,064
Accumulated depreciation   (3,407,470) (2,998,074)
Property and equipment, net   $3,669,303
 $3,412,990


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
 
  
 As of December 31, 
 
 Depreciable
Life (In
Years)
 
 
 2014 2013 
 
  
 (In thousands)
 

Land

  $42,826 $42,850 

Buildings and improvements

 1 - 40  375,920  377,208 

Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other

 1 - 12  1,223,807  1,157,325 

Customer rental equipment

 2 - 4  498,180  374,688 

Satellites—owned

 2 - 15  2,381,120  1,949,040 

Satellites acquired under capital leases

 10 - 15  935,104  935,104 

Construction in progress

   637,189  210,051 

Total property and equipment

    6,094,146  5,046,266 

Accumulated depreciation

    (2,899,353) (2,499,889)

Property and equipment, net

   $3,194,793 $2,546,377 

As of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, accumulated depreciation included amounts for satellites acquired under capital leases of $481.5$328.2 million and $421.8$268.1 million, respectively.

As

In December 2015, we recognized an impairment loss of December 31, 2014, our owned satellites included $432.1$2.4 million for the five satellites we received from DISH Network as part of the Satelliterelated to certain building and Tracking Stock Transaction discussed in Note 2. This amount represents the net carrying amount of those satellites in DISH Network's consolidated financial statements as of February 28, 2014, the day prior to the effective date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Accumulated depreciation for those satellites as of December 31, 2014 was $39.7 million, representing depreciation expense recognizedequipment in our consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to the effective date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.

EchoStar Technologies segment.

Construction in progress consisted of the following:

  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
  (In thousands)
Progress amounts for satellite construction, including prepayments under capital leases and launch services costs $1,235,577
 $963,103
Satellite related equipment 168,929
 126,373
Other 34,306
 22,791
Construction in progress $1,438,812
 $1,112,267


Construction in progress included the following owned and leased satellites under construction or undergoing in-orbit testing as of December 31, 2016.
 
  
 As of December 31, 
 
 Segment 2014 2013 
 
  
 (In thousands)
 

Progress amounts for satellite construction, including prepayments under capital leases and launch costs:

         

EchoStar XIX

 Other $341,082 $122,070 

EchoStar XXI

 Other  120,764  16,433 

EchoStar XXIII

 Other  63,072  19,210 

EUTELSAT 65 West A

 Hughes  26,049   

EchoStar 105/SES-11

 ESS  28,470   

Other

 Other/ESS  4,440  4,950 

Uplinking equipment

 ETC/Hughes  34,270  20,793 

Other

 ETC/Hughes/ESS  19,042  26,595 

Construction in progress

   $637,189 $210,051 
SatellitesSegmentExpected Launch Date
EchoStar XIXOther (3)Fourth quarter of 2016 (1)
EchoStar XXIOtherSecond or third quarter of 2017
EchoStar XXIIIOtherFirst quarter of 2017
EchoStar 105/SES-11
ESS
Second quarter of 2017
Telesat T19V (“63 West”) (2) 
Hughes
Second quarter of 2018

Table(1)    This satellite was launched in December 2016 and is expected to be placed into service late in the first quarter of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

For2017.

(2)    We entered into a satellite services agreement for certain capacity on this satellite once launched, but are not party to the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, weconstruction contract.
(3)    EchoStar contributed the EchoStar XIX satellite to its Hughes segment in February 2017.

We recorded $23.8 million, $4.0 million and $45.5 million, respectively, of capitalized interest related to our satellites, satellite payloads and related ground facilities under construction.

construction of $94.4 million, $63.8 million and $23.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Depreciation expense associated with our property and equipment consisted of the following:

 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Satellites. 

 $210,763 $180,517 $150,034 

Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other

  123,360  126,625  121,919 

Customer rental equipment

  116,685  98,076  80,709 

Buildings and improvements

  13,734  13,449  12,929 

Total depreciation expense

 $464,542 $418,667 $365,591 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands)
Satellites $191,729
 $197,469
 $210,763
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other 118,082
 135,536
 123,360
Customer rental equipment 114,568
 105,725
 116,685
Buildings and improvements 12,275
 13,513
 13,734
Total depreciation expense $436,654
 $452,243
 $464,542


Satellites depreciation expense includes amortization of satellites under capital lease agreements of $56.2 million, $56.2 million and $59.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 2013 and 2012.

respectively.

Satellites

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we utilized 19in support of our operations, 18 of our owned and leased satellites in geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. We depreciate our owned satellites on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each satellite. Three of our satellites are accounted for as capital leases and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the terms of thetheir respective lease terms. We utilized one satellite service agreements. Two of our satellites arethat is accounted for as an operating leases. We depreciate our owned satellites on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lifelease and not included in property and equipment as of each satellite.

December 31, 2016.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

Information for our


Our operating satellite fleet is presented below.

consists of both owned and leased satellites detailed in the table below as of December 31, 2016.

SatellitesSegmentLaunch DateNominal Degree
Orbital Location
(Longitude)
Depreciable
Life (In
Years)

Owned:

  
SPACEWAY 3 (1)HughesAugust 200795 W12
EchoStar XVIIHughesJuly 2012107 W15
EchoStar I (2)(3)(4)ESSDecember 199577 W
EchoStar III (4)ESSOctober 199761.5 W12
EchoStar VI (4)ESSJuly 200096.2 W12
EchoStar VII (2)(3)ESSFebruary 2002119 W3
EchoStar VIII (2)(4)ESSAugust 200277 W12
EchoStar IX (2)(4)ESSAugust 2003121 W12
EchoStar X (2)(3)ESSFebruary 2006110 W7
EchoStar XI (2)(3)ESSJuly 2008110 W9
EchoStar XII (2)(4)(5)ESSJuly 200361.5 W2
EchoStar XIV (2)(3)ESSMarch 2010119 W11
EchoStar XVI (2)ESSNovember 201261.5W15
EUTELSAT 10A (“W2A”) (6)OtherApril 200910 E
         

SPACEWAY 3(1)

HughesAugust 2007Capital Leases:  95 W  12 

EchoStar XVII

HughesJuly 2012107 W15

EchoStar I(2)(3)(4)

ESSDecember 199577 W

EchoStar III(4)

ESSOctober 199761.5 W12

EchoStar VI(4)

ESSJuly 200096.2 W12

EchoStar VII(2)(3)

ESSFebruary 2002119 W3

EchoStar VIII(2)

ESSAugust 200277 W12

EchoStar IX(2)

ESSAugust 2003121 W12

EchoStar X(2)(3)

ESSFebruary 2006110 W7

EchoStar XI(2)(3)

ESSJuly 2008110 W9

EchoStar XII(2)(4)(5)

ESSJuly 200361.5 W2

EchoStar XIV(2)(3)

ESSMarch 2010119 W11

EchoStar XVI(2)

ESSNovember 201261.5 W15

EUTELSAT 10A ("W2A")(6)

OtherApril 200910 E

Capital Leases:



AMC-16(4)

ESSDecember 200485 W10

Nimiq 5(2)

5 (2)
 ESS September 2009 72.7 W 15

QuetzSat-1(2)

QuetzSat-1 (2)
 ESS September 2011 77 W 10

Operating Leases:

Eutelsat 65 West A
 

Hughes
 

March 2016
65 W15
  
 
  
  

EchoStar XV

Operating Lease:
AMC-15 ESS October 2004 45 W

AMC-15

ESSOctober 2004105 W 

(1)
(1)Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of the remaining useful life as of June 8, 2011, the date EchoStar completed its acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
(2)See Note 19 for discussion of related party transactions with DISH Network.
(3)Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of March 1, 2014, the effective date of our receipt of the satellites from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction (See Note 4).
(4)Fully depreciated assets.
(5)Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 30, 2013, the date the EchoStar XII satellite was impaired.
(6)The Company acquired the S-band payload on this satellite, which prior to the acquisition in December 2013, experienced an anomaly at the time of the launch. As a result, the S-band payload is not fully operational.

Recent Developments
EchoStar XIX. The EchoStar XIX satellite was launched in December 2016 and we expect the satellite to be placed into service late in the first quarter of 2017. We expect the EchoStar XIX satellite to provide additional capacity for the Hughes Acquisition.

(2)
See Note 19broadband services to our customers in North America and added capacity in Mexico and certain Latin American countries and to add capability for further discussionaeronautical, enterprise and international broadband services. EchoStar contributed the EchoStar XIX satellite to its Hughes segment in February 2017.

Eutelsat 65 West A. The Eutelsat 65 West A satellite was launched in March 2016 and our Hughes segment began to offer consumer broadband services in Brazil using our leased Ka-band payload on the satellite in July 2016.

EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII. Due to anomalies experienced by our launch providers, the launch dates of our transactionsEchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII satellites were delayed with DISH Network.

(3)
Depreciable life representsexpected launch dates in the remaining useful life assecond or third quarter of March 1, 2014,2017 and the effective datefirst quarter of our receipt2017, respectively. We are in the process of evaluating the satellites from DISH Network as partimplications of these delays, including, without limitation, potential increased costs, regulatory and contractual milestone compliance and other satellite resource allocations. We had regulatory obligations to meet certain milestones by the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction (See Note 2).

(4)
Fully depreciated assets.

(5)
Depreciable life representsfourth quarter of 2016 regarding the remaining useful life as of June 30, 2013, the date EchoStar XII was impaired.

(6)
The Company acquired the S-band payload on this satellite, which prior to the acquisition in December 2013, experienced an anomaly at the time of the launch. As a result, the S-band payload is not fully operational.

Recent Developments

EchoStar XXIII.    In April 2014, we entered into an agreement with Space Systems Loral, LLC ("SS/L") for the constructionoperations of the EchoStar XXIIIXXI satellite a high powered broadcast satellite service ("BSS")

across the European Union. We have notified the regulators in the EU of our delay and we intend to seek extensions of certain of these requirements to

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

satellite which will use some of


the components from CMBStar, a satellite thatextent we suspended construction in 2008. EchoStar XXIII is expecteddetermine necessary. Although we anticipate being able to launch inreceive them, any such necessary extensions may be subject to additional conditions, penalties or other requirements. We also have regulatory obligations to meet certain in-service milestones by the second halfquarter of 2016 and will be initially deployed2017 for our Brazilian license at 45 degree west longitude orbital location.

EUTELSAT 65 West A.    In April 2014, we entered into afor the Ka-, Ku- and S-band frequency bands.  We currently expect to meet our regulatory milestone for the Ku-band.  We have sought an extension of the S- and Ka-band milestones, which may or may not be granted, and, if granted, may be subject to penalties, additional conditions or other requirements.


EchoStar 105/SES-11. Due to anomalies experienced by our launch provider, the expected launch date of our EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite services agreement pursuant to which Eutelsat do Brasil will provide to Hughes Telecomunicações do Brasil Ltda., our subsidiary, fixed broadband service using the Ka-band capacity into Brazil on the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite for a 15-year term. The satellite services agreement requires us to make prepayments during the satellite construction period. The satellite is scheduled to be placed into service inhas been delayed until the second quarter of 2016 and will deliver consumer satellite broadband services in Brazil and creates a platform to potentially allow for further development of our spectrum in Brazil.

EchoStar XIX.    In February 2012 and September 2013, ViaSat and its subsidiary ViaSat Communications, filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against SS/L, the manufacturer of EchoStar XVII and EchoStar XIX. Those cases, to which we were not a party, were settled in 2014 with no material impact2017. Our Ku-band payload on the design, construction or planned operations of EchoStar XIX.

EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and EchoStar XIV.    As discussed in Note 2, we received five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV) from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. These satellites are BSS satellites operating in Ku-band frequencies and DISH Network began receiving certain services from us on these satellites effective March 1, 2014.

EchoStar VIII.    In May 2013, DISH Network began receiving satellite services from us on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare. Effective March 1, 2014, this service arrangement was converted to a month-to-month service agreement. Both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days' notice.

EchoStar XV.    In May 2013, we began receiving satellite services from DISH Network on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite to the 45 degree west longitude orbital location. Effective March 1, 2014, this service arrangement was converted to a month-to-month service agreement. Both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days' notice.

EchoStar 105/SES-11.    In August 2014, we entered into: (i) a construction contract with Airbus Defence and Space SAS for the construction of the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite with C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band payloads; (ii) an agreement with SES Satellite Leasing Limited for the procurement of the related launch services; and (iii) an agreement with SES Americom Inc. ("SES") pursuant to which we will transfer the title to the C-band and Ka-band payloads to SES Satellite Leasing Limited at launch and transfer the title to the Ku-band payload to SES following in-orbit testing of the satellite. Additionally, SES will provide to us satellite servicesreplace our current capacity on the entire Ku-band payload on EchoStar 105/SES-11 for an initial ten-year term, with an option for us to renew the agreement on a year-to-year basis. The satellite is scheduled to be placed into service in the first half of 2017. We expect to account for the satellite services we receive from SES on the Ku-band payload as a prepaid capital lease with a term equal to the 15-year estimated life of theAMC-15 satellite.


AMC-15 and AMC-16.In August 2014, in connection with the execution of agreements related to the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite, we entered into amendments that extend the terms of our existing agreements with SES Americom Colorado, Inc. (“SES”) for satellite services on the AMC-15 and AMC-16.AMC-16 satellites. As amended, the term of our agreement for satellite services on certain transponders on the AMC-15 satellite was extended from December 2014 through a certain period following the in-service


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

date of the EchoStar 105/SES-11.SES-11 satellite and is being accounted for as an operating lease. The amended agreement for the AMC-16 satellite services extendsextended the term for the satellite'ssatellite’s entire communications capacity, subject to available power, for one year following expiration of the initial term in February 2015 and the agreement terminated according to its terms in February 2016.

As a result of anomalies that affected the operation of the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites, our monthly recurring payments were reduced under the related capital lease agreements during the year ending December 31, 2015. The extended terms of these agreements are beingWe have accounted for as operating leases.

EchoStar XXI.    In August 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a development agreement ("T2 Development Agreement") with respect tothese lease modifications generally by reducing the TerreStar-2 ("T2") satellite under which we reimbursed DISH Network forcarrying amounts it paid to SS/L in connection with the construction of the T2 satellite. As amendedsatellite and related capital lease obligation by the present value of the payment reduction. In such instances where the carrying amount of the satellite had been reduced to zero as a result of accumulated depreciation or impairments, we have recognized the reductions in the capital lease obligations as gains in “Other, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For the years ended December 2013, the T2 Development Agreement provided EchoStar an option to purchase DISH Network's rights31, 2016, 2015 and obligations under the T2 satellite construction agreement. In December 2014, we exercised our option to purchase DISH Network's rightsrecognized such gains of zero, $4.5 million and obligations under the T2 satellite construction agreement (including the right to take delivery of the T2 satellite, now renamed EchoStar XXI) for $55.0 million in cash. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we recorded a $9.6 million charge to additional-paid-in-capital, net of related deferred income taxes. EchoStar XXI is designed to provide mobile satellite services using S-band frequencies and we intend to use this satellite in conjunction with our S-band spectrum in Europe as well as to develop opportunities in other parts of the world. EchoStar XXI is expected to launch in 2016.

zero, respectively.

Satellite Anomalies and Impairments

Certain of our

Our satellites have experiencedmay experience anomalies from time to time, some of which may have had a significant adverse impact on their remaining useful lives, and/or the commercial operation of the satellites.satellites or our operating results. We are not aware of any anomalies with respect to our owned or leased satellites that have had any such material adverse effect during the year ended December 31, 2016. There can be no assurance, however, that existing and future anomalies will not further impacthave any such adverse impacts in the remaining useful life and/or the commercial operation of any of the satellites in our fleet.future. In addition, there can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our in-orbit satellites were to fail.
We generally dohistorically have not carrycarried in-orbit insurance on our satellites; therefore,satellites because we assessed that the cost of insurance was uneconomical relative to the risk of failures. Therefore, we generally bear the risk of any uninsured in-orbit failures. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements governing certain portions of our indebtedness, we are required, subject to certain limitations on coverage, to maintain launch and in-orbit insurance for our SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVI, and EchoStar XVII. In addition, althoughXVII satellites. Based on economic analysis of the current insurance market we have elected to obtain, subject to certain limitations on coverage, launch and in-orbit insurance for our EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII satellites and our interest in the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite. All other satellites, either in orbit or under construction, are not requiredcovered by launch or in-orbit insurance. We will continue to maintain in-orbitassess circumstances going forward and make insurance pursuant todecisions on a case by case basis.

We evaluate our service agreement with DISH Networksatellites for EchoStar XV, we are liableimpairment and test for any damage caused by our userecoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Certain of the satellite and therefore we carry third-party insurance on EchoStar XV.

Owned Satellites

EchoStar III.    EchoStar III was originally designedanomalies previously disclosed, may be considered to operaterepresent a maximum of 32 direct-broadcast satellite ("DBS") transponders in a mode that provides service to the entire continental United States ("CONUS"). As a result of the failure of traveling wave tube amplifiers ("TWTAs") in previous years, including failures in February 2013 and April 2013, only six transponders are currently available for use. It is likely that additional TWTA failures will occur from time to timesignificant adverse change in the future and such failures could further impact commercial operationphysical condition of thea particular satellite. EchoStar III was fully depreciated in 2009 and is currently used as an in-orbit spare.

EchoStar VI.    EchoStar VI was designed to operate 32 DBS transponders with a minimum 12-year useful life. Prior to 2012, EchoStar VI experienced solar array anomalies and the loss of TWTAs that did not reduce its useful life; however, these solar array anomalies impacted the commercial operation of the satellite. EchoStar VI lost (i) two additional TWTAs in March 2012, increasing the total number of TWTAs lostHowever, based on the redundancy designed within each satellite, certain of these anomalies are not necessarily considered to five outbe significant events that would require a test of 48 TWTAs and (ii) an additional solar array string during

recoverability.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

the second quarter of 2012, reducing the total power available for use by the spacecraft. The anomalies in 2012 did not impact the current commercial operation or the estimated useful life of the satellite. However, there can be no assurance that these anomalies or any future anomalies will not reduce the satellite's useful life or impact its commercial operation. EchoStar VI was fully depreciated in August 2012.

EchoStar XII.    EchoStar XII was designed to operate 13 DBS transponders at 270 watts per channel in CONUS mode, or 22 spot beams using a combination of 135 and 65 watt TWTAs or hybrid CONUS/spot beam mode. We currently operate EchoStar XII in spot beam mode. In September 2012, November 2012, and January 2013, EchoStar XII experienced additional solar array anomalies, which further reduced the electrical power available to operate EchoStar XII. An engineering analysis completed in the second quarter of 2013 indicated further loss of available electrical power and resulting capacity loss was likely. As a result, we recognized a $34.7 million impairment loss in the second quarter of 2013. Additional solar array anomalies are likely and, if they occur, they will continue to degrade the operational capability of EchoStar XII and could lead to additional impairment charges in the future. EchoStar XII was fully depreciated in December 2014.

The five satellites received from DISH Network pursuant to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction have experienced certain anomalies prior to March 1, 2014, the effective date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction as described below.

