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

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)    
ý   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR

o

 

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

 

 

For the transition period from                             to                            

Commission file number 1-34554

DIRECTV
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  26-4772533
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2230 East Imperial Highway, El Segundo, California
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

90245
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (310) 964-5000

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

Title of Each Class
 
Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value   NASDAQ Global Select Market

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

None

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

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

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

          Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company 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 ý

          As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the registrant's voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was $37,977,844,138.

          As of February 17, 2012, the registrant had outstanding 676,266,593 shares of Class A common stock.

          Documents incorporated by reference are as follows:

Document
 
Part and Item Number of Form 10-K into which Incorporated

DIRECTV Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement
for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 3, 2012

  Part I, Item 5
Part III, Items 10 through 14


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page No.
 

Part I

       

Item 1. Business

    2  

Item 1A. Risk Factors

    18  

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

    27  

Item 2. Properties

    27  

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

    27  

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

    28  

Part II

       

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

    29  

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

    30  

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    31  

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    55  

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

    56  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    56  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

    57  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

    59  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

    60  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

    61  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

    62  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

    64  

Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

    110  

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

    110  

Item 9B. Other Information

    112  

Part III

       

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

    112  

Item 11. Executive Compensation

    112  

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

    112  

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

    112  

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

    112  

Part IV

       

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

    112  

Signatures

    118  

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSE OF THE
"SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain certain statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of various provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as we "believe," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "project" or other similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make related to our business strategy and regarding our outlook for 2012 financial results, liquidity and capital resources.

        Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include economic, business, competitive, national or global political, market and regulatory conditions and other risks, each of which is described in more detail in Item 1A—Risk Factors of this Annual Report.

        Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Annual Report on Form 10-K speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may occur and it is not possible for us to predict them all. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

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PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

        DIRECTV, which we also refer to as the company, we or us, is a leading provider of digital television entertainment in the United States and Latin America. We operate two direct-to-home, or DTH, operating segments: DIRECTV U.S. and DIRECTV Latin America, which are differentiated by their geographic location and are engaged in acquiring, promoting, selling and distributing digital entertainment programming primarily via satellite to residential and commercial subscribers. In addition, since November 19, 2009, we own and operate three regional sports networks, or RSNs, and own a 60% interest in Game Show Network, LLC, or GSN, a basic cable television network dedicated to game-related programming and Internet interactive game playing. We account for our investment in GSN using the equity method of accounting.

        Our vision is to make DIRECTV the best video experience anytime and anywhere for customers in both the United States and Latin America. Our primary strategy for achieving this vision is to combine unique and compelling content along with technological innovation and industry-leading customer service to make DIRECTV the clear choice among consumers throughout the Americas. We believe that the successful implementation of this operating strategy along with the return of excess cash to stockholders will create significant stockholder value over the long term.

        DIRECTV's Class A common stock trades on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market, or NASDAQ, under the ticker "DTV". DIRECTV was incorporated in Delaware in 2009.

DIRECTV U.S.

        Through DIRECTV U.S., we provide approximately 19.9 million subscribers with access to hundreds of channels of digital-quality video entertainment and CD-quality audio programming that we transmit directly to subscribers' homes or businesses via high-powered geosynchronous satellites. We also provide video-on-demand, or VOD, by "pushing" top-rated movies onto customers' digital video recorders, or DVRs, for instant viewing, as well as via broadband to our subscribers who have connected their set-top receiver to their broadband service.

        We believe we provide one of the most extensive collections of programming available in the MVPD industry, including over 170 national high-definition, or HD, television channels and four dedicated 3D channels. In addition, we offer VOD service, named DIRECTV CINEMATM, which provides a selection of approximately 7,000 movie and television programs to our broadband-connected subscribers. As of December 31, 2011, we provided local channel coverage in HD to markets covering over 96% of U.S. television households. In addition, we provided local channel coverage to markets representing approximately 99% of U.S. television households.

        We also provide premium professional and collegiate sports programming such as the NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ package, which allows subscribers to view the largest selection of NFL games available each Sunday during the regular season.

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Under our contract with the NFL, we have exclusive rights to provide this service through the 2014 season, including rights to provide related broadband, HD, VOD, interactive and mobile services.

        To subscribe to the DIRECTV® service, subscribers sign up for our service through us, our national retailers, independent satellite television retailers or dealers, or regional telephone companies, which we refer to as telcos. We or one of our home service providers or dealers install the receiving equipment. The receiving equipment, which we refer to as a DIRECTV® System, consists of a small receiving satellite dish antenna, one or more digital set-top receivers, which are typically leased to the subscriber, and remote controls. After acquiring and installing a DIRECTV System, subscribers activate the DIRECTV service by contacting us and subscribing to one of our programming packages.

Key Strengths

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Business Strategy

        Our vision is to provide customers with the best video experience in the United States both inside and outside of the home by offering subscribers unique, differentiated and compelling programming through leadership in content, technology and customer service. Our strategy involves (1) strengthening our core business, (2) delivering the best "anytime, anywhere" experience, both inside and outside of the home, (3) building new revenue streams and (4) enhancing productivity.

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Infrastructure

        Satellites.    We currently have a fleet of twelve geosynchronous satellites, including eleven owned satellites and one leased satellite. We have seven Ku-Band satellites at the following orbital locations: 101° WL (three), 110° WL (one), 119° WL (one), 95° WL (one-leased) and one spare satellite that is currently moving from 72.5° WL to 110° WL. We also have five Ka-Band satellites at our 99° WL (two) and 103° WL (three) orbital locations.

        We have entered into contracts for the construction and launch of two new satellites: D14, which we expect to launch in the first quarter of 2014, and D15, which we expect to launch in the fourth quarter of 2014. D14 and D15 are expected to provide additional HD, replacement and backup capacity.

        Satellite Risk Management.    We may purchase in-orbit and launch insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of in-orbit and satellite launch failures unless the premium costs are considered to be uneconomical relative to the risk of satellite failure. The insurance generally covers the unamortized book value of covered satellites. We do not insure against lost revenues in the event of a total or partial loss of the capacity of a satellite. We generally rely on in-orbit spare satellites and excess transponder capacity at key orbital slots to mitigate the impact a satellite failure could have on our ability to provide service. However, programming continuity cannot be assured in all instances or in the event of multiple satellite losses. Launch insurance typically covers the time frame from ignition of the launch vehicle through separation of the satellite from the launch vehicle. In the past, we have launched satellites without insurance. As of December 31, 2011, the net book value of DIRECTV U.S.' in-orbit satellites was $1,528 million, all of which was uninsured.

        Digital Broadcast Centers.    To gather programming content, ensure its digital quality, and transmit content to our satellites, we have two digital broadcast centers, located in Castle Rock, Colorado and Los Angeles, California. These facilities provide the majority of our national and local standard-definition and HD programming. We also have six uplink facilities which are used to provide HD local channels. Our broadcast centers receive programming from content providers via satellite, fiber optic cable and/or special tape. Most satellite-delivered programming is then digitized, encoded and transmitted to our satellites. We designed each broadcast center and uplink facility with redundant systems to minimize service interruptions.

        Installation Network.    The DIRECTV Home Service Provider, or HSP, network performs customer installation, upgrade, and service call work for us. From 2008 to 2010, we completed several transactions that brought a significant portion of this HSP network activity in-house. We now directly employ nearly 5,000 technicians and utilize an additional 10,000 technicians from five outsourced companies around the United States. The combined workforce completed approximately 90% of all in-home visits in 2011. We set quality standards for all installation, upgrade, and service work, perform quality control procedures against those standards, manage network inventory levels, and monitor overall network performance for nearly all of the installation and service network.

        Customer Service Centers.    As of December 31, 2011, we utilized 49 customer service centers employing over 18,000 customer service representatives. Most of these customer service centers are operated by Convergys Customer Management Group, Inc., Alorica, Inc., Sitel Operating Corporation, N.E.W. Customer Service Companies, Inc., VXI Global Solutions, Inc. and Teleperformance. We currently own and operate six customer service centers located in: Boise, Idaho; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Huntsville, Alabama; Missoula, Montana; Huntington, West Virginia; and Denver, Colorado that employ approximately 4,000 customer service representatives. Potential and existing subscribers can call a single

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telephone number 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to request assistance for hardware, programming, installation, technical and other support. We continue to increase the functionality of telephone-based and web-based self-care features in order to better manage customer service costs and improve service levels.

Competition

        We face substantial competition in the MVPD industry and from emerging digital media distribution providers. Our competition includes companies that offer video, audio, interactive programming, telephony, data and other entertainment services, such as cable television, other DTH companies, telcos, wireless companies and companies that are developing new technologies, including online video distributors, or OVDs. Many of our competitors have access to substantially greater financial and marketing resources. We believe our brand, the quality and variety of video, audio and interactive programming, quality of picture, access to service, availability of HD and DVR services, customer service and price are the key elements for attaining and retaining subscribers. Our approximately 19.9 million subscribers represent approximately 20% of MVPD subscribers at December 31, 2011.

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DIRECTV LATIN AMERICA

        DIRECTV Latin America is the leading provider of DTH digital television services throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, which includes Puerto Rico. DIRECTV Latin America provides a wide selection of local and international digital-quality video entertainment and CD-quality audio programming under the DIRECTV and SKY brands to approximately 4.1 million subscribers in PanAmericana and approximately 3.8 million subscribers in Brazil. Our affiliate, Sky Mexico, has approximately 4.0 million subscribers. Including Sky Mexico, DIRECTV and SKY provide service to 11.9 million subscribers throughout the region.

        We own 100% of PanAmericana, which operates principally in South America and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, 93% of Sky Brazil, which operates in Brazil, and 41% of Sky Mexico, which operates in Mexico, certain countries in Central America and the Dominican Republic. Globo Comunicações e Participações S.A., or Globo, owns the other 7% of Sky Brazil and Grupo Televisa, S.A., or Televisa, owns the other 59% of Sky Mexico. The results of PanAmericana and Sky Brazil are consolidated in our results, and we account for our interest in Sky Mexico under the equity method of accounting.

        We believe we provide one of the most extensive collections of programming available in the Latin America pay television market, including HD sports video content and the most innovative interactive technology across the region. In addition, we have the unique ability to sell superior offerings of our differentiated products and services on a continent-wide basis at a lower cost compared to our competition. As of December 31, 2011, we provided service to 22% of pay television households in PanAmericana, 30% of pay television households in Brazil and 32% of pay television households in Mexico.

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        To subscribe to the DIRECTV or SKY service, customers sign up for our video service through us, our regional retailers, or independent satellite television retailers or dealers. We tailor our offers and products to profitably and effectively provide our service to various customer segments across the region that have the need and desire for our brand and service. We offer post-paid products and services to customers who meet our standard requirements. For these customers, dealers or one of our home service providers install the receiving equipment. The receiving equipment consists of a small receiving satellite dish antenna, one or more digital set-top receivers, which are typically leased to the subscriber, and remote controls. In addition, we offer prepaid service for customers that desire payment and commitment flexibility. These customers may purchase a standard definition box and antenna at a regional retailer and pre-pay their DIRECTV service typically through one or more means, such as the purchase of a rechargeable card that they can acquire at the retailer or local kiosk. The video service will automatically disconnect once the credit on the card runs out.

Key Strengths

Business Strategy

        Our vision is to provide customers across Latin America with the best video experience by leveraging DIRECTV Latin America's key strengths while continuing to distinguish our service from our competitors by offering subscribers unique, differentiated and compelling programming through leadership in content, technology, customer service and targeted marketing strategies. Our strategy involves (1) expanding our leadership position across all demographic segments, (2) offering unique features and functionality, (3) enhancing productivity and (4) leveraging

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DIRECTV Latin America's brands and customer base to introduce complementary services.

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Infrastructure

        We currently provide services in PanAmericana and Brazil from leased transponders on two geosynchronous satellites. Sky Mexico provides its services from leased transponders on a separate satellite. In addition, we lease a backup satellite that serves Sky Brazil and Sky Mexico.

        We have entered into a contract for the lease of two satellites for PanAmericana: ISDLA-1, which we expect to launch in the fourth quarter of 2014, and ISDLA-2, which we expect to launch in the fourth quarter of 2015. ISDLA-1 will become the primary satellite for PanAmericana with a substantial increase in channel capacity from the current satellite, and ISDLA-2 is expected to serve as an in-orbit spare for ISDLA-1.

        Our principal digital broadcast centers are located in the United States and Brazil. We also have several smaller satellite uplink facilities in the region.

        We typically have customer service centers in each of the countries where we operate. In addition, we operate two pan-regional centers located in Colombia that provide primary and backup customer service support to most of the PanAmericana region.

Competition

        The pay television and other emerging broadband video and data markets in Latin America are highly competitive. In each of our markets, we compete primarily with other providers of pay television, which distribute their programming by satellite, cable, terrestrial microwave systems, traditional over-the-air broadcasting or the Internet. In addition, in certain markets we face significant competition from illegal and informal sector pay television operations. We compete primarily on the basis of programming selection, price, technology and service.

        In most of the markets in which we operate, cable television is our principal competitor. Cable operators typically offer analog services for lower monthly fees and with lower upfront installation and connection fees than we offer. In addition, the cable operators with which we compete are in various stages of upgrading their networks in order to provide broadband and telephony services, and in some markets the major cable operators are competing with us based principally on their offer of a "triple play" bundle of video, broadband and telephony services. In most cases, they discount the value of their programming services in order to sell broadband and telephony services.

        In addition to competition from cable services, we face increasing competition from other providers of DTH services. Telefonica, the Spanish telephone company, provides DTH services in Peru, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. Telmex

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provides DTH service in Chile and Peru, and in 2009 it launched services in Brazil through its affiliate, Embratel. Oi, the second fixed line incumbent in Brazil (in addition to Telefonica), launched a DTH service in 2009. Also, in Mexico a joint venture of EchoStar Corp. and MVS Comunicaciones launched a DTH service in 2009, with substantial commercial support and cooperation from Telmex, which, due to regulatory restrictions, is not currently permitted to provide its own video services in Mexico. These competitors have significant resources and have proven their ability to grow their businesses rapidly. They typically focus on offering lower-cost, limited services packages in support of their telephony and broadband offerings, which can increase our churn and put pressure on our margins. Also, the existence of multiple DTH operators in a single market dilutes our ability to market our DTH service as an alternative to cable, traditionally our principal competition.

        In a number of markets, existing wireline telephony operators have announced their intention to upgrade their infrastructure in order to provide new and enhanced services, including IPTV video programming. However, to date only a very small number of such upgrades and build outs have been actively pursued on other than a test basis.

ACQUISITIONS, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND DIVESTITURES

        We review our competitive position on an ongoing basis and, from time to time, consider various acquisitions, strategic alliances and divestitures, including potential wireless broadband investments or alliances, in order to continue to compete effectively, improve our financial results, grow our business and allocate our resources efficiently. We also consider periodically making equity investments in companies with which we can jointly provide services to our subscribers.

        For a further discussion of our mergers and acquisitions, see Part II, Item 8, Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

        We are subject to government regulation in the United States, primarily by the FCC, and similar regulatory agencies in Latin America, and by other federal, state and local authorities. We are also subject to the rules and procedures of the International Telecommunications Union a specialized agency of the United Nations, which coordinates global telecommunications networks and services.

        The following is a summary of relevant regulatory issues and is not intended to describe all present and proposed government regulation and legislation affecting our business.

        FCC Regulation Under the Communications Act and Related Acts.    The Communications Act and other related acts give the FCC broad authority to regulate the operations of DIRECTV U.S.

        FCC regulations govern, among other issues:

        All of our satellites and earth stations are licensed by the FCC. The FCC generally issues DTH space station licenses for a fifteen-year term and DBS space station and earth station licenses for a ten-year term, which is less than the useful life of a healthy direct broadcast satellite. Upon expiration of the initial license term, the FCC has the option to extend a satellite operator's license, authorize operation for a period of time on special temporary authority, or decline to extend the license.

        Currently, we have several applications pending before the FCC, including applications to launch and operate future satellites. In general, the FCC's approval of these applications is required for us to continue to expand our range of service offerings while increasing the robustness of our satellite fleet. We may not obtain these approvals in a timely fashion or at all.

        As a DBS/DTH licensee and operator we are also subject to a variety of Communications Act requirements, FCC regulations and copyright laws that could materially affect our business. They include the following:

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        International Telecommunications Union Rules.    We are required by international rules to coordinate the use of the frequencies on our satellites with other satellite operators who may interfere with us or who may suffer interference from our operations.

        Export Control Regulation.    The delivery of satellites and related technical information for the purpose of launch by foreign launch services providers is subject to strict export control and prior approval requirements.

        Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements.    DBS/DTH providers are subject to other federal and state regulatory requirements, such as telemarketing and advertising rules, and subscriber privacy rules similar to those governing other MVPDs. We have agreed with the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, to (1) review and monitor compliance with telemarketing laws by any companies we authorize to do telemarketing and by independent retailers, (2) investigate and respond to complaints about alleged improper telemarketing and (3) terminate our relationship with marketers or retailers found in violation. Similarly, we have agreed with certain state attorneys general to comply with advertising disclosure requirements and monitor compliance by independent retailers.

        We are also subject to state and federal rules and laws regarding information security. Most of these rules and laws apply to customer information that could be used to commit identity theft. Substantially all of the U.S. states and the District of Columbia have enacted security breach notification laws. These laws generally require that a business give notice to its customers whose financial account information has been disclosed because of a security breach.

        In addition, aspects of DBS/DTH service remain regulated at the state and local level. For example, the FCC has promulgated rules prohibiting restrictions by local government agencies and private organizations on the placement of DBS receiving antennas. Local governments and homeowners associations, however, may continue to regulate the placement of such antennas if necessary to accomplish a clearly defined public safety objective or to preserve a recognized historic district, and may also apply to the FCC for a waiver if there are other local concerns of a special or unusual nature. In addition, a number of state and local governments have attempted to impose consumer protection, customer service and other types of regulation on DBS operators. Also, while Congress has prohibited local taxation of DBS service, state taxation is permissible, and many states have imposed such taxes, and additional states have attempted to do so recently. Incident to conducting a consumer directed business, we occasionally receive inquiries or complaints from authorities such as state attorneys general and state consumer protection offices. These matters are generally resolved in the ordinary course of business, and DIRECTV recently agreed to implement a restitution program for consumers who send eligible complaints related to consumer protection practices.

        In Latin America, DIRECTV Latin America and its subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations in each country in which we operate that govern many of the same aspects of our operations as in the United States, such as landing rights for satellites; spectrum, earth station and other licenses; must carry and other requirements with respect to the channels we carry; and regulations governing telemarketing and customer service. Regulatory regimes in Latin America are generally less developed than in the United States, and the application of existing laws and regulations to DBS/DTH providers is at times uncertain. In addition, there are certain areas where regulations in Latin America are stricter than in the United States, such as regarding labor and consumer protection laws. Foreign

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exchange laws in some countries can have a material impact on our ability to repatriate funds to the United States. Also, several countries such as Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil have passed or proposed laws imposing certain "national" content requirements, advertising limitations and other requirements on the content we distribute. Such laws can have an adverse impact on our subisidiaries.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

        All DIRECTV companies maintain active programs for identifying and protecting our important intellectual property. We believe that our growing portfolio of pending and issued patents are important assets. We presently hold over 2,000 issued patents worldwide relating to our past and present businesses, including over 500 patents developed by, or otherwise relating to, the businesses of DIRECTV U.S. We hold a worldwide portfolio of over 900 trademarks related to the DIRECTV brand, the Cyclone Design and DIRECTV products and services. In particular, DIRECTV U.S. holds trademark registrations relating to its business, including registrations of the primary "DIRECTV" and the DIRECTV Cyclone Design trademarks. In many instances, these trademarks are licensed royalty-free to third parties for use in support of the DIRECTV U.S. business. We actively protect our important patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights against unauthorized or improper use by third parties.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

        We are subject to requirements of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. These include laws regulating air emissions, water discharge, employee safety, and universal and hazardous waste management activities. We have an environmental management function designed to track, facilitate and support our compliance with these requirements and attempt to maintain compliance with all such requirements. We have made and will continue to make, as necessary, capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. We do not, however, expect capital or other expenditures for environmental compliance to be material in 2012. In addition, we periodically review environmental stewardship concepts (such as green initiatives and energy conservation strategies) and implement these whenever feasible. We have been selected by the Environmental Protection Agency as a 2010 and 2011 Energy Star award winner for excellence in energy efficient product design and recognized for our "leadership in advancing technology" to reduce energy while continuing to deliver our service. Environmental requirements are complex, change frequently and have become increasingly more stringent over time. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that these requirements will not change or become more stringent in the future in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        We are also subject to environmental laws requiring the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination at facilities we formerly owned or operated or currently own or operate or to which we sent hazardous wastes, including specified universal wastes, for treatment, service, disposal or recycling. We are aware of contamination at one of our former sites. We are in the process of complying with the requirements stipulated by the government agency overseeing the site cleanup and have allocated the funds to achieve the decontamination goals.

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SEGMENT REPORTING DATA

        Operating segment and principal geographic area data for 2011, 2010 and 2009 are summarized in Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Part II of this Annual Report, which we incorporate herein by reference.

EMPLOYEES

        As of December 31, 2011, DIRECTV U.S. had approximately 15,900 full-time and 300 part-time employees, DIRECTV Latin America had approximately 9,600 full-time and 1,000 part-time employees and Sports Networks and Other had approximately 200 full-time employees.

ACCESS TO COMPANY REPORTS

        Our website address is www.directv.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished, if any, pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. We are not incorporating by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K any information on our website.

***

        DIRECTV, DIRECTV Cinema and the DIRECTV Cyclone Design are trademarks of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. and/or its related entities. Other trademarks, service marks and trade names appearing in this Annual Report are the property of their respective holders.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the following risk factors. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business, financial conditions or results of operations.

        Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by the following:

We compete with other MVPDs, some of whom have greater resources than we do and levels of competition are increasing.

        We compete in the MVPD industry against cable television, telcos and wireless companies and other land-based and satellite-based system operators with service offerings including video, audio and interactive programming, broadband and other entertainment services and telephony service. Some of these competitors have greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do.

        Some cable television operators have large, established customer bases and many cable operators have significant investments in, and access to, programming. Cable television operators have advantages relative to our U.S. operations, including or as a result of:

        In addition, mergers, joint ventures and alliances among wireless or private cable television operators, telcos, broadband service providers and others may result in providers capable of offering bundled television, broadband and telecommunications services in competition with our services.

        We do not currently offer local channel coverage to markets covering approximately one percent of U.S. television households, which places us at a competitive disadvantage in those markets. We also have been unable to secure certain international programming, due to exclusive arrangements of programming providers with certain competitors, which has constrained our ability to compete for subscribers who wish to obtain such programming. And as discussed below, certain cable-affiliated programmers have withheld their programming from us in certain markets, which has further constrained our ability to compete for subscribers in those markets.

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        In the United States, various telcos and broadband service providers have deployed fiber optic lines directly to customers' homes or neighborhoods to deliver video services, which compete with the DIRECTV service. It is uncertain whether we will be able to increase our satellite capacity, offer a significant level of new services in existing markets in which we compete or expand to additional markets as may be necessary to compete effectively. Some of these various telcos and broadband service providers also sell the DIRECTV service as part of a bundle with their voice and data services. A new broadly-deployed network with the capability of providing video, voice and data services could present a significant competitive challenge and, in the case of the telcos currently selling the DIRECTV service, could result in such companies focusing less effort and resources selling the DIRECTV service or declining to sell it at all. We may be unable to develop other distribution methods to make up for lost sales through the telcos.

        As a result of these and other factors, we may not be able to continue to expand our subscriber base or compete effectively against cable television or other MVPD operators in the future.

Emerging digital media competition could materially adversely affect us.

        Our business is focused on video, and we face emerging competition from other providers of digital media, some of which have greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. In particular, programming offered over the Internet has become more prevalent as the speed and quality of broadband networks have improved. Online video distributors and providers such as Hulu, Roku, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Blockbuster and Google, as well as gaming consoles such as Microsoft's Xbox, Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Wii, are aggressively working to become alternative providers of video services. Such services and the growing availability of online content, coupled with an expanding market for connected devices and Internet-connected televisions, as well as wireless and other emerging mobile technologies that provide for the distribution and viewing of video programming, pose a competitive challenge to traditional MVPDs, as a number of consumers may decide to drop or reduce their traditional MVPD subscription package. Some of these services charge a nominal fee or no fee for access to their content, which could adversely affect our business.

        Significant changes in consumer behavior with regard to how they obtain video entertainment and information in response to this emerging digital media competition could materially adversely affect our revenues and earnings or otherwise disrupt our business.

We depend on others to produce programming and programming costs are increasing.

        Almost all of our programming is provided by unaffiliated third parties. Typically our programming agreements are multiple-year agreements and contain annual price increases. Upon renewal of expiring contracts, programming suppliers have historically increased the rates they charge us for programming. Often these increases are greater than the rate of inflation. We expect this practice to continue and the negotiations over such increases to become more difficult and disruptive. Programming expenses will continue to be our largest single expense item in the foreseeable future. Our industry has continued to experience an increase in the cost of programming, especially sports programming. Increases in programming costs, including retransmission costs for broadcast programming, could cause us to increase the rates that we charge our subscribers, which could in turn, especially in a difficult economic environment, cause subscribers to terminate their subscriptions or potential new subscribers to refrain from subscribing to our service. Furthermore, due to the economy and other factors, we may be unable to pass programming cost increases on to our subscribers. Alternatively, to attempt to mitigate the effect of price increases, we may refuse to carry certain channels, which could adversely affect subscriber growth or result in higher churn.

        In addition, a limited number of cable-affiliated programmers have in the past denied us access to their programming. Our ability to compete successfully will depend on our ability to continue to obtain desirable programming and deliver it to our subscribers at competitive prices. We may not be able to renew these agreements on favorable terms, or at all, or these agreements may be canceled prior to expiration of their original terms. If we are unable to renew any of these agreements or the other parties cancel the agreements, we may not be able to obtain substitute programming, or what we obtain may not be comparable in quality or cost to our existing programming.

        If we are unable to obtain rights to programming or to pass additional costs on, the potential loss of subscribers and the need to absorb some or all of the additional costs could have a material adverse effect on our earnings or cash flow.

Increased subscriber churn or subscriber upgrade and retention costs could materially adversely affect our financial performance.

        Subscriber service cancellations, or churn, have a significant financial impact on the results of operations of any subscription television provider, as does the cost of upgrading and retaining subscribers. Any increase in our upgrade and retention

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costs for our existing subscribers or increased programming costs may adversely affect our financial performance or cause us to increase our subscription rates, which could increase churn. Churn may also increase due to factors beyond our control, including churn by subscribers who are unable to pay their monthly subscription fees, a slowing economy, significant signal theft, consumer fraud, a maturing subscriber base and competitive offers. Any of the risks described in this Annual Report that could potentially have a material adverse impact on our costs or service quality or that could result in higher prices for our subscribers could cause an increase in churn and consequently have a material adverse effect on our earnings and financial performance.

Our subscriber acquisition costs could materially increase.

        We incur costs for subscribers acquired by us and through third parties. These costs are known as subscriber acquisition costs. For instance, we provide installation incentives to our retailers to offer standard professional installation as part of the subscriber's purchase or lease of a DIRECTV System. Our subscriber acquisition costs may materially increase if we offer more costly advanced equipment or services, including connecting our receivers to the customers' broadband service, continue or expand current sales promotion activities or introduce more aggressive promotions. Any material increase in subscriber acquisition costs from current levels would negatively impact our earnings and could materially adversely affect our financial performance.

Results are impacted by the effect of, and changes in, economic conditions and weakening economic conditions may reduce subscriber spending and our rate of growth of subscriber additions and may increase subscriber churn.

        Our business may be affected by factors that are beyond our control, such as downturns in economic activity, or in the MVPD industry. Factors such as interest rates and the health of the housing market may impact our business. A substantial portion of our revenues comes from residential customers whose spending patterns may be affected by prevailing economic conditions. Our market share in multiple dwelling units such as apartment buildings is lower than that of many of our competitors. If unemployment and foreclosures of single family residences increase, our earnings and financial performance could be negatively affected more than those of our competitors. In addition, if our customers seek alternative means to obtain video entertainment, they may choose to purchase fewer services from us. Due to the economic and competitive environment, we may need to spend more, or we may provide greater discounts or credits, to acquire and retain customers who in turn spend less on our services. If our ARPU decreases or does not increase commensurate with increases in programming or other costs, our margins could become compressed and the long term value of a customer would then decrease. The weak economy may affect our net subscriber additions and reduce subscriber spending and, if these economic conditions continue or deteriorate, subscriber growth could decline and churn could increase which would have a material adverse effect on our earnings and financial performance.

DIRECTV Latin America is subject to various additional risks associated with doing business internationally, which include political instability, economic instability, and foreign currency exchange rate volatility.

        All of DIRECTV Latin America's operating companies are located outside the continental United States. DIRECTV Latin America operates and has subscribers located throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, which makes it vulnerable to risks of conducting business in foreign markets, including:

        In the past, the countries that constitute some of DIRECTV Latin America's largest markets, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela have experienced economic crises, characterized by exchange rate instability, high inflation, high interest rates, economic contraction, a reduction or cessation of international capital flows, a reduction of liquidity in the banking sector and high unemployment. These economic conditions have often been related to political instability. If these economic conditions recur, they could substantially reduce the

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purchasing power of the population in our markets, including the middle-markets which we are targeting, and materially adversely affect our business.

        Because DIRECTV Latin America offers premium pay television programming, its business may be particularly vulnerable to economic downturns. DIRECTV Latin America has in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, decreases or instability in consumer demand for its programming and increases in subscriber credit problems. DIRECTV Latin America's inability to adjust its business and operations to address these issues could materially adversely affect its revenues and ability to sustain profitable operations.

Our ability to keep pace with technological developments is uncertain.

        In our industry, changes occur rapidly as new technologies are developed, which could render our services and products obsolete. We may not be able to keep pace with technological developments. If new technologies on which we focus our investments fail to achieve acceptance in the marketplace or our technology does not work and requires significant cost to replace or fix, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our future competitive position, which could cause a reduction in our revenues and earnings. Further, after incurring substantial costs, one or more of the technologies under development by us or any of our strategic partners could become obsolete prior to its introduction.

        Technological innovation depends, to a significant extent, on the work of technically skilled employees. Competition for the services of these employees has been vigorous. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain such employees.

        To access technologies and provide products that are necessary for us to remain competitive, we may make future acquisitions and investments and may enter into strategic partnerships with other companies. Such investments may require a commitment of significant capital and human and other resources. The value of such acquisitions, investments and partnerships and the technology accessed may be highly speculative. Arrangements with third parties can lead to contractual and other disputes and dependence on others for the development and delivery of necessary technology that we may not be able to control or influence. Such relationships may commit us to technologies that are rendered obsolete by other developments or preclude the pursuit of other technologies which may prove to be superior.

