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

FORM 10-Q
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 20162017
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 No. 001-34061

 
HSN, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Delaware  26-2590893
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
1 HSN Drive, St. Petersburg, Florida  33729
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
(727) 872-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non‑accelerated filer o 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of November 4, 20166, 2017, the registrant had 52,190,37752,434,629 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

 






 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
  Page
 PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016
 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016
 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016,2017, December 31, 20152016 and September 30, 20152016
 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and Year Ended December 31, 20152016
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
   
 PART II-OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.Risk Factors
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.Other Information
Item 6.Exhibits
Signatures 
   




PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales $823,023
 $864,868
 $2,494,096
 $2,592,397
 $782,562
 $823,023
 $2,389,358
 $2,494,096
Cost of sales 542,947
 558,594
 1,612,718
 1,649,380
 513,377
 542,947
 1,550,662
 1,612,718
Gross profit 280,076
 306,274
 881,378
 943,017
 269,185
 280,076
 838,696
 881,378
Operating expenses:                
Selling and marketing 178,785
 181,281
 546,002
 556,590
 174,019
 178,785
 518,078
 546,002
General and administrative 42,703
 51,552
 139,118
 162,939
 49,783
 42,703
 153,812
 139,118
Depreciation and amortization 10,518
 10,608
 31,745
 32,942
 11,134
 10,518
 33,058
 31,745
Loss on sale and asset impairment 11,195
 5,000
 31,595
 5,000
Loss on sale of businesses and asset impairment 
 11,195
 
 31,595
Transaction costs 1,305
 
 6,643
 
Total operating expenses 243,201
 248,441
 748,460
 757,471
 236,241
 243,201
 711,591
 748,460
Operating income 36,875
 57,833
 132,918
 185,546
 32,944
 36,875
 127,105
 132,918
Other income (expense):                
Interest income 125
 35
 223
 111
 164
 125
 590
 223
Interest expense (4,126) (4,098) (12,211) (11,352) (4,181) (4,126) (12,316) (12,211)
Total other expense, net (4,001) (4,063) (11,988) (11,241) (4,017) (4,001) (11,726) (11,988)
Income before income taxes 32,874
 53,770
 120,930
 174,305
 28,927
 32,874
 115,379
 120,930
Income tax provision (12,716) (19,562) (45,742) (64,776) (12,700) (12,716) (45,130) (45,742)
Net income $20,158

$34,208

$75,188

$109,529
 $16,227

$20,158

$70,249

$75,188
                
Net income per share:                
Basic $0.39
 $0.65
 $1.44
 $2.08
 $0.31
 $0.39
 $1.34
 $1.44
Diluted $0.38
 $0.64
 $1.42
 $2.04
 $0.31
 $0.38
 $1.33
 $1.42
Shares used in computing earnings per share:                
Basic 52,356
 52,736
 52,376
 52,658
 52,555
 52,356
 52,494
 52,376
Diluted 52,844
 53,495
 52,901
 53,637
 52,983
 52,844
 52,860
 52,901
Dividends declared per share $0.35
 $0.35
 $1.05
 $11.05
 $0.35
 $0.35
 $1.05
 $1.05

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
Net income$20,158
 $34,208
 $75,188
 $109,529
$16,227
 $20,158
 $70,249
 $75,188
Other comprehensive income (loss):       
Other comprehensive loss:       
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of tax857
 (238) (630) (720)13
 857
 (47) (630)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax857
 (238) (630) (720)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax13
 857
 (47) (630)
Comprehensive income$21,015
 $33,970
 $74,558
 $108,809
$16,240
 $21,015
 $70,202
 $74,558
              

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.







HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 September 30, December 31, September 30, September 30, December 31, September 30,
 2016 2015 2015 2017 2016 2016
ASSETS            
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents $67,442
 $63,926
 $63,174
 $20,574
 $42,734
 $67,442
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $15,487, $20,631 and $13,292, respectively 226,589
 306,575
 208,464
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $15,862, $19,086 and $15,487, respectively 216,620
 335,005
 226,589
Inventories 450,671
 428,025
 506,602
 439,034
 391,106
 450,671
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 56,309
 45,402
 60,857
 48,107
 44,173
 56,309
Total current assets 801,011
 843,928
 839,097
 724,335
 813,018
 801,011
Property and equipment, net 207,216

211,793

204,668
 212,148

211,106

207,216
Intangible assets, net 253,619
 255,268
 256,896
 253,655
 253,623
 253,619
Goodwill 9,858
 9,858
 9,858
 9,858
 9,858
 9,858
Other non-current assets 12,809
 13,724
 9,910
 16,187
 16,928
 12,809
TOTAL ASSETS
 $1,284,513
 $1,334,571
 $1,320,429
 $1,216,183
 $1,304,533
 $1,284,513
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
     
Current liabilities:     
     
Accounts payable, trade $241,637
 $254,704
 $269,392
 $228,324
 $293,816
 $241,637
Current maturities of long-term debt 25,000
 25,000
 18,750
 34,375
 25,000
 25,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 191,775
 235,042
 188,081
 211,073
 225,265
 191,775
Total current liabilities 458,412
 514,746
 476,223
 473,772
 544,081
 458,412
Long-term debt, less current maturities and net of unamortized deferred financing costs 600,687
 608,108
 673,910
 438,048
 484,878
 600,687
Deferred income taxes 43,145
 44,498
 46,251
 66,899
 59,760
 43,145
Other long-term liabilities 20,199
 20,657
 20,156
 20,466
 20,328
 20,199
Total liabilities 1,122,443
 1,188,009
 1,216,540
 999,185
 1,109,047
 1,122,443
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:     
Shareholders' Equity:     
Preferred stock $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 authorized shares; no issued shares 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 authorized shares; 52,187,351, 52,377,798 and 52,390,584 issued shares at September 30, 2016, December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2015, respectively 522
 524
 524
Common stock $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 authorized shares; 52,432,249, 52,239,795 and 52,187,351 issued shares September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, respectively 524
 522
 522
Additional paid-in capital 1,026,737
 1,085,785
 1,103,320
 964,996
 1,013,688
 1,026,737
Accumulated deficit (864,464) (939,652) (999,362) (750,695) (820,944) (864,464)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (725) (95) (593)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 2,173
 2,220
 (725)
Total shareholders’ equity 162,070
 146,562
 103,889
 216,998
 195,486
 162,070
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $1,284,513
 $1,334,571
 $1,320,429
 $1,216,183
 $1,304,533
 $1,284,513


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited) 
 Preferred Stock Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Total Preferred Stock Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Total
 Shares Amount Shares Amount  Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Balance as of December 31, 2014 
 $
 52,426
 $524
 $1,710,581
 $(1,108,891) $127
 $602,341
Balance as of December 31, 2015 
 $
 52,378
 $524
 $1,085,785
 $(939,652) $(95) $146,562
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 118,708
 
 118,708
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,315
 2,315
Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards 
 
 
 
 19,233
 
 
 19,233
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
 
 
 
 (73,151) 
 
 (73,151)
Issuance of common stock from stock-based compensation awards, including tax effect of $658 
 
 219
 2
 (1,616) 
 
 (1,614)
Repurchases of common stock 
 
 (357) (4) (16,563) 
 
 (16,567)
Balance as of December 31, 2016 
 
 52,240
 522
 1,013,688
 (820,944) 2,220

195,486
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 169,239
 
 169,239
 
 
 
 
 
 70,249
 
 70,249
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 
 (222) (222) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (47) (47)
Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards 
 
 
 
 18,408
 
 
 18,408
 
 
 
 
 7,633
 
 
 7,633
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
 
 
 
 (597,864) 
 
 (597,864) 
 
 
 
 (55,013) 
 
 (55,013)
Issuance of common stock from stock-based compensation awards, including tax benefit of $12,526 
 
 900
 9
 13,161
 
 
 13,170
Repurchases of common stock 
 
 (948) (9) (58,501) 
 
 (58,510)
Balance as of December 31, 2015 
 
 52,378
 524
 1,085,785
 (939,652) (95)
146,562
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 75,188
 
 75,188
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 
 (630) (630)
Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards 
 
 
 
 14,698
 
 
 14,698
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
 
 
 
 (54,880) 
 
 (54,880)
Issuance of common stock from stock-based compensation awards, including income tax effect of $440 
 
 166
 2
 (2,304) 
 
 (2,302)
Repurchases of common stock 
 
 (357) (4) (16,562) 
 
 (16,566)
Balance as of September 30, 2016 
 $
 52,187
 $522
 $1,026,737
 $(864,464) $(725) $162,070
Issuance of common stock from stock-based compensation awards 
 
 192
 2
 (1,312) 
 
 (1,310)
Balance as of September 30, 2017 
 $
 52,432
 $524
 $964,996
 $(750,695) $2,173
 $216,998

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income $75,188
 $109,529
 $70,249
 $75,188
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization 31,745
 32,942
 33,058
 31,745
Stock-based compensation expense 14,698
 13,814
 7,633
 14,698
Loss on sale and asset impairment 27,768
 5,000
Loss on sale of businesses and asset impairment 
 27,768
Amortization of debt issuance costs 1,329
 1,725
 1,295
 1,329
Deferred income taxes (1,420) (9,442) 7,188
 (1,420)
Bad debt expense 13,664
 21,010
 18,343
 13,664
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards (130) (11,855)
Other (52) 847
 23
 (52)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable 65,796
 88,309
 100,042
 65,796
Inventories (51,935) (107,897) (47,928) (51,935)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (14,347) (14,756) (2,059) (14,347)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities (48,299) (24,294) (78,275) (48,299)
Net cash provided by operating activities 114,005
 104,932
 109,569
 114,135
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures (28,504) (45,289) (36,256) (28,504)
Other (627) (1,402) (807) (627)
Net cash used in investing activities (29,131) (46,691) (37,063) (29,131)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Borrowings under term loan 
 500,000
Repayments of term loan (18,750) (228,125) (18,750) (18,750)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility 152,000
 265,000
 145,000
 152,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility (142,000) (65,000) (165,000) (142,000)
Repurchase of common stock (16,566) (52,063) 
 (16,566)
Payments of debt issuance costs 
 (6,624)
Cash dividends paid (54,880) (579,516) (55,013) (54,880)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,824
 14,755
 1,379
 1,824
Tax withholdings related to stock-based awards (3,116) (15,334)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 130
 11,855
Payments of tax withholdings related to stock-based awards (2,282) (3,116)
Net cash used in financing activities (81,358) (155,052) (94,666) (81,488)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 3,516
 (96,811)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (22,160) 3,516
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 63,926
 159,985
 42,734
 63,926
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $67,442
 $63,174
 $20,574
 $67,442
        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION
Company Overview
HSN, Inc. (“HSNi”) is an interactive multi-channel retailer that markets and sells a wide range of third party and proprietary merchandise directly to consumers through various platforms including (i) television home shopping programming broadcast on the HSN television networks and other direct-response television marketing;networks; (ii) catalogs, consisting primarily of the Cornerstone portfolio of leading print catalogs which includes Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Grandin Road and Improvements; (iii) websites, which consist primarily of HSN.com, joymangano.com and the five branded websites operated by Cornerstone;Cornerstone and joymangano.com; (iv) mobile applications; (v) retail and outlet stores; and (vi) wholesale distribution of certain proprietary products to other retailers. HSNi’s television home shopping business, related digital sales, outlet stores and wholesale distribution are referred to herein as “HSN” and all catalog operations, including related digital sales and stores, are collectively referred to herein as “Cornerstone.” Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith, two of the apparel brands in the Cornerstone portfolio, were sold in September 2016. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
HSN offerings primarily consist of jewelry, fashion (apparel & accessories), beauty & health (including beauty, wellness and fitness), and home & other (including home, electronics, culinary and other). Merchandise offered by Cornerstone primarily consists of home furnishings (including indoor/outdoor furniture, home décor, tabletop, textiles and other home related goods) and apparel & accessories.
On July 6, 2017, HSNi and Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty") jointly announced that they had entered into an agreement whereby Liberty will acquire the approximately 62% of HSNi it does not already own in an all-stock transaction ("Liberty Merger Agreement").  For additional information on the Liberty Merger Agreement, see Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). They do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of HSNi's management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with HSNi's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20152016 and the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity for the year ended December 31, 20152016 were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but may not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Recent Accounting Developments

Recently Adopted Accounting Standard Updates

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The new standard is limited to the presentation of debt issuance costs and does not affect their recognition and measurement. ASU 2015-03 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that annual period. HSNi retrospectively adopted ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016 resulting in the reclassification of its debt issuance costs from "Other non-current assets" to a deduction from "Long-term debt, less current maturities and net of unamortized deferred financing costs" in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6 for additional information regarding the deferred issuance costs.

In AprilJuly 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer's Accounting2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330) ("ASU 2015-11"). The amendments, which apply to inventory that is measured using any method other than the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method, require that entities measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for Fees Paid infiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied on a Cloud Computing Arrangement ("ASU 2015-05"), which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract.prospective basis. HSNi prospectively adopted ASU 2015-052015-11 on January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 did not have a material impact to HSNi's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2016-09"). This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and will apply this guidancethe financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits and deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The effective date for the standard is for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. HSNi adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. Amendments related to all arrangements entered into or materially modified afteraccounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies have been adopted prospectively resulting in the effective date.recognition of $3.1 million of tax expense within HSNi's consolidated statements of earnings


rather than as a reduction to additional paid in capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Also, excess tax benefits related to share-based payments are now included in operating cash flows rather than financing cash flows in the statement of cash flows.  This change has been applied retrospectively in accordance with ASU 2016-09 and prior period amounts which are considered immaterial have been reclassified.  We have previously classified cash paid for tax withholding purposes as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows; therefore there is no change related to this requirement.  The amendments allow for a one-time accounting policy election to either account for forfeitures as they occur or continue to estimate forfeitures as required by previous guidance.  HSNi has elected to continue estimating forfeitures under the previous guidance.

Accounting Standard Updates Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 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 revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service. A customer obtains control when it has the ability to direct the use of and obtain the benefits from the good or service. Additionally, ASU 2014-09 will disallow the capitalization of direct-response advertising costs whichcosts. This standard will become effective for HSNi in the first quarter of 2018.

In 2015, HSNi established an implementation team ("team") to assess the overall impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements, processes, systems and controls. The team is in the process of finalizing its conclusions and assessing the impact of the standard. Based on its current evaluation, HSNi expects certain changes to be made to its accounting policies, including the timing of recognition of Cornerstone's catalog production and distribution costs. In July 2015,costs and the FASB approvedpresentation of estimated merchandise returns as both an asset (equal to the inventory value expected to be returned) and a one-year deferralcorresponding return liability, compared to the current practice of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. This standard will now become effective for HSNi in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted in the first quarter of 2017. HSNi is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to its consolidated financial statements and is evaluating the accounting, transition method, disclosure requirements and timing of adoption.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330) ("ASU 2015-11"). The amendments, which apply to inventory that is measured using any method other than the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method, require that entities measure inventory at the lower of cost orrecording an estimated net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied on a prospective basis; however, early adoption is permitted.return liability. HSNi will adopt ASU 2015-112014-09 on January 1, 2017.2018 and will apply the modified retrospective transition method. HSNi is currently assessingstill evaluating the potential impact ASU 2015-11 will have to its consolidated financial statements.quantitative and disclosure impacts of the new standard.    