EchoStar I.    During the first quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar I experienced a communications receiver anomaly. The communications receivers process signals sent from the uplink center for transmission by the satellite to customers. While this anomaly did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not impact its future commercial operation. EchoStar I was fully depreciated prior to the date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.

EchoStar VII.    Prior to 2012, EchoStar VII experienced certain thruster failures. During the fourth quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar VII experienced an additional thruster failure. Thrusters control the satellite's location and orientation. While this anomaly did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.

EchoStar X.    During the second and third quarters of 2010, EchoStar X experienced anomalies which affected seven solar array circuits reducing the number of functional solar array circuits to 17. While these anomalies did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.

EchoStar XI.    During the first quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar XI experienced solar array anomalies that reduced the total power available for use by the satellite. While these anomalies did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.

EchoStar XIV.    During the third quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, DISH Network determined that EchoStar XIV experienced solar array anomalies that reduced the total power available for use by the satellite. While these anomalies did not impact commercial operation of the satellite, there can be no assurance that future anomalies will not reduce its useful life or impact its commercial operation.



Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Leased Satellites

AMC-16.    AMC-16, a fixed satellite service ("FSS") satellite, commenced commercial operation during February 2005. AMC-16 was designed to operate 24 Ku-band FSS transponders that operate at approximately 120 watts per channel and a Ka-band payload consisting of 12 spot beams. In each of February 2012, April 2012, and November 2012, AMC-16 experienced a solar-power anomaly, which caused additional partial loss of satellite capacity. As a result of prior period depreciation and adjustments associated with satellite anomalies, the net carrying amount of AMC-16 was reduced to zero as of December 31, 2010. Thereafter, subsequent reductions in our capital lease obligation resulting from reductions in our recurring lease payments are recognized as gains in "Other, net" on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Upon determination of related reductions in our monthly recurring payments, we reduced our capital lease obligation for AMC-16 and recognized corresponding gains of $12.6 million in 2012 and $6.7 million in 2013. In the third quarter of 2014, AMC-16 experienced further power degradation, however this anomaly did not affect the commercial operation of the satellite. There can be no assurance that the existing anomalies or any future anomalies will not reduce AMC-16's useful life or further impact its commercial operations.

We are not aware of any additional anomalies that have occurred on any of our owned or leased satellites in 2014 as of the date of this report that affected the commercial operation of these satellites.

Note 10. Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair values of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets at the time of the acquisition is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units of our operating segments and is subject to impairment testing annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not less than its carrying amount.

Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 
 EchoStar
Technologies
 Hughes Corporate &
Other
 Consolidated
Total
 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

 $3,751 $504,173 $ $507,924 

Impairment

  (3,751)     (3,751)

Balance as of December 31, 2013

    504,173    504,173 

DISH Digital exchange

      6,457  6,457 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

 $ $504,173 $6,457 $510,630 

As of December 31, 2014, approximately $504.2 million of our goodwill was assigned to reporting units of the Hughes segment. Based on our qualitative assessment of impairment of the goodwill assigned to the Hughes segment in the second quarter of 2014, we determined that no further testing of goodwill for impairment was necessary as it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the Hughes segment reporting units were less than the corresponding carrying amounts.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Effective August 1, 2014, we and DISH Digital entered into the Exchange Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, DISH Digital distributed certain assets to us, including an internet protocol television technology business with associated goodwill of $6.5 million. As of December 31, 2014, this business has not been integrated into any existing reporting unit. DISH Digital recently changed its name to Sling TV Holding L.L.C ("Sling TV"). See Notes 6 and 19 for more information regarding the Exchange Agreement with Sling TV.

Prior to 2012, goodwill of $10.4 million was assigned to the Troppus reporting unit of our EchoStar Technologies segment. This goodwill was tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that the goodwill was impaired and recognized a $6.6 million impairment loss to adjust the carrying amount of the goodwill to its implied fair value of $3.8 million. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we determined that the remaining goodwill balance was impaired and recognized a $3.8 million impairment loss to adjust the carrying amount to its implied fair value of zero. Our fair value estimates in 2013 were based on updated business plans and the application of probability-weighted discounted cash flow techniques. Our estimates included significant unobservable inputs and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Regulatory Authorizations

Regulatory authorizations included amounts with finite and indefinite useful lives, as follows:

 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Finite useful lives:

       

Cost

 $103,499 $113,764 

Accumulated amortization

  (6,778) (1,521)

Net

  96,721  112,243 

Indefinite lives

  471,657  471,657 

Total regulatory authorizations, net

 $568,378 $583,900 

In December 2013, we acquired 100.0% of Solaris Mobile which is based in Dublin, Ireland and licensed by the European Union ("EU") and individual Member States to provide mobile satellite services and a complementary ground component services covering the entire EU using S-band spectrum. On the acquisition date, Solaris Mobile lacked certain inputs and processes that would be necessary to be considered a business. Accordingly, we accounted for the transaction as an acquisition of net assets. The primary acquired asset was an EU regulatory authorization for S-band frequencies, which had a cost of $51.8 million, consisting of $43.4 million in cash payments and $10.3 million in assumed liabilities. The cost of the regulatory authorization is being amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the authorization ending in May 2027.

In June 2013 we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we conveyed to DISH Network certain of our rights under a Canadian regulatory authorization to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree west longitude orbital location, which we acquired for $20.0 million in cash in 2012. In the third quarter of 2013, we received $23.1 million from DISH Network in exchange for these rights. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we did not recognize any gain on this transaction. Rather, we increased our additional paid-in capital to reflect the excess of the cash payment over the carrying amount of the derecognized intangible asset, net of related income taxes.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

In May 2012, we acquired an authorization to use the 45 degree west longitude orbital location in the Ku, Ka, and S-band spectrums from ANATEL, the Brazilian communications regulatory authority (the "Brazil Authorization"), for cash of 145.2 million Brazilian reais (approximately $72.5 million based on the exchange rate at the time of payment). The Brazil Authorization has a 15-year initial term and a one-time 15-year renewal term, which we expect to renew. The cost of the Brazil Authorization, together with estimated renewal costs of approximately $5.6 million, is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining expected term of 28 years commencing in June 2013, which is the date upon which a satellite was deployed in the orbital location for testing pursuant to the Brazil Authorization.

Amortization expense for the regulatory authorizations with finite useful lives was $6.1 million, $1.5 million, and zero for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Other Intangible Assets

Our other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, consisted of the following:

 
  
 As of December 31, 
 
  
 2014 2013 
 
 Weighted
Average
Useful life
(in Years)
 
 
 Cost Accumulated
Amortization
 Carrying
Amount
 Cost Accumulated
Amortization
 Carrying
Amount
 
 
  
 (In thousands)
 

Customer relationships

 8 $293,932 $(185,393)$108,539 $293,932 $(152,647)$141,285 

Contract-based

 10  255,366  (233,009) 22,357  255,366  (204,835) 50,531 

Technology-based

 7  140,837  (100,940) 39,897  126,272  (83,580) 42,692 

Trademark portfolio

 20  29,700  (5,321) 24,379  29,700  (3,836) 25,864 

Favorable leases

 4  4,707  (4,217) 490  4,707  (3,040) 1,667 

Total other intangible assets. 

   $724,542 $(528,880)$195,662 $709,977 $(447,938)$262,039 

Customer relationships are amortized predominantly in relation to the expected contribution of cash flow to the business over the life of the intangible asset. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods the assets are expected to contribute to our cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, intangible asset amortization expense was $92.1 million, $88.4 million and $91.7 million, respectively, including amortization of regulatory authorizations with finite lives and externally marketed capitalized software.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Future Amortization

As of December 31, 2014, our estimated future amortization of intangible assets was as follows:

 
 Amount 
 
 (In thousands)
 

For the Years Ending December 31,

    

2015

 $68,451 

2016

  49,897 

2017

  31,022 

2018

  23,306 

2019

  22,092 

Thereafter

  102,489 

Total

 $297,257 

Impairments of Intangible Assets

In connection with the Hughes Acquisition, we acquired contractual rights to receive $44.0 million in cash discounts on future launch services ("Credits") and assigned an estimated fair value of $22.0 million to the Credits on the acquisition date. In November 2012, we entered into an agreement for alternative launch services and determined that the potential to realize value from the Credits was less than previously estimated. Based on an updated fair value estimate using unobservable inputs that considered factors such as the viability of the launch services provider and marketability of the Credits, we recognized a $22.0 million impairment loss to reduce the carrying amount of the Credits to their estimated fair value of zero as of December 31, 2012.

In connection with our annual impairment test of our indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that certain terrestrial wireless spectrum assets had nominal value. As a result, we recognized a $4.2 million of impairment loss to reduce the carrying amount of the assets to their estimated fair value of zero.

The impairment losses recognized in the fourth quarter of 2012 were based primarily on fair value estimates using probability-weighted discounted cash flow techniques and limited market data. Our fair value estimates included significant unobservable inputs and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Note 11.    Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013,2015, our debt primarily consisted of ourthe 2019 Senior Secured Notes and the 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes, each as defined below, (collectively, the "Notes"), and our capital lease obligations. TheAs of December 31, 2016, our debt also included the 2026 Senior Secured Notes are registered withand the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2026 Senior Unsecured Notes, each as defined below, which were issued in July 2016.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of our debt:

 
  
 As of December 31, 
 
  
 2014 2013 
 
 Interest Rates Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
 
  
 (In thousands)
 

61/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019

 6.500% $1,100,000 $1,177,000 $1,100,000 $1,193,500 

75/8% Senior Notes due 2021

 7.625%  900,000  994,500  900,000  1,001,250 

Other

 5.5% - 14.9%  1,240  1,240  1,588  1,588 

Subtotal

    2,001,240 $2,172,740  2,001,588 $2,196,338 

Capital lease obligations

    366,447     420,800    

Total debt and capital lease obligations

    2,367,687     2,422,388    

Less: Current portion

    (41,912)    (69,791)   

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations

   $2,325,775    $2,352,597    
  Effective Interest Rate As of December 31,
   2016 2015
   
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
    (In thousands)
Senior Secured Notes:          
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 6.959% $990,000
 $1,084,050
 $990,000
 $1,071,675
5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 5.316% 750,000
 739,688
 
 
Senior Unsecured Notes:          
7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 8.062% 900,000
 990,189
 900,000
 954,000
6 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 6.685% 750,000
 760,245
 
 
Other   
 
 803
 803
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs   (31,821) 
 (31,276) 
Subtotal   3,358,179
 $3,574,172
 1,859,527
 $2,026,478
Capital lease obligations   302,007
  
 332,838
  
Total debt and capital lease obligations   3,660,186
  
 2,192,365
  
Less: Current portion   (37,307)  
 (35,698)  
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   $3,622,879
  
 $2,156,667
  

We estimated

The fair values of our debt are estimates categorized within Level 2 of the fair value of our publicly traded long-term debt using market prices in less active markets (Level 2).

61/2%hierarchy.


2019 Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and 75/8%2021 Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (the "Notes")


On June 1, 2011, Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSS"), our subsidiaryHSS issued $1.10 billion aggregate principal amount of its 61/2% 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the "Senior“2019 Senior Secured Notes"Notes”) at an issue price of 100.0%, pursuant to a Secured Indenture dated June 1, 2011, (the "Secured Indenture"(as amended the “2011 Secured Indenture”). The 2019 Senior Secured Notes mature on June 15, 2019. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 61/2% 1/2% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the outstanding principal balance on the 2019 Senior Secured Notes was $990.0 million.
On June 1, 2011, HSS also issued $900.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 75/8% 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (the "Senior Notes") and together the "Senior Secured Notes", the "Notes"“2021 Senior Unsecured Notes,”) at an issue price of 100.0%, pursuant to an Unsecured Indenture dated June 1, 2011 (the "Unsecured Indenture", and together(together with the "Secured Indenture"“2011 Secured Indenture”, the "Indentures"“2011 Indentures”). The 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes mature on June 15, 2021. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 75/8% 5/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the outstanding principal balance on the 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes was $900.0 million.

On June 12, 2015, we redeemed $110.0 million of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to 103.0% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. As a result, we recorded a $5.0 million loss consisting of the $3.3 million redemption premium and a $1.7 million write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

2026 Senior Secured Notes and 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes

On July 27, 2016, HSS issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Secured Notes” and, together with the 2019 Senior Secured Notes, the “Secured Notes”) at an issue price of 100.0%, pursuant to an indenture dated July 27, 2016 (the “2016 Secured Indenture”) and $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Unsecured Notes” and, together with the 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes, the “Unsecured Notes”) at an issue price of 100.0%, pursuant to an indenture dated July 27, 2016 (together with the 2011 Indentures and the 2016 Secured Indenture, the “Indentures”). The 2019 Senior Secured Notes, the 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes, the 2026 Senior Secured Notes and the 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes are referred to collectively as the “Notes” and individually as a series of the Notes. The 2026 Senior Secured Notes and the 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes (collectively, the “2026 Notes”) mature on August 1, 2026. Interest on the 2026 Senior Secured Notes accrues at an annual rate of 5 1/4% and interest on the 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes accrues at an annual rate of 6 5/8%. Interest on the 2026 Notes is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year commencing February 1, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the outstanding principal balance on each of the 2026 Senior Secured Notes and the 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes was $750.0 million.

Additional Information Relating to the Notes

Each series of the Notes is redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof plus a "make-whole"“make-whole” premium, as defined in the Indentures,applicable Indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Prior to June 15, 2015, HSS may also redeem up to 10.0%10% of the outstanding 2026 Senior Secured Notes per year prior to August 1, 2020 at a redemption price equal to 103.0%103% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest if any, to the date of redemption.

The In addition, HSS may, at any time prior to August 1, 2019, with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions, redeem up to 35% of the 2026 Senior Secured Notes, at 105.250% of the principal amount, and up to 35% of the 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes, at a redemption price equal to 106.625% of the principal amount plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the 2026 Notes being redeemed to the date of redemption.


The Secured Notes are:


secured obligations of HSS;

secured by a first priority security interest
secured by security interests in substantially all existing and future tangible and intangible assets of HSS and certain of its subsidiaries on a first priority basis, subject to certain exceptions;
ranked equally and ratably as between the 2019 Senior Secured Notes and the 2026 Senior Secured Notes;
effectively junior to HSS’ obligations that are secured by assets that are not part of the collateral that secures the respective Secured Notes, in each case, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations;
effectively senior to HSS’ existing and future unsecured obligations to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the respective Secured Notes, after giving effect to permitted liens as provided in the Indenture governing the respective Secured Notes;
senior in right of payment to all existing and future obligations of HSS that are expressly subordinated to the respective Secured Notes;
structurally junior to any existing and future obligations of any of HSS’ subsidiaries that do not guarantee the respective Secured Notes; and
unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a general senior secured basis by certain of our HSS’ subsidiaries, which guarantees rank equally with all of the guarantors’ existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness and effectively senior to such guarantors’ existing and future obligations to the extent of the value of the assets securing the respective Secured Notes.

The Unsecured Notes are:

unsecured senior obligations of the assets of HSS and certain of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions and Permitted Liens (as defined in the Secured Indenture);HSS;
ranked equally with all existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness (including as between the 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes and the 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes) and effectively junior to any secured indebtedness up to the value of the assets securing such indebtedness;

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

The Senior Notes are:


effectively junior to HSS’ obligations that are secured to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations;
senior in right of payment to all existing and future obligations of HSS that are expressly subordinated to the respective Unsecured Notes;
structurally junior to any existing and future obligations of any of HSS’ subsidiaries that do not guarantee the respective Unsecured Notes; and
unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a general senior secured basis by certain of HSS’ subsidiaries, which guarantees rank equally with all of the guarantors’ existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness, and effectively junior to any secured indebtedness of the guarantors up to the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.

Subject to certain exceptions, the Indentures contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on theHSS’ ability of HSS and, in certain instances, the ability of its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indentures),certain of HSS’ subsidiaries to:


incur additional debt;
pay dividends or make distributions on HSS’ capital stock or repurchase HSS’ capital stock;
make certain investments;
create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
enter into transactions with affiliates;
merge or consolidate with another company;
transfer and sell assets; and
allow to exist certain restrictions on the ability of certain subsidiaries of HSSHSS’ subsidiaries to pay dividends, make distributions, make other payments, or transfer assets to us.

HSS or its subsidiaries.


In the event of a changeChange of control,Control, as defined in the respective Indentures, HSS would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder'sholder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of repurchase.



Table

The Indentures provide for customary events of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

As discussed above, HSSdefault for each series of the Notes, including, among other things, nonpayment, breach of the covenants in the applicable Indentures, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of its subsidiaries have granted a first priority security interestbankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization. If any event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to any series of the Notes, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in substantially all of their assets, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, in connection with HSS' issuance of $1.10 billion aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes.

the then outstanding Notes of such series may declare all the Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately, together with any accrued and unpaid interest.


Under the terms of a registration rights agreement, HSS agreed to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, notes having substantially identical terms as the 2026 Notes as part of an offer to exchange freely tradable exchange notes for the 2026 Notes that is required to be declared effective by July 27, 2017. In the event that the registration statement is not declared effective by July 27, 2017 and under certain other conditions (a “registration default”), we are required to pay each holder of the 2026 Notes additional interest up to $0.25 per week per $1,000 in principal amount of the 2026 Notes until the registration default is cured.

Debt Issuance Costs

As of January 1, 2016 we adopted ASU 2015-3 (see Note 2). As a result, we report unamortized debt issuance costs in “Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs” in our consolidated balance sheets retrospectively. In connection with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, we incurred $58.1$7.1 million of debt issuance costs, which are included in "Other noncurrent assets, net" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.costs. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we amortized $5.8$6.6 million, $5.4$6.0 million and $5.0$5.8 million of debt issuance costs, respectively, which are included in "InterestInterest expense, net of amounts capitalized"capitalized in our Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Operationsoperations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)comprehensive income (loss).


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Capital Lease Obligations

Our capital lease obligations reflect the present value of future minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease agreements, primarily for certain of our satellites (see Note 9)9). These agreements require monthly recurring payments, which generally include principal, interest, an amount for use of the orbital location and estimated executory costs, such as insurance and maintenance. The monthly recurring payments generally are subject to reduction in the event of failures that reduce the satellite transponder capacity. Certain of these agreements provide for extension of the initial lease term at our option. The effective interest rates for our satellite capital lease obligations range from 7.73%9.1% to 10.97%11.2%, with a weighted average of 9.99%10.6% as of December 31, 2014.

2016.

Our capital lease obligations consist primarily of our payment obligations under agreements for the Nimiq 5 and QuetzSat-1 satellites, which have remaining noncancelable terms ending in September 2024 and November 2021, respectively. As discussed in Note 19, we have subleased transponders on these satellites to DISH Network. As discussed in Note 9, in August 2014, our existing capital lease agreements for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites were extended and are being accounted for as operating leases for their extended terms.