Our business relies on intellectual property, some of which is owned by third parties, and we may inadvertently infringe patents and proprietary rights of others.

        Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services related to those that we currently offer or may offer. If a court determines that one or more of our services or the products used to transmit or receive our services infringes on intellectual property owned by others, we and the applicable manufacturers or vendors may be required to cease developing or marketing those services and products, to obtain licenses from the owners of the intellectual property or to redesign those services and products in such a way as to avoid infringing the intellectual property rights. If a third party holds intellectual property rights, it may not allow us or the applicable manufacturers to use its intellectual property at any price, which could materially adversely affect our competitive position.

        We may not be aware of all intellectual property rights that our services or the products used to transmit or receive our services may potentially infringe. U.S. patent applications are generally confidential until the Patent and Trademark Office issues a patent. Therefore, we cannot evaluate the extent to which our services or the products used to transmit or receive our services may infringe claims contained in pending patent applications. Further, without lengthy litigation, it is often not possible to determine definitively whether a claim of infringement is valid.

        We cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain intellectual property licenses or the availability and cost of any such licenses. Those costs, and their impact on our earnings, could be material. Damages in patent infringement cases may also include treble damages. If we are required to pay royalties to third parties, these increased costs could materially adversely affect our operating results. We are currently being sued in patent infringement actions related to use of technologies in our DTH business. There can be no assurance that the courts will conclude that our services or the products used to transmit or receive our services do not infringe on the rights of third parties, that we or the manufacturers would be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we or the manufacturers would be able to redesign our services or the products used to transmit or receive our services to avoid infringement. The final disposition of these claims is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, but could possibly be material to our consolidated results of

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operations for any one period. Further, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to our consolidated financial position. See "Legal Proceedings-Intellectual Property Litigation" in Part I, Item 3 which is incorporated by reference herein.

We rely on key personnel.

        We believe that our future success will depend to a significant extent upon the performance of certain of our key executives. The loss of certain of our key executives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Construction or launch delays on satellites could materially adversely affect our revenues and earnings.

        A key component of our business strategy is our ability to expand our offering of new programming and services, including HD programming. In order to accomplish this goal, we need to construct and launch new satellites. The construction and launch of satellites are often subject to delays, including construction delays, unavailability of launch opportunities due to competition for launch slots, weather, general delays when a launch provider experiences a launch failure, and delays in obtaining regulatory approvals. A significant delay in the delivery of any satellite would materially adversely affect the use of the satellite and thus could materially adversely affect our anticipated revenues and earnings. If satellite construction schedules are not met, there can be no assurance that a launch opportunity will be available at the time a satellite is ready to be launched. Certain delays in satellite construction could also jeopardize a satellite authorization that is conditioned on timely construction and launch of the satellite.

Satellites are subject to significant launch and operational risks.

        Satellites are subject to significant operational risks relating to launch and while in orbit. These risks include launch failure, incorrect orbital placement or improper operation. Launch failures result in significant delays in the deployment of satellites because of the need both to construct replacement satellites, which can take up to 36 months, and to obtain other launch opportunities. Any significant delays or failures in successfully launching and deploying our satellites could materially adversely affect our ability to generate revenues. While we have traditionally purchased insurance covering the launch and, in limited cases, operation of our satellites, such policies typically cover the loss of the satellite itself or a portion thereof, and not the business interruption or other associated direct and indirect costs.

        In-orbit risks include malfunctions, commonly referred to as anomalies, and collisions with meteoroids, other spacecraft or other space debris. Anomalies occur as a result of satellite manufacturing errors, problems with the power systems or control systems of the satellites and general failures resulting from operating satellites in the harsh space environment. We work closely with our satellite manufacturers to determine and eliminate the potential causes of anomalies in new satellites and provide for redundancies of critical components as well as having backup satellite capacity. However, we cannot assure you that we will not experience anomalies in the future, nor can we assure you that our backup satellite capacity will be sufficient.

        Any single anomaly or series of anomalies could materially adversely affect our operations and revenues and our relationships with our subscribers, as well as our ability to attract new subscribers for our services. Anomalies may also reduce the expected useful life of a satellite, creating additional expenses due to the need to provide replacement or backup satellites and potentially reducing revenues if service is interrupted. Finally, the occurrence of anomalies may materially adversely affect our ability to insure our satellites at commercially reasonable premiums, if at all. While some anomalies are currently covered by existing insurance policies, others are not now covered or may not be covered in the future.

        Our ability to earn revenue also depends on the usefulness of our satellites. Each satellite has a limited useful life. A number of factors affect the useful life of a satellite, including, among other things:

        Generally, the minimum design life of the satellites in our fleet is between 12 and 16 years. The actual useful lives of the satellites may be shorter or longer, in some cases significantly. Our operating results could be adversely affected if the

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useful life of any of our satellites were significantly shorter than 12 years from the date of launch.

        In the event of a failure or loss of any of DIRECTV U.S.' satellites, DIRECTV U.S. may relocate another satellite and use it as a replacement for the failed or lost satellite. In the event of a complete satellite failure, DIRECTV U.S.' services provided via that satellite could be unavailable for several days or longer while backup in-orbit satellites are repositioned and services are moved. DIRECTV U.S. is not insured for any resultant lost revenues. The use of backup satellite capacity for DIRECTV U.S. programming may require DIRECTV U.S. to discontinue some programming services due to potentially reduced capacity on the backup satellite. Relocation of a DIRECTV U.S. satellite may not require prior FCC approval if, among other things, the replacement satellite would operate within the authorized or coordinated parameters of the failed or lost satellite. If that is not the case, prior FCC approval would be required. Such FCC approval may not be obtained. DIRECTV U.S. believes we have in-orbit satellite capacity to expeditiously recover transmission of most of our programming in the event one of our in-orbit satellites fails. However, programming continuity cannot be assured in the event of multiple satellite losses.

        DIRECTV Latin America provides its services in PanAmericana and Brazil using leased transponders on two satellites. Sky Mexico provides its services from leased transponders on a separate satellite. Backup satellite capacity is available to serve Sky Brazil and Sky Mexico. In the event of a failure of a satellite used to provide services to Sky Brazil or Sky Mexico, we believe DIRECTV Latin America has sufficient in orbit back-up capacity to recover transmission of most of its programming distributed in those markets. However, in PanAmericana, DIRECTV Latin America has no designated back up satellite capacity for the region and, therefore, programming continuity cannot be assured in the event of a satellite loss.

The loss of a satellite that is not insured could materially adversely affect our earnings.

        Any launch vehicle failure, or loss or destruction of any of our satellites, even if insured, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, our ability to comply with FCC regulatory obligations and our ability to fund the construction or acquisition of replacement satellites in a timely fashion, or at all. At December 31, 2011, the net book value of in-orbit satellites was $1,913 million, none of which was insured.

DIRECTV U.S. depends on the Communications Act for access to cable-affiliated programming and changes impacting that access could materially adversely affect us.

        DIRECTV U.S. purchases a substantial percentage of programming from programmers that are affiliated with cable system operators, including key RSNs. Currently, under certain provisions of the Communications Act governing access to programming, cable-affiliated programmers generally must sell and deliver their programming services to all MVPDs on non-discriminatory terms and conditions. The Communications Act and the FCC rules also prohibit certain types of exclusive programming contracts involving programming from cable-affiliated programmers.

        Any change in the Communications Act or the FCC's rules that would permit programmers that are affiliated with cable system operators to refuse to provide such programming or to impose discriminatory terms or conditions could materially adversely affect our ability to acquire programming on a cost-effective basis, or at all. For example, the Communications Act prohibitions on certain cable industry exclusive contracting practices with cable-affiliated programmers will expire in October 2012. Unless the FCC acts to extend those prohibitions, we may be denied access to such programming.

        In addition, certain cable providers have in the past denied us and other MVPDs access to a limited number of channels created by programmers with which the cable providers are affiliated. In other cases, such programmers have denied MVPDs high definition feeds of such programming. The cable providers have asserted that they are not required by the Communications Act to provide such programming (or resolution) due to the manner in which that programming is distributed. The FCC adopted rules to close this loophole. However, they require an evidentiary showing by an MVPD seeking access to such programming, and cable operators have vigorously contested such showings proffered by other complainants. If we were not able to make the required evidentiary showing, we could be precluded from obtaining such programming, which in turn could materially adversely affect our ability to compete in regions serviced by those cable providers.

        DIRECTV U.S. itself is subject to similar restrictions with respect to certain programmers affiliated with us. The FCC imposed a number of conditions on its approval of Liberty Media's acquisition of News Corporation's interest in DIRECTV which continue to apply. Those conditions require DIRECTV U.S. to offer national and regional programming services it controls to all MVPDs on

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non-exclusive and non-discriminatory terms and conditions, and prohibits DIRECTV U.S. from entering into exclusive arrangements with affiliated programmers or unduly influencing such programmers in their dealings with other MVPDs.

        We are subject to significant regulatory oversight and changes in applicable regulatory requirements could adversely affect our business. You should review the regulatory disclosures under the caption "Item 1—Business—Government Regulation—FCC Regulation Under the Communications Act and Related Acts" which is incorporated here by reference.

Changes to and implementation of statutory copyright license requirements may negatively affect our ability to deliver local and distant broadcast stations, as well as other aspects of our business.

        We carry the signals of local and distant broadcast stations pursuant to statutory copyright licenses contained in SHVA, and our carriage of these stations is governed by the FCC and Copyright Office implementing regulations. Any changes to such laws or regulations could limit our ability to deliver local or distant broadcast signals. More generally, we have limited capacity, and the projected number of markets in which we can deliver local broadcast programming will continue to be constrained because of the statutory "carry-one, carry-all" requirement and may be reduced depending on the FCC's interpretation of its rules, as well as judicial decisions. We may not be able to comply with these must carry rules, or compliance may mean that we are not able to use capacity otherwise for new or additional local or national programming services. In addition, the FCC has issued an increasing obligation for carriage of local digital broadcast transmissions in HD format. We may be unable to comply with this requirement in markets where we currently carry such signals without ceasing HD local service entirely in some markets, and would be precluded from launching additional markets currently planned.

        The FCC has adopted rules requiring us to negotiate in good faith with broadcast stations seeking carriage outside of the mandatory carriage regime described elsewhere. The rules for "retransmission consent" negotiations require us to negotiate in good faith with programming providers. Failure to comply with these rules could subject us to administrative sanctions and other penalties. Moreover, the FCC is considering changes to these and other rules related to retransmission consent, which could make negotiations more difficult, increase fees charged for carriage, or result in the increased withholding of broadcast signals.

Satellite programming signals have been stolen and may be stolen, which could result in lost revenues and would cause us to incur incremental operating costs that do not result in subscriber acquisition.

        The delivery of subscription programming requires the use of conditional access technology to limit access to programming to only those who are authorized to view it. The conditional access system uses encryption technology to protect the transmitted signal from unauthorized access. It is illegal to create, sell or otherwise distribute software or devices to circumvent that conditional access technology. However, theft of cable and satellite programming has been widely reported, and the access cards used in our conditional access system have been, and could be compromised in the future.

        We have undertaken various initiatives with respect to our conditional access system to further enhance the security of the DIRECTV signal. We provide our subscribers with advanced access cards that we believe significantly enhance the security of our signal. We believe these access cards have not been compromised. However, we cannot guarantee that these advanced access cards will prevent future theft of our satellite programming signals. There can be no assurance that we will succeed in developing the technology we need to effectively restrict or eliminate signal theft. If our current access cards are compromised, our revenue and our ability to contract for programming could be materially adversely affected. In addition, our operating costs could increase if we attempt to implement additional measures to combat signal theft.

The ability to maintain FCC licenses and other regulatory approvals is critical to our business.

        If we do not obtain all requisite U.S. regulatory approvals for the construction, launch and operation of any of our existing or future satellites, for the use of frequencies at the orbital locations planned for these satellites or for the provision of service, or the licenses obtained impose operational restrictions on us, our ability to generate revenue and profits could be materially adversely affected. In addition, under certain circumstances, existing licenses are subject to revocation or modification and upon expiration, extension or renewal may not be granted. If existing licenses are not extended or renewed, or are revoked or materially modified, our ability to generate revenue could be materially adversely affected.

        Other U.S. regulatory risks include:

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        All of our FCC satellite authorizations are subject to conditions imposed by the FCC in addition to the FCC's general authority to modify, cancel or revoke those authorizations. Use of FCC licenses and other authorizations are often subject to conditions, including technical requirements and implementation deadlines. Failure to comply with such requirements, or comply in a timely manner, could lead to the loss of authorizations and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue. For example, loss of an authorization could potentially reduce the amount of programming and other services available to our subscribers. The materiality of such a loss of authorization would vary based upon, among other things, the orbital location at which the frequencies may be used.

        Moreover, some of our authorizations and future applications may be subject to petitions and oppositions, and there can be no assurance that our authorizations will not be canceled, revoked or modified or that our applications will not be denied. The outcomes of any legislative or regulatory proceedings or their effect on our business cannot be predicted. You should review "Item 1. Business—Government Regulation—FCC Regulation Under the Communications Act and Related Acts," which is incorporated here by reference.

DIRECTV U.S. has significant debt.

        DIRECTV U.S. has debt totaling $13,464 million as of December 31, 2011, which is guaranteed by DIRECTV. If we do not have sufficient income or other sources of cash, it could affect our ability to service debt and pay other obligations.

We may not be able to obtain or retain certain foreign regulatory approvals.

        There can be no assurance that any current regulatory approvals held by us are, or will remain, sufficient in the view of foreign regulatory authorities, or that any additional necessary approvals will be granted on a timely basis or at all, in all jurisdictions in which we operate, or that applicable restrictions in those jurisdictions will not be unduly burdensome. The failure to obtain and maintain the authorizations necessary to operate satellites or provide satellite service internationally could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and our overall competitive position.

We have an indemnity obligation to Liberty Media, which is not limited in amount or subject to any cap, that could be triggered if parts of the Liberty Transaction or Liberty's 2008 Transaction with News Corporation are treated as a taxable transaction.

        Despite obtaining a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and an opinion of legal counsel to the effect that parts of the Liberty Transaction qualified as a tax-free distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the continuing validity of such ruling and opinion is subject to the accuracy of factual representations and certain assumptions. Any inaccuracy in such representations could invalidate the ruling, and failure to comply with any undertakings made in connection with such tax opinion could alter the conclusions reached in such opinion. Even if parts of the Liberty Transaction otherwise qualify for tax-free treatment, it would result in a significant U.S. federal income tax liability to Liberty Media if one or more persons acquire a 50% or greater interest in the DIRECTV common stock as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Liberty Transaction. The process for determining whether an acquisition is part of a plan under these rules is complex, inherently factual and subject to interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case. Liberty Media or DIRECTV might inadvertently cause or permit a prohibited change in the ownership of DIRECTV to occur, thereby triggering a tax liability to Liberty Media.

        In addition, Liberty Media entered into a tax matters agreement with News Corporation in connection with its 2008 transaction with News Corporation, pursuant to which Liberty Media agreed, among other things, to indemnify News Corporation and certain related persons for taxes resulting from actions taken by Liberty Media or its affiliates that cause such transaction (or related restructuring transactions) not to qualify as tax-free transactions. Liberty Media's indemnification obligations to News Corporation and certain related persons are not limited in amount or subject to any cap.

        Under a Tax Sharing Agreement between Liberty Media and DIRECTV, in certain circumstances DIRECTV is obligated to indemnify Liberty Media and certain related persons for any losses and taxes resulting from the failure of the

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Liberty Transaction to be tax-free transactions and from any losses resulting from Liberty Media's indemnity obligations to News Corporation under the tax matters agreement between News Corporation and Liberty Media. If DIRECTV is required to indemnify Liberty Media or certain related persons under the circumstances set forth in the Tax Sharing Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities not limited in amount or subject to any cap. In such a circumstance, we may be required to make payments or dividends to satisfy such liabilities that could either breach covenants in our credit facilities and bond indentures or require additional or accelerated payments, which could materially adversely affect our financial position and short term operating results.

We may be required to forgo certain transactions in order to avoid the risk of incurring significant tax-related liabilities.

        We might be required to forgo certain transactions that might have otherwise been advantageous in order to preserve the tax-free treatment of the Liberty Transaction. In particular, we might be required to forgo certain transactions, including asset dispositions or other strategic transactions for some period of time following the Liberty Transaction so as not to trigger any liability under the tax indemnification obligations.

We rely on network and information systems and other technology, and a disruption or failure of such networks, systems or technology as a result of, misappropriation of data or other malfeasance, as well as outages, natural disasters, accidental releases of information or similar events, may disrupt our business.

        Because network and information systems and other technologies are critical to our operating activities, network or information system shutdowns caused by events such as computer hacking on our network or our DIRECTV.com website, dissemination of computer viruses, worms and other destructive or disruptive software, and other malicious activity including industrial espionage and malicious social engineering, as well as power outages, natural disasters such as earthquakes, terrorist attacks and similar events, pose significant risks. Due to the fast-moving pace of technological advancements, it may be difficult to detect, contain and remediate every such event. Such an event could have an adverse impact on our operations, including service disruption, degradation of service, excessive call volume to call centers and damage to our broadcast centers, other properties, equipment and data. Such an event also could result in large expenditures necessary to repair or replace such networks or information systems or to protect them from similar events in the future. Third parties may also experience errors or disruptions that could adversely impact our business operations and over which we have limited control. Significant incidents could result in a disruption of our operations, customer dissatisfaction, or a loss of customers or revenues. The amount and scope of insurance we maintain against losses resulting from these events may not be sufficient to cover our losses or otherwise adequately compensate us for any disruptions to our business that may result. Furthermore, our operating activities could be subject to risks caused by misappropriation, misuse, leakage, falsification and accidental release or loss of information maintained in our information technology systems and networks, including customer, personnel and vendor data. We could be exposed to significant costs if such risks were to materialize, and such events could damage our reputation and credibility and have a negative impact on our revenues. We also could be required to expend significant capital and other resources to remedy any such security breach. As a result of the increasing awareness concerning the importance of safeguarding personal information, the potential misuse of such information and legislation that has been adopted or is being considered regarding the protection, privacy and security of personal information, the liability associated with information-related risks is increasing, particularly for businesses like ours that handle a large amount of personal customer data. The occurrence of any such network or information systems related events or security breaches could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We face risks arising from the outcome of various legal proceedings.

        We are involved in various legal proceedings, including those arising in the ordinary course of business, such as consumer class actions and those described under the caption "Legal Proceedings" in Part I, Item 3 incorporated by reference herein. Such matters include investigations and legal actions by the Federal Trade Commission where regulators may seek monetary damages and may also seek to require or prohibit certain actions by us with regard to our current or potential customers. While we do not believe that any of these proceedings alone or in the aggregate will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters or the imposition of conditions by regulators on the conduct of our business could be material to our consolidated results of operations and cash flows for any one period. Further, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to our consolidated financial position.

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Our strategic initiatives may not be successfully implemented, may not elicit the expected customer response in the market and may result in competitive reactions.

        The Company has identified a number of strategic initiatives that it intends to pursue which are discussed in more detail in the "Business Strategy" section beginning in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report. The successful implementation of those strategic initiatives requires an investment of time, talent and money and is dependent upon a number of factors some of which are not within our control. Those factors include the ability to execute such initiatives in the market, the response of existing and potential new customers, and the reaction of competitors. If we fail to properly execute or deliver products or services that do not address customers' expectations, it may have an adverse effect on our ability to retain and attract customers and may increase our costs and reduce our revenues. Similarly, competitive reaction to our initiatives or advancements in technology or competitive products or services could impair our ability to execute or could limit the effectiveness of those strategic initiatives. There can be no assurance that we will successfully implement these strategic initiatives or that, if successfully pursued, they will have the desired result on our business or results of operations.

We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic reports filed by us with the SEC.

        We urge you to consider the above risk factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report are made only as of the date of this Annual Report and we undertake no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        None.

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

        As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 240 owned and leased locations operating in the United States and Latin America. The major locations of the DIRECTV U.S. segment include eight administrative offices: two broadcast centers and six call centers. The major locations of the DIRECTV Latin America segment include 10 administrative offices, four broadcast centers and eight call centers. We consider our properties adequate for our present needs.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        (a)    Material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which we became or were a party during the year ended December 31, 2011 or subsequent thereto, but before the filing of the report, are summarized below:

        Liberty Media Corporation Litigation.    As previously reported, a purported class action complaint was filed on February 9, 2010 and amended on April 23, 2010 in Delaware Chancery Court against certain past and present directors of Liberty Media Corporation alleging, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties as Liberty board members in connection with the business terms and approval process by Liberty stockholders of the merger of Liberty Entertainment, Inc. with a subsidiary of DIRECTV as part of the Liberty Transaction. The plaintiff purports to represent approximately 85 former Liberty Media Corporation stockholders (other than the defendants) that allegedly held approximately 1.8 million Liberty Media Corporation shares prior to the consummation of the Liberty Transaction. The complaint alleges, among other things, that John Malone and certain other Liberty Media Corporation stockholders received disparate allocation of consideration in the Liberty Transaction. The complaint seeks equitable reallocation and disgorgement of the improper consideration received by the defendants and other relief. The defendants have requested indemnification and have tendered defense of this litigation to DIRECTV pursuant to agreements executed as part of the Liberty Transaction and DIRECTV has elected to take control of the defense. After extensive discovery, the parties conducted mediation on January 11, 2012. The mediation resulted in a tentative settlement, including payment to plaintiffs of $10 million, substantially all of which will be paid by insurance, subject to entering into a settlement agreement and court approval.

        Pegasus Development Corporation and Personalized Media Communications L.L.C.    In December, 2000, Pegasus Development Corporation, or Pegasus, and Personalized Media Communications L.L.C., or PMC, filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against DIRECTV, Inc., Hughes Electronics Corporation, Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., and Philips Electronics North America Corporation. The suit alleged infringement of certain claims of seven United States patents and sought an injunction and a monetary award including damages for infringement, interest, costs, and attorney's fees. In May, 2003, the suit was stayed pending reexamination by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of certain claims of the asserted

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patents. The stay was lifted in November, 2011, and trial is presently scheduled for November, 2013. The suit now involves claims of four of the seven patents originally asserted, all of which have expired, and the validity and infringement of which are disputed by DIRECTV.

        Other Intellectual Property Litigation.    We are a defendant in several unrelated lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of our businesses. In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants, and also in certain of these cases we expect that any potential liability would be the responsibility of our equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions. To the extent that the allegations in these lawsuits can be analyzed by us at this stage of their proceedings, we believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend the actions vigorously. We have determined the likelihood of a material liability in such matters is remote or have made appropriate accruals and the final disposition of these claims is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position. However, if an adverse ruling is made in a lawsuit involving key intellectual property, such ruling could possibly be material to our consolidated results of operations of any one period. No assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to our consolidated financial position.

        Early Cancellation Fees.    In 2008, a number of plaintiffs filed putative class action lawsuits in state and federal courts challenging the early cancellation fees we assess our customers when they do not fulfill their programming commitments. Several of these lawsuits are pending, some in California state court purporting to represent statewide classes, and some in federal courts purporting to represent nationwide classes. The lawsuits seek both monetary and injunctive relief. While the theories of liability vary, the lawsuits generally challenge these fees under state consumer protection laws as both unfair and inadequately disclosed to customers. Our motions to compel arbitration have been granted in all of the federal cases, except as to claims seeking injunctive relief under California statutes. The denial of our motion as to those claims is currently on appeal. We believe that our early cancellation fees are adequately disclosed, and represent reasonable estimates of the costs we incur when customers cancel service before fulfilling their programming commitments.

        From time to time, we receive investigative inquiries or subpoenas from state and federal authorities with respect to alleged violations of state and federal statutes. These inquiries may lead to legal proceedings in some cases. DIRECTV U.S. has received a request for information from the FTC on issues similar to those recently resolved with a multistate group of state attorneys general. We are cooperating with the FTC by providing information about our sales and marketing practices and customer complaints.

        ECAD.    Sky Brazil, along with other video distributors in Brazil, is disputing charges assessed by Escritorio Central de Arrecadacao, or ECAD, the organization responsible for collecting performance rights fees under Brazilian law. Sky Brazil has been withholding payments to ECAD since 2004, and has accrued amounts both we and Sky Brazil believe are adequate to satisfy amounts owed to ECAD. In order to continue its opposition to ECAD's claims, in October 2011, Sky Brazil was required to provide a letter of credit in the amount of approximately $85 million which represents the contested fees plus accrued interest and penalties, for the period from January 2004 to September 2009, plus an additional 30% required by Brazilian law. Sky Brazil's dispute with ECAD is currently pending in the Superior Justice Tribunal, and there are other claims by the Brazilian pay television association, known as ABTA, against ECAD before the Brazilian antitrust board, or CADE, which may affect ECAD or the rights fees it is attempting to collect.

        Other.    We are subject to other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. The amount of ultimate liability with respect to such actions is not expected to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

        (b)   No previously reported legal proceedings were terminated during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

        Not applicable.

***

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PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Common Stock Price

        Our Class A common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "DTV." The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated the high and low sales prices for our Class A common stock, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

2011  
High
 
Low
 

Fourth Quarter

  $ 48.60   $ 39.82  

Third Quarter

    53.40     40.22  

Second Quarter

    51.23     45.52  

First Quarter

    47.40     40.20  

 

2010  
High
 
Low
 

Fourth Quarter

  $ 44.61   $ 39.12  

Third Quarter

    42.61     33.25  

Second Quarter

    39.87     33.87  

First Quarter

    35.18     29.83  

        As of the close of business on February 17, 2012, there were 69,818 holders of record of our Class A common stock. Our Class B common stock is not registered and there were no shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011.

Dividend Rights and Other Stockholder Matters

        Holders of our common stock are entitled to such dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property as may be declared by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion, subject to the preferential and other dividend rights of any outstanding series of our preferred stock. There were no shares of our preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2011.

        No dividends on our common stock have been declared by our Board of Directors for more than five years. We have no current plans to pay any dividends on our common stock. We currently expect to use our future earnings, if any, for the development of our businesses or other corporate purposes, which may include share repurchases.

        Information regarding compensation plans under which our equity securities may be issued is included in Item 12 through incorporation by reference to our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on May 3, 2012.

Share Repurchase Programs

        During 2011, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan of our DIRECTV Class A common stock of up to $6 billion. During the first quarter of 2012, our Board of Directors authorized repurchases of up to an additional $6 billion of DIRECTV Class A common stock. The authorizations allow us to repurchase our Class A common stock from time to time through open market purchases and negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing, nature and amount of such transactions will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and the program may be suspended, discontinued or accelerated at any time. The sources of funds for the purchases are our existing cash on hand, cash from operations and potential additional borrowings. Purchases are made on the open market, through block trades and other negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares are retired but remain authorized for registration and issuance in the future.

        All purchases were made in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A summary of the repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2011 is as follows:

Period  
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Dollar
Value that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
 
  (Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 

October 1 - 31, 2011

    10   $ 45.22     10   $ 1,517  

November 1 - 30, 2011

    8     45.99     8     1,150  

December 1 - 31, 2011

    6     45.04     6     866  
                       

Total

    24     45.43     24     866  
                       

        For additional information regarding our share repurchases see Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

***

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ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 
 
Years Ended and As of December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

                               

Revenues

  $ 27,226   $ 24,102   $ 21,565   $ 19,693   $ 17,246  

Total operating costs and expenses

    22,597     20,206     18,892     16,998     14,760  
                       

Operating profit

  $ 4,629   $ 3,896   $ 2,673   $ 2,695   $ 2,486  
                       

Income from continuing operations attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,609   $ 2,198   $ 942   $ 1,515   $ 1,434  

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share (DIRECTV Group common stockholders for the period January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009 and the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007):

                               

Income from continuing operations

  $ 3.49   $ 2.31   $ 0.96   $ 1.36   $ 1.20  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share (DIRECTV Group common stockholders for the period January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009 and the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007):

                               

Income from continuing operations

  $ 3.47   $ 2.30   $ 0.95   $ 1.36   $ 1.20  

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders per common share, for the period of November 19, 2009 through June 16, 2010, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction in 2010:

                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes

  $   $ 8.44   $ (0.02 ) $   $  

Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding (in millions)

                               

Basic

    747     870     982     1,110     1,195  

Diluted

    752     876     989     1,114     1,202  

Weighted average number of Class B common shares outstanding, for the period of November 19, 2009 through June 16, 2010 (in millions)

                               

Basic

        22     22          

Diluted

        22     22          

Weighted average number of total common shares outstanding (in millions):

                               

Basic

    747     880     985     1,110     1,195  

Diluted

    752     886     992     1,114     1,202  

 

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

                               

Total assets

  $ 18,423   $ 17,909   $ 18,260   $ 16,539   $ 15,063  

Obligations under capital leases

    545     580     586     584     57  

Long-term debt

    13,464     10,472     6,500     5,725     3,347  

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

    (3,107 )   (194 )   2,911     4,631     6,013  

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information regarding significant transactions during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.

***

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ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSE OF THE
"SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain certain statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of various provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as we "believe," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "project" or other similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make related to our business strategy and regarding our outlook for 2012 financial results, liquidity and capital resources.

        Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include economic, business, competitive, national or global political, market and regulatory conditions and other risks, each of which is described in more detail in Item 1A—Risk Factors of this Annual Report.