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to reflect most leases on their balance sheet as assets and obligations. The effective date for the standard is for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The standard is to be applied on a modified retrospective method. HSNi is currently assessing the timing of adoption of ASU 2016-02 and the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016,January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 718)350) ("ASU 2016-09"2017-04"). This standard makes several modificationsASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test.  ASU No. 2017-04 is effective for HSNi in the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted and is to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholdingbe applied on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards.a prospective basis. The effective date for the standard is for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. HSNi is currently assessing the timing of adoption of the provisions of ASU 2016-09 and theNo. 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact it will have on itsHSNi's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.position or results of operations.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications were made to prior period amounts to conform to the current year's presentation. Changes included the reclassification of certain operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations and reclassification of deferred income taxes and deferred financing costs in the consolidated balance sheets due to the implementation of recent accounting standard updates. Current deferred tax assets of $24.1 million in the September 30, 2015 consolidated balance sheet were reclassified as non-current and netted against non-current deferred tax liabilities as a result of retrospectively adopting ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, in the fourth quarter of 2015.
NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting Estimates
HSNi prepares its financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These principles require management to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also impact the reported amount of net earnings during any period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of HSNi's management, the assumptions underlying these interim unaudited financial statements are reasonable.


Significant estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include: the determination of the lower of cost or marketnet realizable value adjustment for inventory; sales returns and other revenue allowances; the allowance for doubtful accounts; the recoverability of long-lived assets; the impairment of intangible assets; the annual expected effective tax rate; the determination of deferred income taxes, including related valuation allowances; the accrual for actual, pending or threatened litigation, claims and assessments; and assumptions related to the determination of incentive compensation and contingent consideration.compensation.    


NOTE 3—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The balance of property and equipment, net, is as follows (in thousands):
 September 30, December 31, September 30, September 30, December 31, September 30,
 2016 2015 2015 2017 2016 2016
Capitalized software $248,389
 $234,249
 $231,701
 $270,385
 $252,741
 $248,389
Computer and broadcast equipment 98,842
 91,533
 93,436
 86,162
 91,119
 98,842
Buildings and leasehold improvements 110,711
 108,656
 105,658
 127,949
 113,731
 110,711
Furniture and other equipment 123,799
 96,512
 95,985
 131,196
 124,518
 123,799
Projects in progress 25,806
 55,294
 49,140
 19,753
 27,666
 25,806
Land and land improvements 10,615
 10,597
 10,511
 10,593
 10,584
 10,615
 618,162
 596,841
 586,431
 646,038
 620,359
 618,162
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (410,946) (385,048) (381,763) (433,890) (409,253) (410,946)
Total property and equipment, net $207,216
 $211,793
 $204,668
 $212,148
 $211,106
 $207,216


NOTE 4—SEGMENT INFORMATION
HSNi presents its operating segments and related financial information in a manner consistent with how the chief operating decision maker and executive management view the businesses, how the businesses are organized as to segment management, and the focus of the businesses with regards to the types of products or services offered and/or the target market. HSNi has two reportable segments, HSN and Cornerstone. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in HSNi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. Corporate overhead expenses, including compensation for corporate employees, board of director expenses and fees for third-party accounting, legal and advisory services, are allocated to the segments based upon specific usage or other reasonable allocation methods. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
HSNi’s primary performance metric is Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as operating income excluding, if applicable: (1) non-cash charges including: (a) stock-based compensation expense, (b) amortization of intangibles, (c) depreciation and gains and losses on asset dispositions, and (d) goodwill, long-lived asset and intangible asset impairments; (2) pro forma adjustments for significant acquisitions; and (3) other significant items. Significant items, while periodically affecting our results, may vary significantly from period to period and have a disproportionate effect in a given period, thereby affecting the comparability of results. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and HSNi believes it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the retail and media industries. Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations in that it does not take into account the impact to HSNi’s consolidated statements of operations of certain expenses, gains and losses; including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles, depreciation, gains and losses on asset dispositions, asset impairment charges, acquisition-related accounting expenses and other significant items.


The following tables reconcile Adjusted EBITDAHSNi’s consolidated net income to operating income for HSNi’sHSNi's operating segments and to HSNi’s consolidated net incomeAdjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
HSN Cornerstone Total HSN Cornerstone TotalHSN Cornerstone Total HSN Cornerstone Total
Adjusted EBITDA$58,020
 $4,889
 $62,909
 $67,109
 $11,028
 $78,137
Net income    $16,227
     $20,158
Income tax provision    12,700
     12,716
Income before income taxes    28,927
     32,874
Total other expense, net    4,017
     4,001
Operating income (loss)$30,999
 $1,945
 32,944
 $46,963
 $(10,088) 36,875
Non-cash charges:           
Stock-based compensation expense(3,671) (568) (4,239) (3,292) (1,097) (4,389)2,978
 1,048
 4,026
 3,671
 568
 4,239
Depreciation and amortization(7,304) (3,214) (10,518) (7,318) (3,290) (10,608)7,690
 3,444
 11,134
 7,304
 3,214
 10,518
Distribution center closure (a)
 
 
 (189) 
 (189)
Loss on sale of businesses and asset impairment (b)(c)
 (11,195) (11,195) 
 (5,000) (5,000)
Loss on sale of businesses and asset impairment (a)
 
 
 
 11,195
 11,195
Loss on disposition of fixed assets(82) 
 (82) (115) (3) (118)(15) 1
 (14) 82
 
 82
Operating income (loss)$46,963
 $(10,088) 36,875
 $56,195
 $1,638
 57,833
Total other expense, net    (4,001)     (4,063)
Income before income taxes    32,874
     53,770
Income tax provision    (12,716)     (19,562)
Net income    $20,158
     $34,208
Transaction costs (b)921
 384
 1,305
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA$42,573
 $6,822
 $49,395
 $58,020
 $4,889
 $62,909
                      
           Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015HSN Cornerstone Total HSN Cornerstone Total
Net income    $70,249
     $75,188
Income tax provision    45,130
     45,742
Income before income taxes    115,379
     120,930
Total other expense, net    11,726
     11,988
Operating income (loss)$107,722
 $19,383
 127,105
 $151,745
 $(18,827) 132,918
Non-cash charges:           
Stock-based compensation expense (c)5,693
 1,940
 7,633
 11,577
 3,121
 14,698
Depreciation and amortization23,213
 9,845
 33,058
 21,582
 10,163
 31,745
Loss on sale of businesses and asset impairment (a)
 
 
 
 31,595
 31,595
Loss on disposition of fixed assets368
 92
 460
 86
 
 86
Transaction costs (b)4,657
 1,986
 6,643
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA$141,653
 $33,246
 $174,899
 $184,990
 $26,052
 $211,042
HSN Cornerstone Total HSN Cornerstone Total           
Adjusted EBITDA$184,990
 $26,052
 $211,042
 $201,493
 $39,820
 $241,313
Stock-based compensation expense(11,577) (3,121) (14,698) (10,518) (3,296) (13,814)
Depreciation and amortization(21,582) (10,163) (31,745) (22,326) (10,616) (32,942)
Distribution center closure (a)
 
 
 (3,221) 
 (3,221)
Loss on sale of businesses and asset impairment (b)(c)
 (31,595) (31,595) 
 (5,000) (5,000)
Loss on disposition of fixed assets(86) 
 (86) (779) (11) (790)
Operating income (loss)$151,745
 $(18,827) 132,918
 $164,649
 $20,897
 185,546
Total other expense, net    (11,988)     (11,241)
Income before income taxes    120,930
     174,305
Income tax provision    (45,742)     (64,776)
Net income    $75,188
     $109,529
(a) Cornerstone recorded a loss on the sale of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies of $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, Cornerstone classified the two brands as held for sale and recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $20.4 million. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.(a) Cornerstone recorded a loss on the sale of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies of $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, Cornerstone classified the two brands as held for sale and recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $20.4 million. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
(b) HSNi incurred approximately $1.3 million and $6.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, in transactions costs related to the Liberty Merger Agreement.

(b) HSNi incurred approximately $1.3 million and $6.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, in transactions costs related to the Liberty Merger Agreement.

(c) In the second quarter of 2017, HSNi reversed stock-based compensation expense of approximately $4.5 million (allocated $3.4 million and $1.1 million to HSN and CBI, respectively) as a result of the former Chief Executive Officer's resignation.(c) In the second quarter of 2017, HSNi reversed stock-based compensation expense of approximately $4.5 million (allocated $3.4 million and $1.1 million to HSN and CBI, respectively) as a result of the former Chief Executive Officer's resignation.
           
(a) HSN recorded $0.2 million and $3.2 million in the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, for certain costs associated with the planned closure of one of its distribution centers.
(b) Cornerstone recorded a loss on the sale of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies of $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2016 and related asset impairment charges of $20.4 million in the second quarter of 2016. See Note 14 for further information.
(c) Cornerstone recorded a $5.0 million non-cash charge for the impairment of intangible assets related to Chasing Fireflies in the third quarter of 2015.

The net sales for each of HSNi's reportable segments are as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales:                
HSN $569,669
 $590,588
 $1,705,215
 $1,763,384
 $536,200
 $569,669
 $1,628,880
 $1,705,215
Cornerstone 253,354
 274,280
 788,881
 829,013
 246,362
 253,354
 760,478
 788,881
Total $823,023
 $864,868
 $2,494,096
 $2,592,397
 $782,562
 $823,023
 $2,389,358
 $2,494,096
 


NOTE 5—EARNINGS PER SHARE
HSNi computes basic earnings per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. HSNi computes diluted earnings per share using the treasury stock method, which includes the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the potential dilution that could occur if various equity awards to issue common stock were exercised or restricted equity awards were vested resulting in the issuance of common stock that could share in HSNi’s earnings.


 
The following table presents HSNi’s basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
    

 

2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income$20,158 $34,208 $75,188 $109,529$16,227
 $20,158
 $70,249
 $75,188
              
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:              
Basic52,356
 52,736
 52,376
 52,658
52,555
 52,356
 52,494
 52,376
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards488
 759
 525
 979
428
 488
 366
 525
Diluted52,844
 53,495
 52,901
 53,637
52,983
 52,844
 52,860
 52,901
              
Net income per share:              
Basic$0.39
 $0.65
 $1.44
 $2.08
$0.31
 $0.39
 $1.34
 $1.44
Diluted$0.38
 $0.64
 $1.42
 $2.04
$0.31
 $0.38
 $1.33
 $1.42
              
Unexercised employee stock options and stock appreciation rights and unvested restricted stock units excluded from the diluted EPS calculation because their effect would have been antidilutive2,121
 557
 1,963
 544
2,488
 2,121
 3,352
 1,963

NOTE 6—LONG-TERM DEBT
The balance of long-term debt, including current maturities, is as follows (in thousands):
 September 30, December 31, September 30, September 30, December 31, September 30,
 2016 2015 2015 2017 2016 2016
Secured credit agreement expiring January 27, 2020:            
Term loan $481,250
 $500,000
 $500,000
 $456,250
 $475,000
 $481,250
Revolving credit facility 150,000
 140,000
 200,000
 20,000
 40,000
 150,000
Long-term debt 631,250
 640,000
 700,000
 476,250
 515,000
 631,250
Unamortized deferred financing costs (5,563) (6,892) (7,340) (3,827) (5,122) (5,563)
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs 625,687
 633,108
 692,660
 472,423
 509,878
 625,687
Less: current maturities (25,000) (25,000) (18,750) (34,375) (25,000) (25,000)
Long-term debt, less current maturities and net of unamortized deferred financing costs $600,687
 $608,108
 $673,910
 $438,048
 $484,878
 $600,687

On January 27, 2015, HSNi entered into a $1.25 billion five-year syndicated credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") which is secured by 100% of the voting equity securities of HSNi's U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of HSNi's first-tier foreign subsidiaries. This Credit Agreement replaced the credit agreement that was set to expire in April 2017. Certain HSNi subsidiaries have unconditionally guaranteed HSNi's obligations under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement, which includes a $750 million revolving credit facility and a $500 million term loan, may be increased up to $1.75 billion subject to certain conditions and expires January 27, 2020. HSNi drew $200 million from its term loan under the Credit Agreement on January 27, 2015 to repay in full its existing term loan of $228.1 million. HSNi drew the remaining $300 million from the term loan and $200 million under the revolving credit facility, both under the Credit Agreement, on February 18, 2015 to fund a $524 million special cash dividend that was paid on February 19, 2015.

In connection with the termination of the prior credit agreement, $0.5 million of the $2.4 million of unamortized deferred financing costs were expensed in the first quarter of 2015. The remaining balance of $1.9 million along with the $6.6 million in capitalized financing costs related to the Credit Agreement are being amortized to interest expense over the five-year term of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability for all periods presented.

The Credit Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50x and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00x (both as defined in the Credit Agreement). HSNi was in compliance with all such covenants as of September 30, 20162017 with a leverage ratio of 1.9x1.8x and an interest coverage ratio of 22.7x. The Credit Agreement also contains covenants that limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions to third parties,


repurchase or redeem our stock, make investments, sell assets, incur liens, enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets. The Credit Agreement also contains provisions that limit the ability of HSNi to make Restricted Payments, defined as cash dividends, distribution of other property, repurchase of the Company’s common stock, prepayment or redemption of debt, etc., however, so long as the Company’s leverage ratio is below 3.00x after giving pro forma effect to any proposed Restricted Payments, the amount of such Restricted Payments are not limited. In the event the Company’s leverage ratio is equal to or greater than 3.00x or after giving pro forma effect to any proposed Restricted Payments, then such Restricted Payments are limited to $150 million in any such fiscal year. The current cash dividend of $1.40 annually per share represents a Restricted Payment of approximately $73.2 million.  Dividends, loans or advances to HSNi by its subsidiaries are not restricted by the Credit Agreement.17.9x.

Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% or the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 0.25% to 1.25%.  HSNi can elect to borrow at either LIBOR or the Base Rate plus a predetermined margin which is determined by HSNi's leverage ratio. The interest rate on the $631.3$476.3 million outstanding long-term debt balance as of


September 30, 20162017 was 2.02%2.74%.  HSNi pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% (based on the leverage ratio) on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. 

The amount available to HSNi under the revolving credit facility portion of the Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of outstanding letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility, which totaled $13.914.5 million as of September 30, 2016.2017. The ability to draw funds under the revolving credit facility is dependent upon meeting the aforementioned financial covenants. As of September 30, 2016,2017, the amount that could be borrowed under the revolving credit facility, after consideration of the financial covenants and the outstanding letters of credit, was approximately $586.1429.8 million.