Future minimum lease payments under our capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014,2016, are as follows:


 Amount Amount

 (In thousands)
 (In thousands)

For the Years Ending December 31,

    

2015

 $102,837 

2016

 88,709 

2017

 88,309 $93,092

2018

 88,122 88,923

2019

 87,899 88,221
202088,033
202183,995

Thereafter

 345,807 174,240

Total minimum lease payments

 801,683 616,504

Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments

 (240,566)(188,216)

Net minimum lease payments

 561,117 428,288

Less: Amount representing interest

 (194,670)(126,281)

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 366,447 302,007

Less: Current portion

 (40,678)(37,307)

Long-term portion of capital lease obligations

 $325,769 $264,700


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we

We received rental income of approximately $132.4 million, $126.7 million and $78.9 million, respectively, from the sublease of our capital lease satellites.satellites of approximately $132.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. As of December 31, 2014,2016, our future minimum sublease rental income was $743.5$480.9 million relating to oursuch satellites.

The subleases have a remaining weighted average term of four years.


Note 12.    Income Taxes

The components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:

  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands)
Domestic $313,203
 $224,058
 $172,276
Foreign (26,359) (2,486) 6,057
Income before income taxes $286,844
 $221,572
 $178,333


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Domestic

 $172,276 $(50,551)$172,612 

Foreign

  6,057  16,515  22,072 

Total income (loss) before income taxes

 $178,333 $(34,036)$194,684 

The components of the benefit (provision)provision for income taxes are as follows:


 For the Years Ended
December 31,
  For the Years Ended December 31,

 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014

 (In thousands)
  (In thousands)

Current benefit (provision):

         
  
  

Federal

 $(2,593)$1,118 $21,086  $(4,788) $(165) $(2,593)

State

 9,006 6,531 1,943  (305) (9,601) 9,006

Foreign

 (5,455) (5,992) (7,775) (2,911) (6,303) (5,455)

Total current benefit (provision)

 958 1,657 15,254  (8,004) (16,069) 958
      

Deferred benefit (provision):

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  

Federal

 (31,905) 26,511 7,841  (93,681) (62,572) (31,905)

State

 (1,283) 10,074 (6,720) (10,023) 4,818
 (1,283)

Foreign

 1,446 (805) (46) 5,556
 1,622
 1,446

Total deferred benefit (provision)

 (31,742) 35,780 1,075 

Total income tax benefit (provision), net

 $(30,784)$37,437 $16,329 
Total deferred provision (98,148) (56,132) (31,742)
Total income tax provision, net $(106,152) $(72,201) $(30,784)



Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The actual tax provisions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014 reconcile to the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes as shown below:

  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
Statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit 4.6 % 2.1 % (0.2)%
Permanent differences 3.2 % 3.6 % 0.6 %
Tax credits (6.2)% (10.1)% (18.6)%
Valuation allowance  % 2.8 % (0.9)%
Other 0.4 % (0.8)% 1.4 %
Total effective tax rate 37.0 % 32.6 % 17.3 %


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Statutory rate

  35.0% 35.0% 35.0%

State income taxes, net of Federal benefit

  (0.2)% 21.0% 0.8%

Dividend received deduction

      (1.8)%

Permanent differences

  0.6% (10.7)% 1.1%

Tax credits

  (18.6)% 48.7% (5.0)%

Valuation allowance

  (0.9)% 14.2% (39.0)%

Other

  1.4% 1.8% 0.5%

Total effective tax rate

  17.3% 110.0% (8.4)%

The components of theour deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:


 As of December 31,  As of December 31,

 2014 2013  2016 2015

 (In thousands)
  (In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:

       
  

Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards

 $412,744 $419,646  $178,925
 $315,924

Unrealized losses on investments, net

 30,248 31,067  47,737
 47,678

Accrued expenses

 34,632 33,215  39,596
 34,037

Stock-based compensation

 8,445 8,117  14,389
 13,345

Other asset

 12,157 12,247 
Other assets 15,008
 9,534

Total deferred tax assets

 498,226 504,292  295,655
 420,518

Valuation allowance

 (73,664) (79,370) (75,372) (72,131)

Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

 424,562 424,922  220,283
 348,387
    

Deferred tax liabilities:

       
  

Depreciation and amortization

 (1,014,812) (841,407) (962,838) (993,326)

Other liabilities

 (748) (755) (1,319) (1,412)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 (1,015,560) (842,162) (964,157) (994,738)

Total net deferred tax liabilities

 $(590,998)$(417,240) $(743,874) $(646,351)

Current portion of net deferred tax assets

 $87,208 $69,633 
    

Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax liabilities

 (678,206) (486,873) $(743,874) $(646,351)

Total net deferred tax liabilities

 $(590,998)$(417,240) $(743,874) $(646,351)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the effects of tax losses, credits, and the future income tax effects of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

We evaluate our deferred tax assets for realization and record a valuation allowance when we determine that it is more likely than not that the amounts will not be realized. Overall, our net deferred tax assets were offset by a valuation allowance of $73.7$75.4 million and $79.4$72.1 million as of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, respectively. The change in the valuation allowance primarily relates to an increase in realized and unrealized gains that are capital in nature and an increase in the net operating loss carryforwards of certain foreign subsidiaries.

Tax benefits of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are evaluated on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carryforward period, and other circumstances. NetAs of December 31, 2016, we had net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes were $923.3of $351.3 million, asincluding $115.9 million of December 31, 2014.foreign net operating loss carryforwards. A substantial portion of these net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2020. Currently, we have a valuation allowance against all capital loss carryforwards that exist for tax purposes. Tax credits available to offset future tax liabilities are $52.1 million as2029. As of December 31, 2014. A substantial portion2016, we have tax credit carryforwards of these$117.1 million and $52.6 million for federal and state income tax creditspurposes, respectively. If not utilized, the federal tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2026.

2026 and the state tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2018.

Additionally, tax benefitbenefits from excess tax deductions attributable to stock-based compensation hashave resulted in $38.4 million of net operating loss carryforwards that willhas not bebeen recognized as a credit to additional paid in capital, until such deductions reduce taxes payable. Webased on our accounting policy to follow the tax law ordering rules, which assume that stock option deductions are realized when they have been used for tax purposes.

In connection with our adoption of ASU 2016-09 (see Note 2), we will recognize a deferred tax asset for the tax benefit of such excess tax deductions with a corresponding credit to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017.

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had undistributed earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries for which no provision for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been made because it is expected that such earnings will be reinvested outside the U.S. indefinitely. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability at this time.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In addition to filing U.S. federal income tax returns, we file income tax returns in all states that impose an income tax. As of December 31, 2014, we are currently under a U.S. federal income tax examination for fiscal year 2009 and 2010. We also file income tax returns in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Brazil, India and a number of other foreign jurisdictions. We generally are open to income tax examination in these foreign jurisdictions infor taxable years beginning in 2003. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we are currently being audited by the Indian tax authorities for fiscal years 2003 through 2012. We have no other on-going significant current income tax examinations in process in our foreign jurisdictions.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:


 For the Years Ended
December 31,
  For the Years Ended December 31,
Unrecognized tax benefit
 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014

 (In thousands)
  (In thousands)

Balance as of beginning of period

 $43,319 $34,677 $48,874  $62,366
 $44,839
 $43,319

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

 3,806 81 158  2,132
 11,748
 3,806

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years

 4,643 9,929 3,723  3
 5,779
 4,643

Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years

 (81) (1,253) (855) (734) 
 (81)

Reductions based on tax settlements

 (6,848) (115) (16,587) (265) 
 (6,848)

Reductions based on expirations of statute of limitations

   (636)

Balance as of end of period

 $44,839 $43,319 $34,677  $63,502
 $62,366
 $44,839


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had $44.8$63.5 million of unrecognized income tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2013,2015, we had $43.3$62.4 million of unrecognized income tax benefits, all of which, $42.5 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. We do not believe that the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months due to the lapse of statute of limitations or settlement with tax authorities.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, our income tax provision or benefit included an insignificant amount of interest and penalties.

Estimates of our uncertain tax positions are made based upon prior experience and are updated in light of changes in facts and circumstances. However, due to the uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in liabilities which could be materially different from these estimates. In such an event, we will record additional income tax provision or benefit in the period in which such resolution occurs.


Note 13.    Stockholders'Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock

Our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors is authorized to divide the preferred stock into series and, with respect to each series, to determine the preferences and rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series, including the dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking fund provisions, the number of shares constituting the series, and the designation of such series. Our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors may, without stockholder approval, issue additional preferred stock of existing or new series with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock and could have certain anti-takeover effects.

In February 2014, our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors authorized 13,000,000 shares of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock with a par value of $0.001 per share, of which 6,290,499 shares were issued to DISH Network on March 1, 2014 and remain outstanding as of December 31, 2014.2016.  See Note 24 for a discussion of the Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Common Stock

Our 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. Upon a change in control of the Company, each holder of outstanding shares of Class C common stock is entitled to 10 votes for each share of Class C common stock held. 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. 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 and, together with all other stockholders, owns outstanding Class A common stock. There are no shares of Class C common stock outstanding.

Any holder of Class D common stock is not entitled to a vote on any matter. Each sharematter or to convert the shares of Class D common stock is entitled to receive dividends and distributions upon liquidation on a basis equivalent to thatinto any other class of the Class A common stock. There are no shares of Class D common stock outstanding.

Each share of common stock is entitled to receive its pro rata share, based upon the number of shares of common stock held, of dividends and distributions upon liquidation.
Common Stock Repurchase Program


Pursuant to a stock repurchase planprogram approved by our Boardboard of Directors,directors, we are authorized to repurchase up to $500.0 million of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock through and


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

including December 31, 2015.2017. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we did not repurchase any common stock under this plan.

program.

Note 14.    Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We have an employee stock purchase plan (the "ESPP"“ESPP”), under which we are authorized to issue 2.5 million shares of Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had 1.10.4 million shares of Class A common stock which remain available for issuance under this plan. Substantially all full-time employees who have been employed by us for at least one calendar quarter are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employeeseach employee’s deductions are limited so that the maximum they may not deduct an amount which would permit such employee to purchase our capital stock under all of our stock purchase plans at a rate which would exceedthe ESPP is $25,000 in fair value of capitalClass A common stock in any oneper year. The purchase priceStock purchases are made on the last business day of the stock iseach calendar quarter at 85.0% of the closing price of the Class A common stock on the last business day of each calendar quarter in which such shares of Class A common stock are deemed sold to an employee under the ESPP.that date. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, employee purchases of Class A common stock through the ESPP totaled approximately 383,000 shares, 362,000 shares and 283,000 shares, 268,000 shares and 158,000 shares, respectively.


401(k) Employee Savings Plans

Prior to 2013, we had two 401(k) employee savings plans; one for eligible employees of Hughes Communications which was in place prior to the Hughes Acquisition (the "Hughes 401(k) Plan") and one for all of our other eligible employees (the "EchoStar 401(k) Plan"). Effective January 1, 2013, all participant account balances under

Under the EchoStar 401(k) Plan were transferred to (“the Hughes 401(k) Plan, which was then renamed, the EchoStar 401(k) Plan (the "Plan"Plan”), resulting in a single 401(k) employee savings plan for all of our eligible employees.

Under the Plan, eligible employees mayare entitled to contribute up to 75.0% of their compensation subject to the maximum limit provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Eligible employees have the option to make after-tax contributions to the Plan so that they may contribute up to 75% of their compensation on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis subject to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limit of $17,500 in 2014. EmployeeCode limits. All employee contributions to the Plan are immediately vested. The Company will matchmatches 50 cents on the dollar for the first 6.0% of the employee'seach employee’s salary that they contributecontributions to the Plan for a total of 3.0% match. The Company will match on a pre-tax basis up to a maximum of $7,500.$7,500 annually. The Company match is calculated each pay period there is an employee contribution. Forfeitures of unvested participant balances which were retained byIn addition, the EchoStar 401(k) PlanCompany may be used to fund matching and discretionary contributions. Our Board of Directors may also authorizemake an annual discretionary contribution to the Plan, subject401(k) plan to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. These contributions may be made in cash or in our stock. MatchingCompany contributions under the Plan vest at 20.0% per year and are 100.0% vested after an eligible employee has completed five years of service. Matching contributions for eligible employees who participated in the Hughes 401(k) Plan prioremployment. Forfeitures of unvested participant balances may be used to the conversion of the two plans, vest 100.0% after the eligible employees have completed three years of service.

fund matching and discretionary contributions.

For the years ended December 31, 20142016, 2015 and 2013,2014, we recognized matching contributions, net of forfeitures, of $7.8 million, $7.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively, and $6.1 million andmade discretionary contributions of shares of our Class A common stock, contributions, net of forfeitures, with a fair value of $10.9 million, $10.4 million and $10.2 million, respectively (approximately 284,500, 204,000 and $10.3 million, respectively,207,000 shares, respectively), to the Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized matching contributions, net of forfeitures, of $1.6 million and discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures of $4.7 million to the EchoStar 401(k) Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized $6.9 million of matching contributions to the Hughes 401(k) Plan.



Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued


Note 15.    Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Plans

We maintain stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees. Stock awards under these plans include both performance-based and non-performance based stock incentives. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had outstanding under these plans, stock options to acquire 6.7approximately 6.0 million shares of our Class A common stock and 0.1 million6,667 restricted stock units. Stock options granted prior to and on December 31, 20142016 were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value of our Class A common stock at the date of grant and generally with a maximum term of ten years. While historicallygenerally we have issuedissue stock awards subject to vesting, typically over three to five years, some stock awards have been granted with immediate vesting and other stock awards vest only upon the achievement of certain company-wideperformance objectives. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had 4.63.8 million shares of our Class A common stock available for future grant under our stock incentive plans.

In connection with the Spin-off, as permitted by DISH Network's existing stock incentive plans and consistent with the Spin-off exchange ratio, each DISH Network stock option was converted into two stock options as follows:

Similarly, holders of DISH Network restricted stock units retained their DISH Network restricted stock units and received one EchoStar restricted stock unit for every five DISH Network restricted stock units that they held.

Consequently, the fair value of the DISH Network stock award and the new EchoStar stock award immediately following the Spin-off was equivalent to the fair value of such stock award immediately prior to the Spin-off.

As of December 31, 2014, the following stock awards were outstanding:

 
 As of December 31, 2014 
 
 EchoStar Awards DISH Network Awards 
 
 Stock
Options
 Restricted
Stock
Units
 Stock
Options
 Restricted
Stock
Units
 

Held by EchoStar employees

  6,380,426  54,712  1,161,479  66,999 

Held by DISH Network employees

  289,188  42,056     

Total outstanding stock awards

  6,669,614  96,768  1,161,479  66,999 

We are responsible for fulfilling all stock awards related to EchoStar common stock and DISH Network is responsible for fulfilling all stock awards related to DISH Network common stock, regardless of whether such stock awards are held by our employees or DISH Network's employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our stock-based compensation expense, resulting from stock awards outstanding at the Spin-off date, is based on the stock awards held by our employees regardless of whether such stock awards were issued by EchoStar or DISH Network. Accordingly, stock-based compensation that we recognize with respect to DISH Network stock awards was included in "Additional paid-in capital" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 20142016 are as follows:

 
 Options Outstanding Options Exercisable 
Price Range
 Number
Outstanding as
of December 31,
2014
 Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(In Years)
 Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 Number
Exercisable as
of December 31,
2014
 Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(In Years)
 Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 

$0.00 - $10.00

  2,653 1 $1.98  2,653 1 $1.98 

$10.01 - $15.00

  100,322 4 $14.83  100,322 4 $14.83 

$15.01 - $20.00

  341,394 5 $18.96  206,794 5 $18.88 

$20.01 - $25.00

  1,218,327 3 $22.63  615,227 4 $20.72 

$25.01 - $30.00

  901,827 4 $28.81  736,627 3 $29.30 

$30.01 - $35.00

  421,101 7 $33.98  329,001 7 $33.99 

$35.01 - $40.00

  2,521,990 7 $37.88  1,019,490 7 $37.58 

$40.01 and above

  1,162,000 10 $47.80  3,000 9 $47.19 

  6,669,614 6 $34.02  3,013,114 5 $29.66 
  Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
Price Range Number Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(In Years)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 Number Exercisable as of December 31, 2016 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(In Years)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
$0.00 - $20.00 196,834
 3 $17.93
 196,834
 3 $17.93
$20.01 - $25.00 489,947
 3 $20.26
 489,947
 3 $20.26
$25.01 - $30.00 163,013
 3 $27.80
 128,013
 3 $28.12
$30.01 - $35.00 365,000
 6 $34.22
 338,000
 6 $34.22
$35.01 - $40.00 2,528,369
 6 $38.07
 1,811,969
 5 $37.74
$40.01 - $45.00 415,500
 9 $43.93
 2,000
 9 $43.83
$45.01 - $50.00 981,100
 8 $47.47
 392,500
 7 $47.51
$50.01 and over 829,000
 8 $51.90
 191,800
 8 $51.98
  5,968,763
 7 $39.30
 3,551,063
 5 $35.40


Stock Award Activity

Our stock option activity was as follows:

 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 Options Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Total options outstanding, beginning of period

  6,271,058 $30.43  7,908,300 $27.21  8,078,413 $26.30 

Granted

  1,161,000 $47.84  1,190,000 $38.75  771,000 $30.81 

Exercised

  (697,544)$24.87  (2,494,893)$24.65  (569,073)$20.02 

Forfeited and cancelled

  (64,900)$32.65  (332,349)$27.01  (372,040)$25.71 

Total options outstanding, end of period

  6,669,614 $34.02  6,271,058 $30.43  7,908,300 $27.21 

Performance-based options outstanding, end of period(1)

  623,100 $25.27  629,300 $25.27  632,100 $25.28 

Exercisable at end of period

  3,013,114 $29.66  2,712,891 $28.69  3,746,166 $25.98 

(1)
These stock options are included in the caption "Total options outstanding, end of period." See discussion of the 2005 LTIP below.

  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  Options 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period 5,893,241
 $38.38
 6,669,614
 $34.02
 6,271,058
 $30.43
Granted 732,000
 $41.86
 929,000
 $51.59
 1,161,000
 $47.84
Exercised (453,182) $28.83
 (894,071) $27.78
 (697,544) $24.87
Forfeited and canceled (203,296) $45.15
 (811,302) $29.45
 (64,900) $32.65
Total options outstanding, end of period 5,968,763
 $
39.30

 5,893,241
 $38.38
 6,669,614
 $34.02
Performance-based options outstanding, end of period (1) 
 $
 
 $
 623,100
 $25.27
Exercisable at end of period 3,551,063
 $35.40
 3,082,241
 $32.61
 3,013,114
 $29.66
(1)These stock options are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period.”  See discussion of the 2005 LTIP below.
We realized total tax benefits from stock options exercised of $7.2$3.3 million, $21.9$7.9 million and $3.1$7.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued


Our restricted stock unit activity was as follows:

 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 Restricted
Stock
Units
 Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Restricted
Stock
Units
 Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Restricted
Stock
Units
 Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period

  121,877 $29.93  151,683 $30.18  144,226 $29.22 

Granted

   $   $  33,333 $34.22 

Vested

  (22,877)$33.08  (22,876)$33.08  (16,210)$32.61 

Forfeited and cancelled

  (2,232)$25.51  (6,930)$24.88  (9,666)$25.84 

Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period

  96,768 $29.29  121,877 $29.93  151,683 $30.18 

Restricted Performance Units outstanding, end of period(1)

  55,448 $27.00  57,680 $26.94  64,610 $26.72 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  
Restricted
Stock
Units
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Restricted
Stock
Units
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Restricted
Stock
Units
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period 57,328
 $42.31
 96,768
 $29.29
 121,877
 $29.93
Granted 
 $
 100,000
 $50.00
 
 $
Vested (50,661) $43.38
 (83,992) $45.72
 (22,877) $33.08
Forfeited and canceled 
 $
 (55,448) $27.01
 (2,232) $25.51
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period 6,667
 $34.22
 57,328
 $42.31
 96,768
 $29.29
Restricted Performance Units outstanding, end of period 
 $
 33,334
 $50.00
 55,448
 $27.00

(1)
These Restricted Performance Units are included in the caption "Total
In 2015, we granted 100,000 restricted stock units outstanding, end(“RSUs”). The RSUs vested based on the attainment of period." See discussioncertain quarterly company performance criteria for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015. In 2015, 66,666 of the 2005 LTIP below.