        Any forward looking statement made by us in this Annual Report on Form 10-K speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may occur and it is not possible for us to predict them all. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTENTS

        The following is a discussion of our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Information in this section is organized as follows:

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SUMMARY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 
  Years Ended December 31,  
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

                   

Revenues

  $ 27,226   $ 24,102   $ 21,565  

Total operating costs and expenses

    22,597     20,206     18,892  
               

Operating profit

    4,629     3,896     2,673  

Interest income

    34     39     41  

Interest expense

    (763 )   (557 )   (423 )

Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)

        67     (491 )

Other, net

    84     69     34  
               

Income before income taxes

    3,984     3,514     1,834  

Income tax expense

    (1,348 )   (1,202 )   (827 )
               

Net income

    2,636     2,312     1,007  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (27 )   (114 )   (65 )
               

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,609   $ 2,198   $ 942  
               

Net income attributable to common stockholders:

                   

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders (DIRECTV Group common stockholders for the period January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009)

  $ 2,609   $ 2,014   $ 942  

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders, for the period of November 19, 2009 through June 16, 2010, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction in 2010

        184      
               

Net income

  $ 2,609   $ 2,198   $ 942  
               

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share

  $ 3.49   $ 2.31   $ 0.96  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share

  $ 3.47   $ 2.30   $ 0.95  

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders per common share, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction in 2010

  $   $ 8.44   $ (0.02 )

 

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SUMMARY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION—(continued)

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 873   $ 1,502  

Total current assets

    4,241     4,253  

Total assets

    18,423     17,909  

Total current liabilities

    4,743     4,450  

Long-term debt

    13,464     10,472  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

    265     224  

Total stockholders' deficit

    (3,107 )   (194 )

Reference should be made to the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Other Data:

                   

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization (1)

                   

Operating profit

  $ 4,629   $ 3,896   $ 2,673  

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    2,349     2,482     2,640  
               

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 6,978   $ 6,378   $ 5,313  
               

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    25.6 %   26.5 %   24.6 %

Cash flow information

                   

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 5,185   $ 5,206   $ 4,431  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (3,022 )   (3,099 )   (2,194 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (2,792 )   (3,210 )   (1,637 )

Free cash flow (2)

                   

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 5,185   $ 5,206   $ 4,431  

Less: Cash paid for property and equipment

    (2,924 )   (2,303 )   (2,012 )

Less: Cash paid for satellites

    (246 )   (113 )   (59 )
               

Free cash flow

  $ 2,015   $ 2,790   $ 2,360  
               

(1)
Operating profit before depreciation and amortization, which is a financial measure that is not determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, can be calculated by adding amounts under the caption "Depreciation and amortization expense" to "Operating profit." This measure should be used in conjunction with GAAP financial measures and is not presented as an alternative measure of operating results, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our management and our Board of Directors use operating profit before depreciation and amortization to evaluate the operating performance of our company and our business segments and to allocate resources and capital to business segments. This metric is also used as a measure of performance for incentive compensation purposes and to measure income generated from operations that could be used to fund capital expenditures, service debt or pay taxes. Depreciation and amortization expense primarily represents an allocation to current expense of the cost of historical capital expenditures and for acquired intangible assets resulting from prior business acquisitions. To compensate for the exclusion of depreciation and amortization expense from operating profit, our management and our Board of Directors separately measure and budget for capital expenditures and business acquisitions.

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SUMMARY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION—(continued)

(2)
Free cash flow, which is a financial measure that is not determined in accordance with GAAP, can be calculated by deducting amounts under the captions "Cash paid for property and equipment" and "Cash paid for satellites" from "Net cash provided by operating activities" from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This financial measure should be used in conjunction with other GAAP financial measures and is not presented as an alternative measure of cash flows from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our management and our Board of Directors use free cash flow to evaluate the cash generated by our current subscriber base, net of capital expenditures, for the purpose of allocating resources to activities such as adding new subscribers, retaining and upgrading existing subscribers, for additional capital expenditures and other capital investments or transactions and as a measure of performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe this measure is useful to investors, along with other GAAP measures (such as cash flows from operating and investing activities), to compare our operating performance to other communications, entertainment and media companies. We believe that investors also use current and projected free cash flow to determine the ability of revenues from our current and projected subscriber base to fund required and discretionary spending and to help determine our financial value.

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SUMMARY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION—(concluded)

Selected Segment Data

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

DIRECTV U.S.

                   

Revenues

  $ 21,872   $ 20,268   $ 18,671  
               

% of total revenues

    80.3 %   84.1 %   86.6 %

Operating profit

  $ 3,702   $ 3,290   $ 2,410  

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    1,587     1,926     2,275  
               

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 5,289   $ 5,216   $ 4,685  
               

Operating profit margin

    16.9 %   16.2 %   12.9 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    24.2 %   25.7 %   25.1 %

Segment assets

  $ 11,796   $ 11,400   $ 12,408  

Capital expenditures

    1,736     1,557     1,485  

DIRECTV Latin America

                   

Revenues

  $ 5,096   $ 3,597   $ 2,878  
               

% of total revenues

    18.7 %   14.9 %   13.3 %

Operating profit

  $ 916   $ 623   $ 331  

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    747     541     366  
               

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 1,663   $ 1,164   $ 697  
               

Operating profit margin

    18.0 %   17.3 %   11.5 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    32.6 %   32.4 %   24.2 %

Segment assets

  $ 5,264   $ 4,696   $ 3,772  

Capital expenditures

    1,428     857     584  

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

                   

Revenues

  $ 258   $ 237   $ 16  
               

% of total revenues

    0.9 %   1.0 %   0.1 %

Operating profit (loss)

  $ 11   $ (17 ) $ (68 )

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    15     15     (1 )
               

Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization

  $ 26   $ (2 ) $ (69 )
               

Segment assets

  $ 1,363   $ 1,813   $ 2,080  

Capital expenditures

    6     2     2  

Total

                   

Revenues

  $ 27,226   $ 24,102   $ 21,565  
               

Operating profit

  $ 4,629   $ 3,896   $ 2,673  

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    2,349     2,482     2,640  
               

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 6,978   $ 6,378   $ 5,313  
               

Operating profit margin

    17.0 %   16.2 %   12.4 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    25.6 %   26.5 %   24.6 %

Total assets

  $ 18,423   $ 17,909   $ 18,260  

Capital expenditures

    3,170     2,416     2,071  

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SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFFECTING THE COMPARABILITY OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Change in Accounting Estimate

        We currently lease most set-top receivers provided to new and existing subscribers and therefore capitalize the cost of those set-top receivers. We depreciate capitalized set-top receivers over the estimated useful life of the equipment. As a result of the completion of an extensive evaluation of the estimated useful life of the set-top receivers, including consideration of historical write-offs, improved efficiencies in our refurbishment program, improved set-top receiver failure rates over time and management's judgment of the risk of technological obsolescence, we determined that the estimated useful life of HD set-top receivers used in our DIRECTV U.S. business has increased to four years, from three years, as previously estimated. We will continue to depreciate standard-definition set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. over a three-year estimated useful life. We are accounting for this change in the useful life of the HD set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. as a change in an accounting estimate beginning July 1, 2011. This change had the effect of reducing depreciation and amortization expense and increasing both net income attributable to DIRECTV and earnings per share in our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 as follows:

 
 
(Dollars in Millions,
Except Per Share Amounts)
 

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $ (141 )

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

    86  

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

  $ 0.12  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

  $ 0.11  

Divestitures

        In April 2011, we sold an equity method investment for $55 million in cash. We recognized a $37 million gain ($23 million after tax) on the sale in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        In March 2011, we sold a 5% ownership interest in GSN for $60 million in cash, reducing our ownership interest to 60%. We recognized a $25 million gain, or $16 million after tax, on the sale in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which represents the difference between the selling price and the carrying amount of the portion of our equity method investment sold. For additional information regarding the GSN sale, refer to Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Part II of this Annual Report.

Malone Transaction

        In April 2010, we entered into an agreement with Dr. John C. Malone and his family, or the Malones, under which they exchanged 21.8 million shares of high-vote DIRECTV Class B common stock, which were all of the outstanding DIRECTV Class B shares, for 26.5 million shares of DIRECTV Class A common stock, resulting in the reduction of the Malone's voting interest in DIRECTV from approximately 24% to approximately 3% on June 16, 2010.

        We accounted for the exchange of DIRECTV Class B common stock into DIRECTV Class A common stock pursuant to accounting standards for induced conversions, whereby the $160 million in incremental DIRECTV Class A common stock issued to the former DIRECTV Class B stockholders has been deducted from earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result of this transaction, diluted earnings per DIRECTV Class A common stock in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was reduced by $0.18 for the year ended December 31, 2010. See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Part II of this Annual Report for additional information.

Acquisitions

        Globo Transaction.    In connection with our acquisition of Sky Brazil in 2006, Globo was granted the right, until January 2014, to require us to purchase all or a portion (but not less than half) of its 25.9% interest in Sky Brazil. In June 2010, Globo notified us that it was exercising its right to exchange 178.8 million shares representing approximately 19% of the ownership interests in Sky Brazil. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we paid cash for the approximate 19% ownership interest, which was recorded as a reduction to "Redeemable noncontrolling interest" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We and our subsidiaries now own approximately 93% of Sky Brazil and Globo retains the right to sell its remaining

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7% interest to us at fair value until January 2014 as discussed in Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Part II of this Annual Report.

        Liberty Transaction.    On November 19, 2009, The DIRECTV Group, Inc., or DIRECTV Group, and Liberty Media Corporation, which we refer to as Liberty or Liberty Media, obtained stockholder approval of and closed a series of related transactions which we refer to collectively as the Liberty Transaction. As a result of the Liberty Transaction, DIRECTV Group and LEI became wholly-owned subsidiaries of DIRECTV. LEI consisted of the following: Liberty's 57% interest in DIRECTV Group, a 100% interest in three regional sports networks, a 65% interest in Game Show Network, LLC, approximately $120 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $2.1 billion of indebtedness comprised of a credit facility with a principal balance of $1,878 million, which we refer to as the Collar Loan, and a series of related equity collars. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of LEI have been consolidated beginning on the acquisition date, November 19, 2009.

        As a result of the Liberty Transaction we paid $97 million of cash which is net of cash acquired at LEI and the regional sports networks. We also recorded a $491 million charge to "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 related to a premium paid to LEI stockholders to complete the merger in the form of an equity interest that exceeded the fair value of net assets acquired by DIRECTV; general and administrative costs incurred to complete the transaction and net losses recorded for the partial settlement of the equity collars and stock options and stock appreciation rights held by Liberty employees subsequent to the acquisition date, and adjustments of the equity collars and stock options and stock appreciation rights. We recorded a $67 million net gain in "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the final settlement of the equity collars during 2010.

        During 2010, we repaid $1,537 million, including $1,202 million of remaining principal payments and $335 million to settle the equity collars. During 2009, we repaid a total of $751 million, including $676 million in principal payments and $75 million in payments to settle a portion of the equity collars.

        See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which we incorporate herein by reference.

Financing Transactions

        In 2011, DIRECTV U.S. issued $4.0 billion of senior notes resulting in $3,990 million of proceeds, net of discount. Also in 2011, DIRECTV U.S. purchased and redeemed its then outstanding $1,002 million of 6.375% senior notes, resulting in a pre-tax charge of $25 million, $16 million after tax, primarily for the premiums paid. The charge was recorded in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        In 2010, DIRECTV U.S. issued $6.0 billion of senior notes resulting in $5,978 million of proceeds, net of discount, and repaid the $2,205 million of remaining principal on the Term Loans of its senior secured credit facility. The repayment of the Term Loans resulted in a 2010 pre-tax charge recorded in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations of $16 million, $10 million after tax, resulting from the write-off of deferred debt issuance and other transaction costs.

        In 2009, DIRECTV U.S. issued $2.0 billion of senior notes resulting in $1,990 million of proceeds, net of discount. Also in 2009, DIRECTV U.S. purchased and redeemed its then outstanding $910 million 8.375% senior notes, resulting in a 2009 pre-tax charge of $34 million, $21 million after tax, of which $29 million resulted from a premium paid for the redemption and $5 million resulted from the write-off of deferred debt issuance costs and other transaction costs. The charge was recorded in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Venezuela Exchange Controls

        In January 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the creation of a dual exchange rate system, including an exchange rate of 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar for most of the activities of our Venezuelan operations compared to an exchange rate of 2.15 Venezuelan bolivars fuerte prior to the announcement. As a result of this devaluation, we recorded a $6 million charge to net income in the year ended December 31, 2010 related to the adjustment of net bolivars fuerte denominated monetary assets to the new official exchange rate. We began reporting the operating results of our Venezuelan subsidiary in the first quarter of 2010 using the devalued rate of 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar. In December 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the elimination of the dual exchange rate system, eliminating the 2.6 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar preferential rate which was available for certain activities.

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        Companies operating in Venezuela are required to obtain Venezuelan government approval to exchange bolivars fuerte into U.S. dollars at the official rate. We have not been able to consistently exchange Venezuelan bolivars fuerte into U.S. dollars at the official rate and as a result, we have relied on a parallel exchange process to settle U.S. dollar obligations and to repatriate accumulated cash balances prior to its close. The rates implied by transactions in the parallel market, which was closed in May, 2010, were significantly higher than the official rate (6 to 7 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar). As a result, we recorded a $22 million charge in 2010 and a $213 million charge in 2009 in "General and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in connection with the exchange of accumulated Venezuelan cash balances to U.S. dollars using the parallel exchange process.

        As a result of the closing of the parallel exchange process in May 2010, we have been unable to repatriate excess cash balances and we therefore realized no charges for the repatriation of cash in 2011. Our Venezuelan subsidiary had Venezuelan bolivar fuerte denominated cash of $401 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $169 million at December 31, 2010, based on the official exchange rate.

        See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below for additional information.

Other Than Temporary Impairment

        In 2009, we recognized a $45 million charge for the other than temporary impairment of certain of our investments in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Share Repurchase Program

        Since 2006 our Board of Directors approved multiple authorizations for the repurchase of our common stock. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $866 million remaining under the authorization given by the Board of Directors in 2011. In February 2012 our Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $6 billion for repurchases of our common stock. The following table sets forth information regarding shares repurchased and retired for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Amounts in Millions, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 

Total cost of repurchased and retired shares

  $ 5,455   $ 5,179   $ 1,696  

Average price per share

    45.78     38.20     23.79  

Number of shares repurchased and retired

    119     136     71  

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW AND OUTLOOK

        The United States and other countries in which we operate are continuing to undergo a period of economic uncertainty. As discussed in "Competition" in Item 1, in addition to cable and satellite system operators, we are experiencing increasing competition from telcos and other emerging digital media distribution providers. Please refer to "Risk Factors" in Item 1A for a further discussion of risks which may affect forecasted results of our business generally.

        DIRECTV U.S.    DIRECTV U.S. faces key challenges related to weak macroeconomic conditions that continue to put pressure on the U.S. consumer, the rapid advance of technology that provides consumers with more options both in and out of the home and a maturing industry that is increasingly competitive. In addition, we face challenges as programming content providers seek increased rates for their content. We are pursuing strategic priorities for the DIRECTV U.S. business that we believe will result in an increase in revenue and operating profit before depreciation and amortization growth over the next three years: focusing on enhancing the overall customer experience, strategically managing the impact of rising programming costs to maintain strong margins and continuing to grow three key incremental revenue streams: DIRECTV Cinema, commercial and local advertising.

        Our revenue growth in DIRECTV U.S. has been generated by increases in the total number of subscribers and in ARPU. In 2012, we expect revenue to grow in the mid-single digit percentage range driven primarily by ARPU growth. ARPU growth is expected to be generated mainly by price increases, as well as growth in advanced product services, pay per view, commercial and advertising sales. We also expect to support ARPU growth by limiting promotional offers.

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        In 2012, we expect operating profit before depreciation and amortization to grow in the mid-single digit percent range. We intend to manage the impact to our margins from higher programming costs by productivity improvements from recent capital projects and by closely managing other costs across the organization, including subscriber services, broadcast operations costs and general and administrative expenses. We also expect aggregate subscriber acquisition costs to be lower in 2012 as a result of lower anticipated gross subscriber additions in 2012 as compared to 2011.

        We expect capital expenditures in 2012 to be relatively flat with 2011 levels as the lower capital expenditures associated with anticipated lower gross additions is expected to be offset by increased capital expenditures for DIRECTV U.S.' satellites, D14 and D15.

        DIRECTV Latin America.    In Latin America, pay TV penetration and relatively favorable macroeconomic and demographic trends continue to provide a substantial opportunity for growth. In 2012, we intend to profitably increase market share in the region. In particular, we will continue to strengthen our leadership position in the higher end markets with a focus on our superior HD and DVR products. In addition, we plan to further penetrate the rapidly growing middle market by continuing to offer attractive lower priced post-paid packages and pre-paid services throughout the region.

        In 2012, we expect subscriber and revenue growth of approximately 20% and operating profit before amortization and depreciation percentage growth in the mid to upper teens. We also expect capital expenditures to increase approximately 10% driven by subscriber growth, investments in upgrading DIRECTV Latin America's infrastructure, including satellites, as well as strategic initiatives.

        DIRECTV Consolidated.    We expect diluted earnings per common share to grow well over $4 per share in 2012 resulting from higher operating profit before depreciation and amortization coupled with a continued decline in weighted average common shares outstanding resulting from our share repurchase program, partially offset by increased interest and income tax expenses.

        At the consolidated DIRECTV level, we anticipate free cash flow, or cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, to be relatively flat compared to 2011 as the anticipated growth in operating profit before depreciation and amortization is expected to be offset by higher cash paid for taxes and interest. We believe that cash paid for taxes will be higher in 2012 as a result of an increase in earnings before taxes coupled with an increase in our cash tax rate in the 30% range as a result of the reversal of accelerated depreciation benefits associated with the prior year economic stimulus programs.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2010

Consolidated Results of Operations

        We discuss changes for each of our segments in more detail below.

        Revenues.    The following table presents our revenues by segment:

Revenues by segment:    
   
 
Change
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

DIRECTV U.S. 

  $ 21,872   $ 20,268   $ 1,604     7.9 %

DIRECTV Latin America

    5,096     3,597     1,499     41.7 %

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

    258     237     21     8.9 %
                     

Total Revenues

  $ 27,226   $ 24,102   $ 3,124     13.0 %
                     

        The increase in our total revenues was due to subscriber growth and higher ARPU at our DIRECTV Latin America and DIRECTV U.S businesses.

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        Operating profit before depreciation and amortization.    The following table presents our operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization by segment:

Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization by segment:    
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
Change
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

DIRECTV U.S. 

  $ 5,289   $ 5,216   $ 73     1.4 %

DIRECTV Latin America

    1,663     1,164     499     42.9 %

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

    26     (2 )   28     NM*  
                     

Total operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 6,978   $ 6,378   $ 600     9.4 %
                     

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    25.6 %   26.5 %        

*
Percentage not meaningful.

        Operating profit before depreciation and amortization increased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to growth at our DIRECTV Latin America business. Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin decreased in 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to higher programming costs at our DIRECTV U.S. business.

        Operating profit.    The following table presents our operating profit (loss) by segment:

Operating profit (loss) by segment:    
   
 
Change
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

DIRECTV U.S. 

  $ 3,702   $ 3,290   $ 412     12.5 %

DIRECTV Latin America

    916     623     293     47.0 %

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

    11     (17 )   28     NM  
                     

Total operating profit

  $ 4,629   $ 3,896   $ 733     18.8 %
                     

Operating profit margin

    17.0 %   16.2 %        

        Operating profit and the operating profit margin increased from 2011 as compared to 2010 as the lower operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin discussed above was more than offset by lower depreciation and amortization expense at DIRECTV U.S. due to the change in the estimated depreciable lives of HD set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S., declining subscriber equipment capitalization and the end of the amortization of a subscriber related intangible asset, partially offset by increased depreciation at DIRECTV Latin America due to increased capitalization of subscriber equipment.

        Interest income.    Interest income was $34 million in 2011 and $39 million in 2010.

        Interest expense.    The increase in interest expense to $763 million in 2011 from $557 million in 2010 was due to an increase in the average debt balances compared to 2010, partially offset by a decrease in weighted average interest rates. We capitalized interest costs of $13 million in 2011 and $6 million in 2010.

        Liberty transaction and related gains (charges).    In 2010, we recorded a $67 million net gain from the settlement of the equity collars and debt assumed as part of the Liberty Transaction.

        Other, net.    The significant components of "Other, net" were as follows:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

  $ 109   $ 90   $ 19  

Net foreign currency transaction (loss) gain

    (50 )   11     (61 )

Fair-value adjustment loss on non-employee stock options

    (4 )   (11 )   7  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

    (25 )   (16 )   (9 )

Net gain from sale of investments

    63     6     57  

Other

    (9 )   (11 )   2  
               

Total

  $ 84   $ 69   $ 15  
               

        The increase in Other, net in 2011 as compared to 2010 is primarily due to gains recognized on the sale of equity method investments and higher earnings in unconsolidated subsidiaries, partially offset by a net foreign currency transaction loss for 2011 compared to a net foreign currency transaction gain in 2010, primarily due to the depreciation of the Brazilian real compared to the U.S. dollar.

        Income tax expense.    We recognized income tax expense of $1,348 million in 2011 and $1,202 million in 2010. The effective tax rate for 2011 was 33.8% compared to 34.2% for 2010. The lower effective tax rate was primarily attributable

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to a benefit recorded for previously unrecognized foreign tax credits and a benefit recorded for domestic production activities deduction in 2011.

        Noncontrolling interests in net earnings of subsidiaries.    We recognized noncontrolling interests in net earnings of subsidiaries of $27 million in 2011 and $114 million in 2010 at Sky Brazil. Noncontrolling interests in net earnings of subsidiaries in 2011 decreased due to the Globo Transaction in the fourth quarter of 2010 which increased our ownership percentage in Sky Brazil and a net tax benefit attributable to the noncontrolling interest resulting from the release of a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance in 2010.

        Earnings Per Share.    Class A common stock earnings per share and weighted shares outstanding were as follows for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Shares in Millions)
 

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share

  $ 3.49   $ 2.31  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share

    3.47     2.30  

Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding

             

Basic

    747     870  

Diluted

    752     876  

        The increases in basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A common stock were due to higher net income attributable to DIRECTV, a reduction in weighted average shares outstanding resulting from our share repurchase program, and the $0.19 reduction to basic and $0.18 reduction to diluted earnings per Class A common share resulting from the Malone Transaction in 2010.

DIRECTV U.S. Segment

        The following table provides operating results and a summary of key subscriber data for the DIRECTV U.S. segment:

 
   
   
 
Change
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Subscriber Amounts)
 

Revenues

  $ 21,872   $ 20,268   $ 1,604     7.9 %

Operating costs and expenses

                         

Costs of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                         

Broadcast programming and other

    9,799     8,699     1,100     12.6 %

Subscriber service expenses

    1,435     1,340     95     7.1 %

Broadcast operations expenses

    300     273     27     9.9 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                         

Subscriber acquisition costs

    2,794     2,631     163     6.2 %

Upgrade and retention costs

    1,209     1,106     103     9.3 %

General and administrative expenses

    1,046     1,003     43     4.3 %

Depreciation and amortization expense

    1,587     1,926     (339 )   (17.6 )%
                     

Total operating costs and expenses

    18,170     16,978     1,192     7.0 %
                     

Operating profit

  $ 3,702   $ 3,290   $ 412     12.5 %
                     

Operating profit margin

    16.9 %   16.2 %        

Other data:

                         

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 5,289   $ 5,216   $ 73     1.4 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    24.2 %   25.7 %        

Total number of subscribers (in thousands)

    19,885     19,223     662     3.4 %

ARPU

  $ 93.27   $ 89.71   $ 3.56     4.0 %

Average monthly subscriber churn %

    1.56 %   1.53 %       2.0 %

Gross subscriber additions (in thousands)

    4,316     4,124     192     4.7 %

Subscriber disconnections (in thousands)

    3,654     3,461     193     5.6 %

Net subscriber additions (in thousands)

    662     663     (1 )   (0.2 )%

Average subscriber acquisition costs—per subscriber (SAC)

  $ 813   $ 796   $ 17     2.1 %

Capitalized subscriber leased equipment:

                         

Subscriber leased equipment—subscriber acquisitions

  $ 713   $ 651   $ 62     9.5 %

Subscriber leased equipment—upgrade and retention

    315     316     (1 )   (0.3 )%
                     

Total subscriber leased equipment capitalized

  $ 1,028   $ 967   $ 61     6.3 %
                     

Depreciation expense—subscriber leased equipment

  $ 903   $ 1,145   $ (242 )   (21.1 )%

        Subscribers.    In 2011, net subscriber additions were relatively unchanged as higher gross additions mainly resulting from improved customer offers were offset

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by an increase in the monthly churn rate, which resulted primarily from a more competitive environment.

        Revenues.    Our revenues increased as a result of higher ARPU and the larger subscriber base. The increase in ARPU resulted primarily from price increases on programming packages, higher set-top receiver lease fees, higher advanced service fees, higher premium channel buy rates and an increase in NFL SUNDAY TICKET revenues, partially offset by higher promotional offers to new and existing subscribers.

        Operating profit before depreciation and amortization.    Operating profit before depreciation and amortization was higher in 2011 as compared to 2010 as increased revenues were partially offset by higher broadcasting programming costs, increased subscriber acquisition costs and higher upgrade and retention costs. Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin decreased in 2011 as compared to 2010 as the revenue growth was more than offset by higher relative growth in broadcast programming and other costs.

        Broadcast programming and other costs increased primarily due to annual program supplier rate increases, higher costs resulting from our new NFL SUNDAY TICKET contract, which went into effect with the 2011 season and the larger number of subscribers. Subscriber service expenses increased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to service quality improvement initiatives and the higher number of subscribers.

        Subscriber acquisition costs and SAC per subscriber, which includes the cost of capitalized set-top receivers, increased primarily due to higher subscriber demand for advanced products, as well as higher gross additions and increased dealer commissions, partially offset by lower marketing costs.

        Upgrade and retention costs increased in 2011 due to a higher installation costs associated with higher advanced equipment upgrades.

        General and administrative expenses increased in 2011 primarily due to increased labor and benefit costs related to higher incentive compensation and increased headcount, as well as higher bad debt expense associated with higher revenue, partially offset by a decrease in property tax expenses.

        Operating profit.    Operating profit and operating profit margin increased in 2011 as compared to 2010 due to lower depreciation and amortization expense in 2011 resulting from the change in HD set-top receiver estimated depreciable life from three to four years, lower depreciation expense associated with a reduction in capitalized set-top receivers over the last several years and the completion of the amortization of a subscriber-related intangible asset, partially offset by lower operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin.

DIRECTV Latin America Segment

        The following table provides operating results and a summary of key subscriber data for the DIRECTV Latin America segment:

 
   
   
 
Change
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Subscriber Amounts)
 

Revenues

  $ 5,096   $ 3,597   $ 1,499     41.7 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

    1,663     1,164     499     42.9 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    32.6 %   32.4 %        

Operating profit

    916     623     293     47.0 %

Operating profit margin

    18.0 %   17.3 %        

Other data:

                         

ARPU

  $ 62.64   $ 57.95   $ 4.69     8.1 %

Average monthly total subscriber churn %

    1.78 %   1.77 %       0.6 %

Average monthly post paid subscriber churn %

    1.42 %   1.47 %       (3.4 )%

Total number of subscribers (in thousands) (1)

    7,871     5,808     2,063     35.5 %

Gross subscriber additions (in thousands)

    3,510     2,318     1,192     51.4 %

Net subscriber additions (in thousands)

    2,063     1,220     843     69.1 %

(1)
DIRECTV Latin America subscriber data exclude subscribers of the Sky Mexico platform.

        Subscribers.    The increase in gross subscriber additions was primarily due to higher demand for our middle market products, primarily in Brazil, as well as increased gross subscriber additions in Argentina. Net subscriber additions increased in 2011 due to the higher gross subscriber additions and lower post paid churn in Venezuela and Brazil compared to 2010.

        Revenues.    Revenues increased due to strong subscriber and ARPU growth across the region, particularly in Brazil. ARPU increased primarily due to price

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increases and higher penetration of advanced products across the region, as well as favorable exchange rates in Brazil.

        Operating profit before depreciation and amortization.    Operating profit before depreciation and amortization increased in 2011 as compared to 2010, primarily due to the increased gross profit generated from the higher revenues, partially offset by higher subscriber acquisition costs due to the higher number of gross subscriber additions, higher general and administrative costs as well as higher upgrade and retention costs resulting from the increased demand for advanced products.

        Operating profit.    Operating profit increased in 2011 as compared to 2010, primarily due to higher operating profit before depreciation and amortization, discussed above, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense resulting from an increase in basic and advanced product receivers capitalized due to the higher gross subscriber additions attained over the last year.

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

        Operating profit from Sports Networks, Elimination and Other increased to $11 million in 2011 from a $17 million operating loss in 2010.

Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Consolidated Results of Operations

        We discuss changes for each of our segments in more detail below.

        Revenues.    The following table presents our revenues by segment:

Revenues by segment:    
   
 
Change
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

DIRECTV U.S. 

  $ 20,268   $ 18,671   $ 1,597     8.6 %

DIRECTV Latin America

    3,597     2,878     719     25.0 %

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

    237     16     221     NM  
                     

Total Revenues

  $ 24,102   $ 21,565   $ 2,537     11.8 %
                     

        The increase in our total revenues was due to subscriber growth and higher ARPU at DIRECTV U.S., subscriber growth at DIRECTV Latin America, as well as the revenue generated by DIRECTV Sports Networks which we acquired in November 2009.

        Operating profit before depreciation and amortization.    The following table presents our operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization by segment:

Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization by segment:    
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
Change
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

DIRECTV U.S. 

  $ 5,216   $ 4,685   $ 531     11.3 %

DIRECTV Latin America

    1,164     697     467     67.0 %

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

    (2 )   (69 )   67     NM  
                     

Total operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 6,378   $ 5,313   $ 1,065     20.0 %
                     

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    26.5 %   24.6 %        

        The increase in total operating profit before depreciation and amortization was due to higher gross profit from the increase in revenues, lower charges in 2010 for foreign currency transactions at DIRECTV Latin America, offset by higher subscriber acquisition costs and upgrade and retention costs at both DIRECTV U.S and DIRECTV Latin America and higher general and administrative expenses at DIRECTV U.S.

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        Operating profit.    The following table presents our operating profit (loss) by segment:

Operating profit (loss) by segment:    
   
 
Change
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

DIRECTV U.S. 

  $ 3,290   $ 2,410   $ 880     36.5 %

DIRECTV Latin America

    623     331     292     88.2 %

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

    (17 )   (68 )   51     NM  
                     

Total operating profit

  $ 3,896   $ 2,673   $ 1,223     45.8 %
                     

Operating profit margin

    16.2 %   12.4 %        

        The increase in our operating profit was primarily due to the changes in operating profit before depreciation and amortization discussed above and lower depreciation and amortization expense at DIRECTV U.S. due to the completion of amortization of intangible assets and declining subscriber equipment capitalization, partially offset by increased depreciation at DIRECTV Latin America due to increased subscriber equipment capitalization.

        Interest income.    Interest income was $39 million in 2010 and $41 million in 2009.

        Interest expense.    The increase in interest expense to $557 million in 2010 from $423 million in 2009 was due to an increase in the average debt balances compared to 2009, partially offset by decreased interest rates. We capitalized interest costs of $6 million in 2010 and $18 million in 2009.

        Liberty transaction and related gains (charges).    In 2010, we recorded a $67 million net gain from the settlement of the equity collars and debt assumed as part of the Liberty Transaction. In 2009 we incurred $491 million in costs related to the Liberty Transaction, which is comprised of a $337 million premium paid to LEI stockholders, $111 million in net losses for the partial settlement and fair-value adjustments related to the equity collars and non-employee stock options and stock appreciation rights and $43 million of charges for transaction related costs.

        Other, net.    The significant components of "Other, net" were as follows:

 
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

  $ 90   $ 51   $ 39  

Net foreign currency transaction gain

    11     62     (51 )

Loss from impairment of investments

        (45 )   45  

Fair-value adjustment loss on non-employee stock options

    (11 )       (11 )

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

    (16 )   (34 )   18  

Net gain from sale of investments

    6         6  

Other

    (11 )       (11 )
               

Total

  $ 69   $ 34   $ 35  
               

        In 2010, Other, net increased due primarily to increased equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries due to our investment in GSN, the recognition of a charge for the other than temporary impairment of investments in 2009, and reduced losses on the early extinguishment of debt in 2010, partially offset by lower foreign currency transaction gain related to net U.S. dollar denominated liabilities held by Sky Brazil and fair-value adjustment loss on non-employee stock options in connection with the Liberty Transaction completed in 2009.