NOTE 7—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
HSNi uses derivatives in the management of its interest rate risk with respect to its variable rate debt. HSNi's strategy is to eliminate the cash flow risk on a portion of its variable rate debt caused by changes in the benchmark interest rate (LIBOR). Derivative instruments are not entered into for speculative purposes.

HSNi uses interest rate swap contracts to eliminate the cash flow risk on a portion of its variable rate debt. HSNi pays at a fixed rate and receives payments at a variable rate based on one-month LIBOR. The swaps effectively fix the floating LIBOR-based interest of our outstanding LIBOR-based debt. The interest rate swaps were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges; therefore, the effective portions of the changes in fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Any ineffective portions of the changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps will be immediately recognized in earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

The interest rate swaps effectively convertconverted $187.5 million of our variable rate term loan to a fixed-ratefixed rate of 0.8525% through April 2017, and then increasesincreased to $250.0 million in April 2017 with a maturity date in January 2020 with a fixed rate of 1.05% (in both cases the swapped fixed rate is exclusive of the credit spread under the Credit Agreement). Based on HSNi's leverage ratio as of September 30, 2016,2017, the all-in fixed rate was 2.3525%. The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps (inclusive of reclassifications to net income and net of tax) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 were incomegains of less than $0.1 million and approximately $0.9 million and a loss of approximately $0.2 million, respectively, and were included in other comprehensive income (loss). The changes in fair value of the interest rate swapswaps (inclusive of reclassifications to net income and net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 were losses of approximately $0.6less than $0.1 million and $0.7approximately $0.6 million, respectively, and were included in other comprehensive income (loss).

The fair values of the interest rate swaps at September 30, 2016,2017 and December 31, 20152016 were assets of $3.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and were recorded in "Other non-current assets." The fair value of the interest rate swaps at September 30, 2015 were liabilities2016 was a liability of $1.2 million $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and werewas recorded in "Other long-term liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheets. HSNi estimates that approximately $0.6$1.0 million of unrealized lossesincome included in accumulated other comprehensive lossincome related to these swaps will be realized and reported in earnings within the next twelve months. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the fair value measurements concerning these interest rate swaps.
    



NOTE 8—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value assumptions are made at a specific point in time and changes in underlying assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. HSNi applies the following framework for measuring fair value which is based on a three-level hierarchy:
Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items.

The following table summarizes the fair value of HSNi's other financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):


 September 30, 2017
  Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:        
Interest rate swaps $3,481
 $
 $3,481
 $
 December 31, 2016
  Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:        
Interest rate swaps $3,577
 $
 $3,577
 $
 September 30, 2016
  Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Liabilities:        
Interest rate swaps $1,160
 $
 $1,160
 $
 December 31, 2015
  Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Liabilities:        
Interest rate swap $169
 $
 $169
 $
 September 30, 2015
  Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Liabilities:        
Interest rate swap $949
 $
 $949
 $
HSNi's interest rate swaps are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. The swaps are entered into for the purpose of hedging the variability of interest expense and interest payments on HSNi's long-term variable rate debt. The fair value is based on a valuation model which utilizes interest rate yield curves and credit spreads as the significant inputs to the model. These inputs are observable in active markets (level 2 criteria). HSNi considers credit risk associated with its own standing as well as the credit standing of any counterparties involved in the valuation of its financial instruments.


The following table summarizes the fair value of HSNi’s financial assets and liabilities which are carried at cost (in thousands):
  September 30, 2016
  
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Term loan expiring January 27, 2020 $481,250
 $481,250
 $
 $481,250
 $
Revolving credit facility $150,000
 $150,000
 $
 $150,000
 $
  December 31, 2015
  
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Term loan expiring January 27, 2020 $500,000
 $500,000
 $
 $500,000
 $
Revolving credit facility $140,000
 $140,000
 $
 $140,000
 $
  September 30, 2015
  
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Term loan expiring January 27, 2020 $500,000
 $500,000
 $
 $500,000
 $
Revolving credit facility $200,000
 $200,000
 $
 $200,000
 $
The fair valuecarrying amount of the term loan was estimated by discounting expected cash flows atand revolving credit facility outstanding under the Credit Agreement approximates fair value as these instruments have variable interest rates currently offered to HSNi for debt of the same remaining maturitieswhich approximate current market rates (level 2 criteria).
HSNi assesses the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at fair value at least annually during the fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. HSNi also measures certain assets, such as property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
At June 30, 2016, the assets and liabilities of Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith were considered to be a disposal group held for sale. Therefore, the disposal group was measured at its fair value less the estimated costs to sell which resulted in a non-cash asset impairment charge of $20.4 million that was recognized during the second quarter. On September 8, 2016, Cornerstone completed the divestiture of Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith and recorded a loss on sale of $11.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016. See Note 14 for further discussion. As a result of the divestiture, HSNi performed a qualitative assessment of its goodwill and noted no impairment as of September 30, 2016.
During the third quarter of 2015, HSNi performed a quantitative assessment of certain intangible assets related to its acquisition of Chasing Fireflies and concluded a fair value adjustment was necessary. An impairment charge of $5.0 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2015 within the Cornerstone segment and is included in "Loss on sale of businesses and asset impairment" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the intangible assets, consisting of trademarks and tradenames, was determined using the relief from royalty method (level 3 criteria). Key inputs used in this calculation included revenue growth and discount, royalty and terminal growth rates.

NOTE 9—INCOME TAXES
HSNi calculates its interim income tax provision in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes in interim periods. At the end of each interim period, HSNi makes its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary year-to-date income or loss. The tax expense or benefit related to significant or unusual items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur.
In addition, excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to share-based awards and the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates, tax status, or judgment on the realizability of beginning-of-the-year deferred taxes in future years isare recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.
The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year and permanent and temporary differences, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current year.differences. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained or the tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the


change on prior quarters is included in tax expense for the current quarter.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, HSNi recorded a tax provision of $12.7 million and $45.1 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 43.9% and 39.1%. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, HSNi recorded a tax provisionsprovision of $12.7 million and $45.7 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 38.7% and 37.8%. ForThe increase in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, HSNi recorded tax provisions of $19.6 million and $64.8 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates is primarily due to the write-off of 36.4% and 37.2%.approximately $3.1 million of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards that expired unexercised during the third quarter of 2017, including $2.4 million associated with HSNi's former Chief Executive Officer's equity awards. The increase in the effective tax rate was partially offset by a decrease of $0.9 million related to the release of tax reserves for uncertain tax positions for which the statute of limitations has expired.


The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has concluded its examination of HSNi's consolidated federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2010 and its limited scope examination of HSNi's consolidated federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2011. No material adjustments resulted from these IRS examinations. The State of Florida has completed its audit of HSNi’s 2013 through 2015 tax returns. There are currentlywas no income tax examinations in progress. New York State concluded an income tax examination of the years ended December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2013. No material adjustment to our tax liabilities resulted fromas a result of this examination.
HSNi and several companies previously owned by IAC/InterActiveCorp, or IAC, were spun-off from IAC on August 20, 2008. In connection with the spin-off, HSNi entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with IAC. Pursuant to this agreement, each of the companies included in the spin-off (the "Spincos") was indemnified by IAC for additional tax liabilities related to consolidated or combined federal and state tax returns prepared and filed by IAC prior to the spin-off. However, each Spinco agreed to, among other things, assume any additional tax liabilities related to their separately filed state income tax returns. All examinations have concluded or statutes of limitations have expired related to IAC's consolidated or combined federal and state tax returns for years including HSNi operations prior to the spin-off.
The Tax Sharing Agreement also provides, among other things, that each Spinco indemnifies IAC and the other Spincos for any taxes resulting from the spin-off of such Spinco (and any related interest, penalties, legal and professional fees, and all costs and damages associated with related shareholder litigation or controversies) to the extent such amounts result from any post spin-off (i) act or failure to act by such Spinco described in the covenants in the Tax Sharing Agreement, (ii) acquisition of equity, securities, or assets of such Spinco or a member of its group, and (iii) breach by such Spinco or any member of its group of any representation or covenant contained in the separation documents or in the documents relating to the IRS private letter ruling and/or tax opinions. This indemnification remains effective until IAC's tax returns for the two year period after the spin-off are no longer subject to examination.

NOTE 10—STOCK-BASED AWARDS
Stock-based compensation expense is included in the following line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152016 20152017 20162017 2016
Selling and marketing$1,369
 $1,472
 $4,880
 $4,624
$1,777
 $1,369
 $4,941
 $4,880
General and administrative(a)2,870
 2,917
 9,818
 9,190
2,249
 2,870
 2,693
 9,818
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes4,239
 4,389
 14,698
 13,814
4,026
 4,239
 7,634
 14,698
Income tax benefit(1,493) (1,539) (5,134) (4,897)
Income tax expense (benefit) (b)1,308
 (1,493) 163
 (5,134)
Stock-based compensation expense after income taxes$2,746
 $2,850
 $9,564
 $8,917
$5,334
 $2,746
 $7,797
 $9,564
       
(a) In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, HSNi reversed approximately $4.5 million of expense related to the forfeiture of unvested awards as a result of HSNi's former Chief Executive Officer's resignation in the second quarter of 2017.

(a) In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, HSNi reversed approximately $4.5 million of expense related to the forfeiture of unvested awards as a result of HSNi's former Chief Executive Officer's resignation in the second quarter of 2017.

(b) In the three months ended September 30, 2017, HSNi wrote-off approximately $3.1 million of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards that expired unexercised.

(b) In the three months ended September 30, 2017, HSNi wrote-off approximately $3.1 million of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards that expired unexercised.

 
As of September 30, 2016,2017, there was approximately $26.023.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all equity-based awards which is currently expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of approximately 1.82.1 years.

The shareholders of HSNi approved the HSN, Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Plan") effective May 24, 2017. The purpose of this Plan is to give HSNi a competitive advantage in attracting, retaining and motivating officers, employees, directors and/or consultants and to provide HSNi with a stock and incentive plan. The Plan authorizes the issuance of 10.1 million newly authorized shares. The Plan also authorized approximately 5.5 million unissued shares subject to outstanding awards granted prior to December 31, 2016 under the Second Amended and Restated 2008 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan as amended (the “Plan”), authorizeswhich may become available for issuance under the issuance of 8.0 million shares (8.8 million shares after giving effect to the anti-dilution provisions of the2017 Plan related to the special cash dividend paid in February 2015) of HSNi common stock for newif such awards grantedterminate by HSNi. The purpose of the Plan is to assist HSNi in attracting, retaining and motivating officers, employees, directors and consultants, and to provide HSNi with the ability to provide incentives more directly linked to the profitability of HSNi’s business and increases in shareholder value.expiration, cancellation or otherwise. As of September 30, 2016,2017, there were approximately 1.610.2 million shares of common stock available for grants under the Plan.
During the first quarter of 2016, HSNi granted approximately 92,000 performance share units ("PSUs") to certain executive employees. PSUs vest after a three year performance period. PSUs have rights to receive dividend equivalents that vest concurrently with the underlying PSUs once the requisite service has been rendered. Vesting percentages range between 0% and 200% of the target award based on HSNi's Total Shareholder Return relative to a peer group at the end of the


performance period. The compensation expense for these PSUs is based on the fair value of the awards measured at the grant date and is expensed ratably over the vesting term.
A summary of the stock-based awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 is as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Number of Awards Granted
Weighted Average per Share Fair ValueNumber of Awards Granted
Weighted Average per Share Fair Value
Stock appreciation rights928,990
 $7.31
Maximum value stock appreciation rights (a)1,144,049
 $6.36
Restricted stock units264,774
 $45.52359,097
 $37.41
Performance share units(b)92,290
 $54.0696,439
 $57.36
Employee stock purchase plan options61,091
 $11.7054,159
 $8.10
Dividend equivalents due to quarterly dividend19,438
 -22,309
 -
(a) Maximum value SARs are similar to traditional SARs, except these instruments contain a predetermined cap of 200% on the maximum earnings potential a recipient can expect to receive upon exercise.

(a) Maximum value SARs are similar to traditional SARs, except these instruments contain a predetermined cap of 200% on the maximum earnings potential a recipient can expect to receive upon exercise.

(b) Performance share units ("PSUs") have vesting percentages that between 0% and 200% of the target award based on HSNi's Total Shareholder Return relative to a peer group at the end of the three-year performance period. The compensation expense for these PSUs is based on the fair value of the awards measured at the grant date and is expensed ratably over the vesting term. PSUs are reflected at the target number of awards granted.(b) Performance share units ("PSUs") have vesting percentages that between 0% and 200% of the target award based on HSNi's Total Shareholder Return relative to a peer group at the end of the three-year performance period. The compensation expense for these PSUs is based on the fair value of the awards measured at the grant date and is expensed ratably over the vesting term. PSUs are reflected at the target number of awards granted.
The fair values of the options granted under the HSN, Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the stock appreciation rights are estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values of the maximum value ofstock appreciation rights and PSUs isare estimated on the grant date using a Monte-Carlo simulation pricing model which estimates the potential outcome of reaching the market condition based on simulated future stock prices. The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of each for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 are as follows: 
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Stock Appreciation Rights Employee Stock Purchase Plan Options Performance Share Units Maximum Value Stock Appreciation Rights Employee Stock Purchase Plan Options Performance Share Units
Volatility factor 26.3% 32.3% 25.2% 27.4% 35.0% 30.0%
Risk-free interest rate 1.23% 0.43% 0.89% 1.79% 0.85% 1.40%
Expected term 4.5
 0.5
 2.9
 4.7
 0.5
 2.9
Dividend yield 3.1% 2.8% 0.0% 3.6% 4.2% 0.0%

NOTE 11—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share Repurchase Program
Effective January 27, 2015, HSNi’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program which allows HSNi to purchase up to 4 million shares of its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated and/or open market transactions. The timing of repurchases and actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under HSNi’s debt obligations and other market and economic conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there were no share repurchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, HSNi acquired approximately 357,000 shares of its outstanding common stock for $16.6 million at an average price of $46.45. All shares were retired immediately following purchase. As of September 30, 2016,2017, approximately 2.7 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under the program. As a result of the pending merger contemplated by the Liberty Merger Agreement, HSNi has agreed not to make additional repurchases. For additional information of the Liberty Merger Agreement, see Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Dividend Policy
In the third quarter of 2016,2017, HSNi's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per common share resulting in a payment of $18.3 million on September 22, 20162017 to HSNi's shareholders of record as of September 7, 2016.6, 2017.
In the fourth quarter of 2016,2017, HSNi's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35$0.35 per common share. The dividend will be paid on December 20, 201615, 2017 to HSNi's shareholders of record as of December 7, 2016.6, 2017.
Under the terms of the Liberty Merger Agreement, HSNi may continue to pay regular dividends on a quarterly basis not to exceed $0.35 per share provided that such dividends may not be paid using funds borrowed specifically for that purpose. For additional information of the Liberty Merger Agreement, refer to Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) income includes the cumulative gains and losses of derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges. The following table provides a rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2017 2016
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of January 1, $(95) $127
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of January 1, $2,220
 $(95)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,579) (2,111) (718) (1,579)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations 567
 954
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations 622
 567
Income tax benefit 382
 437
 49
 382
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (630) (720) (47) (630)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of September 30, $(725) $(593)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 30, $2,173
 $(725)

NOTE 12—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

On September 7, 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed by a purported HSNi stockholder in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware: McClure v. HSN, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:17-cv-01279. The complaint names as defendants HSNi and members of the HSNi board. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and alleges that HSNi and the members of the HSNi board caused a registration statement that allegedly omitted material information to be filed in connection with the merger, which allegedly rendered the registration statement false and misleading. The complaint further alleges that the members of the HSNi board acted as controlling persons of HSNi and had knowledge of the allegedly false statements contained in the registration statement or were negligent in not knowing that material information was allegedly omitted from the registration statement. Among other relief, the complaint seeks a declaration certifying a class, an injunction to prevent the merger from proceeding unless and until HSNi discloses the material information allegedly omitted from the registration statement, unspecified damages, and unspecified costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees. Defendants believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against all claims asserted. Defendant's deadline to respond to the complaint is on or before November 13, 2017.