RSUs vested and in February 2016 the remaining 33,334 RSUs vested.

2005 LTIP.During 2005, DISH Network adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the "2005 LTIP"“2005 LTIP”). The 2005 LTIP providesprovided stock options and restricted stock units,RSUs, either alone or in combination, which vestedwith vesting over seven years at the rate of 10.0% per year during the first four years, and at the rate of 20.0% per year thereafter. In connection with the Spin-off, those stock options and RSUs were converted into EchoStar stock options and RSUs with the same terms and obligations as were provided under the 2005 LTIP. As of December 31, 2014, all outstanding awards under the terms of the 2005 LTIP had satisfied applicable time-based vesting requirements and were subject only to a performance condition that a company-specific goal is achieved by March 31, 2015. It wasIn 2015 we determined that the company-specific goal canwas no longer be achievedachievable under the terms of the 2005 LTIP.

Accordingly, the 2005 LTIP and all outstanding awards under the terms of the 2005 LTIP were cancelled and terminated during 2015.

Stock-Based Compensation

Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all of our employees is shown in the following table for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014 and was assigned to the same expense categories as the base compensation for such employees:

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Research and development expenses

 $2,403 $3,478 $2,755 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  12,280  14,875  11,830 

Total stock-based compensation

 $14,683 $18,353 $14,585 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands)
Research and development expenses $3,003
 $4,570
 $2,403
Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,231
 17,269
 12,280
Total stock-based compensation $15,234
 $21,839
 $14,683


As of December 31, 2014,2016, total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeiture,forfeitures, related to our non-performance based unvested stock awards was $25.0$27.1 million. This costamount is based on an estimated future forfeiture rate of approximately 2.0% per year and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued


Valuation of Stock Options

The fair value of each stock option granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014 was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. The estimated grant-date fair values and related assumptions were as follows:


For the Years Ended December 31,
  For the Years Ended December 31,
Assumptions: 2016 2015 2014
Risk-free interest rate 1.10% - 1.87% 1.38% - 1.80% 1.72% - 1.85%
Volatility factor 27.22% - 27.37% 27.16% - 27.85% 29.05% - 35.02%
Expected term of options in years 5.7 - 5.8 5.3 - 5.4 5.2 - 5.3
Weighted-average grant-date fair value $11.15 - $12.49 $12.25 - $15.05 $13.79 - $17.21

Assumptions:
201420132012

Risk-free interest rate

1.72% - 1.85%0.99% - 1.54%0.82% - 1.33%

Volatility factor

29.05% - 35.02%37.54% - 42.23%40.36% - 41.12%

Expected term of options in years

5.2 - 5.35.4 - 5.55.9 - 6.0

Weighted-average grant-date fair value

$13.79 - $17.21$15.59 - $17.20$10.60 - $13.70

We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock and accordingly, the dividend yield percentage used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model was assumed to be zero for all periods. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded stock options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Consequently, our estimate of fair value may differ from that determined using other valuation models. Further, the Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

Based on the closing market price of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2014,2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of our stock options was $123.2$72.6 million for options outstanding and $68.8$56.9 million for options exercisable as of December 31, 2014.

2016.

Note 16.16.    Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2014:

2016:

 Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31,  Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31,

 Total 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter  Total 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter

 (In thousands)
  (In thousands)

Long-term debt

 $2,001,240 $1,234 $6 $ $ $1,100,000 $900,000  $3,390,000
 $
 $
 $990,000
 $
 $900,000
 $1,500,000

Capital lease obligations

 366,447 40,678 29,724 32,697 36,232 40,114 187,002  302,007
 37,307
 36,927
 40,370
 44,733
 46,131
 96,539

Interest on long-term debt and capital lease obligations

 962,957 176,044 173,085 169,924 166,410 126,962 150,532  1,487,583
 252,999
 248,428
 212,318
 175,799
 136,673
 461,366

Satellite-related obligations

 1,265,685 569,895 251,177 74,479 59,802 54,727 255,605  732,004
 220,421
 135,987
 63,499
 60,479
 45,308
 206,310

Operating lease obligations

 66,117 21,731 16,757 11,614 5,126 3,776 7,113  87,558
 34,974
 14,920
 11,484
 8,425
 7,385
 10,370

Purchase and other obligations

 189,452 186,118 1,667 1,667     105,923
 105,923
 
 
 
 
 

Total

 $4,851,898 $995,700 $472,416 $290,381 $267,570 $1,325,579 $1,500,252  $6,105,075
 $651,624
 $436,262
 $1,317,671
 $289,436
 $1,135,497
 $2,274,585

"

Satellite-related obligations"obligations” primarily include payments pursuant to agreements for the construction of the EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI, EchoStar XXIII, EUTELSAT 65 West A and EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellites,satellites; payments pursuant to launch services contracts and regulatory authorizations,authorizations; executory costs for our capital lease satellites,satellites; costs under transponder agreementssatellite service agreements; and in-orbit incentives relating to certain satellites,satellites; as well as commitments for long termlong-term satellite operating leases


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

and transponder capacitysatellite service arrangements. We incurred satellite-related expenses of $178.8$144.2 million, $181.2$160.8 million and $161.6$178.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Our "Purchase“Purchase and other obligations"obligations” primarily consists of binding purchase orders for digital set-top boxes and related components. Our purchase obligations can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to, among other things, management'smanagement’s control of inventory levels, and can materially impact our future operating asset and liability balances, and our future working capital requirements.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The table above does not include amounts related to deferred tax liabilities, unrecognized tax positions and certain other amounts recorded in our noncurrent liabilities as the timing of any payments is uncertain. The table also excludes long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities that do not require future cash payments.

In certain circumstances, the dates on which we are obligated to pay our contractual obligations could change.

Rent Expense

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we recorded $21.3$24.7 million, $22.6$22.0 million and $23.4$21.3 million, respectively, of operating lease expense relating to the leases of office space, equipment, and other facilities.

Contingencies

Patents and Intellectual Property

Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services directly or indirectly related to those that we offer. We may not be aware of all patents and other intellectual property rights that our products and services may potentially infringe. Damages in patent infringement cases can be substantial, and in certain circumstances can be trebled. Further, we cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to intellectual property rights held by others and the availability and cost of any such licenses. Various parties have asserted patent and other intellectual property rights with respect to components within our DBSdirect broadcast satellite (“DBS”) products and services. We cannot be certain that these persons do not own the rights they claim, that these rights are not valid or that our products and services do not infringe on these rights. Further, we cannot be certain that we would be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we would be able to redesign our products and services to avoid infringement.

Separation Agreement

In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a separation agreement with DISH Network that provides, among other things, for the division of certain liabilities, including liabilities resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, we have assumed certain liabilities that relate to our business, including certain designated liabilities for acts or omissions that occurred prior to the Spin-off. Certain specific provisions govern intellectual property related claims under which, generally, we will only be liable for our acts or omissions following the Spin-off and DISH Network will indemnify us for any liabilities or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the Spin-off, as well as DISH Network'sNetwork’s acts or omissions following the Spin-off.

The Share Exchange Agreement contains additional indemnification provisions between us and DISH Network for certain liabilities and legal proceedings that will apply if the Share Exchange is consummated.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Litigation

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings (including those described below) concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our business activities. Many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages and many of these proceedingsand/or seek an indeterminate amount of damages. We regularly evaluate the status of the legal proceedings in which we are involved to assess whether a loss is probable or there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred and to determine if accruals are appropriate. If accruals are not appropriate, we further evaluate each legal proceeding to assess whether an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss can be made. We record an accrual for litigation and other loss contingencies when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If accruals are not appropriate, we further evaluate each legal proceeding to assess whether an estimate of possible loss or range of loss can be made. There can be no assurance that legal proceedings against us will be resolved in amounts that will not differ from the amounts of our recorded accruals. Legal fees and other costs of defending litigation are charged to expense as incurred.

For certain cases described below, management is unable to predict with any degree of certainty the outcome or provide a meaningful estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss because, among other reasons, (i) the proceedings are in various stages; (ii) damages have not been sought;sought or specified; (iii) damages are unsupported, indeterminate and/or exaggerated in management'smanagement’s opinion; (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (vi) there are novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories to be presented or a large number of parties are involved (as with many patent-related cases). For these cases, however, management does not believe, based on

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

currently available information, that the outcomes of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows, though there is no assurance that the resolution and outcomes couldof these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not be material to our financial condition, operating results or cash flows for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

We intend to vigorously defend the proceedings against us. In the event that a court ultimately rules against us, we may be subject to adverse consequences, including, without limitation, substantial damages, which may include treble damages, fines, penalties, compensatory damages and/or other equitable or injunctive relief that could require us to materially modify our business operations or certain products or services that we offer to our consumers. In addition, adverse decisions against DISH Network in the proceedings described below could decrease the number of products and components we sell to DISH Network, which could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
California Institute of Technology

On October 1, 2013, the California Institute of Technology ("Caltech"(“Caltech”) filed suit against two of our indirect subsidiaries, Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”), as well as against DISH Network, DISH Network L.L.C., and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781; and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled "Serial“Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes." Caltech appears to assertasserted that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard infringes each of the asserted patents. In the operative Amended Complaint, served on March 6, 2014, Caltech claimsclaimed that the HopperTM set-top box that we design and sell to DISH Network, as well as certain of our Hughes segment'ssegment’s satellite broadband products and services infringeinfringed the asserted patents by implementing the DVB-S2 standard. On September 26, 2014, Caltech requested leave to amend its Amended Complaint to add us and our subsidiary, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. as defendants, as well as to allege that a number of additional set-top boxes infringe the asserted patents. On November 7, 2014, the Court rejected that request. Additionally, on November 4, 2014, the court ruled that the patent claims at issue in the suit are directed to patentable subject matter. On February 17, 2015, Caltech filed a second complaint in the same district against the same defendants as in the first litigation, in the same District. The second complaint allegesalleging that Hughes'HNS’ Gen4 HT1000 and HT1100 products infringeinfringed the same patents asserted in the first case. Trial inOn May 25, 2016, we, the first case is currently scheduledDISH Network defendants and Caltech entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to commence on April 20, 2015.

We intend to vigorously defend these cases. Inwhich the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to our consumers. We cannot predictCourt dismissed with any degree of certainty the outcomeprejudice all of the suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

claims in these actions on May 31, 2016.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

ClearPlay, Inc.

On March 13, 2014, ClearPlay, Inc. ("ClearPlay"(“ClearPlay”) filed a complaint against usEchoStar Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., as well as against DISH Network and DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,898,799, entitled "Multimedia“Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback;"Playback”; 7,526,784, entitled "Delivery“Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content;"Content”; 7,543,318, entitled "Delivery“Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content;"Content”; 7,577,970, entitled "Multimedia“Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback;"Playback”; and 8,117,282, entitled "Media“Media Player Configured to Receive Playback Filters From Alternative Storage Mediums."  ClearPlay alleges that the AutoHop™AutoHopTM feature of the HopperTM set-top box infringes the asserted patents. On February 11, 2015, the Court stayed the case was stayed pending various third-party challenges before the U.S.United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding the validity of certain of the patents ClearPlay asserted in the action.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In those third-party challenges, the eventUnited States Patent and Trademark Office found that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcomeall claims of the suit or determine282 patent are unpatentable and that certain claims of the extent784 patent and 318 patent are unpatentable. ClearPlay appealed as to the 784 and 318 patents, and on August 23, 2016, the United States Court of any potential liability or damages.

Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the findings of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. With the third-party challenges resolved, on October 31, 2016, the stay was lifted and the case has resumed in District Court. No trial date has been set.

CRFD Research, Inc. (a subsidiary of Marathon Patent Group, Inc.)

On January 17, 2014, CRFD Research, Inc. ("CRFD"(“CRFD”) filed a complaint against usEchoStar Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., as well as against DISH Network, DISH DBS Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C., in United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,191,233 (the "233 patent"“233 patent”). The 233 patent is entitled "System“System for Automated, Mid-Session, User-Directed, Device-to-Device Session Transfer System," and relates to transferring an ongoing software session from one device to another. CRFD alleges that certain of our set-top boxes infringe the 233 patent. On the same day, CRFD filed patent infringement complaints against AT&T Inc.; Comcast Corp.; DirecTV; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Cox Communications, Inc.; Level 3 Communications, Inc.; Akamai Technologies, Inc.; Cablevision Systems Corp. and Limelight Networks, Inc. On January 26, 2015, we and DISH Network filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of certain claims of the 233 patent, which was subsequently instituted along with two third-party petitions also challenging the validity of certain claims of

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

the 233 patent. On June 4, 2015, the litigation in the District Court was ordered stayed pending resolution of our petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and on January 16, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office held oral arguments on the merits of the petition. On June 1, 2016, the Patent and Trademark Office found that four of the challenged thirty claims were unpatentable. On July 5, 2016, CRFD filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. CRFD is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Elbit

On January 23, 2015, Elbit Systems Land and C4I LTD and Elbit Systems of America Ltd. (together referred to as "Elbit"“Elbit”) filed a complaint against our indirect subsidiary Hughes Network Systems LLC,HNS, as well as against Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC, Bluetide Communications, Inc. and Helm Hotels Group, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,240,073 (the "073 patent"“073 patent”) and 7,245,874 ("(“874 patent"patent”). The 073 patent is entitled "Reverse“Reverse Link for a Satellite Communication Network"Network” and the 874 patent is


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

entitled "Infrastructure“Infrastructure for Telephony Network."  Elbit alleges that the 073 patent is infringed by broadband satellite systems that practice the Internet Protocol Over Satellite ("IPoS") standard. Elbit alleges that the 874 patent is infringed by the manufacture and sale of broadband satellite systems that provide cellular backhaul service via connections to E1 or T1 interfaces at cellular backhaul base stations.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In On April 2, 2015, Elbit filed an amended complaint removing Helm Hotels Group as a defendant, but making similar allegations against a new defendant, Country Home Investments, Inc. On November 3 and 4, 2015, and January 22, 2016, the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringedefendants filed petitions before the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certaintyUnited States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the outcomevalidity of the patents in suit, or determinewhich the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Patent and Trademark Office subsequently declined to institute. On April 13, 2016, the defendants answered Elbit’s complaint. Trial is scheduled to commence on July 31, 2017.


The Hopper Litigation

On May 24, 2012, DISH Network L.L.C., filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. ("ABC"(“ABC”), CBS Corporation ("CBS"(“CBS”), Fox Entertainment Group, Inc., Fox Television Holdings, Inc., Fox Cable Network Services, L.L.C. (collectively, "Fox"“Fox”) and NBCUniversal Media, LLC ("NBC"(“NBC”). The lawsuit seekssought a declaratory judgment that DISH Network L.L.C is not infringing any defendant'sdefendant’s copyright, or breaching any defendant'sdefendant’s retransmission consent agreement, by virtue of the PrimeTime Anytime™AnytimeTM and AutoHop™AutoHopTM features of the Hopper™HopperTM set-top boxes we design and sell to DISH Network. A consumer can use the PrimeTime Anytime feature at his or her option, to record certain primetime programs airing on ABC, CBS, Fox, and/or NBC up to every night, and to store those recordings for up to eight days. A consumer can use the AutoHop feature at his or her option, to watch certain recordings the subscriber made with our PrimeTime Anytime feature, commercial-free, if played back at a certain point after the show'sshow’s original airing.

Later on May 24, 2012, (i) Fox Broadcasting Company, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and DISH Network L.L.C. (collectively, "DISH"“DISH”) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature, the AutoHop feature, as well as DISH'sDISH’s use of Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality infringe their copyrights and breach their retransmission consent agreements, (ii) NBC Studios LLC, Universal Network Television, LLC, Open 4 Business4Business Productions LLC and NBCUniversal Media, LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights, and (iii) CBS Broadcasting Inc., CBS Studios Inc. and Survivor Productions LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights.

As a result of certain parties'parties’ competing counterclaims and venue-related motions brought in both the New York and California actions, as described below, and certain networks filing various amended complaints, the claims have proceeded in the following venues:  (1) the copyright and contract claims regarding the ABC and CBS parties in New York; and (2) the copyright and contract claims regarding the Fox parties and NBC parties in California.

California Actions.On August 17, 2012, the NBC plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint in their California action adding usEchoStar Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. to the NBC litigation, alleging various claims of copyright infringement. We and our subsidiary answeredPursuant to a settlement agreement between the parties, on September 18, 2012.

June 16, 2016, the parties filed a stipulation to dismiss with prejudice the NBC action, which was granted on June 20, 2016.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

On September 21, 2012, the United States District Court for the Central District of California heard the Fox plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box's PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features and, on November 7, 2012, entered an order denying the motion. The Fox plaintiffs appealed and on July 24, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction as to the PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features. On August 7, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc, which was denied on January 24, 2014. The United States Supreme Court granted the Fox plaintiffs an extension until May 23, 2014 to file a petition for writ of certiorari, but they did not file. As a result, the stay of the NBC plaintiffs' action expired. On August 6, 2014, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a further stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending a final judgment on all claims in the Fox plaintiffs' action. No trial date is currently set on the NBC claims.


In addition, on February 21, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a second motion for preliminary injunction against: (i) DISH Network, seeking to enjoin the Hopper Transfers™TransfersTM feature in the second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging breach of a retransmission consent agreement; and (ii) EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and DISH Network, seeking to enjoin the Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality in the second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging copyright infringement by both defendants, and breach of the earlier-mentioned retransmission consent agreement by DISH Network. The Fox plaintiffs' motion was denied on September 23, 2013. The Fox plaintiffs appealed, and on July 14, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs' motion. On October 17, 2014, the California court heard oral argument on the Fox plaintiffs' and our respective motions for summary judgment. On January 12, 2015, the Court entered an order ruling on the parties'parties’ respective summary judgment motions, holding that: (a) the Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality and the PrimeTime Anytime, AutoHop and Hopper Transfers features do not violate copyright law; (b) certain quality assurance copies (which were discontinued in November 2012) did violate copyright law; and (c) the Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality, the Hopper Transfers feature and certain quality assurance copies breach DISH'sDISH’s retransmission consent agreement with Fox. The only issue remaining for trial isPursuant to the amount of damages, if any, on the claims upon whicha settlement agreement between us, DISH Network and the Fox plaintiffs, prevailed, but the Court ruled thaton February 10, 2016, we, DISH Network and the Fox plaintiffs could not pursue disgorgement asfiled a remedy. Atstipulation to dismiss with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the parties' joint request, the Court vacated theCalifornia Court. That motion was granted on February 24, 2015 trial date, and has stayed the case until October 1, 2015 and no trial date has been set.