        Income tax expense.    The increase of income tax expense to $1,202 million in 2010 from $827 million in 2009 is primarily due to an increase in income before taxes, partially offset by tax benefits associated with the release of valuation allowances in certain foreign subsidiaries, multi-state income tax planning and recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits. The increase was also offset by higher tax expense in the prior year primarily attributable to the non deductibility of the Liberty Transaction charge for tax purposes.

        Noncontrolling interests in net earnings of subsidiaries.    We recognized noncontrolling interest in net earnings of subsidiaries of $114 million in 2010 and $65 million in 2009 at Sky Brazil. Noncontrolling interest in net earnings of subsidiaries in 2010 increased due to higher net income at Sky Brazil and a net tax benefit attributable to the noncontrolling interest resulting from the release of a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance.

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        Earnings Per Share.    Class A common stock earnings per share (DIRECTV Group common stock for the period January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009) and weighted shares outstanding were as follows for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Shares in Millions)
 

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share

  $ 2.31   $ 0.96  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share

    2.30     0.95  

Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding

             

Basic

    870     982  

Diluted

    876     989  

        The increases in basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A common stock were due to higher net income attributable to DIRECTV, the charge recorded for the Liberty Transaction in 2009 and a reduction in weighted shares outstanding resulting from our share repurchase program and the effect of the Liberty Transaction, partially offset by the $160 million inducement in 2010 paid in connection with the Malone Transaction.

DIRECTV U.S. Segment

        The following table provides operating results and a summary of key subscriber data for the DIRECTV U.S. segment:

 
   
   
 
Change
 
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Subscriber Amounts)
 

Revenues

  $ 20,268   $ 18,671   $ 1,597     8.6 %

Operating costs and expenses

                         

Costs of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                         

Broadcast programming and other

    8,699     8,027     672     8.4 %

Subscriber service expenses

    1,340     1,268     72     5.7 %

Broadcast operations expenses

    273     274     (1 )   (0.4 )%

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                         

Subscriber acquisition costs

    2,631     2,478     153     6.2 %

Upgrade and retention costs

    1,106     1,045     61     5.8 %

General and administrative expenses

    1,003     894     109     12.2 %

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $ 1,926   $ 2,275   $ (349 )   (15.3 )%
                     

Total operating costs and expenses

    16,978     16,261     717     4.4 %
                     

Operating profit

  $ 3,290   $ 2,410   $ 880     36.5 %
                     

Operating profit margin

    16.2 %   12.9 %        

Other data:

                         

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 5,216   $ 4,685   $ 531     11.3 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    25.7 %   25.1 %        

Total number of subscribers (in thousands)

    19,223     18,560     663     3.6 %

ARPU

  $ 89.71   $ 85.48   $ 4.23     4.9 %

Average monthly subscriber churn %

    1.53 %   1.53 %       %

Gross subscriber additions (in thousands)

    4,124     4,273     (149 )   (3.5 )%

Subscriber disconnections (in thousands)

    3,461     3,334     127     3.8 %

Net subscriber additions (in thousands)

    663     939     (276 )   (29.4 )%

Average subscriber acquisition costs—per subscriber (SAC)

  $ 796   $ 712   $ 84     11.8 %

Capitalized subscriber leased equipment:

                         

Subscriber leased equipment—subscriber acquisitions

  $ 651   $ 564   $ 87     15.4 %

Subscriber leased equipment—upgrade and retention

    316     419     (103 )   (24.6 )%
                     

Total subscriber leased equipment capitalized

  $ 967   $ 983   $ (16 )   (1.6 )%
                     

Depreciation expense—subscriber leased equipment

  $ 1,145   $ 1,333   $ (188 )   (14.1 )%

        Subscribers.    In 2010, gross subscriber additions decreased primarily due to the impact of the transition to digital broadcast in 2009 and lower additions from our

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regional telco partners as a result of a more challenging competitive environment. Net subscriber additions decreased from 2009 due to the decrease in gross additions and higher subscriber disconnections associated with the larger subscriber base. Average monthly subscriber churn remained unchanged from 1.53% in 2009.

        Revenues.    Our revenues increased as a result of higher ARPU and the larger subscriber base. The increase in ARPU resulted primarily from price increases on programming packages, higher HD and DVR service fees.

        Operating profit before depreciation and amortization.    The improvement of operating profit before depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the gross profit generated from the higher revenues, partially offset by higher subscriber acquisition and upgrade and retention costs and higher general and administrative expenses.

        Broadcast programming and other costs increased due to the larger number of subscribers in 2010 and annual program supplier rate increases. Subscriber service expenses increased primarily due to a larger subscriber base in 2010 and costs associated with service quality improvement initiatives.

        Subscriber acquisition costs increased from 2009 primarily due to higher subscriber demand for advanced products as well as increased dealer commissions. SAC per subscriber, which includes the cost of capitalized set-top receivers, increased primarily due to higher subscriber demand for advanced products and increased dealer commissions compared to 2009.

        Upgrade and retention costs increased in 2010 due to increased marketing costs and costs related to advanced product upgrades. The decrease in the capitalized amount of set-top receivers is due to a decrease in the cost of advanced products.

        General and administrative expenses increased in 2010 primarily due to increased labor and benefit costs related to higher incentive compensation and increased headcount as well as higher bad debt expense associated with higher revenue.

        Operating profit.    The increase in operating profit was primarily due to higher operating profit before depreciation and amortization and lower depreciation and amortization expense in 2010 as a result of decreased subscriber equipment capitalization and completion of the amortization of subscriber related and orbital slot intangible assets.

DIRECTV Latin America Segment

        The following table provides operating results and a summary of key subscriber data for the DIRECTV Latin America segment:

 
   
   
 
Change
 
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per
Subscriber Amounts)

 

Revenues

  $ 3,597   $ 2,878   $ 719     25.0 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

    1,164     697     467     67.0 %

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin

    32.4 %   24.2 %        

Operating profit

    623     331     292     88.2 %

Operating profit margin

    17.3 %   11.5 %        

Other data:

                         

ARPU

  $ 57.95   $ 57.12   $ 0.83     1.5 %

Average monthly total subscriber churn %

    1.77 %   1.75 %       1.1 %

Average monthly post paid subscriber churn %

    1.47 %   1.55 %       (5.2 )%

Total number of subscribers (in thousands) (1)

    5,808     4,588     1,220     26.6 %

Gross subscriber additions (in thousands)

    2,318     1,575     743     47.2 %

Net subscriber additions (in thousands)

    1,220     692     528     76.3 %

(1)
DIRECTV Latin America subscriber data exclude subscribers of the Sky Mexico platform. Net subscriber additions and churn exclude the effect of the migration of approximately 3,000 subscribers to Sky Mexico and the migration of approximately 16,000 subscribers from a local pay television service provider to Sky Brazil in 2009.

        Gross subscriber additions increased in 2010 principally due to continued strong demand for advanced products and prepaid services, the effect of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament as well as targeted customer promotions aimed at the middle-market segments. The increase in net subscriber additions was due to higher gross subscriber additions primarily in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Chile.

        Revenues increased in 2010 primarily due to strong subscriber growth. ARPU increased mainly due to price increases and higher fees for HD and DVR services,

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partially offset by the effect of the devaluation in Venezuela and the increased penetration of the middle-market segment.

        The higher operating profit before depreciation and amortization was primarily from the increased gross profit generated from the higher revenues, coupled with lower general and administrative expenses primarily due to a decrease of $191 million in the charges related to the exchange of Venezuelan currency. This was partially offset by an increase in subscriber acquisition costs due to a higher number of gross subscriber additions.

        The increase in operating profit was primarily due to higher operating profit before depreciation and amortization, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense resulting from an increase in basic and advanced product receivers capitalized related to the higher gross subscriber additions attained over the last year.

Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other

        Operating loss from Sports Networks, Elimination and Other decreased to $17 million in 2010 from $68 million in 2009. Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other primarily consisted of corporate operating costs until November 19, 2009 when we completed the Liberty Transaction and acquired the RSNs.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash, cash equivalents and the cash flow that we generate from our operations. We expect that net cash provided by operating activities will grow and believe that our existing cash balances and cash provided by operations will be sufficient to fund our existing business plan. Additionally, in February 2011, DIRECTV U.S. entered into a new $2 billion revolving credit facility, which is available until 2016. In January 2012, we borrowed $400 million under the revolving credit facility. We may borrow additional funds under this facility to fund share repurchases or to fund strategic investment opportunities should they arise.

        At December 31, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $873 million compared with $1.5 billion at December 31, 2010.

        As a measure of liquidity, the current ratio (ratio of current assets to current liabilities) was 0.89 at December 31, 2011 and 0.96 at December 31, 2010. Working capital decreased by $305 million to a $502 million deficit at December 31, 2011 from a deficit of $197 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease during the year was mostly due to the decrease in our cash and cash equivalents resulting from our share repurchase program and an increase in cash paid for property, equipment and satellites, as well as an increase in accounts payable, primarily due to amounts payable to our programmers. These decreases in working capital were partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable and an increase in prepaid expenses.

Summary Cash Flow Information

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 5,185   $ 5,206   $ 4,431  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (3,022 )   (3,099 )   (2,194 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (2,792 )   (3,210 )   (1,637 )

Free cash flow:

                   

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 5,185   $ 5,206   $ 4,431  

Less: Cash paid for property, equipment and satellites

    (3,170 )   (2,416 )   (2,071 )
               

Free cash flow

  $ 2,015   $ 2,790   $ 2,360  
               

Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities

        Net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 and 2010 were relatively flat as higher operating profit before depreciation and amortization was more than offset by increased cash paid for interest and taxes and the decrease in working capital discussed above. The increases in net cash provided by operating activities in 2010 and 2009 were primarily due to our higher operating profit before depreciation and amortization, which resulted from the higher gross profit generated from an increase in revenues. Cash paid for income taxes was $1,042 million in 2011, $705 million in 2010 and $484 million in 2009. The increase in cash paid for income taxes in 2011 resulted mainly from increased income before income taxes as well as the utilization of tax credit carryforwards in 2010. The increase in cash paid for income taxes in 2010 resulted mainly from increased income from income before income taxes and prior year tax credits taken in 2009. Cash paid for interest was $687 million in 2011, $460 million in 2010 and $412 million in

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2009. The increase in cash paid for interest is due to the increase in our average debt outstanding.

Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities

        From 2010 to 2011, capital expenditures for set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. increased primarily due to an increase in gross subscriber additions. From 2009 to 2010, capital expenditures for set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. remained relatively consistent. From 2009 to 2011, we have continued to control capital expenditures by being able to lower average costs to produce set-top receivers and by refurbishing previously used set-top receivers.

        During 2009, 2010 and 2011, DIRECTV U.S. was in the process of constructing three satellites. One of these satellites has been completed and placed into service. We expect to place the other two satellites in service in the 2014.

        Capital expenditures in Latin America for set-top receivers provided to subscribers increased during 2009, 2010 and 2011. Part of our business strategy in Latin America is to increase advanced product and multi-box installations; therefore, our capital expenditures in Latin America are expected to continue to increase.

        During 2011, DIRECTV Latin America entered into a contract to lease two satellites for PanAmericana, ISDLA 1 and 2, which are expected to be launched in 2014 and 2015. As a part of the lease agreement, we are required to make prepayments prior to the launch and commencement of the lease term. Payments related to the lease agreement totaled $104 million for 2011, and are included in "Cash paid for satellites" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This transaction is described in Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

        Additionally, in 2010, we paid $617 million for investments in companies, net of cash acquired, primarily for the purchase of an approximate 19% interest in Sky Brazil held by Globo. We paid $11 million in 2011 and $37 million in 2009 for investments, net of cash acquired, in various other companies and $97 million, net of cash acquired, as part of the Liberty Transaction in 2009. These transactions are described in Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report. Our cash spending on investment in companies is discretionary and we may fund strategic investment opportunities should they arise in the future.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities

        Under stock repurchase plans approved by our Board of Directors, we completed the repurchase of our Class A common stock as follows: $5,496 million in 2011, $5,111 million in 2010, $1,696 million during 2009. In the first quarter of 2012, we announced a new repurchase program authorization of an additional $6 billion. We may make purchases under this program in the open market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing, nature and amount of such transactions will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, and the program may be suspended, discontinued or accelerated at any time. The sources of funds for the purchases under the remaining authorization are our existing cash on hand, cash from operations and potential additional borrowings.

        During 2011, we had $3,990 million of net cash proceeds from the issuance of senior notes. We also repaid $1,000 million of our long-term debt during 2011. During 2010, we had $5,978 million of net cash proceeds from the issuance of senior notes. We also repaid $2,323 million of our long-term debt, and paid $1,537 million to settle the debt and related equity collars assumed as part of the Liberty Transaction. During 2009, we had $1,990 million of net cash proceeds from the issuance of senior notes. We also repaid $1,018 million of our long-term debt, and paid $751 million to settle a portion of the debt and related equity collars assumed as part of the Liberty Transaction.

        We anticipate additional borrowings in the future in order to maintain our target of outstanding long-term debt of 2.5 times our operating profit before depreciation and amortization of DIRECTV on a consolidated basis; however, we will evaluate our optimal leverage target on an ongoing basis.

Free Cash Flow

        Free cash flow decreased in 2011 as compared to 2010 due to an an increase in capital expenditures and relatively flat net cash provided by operating activities described above. The increase in capital expenditures resulted primarily from an increase in subscriber leased equipment, satellite and other infrastructure primarily at DIRECTV Latin America.

Debt

        At December 31, 2011, we had $13,464 million in total outstanding borrowings, bearing a weighted average interest rate of 5.2%. Our outstanding

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borrowings consist of notes payable issued by DIRECTV U.S. as more fully described in Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Part II of this Annual Report, which we incorporate herein by reference.

        Our senior notes payable mature as follows: $1,000 million in 2014, $1,200 million in 2015, $3,750 million in 2016 and $7,550 million thereafter.

        All of our senior notes were issued by DIRECTV Holdings LLC and DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., or the Co-Issuers, and have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. On November 14, 2011, we entered into a series of Supplemental Indentures whereby DIRECTV agreed to fully guarantee all of the senior notes, jointly and severally with substantially all of DIRECTV Holdings LLC's domestic subsidiaries. The Supplemental Indentures provide that DIRECTV unconditionally guarantees that the principal and interest on the respective senior notes will be paid in full when due and that the obligations of the Co-Issuers to the holders of the outstanding senior notes will be performed.

        As a result of the guarantees, holders of the senior notes have the benefit of DIRECTV's interests in the assets and related earnings of our operations that are not held through DIRECTV Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries. Those operations are primarily our direct-to-home digital television services throughout Latin America which are held by DIRECTV Latin America Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and DIRECTV Sports Networks LLC and its subsidiaries which are comprised primarily of three regional sports television networks based in Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, the subsidiaries that own and operate the DIRECTV Latin America and DIRECTV Sports Networks operating segments have not guaranteed the senior notes.

        The guarantees are unsecured senior obligations of DIRECTV and rank equally in right of payment with all of DIRECTV's existing and future senior debt and rank senior in right of payment to all of DIRECTV's future subordinated debt, if any. The guarantees are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured obligations, if any, of DIRECTV to the extent of the value of the assets securing the obligations. DIRECTV will not be subject to the covenants contained in each indenture of the senior notes and our guarantees will terminate and be released on the terms set forth in each of the senior notes.

Revolving Credit Facility

        In February 2011, DIRECTV U.S.' $500 million, six-year senior secured credit facility was terminated and replaced with a new five-year, $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. We pay a commitment fee of 0.30% per year for the unused commitment under the revolving credit facility, and borrowings will bear interest at an annual rate of (i) the London interbank offer rate (LIBOR) (or for Euro advances the EURIBOR rate) plus 1.50% or, at our option (ii) the higher of the prime rate plus 0.50% or the Fed Funds Rate plus 1.00%. The commitment fee and the annual interest rate may be increased or decreased under certain conditions, which include changes in DIRECTV U.S.' long-term, unsecured debt ratings. The revolving credit facility has been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by substantially all of DIRECTV U.S.' domestic subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. In January 2012, we borrowed $400 million under our revolving credit facility.

        Covenants and Restrictions.    The revolving credit facility requires DIRECTV U.S. to maintain at the end of each fiscal quarter a specified ratio of indebtedness to adjusted net income. The revolving credit facility also includes covenants that restrict DIRECTV U.S.' ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional subsidiary indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (iv) merge or consolidate with another entity, (v) sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, and (vi) change its lines of business. Additionally, the senior notes contain restrictive covenants that are similar. Should DIRECTV U.S. fail to comply with these covenants, all or a portion of its borrowings under the senior notes could become immediately payable and its revolving credit facility could be terminated. As of December 31, 2011, DIRECTV U.S. management believes they are in compliance with all such covenants. The senior notes and revolving credit facility also provide that the borrowings may be required to be prepaid if certain change-in-control events occur.

Contingencies

        Venezuela devaluation and exchange controls.    In January 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the creation of a dual exchange rate system, including an exchange rate of 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar for most of the activities of our Venezuelan operations compared to an exchange rate of 2.15 Venezuelan bolivars fuerte prior to the announcement. As a result of this devaluation, we recorded a $6 million charge to net income in the year ended December 31, 2010 related to

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the adjustment of net bolivars fuerte denominated monetary assets to the new official exchange rate. We began reporting the operating results of our Venezuelan subsidiary in the first quarter of 2010 using the devalued rate of 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar. In December 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the elimination of the dual exchange rate system, eliminating the 2.6 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar preferential rate which was available for certain activities.

        Companies operating in Venezuela are required to obtain Venezuelan government approval to exchange Venezuelan bolivars fuerte into U.S. dollars at the official rate. We have not been able to consistently exchange Venezuelan bolivars fuerte into U.S. dollars at the official rate and as a result, we have relied on a parallel exchange process to settle U.S. dollar obligations and to repatriate accumulated cash balances prior to its close. The rates implied by transactions in the parallel market, which was closed in May 2010, were significantly higher than the official rate (6 to 7 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar). As a result, we recorded a $22 million charge in 2010, and a $213 million charge in 2009 in "General and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in connection with the exchange of accumulated Venezuelan cash balances to U.S. dollars using the parallel exchange process.

        As a result of the closing of the parallel exchange process in May 2010, we have been unable to repatriate excess cash balances and as a result, we have realized no charges for the repatriation of cash in 2011. Our ability to pay U.S. dollar denominated obligations and repatriate cash generated in Venezuela in excess of local operating requirements is limited, resulting in an increase in the cash balance at our Venezuelan subsidiary. At such time that exchange controls are eased, accumulated cash balances may ultimately be repatriated at less than their currently reported value, as the official exchange rate has not changed despite continuing high inflation in Venezuela. In addition, in the event of a significant devaluation of the bolivar fuerte, we may recognize a charge to earnings based on the amount of bolivar fuerte denominated net monetary assets (monetary assets net of monetary liabilities) held at the time of such devaluation. These conditions are also expected to affect growth in our Venezuelan business which is dependent on our ability to purchase set-top boxes and other components using U.S. dollars.

        Using the official 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar exchange rate as of December 31, 2011, our Venezuelan subsidiary had net Venezuelan bolivar fuerte denominated monetary assets of $285 million, including cash of $401 million as of December 31, 2011.

        Income taxes.    During 2010, we entered into an agreement with a former owner to settle certain tax contingencies. As a result of this settlement we recorded a benefit of $39 million in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2010. We engage in continuous discussions and negotiations with federal, state, and foreign taxing authorities and reevaluate our uncertain tax positions, and, while it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter or tax position, we believe that it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by up to approximately $180 million during the next twelve months.

        Globo.    As discussed in Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, Globo has the right to exchange its remaining Sky Brazil shares for cash or our common shares. If Globo exercises this right, we have the option to elect to pay the consideration in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of both.

        Other.    Several factors may affect our ability to fund our operations and commitments that we discuss in "Contractual Obligations", "Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements" and "Contingencies" below. In addition, our future cash flows may be reduced if we experience, among other things, significantly higher subscriber additions than planned, increased subscriber churn or upgrade and retention costs, higher than planned capital expenditures for satellites and broadcast equipment, or satellite anomalies or signal theft. Additionally, DIRECTV U.S.' ability to borrow under its revolving credit facility is contingent upon DIRECTV U.S. meeting a financial and other covenants associated with its facility as more fully described above.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

        The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011, including the future periods in which payments are expected. Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 referenced in the table. The contractual obligations below do not include payments that could be made related to our net unrecognized tax benefits liability, which amounted to $394 million as of December 31, 2011. The timing and amount of any future payments is not reasonably estimable, as such payments are dependent on the completion and

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resolution of examinations with tax authorities. We do not expect a significant payment related to these obligations within the next twelve months.

 
 
Payments Due By Period
 
Contractual Obligations  
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than
5 years
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Long-term debt obligations (Note 10) (a)

  $ 21,781   $ 704   $ 2,408   $ 6,100   $ 12,569  

Purchase obligations (Note 20) (b)

    8,258     2,409     3,509     1,154     1,186  

Operating lease obligations (Note 20) (c)

    846     73     143     137     493  

Capital lease obligations (Notes 12 and 20) (d)

    1,551     95     182     254     1,020  
                       

Total

  $ 32,436   $ 3,281   $ 6,242   $ 7,645   $ 15,268  
                       

(a)
Long-term debt obligations include interest calculated based on the rates in effect at December 31, 2011, however, the obligations do not reflect potential prepayments required under indentures.

(b)
Purchase obligations consist primarily of broadcast programming commitments, regional professional team rights agreements, service contract commitments and satellite construction and launch contracts. Broadcast programming commitments include guaranteed minimum contractual commitments that are typically based on a flat fee or a minimum number of required subscribers subscribing to the related programming. Actual payments may exceed the minimum payment requirements if the actual number of subscribers subscribing to the related programming exceeds the minimum amounts. Service contract commitments include minimum commitments for the purchase of services that have been outsourced to third parties, such as billing services, telemetry, tracking and control services and broadcast center services. In most cases, actual payments, which are typically based on volume, usually exceed these minimum amounts.

(c)
Certain of the operating leases contain variable escalation clauses and renewal or purchase options, which we do not consider in the amounts disclosed.

(d)
Capital lease obligations includes obligations related to the ISDLA-1 and ISDLA-2 satellites discussed in Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

        As of December 31, 2011, we were contingently liable under standby letters of credit and bonds in the aggregate amount of $136 million, primarily related to a judicial deposit in Brazil for the ECAD matter discussed in Part I, Item 3 of this Annual Report and insurance deductibles.

CONTINGENCIES

        For a discussion of "Contingencies", see Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which we incorporate herein by reference.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        For a discussion of "Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions," see Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which we incorporate herein by reference.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

        The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect amounts reported. Management bases its estimates, judgments and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported for future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates. The following represents what we believe are the critical accounting policies that may involve a higher degree of estimation, judgment and complexity. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosures relating to them, which are presented below. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, including those discussed below, see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

        Income Taxes.    We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining provisions for income taxes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, tax benefits and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes.

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        We assess the recoverability of deferred tax assets at each reporting date and where applicable, record a valuation allowance to reduce the total deferred tax asset to an amount that will, more-likely-than-not, be realized in the future. Our assessment includes an analysis of whether deferred tax assets will be realized in the ordinary course of operations based on the available positive and negative evidence, including the scheduling of deferred tax liabilities and forecasted income from operating activities. The underlying assumptions we use in forecasting future taxable income require significant judgment. In the event that actual income from operating activities differs from forecasted amounts, or if we change our estimates of forecasted income from operating activities, we could record additional charges or reduce allowances in order to adjust the carrying value of deferred tax assets to their realizable amount. Such adjustments could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

        In addition, the recognition of a tax benefit for tax positions involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We provide for taxes for uncertain tax positions where assessments have not been received. We believe such tax reserves are adequate in relation to the potential for additional assessments. Once established, we adjust these amounts only when more information is available or when an event occurs necessitating a change to the reserves. Future events such as changes in the facts or law, judicial decisions regarding the application of existing law or a favorable audit outcome will result in changes to the amounts provided.

        Contingent Matters.    Determining when, or if, an accrual should be recorded for a contingent matter, including but not limited to legal and tax issues, and the amount of such accrual, if any, requires a significant amount of management judgment and estimation. We develop our judgments and estimates in consultation with outside counsel based on an analysis of potential outcomes. Due to the uncertainty of determining the likelihood of a future event occurring and the potential financial statement impact of such an event, it is possible that upon further development or resolution of a contingent matter, we could record a charge in a future period that would be material to our consolidated financial statements.

        Depreciable Lives of Leased Set-Top Receivers.    We currently lease most set-top receivers provided to new and existing subscribers and therefore capitalize the cost of those set-top receivers. We depreciate set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. over a three to four year estimated useful life, which is based on, among other things, management's judgment of the risk of technological obsolescence. Changes in the estimated useful lives of set-top receivers capitalized could result in significant changes to the amounts recorded as depreciation expense. If we extended the depreciable life of the set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. by one year, it would result in an approximately $300 million reduction in annual depreciation expense.

        Valuation of Long-Lived Assets.    We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. We consider the carrying value of a long-lived asset impaired when the anticipated undiscounted future cash flow from such asset is separately identifiable and is less than its carrying value. In that event, we recognize a loss based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. We determine fair value primarily using the estimated future cash flows associated with the asset under review, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved, and other valuation techniques. We determine losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of in a similar manner, except that we reduce the fair value for the cost of disposal. Changes in estimates of future cash flows could result in a write-down of the asset in a future period.

        Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives.    We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently when events and circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment loss. We completed our annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2011, and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite lives. As of December 31, 2011, the fair value of each reporting unit and our intangible assets with indefinite lives significantly exceed their carrying values. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which we incorporate herein by reference.

        The goodwill evaluation requires the estimation of the fair value of reporting units where we record goodwill. We determine fair values primarily using estimated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved, when appropriate. Estimation of future cash flows requires significant judgment about future operating results, and can vary significantly from one evaluation to the next. Risk adjusted discount rates are not fixed and are subject to change over time. As a result, changes in estimated future cash flows and/or changes in discount rates

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could result in a write-down of goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite lives in a future period which could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

        For a discussion of accounting changes and new accounting pronouncements see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, which we incorporate herein by reference.

KEY TERMINOLOGY

        Revenues.    We earn revenues mostly from monthly fees we charge subscribers for subscriptions to basic and premium channel programming, HD programming and access fees, pay-per-view programming, and seasonal and live sporting events. We also earn revenues from monthly fees that we charge subscribers with multiple non-leased set-top receivers (which we refer to as mirroring fees), monthly fees we charge subscribers for leased set-top receivers, monthly fees we charge subscribers for DVR service, hardware revenues from subscribers who lease or purchase set-top receivers from us, warranty service fees and advertising services. Revenues are reported net of customer credits and discounted promotions.

        Broadcast Programming and Other.    These costs primarily include license fees for subscription service programming, pay-per-view programming, live sports and other events. Other costs include continuing service fees paid to third parties for active subscribers and warranty service costs.

        Subscriber Service Expenses.    Subscriber service expenses include the costs of customer call centers, billing, remittance processing and certain home services expenses, such as in-home repair costs.

        Broadcast Operations Expenses.    These expenses include broadcast center operating costs, signal transmission expenses (including costs of collecting signals for our local channel offerings), and costs of monitoring, maintaining and insuring our satellites. Also included are engineering expenses associated with deterring theft of our signal.

        Subscriber Acquisition Costs.    These costs include the cost of set-top receivers and other equipment, commissions we pay to national retailers, independent satellite television retailers, dealers and telcos, and the cost of installation, advertising, marketing and customer call center expenses associated with the acquisition of new subscribers. Set-top receivers leased to new subscribers are capitalized in "Property and equipment, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciated over their useful lives. In certain countries in Latin America, where our customer agreements provide for the lease of the entire DIRECTV or SKY System, we also capitalize the costs of the other customer premises equipment and related installation costs. The amount of set-top receivers capitalized each period for subscriber acquisitions is included in "Cash paid for property and equipment" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

        Upgrade and Retention Costs.    Upgrade and retention costs are associated with upgrade efforts for existing subscribers that we believe will result in higher average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, and lower churn. Our upgrade efforts include subscriber equipment upgrade programs for DVR, HD and HD DVR receivers and local channels, our multiple set-top receiver offers and similar initiatives. Retention costs also include the costs of installing and providing hardware under our movers program for subscribers relocating to a new residence. Set-top receivers leased to existing subscribers under upgrade and retention programs are capitalized in "Property and equipment, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciated over their useful lives. The amount of set-top receivers capitalized each period for upgrade and retention programs is included in "Cash paid for property and equipment" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

        General and Administrative Expenses.    General and administrative expenses include departmental costs for legal, administrative services, finance, marketing and information technology. These costs also include expenses for bad debt and other operating expenses, such as legal settlements, and gains or losses from the sale or disposal of fixed assets.

        Average Monthly Revenue Per Subscriber.    We calculate ARPU by dividing average monthly revenues for the period (total revenues during the period divided by the number of months in the period) by average subscribers for the period. We calculate average subscribers for the period by adding the number of subscribers as of the beginning of the period and for each quarter end in the current year or period and dividing by the sum of the number of quarters in the period plus one.

        Average Monthly Subscriber Churn.    Average monthly subscriber churn represents the number of subscribers whose service is disconnected, expressed as a

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percentage of the average total number of subscribers. We calculate average monthly subscriber churn by dividing the average monthly number of disconnected subscribers for the period (total subscribers disconnected, net of reconnects, during the period divided by the number of months in the period) by average subscribers for the period.

        Subscriber Count.    The total number of subscribers represents the total number of subscribers actively subscribing to our service, including subscribers who have suspended their account for a particular season of the year because they are temporarily away from their primary residence and subscribers who are in the process of relocating and commercial equivalent viewing units.

        SAC.    We calculate SAC, which represents total subscriber acquisition costs stated on a per subscriber basis, by dividing total subscriber acquisition costs for the period by the number of gross new subscribers acquired during the period. We calculate total subscriber acquisition costs for the period by adding together "Subscriber acquisition costs" expensed during the period and the amount of cash paid for equipment leased to new subscribers during the period.

***

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ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The following discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity analyses referred to below include forward-looking statements of market risk which assume for analytical purposes that certain adverse market conditions may occur. Actual future market conditions may differ materially from such assumptions and the amounts noted below are the result of analyses used for the purpose of assessing possible risks and the mitigation thereof. Accordingly, you should not consider the forward-looking statements as our projections of future events or losses.