On September 28, 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed by a purported HSNi stockholder in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida: Palkon v. HSN, Inc., et al., Case No. 8:17-cv-2271. The complaint names as defendants HSNi, members of the HSNi board, Liberty Interactive Corporation, and Liberty Horizon, Inc. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and alleges that HSNi and the members of the HSNi board caused a registration statement that omitted material information to be filed in connection with the merger, which allegedly rendered the registration statement false and misleading. The complaint further alleges that the members of the HSNi board, Liberty Interactive Corporation, and Liberty Horizon, Inc. acted as controlling persons of HSNi, were involved in the making and composition of the registration statement, and had knowledge of the allegedly false statements contained in the registration statement. The complaint seeks, among other relief, an injunction to prevent the merger from proceeding, rescission of the merger, an order directing HSNi to disseminate a registration statement that does not contain any untrue statements of material fact, a judgment declaring a violation of Sections 14(a) and/or 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as well as Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, unspecified damages, and unspecified costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees. Defendants believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against all claims asserted.
In the ordinary course of business, HSNi is a party to various audits, claims and lawsuits. These audits or litigation may relate to claims involving property, personal injury, contract, intellectual property (including patent infringement), sales tax, product recalls, regulatory compliance, employment matters and other claims. HSNi has established reserves for specific legal, tax or other compliance matters for which it has determined the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management has also identified certain legal, tax or other matters where it believes an unfavorable outcome is not probable and, therefore, no reserve is established. Although management currently believes that an unfavorable resolution of claims against HSNi, including claims where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, will not have a material impact on its liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future and an unfavorable resolution of such a proceeding could have a material impact. Moreover, any claims or regulatory actions against HSNi, whether meritorious or not,


could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources.

HSNi also evaluates other contingent matters, including tax contingencies, to assess the probability and estimated extent of potential loss. See Note 9 for discussion related to income tax contingencies.

NOTE 13—COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH AN EXIT ACTIVITY

As part of its supply chain optimization initiative, HSNi announced in June 2015 its plan to close the HSN distribution center in Roanoke, Virginia and expand the capabilities of its distribution center in Piney Flats, Tennessee. The closure will involve the eventual elimination of approximately 350 positions at the Virginia facility. HSNi expects the closure to occur in accordance with a two-year transition plan and be substantially completed in 2017.2018.

HSNHSNi expects to incur approximately $4 million to $5 million in total charges related to the closure. These charges include approximately $3 million to $4 million in employee-related expenses, including severance payments and retention incentives.incentives, $3.2 million of which were recognized in fiscal 2015.

A summary of HSNi’s liability associated with exit activities, which is recorded in “Accrued"Accrued expenses and other current liabilities”liabilities" as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are presented in the following table (in thousands):
 Employee Related CostsEmployee Related Costs
Balance at January 1, 2016 $3,221
2017 2016
Balance at January 1$3,100
 $3,221
Provisions 

 
Payments (65)(63) (65)
Adjustments 

 
Balance at September 30, 2016 $3,156
Balance at September 30$3,037
 $3,156
    


NOTE 14—DIVESTITURES
On September 8, 2016, HSNi completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith, two of the apparel brands included within the Cornerstone segment.  Thesegment for a sale price of $1 million. The sales agreement included $1 million in cash andcontingent consideration of $2 million of contingent consideration that iswas based on the achievement of certain performance metrics in 2016. As of September 30, 2016 HSNiwhich were not achieved. No value was assigned no value to the contingent consideration as it was not considered probable of being earned. During the third quarter of 2016, Cornerstone recorded a pre-tax loss on sale of $11.2 million. The transaction included cash charges of approximately $3.8 million related to transactions costs and employee and lease liabilities. As of September 30, 2016, there was approximately $1.8 million in exit-related liabilities that were included in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" in the accompanying balance sheet.
The assets and liabilities of the two brands were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016 which resulted in a non-cash asset impairment charge of $20.4 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016.

The2016 within the Cornerstone segment. During the third and fourth quarters of 2016, Cornerstone recorded an additional pre-tax loss on sale and asset impairmentof $10.8 million. The transaction included cash charges of approximately $3.5 million related to transaction costs and employee and lease liabilities.
HSNi entered into a transition services agreement with the buyer to provide fulfillment and various back office support services through February 2017. Fees earned by HSNi under this sale are recordedtransition services agreement were $0 and approximately$0.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and were $0.9 million and $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These fees were included in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations in the line item “Loss on sale and asset impairment.”   The assets sold were largely represented by $29.3 million of inventory and $8.4 million of other assets, and approximately $8.6 million of current liabilities.operations.

HSNi determined the sale of these businesses would not represent a strategic shift in its business nor willwould it have a major effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Accordingly, the disposal group is not presented in the consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation.



NOTE 15—MERGER
On July 6, 2017, HSNi and Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty") jointly announced that they had entered into an agreement whereby Liberty will acquire the approximately 62% of HSNi it does not already own in an all-stock transaction ("Liberty Merger Agreement").  At the closing of the merger contemplated by the Liberty Merger Agreement, Liberty will issue to HSNi shareholders 1.65 shares of Series A QVC Group common stock for each share of HSNi common stock outstanding (other than shares held by Liberty and its wholly-owned subsidiaries), for a total of approximately 53.4 million shares of Series A QVC Group common stock, resulting in former HSNi shareholders, excluding Liberty and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owning approximately 10.6% of the QVC Group's undiluted equity and 6.9% of the QVC Group’s undiluted voting power, based on information provided by Liberty regarding the number of shares outstanding as of April 30, 2017. Upon closing, the Liberty Board of Directors will be expanded by one to include one director from the HSNi Board of Directors; this director will be selected by Liberty.

The transaction is subject to HSNi shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The parties currently expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2017.

As a result of the pending merger with Liberty, the Board of Directors of HSNi has suspended its search for a successor Chief Executive Officer.

Shareholder Rights Plan Amendment
On July 5, 2017, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Liberty Merger Agreement, HSNi amended its shareholder rights plan. The amendment provides, among other things, that the announcement of the pending merger with Liberty and the related Liberty Merger Agreement will not cause the rights to become exercisable.  The rights will expire and the shareholders rights plan will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of the pending merger with Liberty.
ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report. Historical results and trends which might appear should not be taken as indicative of future operations. Our results of operations and financial condition, as reflected in the accompanying statements and related notes, are subject to management’s evaluation and interpretations of business conditions, changing market conditions and other factors.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which are based on management’s exercise of business judgment, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used in this document, the words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and words of similar import, are intended to identify any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the following: future financial performance, business prospects and strategy, anticipated trends and prospects in the various markets in which HSNi’s businesses operate and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical fact and are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance.
Should one or more of these uncertainties, risks or changes in circumstances materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include but are not limited to those described under “Risk Factors,” included in HSNi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 and the following:
the influence of the macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence and spending levels;
our ability to attract new and retain existing customers in a cost-effective manner;
our exposure to intense competition and our ability to effectively compete for customers;
changes in our relationships with pay television operators, vendors, manufacturers and other third parties;


the influence of the macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence and spending levels;
failure to attract and retain television viewers and/or changes in consumer viewing habits of our programming;
consolidation and/or divestiture in the cable industry, increases in on-air distribution costs and failure to secure a suitable programming tier of carriage and channel placement for the HSN television network programming;
changes in product shippingto international and handling costs particularly if we are unablenational trade laws, regulations and policies (particularly those related to offset them;or restricting global trade) could significantly impair HSNi's profitability;
interruption, lack of redundancy or difficulties implementing new or upgraded technology in our systems or infrastructure could affect our ability to broadcast, operate websites, process and fulfill transactions, respond to customer inquiries and/or maintain cost efficient operations;
any technological or regulatory developments that could negatively impact the way we do business, including developments requiring us to collect and remit state and local sales and use taxes;taxes in states where we do not currently do so;
risks associated with possible systems failures and/or security breaches, including, any security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or company information, or the failure to comply with various laws applicable to HSNi in the event of such a breach;
changes in product shipping and handling costs particularly if we are unable to offset them;
changes in consumer expectations for reduced shipping charges and faster delivery times particularly if we are unable to meet them;
HSNi’s business prospects and strategy, including whether HSNi’s initiatives will be effective;
our ability to offer new or innovative products and services through various platforms in a cost effective manner and consumer acceptance of these products and services;
risks associated with litigation, audits, claims and assessments;
risks associated with acquisitions including the ability to successfully integrate new businesses and achieve expected benefits and results; and
the loss of any additional key member of our senior management team.team;
failure to complete the Liberty Merger could negatively impact the price of shares of HSNi common stock, as well as HSNi’s respective future businesses and financial results;
the various uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Liberty Merger is pending may cause disruption and may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with employees, vendor partners and customers;
HSNi will incur significant transaction and related costs in connection with the Liberty Merger, which may be in excess of those anticipated by HSNi;
the Liberty Merger Agreement limits HSNi’s ability to pursue alternatives to the Liberty Merger;
the Liberty Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the Liberty Merger may be delayed or not be completed, reducing or eliminating the benefits that HSNi expects to achieve;
even if HSNi and Liberty complete the Liberty Merger, the combined company may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the proposed Liberty Merger;
HSNi stockholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest in the combined company after the Liberty Merger and will exercise less influence over management;
because the market price of Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock may fluctuate, shareholders cannot be sure of the value of the Liberty Merger consideration that you may receive;
Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock is a tracking stock that tracks the assets and liabilities attributed to Liberty’s QVC Group tracking stock group, and Liberty’s board of directors’ ability to reattribute businesses, assets and expenses between Liberty’s two tracking stock groups may make it difficult to assess the future prospects of Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock based on its past performance; and
the integration of HSNi into Liberty’s QVC Group may not be as successful as anticipated.


Other unknown or unpredictable factors that could also adversely affect HSNi’s business, financial condition and results of operations may arise from time to time.
You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. Such forward-looking statements speak only to the date such statements are made and we do not undertake to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will materialize. Historical results should not be considered an indication of future performance.


Results of Operations
DivestitureOverview of Results
OnHSNi’s net sales in the nine months ended September 8, 2016, HSNi divested30, 2017 decreased 4% to $2,389.4 million. Net sales at HSN decreased 4% to $1,628.9 million and Cornerstone’s net sales decreased 4% to $760.5 million. Both segments were impacted by a challenging and highly competitive retail environment. We also experienced increased pressure on shipping and handling revenues at both the HSN and Cornerstone segments in 2017, a trend we expect to continue. The comparability of results was impacted by the prior year's divestiture of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies in September 2016, with net sales of $44 million in the prior year, and the estimated benefit of $5 million in the prior year related to an additional day for leap year within the HSN segment. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2017, net sales were negatively affected by Hurricane Irma. In September, HSN implemented its business continuity plan as a result of the approach of Hurricane Irma. HSN closed its headquarters, redeployed critical personnel and relocated its broadcast studios to temporary facilities outside of the storm's track. These actions resulted in increased operating expenses and limited program effectiveness which we estimate impacted net sales and Adjusted EBITDA by $13 million and $5 million, respectively.
Digital commerce remains an essential part of our strategy to optimize the content of all our brands across multiple distributed commerce platforms. HSNi digital sales penetration represented 54% of our business in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Sales from mobile devices, including smart phones and tablets, grew 9% and represent 24% of our total business. We will continue to invest in digital technologies to enable us to offer a highly personalized and engaging experience based on customer profile, preferences and usage.
As part of our distributed commerce strategies, we continued to invest in Cornerstone's experiential retail stores in key markets to expand consumer touch points and engagement with our brands. We have seen increased demand and higher lifetime-value customers in the regions where our retail stores are located. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we opened two new Ballard Designs retail stores and two Frontgate stores.
On April 26, 2017, HSNi announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO"), effective May 24, 2017. The Board established an Office of the Chief Executive consisting of the Chief Financial Officer, President of HSN & Chief Marketing Officer, and the President of Cornerstone & Chief Operating Officer to oversee the Company's day-to-day operations with the Chief Financial Officer serving as the Company's principal executive officer. During the second quarter of 2017, HSNi reversed approximately $4.5 million, or $2.8 million net of tax, of stock-based compensation expense recognized in prior periods related to the forfeiture of the former CEO's unvested awards. During the third quarter of 2017, HSNi wrote off $2.4 million of deferred tax assets associated with HSNi's former CEO's expired equity awards.
On July 6, 2017, HSNi and Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty") jointly announced that they had entered into an agreement whereby Liberty will acquire the approximately 62% of HSNi it does not already own in an all-stock transaction ("Liberty Merger Agreement").  The transaction is subject to HSNi shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The parties currently expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2017. For additional information on the pending merger, see Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As a result of the pending merger with Liberty, the Board of Directors of HSNi has suspended its search for a successor Chief Executive Officer. 
HSNi continued the implementation of its supply chain optimization ("SCO") initiative which includes the automation and consolidation of certain HSNi distribution centers. HSN continued phasing in its expanded automation capabilities in its Piney Flats, Tennessee distribution center in the third quarter of 2016.  HSN incurred additional costs of approximately $8.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to the implementation in the form of increased labor, operational inefficiencies and increased consulting costs. These costs negatively impacted gross profit by $4.6 million and operating expenses by $3.8 million. We expect that approximately $1 million of additional related costs primarily impacting operating


expenses will be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2017.  Upon the project's completion, we expect to realize financial and operational benefits of the SCO initiative in the form of increased labor efficiencies, more efficient space utilization, lower transportation costs and faster customer deliveries.
As part of the SCO initiative, HSN will be closing its Roanoke, Virginia distribution center which is expected to occur in 2018. HSNi expects to incur approximately $4 million to $5 million in total charges related to the closure of the Virginia facility. These charges include approximately $3 million to $4 million in employee-related expenses, including severance payments and retention incentives, $3.2 million of which were recognized in fiscal 2015. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the planned closure of the Roanoke, Virginia distribution center.
In September 2016, HSNi completed the divestiture of two of the under-performing apparel brands inwithin the Cornerstone portfolio.portfolio, TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies, allowing us to exclusively focus on improving the performance of our remaining strategic brands. The results of TravelSmith ofand Chasing Fireflies are included in the results of HSNi and Cornerstone through the date of the divestiture. Unless explicitly excluded, the results of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies are included
HSNi's net income in the discussionnine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 7% to $70.2 million. The decrease in net income was primarily due to gross profit compression as a result of the lower sales, heightened shipping and analysis within Management's Discussionhandling promotional activity and Analysisthe additional costs incurred related to the SCO implementation. Net income in the current year was also negatively impacted by approximately $6.6 million of Financial Conditiontransaction costs related to the merger, a $4.6 million increase in HSN's bad debt expense associated with its Flexpay program and Resultsan estimated $5 million reduction of Operations.operating income related to Hurricane Irma (due to lost gross profit and additional $1.6 million in operating expenses). HSNi also recognized an additional $3.1 million in income tax expense from the write-off of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards that expired unexercised in third quarter of 2017. The decrease was partially offset by lower operating expenses largely associated with the Cornerstone divested businesses as well as the asset impairment and loss on sale charges of $31.6 million, or $19.9 million net of tax, recorded in the prior year related to the divestitures.

