UNITED STATES | |||
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | |||
Washington, D.C. 20549 | |||
| |||
SCHEDULE 14A | |||
| |||
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of | |||
| |||
Filed by the Registrant x | |||
| |||
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o | |||
| |||
Check the appropriate box: | |||
o |
Preliminary Proxy Statement | ||
o |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | ||
x |
Definitive Proxy Statement | ||
o |
Definitive Additional Materials | ||
o |
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 | ||
| |||
DISH Network Corporation | |||
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) | |||
| |||
| |||
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) | |||
| |||
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): | |||
x |
No fee required. | ||
o |
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | ||
|
(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: | |
|
|
| |
|
(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: | |
|
|
| |
|
(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): | |
|
|
| |
|
(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: | |
|
|
| |
|
(5) |
Total fee paid: | |
|
|
| |
o |
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | ||
o |
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. | ||
|
(1) |
Amount Previously Paid: | |
|
|
| |
|
(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: | |
|
|
| |
|
(3) |
Filing Party: | |
|
|
| |
|
(4) |
Date Filed: | |
|
|
| |
March 22, 2016
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
It is a pleasure for me to extend to you an invitation to attend the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DISH Network Corporation. The Annual Meeting will be held on May 2, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., local time, at DISH Networks headquarters located at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112.
The enclosed Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement describe the proposals to be considered and voted upon at the Annual Meeting. During the Annual Meeting, we will also review DISH Networks operations and other items of general interest regarding the corporation.
We hope that all shareholders will be able to attend the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting personally, it is important that you be represented. To ensure that your vote will be received and counted, please vote online, by mail or by telephone, by following the instructions included with the proxy card.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and senior management, I would like to express our appreciation for your support and interest in DISH Network. I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.
CHARLES W. ERGEN
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
NOTICE OF 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF DISH NETWORK CORPORATION:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DISH Network Corporation will be held on May 2, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., local time, at our headquarters located at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112, for the following purposes:
1. To elect ten directors to our Board of Directors;
2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016; and
3. To consider and act upon any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.
You may vote on these matters in person or by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we ask that you vote by one of the following methods to ensure that your shares will be represented at the meeting in accordance with your wishes:
· Vote online or by telephone, by following the instructions included with the proxy card; or
· Vote by mail, by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed addressed stamped envelope.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2016 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. This proxy statement and the proxy card were either made available to you online or mailed to you beginning on or about March 22, 2016.
By Order of the Board of Directors
R. STANTON DODGE
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
March 22, 2016
9601 S. Meridian Blvd. · Englewood, Colorado 80112 · Tel: (303) 723-1000 · Fax: (303) 723-1999
PROXY STATEMENT
OF
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being furnished to you in connection with the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) of DISH Network Corporation (DISH Network, we, us, our or the Corporation). The Annual Meeting will be held on May 2, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., local time, at our headquarters located at 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112.
This Proxy Statement is being sent or provided on or about March 22, 2016, to holders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2016 (the Record Date) of our Class A Common Stock (the Class A Shares) and Class B Common Stock (the Class B Shares).
Your proxy is being solicited by our Board of Directors (the Board or Board of Directors). Your proxy may be revoked by written notice given to our Secretary at our headquarters at any time before being voted. You may also revoke your proxy by submitting a proxy with a later date or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. To vote online or by telephone, please refer to the instructions included with the proxy card. To vote by mail, please complete the accompanying proxy card and return it to us as instructed in the proxy card. Votes submitted online or by telephone or mail must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 1, 2016. Submitting your vote online or by telephone or mail will not affect your right to vote in person, if you choose to do so. Proxies that are properly delivered to us and not revoked before the closing of the polls during the Annual Meeting will be voted for the proposals described in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the instructions set forth on the proxy card. The Board is currently not aware of any matters proposed to be presented at the Annual Meeting other than the election of ten directors and the ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. If any other matter is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy card will have discretionary authority to vote on that matter. Your presence at the Annual Meeting does not of itself revoke your proxy.