11, 2016.

New York Actions.On October 9, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed copyright counterclaims in the New York action against EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C., with the CBS plaintiffs filing similar copyright counterclaims in the New York action against EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. on October 12, 2012. Additionally, the CBS plaintiffs filed a counterclaim alleging that DISH Network fraudulently concealed the AutoHop feature when negotiating the renewal of its CBS retransmission consent agreement.

On November 23, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box's PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features. On September 18, 2013, the New York court denied that motion. The ABC plaintiffs appealed, and oral argument on the appeal was heard on February 20, 2014 before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Pursuant to a settlement between us and the ABC parties, onduring March 4, 2014, the ABC parties withdrew their appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and, on March 6, 2014,Circuit; we and the ABC parties dismissedfiled a stipulation on March 4, 2014 to dismiss without prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.York; and the ABC parties granted a covenant not to sue. The Court ordered such dismissal on March 6, 2014. Pursuant to a settlement between us and the CBS parties, on December 10, 2014, we and the CBS parties filed a stipulation to dismiss with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the New York action were set to be trial-ready on May 29, 2015. However, on December 6, 2014 the parties to the


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

CBS case reached a settlement agreement and all claims pending in New YorkCourt. The Court were dismissed with prejudiceordered such dismissal on December 10, 2014.

We intend to vigorously prosecute and defend our position in these cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted copyrights, we may be subject to substantial damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to DISH Network. An adverse decision against DISH Network could decrease the number of Sling enabled set-top boxes we sell to DISH Network, which could have an adverse impact on the business operations of our EchoStar Technologies segment. In addition,


These matters related to the extent that DISH Network experiences fewer gross new subscriber additions, salesHopper litigation are now concluded.

Michael Heskiaoff, Marc Langenohl, and Rafael Mann
On July 10, 2015, Messrs. Michael Heskiaoff and Marc Langenohl, purportedly on behalf of our digital set-top boxesthemselves and related components to DISH Network may further decline, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

LightSquared/Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (LightSquared Bankruptcy)

On August 6, 2013, Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and other affiliates of Harbinger (collectively, "Harbinger"), a shareholder of LightSquared Inc., filed an adversary proceeding against us, DISH Network, L-Band Acquisition, LLC ("LBAC"), Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman), SP Special Opportunities, LLC ("SPSO") (an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen), and certain other parties, in the LightSquared bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court"), which cases are jointly administered under the caption In re LightSquared Inc., et. al., Case No. 12 12080 (SCC). Harbinger alleged, among other things, claims based on fraud, unfair competition, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage related to certain purchases of LightSquared secured debt by SPSO. Subsequently, LightSquared intervened to join in certain claims alleged against certain defendants other than us, DISH Network and LBAC.

On October 29, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed all of the claims against us in Harbinger's complaint in their entirety, but granted leave for LightSquared to file its own complaint in intervention. On November 15, 2013, LightSquared filed its complaint, which included various claims against us, DISH Network, Mr. Ergen and SPSO. On December 2, 2013, Harbinger filed an amended complaint, asserting various claims against SPSO. On December 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed several of the claims asserted by LightSquared and Harbinger. The surviving claims included, among others LightSquared's claims against SPSO for declaratory relief, breach of contract and statutory disallowance; LightSquared's tortious interference claim against us, DISH Network and Mr. Ergen; and Harbinger's claim against SPSO for statutory disallowance. These claims proceeded to a non-jury trial on January 9, 2014, which concluded on January 17, 2014. The parties submitted post-trial briefs and a hearing for closing arguments occurred on March 17, 2014. In its Post-Trial Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered on June 10, 2014, the Bankruptcy Court rejected all claims against us and DISH Network, and it rejected some but not all claims against the other defendants.

We intend to vigorously defend this proceeding and cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this proceeding or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Nazomi Communications, Inc.

On February 10, 2010, Nazomi Communications, Inc. ("Nazomi")similarly situated, filed suit against our subsidiary Sling Media, Inc. ("Sling Media"), our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, as well as Nokia Corp; Nokia Inc.; Microsoft Corp.; Amazon.com Inc.; Western Digital Corp.; Western Digital Technologies, Inc.; Garmin Ltd.;


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Garmin Corp.; Garmin International, Inc.; Garmin USA, Inc.; Vizio Inc. and iOmega Corp in the United States District Court for the CentralSouthern District of CaliforniaNew York. The complaint alleges that Sling Media Inc.’s display of advertising to its customers violates a number of state statutes dealing with consumer deception. On September 25, 2015, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, and Mr. Rafael Mann, purportedly on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, filed an additional complaint alleging infringementsimilar causes of United States Patent No. 7,080,362 (the "362 patent") and United States Patent No. 7,225,436 (the "436 patent"). The 362 patent andaction. On November 16, 2015, the 436 patent relate to Java hardware acceleration.cases were consolidated. On August 14, 2012,12, 2016, the United States DistrictCourt dismissed the consolidated case due to plaintiffs’ failure to state a claim. On September 12, 2016, the plaintiffs moved the Court for the Northern District of California,leave to file an amended complaint, which the case had earlier been transferred, granted Sling Media's motion for summary judgment of non-infringement. we have opposed.


Realtime Data LLC
On January 10, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court's grant of summary judgment, and the matter is now concluded.

Network Acceleration Technologies,May 8, 2015, Realtime Data LLC

On November 30, 2012, Network Acceleration Technologies, LLC ("NAT" (“Realtime”) filed suit against Hughes Network Systems, LLC,EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiary HNS in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of DelawareTexas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,378,992, entitled “Content Independent Data Compression Method and System”; 7,415,530, entitled “System and Methods for Accelerated Data Storage and Retrieval”; and 8,643,513, entitled “Data Compression System and Methods.”  On September 14, 2015, Realtime amended its complaint, additionally alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,091,710, which is9,116,908, entitled "System“System and Methods for Accelerated Data Storage and Retrieval.” Realtime generally alleges that the asserted patents are infringed by certain HNS data compression products and services. Over April 29, 2016 and May 5, 2016, the defendants filed petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the asserted patents. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has instituted proceedings on each of those petitions, but the litigation has not been stayed. On February 14, 2017, Realtime filed a second suit against EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiary HNS in the same District Court, alleging infringement of four additional United States Patents, Nos. 7,358,867, entitled “Content Independent Data Compression Method and System;” 8,502,707, entitled “Data Compression Systems and Methods;” 8,717,204, entitled “Methods for Preventing Data Slow Down Over Asymmetric Data Transmission Links." NAT re-filed its case on July 19, 2013. NATEncoding and Decoding Data;” and 9,054,728, entitled “Data Compression System and Methods.” The cases


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

have been consolidated and no trial date has been set. Realtime is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On May 22, 2014, NAT filed a stipulation dismissing the litigation without prejudice and the matter is now concluded.

Personalized Media Communications, Inc.

During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. ("PMC") filed suit against EchoStar Corporation, DISH Network and Motorola Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277; and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. PMC is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Subsequently, Motorola Inc. settled with PMC, leaving DISH Network and us as defendants. On July 18, 2012, pursuant to a Court order, PMC filed a Second Amended Complaint that added Rovi Guides, Inc. (f/k/a/ Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.) and TVG-PMC, Inc. (collectively, "Gemstar") as a party, and added a new claim against all defendants seeking a declaratory judgment as to the scope of Gemstar's license to the patents in suit, under which DISH Network and we are sublicensees. On August��12, 2014, in response to the parties' respective summary judgment motions related to the Gemstar license issues, the Court ruled in favor of PMC and dismissed all claims by or against Gemstar and entered partial final judgment in PMC's favor as to those claims. On September 16, 2014, we and DISH Network filed a notice of appeal of that partial final judgment, which is pending. On November 5, 2014, PMC supplemented its expert report on damages, dropping a higher value damages theory and disclosing that it seeks damages ranging from $167 million to $447 million as of September 30, 2014, excluding pre-judgment interest and possible trebling under Federal law. PMC also has informed us that it will not pursue at trial its claim for infringement of United States Patent No. 5,109,414. On November 17, 2014 we filed a motion to continue the trial, and the Court subsequently approved a joint request to move the trial date from January 12, 2015 to May 18, 2015.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We are being indemnified by DISH Network for any potential liability or damages resulting from this suit relating to the period prior to the effective date of the Spin-off. We


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Shareholder Derivative Litigation

On December 5, 2012, Greg Jacobi, purporting to sue derivatively on behalf of EchoStar Corporation, filed suit (the "Jacobi Litigation"“Jacobi Litigation”) against Charles W. Ergen, Michael T. Dugan, R. Stanton Dodge, Tom A. Ortolf, C. Michael Schroeder, Joseph P. Clayton, David K. Moskowitz, and EchoStar Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. The complaint alleges that a March 2011 attempted grant of 1.5 million stock options to Charles Ergen breached defendants'defendants’ fiduciary duties, resulted in unjust enrichment, and constituted a waste of corporate assets.

On December 18, 2012, Chester County Employees'Employees’ Retirement Fund, derivatively on behalf of EchoStar Corporation, filed a suit (the "Chester“Chester County Litigation"Litigation”) against Charles W. Ergen, Michael T. Dugan, R. Stanton Dodge, Tom A. Ortolf, C. Michael Schroeder, Anthony M. Federico, Pradman P. Kaul, Joseph P. Clayton, and EchoStar Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint similarly alleges that the March 2011 attempted grant of 1.5 million stock options to Charles Ergen breached defendants'defendants’ fiduciary duties, resulted in unjust enrichment, and constituted a waste of corporate assets.

On February 22, 2013, the Chester County Litigation was transferred to the District of Nevada, and on April 3, 2013, the Chester County Litigation was consolidated into the Jacobi Litigation. Oral argument on a motion to dismiss the Jacobi Litigation was held February 21, 2014. On April 11, 2014, the Chester County litigationLitigation was stayed pending resolution of the motion to dismiss.

On March 30, 2015, the Court dismissed the Jacobi Litigation, with leave for Jacobi to amend his complaint by April 20, 2015. On April 20, 2015, Jacobi filed an amended complaint, which on June 12, 2015, we moved to dismiss. On March 17, 2016, the Court dismissed the amended Jacobi Litigation, and on July 25, 2016, Jacobi filed an appeal brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Our answering brief was filed on September 22, 2016.

Of the attempted grant of 1.5 million options to Mr. Ergen in 2011, only 800,000 were validly granted and remain outstanding. We intend to vigorously defend these cases. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability.

Technology Development and Licensing, LLC

On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing, LLC ("TDL"(“TDL”) filed suit against usEchoStar Corporation and DISH Network in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging infringement of United States Patent No. Re. 35,952, which relates to certain favorite channel features. TDL is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. The case has been stayed since July 2009, pending two reexamination petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages,Office, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We are being indemnified by DISH Network for any potential liability or damagesconcluded in August 2015 resulting from this suit relating to the period prior to the effective datein 42 out of the Spin-off. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome53 claims of the suit or determine952 patent being invalidated. As a result, the extentcase resumed in August 2015. In a separate matter in which TDL is asserting the same patent, the court in that action ruled that four additional claims of any potential liability or damages.

the '952 patent are invalid because they claim unpatentable subject matter, and TDL has stipulated that it will not appeal that order. Only two claims of the ‘952 patent remain asserted against us. A trial date has not been set.

TQ Beta LLC

On June 30, 2014, TQ Beta LLC ("(“TQ Beta"Beta”) filed suit against DISH Network, DISH DBS Corporation, DISH Network L.L.C., as well as usEchoStar Corporation and our subsidiaries, EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C, Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation,HSS, and Sling Media, Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,203,456 ("the


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

'456 patent"(the “456 patent”), which is entitled "Method“Method and Apparatus for Time and Space Domain Shifting of Broadcast Signals."  TQ Beta alleges that the Hopper, Hopper with Sling, ViP 722 and ViP 722k DVR devices, as well as the DISH Anywhere service and DISH Anywhere mobile application, infringe the '456456 patent, but has not specified the amount of damages that it is seeking in its suit.seeks. TQ Beta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  Trial is set forDuring August 2015, EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of certain claims of the 456 patent, and in February 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions. On February 25, 2016, the case was stayed pending resolution of these proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and the Court vacated all pending court dates and deadlines. On January 12, 2016.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In30, 2017, the eventUnited States Patent and Trademark Office issued its final written decisions on our petitions, invalidating all claims of the 456 patent that a court ultimately determines that we infringewere asserted in the asserted patents, welitigation, which decisions may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

TQP Development,appealed by TQ Beta.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

TQ Delta LLC


On October 11, 2012, TQP Development,July 17, 2015, TQ Delta, LLC ("TQP"(“TQ Delta”) filed suita complaint against our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Sling Media,DISH Network, DISH DBS Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, allegingDelaware. On May 16, 2016, TQ Delta filed a second amended complaint that added EchoStar Corporation and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. as defendants. That complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 5,412,730,6,961,369 (the “369 patent”), which is entitled "Encrypted Data“System and Method for Scrambling the Phase of the Carriers in a Multicarrier Communications System”; United States Patent No. 8,718,158 (the “158 patent”), which is entitled “System and Method for Scrambling the Phase of the Carriers in a Multicarrier Communications System”; United States Patent No. 9,014,243 (the “243 patent”), which is entitled “System and Method for Scrambling Using a Bit Scrambler and a Phase Scrambler”; United States Patent No.7,835,430 (the “430 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Modulation Messaging for Frequency Domain Received Idle Channel Noise Information”; United States Patent No. 8,238,412 (the “412 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Modulation Messaging for Power Level per Subchannel Information”; United States Patent No. 8,432,956 (the “956 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Modulation Messaging for Power Level per Subchannel Information”; and United States Patent No. 8,611,404 (the “404 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Transmission System Employing Means for Randomly Alteringwith Low Power Sleep Mode and Rapid-On Capability”; and United States Patent No. 9,094,268 (the “268 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Transmission System with Low Power Sleep Mode and Rapid-On Capability.” TQ Delta alleges that satellite TV services, Internet services, set-top boxes, gateways, routers, modems, adapters and networks that operate in accordance with one or more Multimedia over Coax Alliance Standards infringe the Encryption Keys." On November 14, 2012, TQPasserted patents. TQ Delta has filed suitactions in the same venue against Hughes Network Systems, LLC, our indirectly subsidiary,court alleging infringement of the same patent. TQPpatents against Comcast Corp., Cox Communications, Inc., DirecTV, Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc. TQ Delta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Trial has been set for November 13, 2017. On July 8, 2013,14, 2016, TQ Delta stipulated to dismiss with prejudice all claims related to the 369 patent and the 956 patent. On July 20, 2016, DISH Network filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims of the 404 patent and 268 patent asserted against it, and other parties have also filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims asserted in the action. On November 4, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the third-party petitions related to the 158 patent, the 243 patent, the 412 patent and the 430 patent. On December 20, 2016, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the Court stayed the case until the resolution of all petitions to the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims at issue. On January 19, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our motions to join the instituted petitions on the 430 and 158 patents. On February 9, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 404 patent, and on February 13, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 268 patent.

Two-Way Media Ltd.
On February 17, 2016, Two-Way Media Ltd. (“TWM”) filed a joint motioncomplaint against EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiaries, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., and Sling Media, Inc., as well as against DISH Network Corporation, DISH DBS Corporation, DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Network Service L.L.C., Sling TV Holding L.L.C., Sling TV L.L.C., and Sling TV Purchasing L.L.C. TWM brought the suit in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,778,187; 5,983,005; 6,434,622; and 7,266,686, each entitled “Multicasting Method and Apparatus”; and 9,124,607, entitled “Methods and Systems for Playing Media.” TWM alleged that the Sling TV, Sling International, DISH Anywhere, and DISHWorld services, as well as the Slingbox units and DISH DVRs incorporating Slingbox technology, infringed the asserted patents. TWM is an entity that seeks to dismisslicense a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims against Sling Media without prejudice. On February 24, 2014,recited therein. Effective December 8, 2016, we, DISH Network Corporation and TWM entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which the Court granted a joint motion to dismissdismissed with prejudice all claims in the claims against Hughes Network Systems, LLC, without prejudice and the matter is now concluded.

action on December 15, 2016.

Other

In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. As part of our ongoing operations, the Company is subject to various inspections, audits, inquiries, investigations and similar actions by third parties, as well as by governmental/regulatory authorities responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations to which the Company may be subject. Further, under the federal False Claims Act, private parties have the right to bring qui tam, or “whistleblower,” suits against companies that submit false claims for payments to, or improperly retain overpayments from, the federal government. Some states have adopted similar state whistleblower and false

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

claims provisions. In addition, the Company from time to time receives inquiries from federal, state and foreign agencies regarding compliance with various laws and regulations.
In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity,cash flows, though the resolutions and outcomes, individually or in the aggregate, could be material to our financial position, operating results or cash flows for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

The Company indemnifies its directors, officers and employees for certain liabilities that might arise from the performance of their responsibilities for the Company. Additionally, in the normal course of its business, the Company enters into contracts pursuant to which the Company may make a variety of representations and warranties and indemnify the counterparty for certain losses. The Company’s possible exposure under these arrangements cannot be reasonably estimated as this involves the resolution of claims made, or future claims that may be made, against the Company or its officers, directors or employees, the outcomes of which are unknown and not currently predictable or estimable.

Note 17.17.    Segment Reporting

Operating segments are business components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"(“CODM”), who for EchoStar is the Company'sCompany’s Chief Executive Officer.  Under this definition, we operate in three primary business segments.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Technologies business segment.

The primary measure of segment profitability that is reported regularly to our CODM is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. Our segment operating results do not include real estate and other activities, costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments and our centralized treasury operations, including income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt. These activities are accounted for in the "All“All Other and Eliminations"Eliminations” column in the table below. Total assets by segment have not been reported herein because the information is not provided to our CODM on a regular basis. The Hughes Retail Group is included in our Hughes segment and our CODM reviews separate HRG financial information only to the extent such information is included in our periodic filings with the SEC. Therefore, we do not consider HRG to be a separate operating segment.

For

Prior to 2015, our OTT, SVOD platform business, including certain assets distributed to us in August 2014 in connection with the Exchange Agreement with Sling TV Holding (see Notes 6 and 19), was managed separately from our existing operating segments and was reported within “All Other and Eliminations.”  In the first quarter of 2015, we assigned management responsibility for our OTT, SVOD platform business to our EchoStar Technologies segment, where it continues to be managed and reported as a separate reporting unit. All prior period amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to present operations of our OTT, SVOD platform business in our EchoStar Technologies segment.
Transactions between segments were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012, transactions between segments were not significant.