General

        Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and changes in the market value of our equity investments. We manage our exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. We enter into derivative instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet our risk management objectives, and do not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Risk

        We generally conduct our business in U.S. dollars with some business conducted in a variety of foreign currencies and therefore we are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our objective in managing our exposure to foreign currency changes is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Accordingly, we may enter into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency transactions. The gains and losses on derivative foreign exchange contracts offset changes in value of the related exposures. As of December 31, 2011, we had no significant foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding. The impact of a hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates on our net assets would be a loss of $150 million, net of taxes, at December 31, 2011, a significant portion of which would be recorded in "Foreign currency translation activity during the period" in our Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest.

Interest Rate Risk

        From time to time, we may be subject to fluctuating interest rates for variable rate borrowings, which may adversely impact our consolidated results of operations and cash flows. We had outstanding debt of $13,464 million at December 31, 2011, which mostly consisted of DIRECTV U.S.' fixed rate borrowings.

***

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ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of DIRECTV
El Segundo, California

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DIRECTV and subsidiaries ("the Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity (deficit) and redeemable noncontrolling interest, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of DIRECTV and subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP          

Los Angeles, California
February 22, 2012

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 

Revenues

  $ 27,226   $ 24,102   $ 21,565  

Operating costs and expenses

                   

Costs of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                   

Broadcast programming and other

    11,655     10,074     9,064  

Subscriber service expenses

    1,911     1,681     1,525  

Broadcast operations expenses

    389     350     341  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                   

Subscriber acquisition costs

    3,390     3,005     2,773  

Upgrade and retention costs

    1,327     1,169     1,092  

General and administrative expenses

    1,576     1,445     1,457  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    2,349     2,482     2,640  
               

Total operating costs and expenses

    22,597     20,206     18,892  
               

Operating profit

    4,629     3,896     2,673  

Interest income

    34     39     41  

Interest expense

    (763 )   (557 )   (423 )

Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)

        67     (491 )

Other, net

    84     69     34  
               

Income before income taxes

    3,984     3,514     1,834  

Income tax expense

    (1,348 )   (1,202 )   (827 )
               

Net income

    2,636     2,312     1,007  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (27 )   (114 )   (65 )
               

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,609   $ 2,198   $ 942  
               

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS—(continued)

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 

Net income attributable to common stockholders:

                   

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders (DIRECTV Group common stockholders for the period January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009)

  $ 2,609   $ 2,014   $ 942  

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders, for the period of November 19, 2009 through June 16, 2010, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction in 2010

        184      
               

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,609   $ 2,198   $ 942  
               

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share (DIRECTV Group common shares for the period January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009):

 
$

3.49
 
$

2.31
 
$

0.96
 

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders per common share (DIRECTV Group common shares for the period January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009):

 
$

3.47
 
$

2.30
 
$

0.95
 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders per common share, for the period of November 19, 2009 through June 16, 2010, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction in 2010:

 
$

 
$

8.44
 
$

(0.02

)

Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding (in millions)

                   

Basic

    747     870     982  

Diluted

    752     876     989  

Weighted average number of Class B common shares outstanding, for the period of November 19, 2009 through June 16, 2010 (in millions)

                   

Basic

        22     22  

Diluted

        22     22  

Weighted average number of total common shares outstanding (in millions):

                   

Basic

    747     880     985  

Diluted

    752     886     992  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Net income

  $ 2,636   $ 2,312   $ 1,007  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                   

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of tax

    (30 )   8     (2 )

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of tax

    1          

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax:

                   

Cumulative effect of change in functional currency at Sky Brazil

            (112 )

Foreign currency translation activity during the period

    (94 )   20     179  

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities, net of tax:

                   

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities

    (6 )   4     7  

Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains recognized during period

        (3 )    
               

Comprehensive income

    2,507     2,341     1,079  

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    (17 )   (121 )   (59 )
               

Comprehensive income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,490   $ 2,220   $ 1,020  
               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions,
Except Share Data)

 

ASSETS

             

Current assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 873   $ 1,502  

Accounts receivable, net

    2,474     2,001  

Inventories

    280     247  

Deferred income taxes

    62     53  

Prepaid expenses and other

    552     450  
           

Total current assets

    4,241     4,253  

Satellites, net

    2,215     2,235  

Property and equipment, net

    5,223     4,444  

Goodwill

    4,097     4,148  

Intangible assets, net

    909     1,074  

Investments and other assets

    1,738     1,755  
           

Total assets

  $ 18,423   $ 17,909  
           

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

             

Current liabilities

             

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ 4,210   $ 3,926  

Unearned subscriber revenues and deferred credits

    533     486  

Short-term borrowings

        38  
           

Total current liabilities

    4,743     4,450  

Long-term debt

    13,464     10,472  

Deferred income taxes

    1,771     1,670  

Other liabilities and deferred credits

    1,287     1,287  

Commitments and contingencies

             

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

    265     224  

Stockholders' deficit

             

Common stock and additional paid-in capital—$0.01 par value, 3,947,000,000 and 3,500,000,000 shares authorized, 691,306,695 and 808,447,044 shares issued and outstanding of DIRECTV Class A common stock at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively

    4,799     5,563  

Accumulated deficit

    (7,750 )   (5,730 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (156 )   (27 )
           

Total stockholders' deficit

    (3,107 )   (194 )
           

Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit

  $ 18,423   $ 17,909  
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

 
 
The DIRECTV
Group, Inc.
Common Shares
 
DIRECTV
Class A
Common Shares
 
DIRECTV
Class B
Common Shares
 
Common Stock
and Additional
Paid-In Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss, net of taxes
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity (Deficit)
 
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Net
Income
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions, Except Share Data)
 

Balance at January 1, 2009

    1,024,182,043           $ 8,318   $ (3,559 ) $ (128 ) $ 4,631   $ 325        

Net Income

                            942           942     65   $ 1,007  

Stock repurchased and retired

    (71,242,534 )               (591 )   (1,105 )         (1,696 )            

Stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested and distributed

    4,191,329     1,898,770           35                 35              

Liberty Transaction

    (957,130,838 )   909,479,149     21,809,863     (1,145 )               (1,145 )            

Share-based compensation expense

                      55                 55              

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

                      29                 29              

Adjustment to the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest

                      (16 )               (16 )   16        

Other

                      4                 4              

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of tax

                                  (2 )   (2 )            

Cumulative effect of change in functional currency at Sky Brazil, net of tax

                                  (112 )   (112 )            

Foreign currency translation activity during the period, net of tax

                                  179     179     (6 )      

Unrealized gains on securities, net of tax

                                  7     7              
                                         

Balance at December 31, 2009

        911,377,919     21,809,863     6,689     (3,722 )   (56 )   2,911     400        

Net Income

                            2,198           2,198     114   $ 2,312  

Stock repurchased and retired

          (135,528,774 )         (973 )   (4,206 )         (5,179 )            

Stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested and distributed

          6,050,275           (30 )               (30 )            

Malone Transaction

          26,547,624     (21,809,863 )                                    

Share-based compensation expense

                      82                 82              

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

                      38                 38              

Dividends paid by subsidiary to redeemable noncontrolling interest

                                              (15 )      

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest, including related deferred income taxes

                      79                 79     (605 )      

Adjustment to the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest

                      (323 )               (323 )   323        

Other

                      1                 1              

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of tax

                                  8     8              

Foreign currency translation activity during the period, net of tax

                                  20     20     7        

Unrealized gains on securities, net of tax

                                  4     4              

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains recognized during period, net of tax

                                  (3 )   (3 )            
                                         

Balance at December 31, 2010

        808,447,044         5,563     (5,730 )   (27 )   (194 )   224        

Net Income

                            2,609           2,609     27   $ 2,636  

Stock repurchased and retired

          (119,132,986 )         (825 )   (4,630 )         (5,455 )            

Stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested and distributed

          1,992,637           (48 )               (48 )            

Share-based compensation expense

                      103                 103              

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

                      30                 30              

Adjustment to the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest

                      (24 )               (24 )   24        

Other

                            1           1              

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of tax

                                  (30 )   (30 )            

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of tax

                                  1     1              

Foreign currency translation activity during the period, net of tax

                                  (94 )   (94 )   (10 )      

Unrealized losses on securities, net of tax

                                  (6 )   (6 )            
                                         

Balance at December 31, 2011

        691,306,695       $ 4,799   $ (7,750 ) $ (156 ) $ (3,107 ) $ 265        
                                         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

                   

Net income

  $ 2,636   $ 2,312   $ 1,007  

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

                   

Depreciation and amortization

    2,349     2,482     2,640  

Amortization of deferred revenues and deferred credits

    (39 )   (36 )   (48 )

Share-based compensation expense

    103     82     55  

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates

    (109 )   (90 )   (51 )

Net foreign currency transaction (gain) loss

    50     (11 )   (62 )

Dividends received

    104     78     94  

Net loss from impairment of investments

            45  

Gain from sale of investments

    (63 )   (6 )    

Liberty transaction and related (gains) charges

        (67 )   491  

Deferred income taxes

    328     375     441  

Other

    53     66     48  

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

                   

Accounts receivable

    (524 )   (391 )   (141 )

Inventories

    (33 )   (35 )   (12 )

Prepaid expenses and other

    (139 )   (4 )   (5 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    391     437     (215 )

Unearned subscriber revenues and deferred credits

    47     52     55  

Other, net

    31     (38 )   89  
               

Net cash provided by operating activities

    5,185     5,206     4,431  

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

                   

Cash paid for property and equipment

    (2,924 )   (2,303 )   (2,012 )

Cash paid for satellites

    (246 )   (113 )   (59 )

Cash paid for Liberty transaction, net of cash acquired

            (97 )

Investment in companies, net of cash acquired

    (11 )   (617 )   (37 )

Proceeds from sale of investments

    116     9      

Other, net

    43     (75 )   11  
               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (3,022 )   (3,099 )   (2,194 )

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(continued)

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

                   

Cash proceeds from debt issuance

    3,990     5,978     1,990  

Debt issuance costs

    (30 )   (44 )   (14 )

Repayment of long-term debt

    (1,000 )   (2,323 )   (1,018 )

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

        38      

Repayment of short-term borrowings

    (39 )        

Repayment of collar loan and equity collars

        (1,537 )   (751 )

Repayment of other long-term obligations

    (184 )   (127 )   (116 )

Common shares repurchased and retired

    (5,496 )   (5,111 )   (1,696 )

Stock options exercised

        38     35  

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation

    (58 )   (118 )   (72 )

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

    25     11     5  

Dividends paid to redeemable noncontrolling interest

        (15 )    
               

Net cash used in financing activities

    (2,792 )   (3,210 )   (1,637 )
               

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (629 )   (1,103 )   600  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

    1,502     2,605     2,005  
               

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

  $ 873   $ 1,502   $ 2,605  
               

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

                   

Cash paid for interest

  $ 687   $ 460   $ 412  

Cash paid for income taxes

    1,042     705     484  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: Description of Business

        DIRECTV, which we sometimes refer to as the company, we, or us, is a leading provider of digital television entertainment in the United States and Latin America. We operate two direct-to-home, or DTH, operating segments: DIRECTV U.S. and DIRECTV Latin America, which are differentiated by their geographic location and are engaged in acquiring, promoting, selling and distributing digital entertainment programming via satellite to residential and commercial subscribers. Since November 19, 2009, we also own and operate three regional sports networks and own a 60% interest in Game Show Network LLC, or GSN, a basic cable television network dedicated to game-related programming and Internet interactive game playing. We account for our investment in GSN using the equity method of accounting.

Liberty Transaction

        On November 19, 2009, The DIRECTV Group, Inc., or DIRECTV Group, and Liberty Media Corporation, which we refer to as Liberty or Liberty Media, obtained stockholder approval of and closed a series of related transactions which we refer to collectively as the Liberty Transaction. The Liberty Transaction included the split-off of certain of the assets of the Liberty Entertainment group into Liberty Entertainment, Inc., or LEI, which was then split-off from Liberty. Following the split-off, DIRECTV Group and LEI merged with subsidiaries of DIRECTV. As a result of the Liberty Transaction, DIRECTV Group, which is comprised of the DIRECTV U.S. and DIRECTV Latin America businesses, and LEI, which held Liberty's 57% interest in DIRECTV Group, a 100% interest in three regional sports television networks, a 65% interest in GSN, approximately $120 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $2.1 billion of indebtedness and a related series of equity collars, became wholly-owned subsidiaries of DIRECTV.

        DIRECTV Group has been treated as the acquiring corporation in the Liberty Transaction for accounting and financial reporting purposes and accordingly, the historical financial statements of DIRECTV Group are reported as the historical financial statements of DIRECTV in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

        See Note 4 for additional information regarding these transactions.

Note 2: Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

        We present our accompanying financial statements on a consolidated basis and include our accounts and those of our domestic and foreign subsidiaries that we control through equity ownership or for which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements

        We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported herein.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, our actual results reported in future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

        We enter into multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements with our subscribers under which we provide DIRECTV receiving equipment and installation at the inception of the arrangement, and programming during their contract period, of up to two years. We allocate consideration to each deliverable in the arrangement based on its relative selling price. We determine the selling price of the DIRECTV receiving equipment using our best estimate. We determine the selling price for installation services based on prices charged by third parties. We determine the selling price of the programming using our standard programming rates. The DIRECTV receiving equipment, installation services and programming are each considered separate units of accounting.

        We recognize subscription and pay-per-view revenues when programming is broadcast to subscribers. We recognize subscriber fees for multiple set-top receivers and warranty services as revenue, as earned. We recognize advertising revenues when the related services are performed. We defer programming payments received from subscribers in advance of the broadcast as "Unearned subscriber revenues and deferred credits" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until earned. We recognize revenues to be received under contractual commitments on a straight line basis over the minimum contractual period. We report revenues net of customer credits and discounted promotions.

Broadcast Programming and Other

        We recognize the costs of television programming distribution rights when we distribute the related programming. We recognize the costs of television programming rights to distribute live sporting events for a season or tournament to expense using the straight-line method over the course of the season or tournament.

        We defer advance payments in the form of cash and equity instruments from programming content providers for carriage of their signal and recognize them as a reduction of "Broadcast programming and other" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the related contract term. We record equity instruments at fair value based on quoted market prices or values determined by management.

Subscriber Acquisition Costs

        Subscriber acquisition costs consist of costs we incur to acquire new subscribers. We include the cost of set-top receivers and other equipment, commissions we pay to national retailers, independent satellite television retailers, dealers, telephone communication companies and the cost of installation, advertising, marketing and customer call center expenses associated with the acquisition of new subscribers in subscriber acquisition costs. We expense these costs as incurred, or when subscribers activate the DIRECTV® service, as appropriate, except for the cost of set-top receivers leased to new subscribers, which we capitalize in "Property and equipment, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciate over their estimated useful lives. In certain countries in Latin America, where our customer agreements provide for the lease of the entire DIRECTV or SKY System, we also capitalize the costs of the other customer premises equipment and related installation costs in "Property and equipment, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Although paid in advance, the retailer or dealer earns substantially all commissions paid for customer acquisitions over 12 months from the date of subscriber activation. Should the subscriber cancel our service during such 12 month service period, we are reimbursed for the unearned portion of the commission by the retailer or dealer and record a decrease to subscriber acquisition costs. We include the amount of our set-top receivers capitalized each period for subscriber acquisition activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows under the caption "Cash paid for property and equipment." See Note 6 for additional information.

Upgrade and Retention Costs

        Upgrade and retention costs consist primarily of costs we incur for loyalty programs offered to existing subscribers. We include the costs of installing or providing hardware under our movers program (for subscribers relocating to a new residence), multiple set-top receiver offers, digital video recorder, or DVR, high-definition, or HD, and local channel upgrade programs and other similar initiatives. We expense these costs as incurred, except for the cost of set-top

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

receivers leased to existing subscribers, which we capitalize in "Property and equipment, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We include the amount of our set-top receivers capitalized each period for upgrade and retention activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows under the caption "Cash paid for property and equipment." See Note 6 for additional information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and highly liquid investments we purchase with original maturities of three months or less.

Inventories

        We state inventories at the lower of average cost or market. Inventories consist of finished goods for DIRECTV System equipment and DIRECTV System access cards.

Property and Equipment, Satellites and Depreciation

        We carry property and equipment, and satellites, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. The amounts we capitalize for satellites currently being constructed and those that have been successfully launched include the costs of construction, launch, launch insurance, incentive obligations and capitalized interest. We generally compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We amortize leasehold improvements over the lesser of the life of the asset or term of the lease.

Capitalized Software Costs

        We capitalize certain software costs incurred, either from internal or external sources, as part of "Property and equipment, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciate these costs on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the software. We recognize planning, training, support and maintenance costs incurred either prior to or following the implementation phase as expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which they occur. We had unamortized capitalized software costs of $544 million as of December 31, 2011 and $496 million as of December 31, 2010. We recorded depreciation of these costs of $232 million in 2011, $218 million in 2010 and $196 million in 2009 in "Depreciation and amortization expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are carried at historical cost and are subject to write-down, as needed, based upon an impairment analysis that we must perform at least annually, or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment loss. We perform our annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of each year. We use estimates of fair value to determine the amount of impairment, if any, of goodwill and intangibles assets with indefinite lives. The goodwill evaluation requires the estimation of the fair value of reporting units where we record goodwill. We determine fair values primarily using estimated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved, when appropriate. If an impairment loss results from the annual impairment test, we would record the loss as a pre-tax charge to operating income.

        We amortize other intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 5 to 20 years.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

        We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. We consider the carrying value of a long-lived asset impaired when the anticipated undiscounted future cash flow from such asset is separately identifiable and is less than its carrying value. In that event, we would recognize a loss based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. We determine fair value primarily using estimated future cash flows associated with the asset under review, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved, or other valuation techniques. We determine losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of in a similar manner, except that we reduce the fair value for the cost of disposal.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

Foreign Currency

        The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for most of our foreign operations. We recognize gains and losses resulting from remeasurement of these operations' foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities and transactions into the U.S. dollar in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        We also have foreign operations where the local currency is their functional currency. Accordingly, these foreign entities translate assets and liabilities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates while income and expense accounts are translated at the average rates in effect during the year. We record the resulting translation adjustment as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which we refer to as OCI, a separate component of stockholders' deficit.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We regularly review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is "other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Debt Issuance Costs

        We defer costs we incur to issue debt and amortize these costs to interest expense using the straight-line method over the term of the respective obligation.

Share-Based Payment

        We grant restricted stock units and common stock options to certain employees and directors.

        We record compensation expense equal to the fair value of stock-based awards at the date approved on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of up to three years, reduced for estimated forfeitures and adjusted for anticipated payout percentages related to the achievement of performance targets.

Sales Taxes

        Sales taxes collected and remitted to state and local authorities are recorded on a net basis.

Income Taxes

        We determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which we expect the differences to reverse. We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax provisions, assessing the likelihood of recovering our deferred tax assets, and evaluating tax positions.

        We recognize a benefit in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for uncertain tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns,

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

for which the benefit has not yet been recognized in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to the uncertainty of whether such benefits will be ultimately realized. We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations at such time that the benefit is effectively settled.

Advertising Costs

        We expense advertising costs primarily in "Subscriber acquisition costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as incurred. Advertising costs for print and media related to national advertising campaigns, net of payments received from programming content providers for marketing support, were $464 million in 2011, $396 million in 2010 and $363 million in 2009. We previously reported advertising expenses, net of payments received from programming content providers for marketing support of $342 million in 2010 and $317 million in 2009, for advertising costs primarily in "Subscriber acquisition costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Market Concentrations and Credit Risk

        We sell programming services and extend credit, in amounts generally not exceeding $200 each, to a large number of individual residential subscribers throughout the United States and most of Latin America. As applicable, we maintain allowances for anticipated losses.

Fair Value Measurement

        We determine the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities based on the three level valuation hierarchy established for classification of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability and may be observable or unobservable. The three level hierarchy of inputs is as follows:

Note 3: Accounting Changes, Change in Accounting Estimate and New Accounting Standard

Accounting Changes

        Revenue Recognition.    On January 1, 2011 we adopted the revisions issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, to the standard for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. The revised standard allows entities to use the "best estimate of selling price" in addition to third-party evidence or actual selling prices for determining the fair value of a deliverable, and includes additional disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. The adoption of this change did not have an effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

        Comprehensive Income.    In June 2011, the FASB modified the presentation of comprehensive income in the financial statements. The revised standard requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements and must be applied retrospectively. This standard eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. The revised standard does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The modification of the standard did not have an effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position, when adopted, on December 31, 2011.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

Change in Accounting Estimate

        Depreciable Lives of Leased Set-Top Receivers.    We currently lease most set-top receivers provided to new and existing subscribers and therefore capitalize the cost of those set-top receivers. We depreciate capitalized set-top receivers over the estimated useful life of the equipment. As a result of the completion of an extensive evaluation of the estimated useful life of the set-top receivers, including consideration of historical write-offs, improved efficiencies in our refurbishment program, improved set-top receiver failure rates over time and management's judgment of the risk of technological obsolescence, we determined that the estimated useful life of HD set-top receivers used in our DIRECTV U.S. business has increased to four years, from three years as previously estimated. We will continue to depreciate standard definition set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. over a three-year estimated useful life. We are accounting for this change in the useful life of the HD set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. as a change in an accounting estimate beginning July 1, 2011. This change had the effect of reducing depreciation and amortization expense and increasing both net income attributable to DIRECTV and earnings per share in our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 as follows:

 
 
(Dollars in Millions,
Except Per Share Amounts)
 

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $ (141 )

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

    86  

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

  $ 0.12  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

  $ 0.11  

New Accounting Standard

        Goodwill Impairment Testing.    In September 2011, the FASB approved a revised standard that simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. The revised standard permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The standard does not address impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles. We do not expect the adoption of the revised standard to have an effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position, when adopted, as required, on January 1, 2012.            

Note 4: Acquisitions

        In connection with our acquisition of Sky Brazil in 2006, Globo was granted the right, until January 2014, to require us to purchase all or a portion (but not less than half) of its 25.9% interest in Sky Brazil. In June 2010, Globo notified us that it was exercising its right to exchange 178.8 million shares representing approximately 19% of the ownership interests in Sky Brazil. In accordance with our agreement, Globo will have the right to exchange all (but not less than all) of its remaining equity interest in Sky Brazil until January 2014.

        As a result of Globo's notice, the fair value of the approximate 19% interest was determined to be $605 million by an independent investment bank according to a process specified by Globo and us in the related agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we paid the purchase price in cash, which was recorded as a reduction to "Redeemable noncontrolling interest" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for their approximate 19% interest in Sky Brazil. In addition, we recorded $79 million of net deferred tax assets related to the acquisition of this interest as an offset to "Additional paid in capital" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We and our subsidiaries now own 93% of Sky Brazil and Globo owns the remaining 7%.

        On November 19, 2009, DIRECTV Group and Liberty Media obtained stockholder approval of and closed a series of related transactions which we refer to collectively as the Liberty Transaction. The Liberty Transaction included the split-off of certain of the assets of the Liberty Entertainment group into LEI, which was then split-off from Liberty. Following the split-off, DIRECTV Group and LEI merged with subsidiaries of DIRECTV. As a result of the Liberty Transaction, DIRECTV Group, which is comprised of the DIRECTV U.S. and DIRECTV Latin America businesses, and LEI, which held Liberty's 57% interest in DIRECTV Group, a 100% interest in three regional sports networks, a 65% interest in Game Show Network, LLC, approximately $120 million in cash and cash equivalents and

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

approximately $2.1 billion of indebtedness and a related series of equity collars, became wholly-owned subsidiaries of DIRECTV.

        DIRECTV Group entered into the Liberty Transaction to eliminate the approximate 57% ownership interest in DIRECTV Group held by Liberty Media, thereby reducing the concentration of voting power in a single stockholder or group of affiliated stockholders. The merger also resulted in greater liquidity of the DIRECTV common stock, greater operating and governance independence and the elimination of the risk that Liberty could transfer control of DIRECTV without DIRECTV's public stockholders participating in any control premium.

        The holders of outstanding shares of DIRECTV Group common stock (other than direct or indirect subsidiaries of LEI) received one share of DIRECTV Class A common stock for each share of DIRECTV Group common stock held. The holders of outstanding shares of LEI Series A common stock and Series B common stock (other than Dr. John C. Malone and his family, or the Malones) received 1.11130 shares of DIRECTV Class A common stock for each share of LEI Series A or Series B common stock held. The Malones received 1.11130 shares of DIRECTV Class B common stock for each share of LEI Series B common stock held. Based on these terms, DIRECTV issued 408.4 million Class A shares to the holders of DIRECTV Group common stock other than LEI, and 501.1 million Class A and 21.8 million Class B shares to the former LEI stockholders. The 931.3 million total Class A and Class B shares issued by DIRECTV was 25.8 million less than the 957.1 million DIRECTV Group common shares outstanding immediately preceding the merger, as the exchange ratio contemplated the fact that LEI would be contributing net liabilities (excluding LEI's interest in DIRECTV Group) to DIRECTV.

        The Liberty Transaction has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to accounting standards for business combinations. DIRECTV Group has been treated as the acquiring corporation in the Liberty Transaction for accounting and financial reporting purposes, and accordingly the historical financial statements of DIRECTV Group have become the historical financial statements of DIRECTV. The acquisition date fair value of consideration paid, in the form of DIRECTV common stock, for the assets and liabilities of LEI (excluding LEI's interest in DIRECTV Group) has been allocated to a premium expensed at the close of the transaction as discussed in more detail below and to LEI's other tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated acquisition date fair values, with any excess being treated as goodwill. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of LEI have been consolidated beginning on the acquisition date, November 19, 2009.

        The following table sets forth the final allocation of the purchase price to the LEI net liabilities assumed on November 19, 2009 (dollars in millions):

Total current assets

  $ 244  

Property and equipment

    5  

Goodwill

    295  

Investments and other assets

    754  
       

Total assets acquired

  $ 1,298  
       

Total current liabilities

  $ 2,492  

Other liabilities

    259  
       

Total liabilities assumed

  $ 2,751  
       

Net liabilities assumed

  $ 1,453  
       

        Costs incurred to complete the transaction, including legal, accounting, financial printing, investment banking and other costs, totaled $43 million and have been included as an expense in "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.

        We do not expect that goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is primarily related to the value of the three regional sports networks' intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as exploitable advertising space, assembled production and distribution networks and assembled workforces.

        The exchange ratio of LEI common stock to DIRECTV Group common stock was determined in a manner such that LEI stockholders as a group received a premium in the form of a larger economic interest in DIRECTV than would have been otherwise determined based on the relative fair values of DIRECTV Group and LEI. This premium, calculated as the value of the economic interest in DIRECTV distributed to LEI stockholders based on the fair value of the merged assets of DIRECTV as of November 19, 2009, in excess of the acquisition date fair

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value of the assets and liabilities of LEI, amounted to $337 million and has been expensed as a disproportionate distribution upon completion of the mergers in "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.

        The premium was calculated as follows (dollars in millions):

Former LEI stockholder interest in the fair value of the net assets of DIRECTV

  $ 16,054  

Less: Fair value of net assets contributed by LEI, including 57% interest in DIRECTV Group

    15,717  
       

Premium

  $ 337  
       

        As part of the Liberty Transaction, DIRECTV assumed 16.7 million common stock options and stock appreciation rights issued by LEI. Since many of the replacement awards are held by individuals who remained employees of Liberty and did not become employees or directors of DIRECTV, they are reported as a liability at fair value by DIRECTV in accordance with accounting standards for non-employee awards. See Note 16 for additional information regarding these stock based awards.

        Also, the assumed indebtedness included related equity collars which were in a liability position with an estimated negative fair value of approximately $369 million as of the acquisition date. We completed settlement of those equity collars during the first quarter of 2010. We accounted for the derivative financial instruments of the equity collars acquired as a net asset or liability at fair value.

        For the year ended December 31, 2010, amounts recorded as "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled $67 million, related to net gains recorded for the final settlement of the equity collars. See Note 10 for additional information regarding the indebtedness and equity collars.

        For the year ended December 31, 2009, amounts charged to "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled $491 million, and include the $337 million premium, $111 million of net losses recorded for the partial settlement and fair value adjustment of the equity collars and non-employee stock based awards from the acquisition date to December 31, 2009 and the $43 million of acquisition related costs.

        Cash paid, net of cash acquired in connection with the transaction was $97 million and includes a $226 million repayment of LEI's existing loan from Liberty at the close of the transaction and $43 million of cash paid for transaction costs, partially offset by $120 million in cash at LEI, and $56 million of cash at the regional sports networks.

        We assigned $228 million to definite lived intangible assets of the regional sports networks for affiliate and advertising relationships. The weighted average life of these intangibles is 19 years. These intangibles are included in the Trade name and other component of "Intangible assets, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The following selected unaudited pro forma information is being provided to present a summary of the combined results of DIRECTV and Liberty Entertainment for the year ended December 31, 2009 as if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the period, giving effect to purchase accounting adjustments. The pro forma data is presented for informational purposes only and may not necessarily reflect the results of our operations had LEI operated as part of us for the period presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results of future operations. The pro forma information excludes the effect of non-recurring charges.

 
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Revenues

  $ 21,753  

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

    1,113  

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Note 5: Accounts Receivable, Net

        The following table sets forth the amounts recorded for "Accounts receivable, net" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Subscriber

  $ 1,639   $ 1,302  

Telco

    512     362  

Trade and other

    402     413  
           

Total

    2,553     2,077  

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

    (79 )   (76 )
           

Accounts receivable, net

  $ 2,474   $ 2,001  
           

Note 6: Satellites, Net and Property and Equipment, Net

        The following table sets forth the amounts recorded for "Satellites, net" and "Property and equipment, net" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:

 
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
(years)
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
   
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Satellites

    10-16   $ 3,206   $ 3,233  

Satellites under construction

        302     70  
                 

Total

          3,508     3,303  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

          (1,293 )   (1,068 )
                 

Satellites, net

        $ 2,215   $ 2,235  
                 

Land and improvements

    9-30   $ 44   $ 43  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

    2-40     406     365  

Machinery and equipment

    2-23     1,968     1,923  

Capitalized software

    3     2,177     1,889  

Subscriber leased set-top equipment

    3-7     8,105     6,971  

Construction in-progress

        418     290  
                 

Total

          13,118     11,481  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

          (7,895 )   (7,037 )
                 

Property and equipment, net

        $ 5,223   $ 4,444  
                 

        We capitalized interest costs of $13 million in 2011, $6 million in 2010 and $18 million in 2009 as part of the cost of our property and satellites under construction. Depreciation expense, including amortization of property and equipment and satellites held under capital leases, was $2,213 million in 2011, $2,292 million in 2010 and $2,287 million in 2009.