Attendance at the Meeting
All of our shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting. Seating is limited, however, and admission to the Annual Meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and seating will begin at 10:00 a.m., local time, and the Annual Meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m., local time. Each shareholder may be asked to present a valid government issued photo identification confirming his or her identity as a shareholder of record, such as a drivers license or passport. Cameras, recording devices, and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting.
If your shares are held by a broker, bank, or other nominee (often referred to as holding in street name) and you desire to attend the Annual Meeting, you will need to bring a legal proxy or a copy of a brokerage or bank statement reflecting your share ownership as of the Record Date. All shareholders must check in at the registration desk at the Annual Meeting.
Securities Entitled to Vote
Shareholder of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are considered the shareholder of record, with respect to those shares. Shareholders of record receive this Proxy Statement and the accompanying 2015 Annual Report and the proxy card directly from us.
Beneficial Owner. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. Your broker, bank or other nominee, who is considered with respect to those shares the shareholder of record, should have forwarded the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to you. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares by completing the voting instruction form.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting. Such shareholders may vote shares held by them at the close of business on the Record Date at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on the Record Date, 225,774,554 Class A Shares and 238,435,208 Class B Shares were outstanding. Each of the Class A Shares is entitled to one vote per share on each proposal to be considered by our shareholders. Each of the Class B Shares is entitled to ten votes per share on each proposal to be considered by our shareholders.
Vote Required
In accordance with our Articles of Incorporation, the presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all classes of our voting stock taken together shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the total votes cast for directors at the Annual Meeting is necessary to elect a director. No cumulative voting is permitted. The ten nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast for will be elected.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. The total number of votes cast for will be counted for purposes of determining whether sufficient affirmative votes have been cast to approve the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Abstentions from voting on a proposal by a shareholder at the Annual Meeting, as well as broker nonvotes, will be considered for purposes of determining the number of total votes present at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, abstentions will not be counted as against or for the election of directors. Broker nonvotes will not be considered in determining the election of directors or the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, currently possesses approximately 78.5% of the total voting power. Please see Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management below. Mr. Ergen has indicated his intention to vote: (1) for the election of each of the ten director nominees and (2) for the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Accordingly, the election of each of the director nominees and the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm are assured notwithstanding a contrary vote by any or all shareholders other than Mr. Ergen.
Householding
We have adopted a procedure approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) called householding. Under this procedure, service providers that deliver our communications to shareholders may deliver a single copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to multiple shareholders sharing the same address, unless one or more of these shareholders notifies us that they wish to continue receiving individual copies. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards. This householding procedure reduces our printing costs and postage fees.
We will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered. Please notify Broadridge Financial Solutions at 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717 or (800) 542-1061 to receive a separate copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
If you are eligible for householding, but you and other shareholders with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of our annual reports, proxy statements and/or Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or if you hold stock in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of our Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for your household, please contact Broadridge Financial Solutions at the address or phone number provided above.
Our Mailing Address
Our mailing address is 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112.
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees
Our shareholders will elect a board of ten directors at the Annual Meeting. Each of the directors is expected to hold office until the next annual meeting of our shareholders or until his or her respective successor shall be duly elected and qualified. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the total votes cast for directors is necessary to elect a director. This means that the ten nominees who receive the most votes will be elected to the ten open directorships even if they get less than a majority of the votes cast. Each nominee has consented to his or her nomination and has advised us that he or she intends to serve if elected. If at the time of the Annual Meeting one or more of the nominees have become unable to serve: (i) shares represented by proxies will be voted for the remaining nominees and for any substitute nominee or nominees; or (ii) the Board of Directors may, in accordance with our bylaws, reduce the size of the Board of Directors or may leave a vacancy until a nominee is identified.