2014.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The following table presents revenue, EBITDA, and capital expenditures for each of our operating segments:

 
 EchoStar
Technologies
 Hughes EchoStar
Satellite
Services
 All
Other and
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Total
 
 
 (In thousands)
 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

                

External revenue

 $1,609,280 $1,325,887 $481,579 $28,832 $3,445,578 

Intersegment revenue

 $540 $1,831 $2,876 $(5,247)$ 

Total revenue

 $1,609,820 $1,327,718 $484,455 $23,585 $3,445,578 

EBITDA

 $152,439 $356,871 $419,442 $(26,171)$902,581 

Capital expenditures(1)

 $48,616 $218,607 $28,734 $384,069 $680,026 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

External revenue

 $1,715,579 $1,215,783 $326,828 $24,262 $3,282,452 

Intersegment revenue

 $412 $2,343 $3,349 $(6,104)$ 

Total revenue

 $1,715,991 $1,218,126 $330,177 $18,158 $3,282,452 

EBITDA

 $136,057 $281,513 $235,993 $(3,466)$650,097 

Capital expenditures(1)

 $56,935 $186,561 $12,700 $135,677 $391,873 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

External revenue

 $1,658,203 $1,156,590 $275,280 $31,631 $3,121,704 

Intersegment revenue

 $1,826 $2,124 $2,705 $(6,655)$ 

Total revenue

 $1,660,029 $1,158,714 $277,985 $24,976 $3,121,704 

EBITDA

 $110,933 $265,756 $212,549 $204,660 $793,898 

Capital expenditures(1)

 $69,809 $292,222 $118,998 $31,976 $513,005 

(1)
Capital expenditures consist of purchases of property and equipment reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and do not include satellites transferred in the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction or other noncash capital expenditures.
  Hughes 
EchoStar
Technologies
 
EchoStar
Satellite
Services
 
All
Other and
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
  (In thousands)
For The Year Ended December 31, 2016          
External revenue $1,389,152
 $1,248,534
 $406,970
 $12,074
 $3,056,730
Intersegment revenue $3,209
 $663
 $690
 $(4,562) $
Total revenue $1,392,361
 $1,249,197
 $407,660
 $7,512
 $3,056,730
EBITDA $427,802
 $89,549
 $339,496
 $26,684
 $883,531
Capital expenditures $322,362
 $69,744
 $58,925
 $247,223
 $698,254
           
For The Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
External revenue $1,344,945
 $1,297,510
 $489,842
 $11,417
 $3,143,714
Intersegment revenue $2,395
 $688
 $749
 $(3,832) $
Total revenue $1,347,340
 $1,298,198
 $490,591
 $7,585
 $3,143,714
EBITDA $396,684
 $106,745
 $412,607
 $(50,683) $865,353
Capital expenditures $285,499
 $50,593
 $101,215
 $266,213
 $703,520
           
For The Year Ended December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
External revenue $1,325,887
 $1,626,826
 $481,579
 $11,286
 $3,445,578
Intersegment revenue $1,831
 $540
 $2,876
 $(5,247) $
Total revenue $1,327,718
 $1,627,366
 $484,455
 $6,039
 $3,445,578
EBITDA $356,871
 $154,786
 $419,442
 $(28,518) $902,581
Capital expenditures $218,607
 $48,616
 $28,734
 $384,069
 $680,026


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The following table reconciles total consolidated EBITDA to reported "Income (loss)Income before income taxes"taxes in our Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Operationsoperations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)comprehensive income (loss):

  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands)
EBITDA $883,531
 $865,353
 $902,581
Interest income and expense, net (102,381) (111,637) (162,247)
Depreciation and amortization (495,068) (528,158) (556,676)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock and other noncontrolling interests 762
 (3,986) (5,325)
Income before income taxes $286,844
 $221,572
 $178,333



ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (In thousands)
 

EBITDA

 $902,581 $650,097 $793,898 

Interest income and expense, net

  (162,247) (177,898) (141,853)

Depreciation and amortization

  (556,676) (507,111) (457,326)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock and other noncontrolling interests

  (5,325) 876  (35)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 $178,333 $(34,036)$194,684 

Geographic Information and Transactions with Major Customers

Geographic Information.Revenue is attributed to geographic regions based upon the location where the goods and services are provided. North America revenue includes transactions with North America customers. All other revenue includes transactions with customers in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. The following table summarizes total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North America and other foreign locations.

 
 As of December 31, 
Long-lived assets:
 2014 2013 
 
 (In thousands)
 

North America:

       

United States

 $4,313,649 $3,745,403 

Other

  585  947 

All other

  155,229  150,139 

Total

 $4,469,463 $3,896,489 


  As of December 31,
Long-lived assets: 2016 2015
  (In thousands)
North America:  
  
United States $4,499,384
 $4,440,590
Canada and Mexico 16,668
 1,242
All other 296,968
 158,253
Total long-lived assets $4,813,020
 $4,600,085
 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
Revenue:
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (In thousands)
 

North America:

          

United States

 $2,958,539 $2,819,968 $2,403,976 

Other

  220,122  215,787  360,590 

All other

  266,917  246,697  357,138 

Total

 $3,445,578 $3,282,452 $3,121,704 


  For the Years Ended December 31,
Revenue: 2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands)
North America:  
  
  
United States $2,623,967
 $2,685,665
 $2,958,539
Canada and Mexico 187,442
 203,813
 220,122
All other 245,321
 254,236
 266,917
Total revenue $3,056,730
 $3,143,714
 $3,445,578

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued


Transactions with Major Customers.For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, our revenue included sales to one major customer. The following table summarizes sales to this customer and its percentage of total revenue.

  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands)
Total revenue:  
DISH Network:  
  
  
Hughes segment $107,300
 $105,181
 $112,692
EchoStar Technologies segment 1,130,985
 1,141,435
 1,443,419
EchoStar Satellite Services segment 349,549
 423,465
 407,236
All Other and Eliminations 12,058
 11,404
 11,244
Total DISH Network 1,599,892
 1,681,485
 1,974,591
All other 1,456,838
 1,462,229
 1,470,987
Total revenue $3,056,730
 $3,143,714
 $3,445,578
       
Percentage of total revenue:  
  
  
DISH Network 52.3% 53.5% 57.3%
All other 47.7% 46.5% 42.7%


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Total revenue:

          

DISH Network:

          

EchoStar Technologies segment

 $1,425,872 $1,546,051 $1,277,038 

Hughes segment

  112,692  113,869  34,017 

EchoStar Satellite Services segment

  407,236  247,174  201,300 

Other

  28,791  24,541  31,409 

Total DISH Network

  1,974,591  1,931,635  1,543,764 

All other

  1,470,987  1,350,817  1,577,940 

Total revenue

 $3,445,578 $3,282,452 $3,121,704 

Percentage of total revenue:

          

DISH Network

  57.3% 58.8% 49.5%

All other

  42.7% 41.2% 50.5%

Note 18.    Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Our quarterly results of operations are summarized as follows:


 For the Three Months Ended 

 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31  For the Three Months Ended

 (In thousands, except per share amounts)
  March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31

Year ended December 31, 2014:

         
 (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year ended December 31, 2016  
  
  
  

Total revenue

 $826,023 $879,828 $895,840 $843,887  $816,359
 $757,629
 $742,349
 $740,393

Operating income

 $59,820 $92,470 $92,277 $83,523  $86,465
 $89,886
 $81,981
 $106,066

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock

 $12,653 $33,794 $64,055 $54,766  $50,674
 $56,133
 $36,644
 $38,222

Basic earnings per share

 $0.14 $0.37 $0.70 $0.60  $0.54
 $0.60
 $0.39
 $0.41

Diluted earnings per share

 $0.14 $0.36 $0.69 $0.59  $0.54
 $0.60
 $0.39
 $0.40

Year ended December 31, 2013:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
Year ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
  

Total revenue

 $795,454 $830,003 $848,908 $808,087  $798,653
 $793,595
 $760,879
 $790,587

Operating income

 $23,936 $6,088 $40,904 $32,659  $81,205
 $94,348
 $88,607
 $91,873

Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar common stock

 $3,458 $(9,759)$4,320 $4,506 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 $0.04 $(0.11)$0.05 $0.05 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 $0.04 $(0.11)$0.05 $0.05 
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock $33,402
 $33,900
 $30,102
 $66,296
Basic earnings per share $0.36
 $0.37
 $0.33
 $0.71
Diluted earnings per share $0.36
 $0.36
 $0.32
 $0.71


For the quarter ended December 31, 2014,2015, our operating results includedeffective income tax rate decreased due primarily to the re-enactment of federal research and experimentation tax credits in December 2015. The decrease in our effective tax rate resulted in a gain of $5.8$23.2 million related todecrease in our investment in TerreStar (See Note 6).

For the quarter ended December 31, 2013, our operating results included (i) $7.8 million in non-operating interest income and gains in connection with the settlement of certain accounts receivable and (ii) a goodwill impairment charge of $3.8 million.

quarterly tax provision.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Note 19.19.    Related Party Transactions

DISH Network


Following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have operated as separate publicly-traded companies. However, pursuant to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, described in Note 24 and below, DISH Network owns Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock representing an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment, including certain operations,segment. The tracking stock is an equity security and the rights of DISH Network, as the holder of the tracking stock, in our assets and liabilities attributedare subject to such business.the claims of our creditors. In addition, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companiesEchoStar and DISH Network is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from DISH Network; DISH Network obtains certain products, services and rights from us; and we and DISH Network have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. We also may enter into additional agreements with DISH Network in the future. Generally, the amounts DISH Network pays for products and services provided under the agreements are based on our cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which varies depending on the nature of the products and services provided.

"

The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with DISH Network that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Following the Share Exchange, we also expect that certain of the related party transactions described below will be terminated and that we will enter into agreements for new transactions with DISH Network, including agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from DISH Network and DISH Network obtains certain products, services and rights from us.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Equipment revenue—revenue — DISH Network"

Network

Receiver Agreement.Effective January 1, 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a new receiver agreement (the "2012“2012 Receiver Agreement"Agreement”), pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us for the period from January 1, 2012 tothrough December 31, 2014. The 2012 Receiver Agreement replaced the receiver agreement we entered into with DISH Network in connection with the Spin-off. The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows DISH Network to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us either: (i) at cost (decreasing as we reduce costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on our mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased. Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, our margins will be increased if we are able to reduce the costs of our digital set-top boxes and our margins will be reduced if these costs increase. We provide DISH Network with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days'days’ notice to us. We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire DISH Network. DISH Network has an option, but not the obligation, to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days' notice prior to the end of the term. OnIn May 5, 2014, we received DISH Network'sNetwork’s notice to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one year through December 2015, and in November 2015, we amended the 2012 Receiver Agreement with DISH Network to extend the term of the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one year through December 31, 2015.

"2016. In November 2016, we and DISH Network amended this agreement to extend its term for one year through December 2017.


Services and other revenue—revenue — DISH Network"

Network

Broadcast Agreement.Effective January 1, 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a new broadcast agreement (the "2012“2012 Broadcast Agreement"Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 1, 2012 through December 2016. In November 2016, we and DISH Network amended the 2012 Broadcast Agreement to extend the term for one year through December 31, 2016.2017. The 2012 Broadcast Agreement replaced the broadcast agreement that we entered into with DISH


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Network in connection with the Spin-off. The fees for the services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either:  (a) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will dependdepends on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network has the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days'days’ notice to us. If DISH Network terminates the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate.

Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming.    DuringIn May 2010, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network in connection with its carriage of certain sports related programming. The term of this agreement is ten years. If DISH Network terminates this agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate. The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services.

RUS Implementation Agreement. In September 2010, DISH Broadband L.L.C. (“DISH Broadband”), DISH Network’s indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, was selected by the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the United States Department of Agriculture to receive up to approximately $14.1 million in broadband stimulus grant funds (the “Grant Funds”). Effective November 2011, HNS and DISH Broadband entered into a RUS Implementation Agreement (the “RUS Agreement”) pursuant to which HNS provided certain portions of the equipment and broadband service used to implement DISH Broadband’s RUS program. While the RUS Agreement expired in June 2013 when the Grant Funds were exhausted, HNS is required to continue providing services to DISH Broadband’s customers activated prior to the expiration of the RUS Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of the RUS Agreement.

Satellite Services Provided to DISH Network.Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite service agreements pursuant to which DISH Network receives satellite services on certain satellites owned or leased by us. The fees for the services provided under these satellite service agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are providing services on the applicable satellite, and the length of the service arrangements. The termterms of each service arrangement is set forth below:


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV.As part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction discussed inNote 2, on4, in March 1, 2014, we began providing certain satellite services to DISH Network on the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites. The term of each satellite services agreement generally terminates upon the earlier of:  (i) the end of life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite. DISH Network generally has the option to renew each satellite service agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite'ssatellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised.

DISH Network elected not to renew the satellite services agreement relative to the EchoStar I satellite. The agreement for the EchoStar I satellite expired pursuant to its terms effective November 2015. In December 2016, DISH Network renewed the satellite services agreement relative to the EchoStar VII satellite for one year to June 2018.

EchoStar VIII.In May 2013, DISH Network began receiving satellite services from us on the EchoStar VIII satellite as an in-orbit spare. Effective March 1, 2014, this satellite services arrangement converted to a month-to-month service agreement. Bothagreement with both parties havehaving the right to terminate thisupon 30 days’ notice. The agreement upon 30 days' notice.

terminated in accordance with its terms effective November 2015.

EchoStar IX.Effective January 2008, DISH Network began receiving satellite services from us on the EchoStar IX.IX satellite. Subject to availability, DISH Network generally has the right to continue to receive satellite services from us on the EchoStar IX satellite on a month-to-month basis.

EchoStar XII.DISH Network receives satellite services from us on the EchoStar XII.XII satellite. The term of the satellite services agreement terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails or the date the transponder(s) on which the service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite.September 2017. DISH Network generally has the option to renew


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

EchoStar XVI.    DuringIn December 2009, we entered into an initial ten-year transponder service agreement with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network receiveshas received satellite services from us on the EchoStar XVI.XVI satellite since January 2013. Effective December 21, 2012, we and DISH Network amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. In July 2016, we and DISH Network further amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, extend the initial term by one additional year and to reduce the term of the first renewal option by one year. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we, upon certain conditions, and DISH Network have the option to renew for an additional six-yearfive-year period. If either we or DISH Network exercise our respective six-yearfive-year renewal options, DISH Network has the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term. There can be no assurance that any option to renew this agreement will be exercised. We beganIn the event that we or DISH Network does not exercise the first five-year renewal option or DISH Network does not exercise the second five-year renewal option, DISH Network has the option to provide satellite services onpurchase the EchoStar XVI tosatellite for a certain price. If DISH Network does not elect to purchase the EchoStar XVI satellite at that time, we may sell the EchoStar XVI satellite to a third party and DISH Network is required to pay us a certain amount in January 2013.

the event we are not able to sell the EchoStar XVI satellite for more than a certain amount.

Nimiq 5 Agreement.    DuringAgreement. In September 2009, we entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada ("Telesat"(“Telesat”) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree west longitude orbital location (the "Telesat“Telesat Transponder Agreement"Agreement”). DuringIn September 2009, we also entered into a satellite service agreement (the "DISH“DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement"Agreement”) with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network receives satellite services from us on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement.

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us that commenced in September 2009, when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service, and continue through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date itthe Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

QuetzSat-1 Agreement.    DuringAgreement. In November 2008, we entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America, which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES Latin America to us of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Concurrently, in 2008, we entered into a transponder service agreement with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network receives satellite services on 24 of the DBS transponders on QuetzSat-1.the QuetzSat-1 satellite. The QuetzSat-1 satellite was launched onin September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter ofin November 2011 at the 67.1 degree west longitude orbital location. In the interim, we provided DISH Network with alternate capacity at the 77 degree west longitude orbital location. During the third quarter of 2012,February 2013, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which we receive certain satellite services from DISH Network on five DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. In January 2013, the QuetzSat-1 satellite was moved to the 77 degree west longitude orbital location and DISH Network commenced commercial operations at such location in February 2013.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.    OnIn February 20, 2014, we entered into agreements with DISH Network to implement a transaction pursuant to which, among other things: (i) onin March 1, 2014, EchoStar and HSS issued shares of the Tracking Stock to DISH Network in exchange for five satellites owned by DISH Network (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV) (including assumption of related in-orbit incentive obligations and interest payments of approximately $58.9 million)obligations) and approximately $11.4 million in cash; and (ii) onin March 1, 2014, DISH Network began receiving certain satellite services on these five satellites from us. See Note 24 for further information.

TT&C Agreement.Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a new telemetry, tracking and control ("(“TT&C"&C”) agreement pursuant to which we provide TT&C services to DISH Network and its subsidiaries for a period ending onin December 31, 2016 (the "2012“2012 TT&C Agreement"Agreement”). In November 2016, we and DISH Network amended the 2012 TT&C Agreement to extend the term for one year through December 2017. The 2012 TT&C Agreement replaced the TT&C agreement we entered into with DISH Network in connection


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

with the Spin-off.  The fees for services provided under the 2012 TT&C Agreement are calculated at either:  (i) a fixed fee or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days'days’ notice.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


In connection with the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, onin February 20, 2014, we amended the TT&C Agreement to cease the provision of TT&C services to DISH Network for the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites. Effective March 1, 2014, we continue to provide TT&C services for the D-1 and EchoStar XV satellites; however, for the period that we receivereceived satellite services on the EchoStar XV satellite from DISH Network, we have waived the fees for the TT&C services on the EchoStar XV.

XV satellite. Effective August 2016, we provide TT&C services to DISH Network for the EchoStar XVIII satellite.

Real Estate Lease Agreements.We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain real estate from us. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area at the time of the lease, and DISH Network is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:

Inverness Lease Agreement.The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending onin December 31, 2016. This agreement can beIn February 2016, DISH Network terminated by either party upon six months prior notice.

this lease effective in August 2016.

Meridian Lease Agreement.The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending onin December 31, 2016.

Effective December 2016, we and DISH Network amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term for one year through December 2017. This agreement may be extended by mutual consent, in which case this agreement will be converted to a month-to-month lease agreement. Upon extension, both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice.

Santa Fe Lease Agreement.The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending onin December 31,2016. Effective December 2016, with a renewal optionwe and DISH Network amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term for one additional year.

EchoStar Data Networksyear through December 2017. This agreement may be extended by mutual consent, in which case this agreement will be converted to a month-to-month lease agreement. Upon extension, both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice.

Atlanta Sublease Agreement.The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending onterminated in October 31, 2016.

Gilbert Lease Agreement.The original lease for certain space at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona was a month to month lease and could be terminated by either party upon 30 days'days’ prior notice. The original lease was terminated in May 2014. Effective August 1, 2014, we began leasing this space to DISH Network under a new lease for a period ending in July 31, 2016. Effective November 2016, we and DISH Network has renewal optionsamended this lease to extend the term for three additional one year terms.

through July 2017.

Cheyenne Lease Agreement.The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending onin December 31, 2031.

This agreement may be extended by mutual consent, in which case this agreement will be converted to a month-to-month lease agreement. Upon extension, both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice.

Product Support Agreement.In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from us (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related componentsaccessories that our subsidiarieswe have previously sold and in the future may sell to DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such set-top boxes and related components,accessories, unless terminated earlier. DISH Network may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days'days’ notice. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, DISH Network is entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to us for the services.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

DISHOnline.com Services Agreement.Effective January 1, 2010, DISH Network entered into a two-year agreement with us pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services associated with an online video portal. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. DISH Network has the option to renew this agreement for successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days'days’ notice to us. In October 2014, DISH Network exercised its right to renew this

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

agreement for a one-year period ending onin December 31, 2015.