Net Sales
Net sales primarily relate to the sale of merchandise, including shipping and handling fees, and are reduced by incentive discounts and actual and estimated sales returns. Sales taxes collected are not included in net sales. Digital sales include sales placed through our websites and our mobile applications using tablets and smart phones.
Revenue is recorded when delivery to the customer has occurred. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, which is generally on the date of shipment. HSNi’s sales policy allows customers to return virtually all merchandise for a full refund or exchange, subject to pre-established time restrictions.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
HSN$569,669
 (4)% $590,588
 $1,705,215
 (3)% $1,763,384
$536,200
 (6)% $569,669
 $1,628,880
 (4)% $1,705,215
Cornerstone253,354
 (8)% 274,280
 788,881
 (5)% 829,013
246,362
 (3)% 253,354
 760,478
 (4)% 788,881
Total HSNi net sales$823,023
 (5)% $864,868
 $2,494,096
 (4)% $2,592,397
$782,562
 (5)% $823,023
 $2,389,358
 (4)% $2,494,096
HSNi net sales in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 5%, or $41.8$40.5 million, due to a 3.5%6% sales decline at HSN and an 8%a 3% decline at Cornerstone. Excluding the results of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies from both periods,HSNi's net sales decreased 3%, or $27.4were negatively impacted by Hurricane Irma by an estimated $13 million in the third quarter of 20162017. The prior year results included approximately $12.5 million of net sales for TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies, two Cornerstone brands divested in the third quarter of 2016. Digital sales penetration increased 90 basis points to 53.6%. Digital sales decreased 3% compared to the prior year. HSNi's resultsyear; excluding the divestitures, digital sales decreased 1%. Mobile sales grew 8% and as a percentage of digital sales were also impacted by a highly promotional retail environment, the impact of a weaker season47.4%, up from 42.5% in the outdoor category and viewership distractions including the presidential election process and the Summer Olympics. HSNi expects it will continue to be impacted in the fourth quarter of 2016 by the competitive retail landscape as well as potential viewership distractions such as the presidential election process. Digital sales, which remain a key area of strategic focus as HSNi pursues opportunities to optimize its content across multiple distributed commerce platforms, grew 2% compared to the prior year. Digital sales penetration increased 330 basis points to 52.7%. Gross units shipped in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 2%3% to 14.4 million compared to 14.9 million in the prior year and the average price point decreased 3% to $61.75.$60.11.
HSNi net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased 4%, or $98.3$104.7 million, due to a 3% sales4% decline at HSN and a 5%4% decline at Cornerstone. HSNi's net sales in the current year were negatively impacted by Hurricane Irma by an estimated $13 million. The prior year results included approximately $43.6 million of net sales for TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies, two Cornerstone brands divested in the third quarter of 2016 and the benefit of an additional day for leap year at HSN. Digital sales grew 2% with penetration increasing 300increased 170 basis points to 52.3%54.1%. Digital sales decreased 1% compared to the prior year; however, excluding the divestitures, digital sales increased 2%. Mobile sales grew 9% and as a percentage of digital sales were


45.3%, up from 41.0% in the prior year. Gross units shipped in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased 2%4% to 44.142.4 million and the average price point decreased 2%1% to $62.65. Excluding the results of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies from both periods, net sales decreased 3%, or $71.4 million, in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the prior year period.$62.22.
HSN
HSN net sales in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 4%6%, or $20.9$33.5 million. The negative impact of Hurricane Irma in the current quarter is estimated to be approximately $13 million. Sales grewdecreased in electronics, apparel and& accessories and wellness, primarilybeauty, offset by decreasesincreases in fitness shipping and handling revenues and electronics.home.  Shipping and handling revenues decreased 8% primarily due to an increase in shipping and handling promotions and a reduction in HSN's standard shipping rates which became effective in August 2016. A decline in shipping and handling revenues is a trend we expect to continue.The 12-month active customer file decreased 6%. Digital sales grew 6.7% withdecreased 3% while penetration increasing 430increased 130 basis points to 44.8%46.1%. The return rate improved 30150 basis points from 16.8%16.5% to 16.5%. Units shipped increased 1% to 11.8 million. Average price point decreased 5% to $55.64 largely due to an increase in clearance activity and changes in product mix.


HSN net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased 3%, or $58.2 million. Sales grew in wellness, electronics, and apparel and accessories, offset by decreases in other categories and in shipping and handling revenues.  Approximately one-third of the decline in net sales was attributable to the conclusion of a direct-response television marketing campaign during the first quarter of 2016. Shipping and handling revenues decreased primarily due to an increase in shipping and handling promotions and a reduction in HSN's standard shipping rates which became effective in August 2016. Digital sales grew 5% and penetration increased 360 basis points to 44.1%. The return rate improved 60 basis points from 17.5% to 16.9%15.0% primarily due to a shift in sales mix to categories with lower return rates.rates as well as a downward trend in many product categories. Units shipped were 35.0decreased 2% to 11.6 million consistent with the prior year, and average price point decreased 4%6% to $55.65$52.18 largely due changes in product mix.
HSN net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 4%, or $76.3 million. The current period was negatively impacted by an estimated $13 million due to Hurricane Irma while the prior year period had the benefit of having an additional day for leap year in the first quarter of 2016. Sales decreased in electronics, beauty and jewelry, partially offset by increases in home, wellness and fitness. Shipping and handling revenues decreased 23% primarily due to an August 2016 reduction in HSN's standard shipping rates and an increase in shipping and handling promotions. Digital sales grew 1% and penetration increased 230 basis points to 46.4%. Mobile sales grew 9% and as a percentage of digital sales were 55.7%, up from 51.5% in the prior year. The return rate improved 160 basis points from 16.9% to 15.3% primarily due to a shift in sales mix to categories with lower return rates as well as continuing to experience lower than historical return rates in many product categories. Average price point decreased 3% to $53.88 driven by changes in product mix. Units shipped decreased 2% to 34.2 million.
Divisional retail product sales mix at HSN is provided in the table below:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
Jewelry8.2% 8.3% 8.7% 9.0%8.6% 8.3% 8.5% 8.7%
Fashion (apparel & accessories)16.3% 14.1% 16.7% 15.9%16.8% 16.9% 17.8% 17.2%
Beauty & Health (including beauty, wellness and fitness)22.1% 24.1% 24.1% 25.1%21.2% 20.2% 22.5% 22.6%
Home & Other (including home, electronics, culinary and other) (a)53.4% 53.5% 50.5% 50.0%
Home & Other (including home, electronics, kitchen and other)53.4% 54.6% 51.2% 51.5%
Total100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
              
(a) Includes product sold through direct-response television marketing.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone net sales in the third quarter of 2016 decreased 8%, or $20.9 million. Excluding the results of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies from both periods, net sales2017 decreased 3%, or $6.5 million, primarily due to weakness in the outdoor category$7.0 million. Sales increased at Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill, and lower catalog circulation in the home brands. The home brands were impacted by a highly competitive environment leading to increased promotional activity to drive sales demand.Grandin Road. Digital sales decreased 5% but4% and penetration increased 210decreased 50 basis points to 70.4%69.7%. Mobile sales grew 14% and as a percentage of digital sales were 33.0%, up from 27.9% in the prior year. Units shipped decreased 11% while average price point increased 10% to $93.08. Catalog circulation decreased 10%16% to 73.261.8 million. Excluding the impact of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies, catalog circulation decreased 6% due to the strategic decision to reduce circulation in certain brands. The return rate was 12.3%13.2% compared to 13.1%12.3% in the prior year primarily due to changes in product mix.year. As of September 30, 2017, Cornerstone added three retail stores and two outlet stores withhad a total of 1719 stores open as of September 30, 2016 compared to a total of 1217 stores as of September 30, 2015.2016.
Cornerstone net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased 5%4%, or $40.1$28.4 million. ExcludingSales increased at Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill and Grandin Road. Digital sales decreased 3% while penetration increased 20 basis points to 70.3%. Mobile sales grew 11% and as a percentage of digital sales were 30.6%, up from 26.7% in the resultsprior year. Units shipped decreased 10% and average price point increased 8%. Catalog circulation decreased 17% to 198.0 million. The return rate was 13.3% compared to 12.7% in the prior year.
The divestiture of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies from bothin September 2016 impacted the comparability between periods of net sales decreasedand of certain sales-related operating metrics. Excluding the divestitures, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, net sales increased 2% primarily due to weakness in the outdoor category; digital sales increased 2%; units shipped were flat; and lower catalog circulation in the home brands. Catalog circulation was 237.6 million, a decrease of 5%average price point increased 3% compared to prior year. Excluding the impact of TravelSmithdivestitures, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net sales increased 2%; digital sales grew 3%; units shipped increased 3%; and Chasing Fireflies,average price point increased 1%. Excluding the divestitures, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, catalog circulation decreased 2%. Digital sales decreased 2%3% and 9%, butrespectively, which was largely due to timing and the strategic decision to allocate additional spend towards digital sales penetration increased 200 basis points to 69.9%. The return rate was 12.7% compared to 13.0% in the prior year.advertising.


The brand mix at Cornerstone is provided in the table below (as a percentage of net sales):
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 (b) 2017 2016 (b)
Home brands (Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Grandin Road and Improvements) (a)81.5% 77.9% 80.8% 79.1%84.4% 81.5% 84.8% 80.8%
Apparel brands (Chasing Fireflies, Garnet Hill and TravelSmith) (b)(a)18.5% 22.1% 19.2% 20.9%15.6% 18.5% 15.2% 19.2%
Total100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
(a) Classification is based on the brands' primary product category of which it sells; however, each brand sells products from other categories, to a lesser extent.
(b) Includes the results of Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith through the date of the divestiture on September 8, 2016.
(a) Classification is based on the brands' primary product category which it sells; however, each brand sells products from other categories to a lesser extent.(a) Classification is based on the brands' primary product category which it sells; however, each brand sells products from other categories to a lesser extent.
(b) The three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes the results of Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith.(b) The three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes the results of Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales consists primarily of the cost of products sold, shipping and handling costs and compensation and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in supply chain functions. Cost of products sold includes merchandise cost, inbound freight and duties and certain allocable general and administrative costs, including certain warehouse costs.

Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
Gross profit:      
HSN$189,961
 (7)% $204,527
 $586,361
 (6)% $621,329
$181,331
 (5)% $189,961
 $559,290
 (5)% $586,361
As a percentage of HSN net sales33.3% (130 bps) 34.6% 34.4% (80 bps) 35.2%33.8% 50 bps 33.3% 34.3% (10 bps) 34.4%
Cornerstone$90,115
 (11)% $101,747
 $295,017
 (8)% $321,688
$87,854
 (3)% $90,115
 $279,406
 (5)% $295,017
As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales35.6% (150 bps) 37.1% 37.4% (140 bps) 38.8%35.7% 10 bps 35.6% 36.7% (70 bps) 37.4%
HSNi$280,076
 (9)% $306,274
 $881,378
 (7)% $943,017
$269,185
 (4)% $280,076
 $838,696
 (5)% $881,378
As a percentage of HSNi net sales34.0% (140 bps) 35.4% 35.3% (110 bps) 36.4%34.4% 40 bps 34.0% 35.1% (20 bps) 35.3%
bpbps = basis points

HSN
Gross profit for HSN in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 7%5%, or $14.6 million.$8.6 million, driven by the decrease in net sales. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 130increased 50 basis points to 33.3%33.8% primarily due to a decreasean increase in shipping revenuesproduct margins due to changes in product mix and to a lesser extent, increased clearance activity. HSN continues to carry excess inventoriesrate increases in certain product categories that could create future margin pressure in the form of markdowns.divisions, partially offset by outbound shipping rate increases and higher fulfillment costs.
Gross profit for HSN in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased 6%5%, or $35.0 million.$27.1 million, driven by the decrease in net sales. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 8010 basis points to 34.4%34.3% primarily due to a decrease in shipping revenues and higher shipping and fulfillment costs, partially offset by an increase in product margins and lower inventory reserves due to a change in estimate. The increase in shipping promotions.and fulfillment costs was primarily due to the ongoing implementation of HSNi's SCO initiative which resulted in higher labor costs and operational inefficiencies of approximately $4.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in shipping costs was also attributed to annual rate increases with HSNi's outbound shipping carriers. During the second quarter of 2017, HSN reduced its inventory reserve estimates for certain product categories which increased gross profit by $3.3 million, or 20 basis points.
Cornerstone
Gross profit for Cornerstone in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 11%3%, or $11.6$2.3 million and gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 150increased 10 basis points to 35.6%35.7%. Excluding the impact of TravelSmith'sdivestitures, gross profit increased 3% and Chasing Fireflies' results from both periods, gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 90increased 10 basis points primarily due to lowerhigher product and shipping margins, drivenpartially offset by higher promotionalreturns activity in the home brands.and inventory shrinkage adjustments.
Gross profit for Cornerstone in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased 8%5%, or $26.7$15.6 million, and gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 14070 basis points to 37.4%36.7%. Excluding the impact of TravelSmith's and Chasing Fireflies' results from both periods,divestitures, gross profit was up slightly to prior year while gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 12070 basis points primarilylargely due to lower product and shipping margins driven by higher promotional activity in the home brands.brands, partially offset by higher product margins primarily driven by strategic pricing initiatives.