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        The following table sets forth property and equipment leased to our subscribers as of December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Subscriber leased set-top equipment

  $ 8,105   $ 6,971  

Less: Accumulated depreciation of subscriber leased equipment

    (4,618 )   (4,096 )
           

Subscriber leased set-top equipment, net

  $ 3,487   $ 2,875  
           

        As discussed above in Note 3, effective July 1, 2011, we began depreciating capitalized HD set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. over a four-year estimated useful life. Previously, we depreciated HD set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. over a three-year estimated useful life. We continue to depreciate standard-definition set-top receivers at DIRECTV U.S. over a three-year useful life. At DIRECTV Latin America, we depreciate capitalized subscriber leased equipment, which includes the cost of the set-top receiver, installation and dish, over a three-year estimated useful life for HD set-top receivers and a seven-year useful life for standard-definition set-top receivers. The useful life used to depreciate capitalized set-top receivers is based on, among other things, management's judgment of the risk of technological obsolescence. Changes in the estimated useful lives of set-top receivers capitalized could result in significant changes to the amounts recorded as depreciation expense. We regularly evaluate the estimate useful life of our capitalized set-top receivers.

Note 7: Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amounts of "Goodwill" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets by segment for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
 
DIRECTV
U.S.
 
DIRECTV
Latin
America
 
Sports
Networks,
Eliminations
and Other
 
Total
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Balance as of January 1, 2010

  $ 3,167   $ 656   $ 341   $ 4,164  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

        21         21  

Acquisition accounting adjustments

    9         (46 )   (37 )
                   

Balance as of December 31, 2010

    3,176     677     295     4,148  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

        (52 )       (52 )

Acquisition accounting adjustments

    1             1  
                   

Balance as of December 31, 2011

  $ 3,177   $ 625   $ 295   $ 4,097  
                   

        Sky Brazil has an agreement for the right to use a satellite should its existing leased satellite suffer a significant failure and replacement capacity is needed. During the first quarter of 2010, the satellite was launched and successfully placed into its assigned orbit, and we recorded the total obligation for the right to use the satellite of $116 million in "Intangible Assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We made a $29 million payment during 2010 and we made the remaining $87 million payment during 2011. The intangible asset is being amortized on a straight line basis over the 15-year term of the agreement.

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        The following table sets forth the components for "Intangible assets, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at:

 
   
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Estimated
Useful
Lives
(years)
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
 
 
   
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Orbital slots

    Indefinite   $ 432   $   $ 432   $ 432   $   $ 432  

Satellite rights

    15     110     12     98     124     6     118  

Subscriber related

    5-10     402     353     49     443     317     126  

Dealer network

    15     130     108     22     130     99     31  

Trade name and other

    5-20     367     59     308     384     41     343  

Distribution rights

    7                 334     310     24  
                                 

Total intangible assets

        $ 1,441   $ 532   $ 909   $ 1,847   $ 773   $ 1,074  
                                 

        Amortization expense of intangible assets was $136 million in 2011, $190 million in 2010 and $352 million in 2009.

        Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets in each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows: $83 million in 2012; $42 million in 2013; $35 million in 2014; $27 million in 2015, $26 million in 2016 and $264 million thereafter.

        We performed our annual impairment tests for goodwill and orbital slots in the fourth quarters of 2011, 2010 and 2009. The estimated fair values for each reporting unit and the orbital slots exceeded our carrying values, and accordingly, no impairment losses were recorded during 2011, 2010 or 2009. Additionally, there are no accumulated impairment losses as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Note 8: Investments

Equity Method Investments

        Sky Mexico.    DIRECTV accounts for the excess of the carrying value for its investment in Sky Mexico over DIRECTV's share of Sky Mexico's equity in memo accounts allocated to goodwill and definite lived intangibles attributable to affiliate and advertising relationships. We recognized $25 million in each of 2011, 2010 and 2009 of amortization on definite lived intangibles in equity earnings of Sky Mexico related to these assets.

        Game Show Network.    As result of the Liberty Transaction on November 19, 2009, DIRECTV owned 65% of GSN. In March 2011, we sold a 5% ownership interest in GSN for $60 million in cash to our equity partner, reducing our ownership interest to 60%. We recognized a $25 million gain, $16 million after tax, on the sale in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which represents the difference between the selling price and the carrying amount of the portion of our equity method investment sold. Additionally, we entered into an agreement with our equity partner in GSN under which we have the right to require them to purchase an additional 18% interest in GSN through 2014 and in 2014, if we have not exercised that right, our equity partner in GSN has the right to require us to sell an additional 18% interest in GSN to them, in each case for an exercise price which exceeds our carrying value for that portion of the investment. Such exercise price is calculated using a formula based on an agreed upon multiple of the earnings of GSN with a minimum price of $234 million and a maximum price of $288 million. Due to certain governance arrangements which limit DIRECTV's ability to control GSN, we account for GSN as an equity method investment.

        DIRECTV accounts for the excess of the carrying value for its investment in GSN over DIRECTV's share of GSN's equity in memo accounts allocated to goodwill and definite lived intangibles attributable to affiliate and advertising relationships. We recognized $10 million in 2011, $12 million in 2010 and $1 million in 2009 of amortization on definite lived intangibles in equity earnings of GSN related to these assets.

        Other.    In April 2011, we sold an equity method investment for $55 million in cash. As a result of this sale, we recognized a $37 million gain, or $23 million after tax, on the sale in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which represents the difference between the selling price and the carrying amount of the equity method investment sold.

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        The following table sets forth the book value of our investments which we account for under the equity method of accounting:

 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Sky Mexico

  $ 490   $ 501  

GSN

    420     446  

Other equity method investments

    131     139  
           

Total investments accounted for the equity method of accounting

  $ 1,041   $ 1,086  
           

        The following table sets forth equity in earnings and losses of our investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting for the periods presented:

 
 
Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Sky Mexico

  $ 52   $ 33   $ 32  

GSN

    29     33      

Other

    28     24     19  
               

Total equity earnings for investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting

  $ 109   $ 90   $ 51  
               

        We received cash dividends of $104 million in 2011, $78 million in 2010 and $94 million in 2009 from companies that we account for under the equity method. Undistributed earnings from equity method investments were $256 million as of December 31, 2011 and $219 million as of December 31, 2010.

Marketable Equity Securities

        The following table sets forth our cost basis, the current fair value and the accumulated unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes, included as part of accumulated other comprehensive income of our marketable equity securities:

 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
Cost
Basis
 
Fair
Market
Value
 
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gain (Loss),
Net of Taxes
 
Cost
Basis
 
Fair
Market
Value
 
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gain,
Net of Taxes
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Marketable equity securities in a gain position

  $ 5   $ 11   $ 4   $ 14   $ 29   $ 9  

Marketable equity securities in a loss position

    8     6     (1 )            
                           

Total marketable equity securities

  $ 13   $ 17   $ 3   $ 14   $ 29   $ 9  
                           

        Our marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. We calculated the fair values based on quoted market prices of our investments, which is a Level 1 input under accounting standards for fair value measurement.

        We sold marketable equity securities in cash for $1 million in 2011 and $9 million in 2010. As a result of these sales, we recognized a $1 million gain, $1 million after tax, in 2011 and a $6 million gain, $4 million after tax, in 2010 in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which represents the difference between the selling price and the cost basis of the marketable equity securities sold.

Non-Marketable Equity Securities

        We had investments in non-marketable equity securities of $56 million as of December 31, 2011 and $45 million as of December 31, 2010, which were stated at cost.

        We paid cash of $11 million in 2011 to acquire interests in companies we account for under the cost method of accounting.

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Other Investments

        In 2009, we recognized a $45 million charge for the other than temporary impairment of certain of our investments.

Note 9: Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

        The following represent significant components of "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Programming costs

  $ 2,006   $ 1,751  

Accounts payable

    1,195     1,224  

Payroll and employee benefits

    307     272  

Other

    702     679  
           

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ 4,210   $ 3,926  
           

        As of December 31, 2011, there were $68 million of amounts payable to vendors for property and equipment and $3 million of amounts payable for satellites in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is considered a non-cash investing activity for purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2010 there were $30 million of amounts payable to vendors for property and equipment and $17 million of amounts payable for satellites in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is considered a non-cash investing activity for purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Note 10: Debt

        The following table sets forth our outstanding debt:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Long-term debt

             

Senior notes

  $ 13,464   $ 10,472  

Short-term borrowings

        38  
           

Total debt

  $ 13,464   $ 10,510  
           

        All of our senior notes were issued by DIRECTV Holdings LLC and DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., or the Co-Issuers, and have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. On November 14, 2011, we entered into a series of Supplemental Indentures whereby DIRECTV agreed to fully guarantee all of the senior notes, jointly and severally with substantially all of DIRECTV Holdings LLC's domestic subsidiaries. The Supplemental Indentures provide that DIRECTV unconditionally guarantees that the principal and interest on the respective senior notes will be paid in full when due and that the obligations of the Co-Issuers to the holders of the outstanding senior notes will be performed.

        As a result of the guarantees, holders of the senior notes have the benefit of DIRECTV's interests in the assets and related earnings of our operations that are not held through DIRECTV Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries. Those operations are primarily our direct-to-home digital television services throughout Latin America which are held by DIRECTV Latin America Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and DIRECTV Sports Networks LLC and its subsidiaries which are comprised primarily of three regional sports television networks based in Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, the subsidiaries that own and operate the DIRECTV Latin America and DIRECTV Sports Networks operating segments have not guaranteed the senior notes.

        The guarantees are unsecured senior obligations of DIRECTV and rank equally in right of payment with all of DIRECTV's existing and future senior debt and rank senior in right of payment to all of DIRECTV's future subordinated debt, if any. The guarantees are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured

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obligations, if any, of DIRECTV to the extent of the value of the assets securing the obligations. DIRECTV will not be subject to the covenants contained in each indenture of the senior notes and our guarantees will terminate and be released on the terms set forth in each of the senior notes.

        As of December 31, 2011, DIRECTV U.S. had the ability to borrow up to $2 billion under a revolving credit facility discussed below.

        On March 10, 2011, DIRECTV U.S. issued the following senior notes:

 
 
Principal
 
Proceeds, net
of discount
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

3.500% senior notes due 2016

  $ 1,500   $ 1,497  

5.000% senior notes due 2021

    1,500     1,493  

6.375% senior notes due 2041

    1,000     1,000  
           

  $ 4,000   $ 3,990  
           

        We incurred $24 million of debt issuance costs in connection with this transaction.

        On March 17, 2011, DIRECTV U.S. purchased, pursuant to a tender offer, $341 million of its then outstanding $1,002 million of 6.375% senior notes due in 2015 at a price of 103.313%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, for a total of $358 million. On June 15, 2011, DIRECTV U.S. redeemed, pursuant to the terms of its indenture, the remaining $659 million of its outstanding 6.375% senior notes due 2015, at a price of 102.125%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, for a total of $694 million. The redemption of the 6.375% senior notes resulted in a 2011 pre-tax charge of $25 million, $16 million after tax, primarily for the premiums paid. The charge was recorded in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        On August 17, 2010, pursuant to a registration statement, DIRECTV U.S. issued the following senior notes:

 
 
Principal
 
Proceeds, net
of discount
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

3.125% senior notes due in 2016

  $ 750   $ 750  

4.600% senior notes due in 2021

    1,000     999  

6.000% senior notes due in 2040

    1,250     1,233  
           

  $ 3,000   $ 2,982  
           

        We incurred $19 million of debt issuance costs in connection with these transactions.

        On August 20, 2010, DIRECTV U.S. repaid the $1,220 million of remaining principal on Term Loans A and B of its senior secured credit facility. The repayment of Term Loans A and B resulted in a 2010 pre-tax charge of $7 million, $4 million after tax, resulting from the write-off of deferred debt issuance and other transaction costs. The charge was recorded in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        On March 11, 2010, DIRECTV U.S. issued the following senior notes:

 
 
Principal
 
Proceeds, net
of discount
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

3.550% senior notes due in 2015

  $ 1,200   $ 1,199  

5.200% senior notes due in 2020

    1,300     1,298  

6.350% senior notes due in 2040

    500     499  
           

  $ 3,000   $ 2,996  
           

        We incurred $17 million of debt issuance costs in connection with these transactions.

        On March 16, 2010, DIRECTV U.S. repaid the $985 million of remaining principal on Term Loan C of its senior secured credit facility. The repayment of

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Term Loan C resulted in a 2010 pre-tax charge of $9 million, $6 million after tax, of which $6 million resulted from the write-off of unamortized discount and $3 million resulted from the write-off of deferred debt issuance and other transaction costs. The charge was recorded in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        On September 22, 2009, DIRECTV U.S. issued the following senior notes:

 
 
Principal
 
Proceeds, net
of discount
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

4.750% senior notes due in 2014

  $ 1,000   $ 997  

5.875% senior notes due in 2019

    1,000     993  
           

  $ 2,000   $ 1,990  
           

        We incurred $14 million of debt issuance costs in connection with these transactions.

        On September 22, 2009, DIRECTV U.S. purchased, pursuant to a tender offer, $583 million of its then outstanding $910 million of 8.375% senior notes at a price of 103.125% plus accrued and unpaid interest, for a total of $603 million. On October 23, 2009, DIRECTV U.S. redeemed, pursuant to the terms of its indenture, the remaining $327 million of its 8.375% senior notes at a price of 102.792% plus accrued and unpaid interest, for a total of $339 million. The redemption of the 8.375% senior notes resulted in a 2009 pre-tax charge of $34 million, $21 million after tax, of which $27 million resulted from the premium paid for redemption of our 8.375% senior notes and $7 million resulted from the write-off of deferred debt issuance and other transaction costs. The charge was recorded in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        Senior Notes.    The following table sets forth our outstanding senior notes balance as of December 31:

 
 
Principal amount
 
Carrying value, net of
unamortized original
issue discounts or
including premiums
 
 
 
2011
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

4.750% senior notes due in 2014

  $ 1,000   $ 999   $ 998  

3.550% senior notes due in 2015

    1,200     1,199     1,199  

6.375% senior notes due in 2015

            1,002  

3.125% senior notes due in 2016

    750     750     750  

3.500% senior notes due in 2016

    1,500     1,498      

7.625% senior notes due in 2016

    1,500     1,500     1,500  

5.875% senior notes due in 2019

    1,000     994     994  

5.200% senior notes due in 2020

    1,300     1,298     1,298  

4.600% senior notes due in 2021

    1,000     999     999  

5.000% senior notes due in 2021

    1,500     1,494      

6.350% senior notes due in 2040

    500     499     499  

6.000% senior notes due in 2040

    1,250     1,234     1,233  

6.375% senior notes due in 2041

    1,000     1,000      
               

Total senior notes

  $ 13,500   $ 13,464   $ 10,472  
               

        The fair value of our senior notes was approximately $14,512 million at December 31, 2011 and $10,881 million at December 31, 2010. We calculated the fair values based on quoted market prices of our senior notes, which is a Level 1 input under the accounting guidance for fair value measurements of assets and liabilities.

        As part of the Liberty Transaction on November 19, 2009, we assumed a credit facility and related equity collars, which we refer to as the Collar Loan. From the acquisition date to December 31, 2009, we repaid a total of $751 million, including $676 million in principal payments and $75 million in payments to settle a portion of the equity collars. We also recorded a $105 million loss during the

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

year ended December 31, 2009 in "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the partial settlement of the collar and the adjustment of the remaining collar derivative financial instruments to their fair value as of December 31, 2009 to a liability of $400 million. During the first quarter of 2010, we paid $1,537 million to repay the remaining principal balance and accrued interest on the credit facility, and to settle the equity collars. As a result, we recorded a gain of $67 million in "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the first quarter of 2010 related to the Collar Loan.

        In February 2011, DIRECTV U.S.' $500 million, six-year senior secured credit facility was terminated and replaced with a five-year, $2 billion revolving credit facility. We pay a commitment fee of 0.30% per year for the unused commitment under the revolving credit facility, and borrowings will bear interest at an annual rate of (i) the London interbank offer rate (LIBOR) (or for Euro advances the EURIBOR rate) plus 1.50% or at our option (ii) the higher of the prime rate plus 0.50% or the Fed Funds Rate plus 1.00%. The commitment fee and the annual interest rate may be increased or decreased under certain conditions, which include changes in DIRECTV U.S.' long-term, unsecured debt ratings. The revolving credit facility has been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by substantially all of DIRECTV U.S.' domestic subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. In January 2012, we borrowed $400 million under the revolving credit facility.

        Our senior notes payable mature as follows: $1,000 million in 2014, $1,200 million in 2015, $3,750 million in 2016 and $7,550 million thereafter. The amount of interest accrued related to our outstanding debt was $201 million at December 31, 2011 and $138 million at December 31, 2010.

        Covenants and Restrictions.    The revolving credit facility requires DIRECTV U.S. to maintain at the end of each fiscal quarter a specified ratio of indebtedness to adjusted net income. The revolving credit facility also includes covenants that restrict DIRECTV U.S.' ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional subsidiary indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (iv) merge or consolidate with another entity, (v) sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, and (vi) change its lines of business. Additionally, the senior notes contain restrictive covenants that are similar. Should DIRECTV U.S. fail to comply with these covenants, all or a portion of its borrowings under the senior notes could become immediately payable and its revolving credit facility could be terminated. As of December 31, 2011, management believes DIRECTV U.S. in compliance with all such covenants. The senior notes and revolving credit facility also provide that the borrowings may be required to be prepaid if certain change-in-control events occur.

        Restricted Cash.    Restricted cash of $30 million as of December 31, 2011 and $70 million as of December 31, 2010 was included as part of "Prepaid expenses and other" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts secure our letter of credit obligations and collateralize an international loan. Restrictions on the cash will be removed as the letters of credit expire and the loan is repaid.

Note 11: Income Taxes

        We base our income tax expense or benefit on reported "Income before income taxes." Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes, as measured by applying currently enacted tax laws.

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        Our income tax expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Current tax expense:

                   

U.S. federal

  $ 631   $ 391   $ 308  

Foreign

    253     227     97  

State and local

    107     20     63  
               

Total

    991     638     468  
               

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

                   

U.S. federal

    284     596     309  

Foreign

    59     (118 )   (1 )

State and local

    14     86     51  
               

Total

    357     564     359  
               

Total income tax expense

  $ 1,348   $ 1,202   $ 827  
               

        "Income before income taxes" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations included the following components for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

U.S. income

  $ 3,044   $ 2,809   $ 1,446  

Foreign income

    940     705     388  
               

Total

  $ 3,984   $ 3,514   $ 1,834  
               

        Our income tax expense was different than the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate for the reasons set forth in the following table for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Expected expense at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate

  $ 1,394   $ 1,230   $ 642  

U.S. state and local income tax expense, net of federal benefit

    75     106     77  

Liberty Transaction charges not recoverable

    1     4     127  

Change in unrecognized tax benefits

    40     (40 )   21  

Noncontrolling interests in partnership earnings and taxes

    2     (44 )   (30 )

Foreign taxes, net of federal tax benefits

    (82 )   9     (31 )

Change in valuation allowance

    (40 )   (32 )   33  

Multistate tax planning

        (20 )    

Tax credits

    (47 )   (7 )   (3 )

Other

    5     (4 )   (9 )
               

Total income tax expense

  $ 1,348   $ 1,202   $ 827  
               

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

        Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
Deferred
Tax
Assets
 
Deferred
Tax
Liabilities
 
Deferred
Tax
Assets
 
Deferred
Tax
Liabilities
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Accruals and advances

  $ 418   $ 268   $ 366   $ 168  

Prepaid expenses

        34         39  

State taxes

    73         75      

Depreciation, amortization and asset impairment charges

        1,155         723  

Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards

    610         533      

Programming contract liabilities

    48         59      

Unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses

        105         146  

Tax basis differences in investments and affiliates

    91     804     74     861  

Other

    6     5     11     8  
                   

Subtotal

    1,246     2,371     1,118     1,945  

Valuation allowance

    (466 )       (504 )    
                   

Total deferred taxes

  $ 780   $ 2,371   $ 614   $ 1,945  
                   

        Included in "Investments and other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are $210 million at December 31, 2011 and $320 million at December 31, 2010 of noncurrent deferred tax assets. Also included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are $92 million at December 31, 2011 and $34 million at December 31, 2010 of current deferred tax liabilities.

        We assessed the deferred tax assets for the respective periods for recoverability and, where applicable, we recorded a valuation allowance to reduce the total deferred tax assets to an amount that will, more likely than not, be realized in the future.

        The valuation allowance balances of $466 million at December 31, 2011 and $504 million at December 31, 2010, are primarily attributable to unused foreign operating losses and unused capital losses, both of which are available for carry forward. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the decrease in the valuation allowance was primarily attributable to a reduction in the deferred tax asset on Brazilian net operating loss carryfowards as a result of currency fluctuations.

        Although realization is not assured, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that our unreserved deferred tax assets will be realized in the ordinary course of operations based on available positive and negative evidence, including scheduling of deferred tax liabilities and projected income from operating activities. The underlying assumptions we use in forecasting future taxable income require significant judgment and take into account our recent performance.

        As of December 31, 2011, we have $27 million of federal net operating loss carryforward which expires between 2027 and 2028. The utilization of the federal net operating loss carryforward is subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, however we believe that we will have sufficient taxable income during the limitation period to utilize all of the carryforward. We also have foreign tax credit carryovers of $126 million which expire between 2019 and 2021, California research tax credits of $25 million which can be carried forward indefinitely, state net operating loss carryforwards of $30 million which expire between 2029 and 2030, and approximately $2 billion of foreign net operating losses that are primarily attributable to operations in Brazil with varying expiration dates.

        As a result of closing of the parallel exchange process in Venezuela in May 2010, we have been unable to repatriate excess cash balances. As of December 31, 2011, the cumulative amount of earnings upon which U.S. income taxes have not been provided is approximately $298 million. Should these earnings be distributed in the form of dividends, the distributions would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the statutory rate of 35 percent, less foreign tax credits available to offset such distributions. Because the time or manner of repatriation is uncertain, we cannot determine the impact of local taxes, withholding taxes and foreign tax credits associated with the future repatriation of such earnings and therefore cannot quantify the tax liability.

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        No income tax provision has been made for the portion of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, excluding Venezuela, deemed permanently reinvested that amounted to approximately $7 million in 2011. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the investments in these foreign subsidiaries.

        A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 
 
Unrecognized Tax
Benefits
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2009

  $ 363  

Increases in tax positions for prior years

    41  

Decreases in tax positions for prior years

    (15 )

Increases in tax positions for the current year

    147  

Settlements

    (9 )
       

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009

    527  

Increases in tax positions for prior years

    7  

Decreases in tax positions for prior years

    (207 )

Increases in tax positions for the current year

    35  
       

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010

    362  

Increases in tax positions for prior years

    17  

Decreases in tax positions for prior years

    (4 )

Increases in tax positions for the current year

    15  
       

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011

  $ 390  
       

        We previously reported the increases and decreases in tax positions for prior years on a net basis.

        As of December 31, 2011, our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $390 million, including $327 million of tax positions the recognition of which would affect the annual effective income tax rate.

        We recorded interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits of $16 million in 2011, $21 million in 2010 and $10 million in 2009 in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We have accrued, as part of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties of $67 million as of December 31, 2011, and $51 million as of December 31, 2010.

        We file numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. federal tax purposes, the tax year 2010 remains open for examination. The California tax years 1994 through 2010 remain open to examination and the income tax returns in the other state and foreign tax jurisdictions in which we have operations are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after filing of the respective return.

        We engage in continuous discussions and negotiations with federal, state, and foreign taxing authorities and reevaluate our uncertain tax positions, and, while it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter or tax position, we believe that it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by up to approximately $180 million during the next twelve months.

Note 12: Capital Lease Obligations

        The following table sets forth total minimum lease payments under capital leases for satellites and vehicles along with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2011:

 
  (Dollars in Millions)  

2012

  $ 95  

2013

    93  

2014

    89  

2015

    81  

2016

    75  

Thereafter

    363  
       

Total minimum lease payments

    796  

Less: Amount representing interest

    251  
       

Present value of net minimum lease payments

  $ 545  
       

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

        Assets held under capitalized leases are included in "Satellites, net" and "Property and Equipment, net" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We had the following assets held under capital leases as of December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Satellites under capital leases

  $ 527   $ 554  

Less: Accumulated amortization

    (140 )   (106 )
           

Satellites, net under capital leases

  $ 387   $ 448  
           

Property and equipment under capital leases

  $ 104   $ 93  

Less: Accumulated amortization

    (38 )   (22 )
           

Property and equipment, net under capital leases

  $ 66   $ 71  
           

        Excluded from the table above are future payments for ISDLA-1 and ISDLA-2, satellites currently under construction for DIRECTV Latin America, which we expect to account for as capital leases at the time they are placed into service. See Note 20 for further discussion.

        We paid interest for capital leases of $51 million in 2011, $55 million in 2010 and $56 million in 2009.

Note 13: Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

        Most of our employees are eligible to participate in our funded non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, which provides defined benefits based on either years of service and final average salary, or eligible compensation while employed by us. Additionally, we maintain a funded contributory defined benefit plan for employees who elected to participate prior to 1991, and an unfunded, nonqualified pension plan for certain eligible employees. For participants in the contributory pension plan, we also maintain a postretirement benefit plan for those retirees eligible to participate in health care and life insurance benefits generally until they reach age 65. Participants may become eligible for these health care and life insurance benefits if they retire from our company between the ages of 55 and 65. The health care plan is contributory with participants' contributions subject to adjustment annually; the life insurance plan is non-contributory.

        The components of the pension benefit obligation and the other postretirement benefit obligation, including amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are shown below for the years ended December 31:

 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Change in Net Benefit Obligation

                         

Net benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 521   $ 498   $ 21   $ 21  

Service cost

    25     19     1     1  

Interest cost

    29     28     1     1  

Plan participants' contributions

    1     1          

Actuarial loss

    43     11     1     1  

Benefits paid

    (36 )   (35 )   (1 )   (3 )

Change in plan

        (1 )        
                   

Net benefit obligation at end of year

    583     521     23     21  
                   

Change in Plan Assets

                         

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

    429     374          

Actual return on plan assets

    15     45          

Employer contributions

    40     45     1     3  

Benefits paid

    (36 )   (35 )   (1 )   (3 )
                   

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

    448     429          
                   

Funded status at end of year

  $ (135 ) $ (92 ) $ (23 ) $ (21 )
                   

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

                         

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ (6 ) $ (5 ) $ (2 ) $ (2 )

Other liabilities and deferred credits

    (129 )   (87 )   (21 )   (19 )

Deferred tax assets

    94     74     1      

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    149     122     2      

Amounts recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:

                         

Unamortized net amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of taxes

    147     119     2      

Unamortized amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of taxes

    2     3          
                   

Total

  $ 149   $ 122   $ 2   $  
                   

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

        We estimate that the following amounts will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the year ending December 31, 2012:

 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Expense resulting from changes in plan experience and actuarial assumptions

  $ 19   $  

Expense resulting from changes in plan provisions

    1      

        The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $531 million at December 31, 2011 and $479 million as of December 31, 2010.

        Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Accumulated benefit obligation

  $ 531   $ 62  

Fair value of plan assets

    448      

        Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Projected benefit obligation

  $ 583   $ 521  

Fair value of plan assets

    448     429  

        Components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:

 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Components of net periodic benefit cost

                                     

Benefits earned during the year

  $ 25   $ 19   $ 16   $ 1   $ 1   $  

Interest accrued on benefits earned in prior years

    29     28     28     1     1     1  

Expected return on plan assets

    (34 )   (32 )   (30 )            

Amortization components

                                     

Amount resulting from changes in plan provisions

    1     1     1         (1 )    

Net amount resulting from changes in plan experience and actuarial assumptions

    14     14     8              
                           

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 35   $ 30   $ 23   $ 2   $ 1   $ 1  
                           

Assumptions

        Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:

 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 

Discount rate—Qualified Plans

    4.99 %   5.59 %   4.48 %   4.99 %

Discount rate—Non-Qualified Plans

    4.92 %   5.54 %        

Rate of compensation increase

    4.00 %   4.00 %   4.00 %   4.00 %

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

        Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:

 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 

Discount rate—Qualified Plan

    5.59 %   5.64 %   6.06 %   4.99 %   5.21 %   5.88 %

Discount rate—Non-Qualified Plans

    5.54 %   5.63 %   6.04 %            

Expected long-term return on plan assets

    8.00 %   8.25 %   8.25 %            

Rate of compensation increase

    4.00 %   4.00 %   4.00 %   4.00 %   4.00 %   4.00 %

        We base our expected long-term return on plan assets assumption on a periodic review and modeling of the plans' asset allocation and liability structure over a long-term horizon. Expectations of returns for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data and economic/financial market theory.

        The following table provides assumed health care costs trend rates:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

    8.00 %   8.00 %

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)

    5.00 %   5.00 %

Year that trend rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

    2017     2017  

Plan Assets

        Our investment policy includes various guidelines and procedures designed to ensure we invest assets in a manner necessary to meet expected future benefits earned by participants. The investment guidelines consider a broad range of economic conditions. Central to the policy are target allocation ranges by major asset categories. The policy range for plan assets are 20% to 60% equity securities, 30% to 50% debt securities, 0% to 40% alternatives and other types of investments.

        The objectives of the target allocations are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plans' actuarial assumptions, and achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies.

        The investment policy is periodically reviewed by us and a designated third-party fiduciary for investment matters. We establish and administer the policy in a manner so as to comply at all times with applicable government regulations.

        The fair value measurements of the plan assets as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Percentage of
Plan Assets
as of
December 31,
2011
 
 
  (Dollars in millions)
 

Asset Category

                               

Common collective trusts

                               

Cash

  $ 3   $ 3   $   $     1 %

Equity securities:

                               

U.S. large-cap

    75         75         17 %

U.S. mid-cap growth

    17         17         3 %

International large-cap value

    92         92         21 %

Domestic real estate

    23         23         5 %

Fixed income

    165         165         37 %

Partnership and joint venture interests

    30             30     7 %

Insurance contracts at contract value

    2         2         %

Other types of investments

    41         41         9 %
                       

Total

  $ 448   $ 3   $ 415   $ 30     100 %
                       

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

        The fair value measurements of the plan assets as of December 31, 2010 were as follows:

 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of Balance at December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Percentage of
Plan Assets
as of
December 31,
2011
 
 
  (Dollars in millions)
 

Asset Category

                               

Common collective trusts

                               

Cash

  $ 1   $ 1   $   $     %

Equity securities:

                               

U.S. large-cap

    125         125         29 %

U.S. mid-cap growth

    34         34         8 %

International large-cap value

    60         60         14 %

Domestic real estate

    20         20         5 %

Fixed income

    159         159         37 %

Partnership and joint venture interests

    28     — —         28     7 %

Insurance contracts at contract value

    2         2         %
                       

Total

  $ 429   $ 1   $ 400   $ 28     100 %
                       

        There were no shares of our common stock included in plan assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

        The fair value measurement of plan assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) changed during 2010 and 2011 due to the following:

 
 
Partnerships and Joint
Venture Interests
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Balance as of January 1, 2010

  $ 21  

Unrealized gains

    4  

Purchases and sales

    3  
       

Balance as of December 31, 2010

    28  

Realized losses

    (1 )

Unrealized gains

    5  

Purchases and sales

    (2 )
       

Balance at December 31, 2011

  $ 30  
       

Cash Flows

        We expect to contribute approximately $15 million to our qualified pension plans and make payments of $6 million to our nonqualified pension plan participants in 2012.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

        We expect the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, to be paid by the plans during the years ending December 31:

 
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
 
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

2012

  $ 44   $ 2  

2013

    47     2  

2014

    49     2  

2015

    45     2  

2016

    47     2  

2017-2021

    260     11  

        We maintain 401(k) plans for qualified employees. We match a portion of our employee contributions and our match amounted to $28 million in 2011, $23 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2009.