The nominees for director are as follows:
Name |
|
Age |
|
First Became Director |
|
Position with the Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George R. Brokaw |
|
48 |
|
2013 |
|
Director |
James DeFranco |
|
63 |
|
1980 |
|
Director and Executive Vice President |
Cantey M. Ergen |
|
60 |
|
2001 |
|
Director and Senior Advisor |
Charles W. Ergen |
|
63 |
|
1980 |
|
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
Steven R. Goodbarn |
|
58 |
|
2002 |
|
Director |
Charles M. Lillis |
|
74 |
|
2013 |
|
Director |
Afshin Mohebbi |
|
53 |
|
2014 |
|
Director |
David K. Moskowitz |
|
57 |
|
1998 |
|
Director and Senior Advisor |
Tom A. Ortolf |
|
65 |
|
2005 |
|
Director |
Carl E. Vogel |
|
58 |
|
2005 |
|
Director and Senior Advisor |
The following sets forth the business experience of each of the nominees over the last five years:
George R. Brokaw. Mr. Brokaw joined the Board in October 2013 and is a member of our Audit Committee and Nominating Committee. Mr. Brokaw is currently a Managing Partner of the investment firm Trafelet Brokaw & Co., LLC. Until September 30, 2013, Mr. Brokaw served as Managing Director of the Highbridge Growth Equity Fund at Highbridge Principal Strategies, LLC (Highbridge). Prior to joining Highbridge in 2012, Mr. Brokaw was a Managing Partner and Head of Private Equity at Perry Capital, L.L.C. (Perry). Prior to joining Perry, Mr. Brokaw was Managing Director (Mergers & Acquisitions) of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (Lazard) from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Brokaw joined the board of directors of Alico, Inc. in November 2013 and continues to serve in that role. Mr. Brokaw previously served on the board of directors of North American Energy Partners Inc. from 2006 to 2013. The Board has determined that Mr. Brokaw meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. The Board concluded that Mr. Brokaw should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his financial experience, acquired, in part, during his tenure with Highbridge, Perry and Lazard. Mr. Brokaw received a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Virginia. Mr. Brokaw is a member of the New York Bar.
James DeFranco. Mr. DeFranco is one of our Executive Vice Presidents and has been one of our vice presidents and a member of the Board of Directors since our formation. During the past five years he has held various executive officer and director positions with DISH Network and our subsidiaries. During 1980, Mr. DeFranco co-founded DISH Network with Charles W. Ergen and Cantey M. Ergen. The Board concluded that Mr. DeFranco should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his knowledge of DISH Network since its formation, particularly in sales and marketing.
Cantey M. Ergen. Mrs. Ergen has served on the Board since May 2001, is currently a Senior Advisor to us and has had a variety of operational responsibilities with us since our formation. Mrs. Ergen served as a member of the board of trustees of Childrens Hospital Colorado from 2001 to 2012, and is now an honorary lifetime member. Mrs. Ergen has also served on the board of trustees of Wake Forest University since 2009. During 1980, Mrs. Ergen co-founded DISH Network with her future spouse, Charles W. Ergen, and James DeFranco. The Board concluded that Mrs. Ergen should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to her knowledge of DISH Network since its inception and her service to us in a multitude of roles over the years.
Charles W. Ergen. Mr. Ergen serves as our executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors since our formation. During the past five years, Mr. Ergen has held various executive officer and director positions with DISH Network and our subsidiaries including the position of President, which he held most recently from March 2015 to December 2015. During 1980, Mr. Ergen co-founded DISH Network with his future spouse, Cantey M. Ergen, and James DeFranco. Mr. Ergen also serves as executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EchoStar Corporation (EchoStar). The Board concluded that Mr. Ergen should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his role as our co-founder and controlling shareholder and the expertise, leadership and strategic direction that he has contributed to us since our formation.
Steven R. Goodbarn. Mr. Goodbarn joined the Board in December 2002 and is a member of our Audit Committee, where he serves as our audit committee financial expert, and our Executive Compensation Committee (the Compensation Committee). Since July 2002, Mr. Goodbarn has served as director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Secure64 Software Corporation, a company he co-founded. Mr. Goodbarn was Chief Financial Officer of Janus Capital Corporation (Janus) from 1992 to 2000, where he was a member of the executive committee and served on the board of directors of many Janus corporate and investment entities. Mr. Goodbarn is a CPA and spent 12 years at Price Waterhouse prior to joining Janus. The Board has determined that Mr. Goodbarn meets the independence and audit committee financial expert requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. Mr. Goodbarn served as a member of the board of directors of EchoStar from its formation in October 2007 until November 2008. The Board concluded that Mr. Goodbarn should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director since 2002 and his expertise in accounting, auditing, finance and risk management that he brings to the Board, in particular in light of his background as a CPA and his prior experience serving as Chief Financial Officer of Janus.