2015, and in November 2015, DISH Network exercised its right to renew this agreement for an additional one-year period ending in December 2016. In December 2016, we and DISH Network amended this agreement to, among other things, extend the term for one year through December 2017.

DISH Remote Access Services Agreement.Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives, among other things, certain remote digital video recorder ("DVR"(“DVR”) management services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has ahad an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms andterms. This agreement automatically renewed in February 2017 for an additional one-year period until February 2018. The agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days'days’ notice to us.

SlingService Services Agreement.Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services related to placeshifting. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has ahad an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms andterms. This agreement automatically renewed in February 2017 for an additional one-year period until February 2018. The agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days'days’ notice to us.

Blockbuster Agreements.    On April 26, 2011, DISH Network acquired substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. (the "Blockbuster Acquisition"). On June 8, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Hughes Acquisition"). Hughes Network Systems, LLC ("HNS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc., provided certain broadband products and services to Blockbuster, Inc. ("Blockbuster") pursuant to an agreement that was entered into prior to the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition. Subsequent to both the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition, Blockbuster entered into a new agreement with HNS pursuant to which Blockbuster may continue to purchase broadband products and services from our Hughes segment (the "Blockbuster VSAT Agreement").

Effective February 1, 2014, all services to all Blockbuster locations, including Blockbuster franchisee locations, terminated in connection with the closing of all of the Blockbuster retail locations.

Radio Access Network Agreement.    On November 29, 2012, HNS entered into an agreement with DISH Network L.L.C. pursuant to which HNS constructed for DISH Network a ground-based satellite radio access network ("RAN") for a fixed fee. The parties mutually agreed to terminate this agreement in the fourth quarter of 2014.

RUS Implementation Agreement.    In September 2010, DISH Broadband L.L.C. ("DISH Broadband"), DISH Network's wholly-owned subsidiary, was selected by the Rural Utilities Service ("RUS") of the United States Department of Agriculture to receive up to approximately $14.1 million in broadband stimulus grant funds (the "Grant Funds"). Effective November 2011, HNS and DISH Broadband entered into a RUS Implementation Agreement (the "RUS Agreement") pursuant to which HNS provided certain portions of the equipment and broadband service used to implement DISH Broadband's RUS program. While the RUS Agreement expired in June 2013 when the Grant Funds were exhausted, HSS is required to continue providing services to DISH Broadband's customers activated prior to the expiration of the RUS Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of the RUS Agreement.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

TerreStar Agreement.    OnIn March 9, 2012, DISH Network completed its acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar.TerreStar Networks Inc. (“TerreStar”). Prior to DISH Network'sNetwork’s acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar and our completion of the Hughes Acquisition, TerreStar and HNS entered into various agreements pursuant to which our Hughes segment provides, among other things, warranty, operations and maintenance and hosting services for TerreStar’s ground-based communications equipment. TerreStar generally has the right to continue to receive warranty services from us for one of our products on a month-to-month basis. The provision of warranty services for our other product will continue until March 2018 and will automatically renew in March 2018 for an additional one-year period, unless terminated by TerreStar upon at least 60 days’ written notice to us prior to the end of the term. The provision of operations and maintenance services will continue until April 2018 and will automatically renew in April 2018 for TerreStar's satellite gatewayan additional one-year period, unless terminated by TerreStar or us upon at least 90 days’ written notice prior to the end of the term. The provision of hosting services will continue until May 2022 and associated ground infrastructure. These agreementswill not renew beyond May 2022 unless the parties enter into a new agreement or amend the existing agreement. In addition, TerreStar generally may be terminated by DISH Network at any timeterminate such services for convenience.

convenience subject to providing us with prior notice and/or payment of termination charges.

Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement.Effective October 1, 2012, HNS and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. ("dishNET"(“dishNET”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, entered into a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement"“Distribution Agreement”) pursuant to which dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the Hughes satellite internet service (the "Hughes service"“Hughes service”). dishNET pays HNS a monthly per subscriber wholesale service fee for the Hughes service based upon a subscriber'ssubscriber’s service level and beginning January 1, 2014, based upon certain volume subscription thresholds. The Distribution Agreement also provides that dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase certain broadband equipment from us to support the sale of the Hughes service. The Distribution Agreement hashad an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms unless terminated by either party with a written notice at least 180 days before the expiration of the then-current term. OnIn February 20, 2014, HNS and dishNET entered into an amendment to the Distribution Agreement which, among other things, extended the initial term of the Distribution Agreement throughuntil March 1, 2024. Upon expiration or termination of the Distribution Agreement, the parties will continue to provide the Hughes service to the then-current dishNET subscribers pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement.

Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement.    During the fourth quarter ofIn November 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the "Application“Application Development Agreement"Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide DISH Network with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for set-top boxes for the period ending in February 1, 2016. The Application Development Agreement automatically renewed in February 2017 for a one-year period ending in February 2018, and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or DISH Network at any time upon at least 90 days'days’ notice. The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.

XiP Encryption Agreement.    During the third quarter ofIn July 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with DISH Network for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the "XiP“XiP Encryption Agreement"Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide certain security measures on

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes. The term of the XiP Encryption Agreement’s term ends on the same day as the 2012 Receiver Agreement is untiland therefore was automatically extended through December 31, 2015. Under the XiP Encryption Agreement,2017 when we and DISH Network has an option, but notextended the obligation to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year upon at least 180 days' notice prior to the end of the term.2012 Receiver Agreement. We and DISH Network each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 180 days'days’ notice and 30 days'days’ notice, respectively. The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month.

DBSD North America Agreement.    OnIn March 9, 2012, DISH Network completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity of reorganized DBSD North America, Inc. ("(“DBSD North America"America”). Prior to DISH Network'sNetwork’s acquisition of DBSD North America and our completion of the Hughes Acquisition, DBSD North America and HNS entered into an agreementvarious agreements pursuant to which our Hughes segment provides,


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

among other things, warranty, operations and maintenance and hosting services of DBSD North America’s gateway and ground-based communications equipment. DBSD North America generally has the right to continue to receive warranty services from us on a month-to-month basis until February 2019. The provision of operations and maintenance services of DBSD North America's satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. This agreement automatically renewed for a one-year period ending on February 15, 2016,will continue until April 2018 and will automatically renew in April 2018 for onean additional one-year period, unless terminated by DBSD North America upon at least 30 days'120 days’ written notice to us prior to the expirationend of any renewalthe term.

The provision of hosting services will continue until February 2022 and will automatically renew for an additional five-year period until February 2027 unless terminated by DBSD North America upon at least 180 days’ written notice to us prior to the end of the term. In addition, DBSD North America generally may terminate such services for convenience, subject to providing us with prior notice and/or payment of termination charges.

Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (formerly DISH Digital Holding L.L.C)L.L.C.) (“Sling TV Holding”). Effective July 1, 2012, we and DISH Network formed DISH DigitalSling TV Holding, L.L.C. ("DISH Digital"), which was owned two-thirds by DISH Network and one-third by EchoStar. DISH Digitalus. Sling TV Holding was formed to develop and commercialize certain advanced technologies. At that time, we, DISH Network and DISH DigitalSling TV Holding entered into the following agreements with respect to DISH Digital:Sling TV Holding: (i) a contribution agreement pursuant to which we and DISH Network contributed certain assets in exchange for our respective ownership interests in DISH Digital;Sling TV Holding; (ii) a limited liability company operating agreement ("(“Operating Agreement"Agreement”), which providedprovides for the governance of DISH Digital;Sling TV Holding; and (iii) a commercial agreement ("(“Commercial Agreement"Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, DISH DigitalSling TV Holding had: (a) certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; and (b) the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and DISH Network, respectively. Additionally, the spouse of Mr. Vivek Khemka, the President - EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., is employed as Vice President of Business Development and Operations of Sling TV Holding.
Effective August 1, 2014, we and DISH DigitalSling TV Holding entered into the an exchange agreement (“Exchange AgreementAgreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, DISH DigitalSling TV Holding distributed certain assets to us and we reduced our interest in DISH DigitalSling TV Holding to a 10.0% non-voting interest. As a result, DISH Network has a 90.0% equity interest and a 100% voting interest in DISH Digital.Sling TV Holding. In addition, we, DISH Network and DISH DigitalSling TV Holding amended and restated the Operating Agreement, primarily to reflect the changes implemented by the Exchange Agreement. Finally, we, DISH Network and DISH DigitalSling TV Holding amended and restated the Commercial Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, DISH Digital:Sling TV Holding:  (1) continues to have certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; (2) continues to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and DISH Network; and (3) has a license from us to use certain of the assets distributed to us as part of the Exchange Agreement. AsFollowing the consummation of December 31, 2014,the Share Exchange, we accounted forwill no longer hold our investment in DISH Digital using the cost method. DISH Digital recently changed its name to Sling TV Holding L.L.C.

"Holding.


Cost of sales—equipment—sales — equipment and services and other— DISH Network"

Network

Remanufactured Receiver and Services Agreement.In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a remanufactured receiver and services agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and related components from DISH Network at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. In November 2014, we and DISH Network extended this agreement untilfor a one-year period ending in December 31, 2015.2015, and in November 2015, we and DISH Network extended this agreement for a one-year period ending in December 2016. In November 2016, we and DISH Network further amended the remanufactured receiver and services agreement to extend its term for a one-year period through December 2017. We may terminate the remanufactured receiver and services agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days'days’ notice to DISH Network. DISH Network may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire DISH Network.

"Cost of sales—services and other—DISH Network"


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Satellite Services Received from DISH Network.    Since the Spin-off, we entered into certain satellite services agreements pursuant to which we receive satellite services from DISH Network on certain satellites owned or leased by DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under these satellite services agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite,


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

the number of transponders that are providing services on the applicable satellite and the length of the service term. The term of each satellite service agreement is set forth below:

" In October 2015, we provided DISH Network a notice to terminate this agreement effective in November 2015, and the agreement was terminated according to its terms in November 2015.

General and administrative expenses—DISH Network"

Management Services Agreement.    In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a Management Services Agreement withexpenses — DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network made certain of its officers available to provide services (which were primarily accounting services) to us. Effective June 15, 2013, we terminated the Management Services Agreement.

Professional Services Agreement.In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with DISH Network including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired onin January 1, 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement. During 2009,In January 2010, we and DISH Network agreed that we shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from DISH Network, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the Transition Services Agreement:  information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services. Mr. Vivek Khemka, who remains employed as DISH Network’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, currently also provides services to us pursuant to the Professional Services Agreement as President - EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. Additionally, we and DISH Network agreed that DISH Network would continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage us to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement), receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from us (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services. The Professional Services Agreement automatically renewed onin January 1, 20152017 for an additional one-year period until January 2018 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days'days’ notice. However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days'days’ notice.

Real Estate Lease Agreements.    Since the Spin-off, weWe have entered into a lease agreementsagreement pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from DISH Network. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area at the time of the lease, and we are responsible for our portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leaseslease agreement is set forth below:


Other agreements — DISH Network

Share Exchange Agreement. On January 31, 2017, EchoStar and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Share Exchange Agreement with DISH Network Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries which provides, among other things, that EchoStar and its subsidiaries will receive all of the shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSS Tracking Stock in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of certain EchoStar subsidiaries that will hold our EchoStar Technologies businesses (collectively, the “Share Exchange”). Following consummation of the Share Exchange, EchoStar will no longer operate the EchoStar Technologies business segment and the EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSS Tracking Stock will be retired and all agreements, arrangements and policy statements with respect to, and terms of, such tracking stock will terminate and be of no further effect. The Share Exchange has been structured in a manner to be a tax-free exchange for each of EchoStar and DISH Network. Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, EchoStar will transfer certain assets, investments in joint ventures, spectrum licenses and real estate properties and DISH Network will assume certain liabilities relating to the transferring assets and businesses. The Share Exchange Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by the parties, including representations by EchoStar related to the transferring assets, assumed liabilities and the financial condition of the transferring businesses. Prior to closing, EchoStar and its subsidiaries have agreed to conduct the transferring businesses in the ordinary course and not to undertake specified actions without the written consent of DISH Network. The parties’ obligations to close the Share Exchange are subject to various conditions. EchoStar and DISH Network have agreed to customary indemnification provisions whereby each party indemnifies the termsother against certain losses with respect to breaches of representations, warranties or covenants and certain liabilities and if certain actions undertaken by it causes the underlying lease agreement.

transaction to be taxable to the other party after closing. In connection with the Share Exchange, EchoStar and DISH Network and certain of their subsidiaries will enter into certain customary agreements covering, among other things, matters relating to taxes, employees, intellectual property and the provision of transitional services. See Note 20 for further information.

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

"Other agreements—



Intellectual Property Matters Agreement. We entered into an Intellectual Property Matters Agreement with DISH Network"

Network in connection with the Spin-off. The Intellectual Property Matters Agreement governs our relationship with DISH Network with respect to patents, trademarks and other intellectual property. The Intellectual Property Matters Agreement will continue in perpetuity unless mutually terminated by the parties. Pursuant to the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement, DISH Network irrevocably assigned to us all right, title and interest in certain patents, trademarks and other intellectual property necessary for the operation of our set-top box business. In addition, the agreement permits us to use, in the operation of our set-top box business, certain other intellectual property currently owned or licensed by DISH Network. In addition, DISH Network may not use the “EchoStar” name as a trademark, except in certain limited circumstances. Similarly, the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement provides that we will not make any use of the name or trademark “DISH Network” or any other trademark owned by DISH Network, except in certain circumstances.


Tax Sharing Agreement.In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with DISH Network which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by DISH Network, and DISH Network will indemnify us for such taxes. However, DISH Network is not liable for and will not indemnify us for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, because of:  (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of our stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that we take or fail to take; or (iii) any action that we take that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the IRS in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, we will be solely liable for, and will indemnify DISH Network for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The tax sharing agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed.

In light of the tax sharing agreement, among other things, and in connection with our consolidated federal income tax returns for certain tax years prior to and for the year of the Spin-off, during the third quarter ofin September 2013, we and DISH Network agreed upon a supplemental allocation of the tax benefits arising from certain tax items resolved in the course of the IRS'sIRS’s examination of our consolidated tax returns. Prior to the agreement with DISH Network, the federal tax benefits of $83.2 million were reflected as a deferred tax asset for depreciation and amortization, which was netted in our noncurrent deferred tax liabilities. The agreement requires DISH Network to pay us $83.2 million of the federal tax benefit it receives at such time as we would have otherwise been able to realize such tax benefit, which we currently estimate would be after 2015.2017. Accordingly, we recorded a noncurrent receivable from DISH Network for $83.2 million in "Other receivable—“Other receivable — DISH Network"Network” and a corresponding increase in our net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities to reflect the effects of this agreement in the third quarter ofSeptember 2013. In addition, during the third quarter ofin September 2013, we and DISH Network agreed upon a tax sharing arrangement for filing certain combined state income tax returns and a method of allocating the respective tax liabilities between us and DISH Network for such combined returns, through the taxable period ending on December 31, 2017.

We and DISH Network file combined income tax returns in certain states. In 2014 and 2015, we earned and recognized a tax benefit for certain state income tax credits that we would be unable to utilize currently if we had filed separately from DISH Network. DISH Network expects to utilize these tax credits to reduce its state income tax payable. Consistent with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, we recorded a charge of $5.3 million in additional paid-in capital, representing the amount that we estimate is more likely than not to be realized by DISH Network as a result of its utilization of the tax credits that we earned. We expect to creditincrease additional paid-in capital upon receipt of any consideration paid to us by DISH Network in exchange for these tax credits.

TiVo.    OnIn April 29, 2011, we and DISH Network entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo, Inc. ("TiVo"(“TiVo”). The settlement resolved all pending litigation between us and DISH Network, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH Network DVRs.


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation was dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by us or DISH Network were dissolved. We and DISH Network are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500.0 million, including an initial payment of $300.0 million and the remaining $200.0 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for the contribution from us totaling approximately $10.0 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to our sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer. FutureSubsequent payments will beare allocated between us and DISH Network based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with EchoStar being responsible for 5% of each annual payment.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Sling Trademark License Agreement.    OnIn December 31, 2014, DISH Digital (now known as Sling TV)TV Holding entered into an agreement with Sling Media, Inc., our subsidiary, pursuant to which Sling TV Holding has the right, for a fixed fee, to use certain trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property related to the "Sling"“Sling” trademark through December 2016. In December 2016, Sling TV Holding and Sling Media, Inc. amended this agreement to extend the term thereof on a month-to-month basis. Either party may terminate this agreement at any time upon 21 days prior written notice to the other party.
gTLD Bidding Agreement. In April 2015, we and DISH Network entered into a gTLD Bidding Agreement whereby, among other things: (i) DISH Network obtained rights from us to participate in a generic top level domain (“gTLD”) auction, assuming all rights and obligations from us related to our application with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (“ICANN”) for a period ending December 31, 2016.

particular gTLD; (ii) DISH Network agreed to reimburse us for our ICANN application fee and certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the application and the auction; and (iii) we and DISH Network agreed to split equally the net proceeds obtained by DISH Network as the losing bidder in the auction, less such fee reimbursement and out-of-pocket expenses.

Patent Cross-License Agreements.    DuringIn December 2011, we and DISH Network entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby:  (i) we and such third party licensed our respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) DISH Network and such third party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a "Cross-License Agreement"“Cross-License Agreement”). Each Cross-License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10.0 million. Each Cross-License Agreement also containscontained an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2022.  IfIn December 2016, both we and DISH Network exercised our renewal options, are exercised, theresulting in aggregate additional payments to such third party would totaltotaling less than $3.0 million. However, we and DISH Network may elect to extend our respective Cross-License Agreement independently of each other. Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenue of us and DISH Network, we and DISH Network agreed to allocate our respective payments to such third party based on our respective percentage of combined total revenue.

Voom Settlement Agreement.    On October 21, 2012,

PMC. In 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (“PMC”) filed suit against us, DISH Network and Motorola Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277 and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. In May 2015, we, DISH Network and PMC entered into the Voom Settlement Agreement with Vooma settlement and Cablevision,release agreement that provided, among other things, for a license by PMC to us and DISH Network for certain limited purposes, MSG Holdings, L.P., The Madison Square Garden Companypatents and us. The Voom Settlement Agreement resolvedpatent applications and the litigation betweendismissal of all of PMC’s claims in the parties relating toaction against us and DISH Network with prejudice. In June 2015, the Voom programming services. We wereCourt dismissed all of PMC’s claims in the action against us and DISH Network with prejudice. In June 2015, we and DISH Network agreed that we would contribute a party toone-time payment of $5.0 million towards the Voom Settlement Agreement solely forsettlement under the purposes of executing a mutual release of claimsagreements entered into in connection with Voom, Cablevision, MSG Holdings, L.P.the Spin-off and The Madison Square Garden Company related to the lawsuit and Voom.