        We have disclosed certain amounts associated with estimated future postretirement benefits other than pensions and characterized such amounts as "other postretirement benefit obligation." Notwithstanding the recording of such amounts and the use of these terms, we do not admit or otherwise acknowledge that such amounts or existing postretirement benefit plans of our company (other than pensions) represent legally enforceable liabilities of us.

Note 14: Stockholders' Equity

Capital Stock and Additional Paid-In Capital

        Our certificate of incorporation, as amended in April 2011, provides for the following capital stock: Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 3,947,000,000 shares authorized; Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 3,000,000 shares authorized; and preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized. As of December 31, 2011, there were no shares outstanding of the Class B common stock or preferred stock.

        Following completion of the Liberty Transaction in November 2009, DIRECTV had two classes of common stock outstanding: Class A common stock and Class B common stock. As discussed in more detail below, in April 2010, we entered into an agreement with the Malones, under which they exchanged 21.8 million shares of Class B common stock, which was all of the outstanding Class B shares, for Class A common stock. The DIRECTV Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share and trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, or NASDAQ, under the ticker "DTV". DIRECTV Group common stock has been delisted and no longer trades on NASDAQ. The DIRECTV Class B common stock was entitled to fifteen votes per common share and was not listed on any stock exchange or automated dealer quotation system.

Malone Transaction

        In April 2010, we entered into an agreement with the Malones, under which they exchanged 21.8 million shares of high-vote Class B common stock, which was all of the outstanding Class B shares, for 26.5 million shares of Class A common stock, resulting in the reduction of the Malones' voting interest in DIRECTV from approximately 24% to approximately 3%. The number of Class A shares issued was determined as follows: one share of Class A common stock for each share of Class B common stock held, plus an additional number of Class A shares with a fair value of $160 million based on the then current market price of the Class A common stock. We accounted for the common stock exchange pursuant to accounting standards for induced conversions, as described in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no Class B shares outstanding since the completion of the Malone Transaction on June 16, 2010.

        We accounted for the exchange of DIRECTV Class B common stock into DIRECTV Class A common stock pursuant to accounting standards for induced conversions, whereby the $160 million in incremental DIRECTV Class A common stock issued to the former DIRECTV Class B stockholders has been deducted from earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. This adjustment

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had the effect of reducing diluted earnings per DIRECTV Class A common share by $0.18 for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Share Repurchase Program

        Since 2006 our Board of Directors has approved multiple authorizations for the repurchase of our common stock, the most recent of which was announced in the first quarter of 2012, authorizing share repurchases of up to an additional $6 billion. The authorizations allow us to repurchase our common stock from time to time through open market purchases and negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The timing, nature and amount of such transactions will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, and the program may be suspended, discontinued or accelerated at any time. The sources of funds for the purchases under the remaining authorizations are our existing cash on hand, cash from operations and potential additional borrowings. Purchases are made in the open market, through block trades and other negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares are retired, but remain authorized for registration and issuance in the future.

        The following table sets forth information regarding shares repurchased and retired for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Amounts in Millions,
Except Per Share Amounts)

 

Total cost of repurchased and retired shares

  $ 5,455   $ 5,179   $ 1,696  

Average price per share

    45.78     38.20     23.79  

Number of shares repurchased and retired

    119     136     71  

        Of the $5,455 million in repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2011, $27 million were paid for in January 2012. Of the $5,179 million in repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2010, $68 million were paid for in January 2011. Amounts repurchased but settled subsequent to the end of such periods are considered non-cash financing activities and are excluded from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Other Comprehensive Income

        The following represents the components of OCI, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
Pre-tax
Amount
 
Tax
(Benefit)
Expense
 
Net
Amount
 
Pre-tax
Amount
 
Tax
(Benefit)
Expense
 
Net
Amount
 
Pre-tax
Amount
 
Tax
(Benefit)
Expense
 
Net
Amount
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions

  $ (49 ) $ (19 ) $ (30 ) $ 13   $ 5   $ 8   $ (3 ) $ (1 ) $ (2 )

Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions

    2     1     1                          

Cumulative effect of change in functional currency at Sky Brazil

                            (181 )   (69 )   (112 )

Foreign currency translation activity during the period

    (153 )   (59 )   (94 )   32     12     20     290     111     179  

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities

    (10 )   (4 )   (6 )   6     2     4     11     4     7  

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains recognized during period

                (5 )   (2 )   (3 )            

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

        The following represent the components of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Unamortized net amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of tax

  $ (149 ) $ (119 )

Unamortized amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of tax

    (2 )   (3 )

Accumulated unrealized gains on securities, net of tax

    3     9  

Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments

    (8 )   86  
           

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $ (156 ) $ (27 )
           

Note 15: Earnings Per Common Share

        Earnings per share has been computed using the number of outstanding shares of DIRECTV Group common stock from January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009, and based on the outstanding shares of DIRECTV Class A common stock from November 20, 2009 through December 31, 2011 and Class B common stock from November 20, 2009 through June 16, 2010. See Note 4 for additional information regarding the Liberty Transaction and Note 14 for additional information regarding the Malone Transaction.

        We compute basic earnings per common share, or EPS, by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.

        Diluted EPS considers the effect of common equivalent shares, which consist entirely of common stock options and unvested restricted stock units issued to employees. In the computation of diluted EPS under the treasury stock method, the amount of assumed proceeds from restricted stock units and common stock options includes the amount of compensation cost attributable to future services not yet recognized, proceeds from the exercise of the options and the incremental income tax benefit or liability as if the awards were exercised or distributed during the period. We exclude common equivalent shares from the computation in loss periods as their effect would be antidilutive and we exclude common stock options from the computation of diluted EPS when their exercise price is greater than the average market price of our common stock. The following table sets forth the number of common stock options excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock during the years presented:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Shares in Millions)
 

Common stock options excluded

            16  

        No DIRECTV Class B common stock options have been issued.

        From November 20, 2009 to June 16, 2010, we allocated "Net income attributable to DIRECTV" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to the DIRECTV Class A and DIRECTV Class B common stockholders based on the weighted average shares outstanding for each class through the close of the Malone Transaction on June 16, 2010. After the close of the Malone Transaction we allocate all net income attributable to DIRECTV to the DIRECTV Class A stockholders. At the close of the transaction, we exchanged 21.8 million shares of DIRECTV Class B common stock, which represented all of the issued and outstanding DIRECTV Class B common stock, for 26.5 million shares of DIRECTV Class A common stock. We determined the number of shares of DIRECTV Class A common stock to be exchanged as follows: one share of DIRECTV Class A common stock for each share of DIRECTV Class B common stock held, plus an additional number of DIRECTV Class A shares with a fair value of $160 million based on the market price of the DIRECTV Class A common stock at the time of the agreement on April 6, 2010. We included the $160 million in income attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, there were no dilutive securities outstanding for the DIRECTV Class B common stock. See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of the Malone Transaction.

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        The reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS computation was as follows:

 
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
Amounts
 
 
  (Dollars and Shares in Millions,
Except Per Share Amounts)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011:

                   

DIRECTV Class A Common Stock:

                   

Basic EPS

                   

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders

  $ 2,609   $ 747   $ 3.49  

Effect of Dilutive Securities

                   

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units

        5     (0.02 )
               

Diluted EPS

                   

Adjusted net income attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders

  $ 2,609   $ 752   $ 3.47  
               

Year Ended December 31, 2010:

                   

DIRECTV Class A Common Stock:

                   

Basic EPS

                   

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders

  $ 2,014   $ 870   $ 2.31  

Effect of Dilutive Securities

                   

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units

        6     (0.01 )
               

Diluted EPS

                   

Adjusted net income attributable to DIRECTV Class A common stockholders

  $ 2,014   $ 876   $ 2.30  
               

DIRECTV Class B Common Stock:

                   

Basic and diluted EPS

                   

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction

  $ 184   $ 22   $ 8.44  
               

Year Ended December 31, 2009:

                   

DIRECTV Class A Common Stock (DIRECTV Group common stock for period from January 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009) :

                   

Basic EPS

                   

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 942   $ 982   $ 0.96  

Effect of Dilutive Securities

                   

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units

        7     (0.01 )
               

Diluted EPS

                   

Adjusted net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 942   $ 989   $ 0.95  
               

DIRECTV Class B Common Stock:

                   

Net income attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders

  $   $ 22   $ (0.02 )
               

Note 16: Share-Based Payment

        As a result of the Liberty Transaction completed on November 19, 2009, DIRECTV assumed share based payment awards granted under plans of both the DIRECTV Group and LEI. See Note 4 for additional information regarding the Liberty Transaction.

        Under The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Plan, or the DIRECTV Plan, as approved by DIRECTV Group stockholders on June 5, 2007, shares, rights or options to acquire up to 21 million shares of common stock plus the number of shares that were granted under a former plan but which, after December 22, 2003 are forfeited, expire or are canceled without the delivery of shares of common stock or otherwise result in the return of such shares to us, were authorized for grant through June 4, 2017, subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

        As part of the Liberty Transaction on November 19, 2009, we assumed the Liberty Entertainment Transitional Stock Plan, or the LEI Plan. Under the LEI Plan, we assumed 16.7 million stock options and stock appreciation rights, or SARs, and issued 1.1 million shares of Class A common stock to holders of restricted stock units issued under the LEI Plan. We are authorized to issue shares,

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rights or options to acquire up to 21 million shares of common stock under the LEI Plan. Equity instruments from the LEI Plan that are forfeited, expire or are canceled without the delivery of shares of common stock or otherwise result in the return of such shares to us will be authorized for grant subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

        Under both the DIRECTV Plan and the LEI Plan, we issue new shares of our Class A common stock when restricted stock units are distributed and when stock options are exercised.

        The Compensation Committee has granted restricted stock units under our stock plans to certain of our employees and executives. Annual awards are mostly performance based, vest over three years and provide for final payments in shares of our Class A common stock. Final payment can be reduced or increased from the target award amounts based on our performance over a three-year performance period in comparison with pre-established targets. We determine the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing stock price of our Class A common shares on the date of grant.

        Changes in the status of outstanding restricted stock units were as follows:

 
 
Stock Units
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2011

    8,217,559   $ 25.74  

Granted

    2,387,908     41.14  

Vested and distributed

    (2,723,303 )   23.40  

Forfeited

    (286,272 )   33.05  
             

Nonvested at December 31, 2011

    7,595,892   $ 31.35  
             

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2011

    7,374,625   $ 31.35  
             

        The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $30.83. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2009 was $21.57.

        The total fair value of restricted stock units vested and distributed was $125 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, $81 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 and $52 million during the year ended December 31, 2009.

        The Compensation Committee has also granted stock options to acquire our Class A common stock under our stock plans to certain of our employees and executives. The exercise price of options granted is equal to at least 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date the options were granted. These nonqualified options generally vest over one to five years, expire seven to ten years from date of grant and are subject to earlier termination under certain conditions.

        Changes in the status of outstanding options were as follows:

 
 
Shares
Under
Option
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
 
   
   
   
  (in millions)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2011

    4,552,677   $ 23.41              

Exercised

    (1,156,494 )   23.26              

Forfeited or expired

    (31,673 )   45.48              
                         

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

    3,364,510   $ 23.21     6.4   $ 66  
                         

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2011

    3,364,510   $ 23.21     6.4   $ 66  
                         

Exercisable at December 31, 2011

    3,027,477   $ 22.04     6.2   $ 63  
                         

        The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $24 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, $221 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 and $144 million during the year ended December 31, 2009, based on the intrinsic value of individual awards on the date of exercise.

        The following table presents the estimated weighted average fair value as of November 19, 2009 of the 16.7 million stock options and stock appreciation rights assumed under the LEI Plan as part of the Liberty Transaction using the

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Black-Scholes valuation model, along with the assumptions used in the fair value calculations. Expected stock volatility is based primarily on the historical volatility of our common stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual lives of the options are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected option life is based on historical exercise behavior, the contractual life of the awards, and other factors.

 
 
November 19, 2009
 

Average estimated fair value per equity instrument assumed

  $14.17  

Average exercise price per equity instrument assumed

  $18.90  

Expected stock volatility

  24.7 %

Range of risk-free interest rates

  0.16 - 2.87 %

Range of expected option lives (in years)

  0.7 - 7.5  

        The intrinsic value of awards assumed under the LEI Plan which were exercised was $8 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, $145 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 and $87 million during the year ended December 31, 2009.

        The holders of the majority of the equity instruments assumed as a result of the Liberty Transaction did not become DIRECTV employees or directors. Accordingly, we recognize those equity instruments as a liability that is subject to fair value measurement at each reporting date pursuant to accounting rules for non-employee awards. We include that liability within "Other liabilities and deferred credits" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of the 16.7 million equity instruments assumed on November 19, 2009, 8.8 million were held by persons other than employees or directors. As of December 31, 2010, there were 1.0 million non-employee awards outstanding with a fair value of approximately $22 million. As of December 31, 2011, 0.6 million non-employee awards remained outstanding with a fair value of approximately $15 million. We recorded net losses of $4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 and $11 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 to "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for gains and losses recognized for exercised options and the adjustment of the liability to fair value. We recorded a net loss of $6 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 to "Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for gains and losses recognized for exercised options and the adjustment of the liability to fair value.

        The following table presents the estimated weighted average fair value as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 for the equity instruments issued to persons other than employees and directors carried as a liability using the Black-Scholes valuation model along with the assumptions used in the fair value calculations. Expected stock volatility is based primarily on the historical volatility of our common stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual lives of the options are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected option life is based on the contractual life of the awards.

 
 
December 31,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 

Average estimated fair value per equity instrument assumed

  $26.63   $22.52   $15.19  

Average exercise price per equity instrument assumed

  $16.51   $19.34   $20.06  

Expected stock volatility

  27.5 % 26.5 % 25.2 %

Range of risk-free interest rates

  0.06 - .83 % 0.07 - 2.01 % 0.19 - 3.34 %

Range of expected option lives (in years)

  0.5 - 5.4   0.1 - 6.4   0.6 - 7.4  

        The following table presents the estimated weighted average fair value for the 1.0 million stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2010 under the DIRECTV Plan using the Black-Scholes valuation model along with the assumptions used in the fair value calculations. Expected stock volatility is based primarily on the historical volatility of our common stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected option life is based on historical exercise behavior and other factors.

 
 
2010
 

Estimated fair value per option granted

  $ 12.36  

Average exercise price per option granted

  $ 33.74  

Expected stock volatility

    26.9 %

Risk-free interest rate

    3.35 %

Expected option life (in years)

    7.0  

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        There were no stock options granted under the DIRECTV Plan during the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2009.

        The following table presents amounts recorded related to share-based compensation:

 
 
For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Share-based compensation expense recognized

  $ 103   $ 82   $ 55  

Tax benefits associated with share-based compensation expense

    40     31     21  

Actual tax benefits realized for the deduction of share-based compensation expense

    54     60     42  

Proceeds received from stock options exercised

        38     35  

        As of December 31, 2011, there was $98 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units and stock options that we expect to recognize as follows: $71 million in 2012 and $27 million in 2013.

        Beginning in 2009, we implemented a net exercise plan pursuant to which we only issue new shares in connection with employee option exercises equal to the intrinsic value of the exercised award on the exercise date reduced by the amount of statutory employee withholding taxes and divided by the current market price of the our common stock. As a result, we no longer receive cash in connection with the exercise of most stock options, but rather issue significantly fewer shares. In addition, the company is required to pay the employee withholding taxes to taxing authorities, the cash payments for which are reported in "Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Note 17: Other Income and Expenses

        The following table summarizes the components of "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates

  $ 109   $ 90   $ 51  

Net foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

    (50 )   11     62  

Loss from impairment of investments

            (45 )

Fair-value adjustment loss on non-employee stock awards

    (4 )   (11 )    

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

    (25 )   (16 )   (34 )

Net gain from sale of investments

    63     6      

Other

    (9 )   (11 )    
               

Total other, net

  $ 84   $ 69   $ 34  
               

        See Note 8 regarding equity method investments and net gains and losses recorded on the sale of investments.

Note 18: Related-Party Transactions

        In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into transactions with related parties as discussed below.

        Related parties include Globo, which provides programming and advertising to Sky Brazil, and companies in which we hold equity method investments, including Sky Mexico and GSN.

        The majority of payments under contractual arrangements with related parties are pursuant to multi-year programming contracts. Payments under these contracts are typically subject to annual rate increases and are based on the number of subscribers receiving the related programming.

Liberty Media, Liberty Global and Discovery Communications

        As discussed above in Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, on June 16, 2010, we completed the Malone Transaction, which resulted in the reduction of the Malones' voting interest in DIRECTV from

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approximately 24% to approximately 3% and Dr. Malone's resignation from our Board of Directors.

        Prior to the completion of the Malone Transaction, Dr. Malone was Chairman of the Board of Directors of DIRECTV and of Liberty Media. Dr. Malone also had an approximate 35% voting interest in Liberty Media, an approximate 31% voting interest in Discovery Communications, Inc., or Discovery Communications, an approximate 40% voting interest in Liberty Global Inc., or Liberty Global, and serves as Chairman of Liberty Global, and certain of Liberty Media's management and directors also serve as directors of Discovery Communications or Liberty Global. As a result of this common ownership and management, transactions with Liberty Media, Discovery Communications and Liberty Global and their subsidiaries or equity method investees were considered to be related party transactions through the completion of the Malone Transaction. Our transactions with Liberty Media, Discovery Communications and Liberty Global consisted primarily of purchases of programming created, owned or distributed by Liberty Media and Discovery Communications and its subsidiaries and investees.

        The following table summarizes sales and purchase transactions with related parties:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Sales:

                   

Liberty Media and affiliates

  $   $ 26   $ 56  

Discovery Communications, Liberty Global and affiliates

        5     11  

Globo and other

    6     13     10  
               

Total

  $ 6   $ 44   $ 77  
               

Purchases:

                   

Liberty Media and affiliates

  $   $ 143   $ 358  

Discovery Communications, Liberty Global and affiliates

        128     255  

Globo and other

    845     622     504  
               

Total

  $ 845   $ 893   $ 1,117  
               

        The following table sets forth the amount of accounts receivable from and accounts payable to related parties as of December 31:

 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Accounts receivable

  $ 1   $ 2  

Accounts payable

    96     80  

        The accounts receivable and accounts payable balances as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are primarily related to Globo and companies in which we hold equity method investments.

Note 19: Segment Reporting

        Our three reportable segments, which are differentiated by their products and services as well as geographic location, are DIRECTV U.S. and DIRECTV Latin America, which acquire, promote, sell and/or distribute digital entertainment programming via satellite to residential and commercial subscribers, and the Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other segment which includes our three regional sports networks that provide programming devoted to local professional sports teams and college sporting events and locally produces its own local programming. Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other also includes the corporate office, eliminations and other entities.

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        Selected information for our operating segments is reported as follows:

 
 
DIRECTV
U.S.
 
DIRECTV
Latin
America
 
Sports
Networks,
Eliminations
and Other
 
Total
 
 
  (Dollars in millions)
 

2011

                         

External revenues

  $ 21,864   $ 5,096   $ 266   $ 27,226  

Intersegment revenues

    8         (8 )    
                   

Revenues

  $ 21,872   $ 5,096   $ 258   $ 27,226  
                   

Operating profit

  $ 3,702   $ 916   $ 11   $ 4,629  

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    1,587     747     15     2,349  
                   

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization (1)

  $ 5,289   $ 1,663   $ 26   $ 6,978  
                   

Segment assets

  $ 11,796   $ 5,264   $ 1,363   $ 18,423  

Capital expenditures

    1,736     1,428     6     3,170  

2010

                         

External revenues

  $ 20,261   $ 3,597   $ 244   $ 24,102  

Intersegment revenues

    7         (7 )    
                   

Revenues

  $ 20,268   $ 3,597   $ 237   $ 24,102  
                   

Operating profit (loss)

  $ 3,290   $ 623   $ (17 ) $ 3,896  

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    1,926     541     15     2,482  
                   

Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization (1)

  $ 5,216   $ 1,164   $ (2 ) $ 6,378  
                   

Segment assets

  $ 11,400   $ 4,696   $ 1,813   $ 17,909  

Capital expenditures

    1,557     857     2     2,416  

2009

                         

External revenues

  $ 18,664   $ 2,878   $ 23   $ 21,565  

Intersegment revenues

    7         (7 )    
                   

Revenues

  $ 18,671   $ 2,878   $ 16   $ 21,565  
                   

Operating profit (loss)

  $ 2,410   $ 331   $ (68 ) $ 2,673  

Add: Depreciation and amortization expense

    2,275     366     (1 )   2,640  
                   

Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization (1)

  $ 4,685   $ 697   $ (69 ) $ 5,313  
                   

Segment assets

  $ 12,408   $ 3,772   $ 2,080   $ 18,260  

Capital expenditures

    1,485     584     2     2,071  

(1)
Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization, which is a financial measure that is not determined in accordance with GAAP can be calculated by adding amounts under the caption "Depreciation and amortization expense" to "Operating profit (loss)." This measure should be used in conjunction with GAAP financial measures and is not presented as an alternative measure of operating results, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our management and Board of Directors use operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization to evaluate the operating performance of our company and our business segments and to allocate resources and capital to business segments. This metric is also used as a measure of performance for incentive compensation purposes and to measure income generated from operations that could be used to fund capital expenditures, service debt or pay taxes. Depreciation and amortization expense primarily represents an allocation to current expense of the cost of historical capital expenditures and for intangible assets resulting from prior business acquisitions. To compensate for the exclusion of depreciation and amortization expense from operating profit, our management and our Board of Directors separately measure and budget for capital expenditures and business acquisitions.

We believe this measure is useful to investors, along with GAAP measures (such as revenues, operating profit and net income), to compare our operating performance to other communications, entertainment and media service providers. We believe that investors use current and projected operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization and similar measures to estimate our current or prospective enterprise value and make investment decisions. This metric provides investors with a means to compare operating results exclusive of depreciation and amortization. Our management believes this is useful given the significant variation in depreciation and amortization expense that can result from the timing of capital expenditures, the capitalization of intangible assets, potential variations in expected useful lives when compared to other companies and periodic changes to estimated useful lives.

        The following represents a reconciliation of operating profit before depreciation and amortization to reported net income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization

  $ 6,978   $ 6,378   $ 5,313  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    (2,349 )   (2,482 )   (2,640 )
               

Operating profit

    4,629     3,896     2,673  

Interest income

    34     39     41  

Interest expense

    (763 )   (557 )   (423 )

Liberty transaction and related gains (charges)

        67     (491 )

Other, net

    84     69     34  
               

Income before income taxes

    3,984     3,514     1,834  

Income tax expense

    (1,348 )   (1,202 )   (827 )
               

Net income

    2,636     2,312     1,007  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    (27 )   (114 )   (65 )
               

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,609   $ 2,198   $ 942  
               

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        The following table presents revenues earned from subscribers located in different geographic areas. Property is grouped by its physical location.

 
 
Years Ended and As of December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
Revenues
 
Net Property
& Satellites
 
Revenues
 
Net Property
& Satellites
 
Revenues
 
Net Property
& Satellites
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

United States

  $ 22,310   $ 5,267   $ 20,684   $ 4,987   $ 18,844   $ 5,247  
                           

Latin America and the Caribbean

                                     

Brazil

    3,020     1,423     2,013     1,060     1,416     742  

Other

    1,896     748     1,405     632     1,305     487  
                           

Total Latin America and the Caribbean

    4,916     2,171     3,418     1,692     2,721     1,229  
                           

Total

  $ 27,226   $ 7,438   $ 24,102   $ 6,679   $ 21,565   $ 6,476  
                           

Note 20: Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

        At December 31, 2011, minimum future commitments under noncancelable operating leases having lease terms in excess of one year were primarily for real property and aggregated $846 million, payable as follows: $73 million in 2012, $78 million in 2013, $65 million in 2014, $67 million in 2015, $70 million in 2016 and $493 million thereafter. Certain of these leases contain escalation clauses and renewal or purchase options, which we have not considered in the amounts disclosed. Rental expenses under operating leases were $99 million in 2011, $78 million in 2010 and $72 million in 2009.

        At December 31, 2011, our minimum payments under agreements to purchase broadcast programming, regional professional team rights and the purchase of services that we have outsourced to third parties, such as billing services, and satellite telemetry, tracking and control, satellite launch contracts and broadcast center services aggregated $8,258 million, payable as follows: $2,409 million in 2012, $1,957 million in 2013, $1,552 million in 2014, $916 million in 2015, $238 million in 2016 and $1,186 million thereafter.

        DIRECTV U.S. has entered into contracts for the construction and launch of two new satellites: D14, which we expect to launch in the first quarter of 2014 and D15, which we expect to launch in the fourth quarter of 2014. D14 and D15 are expected to provide additional HD, replacement, and backup capacity for DIRECTV U.S. Additionally, DIRECTV Latin America has entered into a contract for the lease of two satellites for PanAmericana: ISDLA-1, which we expect to launch in the fourth quarter of 2014 and ISDLA-2, which we expect to launch in the fourth quarter of 2015. ISDLA-1 will become the primary satellite for PanAmericana with a substantial increase in channel capacity from the current satellite, and ISDLA-2 is expected to serve as an in-orbit spare for ISDLA-1. As a part of the lease agreement for ISDLA-1 and ISDLA-2, which we expect to account for as a capital lease, we are required to make prepayments prior to the launch of the satellites and commencement of the lease. Prepayments related to this agreement totaled $104 million and are included as "Cash paid for satellites" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2011.

        Total future cash payments under these agreements aggregate to $1,646 million, payable as follows: $340 million in 2012, $308 million in 2013, $174 million in 2014, $116 million in 2015, $50 million in 2016 and $658 million thereafter.

Contingencies

        In connection with our acquisition of Sky Brazil in 2006, our partner who holds the remaining 7% interest, Globo, was granted the right, until January 2014, to require us to purchase all, but not less than all, of its shares in Sky Brazil. Upon exercising this right, the fair value of Sky Brazil shares will be determined by mutual agreement or by an outside valuation expert, and we have the option to elect to pay for the Sky Brazil shares in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of both. As of December 31, 2011, we estimated that Globo's remaining 7% equity interest in Sky Brazil had a fair value of approximately

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$265 million based on the valuation performed by the independent investment bank. As of December 31, 2010 we estimated that Globo's 7% equity interest in Sky Brazil had a fair value of approximately $224 million. Adjustments to the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest are recorded to additional paid-in-capital. We determined the fair values using significant unobservable inputs, which are Level 3 inputs under accounting guidance for measuring fair value.

        In January 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the creation of a dual exchange rate system, including an exchange rate of 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar for most of the activities of our Venezuelan operations compared to an exchange rate of 2.15 Venezuelan bolivars fuerte prior to the announcement. As a result of this devaluation, we recorded a $6 million charge to net income in the year ended December 31, 2010 related to the adjustment of net bolivars fuerte denominated monetary assets to the new official exchange rate. We began reporting the operating results of our Venezuelan subsidiary in the first quarter of 2010 using the devalued rate of 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar. In December 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the elimination of the dual exchange rate system, eliminating the 2.6 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar preferential rate which was available for certain activities.

        Companies operating in Venezuela are required to obtain Venezuelan government approval to exchange Venezuelan bolivars fuerte into U.S. dollars at the official rate. We have not been able to consistently exchange Venezuelan bolivars fuerte into U.S. dollars at the official rate and as a result, we have relied on a parallel exchange process to settle U.S. dollar obligations and to repatriate accumulated cash balances prior to its close. The rates implied by transactions in the parallel market, which was closed in May 2010, were significantly higher than the official rate (6 to 7 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar). As a result, we recorded a $22 million charge in 2010 and a $213 million charge in 2009 in "General and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in connection with the exchange of accumulated Venezuelan cash balances to U.S. dollars using the parallel exchange process.

        As a result of the closing of the parallel exchange process in May 2010, we have been unable to repatriate excess cash balances and as a result, we have realized no charges for the repatriation of cash in 2011. Our ability to pay U.S. dollar denominated obligations and repatriate cash generated in Venezuela in excess of local operating requirements is limited, resulting in an increase in the cash balance at our Venezuelan subsidiary. At such time that exchange controls are eased, accumulated cash balances may ultimately be repatriated at less than their currently reported value, as the official exchange rate has not changed despite continuing high inflation in Venezuela. In addition, in the event of a significant devaluation of the bolivar fuerte, we may recognize a charge to earnings based on the amount of bolivar fuerte denominated net monetary assets (monetary assets net of monetary liabilities) held at the time of such devaluation. These conditions are also expected to affect growth in our Venezuelan business which is dependent on our ability to purchase set-top boxes and other components using U.S. dollars.

        Using the official 4.3 bolivars fuerte per U.S. dollar exchange rate as of December 31, 2011, our Venezuelan subsidiary had Venezuelan bolivar fuerte denominated net monetary assets of $285 million, including cash of $401 million as of December 31, 2011.

        Litigation is subject to uncertainties and the outcome of individual litigated matters is not predictable with assurance. Various legal actions, claims and proceedings are pending against us arising in the ordinary course of business. We have established loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Some of the matters may involve compensatory, punitive, or treble damage claims, or demands that, if granted, could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures in amounts that could not be estimated at December 31, 2011. After discussion with counsel representing us in those actions, it is the opinion of management that such litigation is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We expense legal costs as incurred.

        Pegasus Development Corporation and Personalized Media Communications L.L.C.    In December, 2000, Pegasus Development Corporation, or Pegasus, and Personalized Media Communications L.L.C., or PMC, filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against DIRECTV, Inc., Hughes Electronics Corporation, Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., and Philips Electronics North America Corporation. The suit alleged infringement of certain

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claims of seven United States patents and sought an injunction and a monetary award including damages for infringement, interest, costs, and attorney's fees. In May, 2003, the suit was stayed pending reexamination by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of certain claims of the asserted patents. The stay was lifted in November, 2011, and trial is presently scheduled for November, 2013. The suit now involves claims of four of the seven patents originally asserted, all of which have expired, and the validity and infringement of which are disputed by DIRECTV.