Selling and Marketing Expense
Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of advertising and promotional expenditures; compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel engaged in customer service, sales and merchandising, production and programming functions; on-air distribution costs, including costs to purchase media for direct-response television marketing; and marketing partnership programs. Advertising and promotional expenditures primarily include catalog production and distribution costs and online marketing, including fees paid to search engine companies and third-party distribution partners, as well as other advertising and promotional campaigns. Certain prior period amounts previously included in general and administrative expense have been reclassified to selling and marketing expense to conform to the current year's presentation.

Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
HSN$103,809
 2% $101,783
 $310,251
 —% $311,268
$103,684
 —% $103,809
 $306,249
 (1)% $310,251
As a percentage of HSN net sales18.2% 100 bps 17.2% 18.2% 50 bps 17.7%19.3% 110 bps 18.2% 18.8% 60 bps 18.2%
Cornerstone$74,976
 (6)% $79,498
 $235,751
 (4)% $245,322
$70,335
 (6)% $74,976
 $211,829
 (10)% $235,751
As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales29.6% 60 bps 29.0% 29.9% 30 bps 29.6%28.5% (110 bps) 29.6% 27.9% (200 bps) 29.9%
HSNi$178,785
 (1)% $181,281
 $546,002
 (2)% $556,590
$174,019
 (3)% $178,785
 $518,078
 (5)% $546,002
As a percentage of HSNi net sales21.7% 70 bps 21.0% 21.9% 40 bps 21.5%22.2% 50 bps 21.7% 21.7% (20 bps) 21.9%

HSNi's selling and marketing expense in the third quarter of 2016 was $178.82017 decreased $4.8 million a decrease of 1% from prior year and was 21.7%22.2% of net sales compared to 21.0%21.7% in the prior year. Excluding the divestitures, HSNi's selling and marketing expense increased 1%, or $2.0 million, in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year. HSNi's selling and marketing expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $546.02017 decreased $27.9 million a decrease of $10.6 million from prior year, and was 21.9%21.7% of net sales compared to 21.5%21.9% in the prior year. Excluding the divestitures, HSNi's selling and marketing expense decreased 1% or $4.2 million, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the prior year.
HSN
HSN's selling and marketing expense in the third quarter of 2016 increased $2.02017 decreased $0.1 million compared to the prior year primarily due to increases in on-air distribution costs and digital marketing expenses, partially offset by lower employee compensation. Selling and marketing expense was 18.2%19.3% of net sales compared to 17.2%18.2% in the prior year. The decrease in expense is primarily due to decreases in digital marketing, offset by higher employee-related costs. As a percentage of net sales, the increase was due to decreased leverage over fixed costs as a result of the decline in net sales.
HSN's selling and marketing expense in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased $1.0$4.0 million and was 18.8% of net sales compared to 18.2% in the prior yearyear. The decrease in expense is primarily due to a decreasehigher advertising and media costs in media expense related to direct-response television marketing and lower employee compensation expense; offset by higher on-air distribution costs driven by expanded carriage of HSN2, increased advertising coststhe prior year related to the expansion of HSN's wholesale business and increased digital marketing expense. Selling and marketing expense was 18.2% of net sales compared to 17.7%direct-response television marketing; partially offset by higher consulting costs in the prior year.current year related to brand strategy and customer research initiatives.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone's selling and marketing expense in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased $4.5$4.6 million and was 29.6%28.5% of net sales compared to 29.0%29.6% in the prior year. The decrease wasExcluding the divestitures, selling and marketing expense increased $2.2 million due to a 10% decrease in catalog circulation, partially offset by an increase in expensescosts related to Cornerstone's additional retail stores and outlet stores.an increase in digital marketing. These costs were partially offset by a decrease in catalog costs as Cornerstone continued to allocate more of its marketing efforts towards digital.
Cornerstone's selling and marketing expense in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased $9.6$23.9 million and was 29.9%27.9% of net sales compared to 29.6%29.9% in the prior year. The decreaseExcluding the divestitures, selling and marketing expense was consistent with the prior year due to a 5% decrease in catalog circulation, partially offset by an increaseincreases in expensesdigital marketing and costs related to Cornerstone's additional retail and outlet stores.



General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel engaged in finance, legal, tax, human resources, information technology and executive management functions; bad debts; facilities costs; and fees for professional services. Certain prior period amounts previously included in general and administrative expense have been reclassified to selling and marketing expense to conform to the current year's presentation.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
HSN$31,884
 (19)% $39,231
 $102,783
 (16)% $123,086
$38,037
 19% $31,884
 $117,448
 14% $102,783
As a percentage of HSN net sales5.6% (100 bps) 6.6% 6.0% (100 bps) 7.0%7.1% 150 bps 5.6% 7.2% 120 bps 6.0%
Cornerstone$10,819
 (12)% $12,321
 $36,335
 (9)% $39,853
$11,746
 9% $10,819
 $36,364
 —% $36,335
As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales4.3% (20 bps) 4.5% 4.6% (20 bps) 4.8%4.8% 50 bps 4.3% 4.8% 20 bps 4.6%
HSNi$42,703
 (17)% $51,552
 $139,118
 (15)% $162,939
$49,783
 17% $42,703
 $153,812
 11% $139,118
As a percentage of HSNi net sales5.2% (80 bps) 6.0% 5.6% (70 bps) 6.3%6.4% 120 bps 5.2% 6.4% 80 bps 5.6%

HSNi’s general and administrative expense in the third quarter of 2016 decreased2017 increased 17%, or $8.8$7.1 million, and was 5.2%6.4% of net sales compared to 6.0%5.2% in the prior year. HSNi’s general and administrative expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased 15%2017 increased 11%, or $23.8$14.7 million, and was 5.6%6.4% of net sales compared to 6.3%5.6% in the prior year.
HSN
HSN's general and administrative expense in the third quarter of 2016 decreased2017 increased 19%, or $7.3$6.2 million, and was 5.6%7.1% of net sales compared to 6.6%5.6% in the prior year. The decreaseincrease is primarily due to lowerhigher employee-related costs particularly forrelated to performance-based incentives largely as a result of accrual adjustments recognized in the prior year and a decrease$1.8 million increase in bad debt expense. Additionally, HSN incurred approximately $1.6 million in expenses related to Hurricane Irma and approximately $0.7 million in consulting services related to the SCO implementation.
HSN's general and administrative expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased 16%2017 increased 14%, or $20.3$14.7 million, and was 6.0%7.2% of net sales compared to 7.0%6.0% in the prior year. The decreaseincrease is primarily due to loweran increase in employee-related costs, particularly for performance-based incentives, and severance, a decrease$4.6 million increase in bad debt expense and $3.2primarily related to HSN's Flexpay program. Additionally, HSN incurred approximately $3.8 million in additional costs accrued in the prior year for the planned closure of its Virginia distribution center.
HSN’s general and administrative expenses for 2015 include $3.2 million related to the planned closureSCO implementation primarily for consulting services and approximately $1.6 million in expenses related to Hurricane Irma. These increases were partially offset by a $5.9 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense primarily due to the resignation of its Roanoke, Virginia distribution center. The facility closure is planned to occur in 2017 as part of HSNi’s supply chain optimization initiative that will include the consolidation of two distribution centers. Additional information regarding HSNi's supply chain optimization initiative is includedformer Chief Executive Officer in the section "Operating Income (Loss)" within Management's Discussion and Analysissecond quarter of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. As part of this initiative, HSNi will be expanding the capabilities of its Piney Flats, Tennessee distribution center through automation of the facility. HSNi expects to incur approximately $4 million to $5 million in total charges related to the closure of the Virginia facility. These charges include approximately $3 million to $4 million in employee-related expenses, including severance payments and retention incentives. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the planned closure of the Roanoke, Virginia distribution center.2017.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone's general and administrative expense in the third quarter of 2016 decreased 12%2017 increased 9%, or $1.5$0.9 million, due to decreases in employee-related costs, primarily performance-based incentives. Cornerstone's general and administrative expense was 4.3%4.8% of net sales compared to 4.5%4.3% in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to higher employee-related costs.
Cornerstone's general and administrative expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased 9%, or $3.52017 was $36.4 million, due to decreases in employee-related costs, primarily performance-based incentives,up slightly from the prior year, and consulting costs. Cornerstone's general and administrative expense was 4.6%4.8% of net sales compared to 4.8%4.6% in the prior year. General and administrative expense decreased as a result of the divestitures and a $1.2 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense primarily related to the resignation of HSNi's former Chief Executive Officer, offset by an increase in employee-related costs, particularly for performance-based incentives.


Depreciation and Amortization
 
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
HSN$7,304
 —% $7,318
 $21,582
 (3)% $22,326
$7,690
 5% $7,304
 $23,213
 8% $21,582
Cornerstone3,214
 (2)% 3,290
 10,163
 (4)% 10,616
3,444
 7% 3,214
 9,845
 (3)% 10,163
HSNi$10,518
 (1)% $10,608
 $31,745
 (4)% $32,942
$11,134
 6% $10,518
 $33,058
 4% $31,745
As a percentage of HSNi net sales1.3% 10 bps 1.2% 1.3% - 1.3%1.4% 10 bps 1.3% 1.4% 10 bps 1.3%

Depreciation and amortization in the third quarter of 2016 decreased 1%2017 increased 6%, or $0.1$0.6 million. Depreciation and amortization in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased2017 increased 4%, or $1.2$1.3 million. Approximately $40.8 million in capital assetsThe increases were primarily related to the assets associated with HSN's warehouse automation project were placed into service in September of 2016.SCO initiative.

Loss on Sale of Businesses and related Asset Impairment
During the second quarter of 2016, HSNi committed to a plan to sell Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith, two of the apparel brands included within the Cornerstone segment. The assets and liabilities of the two brands were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016 and measured at their fair values less the estimated selling costs. As a result, Cornerstone recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $20.4 million in the second quarter of 2016.
On September 8, 2016, Cornerstone completed the divestiture of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies.  In the third quarter of 2016, Cornerstone recorded a loss on sale of $11.2 million, which includesincluded $3.8 million of cash charges related to transaction costs and employee and lease liabilities.  The sale price included $1 million in cash and a potential additional $2 million of contingent consideration that is based on the achievement of certain performance metrics in 2016. 
Net sales for Chasing Fireflies and TravelSmith were $12.5 million and $43.6 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and were $99.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.respectively. The pre-tax operating loss for the two brands, excluding asset impairment charges and the loss on sale, was approximately $4 million and $13 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016. respectively, and $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Included in these results are fixed costs (approximately $7 million on an annual basis) which will be wholly or partially reabsorbed by the remaining Cornerstone brands following the divestitures.  See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Transaction Costs

On July 6, 2017, HSNi and Liberty jointly announced that they had entered into an agreement whereby Liberty will acquire the approximately 62% of HSNi it does not already own in an all-stock transaction ("Liberty Merger Agreement").  In connection with the Liberty Merger Agreement, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, HSNi incurred approximately $1.3 million and $6.6 million, respectively, of costs for financial advisory and legal services. For additional information on the pending merger, refer to Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operating Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
HSN$46,963
 (16)% $56,195
 $151,745
 (8)% $164,649
$30,999
 (34)% $46,963
 $107,722
 (29)% $151,745
As a percentage of HSN net sales8.2 % (130 bps) 9.5% 8.9 % (40 bps) 9.3%5.8% (240 bps) 8.2 % 6.6% (230 bps) 8.9 %
Cornerstone$(10,088) (716)% $1,638
 $(18,827) (190)% $20,897
$1,945
 119% $(10,088) $19,383
 203% $(18,827)
As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales(4.0)% (460 bps) 0.6% (2.4)% (490 bps) 2.5%0.8% 480 bps (4.0)% 2.5% 490 bps (2.4)%
HSNi$36,875
 (36)% $57,833
 $132,918
 (28)% $185,546
$32,944
 (11)% $36,875
 $127,105
 (4)% $132,918
As a percentage of HSNi net sales4.5 % (220 bps) 6.7% 5.3 % (190 bps) 7.2%4.2% (30 bps) 4.5 % 5.3% - 5.3 %
HSNi's operating income in the third quarter of 2016, which includes a loss on the sale of $11.2 million,2017 decreased 36%11%, or $21.0$3.9 million, and was 4.5%4.2% of net sales compared to 6.7% in the prior year. HSN's operating income in the third quarter of 2016 decreased 16%, or $9.2 million, and was 8.2% of net sales compared to 9.5%4.5% in the prior year. The declinedecrease in operating income was driven by decreasesdue to a 5% decrease in net sales, partially offset by a 40 basis point increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales and a $7.0 million decrease in operating expenses. HSNi's operating income in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 4%, or $5.8 million, and was 5.3% of net sales, consistent with the prior year. The decrease was due to a 4% decrease in net sales and 20 basis point decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales, partially offset by a $5.2$36.9 million decrease in operating expenses. Cornerstone'sThe decrease in operating expenses


was largely due to the divestitures, including the prior year's operating expenses, $11.2 million loss on sale and $20.4 million asset impairment charge; and lower stock-based compensation expense driven by the forfeiture of the former CEO's unvested awards; partially offset by approximately $6.6 million in transaction costs related to the Liberty Merger Agreement, higher employee-related costs, a $4.6 million increase in bad debt expense, and approximately $3.8 million in consulting costs related to the SCO implementation.
HSN
HSN's operating income in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 34%, or $16.0 million, and was $10.1 million5.8% of net sales compared to operating income of $1.6 million8.2% in the prior year. The decrease iswas due to the $11.2a 6% decrease in net sales and $7.3 million loss on sale of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies and the lower gross profit,increase in operating expenses, partially offset by the decreasea 50 basis point increase in operating expenses.
HSNi's operating income in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased 28%, or $52.6 million, and was 5.3%gross profit as a percentage of net sales compared to 7.2% in the prior year.sales. HSN's operating income in the nine months ended September 30, 2016