2012 Receiver Agreement.


TerreStar-2 Development Agreement.Agreement.  In August 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a development agreement ("(“T2 Development Agreement"Agreement”) with respect to the EchoStar XXI ("EchoStar XXI") satellite under which we reimburse DISH Network for amounts it pays pursuant to an authorization to proceed ("(“T2 ATP"ATP”) with SS/L in connection with the construction of the EchoStar XXI satellite. In exchange, DISH Network granted us certain rightsa right of first refusal and right of first offer to purchase the EchoStar XXI satellite during the term of the T2 Development Agreement. The T2 Development Agreement was amended in December 2013 to provide for the abilityright and option to purchase DISH Network'sNetwork’s rights and obligations under the T2 ATP and the related agreement for the construction of the EchoStar XXI satellite with SS/L. TheIn December 2014, we exercised our option to purchase DISH Network’s rights and obligations under the T2 Development Agreement were exercisedfor $55.0 million in December 2014.

cash and the agreement terminated pursuant to its terms. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we recorded a $9.6 million charge to additional-paid-in-capital, net of related deferred income taxes.
Caltech. two of our subsidiaries, Hughes Communications, Inc. and HNS, as well as against DISH Network, DISH Network L.L.C., and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781; and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled “Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes.” Caltech asserted that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard infringes each of the asserted patents. Caltech claimed that certain of our Hughes segment’s satellite broadband products and services, infringe the asserted patents by implementing the DVB-S2 standard. Pursuant to a settlement agreement among us, DISH Network and Caltech, in May 2016, Caltech dismissed with prejudice all of its claims in On October 1, 2013, Caltech filed complaints against two of our subsidiaries, Hughes Communications, Inc. and HNS, as well as against DISH Network, DISH Network L.L.C., and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781; and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled “Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes.” Caltech asserted that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard infringes each of the asserted patents. Caltech claimed that certain of our Hughes segment’s satellite broadband products and services, infringe the asserted patents by implementing the DVB-S2 standard. Pursuant to a settlement agreement among us, DISH Network and Caltech, in May 2016, Caltech

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—STATEMENTS - Continued

Roger J. Lynch Agreement.


these actions. See Note 16 of these consolidated financial statements for further information. dismissed with prejudice all of its claims in these actions. See Note 16 of these consolidated financial statements for further information.

Orange, NJ. In November 2009, Mr. Roger J. Lynch became employedOctober 2016, we and DISH Network sold two parcels of real estate owned separately by both us and DISH Network as Executive Vice President. Mr. Lynch was responsible forin Orange, NJ to a third party pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement. Pursuant to the development and implementation of advanced technologies that are of potential utility and importance to both usagreement, we and DISH Network. Mr. Lynch's compensation consistedNetwork separately received our respective payments from the buyer.

Invidi. In November 2010 and April 2011, we made investments in Invidi Technologies Corporation (“Invidi”) in exchange for shares of cash and equity compensation and was borne by bothInvidi’s Series D Preferred Stock. In November 2016, DIRECTV, LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of AT&T Inc., DISH Network and us. Mr. Lynch's employment with us terminatedCavendish Square Holding B.V., an affiliate of WPP plc, entered into a series of agreements to acquire Invidi. As a result of the transaction, we sold our ownership interest in Invidi on December 31, 2014.

the same terms offered to the other shareholders of Invidi. The transaction closed in January 2017.


Other Agreements

Hughes Systique Corporation ("(“Hughes Systique"Systique”)

We contract with Hughes Systique for software development services. In February 2008, Hughes agreed to make available to Hughes Systique a term loan facility of up toCommunications, Inc. loaned $1.5 million. Also in 2008, Hughes funded an initial $0.5 million to Hughes Systique pursuant to the term loan facility. In 2009, HNS funded the remaining $1.0 million of its $1.5 million commitment under thea term loan facility. The initial interest rate on the loans bear interest atwas 6%, payable annually, and arethe accrued and unpaid interest was added to the principal amount in certain circumstances. The loans were convertible into shares of Hughes Systique upon non-payment or an event of default. As a result, the Company is not obligated to provide any further funding to Hughes Systique under the term loan facility. In May 2014, Hughes and Hughes Systique entered into an amendment towe amended the term loan facility to increase the interest rate from 6% to 8%, payable annually, to reflect currentthen-current market conditions. Theconditions and extend the maturity date of the loans as amended, mature onto May 1, 2015.2015, and in April 2015, we extended the maturity date of the loans to May 1, 2016 on the same terms. In 2015, Hughes Systique repaid $1.5 million of the outstanding principal of the loan facility. In February 2016, Hughes Systique repaid $0.3 million of the outstanding principal of the loan facility. In April 2016, Hughes Systique repaid in full the remaining $0.3 million outstanding principal and interest of the loan facility. As of December 31, 2016, the principal amount outstanding of the loan facility was zero. In addition to our 44.2%43.9% ownership in Hughes Systique, Mr. Pradman Kaul, the President of Hughes Communications, Inc. and a member of our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors, and his brother, who is the CEO and President of Hughes Systique, in the aggregate, ownedown approximately 25.9%25.8%, on an undiluted basis, of Hughes Systique'sSystique’s outstanding shares as of December 31, 2014.2016. Furthermore, Mr. Pradman Kaul serves on the board of directors of Hughes Systique. WeHughes Systique is a variable interest entity and we are considered the "primary beneficiary"primary beneficiary of Hughes Systique due to, among other factors, our ability to significantly influence and direct the operating and financial decisionsactivities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Hughes Systique and our obligation to provide financial support in the form of term loans.Systique. As a result, we are required to consolidate Hughes Systique'sSystique’s financial statements in our consolidated financial statements.

NagraStar L.L.C.

We own 50%50.0% of NagraStar L.L.C. ("NagraStar"(“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security technology used in our set-top boxes. We account for our investment in NagraStar using the equity method.

The table below summarizes We made purchases from NagraStar totaling approximately $11.9 million, $19.6 million and $22.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had trade accounts payable to NagraStar totaling approximately $1.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Following the consummation of the Share Exchange, we will no longer hold our transactions withinvestment in NagraStar.

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Purchases from NagraStar

 $22,631 $14,901 $13,024 


 
 As of
December 31,
 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Due to NagraStar

 $3,180 $1,211 

Commitments to purchase from NagraStar

 $5,408 $5,874 

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Dish Mexico

During 2008, we entered into a joint venture for a

We own 49.0% of an entity that provides direct-to-home satellite serviceservices in Mexico known as Dish Mexico. We provide certain broadcast services and satellite capacityservices and sell hardware such as digital set-top boxes and related equipment to Dish Mexico.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The following table summarizes revenue from sales of hardware and services we provided to Dish Mexico.

 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Digital set-top boxes and related accessories

 $60,464 $36,929 $58,097 

Satellite services

 $23,327 $22,638 $13,320 

Uplink services

 $6,251 $6,735 $9,144 

Other services

 $ $127 $640 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  (In thousands)
Digital set-top boxes and related accessories $52,324
 $66,779
 $60,464
Satellite services $23,347
 $23,347
 $23,327
Uplink services $4,059
 $4,996
 $6,251



 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Due from Dish Mexico

 $11,012 $3,506 

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had trade accounts receivable from Dish Mexico of approximately $24.2 million and $32.9 million, respectively.
Deluxe/EchoStar LLC

We own 50%50.0% of Deluxe/EchoStar LLC ("Deluxe"(“Deluxe”), a joint venture that we entered into in 2010 to build an advanced digital cinema satellite distribution network targeting delivery to digitally equipped theaters in the U.S. and Canada. We account for our investment in Deluxe using the equity method. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, weWe recognized revenue from Deluxe for transponder services and the sale of broadband equipment of approximately $3.0 million, $2.7 million and $3.3 million $1.8 millionfor the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and $1.6 million,2014, respectively. As of December 31, 20142016 and 2013,2015, we have receivableshad trade accounts receivable from Deluxe of approximately $0.2$0.7 million and $1.1$0.1 million, respectively.

SmarDTV
In May 2015, we acquired a 22.5% interest in SmarDTV, which we account for using the equity method. Pursuant to our agreements with SmarDTV and its subsidiaries, we purchased engineering services from and paid royalties to SmarDTV and its subsidiaries totaling $6.3 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had trade accounts payable to SmarDTV of $2.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and a current note receivable from SmarDTV of zero and $0.5 million, respectively, arising from a working capital adjustment pursuant to the acquisition agreement. Following the consummation of the Share Exchange, we will no longer own our interest in the equity and subordinated debt of SmarDTV and will no longer purchase engineering services from SmarDTV.

AsiaSat

We contract with AsiaSat Telecommunications Inc. (“AsiaSat”) for the use of transponder capacity on one of AsiaSat's satellites. We incurred expenses of approximately $1.45 million payable to AsiaSat under this agreement for the year ended December 31, 2016. In 2016, Mr. William David Wade, a member of our board of directors, served as the Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat and Mr. Wade is currently serving as a senior advisor to the CEO of AsiaSat through March 2017.

Note 20.    Subsequent Event

On January 31, 2017, EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”) and certain subsidiaries of EchoStar entered into the Share Exchange Agreement with DISH Network Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries (“DISH Network”).

Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, among other things EchoStar will receive all of the shares of EchoStar Tracking Stock and HSS Tracking Stock in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of certain subsidiaries which will hold substantially all of the EchoStar Technologies business segment. The Share Exchange has been structured in a manner to be a tax-free exchange for each of EchoStar and DISH Network.

Following the closing of the Share Exchange, the Tracking Stock will be retired and all agreements, arrangements and policy statements with respect to, and the terms of, the Tracking Stock will terminate and be of no further effect. The Share Exchange is expected to be consummated three business days after the satisfaction or waiver of all of the closing conditions to the transaction (other than conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction of those conditions at such time), but no earlier than February 28, 2017. The Share Exchange Agreement provides for customary termination rights of EchoStar and DISH, including the right of either party to terminate the Share Exchange Agreement if the Share Exchange has not closed by March 31, 2017. The closing conditions to the transaction involving third parties or governmental approvals have been satisfied (other than those that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing).  While we

Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

currently expect the Share Exchange to be consummated on or about February 28, 2017, no assurance can be given that the Share Exchange will be consummated on the terms or within the time frame disclosed, or at all.

As a result of this transaction, we expect the historical financial results of our EchoStar Technologies segment prior to the closing of the Share Exchange to be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations beginning in the period the Share Exchange is consummated. We also expect the noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock, as reflected in our stockholders equity to be eliminated as a result of the retirement of the HSS Tracking Stock.


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
SCHEDULE I

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Parent Company Information Only—See notes to consolidated financial statements)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 

Assets

       

Current Assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

 $273,646 $399,838 

Marketable investment securities

  744,112  869,673 

Total current assets

  1,017,758  1,269,511 

Noncurrent Assets:

       

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances

  2,547,478  1,933,533 

Restricted cash and marketable investment securities

  1,293  1,023 

Deferred tax assets

  340,852  77,664 

Other intangible assets, net

  22,185  39,150 

Other investments

  25,319  37,296 

Other receivable—DISH Network

  87,937  87,972 

Total noncurrent assets

  3,025,064  2,176,638 

Total assets

 $4,042,822 $3,446,149 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

       

Current Liabilities:

       

Accrued expenses and other

 $509,654 $225,325 

Deferred tax liabilities

    2,444 

Total current liabilities

  509,654  227,769 

Noncurrent Liabilities:

       

Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities

    1,010 

Total noncurrent liabilities

    1,010 

Total liabilities

  509,654  228,779 

Commitments and Contingencies

       

Stockholders' Equity:

  
 
  
 
 

Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized:

       

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock, $.001 par value, 13,000,000 shares authorized, 6,290,499 issued and outstanding and zero shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively

  6   

Common Stock, $.001 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized:

       

Class A common stock, $.001 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 49,576,247 shares issued and 44,043,929 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 48,370,956 shares issued and 42,838,638 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013

  50  48 

Class B common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 47,687,039 shares issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2014 and 2013

  48  48 

Class C common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     

Class D common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     

Additional paid-in capital

  3,706,122  3,502,005 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (55,856) (14,655)

Accumulated deficit

  (19,040) (171,914)

Treasury stock, at cost

  (98,162) (98,162)

Total stockholders' equity

  3,533,168  3,217,370 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $4,042,822 $3,446,149 
  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
     
Assets  
  
Current Assets:  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $498,219
 $530,678
Marketable investment securities, at fair value 334,593
 358,995
Other current assets 2,258
 2,560
Total current assets 835,070
 892,233
Noncurrent Assets:  
  
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances 2,854,218
 2,446,916
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities 1,106
 862
Deferred tax assets 122,124
 245,457
Other intangible assets, net 
 5,221
Investments in unconsolidated entities 27,529
 26,476
Other receivable - DISH Network 88,252
 88,503
Other noncurrent assets, net 465
 
Total noncurrent assets 3,093,694
 2,813,435
Total assets $3,928,764
 $3,705,668
     
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  
  
Current Liabilities:  
  
Accrued expenses and other $8,699
 $10,190
Total current liabilities 8,699
 10,190
Total liabilities 8,699
 10,190
Commitments and Contingencies    
     
Stockholders’ Equity:  
  
Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized:  
  
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock, $.001 par value, 13,000,000 shares authorized, 6,290,499 issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 6
 6
Common stock, $.001 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized:  
  
Class A common stock, $.001 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 52,243,465 shares issued and 46,711,147 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 51,087,839 shares issued and 45,555,521 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 52
 51
Class B common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 47,687,039 shares issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 48
 48
Class C common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 
 
Class D common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015 
 
Additional paid-in capital 3,828,677
 3,776,451
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (124,803) (117,233)
Accumulated earnings 314,247
 134,317
Treasury stock, at cost (98,162) (98,162)
Total stockholders’ equity 3,920,065
 3,695,478
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,928,764
 $3,705,668


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Parent Company Information Only—See notes to consolidated financial statements)
(In thousands)

 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Costs and Expenses:

          

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 $1,536 $1,598 $1,083 

Depreciation and amortization

  16,965  16,964  16,965 

Total costs and expenses

  18,501  18,562  18,048 

Operating loss

  (18,501) (18,562) (18,048)

Other Income (Expense):

          

Interest income and expense, net

  8,880  7,197  8,874 

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net

  73  36,280  162,257 

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net

  (4,389) (12,068) (7,224)

Other, net

  5,835  (598) 46,026 

Total other income, net

  10,399  30,811  209,933 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of

          

consolidated subsidiaries, net

  (8,102) 12,249  191,885 

Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net

  159,871  (2,251) 16,033 

Income tax benefit (provision), net

  1,105  (7,473) 3,130 

Net income

 $152,874 $2,525 $211,048 

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

          

Net income

 $152,874 $2,525 $211,048 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

          

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (31,698) (15,508) (2,595)

Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities and other

  (9,462) 18,413  30,799 

Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities in net income

  (41) (36,312) (175,223)

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax

  (41,201) (33,407) (147,019)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $111,673 $(30,882)$64,029 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
Costs and Expenses:  
  
  
Selling, general and administrative expenses $1,622
 $1,482
 $1,536
Depreciation and amortization 5,221
 16,964
 16,965
Total costs and expenses 6,843
 18,446
 18,501
Operating losses (6,843) (18,446) (18,501)
       
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
Interest income and expense, net 10,348
 7,941
 8,880
Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net 2,772
 (5,067) 73
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net 6,053
 6,157
 (4,389)
Other, net (18) 790
 5,835
Total other income, net 19,155
 9,821
 10,399
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net 12,312
 (8,625) (8,102)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net 172,466
 166,731
 159,871
Income tax benefit (provision), net (4,848) (4,749) 1,105
Net income $179,930
 $153,357
 $152,874
       
Comprehensive Income (Loss):  
  
  
Net income $179,930
 $153,357
 $152,874
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:  
  
  
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other 7,565
 (7,844) (5,280)
Recognition of realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities in net income (2,594) 5,086
 (73)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of consolidated subsidiaries, net (12,541) (58,619) (35,848)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax (7,570) (61,377) (41,201)
Comprehensive income $172,360
 $91,980
 $111,673


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Parent Company Information Only—See notes to consolidated financial statements)
(In thousands)

 
 For the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

          

Net income

 $152,874 $2,525 $211,048 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

          

Depreciation and amortization

  16,965  16,964  16,965 

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net

  4,389  12,068  7,224 

Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries, net

  (159,871) 2,251  (16,033)

Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net

  (73) (36,280) (162,257)

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

  (267,175) 33,380  (95,982)

Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net

  298,661  88,677  101,434 

Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net

  (975) (88,874) 1,912 

Other, net

  18,319  24,494  16,893 

Net cash flows from operating activities

  63,114  55,205  81,204 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

          

Purchases of marketable investment securities

  (1,013,699) (957,142) (878,427)

Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities

  1,118,187  857,139  931,317 

Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net

  (300,737) (98,387) (118,049)

Capital contribution to DISH Digital

  (18,569)    

Distribution received from investments in affiliates

      7,500 

Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities

  (270) (44) (233)

Net cash flows from investing activities

  (215,088) (198,434) (57,892)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

          

Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  28,857  71,247  15,398 

Other

  (3,075)    

Net cash flows from financing activities

  25,782  71,247  15,398 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  (126,192) (71,982) 38,710 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  399,838  471,820  433,110 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 $273,646 $399,838 $471,820 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
       
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:  
  
  
Net income $179,930
 $153,357
 $152,874
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:  
  
  
Depreciation and amortization 5,221
 16,964
 16,965
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net (6,053) (6,157) 4,389
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net (172,466) (166,731) (159,871)
Losses (gains) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net (2,772) 5,067
 (73)
Deferred tax provision (benefit) 4,848
 4,749
 (1,105)
Dividends received from unconsolidated entity 5,000
 5,000
 5,000
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net 2,093
 7,205
 6,389
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net 251
 (566) 35
Other, net 4,661
 7,705
 13,319
Net cash flows from operating activities 20,713
 26,593
 37,922
       
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:  
  
  
Purchases of marketable investment securities (524,517) (327,610) (1,013,699)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities 548,721
 701,832
 1,118,187
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net (104,099) (182,943) (275,545)
Investments in unconsolidated entities 
 
 (18,569)
Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities (244) 431
 (270)
Other (465) 
 
Net cash flows from investing activities (80,604) 191,710
 (189,896)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:  
  
  
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 27,432
 38,729
 28,857
Other, net 
 
 (3,075)
Net cash flows from financing activities 27,432
 38,729
 25,782
       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (32,459) 257,032
 (126,192)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 530,678
 273,646
 399,838
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $498,219
 $530,678
 $273,646


Table of Contents


ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014 were as follows:

Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
 
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
 Deductions 
Balance at
End of Year
  (In thousands)
For the years ended:  
  
  
  
December 31, 2016 $12,485
 $14,389
 $(13,474) $13,400
December 31, 2015 $14,188
 $6,712
 $(8,415) $12,485
December 31, 2014 $13,237
 $7,242
 $(6,291) $14,188



F-67
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 Balance at
Beginning
of Year
 Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
 Deductions Balance at
End of Year
 
 
 (In thousands)
 

For the years ended:

             

December 31, 2014

 $13,237 $46,853 $(45,902)$14,188 

December 31, 2013

 $16,894 $35,311 $(38,968)$13,237 

December 31, 2012

 $18,484 $27,099 $(28,689)$16,894