Charles M. Lillis. Mr. Lillis joined the Board in November 2013 and is a member of our Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Since 2011, Mr. Lillis has served as an advisor to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (Wells Fargo). Previously, Mr. Lillis was a co-founder and managing partner of Castle Pines Capital LLC (Castle Pines Capital) from 2004 to 2011, a private equity concern and a financial services entity. Castle Pines Capital was acquired by Wells Fargo in 2011. Mr. Lillis was also previously a co-founder and principal of LoneTree Capital Management LLC (LoneTree Capital Management), a private equity investing group formed in 2000. Prior to LoneTree Capital Management, Mr. Lillis served as Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of MediaOne Group, Inc. from its inception in 1995
through its acquisition by AT&T Corp. in 2000. Mr. Lillis also has served on the boards of the following public companies: Charter Communications Inc. (Charter) from 2003 to 2005; Medco Health Solutions, Inc. from 2005 to 2012; SUPERVALU Inc. from 1995 to 2011; The Williams Companies Inc. from 2000 to 2009; and Washington Mutual, Inc. from 2005 to 2009. The Board has determined that Mr. Lillis meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. The Board concluded that Mr. Lillis should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his financial and managerial experience.
Afshin Mohebbi. Mr. Mohebbi joined the Board in September 2014 and is a member of our Audit Committee and Nominating Committee. Mr. Mohebbi is a private investor and advisor to public and private companies. Mr. Mohebbi has been a Senior Advisor to TPG Capital since March 2003. Prior to TPG Capital, Mr. Mohebbi was President and Chief Operating Officer of Qwest Communications International, Inc. (Qwest) from April 2001 to December 2002. From July 2000 to April 2001, Mr. Mohebbi served as President, Worldwide Operations of Qwest. From June 1999 to July 2000, Mr. Mohebbi served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Qwest prior to its merger with US WEST, Inc. Before joining Qwest, Mr. Mohebbi served as President and managing director of the United Kingdom Markets for British Telecom and was a member of its management board from 1997 to 1999. Prior to British Telecom, Mr. Mohebbi served as Vice President-Marketing for SBC Communications, Inc., following its acquisition of Pacific Bell in 1997. Mr. Mohebbi began his career with Pacific Bell in 1983, where he held a variety of positions, including Vice President-Business Markets. Mr. Mohebbi previously served on the board of directors of Hanaro Telecom Incorporated from 2005 to 2007 and the board of directors of BearingPoint, Inc. from 2001 to 2005. Mr. Mohebbi also serves on the boards of directors of several private companies. The Board has determined that Mr. Mohebbi meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. The Board concluded that Mr. Mohebbi should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his financial and managerial experience in the telecommunications and related industries, acquired, in part, during his tenure with TPG Capital and Qwest.
David K. Moskowitz. Mr. Moskowitz is one of our Senior Advisors and was an Executive Vice President as well as our Secretary and General Counsel until 2007. Mr. Moskowitz joined us in March 1990. He was elected to the Board in 1998. Mr. Moskowitz performs certain business functions for us and our subsidiaries from time to time. Mr. Moskowitz served as a member of the board of directors of EchoStar from its formation in October 2007 until May 2012. The Board concluded that Mr. Moskowitz should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director since 1998 and his business and legal expertise that he brings to the Board, in particular in light of his service as our General Counsel for 17 years.
Tom A. Ortolf. Mr. Ortolf joined the Board in May 2005 and is a member of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee. Mr. Ortolf has been the President of CMC, a privately held investment management firm, for over twenty years. The Board has determined that Mr. Ortolf meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. Mr. Ortolf has also served as a member of the board of directors of EchoStar since its formation in October 2007. The Board concluded that Mr. Ortolf should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director since 2005 and his expertise in finance, business and risk management, in particular in light of his experience as an executive with CMC.