2017 decreased 8%29%, or $12.9$44.0 million, and was 8.9%,6.6% of net sales, compared to 9.3%8.9% the prior year. The declinedecrease was driven by decreasesdue to a 4% decrease in net sales, and10 basis point decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales partially offset by lowerand $17.0 million increase in operating expenses.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone's operating income in the third quarter of 2017 was $1.9 million compared to an operating loss of $10.1 million in the prior year. The third quarter of 2016 includes the results of the divested businesses, including a loss on sale businesses of $11.2 million and an operating loss of $4.4 million. Cornerstone's operating income in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 was $18.8$19.4 million compared to an operating incomeloss of $20.9$18.8 million in the prior year. The decrease is due tonine months ended September 30, 2016 includes the results of the divested businesses, including a loss on sale businesses of $11.2 million, loss on the saleasset impairment charges of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies recorded in the third quarter of 2016, the $20.4 million non-cash asset impairment charge recorded in the second quarterand an operating loss of 2016 and the $26.7 million decrease in gross profit attributable to the 5% decrease in net sales and lower gross profit rate.
As a part of HSNi’s supply chain optimization initiative, HSN began phasing in its expanded automation capabilities in its Piney Flats, Tennessee distribution center in the third quarter.  In October, the center experienced issues in its ability to satisfy order fulfillment within traditional shipping time frames resulting in delays in merchandise deliveries.  While these delays in order fulfillment have not affected third quarter results, HSN’s fourth quarter results will be impacted in the form of increased customer credits and accommodations, expedited shipping and handling costs, operating expenses and order cancellations. Despite the delays experienced in its Piney Flats facility, the Company continues to ship substantially all of its orders within its normal time frames.
Based upon information available as of the date of this filing, we expect that incremental related costs, customer credits and accommodations during the fourth quarter will range from $10 million to $15$13.4 million. Costs could exceed this range should the resolution to these matters persist into the first quarter of 2017.  We expect to realize financial and operational benefits of the supply chain optimization initiative in the form of increased labor efficiencies, more efficient space utilization, lower transportation costs and faster customer deliveries upon the project's completion.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the usefulness of this metric and for the reconciliation of operating income to Adjusted EBITDA to operating income for HSNi's operating segments and to HSNi's consolidated net income.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
HSN$58,020
 (14)% $67,109
 $184,990
 (8)% $201,493
$42,573
 (27)% $58,020
 $141,653
 (23)% $184,990
As a percentage of HSN net sales10.2% (120 bps) 11.4% 10.8% (60 bps) 11.4%7.9% (230 bps) 10.2% 8.7% (210 bps) 10.8%
Cornerstone$4,889
 (56)% $11,028
 $26,052
 (35)% $39,820
$6,822
 40% $4,889
 $33,246
 28% $26,052
As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales1.9% (210 bps) 4.0% 3.3% (150 bps) 4.8%2.8% 90 bps 1.9% 4.4% 110 bps 3.3%
HSNi$62,909
 (19)% $78,137
 $211,042
 (13)% $241,313
$49,395
 (21)% $62,909
 $174,899
 (17)% $211,042
As a percentage of HSNi net sales7.6% (140 bps) 9.0% 8.5% (80 bps) 9.3%6.3% (130 bps) 7.6% 7.3% (120 bps) 8.5%
HSNi's Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 19%21%, or $15.2$13.5 million, and was 7.6%6.3% of net sales compared to 9.0%7.6% in the prior year. The decline was primarily dueOperating expenses (excluding non-GAAP adjustments discussed in Note 4 of Notes to the decrease in net salesConsolidated Financial Statements) increased $2.6 million and decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales partially offset by lower operating expenses. HSNi has focused on managing operating expenses through ongoing talent realignment, operational efficiencies and through strategic rationalization of Cornerstone's catalog circulation. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales (excluding non-cash charges and other non-GAAP adjustments identifiedwere 28.1% compared to 26.4% in Note 4 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) were 26.4%, consistent with the prior year.
HSNi's Adjusted EBITDA in the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 decreased 13%17%, or $30.3$36.1 million, and was 8.5%7.3% of net sales compared to 9.3%8.5% in the prior year. The decline was primarily dueOperating expenses (excluding non-GAAP adjustments discussed in Note 4 of Notes to the decrease in net salesConsolidated Financial Statements) decreased $6.5 million and decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales partially offset by lower operating expenses. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales (excluding non-cash charges and other non-GAAP adjustments identified in Note 4 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) were 26.9%27.8% compared to 27.1%26.9% in the prior year.
HSN
HSN's Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 20162017 decreased 14%27%, or $9.1$15.4 million, and was 10.2%7.9% of net sales compared to 11.4%10.2% in the prior year. The decline was primarily dueOperating expenses (excluding non-GAAP adjustments discussed in Note 4 of Notes to the decrease in net salesConsolidated Financial Statements) increased $6.8 million and decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales partially offsetwere 25.9% compared to 23.2% in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by lower operating expenses.Hurricane Irma by an estimated $5 million (due to lost gross profit and $1.6 million of additional expenses incurred) and $1.3 million of additional costs related to the SCO implementation.
HSN's Adjusted EBITDA in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 23%, or $43.3 million, and was 8.7% of net sales compared to 10.8% in the prior year. Operating expenses (excluding non-GAAP adjustments discussed in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) increased $16.3 million and as a percentage of net sales (excluding non-cash charges) were 23.2%25.6% compared


to 23.3%23.5% in the prior year.


HSN's Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased 8%, or $16.5was negatively impacted by Hurricane Irma by an estimated $5 million and was 10.8% of net sales compared(due to 11.4% in the prior year. The decline was primarily due to the decrease in net sales and decline inlost gross profit as a percentageand $1.6 million of net sales, partially offset by lower operating expenses. Operatingadditional expenses as a percentageincurred) and $8.4 million of net sales (excluding non-cash charges and the $3.2 million charge in the prior yearadditional costs related to the planned closure of one of HSN's distribution centers) were 23.5% compared to 23.8% in the prior year.SCO implementation.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone's Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2016 decreased 56%2017 increased 40%, or $6.1$1.9 million, and was 1.9%2.8% of net sales compared to 4.0%1.9% in the prior year. The decline was primarily due to a decreaseOperating expenses (excluding non-GAAP adjustments discussed in net salesNote 4 of Notes of Consolidated Financial Statements) decreased $4.2 million and decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales partially offset by improved operating expense leverage. Operating expenses (excluding non-cash charges and the $11.2 million loss on sale) decreased $5.5 million and were 33.6% of net sales32.8% compared to 33.1%33.6% in the prior year. Excluding the divestitures, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.6 million, or 19%.
Cornerstone's Adjusted EBITDA forin the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased 35%2017 increased 28%, or $13.8$7.2 million, and was 3.3%4.4% of net sales compared to 4.8%3.3% in the prior year. The decline was primarily due to a decrease in net sales and decline in gross profitOperating expenses as a percentage of net sales partially offset by lower operating expenses. Operating expenses (excluding non-cash charges and the $11.2 million loss on sale)non-GAAP adjustments discussed in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) decreased $12.9$22.8 million and were 34.1% of net sales32.3% compared to 34.0% in the prior year. Excluding the divestitures, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $4.9 million, or 13%.
Other Income (Expense)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 Change 2015 2016 Change 20152017 Change 2016 2017 Change 2016
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
Interest income$125
 257% $35
 $223
 101% $111
$164
 31% $125
 $590
 165% $223
Interest expense(4,126) 1% (4,098) (12,211) 8% (11,352)(4,181) 1% (4,126) (12,316) 1% (12,211)
Total other expense, net$(4,001) (2)% $(4,063) $(11,988) 7% $(11,241)$(4,017) —% $(4,001) $(11,726) (2)% $(11,988)
As a percentage of HSNi net sales0.5% - 0.5% 0.5% 10 bps 0.4%0.5% - 0.5% 0.5% - 0.5%

Interest expense for the third quarterthree and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 was $4.0 million and $11.7 million, respectively, relatively unchanged from the prior year. Interest expense foryear due to lower average outstanding debt balances being offset by a higher average interest rate. The interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 effectively converted $250.0 million and $187.5 million, respectively, of our variable rate term loan to a fixed rate. See further discussion in Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Income Tax Provision
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $0.72017, HSNi recorded a tax provision of $12.7 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a higher average outstanding debt balance driven by the fundingand $45.1 million, which represents effective tax rates of a special cash dividend in February 201543.9% and an increase in the interest rate, partially offset by the write-off of $0.5 million of deferred financing fees in the prior year related to the credit agreement that was terminated in January 2015.
Income Tax Provision
39.1%, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, HSNi recorded a tax provisionsprovision of $12.7 million and $45.7 million, which represents effective tax rates of 38.7% and 37.8%, respectively. For
HSNi adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 which impacts how the threetax effects of share-based awards are recognized. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 introduces a degree of volatility to HSNi's interim and nine months ended September 30, 2015, HSNi recorded aannual effective tax provisionrate. The excess or deficiencies in the tax benefits of $19.6 million and $64.8 million, which representsshare-based compensation are impacted by the value of the Company's shares at the time when awards are vested or exercised.
The increase in the effective tax rates is primarily due to the write-off of 36.4% and 37.2%, respectively.approximately $3.1 million of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards that expired unexercised during the third quarter of 2017, including $2.4 million associated with HSNi's former Chief Executive Officer's equity awards. The changeincrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due topartially offset by a reduction in the estimated permanent tax differences for the year coupled with lower forecasted income, and as a resultdecrease of adjustments$0.9 million related to the filingrelease of tax reserves for uncertain tax positions for which the prior year federal income tax return. The Company expects its annual 2016 effective tax rate to be approximately 38%.statute of limitations has expired.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2016,2017, HSNi had $67.4$20.6 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to $63.9$42.7 million as of December 31, 20152016 and $63.2$67.4 million as of September 30, 2015.2016.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 was $114.0$109.6 million compared to $104.9$114.1 million in the prior year, an increasea decrease of $9.1$4.6 million, which was primarily due to a decrease in operating performance


(excluding non-cash items) partially offset by changes in working capital related to inventories and accounts receivables. There were lower investments in inventories in 2016 driven by the higher than planned inventory levels at the end of 2015. The decrease in inventories as of September 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 was impacted by the divestiture of TravelSmith and Chasing Fireflies in September 2016 which resulted in the sale of approximately $29.3 million of inventories.capital. Cash provided by accounts receivables in 2016 decreased2017 increased compared to the prior year due to higher utilization and expanded offerscollections of HSN's Flexpay offering in 2016 and the lowera higher outstanding accounts receivable balance at the end of 20152016 compared to 2014.2015, partially offset by expanded offers of HSN's Flexpay program in 2017. HSN expects to continue to use its offering of Flexpay, when appropriate, as a tool to drive profitable revenue growth.


Working capital was negatively impacted in 2017 by the timing of accounts payable.
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 was $29.1$37.1 million and was related toprimarily for capital expenditures primarily for investments in information technology, the retail store expansion at Cornerstone, our distribution centers including our warehouse automation project, information technology, Cornerstone's retail store expansion and infrastructure.digital commerce.
Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 was $81.4$94.7 million. Net repaymentsBorrowings of HSNi's long-term debt net of repayments during the current quarter,year period, including for the term loan and revolving credit facility, were $8.8$38.8 million. HSNi has paid three quarterly cash dividends totaling $1.05of $0.35 per share in the first nine months2017, representing total payments of 2016, representing an aggregate payment of $54.9$55.0 million. HSNi also paid $16.6 million for approximately 0.4 million shares of common stock repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

On January 27, 2015, HSNi entered into a $1.25 billion five-year syndicated Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement replaced the prior $600 million credit agreement that was set to expire in April 2017. The Credit Agreement, which includes a $750 million revolving credit facility and a $500 million term loan, may be increased up to $1.75 billion subject to certain conditions and expires January 27, 2020. HSNi drew $500As of September 30, 2017, total debt of $476.3 million from its term loan and $200 million under the revolving credit facility, both under the Credit Agreement, in the first quarter of 2015 to repay in full its existing term loan of $228.1 million and to fund the $524 million special cash dividend that was paid in February 2015.outstanding.

The Credit Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50x and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00x. HSNi was in compliance with all such covenants as of September 30, 20162017 with a leverage ratio of 1.9x1.8x and an interest coverage ratio of 22.7x.17.9x. The Credit Agreement also contains covenants that limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions to third parties, repurchase or redeem our stock, make investments, sell assets, incur liens, enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets. The Credit Agreement also contains provisions that limit the ability of HSNi to make Restricted Payments, defined as cash dividends, distribution of other property, repurchase of the Company’s common stock, prepayment or redemption of debt, etc., however, so long as the Company’s leverage ratio is below 3.00x after giving pro forma effect to any proposed Restricted Payments, the amount of such Restricted Payments are not limited. In the event the Company’s leverage ratio is equal to or greater than 3.00x or after giving pro forma effect to any proposed Restricted Payments, then such Restricted Payments are limited to $150 million in any such fiscal year. The current quarter cash dividend of $1.40 annually$0.35 per share, or approximately $1.40 on an annualized basis, represents a Restricted Payment of approximately $73.2$18.3 million.  Dividends, loans or advances to HSNi by its subsidiaries are not restricted by the Credit Agreement.

Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a per annum rate equal to a LIBOR rate plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% or the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 0.25% to 1.25%. HSNi can elect to borrow at either a LIBOR rate or the Base Rate and the predetermined margin is determined by HSNi's leverage ratio. HSNi pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% (based on the leverage ratio) on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.
The amount available under the Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of commercial and standby letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility, which totaled $13.9$14.5 million as of September 30, 2016.2017. The ability to draw funds under the revolving credit facility is dependent upon meeting the aforementioned financial covenants, which may limit HSNi’s ability to draw the full amount of the facility. As of September 30, 2016,2017, the additional amount that could be borrowed under the revolving credit facility, in consideration of the financial covenants and outstanding letters of credit, was approximately $586.1$429.8 million.
To reduce our future exposure to rising interest rates under our credit facility, we entered into interest rate swaps that effectively convertconverted $187.5 million of our variable rate term loan to a fixed-rate of 0.8525% through April 2017, and then increasesincreased to $250.0 million through January 2020 with a fixed rate of 1.05% (in both cases the swapped fixed rate is exclusive of the credit spread under the Credit Agreement). Based on HSNi's leverage ratio as of September 30, 2016,2017, the all-in fixed rate was 2.3525%. For additional information related to our interest rate swap, refer to Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Effective January 27, 2015, HSNi's Board of Directors authorized a 4 million share repurchase program which allows HSNi to purchase shares of its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated and/or open market transactions. The timing of any repurchases and actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under HSNi’s debt obligations and other market and economic


conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, HSNi repurchased approximately 357,0002017, there were no shares of common stock at a cost of $16.6 million, or an average cost of $46.45 per share.repurchased. As of September 30, 2016,2017, approximately 2.7 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under the program.


As a result of the pending merger contemplated by the Liberty Merger Agreement, HSNi has agreed not to make additional repurchases.
HSNi anticipates it will need to make capital and other expenditures in connection with the development and expansion of its operations. Our capital expenditures for fiscal 20162017 are expected to be approximately $40 million to $45$50 million and primarily relate to investments in information technology, approximately $12 million for Cornerstone's retail expansionexpansion; our distribution centers, including our warehouse automation project; and infrastructure.digital commerce. HSNi’s ability to fund its cash and capital needs will be affected by its ongoing ability to generate cash from operations, the overall capacity and terms of its financing arrangements as discussed above, and access to the capital markets. HSNi believes that its cash on hand, its anticipated operating cash flows, its available unused portion of the revolving credit facility and its access to capital markets will be sufficient to fund its operating needs, capital, investing and other commitments and contingencies for the foreseeable future.
In the fourth quarter of 2016,2017, HSNi's Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.35$0.35 per common share. The dividend will be paid onshare payable December 20, 201615, 2017 to HSNi'sshareholders of record holders as of December 7, 2016.6, 2017.