        Other Intellectual Property Litigation.    We are a defendant in several unrelated lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of our businesses. In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants, and also in certain of these cases we expect that at least some potential liability would be the responsibility of our equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions. To the extent that the allegations in these lawsuits can be analyzed by us at this stage of their proceedings, we believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend the actions vigorously. We have determined that the likelihood of a material liability in such matters is remote or have made appropriate accruals and the final disposition of these claims is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position. However, if an adverse ruling is made in a lawsuit involving key intellectual property, such ruling could result in a loss that would be material to our consolidated results of operations of any one period. No assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to our consolidated financial position.

        Early Cancellation Fees.    In 2008, a number of plaintiffs filed putative class action lawsuits in state and federal courts challenging the early cancellation fees we assess our customers when they do not fulfill their programming commitments. Several of these lawsuits are pending, some in California state court purporting to represent statewide classes, and some in federal courts purporting to represent nationwide classes. The lawsuits seek both monetary and injunctive relief. While the theories of liability vary, the lawsuits generally challenge these fees under state consumer protection laws as both unfair and inadequately disclosed to customers. Our motions to compel arbitration have been granted in all of the federal cases, except as to claims seeking injunctive relief under California statutes. The denial of our motion as to those claims is currently on appeal. We believe that our early cancellation fees are adequately disclosed, and represent reasonable estimates of the costs we incur when customers cancel service before fulfilling their programming commitments.

        ECAD.    Sky Brazil, along with other video distributors in Brazil, is disputing charges assessed by Escritorio Central de Arrecadacao, or ECAD, the organization responsible for collecting performance rights fees under Brazilian law. Sky Brazil has been withholding payments to ECAD since 2004, and has accrued amounts both we and Sky Brazil believe are adequate to satisfy amounts owed to ECAD. In order to continue its opposition to ECAD's claims, in October 2011, Sky Brazil was required to provide a letter of credit in the amount of approximately $85 million which represents the contested fees plus accrued interest and penalties, for the period from January 2004 to September 2009, plus an additional 30% required by Brazilian law. Sky Brazil's dispute with ECAD is currently pending in the Superior Justice Tribunal, and there are other claims by the Brazilian pay television association, known as ABTA, against ECAD before the Brazilian antitrust board, or CADE, which may affect ECAD or the rights fees it is attempting to collect.

        From time to time, we receive investigative inquiries or subpoenas from state and federal authorities with respect to alleged violations of state and federal statutes. These inquiries may lead to legal proceedings in some cases. DIRECTV U.S. has received a request for information from the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, on issues similar to those recently resolved with a multistate group of state attorneys general. We are cooperating with the FTC by providing information about our sales and marketing practices and customer complaints.

        We have received tax assessments from certain foreign jurisdictions and have agreed to indemnify previously divested businesses for certain tax assessments relating to periods prior to their respective divestitures. These assessments are in various stages of the administrative process or litigation, and we believe we have adequately provided for any related liability.

        While the outcome of these assessments and other tax issues cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the ultimate outcome will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

        During the third quarter of 2010 we entered into an agreement with a former owner to settle certain uncertain tax positions. As a result of this settlement we

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reversed an accrual for the uncertain tax position and recorded a net benefit of $39 million in "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2010.

        We may purchase in-orbit and launch insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of satellite launch and in-orbit failures if the premium costs are considered economic relative to the risk of satellite failure. The insurance generally covers the unamortized book value of covered satellites. We do not insure against lost revenues in the event of a total or partial loss of the capacity of a satellite. We generally rely on in-orbit spare satellites and excess transponder capacity at key orbital slots to mitigate the impact a satellite failure could have on our ability to provide service. At December 31, 2011, the net book value of in-orbit satellites was $1,913 million, all of which was uninsured.

        During the third quarter of 2011, the propulsion system used to maintain DIRECTV U.S.' D10 satellite's position in orbit temporarily ceased to function. If the propulsion system were to permanently fail, we would be required to de-orbit the satellite and record an impairment charge for its remaining book value, which was approximately $267 million at December 31, 2011. DIRECTV U.S. currently has sufficient backup capacity to continue broadcasting most of the channels broadcast from this satellite; however, we would lose some of our HD pay-per-view channels if this satellite has to be de-orbited before additional capacity becomes available. We do not believe the loss of such channels would materially affect our results of operations or financial position.

        As of December 31, 2011, we were contingently liable under standby letters of credit and bonds in the aggregate amount of $136 million, primarily related to a judicial deposit in Brazil for the ECAD matter discussed above.

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Note 21: Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

        The following table presents unaudited selected quarterly data for 2011 and 2010:

 
 
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions,
Except Per Share Amounts)

 

2011 Quarters

                         

Revenues

  $ 6,319   $ 6,600   $ 6,844   $ 7,463  

Operating profit

    1,155     1,230     1,030     1,214  

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

    674     701     516     718  

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

    0.85     0.92     0.70     1.02  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

    0.85     0.91     0.70     1.02  

2010 Quarters

                         

Revenues

  $ 5,608   $ 5,848   $ 6,025   $ 6,621  

Operating profit

    956     1,010     868     1,062  

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

    558     543     479     618  

Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

    0.60     0.42     0.56     0.75  

Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share

    0.59     0.42     0.55     0.74  

Basic and diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class B stockholders per common share, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction

    0.60     7.84          

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Note 22: Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

        As discussed above in Note 10, on November 14, 2011, DIRECTV provided a guarantee of all the outstanding senior notes of DIRECTV Holdings LLC and DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc, or the Co-issuers.

        The following condensed consolidating financial statements of DIRECTV and subsidiaries have been prepared pursuant to rules regarding the preparation of consolidating financial statements of Regulation S-X. For the periods prior to November 14, 2011, the condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared as if the guarantee had been in place during that period.

        These condensed consolidating financial statements present the condensed consolidating statements of operations and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

        The condensed consolidating financial statements are comprised of DIRECTV, or the Parent Guarantor, its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, DIRECTV Holdings together with DIRECTV Financing and each of DIRECTV Holdings' material subsidiaries (other than DIRECTV Financing), or the Guarantor Subsidiaries, as well as other subsidiaries who are not guarantors of the senior notes, or the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the eliminations necessary to present DIRECTV's financial statements on a consolidated basis. Prior to the completion of the Liberty Transaction on November 19, 2009, The DIRECTV Group, Inc. was the parent registrant and has been included as the Parent Guarantor in these condensed consolidating financial statements for periods prior to that date as if the guarantee had been in place at that time. The Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries consist primarily of DIRECTV's direct-to-home digital television services throughout Latin America which are held by DIRECTV Latin America Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Subsequent to the completion of the Liberty Transaction, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries also includes DIRECTV Sports Networks LLC and its subsidiaries which are comprised primarily of three regional sports television networks.

        The accompanying condensed consolidating financial statements are presented based on the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. Under this method, investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the subsidiaries' cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions, and other changes in equity. Elimination entries include consolidating and eliminating entries for investments in subsidiaries, intercompany activity and balances, and income taxes.

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Revenues

  $   $ 682   $ 21,872   $ 5,422   $ (750 ) $ 27,226  

Operating costs and expenses

                                     

Costs of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                                     

Broadcast programming and other

            9,799     1,916     (60 )   11,655  

Subscriber service expenses

            1,435     476         1,911  

Broadcast operations expenses

            300     96     (7 )   389  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                                     

Subscriber acquisition costs

            2,794     596         3,390  

Upgrade and retention costs

            1,209     118         1,327  

General and administrative expenses

    11         1,729     519     (683 )   1,576  

Depreciation and amortization expense

            1,587     762         2,349  
                           

Total operating costs and expenses

    11         18,853     4,483     (750 )   22,597  
                           

Operating profit (loss)

    (11 )   682     3,019     939         4,629  

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

    2,622     1,947             (4,569 )    

Interest income

            1     44     (11 )   34  

Interest expense

        (692 )   (4 )   (78 )   11     (763 )

Other, net

    (4 )   (25 )   60     53         84  
                           

Income before income taxes

    2,607     1,912     3,076     958     (4,569 )   3,984  

Income tax benefit (expense)

    2     13     (1,129 )   (234 )       (1,348 )
                           

Net income

    2,609     1,925     1,947     724     (4,569 )   2,636  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

                (27 )       (27 )
                           

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,609   $ 1,925   $ 1,947   $ 697   $ (4,569 ) $ 2,609  
                           

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Revenues

  $   $ 463   $ 20,268   $ 3,895   $ (524 ) $ 24,102  

Operating costs and expenses

                                     

Costs of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                                     

Broadcast programming and other

            8,699     1,428     (53 )   10,074  

Subscriber service expenses

            1,340     341         1,681  

Broadcast operations expenses

            273     84     (7 )   350  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                                     

Subscriber acquisition costs

            2,631     374         3,005  

Upgrade and retention costs

            1,106     63         1,169  

General and administrative expenses

    24         1,466     419     (464 )   1,445  

Depreciation and amortization expense

            1,926     556         2,482  
                           

Total operating costs and expenses

    24         17,441     3,265     (524 )   20,206  
                           

Operating profit (loss)

    (24 )   463     2,827     630         3,896  

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

    2,219     1,835             (4,054 )    

Interest income

    1     1     4     44     (11 )   39  

Interest expense

        (480 )   (8 )   (80 )   11     (557 )

Liberty transaction and related gains

                67         67  

Other, net

    (10 )   (25 )   20     84         69  
                           

Income before income taxes

    2,186     1,794     2,843     745     (4,054 )   3,514  

Income tax benefit (expense)

    12     14     (1,008 )   (220 )       (1,202 )
                           

Net income

    2,198     1,808     1,835     525     (4,054 )   2,312  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

                (114 )       (114 )
                           

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 2,198   $ 1,808   $ 1,835   $ 411   $ (4,054 ) $ 2,198  
                           

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Revenues

  $   $ 332   $ 18,671   $ 2,907   $ (345 ) $ 21,565  

Operating costs and expenses

                                     

Costs of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                                     

Broadcast programming and other

            8,027     1,043     (6 )   9,064  

Subscriber service expenses

            1,268     257         1,525  

Broadcast operations expenses

            274     74     (7 )   341  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense

                                     

Subscriber acquisition costs

            2,478     295         2,773  

Upgrade and retention costs

            1,045     47         1,092  

General and administrative expenses

    69         1,226     494     (332 )   1,457  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    2         2,275     363         2,640  
                           

Total operating costs and expenses

    71         16,593     2,573     (345 )   18,892  
                           

Operating profit (loss)

    (71 )   332     2,078     334         2,673  

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

    1,162     1,029             (2,191 )    

Interest income

    12     4         38     (13 )   41  

Interest expense

    (2 )   (335 )   (13 )   (86 )   13     (423 )

Liberty transaction and related charges

    (384 )           (107 )       (491 )

Other, net

    (1 )   (34 )   17     52         34  
                           

Income before income taxes

    716     996     2,082     231     (2,191 )   1,834  

Income tax benefit (expense)

    226     16     (1,053 )   (16 )       (827 )
                           

Net income

    942     1,012     1,029     215     (2,191 )   1,007  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

                (65 )       (65 )
                           

Net income attributable to DIRECTV

  $ 942   $ 1,012   $ 1,029   $ 150   $ (2,191 ) $ 942  
                           

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DIRECTV

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2011

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

ASSETS

                                     

Total current assets

  $ 404   $ 533   $ 2,514   $ 1,360   $ (570 ) $ 4,241  

Satellites, net

            1,724     497     (6 )   2,215  

Property and equipment, net

            3,084     2,139         5,223  

Goodwill

        1,828     1,349     920         4,097  

Intangible assets, net

            461     448         909  

Intercompany assets

    (1,764 )   16,068     11,427     (4,490 )   (21,241 )    

Other assets

    74     64     256     1,424     (80 )   1,738  
                           

Total assets

  $ (1,286 ) $ 18,493   $ 20,815   $ 2,298   $ (21,897 ) $ 18,423  
                           

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                                     

Total current liabilities

  $ 68   $ 204   $ 3,413   $ 1,347   $ (289 ) $ 4,743  

Long-term debt

        13,464                 13,464  

Deferred income taxes

            1,321     531     (81 )   1,771  

Intercompany liabilities

    1,202     11,582     3,865     5,938     (22,587 )    

Other liabilities and deferred credits

    551     82     159     495         1,287  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

                265         265  

Stockholders' equity (deficit)

                                     

Capital stock and additional paid-in capital

    4,799     11     4,684     (561 )   (4,134 )   4,799  

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

    (7,750 )   (6,850 )   7,373     (5,703 )   5,180     (7,750 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (156 )           (14 )   14     (156 )
                           

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

    (3,107 )   (6,839 )   12,057     (6,278 )   1,060     (3,107 )
                           

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)

  $ (1,286 ) $ 18,493   $ 20,815   $ 2,298   $ (21,897 ) $ 18,423  
                           

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DIRECTV

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2010

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

ASSETS

                                     

Total current assets

  $ 576   $ 750   $ 2,104   $ 1,139   $ (316 ) $ 4,253  

Satellites, net

            1,794     453     (12 )   2,235  

Property and equipment, net

            2,832     1,612         4,444  

Goodwill

        1,828     1,348     972         4,148  

Intangible assets, net

            495     579         1,074  

Intercompany assets

    650     12,804     8,650     (1,520 )   (20,584 )    

Other assets

    54     49     220     1,482     (50 )   1,755  
                           

Total assets

  $ 1,280   $ 15,431   $ 17,443   $ 4,717   $ (20,962 ) $ 17,909  
                           

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                                     

Total current liabilities

  $ 103   $ 142   $ 3,231   $ 1,245   $ (271 ) $ 4,450  

Long-term debt

        10,472                 10,472  

Deferred income taxes

            906     813     (49 )   1,670  

Intercompany liabilities

    888     8,310     3,026     5,619     (17,843 )    

Other liabilities and deferred credits

    483     71     219     514         1,287  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

                224         224  

Stockholders' equity (deficit)

                                     

Capital stock and additional paid-in capital

    5,563     7     4,579     4,684     (9,270 )   5,563  

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

    (5,730 )   (3,571 )   5,482     (8,478 )   6,567     (5,730 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    (27 )           96     (96 )   (27 )
                           

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

    (194 )   (3,564 )   10,061     (3,698 )   (2,799 )   (194 )
                           

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)

  $ 1,280   $ 15,431   $ 17,443   $ 4,717   $ (20,962 ) $ 17,909  
                           

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DIRECTV

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Cash flows from operating activities

                                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 1,831   $ 1,835   $ 1,745   $ 1,537   $ (1,763 ) $ 5,185  
                           

Cash flows from investing activities

                                     

Cash paid for property and equipment

            (1,595 )   (1,329 )       (2,924 )

Cash paid for satellites

    (1 )       (141 )   (104 )       (246 )

Investment in companies, net of cash acquired

            (11 )           (11 )

Proceeds from sale of investments

            55     61         116  

Return of capital from subsidiary

    3,487                 (3,487 )    

Other, net

            1     42         43  
                           

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    3,486         (1,691 )   (1,330 )   (3,487 )   (3,022 )
                           

Cash flows from financing activities

                                     

Cash proceeds from debt issuance

        3,990                 3,990  

Debt issuance costs

        (30 )               (30 )

Repayment of long-term debt

        (1,000 )               (1,000 )

Repayment of short-term borrowings

                (39 )       (39 )

Repayment of other long-term obligations

            (66 )   (118 )       (184 )

Common shares repurchased and retired

    (5,496 )                   (5,496 )

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation

    (5 )       (29 )   (24 )       (58 )

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

            21     4         25  

Intercompany payments (funding)

    (134 )       20     114          

Cash dividend to Parent

        (5,250 )           5,250      
                           

Net cash used in financing activities

    (5,635 )   (2,290 )   (54 )   (63 )   5,250     (2,792 )
                           

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (318 )   (455 )       144         (629 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

    447     683     4     368         1,502  
                           

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

  $ 129   $ 228   $ 4   $ 512   $   $ 873  
                           

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DIRECTV

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Cash flows from operating activities

                                     

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 3,952   $ 2,263   $ 1,678   $ (607 ) $ (2,080 ) $ 5,206  
                           

Cash flows from investing activities

                                     

Cash paid for property and equipment

            (1,444 )   (859 )       (2,303 )

Cash paid for satellites

            (113 )           (113 )

Investment in companies, net of cash acquired

            (1 )   (616 )       (617 )

Proceeds from sale of investments

                9         9  

Return of capital from subsidiary

    4,820                 (4,820 )    

Other, net

            3     (78 )       (75 )
                           

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    4,820         (1,555 )   (1,544 )   (4,820 )   (3,099 )
                           

Cash flows from financing activities

                                     

Cash proceeds from debt issuance

        5,978                 5,978  

Debt issuance costs

        (44 )               (44 )

Repayment of long-term debt

        (2,323 )               (2,323 )

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

                38         38  

Repayment of collar loan and equity collars

                (1,537 )       (1,537 )

Repayment of other long-term obligations

            (99 )   (28 )       (127 )

Common shares repurchased and retired

    (5,111 )                   (5,111 )

Stock options exercised

    38                     38  

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation

    (58 )       (38 )   (22 )       (118 )

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

            9     2         11  

Dividends paid to redeemable noncontrolling interest

                (15 )       (15 )

Intercompany payments (funding)

    (3,751 )       2     3,749          

Cash dividend to Parent

        (6,900 )           6,900      
                           

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (8,882 )   (3,289 )   (126 )   2,187     6,900     (3,210 )
                           

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (110 )   (1,026 )   (3 )   36         (1,103 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

    557     1,709     7     332         2,605  
                           

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

  $ 447   $ 683   $ 4   $ 368   $   $ 1,502  
                           

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DIRECTV

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(continued)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

 
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Co-Issuers
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
DIRECTV
Consolidated
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

Cash flows from operating activities

                                     

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ (564 ) $ 2,108   $ 1,605   $ 2,406   $ (1,124 ) $ 4,431  
                           

Cash flows from investing activities

                                     

Cash paid for property and equipment

    (1 )       (1,426 )   (585 )       (2,012 )

Cash paid for satellites

            (59 )           (59 )

Cash paid for Liberty transaction, net of cash acquired

    (153 )           56         (97 )

Investment in companies, net of cash acquired

    (5 )       (11 )   (21 )       (37 )

Return of capital from subsidiary

    1,376                 (1,376 )    

Other, net

                11         11  
                           

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    1,217         (1,496 )   (539 )   (1,376 )   (2,194 )
                           

Cash flows from financing activities

                                     

Cash proceeds from debt issuance

        1,990                 1,990  

Debt issuance costs

        (14 )               (14 )

Repayment of long-term debt

        (1,018 )               (1,018 )

Repayment of collar loan and equity collars

                (751 )       (751 )

Repayment of other long-term obligations

            (90 )   (26 )       (116 )

Common shares repurchased and retired

    (1,696 )                   (1,696 )

Stock options exercised

    35                     35  

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation

    (35 )       (24 )   (13 )       (72 )

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

            4     1         5  

Intercompany payments (funding)

    1,064         2     (1,066 )        

Cash dividend to Parent

        (2,500 )           2,500      
                           

Net cash used in financing activities

    (632 )   (1,542 )   (108 )   (1,855 )   2,500     (1,637 )
                           

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    21     566     1     12         600  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

    536     1,143     6     320         2,005  
                           

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

  $ 557   $ 1,709   $ 7   $ 332   $   $ 2,605  
                           

***

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ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None.

ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        We carried out an evaluation as of the end of the year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officers and financial officers, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act). Based on the evaluation, our principal executive officers and our financial officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2011.

        There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Those rules define internal control over financial reporting as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that:

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on their assessment and those criteria, management believes that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting is effective.

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        Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on internal control over financial reporting, which appears below.

        We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of DIRECTV and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

        We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP          

Los Angeles, California
February 22, 2012

***

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ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION


PART III

ITEMS 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14

        We hereby incorporate by reference information required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this Annual Report from DIRECTV's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than March 23, 2012.


PART IV

ITEM 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 
   
   
 
Page
Number

(a)

  1.  

All Consolidated Financial Statements

  See Part II

  2.  

Financial Statement Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

  116

  3.  

Exhibits

   

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Name

*3.1

 

Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of DIRECTV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-Q of DIRECTV filed May 6, 2011 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


*3.2


 


DIRECTV Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-Q of DIRECTV filed May 6, 2011 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


*4.1


 


Specimen form of certificate representing Class A Common Stock of DIRECTV


*4.2


 


Indenture dated as of May 14, 2008 by and among DIRECTV Holdings LLC, DIRECTV Financing Co, Inc., the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC and DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc. filed May 16, 2008 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.3


 


Form of 75/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (included in Exhibit 4.2)


*4.4


 


Indenture dated as of September 22, 2009 by and among DIRECTV Holdings LLC, DIRECTV Financing Co, Inc., the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings, LLC filed on September 25, 2009 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.5


 


Form of 43/4% Senior Notes due 2014 (included in Exhibit 4.4)


*4.6


 


Form of 57/8% Senior Notes due 2019 (included in Exhibit 4.4)

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Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Name

*4.7

 

Indenture dated as of March 11, 2010 by and among DIRECTV Holdings LLC, DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC filed on March 15, 2010 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.8


 


Form of 3.550% Senior Notes due 2015 (included in Exhibit 4.7)


*4.9


 


Form of 5.200% Senior Notes due 2020 (included in Exhibit 4.7)


*4.10


 


Form of 6.35% Senior Notes due 2040 (included in Exhibit 4.7)


*4.11


 


Indenture dated as of August 17, 2010 by and among DIRECTV Holdings LLC, DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC filed on August 23, 2010 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.12


 


First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2010, by and among DIRECTV Holdings LLC, DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC filed on August 23, 2010 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.13


 


Form of 3.125% Senior Notes due 2016 (included in Exhibit 4.12)


*4.14


 


Form of 4.600% Senior Notes due 2021 (included in Exhibit 4.12)


*4.15


 


Form of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2040 (included in Exhibit 4.12)


*4.16


 


Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2011, by and among DIRECTV Holdings LLC, DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC filed on March 10, 2011(SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.17


 


Form of 3.500% Notes due 2016 (included in Exhibit 4.2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC filed on March 10, 2011(SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.18


 


Form of 5.000% Notes due 2021 (included in Exhibit 4.2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC filed on March 10, 2011 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*4.19


 


Form of 6.375% Notes due 2041 (included in Exhibit 4.2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC filed on March 10, 2011 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*10.1


 


Amended and Restated Agreement for the Allocation of United States Income Taxes, dated as of April 9, 2003, by and between General Motors Corporation and Hughes Electronics Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Form S-4 of Hughes Electronics Corporation filed June 5, 2003 (SEC File No. 1-31945))

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DIRECTV

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Name

*10.2

 

DTH Agreement, dated as of October 8, 2004, by and among Grupo Televisa, S.A., The News Corporation Limited, Innova, S. de R.L. de C.V., The DIRECTV Group, Inc. and DIRECTV Latin America, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Form 8-K of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. filed October 15, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


*10.3


 


Credit Agreement dated as of February 7, 2011, by and among DIRECTV Holdings LLC and certain of DIRECTV Holdings LLC's subsidiaries as Guarantors, and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the lenders party to the Credit Agreement, Barclays Capital, as Syndication Agent, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The Royal Bank Of Scotland PLC and UBS AG, Stamford Branch as Co-Documentation Agents, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Barclays Capital, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBS Securities Inc. and UBS AG, Stamford Branch as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of DIRECTV Holdings LLC and DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc. filed February 10, 2011 (SEC File No. 333-106529))


*10.4


 


Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Agreement dated as of December 22, 2006 between The DIRECTV Group, Inc. and News Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. filed February 27, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† **10.5


 


Amended and Restated DIRECTV Executive Deferred Compensation Plan


†† *10.6


 


The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B to The DIRECTV Group, Inc.'s Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 27, 2007 and filed on April 27, 2007 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.7


 


DIRECTV 2010 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 of the Form S-8 of DIRECTV filed on February 14, 2011 (SEC file No. 1-34554))


†† *10.8


 


The Liberty Entertainment, Inc. Transitional Stock Adjustment Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(a) of the Form S-8 of DIRECTV filed on November 19, 2009 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


†† *10.9


 


The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Officer Cash Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex C to the The DIRECTV Group,  Inc.'s Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 27, 2007 and filed on April 27, 2007 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.10


 


Summary Terms-2011 Restricted Stock Unit Grants to applicable executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed February 15, 2011 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.11


 


Summary Terms-2012 Restricted Stock Unit Grants to applicable executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed February 15, 2012 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


†† *10.12


 


Summary Terms-2011 Bonus (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed February 14, 2011 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.13


 


Summary Terms-2012 Cash Bonus (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed February 15, 2012 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


†† *10.14


 


Summary Terms-2012 Stock Option Grant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed February 15, 2012 (SEC File No. 1-31945))

114


Table of Contents


DIRECTV

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Name

†† *10.15

 

DIRECTV Executive Severance Plan Document and Summary Plan Description (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on January 27, 2012 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


†† *10.16


 


Employment Contract of Bruce Churchill dated as of July 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Form 10-Q of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. filed on August 7, 2009 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.17


 


Employment Contract of Patrick T. Doyle dated as of July 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Form 10-Q of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. filed on August 7, 2009 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.18


 


Employment Contract of Larry Hunter dated as of July 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Form 10-Q of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. filed on August 7, 2009 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.19


 


Employment Contract of Romulo Pontual dated as of July 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Form 10-Q of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. filed on August 7, 2009 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


†† *10.20


 


Employment Contract of Michael Palkovic dated as of November 12, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on November 22, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


†† *10.21


 


Michael D. White Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on January 7, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


†† *10.22


 


DIRECTV Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between DIRECTV and Michael D. White dated as of January 4, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on January 7, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


†† *10.23


 


DIRECTV Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement between DIRECTV and Michael D. White dated as of January 4, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on January 7, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


*10.24


 


Voting, Standstill, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2009, by and among Liberty Media Corporation, DIRECTV, The DIRECTV Group, Inc., Liberty Entertainment, Inc., Greenlady Corporation, and Greenlady II, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. filed on May 4, 2009 (SEC File No. 1-31945))


*10.25


 


Tax Sharing Agreement by and between Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty Entertainment, Inc. dated November 19, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Form 10-K of DIRECTV filed on February 26, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


*10.26


 


Exchange Rights Agreement dated as of October 8, 2004 among Globo, The News Corporation Limited and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on June 7, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


*10.27


 


Amendment dated August 27, 2010 to Exchange Rights Agreement dated as of October 8, 2004 among Globo, The News Corporation Limited and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q of DIRECTV filed on November 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))

115


Table of Contents


DIRECTV

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Name

*10.28

 

Share Exchange Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2010 by and among DIRECTV, Dr. John C. Malone, Mrs. Leslie A. Malone, The Tracy L. Neal Trust A, and The Evan D. Malone Trust A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on April 7, 2010 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


*10.29


 


Form of Indemnification Agreement dated as of July 29, 2011 between DIRECTV and Neil R. Austrian, Ralph F. Boyd, David B. Dillon, Samuel A. DiPiazza, Dixon R. Doll, Charles R. Lee, Peter A. Lund, Nancy S. Newcomb and Lorrie M. Norrington (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K of DIRECTV filed on August 4, 2011 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


*14.1


 


DIRECTV Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, adopted November 19, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Form 10-K of DIRECTV filed on February 28, 2011 (SEC File No. 1-34554))


**21


 


Subsidiaries of the Registrant as of December 31, 2011


**23


 


Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP


***31.1


 


Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


***31.2


 


Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


***32.1


 


Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


***32.2


 


Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


101.INS


 


XBRL Instance Document


101.SCH


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document


101.CAL


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document


101.DEF


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


101.LAB


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document


101.PRE


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


*
Incorporated by reference.

**
Filed herewith.

***
Furnished not filed.

††
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

        A copy of any of the exhibits included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than those as to which confidential treatment has been granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon payment of a fee to cover the reasonable expenses of furnishing such exhibits, may be obtained by written request to us at the address set forth on the front cover, attention General Counsel.

116


Table of Contents


DIRECTV

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Description  
Balance at
beginning of year
 
Additions charged
to costs and expenses
 
Additions charged
to other accounts
 
Deductions
 
Balance at
end of year
 
 
  (Dollars in Millions)
 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

                               

Allowances Deducted from Assets

                               

Accounts receivable

  $ (76 ) $ (309 ) $ (130 )(a) $ 436  (b) $ (79 )
                       

For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

                               

Allowances Deducted from Assets

                               

Accounts receivable

  $ (56 ) $ (288 ) $ (255 )(a) $ 523  (b) $ (76 )
                       

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

                               

Allowances Deducted from Assets

                               

Accounts receivable

  $ (50 ) $ (240 ) $ (238 )(a) $ 472  (b) $ (56 )
                       

(a)
Primarily reflects the recovery of accounts previously written-off.

(b)
Primarily relates to accounts written-off.

117


Table of Contents


DIRECTV

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

    DIRECTV
(Registrant)
Date: February 23, 2012        

 

 

By:

 

/s/ PATRICK T. DOYLE

Patrick T. Doyle
(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on this 22nd day of February 2012 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

Signature
 
Title
   
   

/s/ MICHAEL D. WHITE


(Michael D. White)
 

Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer

  }  

Principal Executive Officer

/s/ PATRICK T. DOYLE


(Patrick T. Doyle)
 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  }  

Principal Financial Officer

/s/ JOHN F. MURPHY


(John F. Murphy)
 

Senior Vice President and Controller

  }  

Principal Accounting Officer

/s/ NEIL R. AUSTRIAN


(Neil R. Austrian)
 

Director

       

/s/ RALPH F. BOYD, JR.


(Ralph F. Boyd, Jr.)
 

Director

       

/s/ SAMUEL A. DIPIAZZA, JR.


(Samuel A. DiPiazza, Jr.)
 

Director

       

/s/ NANCY NEWCOMB


(Nancy Newcomb)
 

Director

       

/s/ LORRIE M. NORRINGTON


(Lorrie M. Norrington)
 

Director

       

/s/ CHARLES R. LEE


(Charles R. Lee)
 

Director

       

/s/ PETER A. LUND


(Peter A. Lund)
 

Director

       

/s/ DAVID B. DILLON


(David B. Dillon)
 

Director

       

/s/ DIXON R. DOLL


(Dixon R. Doll)
 

Director

       

118


Table of Contents


DIRECTV

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Name

10.5

 

Amended and Restated DIRECTV Executive Deferred Compensation Plan


21


 


Subsidiaries of the Registrant as of December 31, 2011


23


 


Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP


31.1


 


Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


31.2


 


Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32.1


 


Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32.2


 


Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


101.INS


 


XBRL Instance Document


101.SCH


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document


101.CAL


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document


101.DEF


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


101.LAB


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document


101.PRE


 


XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

        A copy of any of the exhibits included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than those as to which confidential treatment has been granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon payment of a fee to cover the reasonable expenses of furnishing such exhibits, may be obtained by written request to us at the address set forth on the front cover, attention General Counsel.

119