Seasonality
HSNi is affected by seasonality, although historically our business has exhibited less seasonality than many other retail businesses. Our sales levels are generally higher in the fourth quarter.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
For a description of HSNi's market risks, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in HSNi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. No material changes have occurred in HSNi's market risks since December 31, 2015.2016.


ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, including our ChiefPrincipal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2016.2017. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the ChiefPrincipal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 20162017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
    
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal matters arising out of our operations. These matters may relate to claims involving corporate matters, property, personal injury, contract, intellectual property (including patent infringement), sales tax, product recalls, regulatory compliance, employment matters and other claims. As of the date of this filing, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; however, litigation matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Moreover, any claims or regulatory actions against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. 

See Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies in Part I, Item 1 for additional information regarding legal matters in which we are involved.  

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

See Part I. Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” of HSNi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting HSNi. There have been no material changes from the risk factors described in the annual report.report other than as set forth below.

Risks Related to Our Proposed Merger with Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Liberty”)

Failure to complete the Liberty Merger could negatively impact the price of shares of HSNi common stock, as well as HSNi’s respective future businesses and financial results.

The Liberty Merger Agreement contains a number of conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to the completion of the Liberty Merger. There can be no assurance that all of the conditions to the Liberty Merger will be so satisfied or waived. If the conditions to the Liberty Merger are not satisfied or waived, Liberty and HSNi will be unable to complete the Liberty Merger.

If the Liberty Merger is not completed for any reason, including the failure to receive the required approvals of HSNi’s stockholders, HSNi’s business and financial results may be adversely affected as follows:

HSNi may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on the market price of shares of HSNi common stock;

HSNi may experience negative reactions from employees;

HSNi may be required to pay a termination fee under certain circumstances, as provided in the Liberty Merger Agreement; and

HSNi will have expended significant time, resources and incurred transactions costs, including in the form of legal, accounting and financial advisory fees, that could otherwise have been spent on HSNi’s existing businesses and the pursuit of other opportunities that could have been beneficial to HSNi, and HSNi’s ongoing business and financial results may be adversely affected.

We will be subject to various uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Liberty Merger is pending that may cause disruption and may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with employees, vendor partners and customers. 

Uncertainty about the impact of the Liberty Merger on employees, vendors and customers may have an adverse effect on us. Although we intend to take steps designed to reduce any adverse effects, these uncertainties may impair our ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the Liberty Merger is completed and for a period of time thereafter, and could cause customers, vendors and other third parties to seek to change existing business relationships with us.


Employee retention and recruitment may be challenging before the completion of the Liberty Merger, as employees and prospective employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with the combined company. If, despite our retention and recruiting efforts, key employees depart or prospective key employees fail to accept employment with us because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with the combined company, our financial results could be adversely affected.
HSNi does not currently have a Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the Company is currently managed by the Office of the Chief Executive which consists of three HSNi executives. As a result of the Liberty Merger Agreement, the Company has suspended its search for an external candidate to serve as CEO. The lack of a permanent CEO could negatively impact the results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The pursuit of the Liberty Merger and the preparation for the integration may place a significant burden on management and internal resources. The diversion of management’s attention away from day-to-day business concerns and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could adversely affect our financial results.
In addition, the Liberty Merger agreement restricts us, without Liberty’s consent, from making certain acquisitions and taking other specified actions until the Liberty Merger closes or the Liberty Merger Agreement terminates. These restrictions may prevent us from pursuing otherwise attractive business opportunities and making other changes to our business before completion of the Liberty Merger or termination of the Liberty Merger Agreement.

HSNi will incur significant transaction and related costs in connection with the Liberty Merger, which may be in excess of those anticipated by HSNi.

HSNi has incurred and will incur substantial expenses in connection with the negotiation and completion of the transactions contemplated by the Liberty Merger Agreement, including the costs and expenses of filing, printing and mailing the proxy statement/prospectus; employee retention costs; fees paid to financial, legal and accounting advisors and filing fees. These costs, as well as other unanticipated costs and expenses, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and operating results of HSNi. Many of these costs will be borne by HSNi even if the Liberty Merger is not completed.

The Liberty Merger Agreement limits HSNi’s ability to pursue alternatives to the Liberty Merger.

The Liberty Merger Agreement contains provisions that may discourage a third party from submitting an acquisition proposal to HSNi that might result in greater value to HSNi’s stockholders than the Liberty Merger. These provisions include a general prohibition on HSNi soliciting or, subject to certain exceptions relating to the exercise of fiduciary duties by our Board of Directors, entering into discussions with third parties regarding, any acquisition proposal for a competing transaction.

The Liberty Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the Liberty Merger may be delayed or not be completed, reducing or eliminating the benefits that HSNi expects to achieve. 

The Liberty Merger Agreement contains a number of conditions that must be fulfilled in order to complete the Liberty Merger. Those conditions include, among others: (i) the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals including approval from the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements (“HSR”) Act of 1976; (ii) the adoption of the Liberty Merger Agreement by the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding aggregate voting power of HSNi stock, voting together as a single class; (iii) the accuracy of representations and warranties made by each party under the Liberty Merger Agreement (subject to the materiality standards set forth in the Liberty Merger Agreement); and (iv), Liberty’s and HSNi’s performance of their respective obligations under the Liberty Merger Agreement in all material respects. These conditions to the closing of the Liberty Merger may not be fulfilled in a timely manner or at all, and, accordingly, the Liberty Merger may be delayed or may not be completed.

In addition, if the Liberty Merger is not completed by April 5, 2018 (subject to an extension to October 5, 2018 under certain circumstances identified in the Liberty Merger Agreement), either Liberty or HSNi may choose not to proceed with the Liberty Merger and the parties can mutually decide to terminate the Liberty Merger Agreement at any time, before or after stockholder approval. In addition, Liberty and HSNi may elect to terminate the Liberty Merger Agreement in certain other circumstances.

The Liberty Merger is subject to a number of conditions beyond our control that may prevent, delay or otherwise materially adversely affect the completion of the Liberty Merger. We cannot predict whether and when these conditions will be satisfied. Any delay in completing the Liberty Merger could cause the combined company not to realize some or all of the synergies that we and Liberty expect to achieve if the Liberty Merger is successfully completed within the expected time frame.



Even if HSNi and Liberty complete the Liberty Merger, the combined company may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the proposed Liberty Merger.

The success of the Liberty Merger will depend, in part, on Liberty’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining HSNi’s and Liberty’s businesses. The anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Liberty Merger may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected or could have other adverse effects that HSNi and Liberty do not currently foresee. Some of the assumptions that Liberty has made, such as the achievement of operating synergies and revenue growth opportunities, may not be realized. The integration process may, for each of HSNi and Liberty, result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies. There could be potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen expenses associated with the Liberty Merger that were not discovered in the course of performing due diligence.

HSNi stockholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest in the combined company after the Liberty Merger and will exercise less influence over management.

Currently, HSNi stockholders have the right to vote in the election of the HSNi board and the power to approve or reject any matters requiring stockholder approval under Delaware law and HSNi’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Upon completion of the Liberty Merger, each HSNi stockholder who receives shares of Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock in the Liberty Merger will become a stockholder of Liberty’s QVC Group with a percentage ownership of the QVC Group that is smaller than the HSNi stockholder’s current percentage ownership of HSNi.

Based on the number of issued and outstanding shares of Series A and Series B QVC Group common stock and shares of HSNi common stock as of September 30, 2017, and on the exchange ratio of 1.65 shares of Series A QVC Group common stock for every outstanding share of HSNi common stock (other than shares of HSNi common stock held by Liberty and its wholly-owned subsidiaries), after the Liberty Merger HSNi stockholders (other than Liberty and its wholly-owned subsidiaries) are expected to become owners of approximately 10.9% of the undiluted equity and 7.1% of the undiluted voting power of the QVC Group, without giving effect to any shares of QVC Group common stock held by HSNi stockholders prior to the completion of the Liberty Merger. Even if all former HSNi stockholders voted together on all matters presented to QVC Group stockholders from time to time, the former HSNi stockholders would exercise significantly less influence over the QVC Group after the completion of the Liberty Merger relative to their influence over HSNi prior to the completion of the Liberty Merger, and thus would have a less significant impact on the approval or rejection of future QVC Group proposals submitted to a stockholder vote.

Because the market price of Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock may fluctuate, you cannot be sure of the value of the Liberty Merger consideration that you may receive.

Upon completion of the Liberty Merger, each share of HSNi common stock (other than shares held by Liberty or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and shares held by HSNi as treasury stock) will be converted into the right to receive 1.65 shares of Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock. Because the exchange ratio of common stock at which Liberty is issuing such shares as part of the Liberty Merger is fixed, any change in the price of the Series A QVC Group common stock prior to completion of the Liberty Merger will affect the value of the consideration to be paid upon completion of the Liberty Merger. The value of the Liberty Merger consideration may vary from the date of the announcement of the Liberty Merger Agreement. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including general market and economic conditions, changes in the respective businesses, operations and prospects, and regulatory considerations of Liberty and HSNi. Many of these factors are beyond Liberty’s and HSNi’s control.

Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock is a tracking stock that tracks the assets and liabilities attributed to Liberty’s QVC Group tracking stock group, and Liberty’s board of directors’ ability to reattribute businesses, assets and expenses between Liberty’s two tracking stock groups may make it difficult to assess the future prospects of Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock based on its past performance.

As a result of the Liberty Merger,HSNi stockholders will receive shares of Liberty’s Series A QVC Group common stock, which is a tracking stock that tracks the assets and liabilities attributed to Liberty’s QVC Group tracking stock group. Liberty’s board of directors has the ability to reattribute businesses, assets and liabilities between its two tracking stock groups, the QVC Group and the Ventures Group in accordance with Liberty’s restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and Liberty’s Management and Allocation Policies, and without the approval of its stockholders. For example, in October 2014, Liberty’s board of directors approved the change in attribution from the QVC Group to the Ventures Group of certain digital commerce businesses and approximately $1 billion in cash, without stockholder approval. Any reattribution made by Liberty’s


board, as well as the existence of the right in and of itself to effect a reattribution, may impact the ability of investors to assess the future prospects of the QVC Group tracking stock, including its liquidity and capital resource needs, based on its past performance.

The integration of HSNi into Liberty’s QVC Group may not be as successful as anticipated.

The Liberty Merger involves numerous operational, strategic, financial, accounting, legal, tax and other risks; potential liabilities associated with the acquired businesses; and uncertainties related to design, operation and integration of HSNi’s internal control over financial reporting. Difficulties in integrating HSNi into Liberty’s QVC Group may result in HSNi performing differently than expected, in operational challenges or in the failure to realize anticipated expense-related efficiencies. HSNi’s and Liberty’s existing businesses could also be negatively impacted by the Liberty Merger. Potential difficulties that may be encountered in the integration process include, among other factors:

the inability to successfully integrate the businesses of HSNi into Liberty’s QVC Group in a manner that permits the QVC Group to achieve the full revenue and cost savings anticipated from the Liberty Merger;

complexities associated with managing the larger, more complex, integrated business;

not realizing anticipated operating synergies;

integrating personnel from the two companies while maintaining focus on providing consistent, high-quality customer service;

potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen expenses, delays or regulatory conditions associated with the Liberty Merger;

loss of key employees;

performance shortfalls at one or both of the companies as a result of the diversion of management’s attention caused by completing the Liberty Merger and integrating HSNi’s operations into the QVC Group; and

the disruption of, or the loss of momentum in, each company’s ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies.

Litigation Relating to the Merger

On September 7, 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed by a purported HSNi stockholder in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware: McClure v. HSN, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:17-cv-01279. The complaint names as defendants HSNi and members of the HSNi board. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and alleges that HSNi and the members of the HSNi board caused a registration statement that allegedly omitted material information to be filed in connection with the merger, which allegedly rendered the registration statement false and misleading. The complaint further alleges that the members of the HSNi board acted as controlling persons of HSNi and had knowledge of the allegedly false statements contained in the registration statement or were negligent in not knowing that material information was allegedly omitted from the registration statement. Among other relief, the complaint seeks a declaration certifying a class, an injunction to prevent the merger from proceeding unless and until HSNi discloses the material information allegedly omitted from the registration statement, unspecified damages, and unspecified costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees. Defendants believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against all claims asserted. Defendant's deadline to respond to the complaint is on or before November 13, 2017.

On September 28, 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed by a purported HSNi stockholder in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida: Palkon v. HSN, Inc., et al., Case No. 8:17-cv-2271. The complaint names as defendants HSNi, members of the HSNi board, Liberty Interactive, and Merger Sub. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and alleges that HSNi and the members of the HSNi board caused a registration statement that omitted material information to be filed in connection with the merger, which allegedly rendered the registration statement false and misleading. The complaint further alleges that the members of the HSNi board, Liberty Interactive, and Merger Sub acted as controlling persons of HSNi, were involved in the making and composition of the registration statement, and had knowledge of the allegedly false statements contained in the registration statement. The complaint seeks, among other relief, an injunction to prevent the merger from


proceeding, rescission of the merger, an order directing HSNi to disseminate a registration statement that does not contain any untrue statements of material fact, a judgment declaring a violation of Sections 14(a) and/or 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as well as Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, unspecified damages, and unspecified costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees. Defendants believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against all claims asserted.

ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On January 27, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 4 million shares of our common stock, principally to offset dilution related to HSNi's equity compensation programs. Under the terms of the share repurchase program, HSNi will repurchase its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated or open market transactions, including pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or by any combination of such methods. The timing of repurchases and the actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under the company’s debt obligations and other market and economic conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by HSNi at any time.
Below isAs a summaryresult of our common stock repurchases duringthe pending merger contemplated by the Liberty Merger Agreement, HSNi has agreed not to make additional repurchases. For additional information of the Liberty Merger Agreement, see Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of September 30, 2017, there were 2,695,579 shares available for repurchase. During the third quarter of 2016:

Period 
Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans or
Programs
July 1, 2016 - July 31, 2016 5,498
 $47.99
 5,498
 2,814,492
August 1, 2016 - August 31, 2016 66,813
 $45.04
 66,813
 2,747,679
September 1, 2016 - September 30, 2016 52,100
 $41.53
 52,100
 2,695,579
  124,411
 $43.70
 124,411
  

2017, there were no repurchases.
Refer to Note 6 to theof Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis- Liquidity and Capital Resources for a discussion of restrictions on the payment of dividends.

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None



ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None



ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.  Description of Document  Method of Filing
     
   
31.110.1 Certification of the Chief Filed herewith
   
31.210.2 Filed herewith
31.1 Filed herewith
   
32.1 Filed herewith
32.2Certification of the Chiefand Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Filed herewith
   
101 
The following financial information from HSNi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016,2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and filed electronically herewith: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016,2017, December 31, 20152016 and September 30, 2015,2016, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and Year Ended December 31, 2015,2016, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 Filed herewith




SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.

Date: November 7, 20168, 2017   By: 
/S/  JUDY A. SCHMELINGRod Little
      
Judy A. Schmeling,Rod Little
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer)


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