Carl E. Vogel. Mr. Vogel has served on the Board since May 2005 and is currently a Senior Advisor to us. Mr. Vogel is also a private investor as well as a senior advisor to certain private equity funds active in media and telecom investments globally. He served as our President from September 2006 to February 2008 and served as our Vice Chairman from June 2005 to March 2009. From October 2007 to March 2009, Mr. Vogel served as the Vice Chairman of the board of directors of, and as a Senior Advisor to, EchoStar. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Vogel served as the President and CEO of Charter, a publicly-traded company providing cable television and broadband services to approximately six million customers. Prior to joining Charter, Mr. Vogel worked as an executive officer in various capacities for companies affiliated with Liberty Media Corporation from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Vogel was one of our executive officers from 1994 to 1997, including serving as our President from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Vogel is also currently serving on the boards of directors of Shaw Communications Inc. (which he joined in 2006), Universal Electronics, Inc. (which he joined in 2009), Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (f/k/a Ascent Media Corporation, which he joined in 2009), Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (which he joined in 2011) and AMC Networks Inc. (which he joined in 2013). The Board concluded that Mr. Vogel should continue to serve on the Board due, among other things, to his knowledge of DISH Network from his service as a director and officer and his experience in the telecommunications and related industries from his service over the years as a director or officer with a number of different companies in those industries.
Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, currently possesses approximately 78.5% of the total voting power. Please see Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management below. Mr. Ergen has indicated his intention to vote in favor of each of the nominees set forth in Proposal No. 1. Accordingly, election of all of the nominees set forth in Proposal No. 1 is assured notwithstanding a contrary vote by any or all shareholders other than Mr. Ergen.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of all of the nominees named herein (Item No. 1 on the enclosed proxy card).
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
Board of Directors and Committees and Selection Process
Our Board held 12 meetings in 2015 and also took action by unanimous written consent on four occasions during 2015. Each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of meetings of the Board held during the period in which he or she was a director, and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he or she served. In addition, our non-employee directors held four executive sessions in 2015.
Directors are elected annually and serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified or their earlier resignation or removal. Officers serve at the discretion of the Board.
We are a controlled company within the meaning of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules because more than 50% of our voting power is held by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman. Mr. Ergen currently beneficially owns approximately 48.3% of our total equity securities and possesses approximately 78.5% of the total voting power. Mr. Ergens beneficial ownership excludes 33,790,620 of Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares currently held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family. These trusts beneficially own approximately 13.0% of our total equity securities and possess approximately 13.0% of the total voting power. Please see Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management below. Therefore, we are not subject to the NASDAQ listing requirements that would otherwise require us to have: (i) a Board of Directors comprised of a majority of independent directors; (ii) compensation of our executive officers determined by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; (iii) a compensation committee charter which, among other things, provides the compensation committee with the authority and funding to retain compensation consultants and other advisors; and (iv) director nominees selected, or recommended for the Boards selection, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors. Nevertheless, the Corporation has created a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee, in addition to an Audit Committee, all of which are composed entirely of independent directors. The charters of our Compensation, Audit, and Nominating Committees are available free of charge on our website at http://www.dish.com. The function and authority of these committees are described below:
Audit Committee. Our Board has established a standing Audit Committee in accordance with NASDAQ rules and Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and related SEC rules and regulations. The Audit Committee operates under an Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Board. The principal functions of the Audit Committee are to: (i) select the independent registered public accounting firm and set their compensation; (ii) select the internal auditor; (iii) review and approve managements plan for engaging our independent registered public accounting firm during the year to perform non-audit services and consider what effect these services will have on the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm; (iv) review our annual financial statements and other financial reports that require approval by the Board; (v) oversee the integrity of our financial statements, our systems of disclosure and internal controls, and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (vi) review the scope of our independent registered public accounting firms audit plans and the results of their audits; and (vii) evaluate the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee held nine meetings and did not take action by unanimous written consent during 2015. The current members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Brokaw, Mr. Goodbarn, Mr. Lillis, Mr. Mohebbi and Mr. Ortolf, with Mr. Ortolf serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee and Mr. Goodbarn serving as our audit committee financial expert. The Board has determined that each of these individuals meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. The Board has also determined that each member of our Audit Committee is financially literate and that Mr. Goodbarn qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined by applicable SEC rules and regulations.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee operates under a Compensation Committee Charter adopted by the Board. The principal functions of the Compensation Committee are, to the extent the Board deems necessary or appropriate, to: (i) make and approve all option grants and other issuances of DISH Networks equity securities to DISH Networks executive officers and Board members other than nonemployee directors; (ii) approve all other option grants and issuances of DISH Networks equity securities, and recommend that the full Board make and approve such grants and issuances; (iii) establish in writing all performance goals for performance-based compensation that together with other compensation to senior executive officers could exceed $1 million annually, other than standard stock incentive plan options that may be paid to DISH Networks executive officers, and certify achievement of such goals prior to payment; and (iv) set the compensation of Mr. Ergen, who is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee held eight meetings and took action by unanimous written consent on three occasions during 2015. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Goodbarn, Mr. Lillis, and Mr. Ortolf, with Mr. Goodbarn serving as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Board has determined that each of these individuals meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.
Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee operates under a Nominating Committee Charter adopted by the Board. The principal function of the Nominating Committee is to recommend independent director nominees for selection by the Board. The Nominating Committee held one meeting and took action by unanimous written consent on one occasion during 2015. The current members of the Nominating Committee are Mr. Brokaw, Mr. Mohebbi and Mr. Ortolf, with Mr. Brokaw serving as Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Board has determined that each of these individuals meets the independence requirements of NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.
The Nominating Committee will consider candidates suggested by its members, other directors, senior management and shareholders as appropriate. No search firms or other advisors were retained to identify prospective nominees during the past fiscal year. The Nominating Committee has not adopted a written policy with respect to the consideration of candidates proposed by security holders or with respect to nominating anyone to our Board other than nonemployee directors. Director candidates, whether recommended by the Nominating Committee, other directors, senior management or shareholders are currently considered by the Nominating Committee and the Board, as applicable, in light of the entirety of their credentials, including but not limited to the following diverse factors: (i) their reputation and character; (ii) their ability and willingness to devote sufficient time to Board duties; (iii) their educational background; (iv) their business and professional achievements, experience and industry background; (v) their independence from management under listing standards and the Corporations governance guidelines; and (vi) the needs of the Board and the Corporation.
Board Criteria. In considering whether to recommend a prospective nominee for selection by the Board, including candidates recommended by shareholders, the Nominating Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective nominees. However, DISH Network believes that the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors, considered as a group, should provide a diverse mix of experience, knowledge and abilities that will allow the Board to fulfill its responsibilities. The Nominating Committee recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board reflects the appropriate balance of experience, knowledge and abilities required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of independent directors required by applicable laws and regulations.
A shareholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for the Board should notify the Corporations Secretary or any member of the Nominating Committee in writing with whatever supporting material the shareholder considers appropriate. The Nominating Committee will also consider whether to nominate any person nominated by a shareholder pursuant to the provisions of the Corporations bylaws relating to shareholder nominations. Communications can be directed to the Corporations Secretary or any member of the Nominating Committee in accordance with the process described in Shareholder Communications below.
Board Leadership Structure. From June 2011 until Mr. Joseph P. Claytons retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network on March 31, 2015, the Board separated the role of Chairman of the Board from the role of Chief Executive Officer, with Mr. Charles W. Ergen serving as Chairman and Mr. Clayton serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network. Mr. Clayton was responsible for the day-to-day management of the Corporation and Mr. Ergen primarily identified strategic priorities and led the discussion and execution of strategy for DISH Network. We believe this leadership structure was appropriate for the Corporation during this period, among other reasons, because separating the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles allowed us to efficiently develop and implement corporate strategy that was consistent with the Boards oversight role, while facilitating strong day-to-day executive leadership. Among other things, separation of these roles allowed our Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management to focus on our day-to-day business, while at the same time the Board was able to take advantage of the
unique blend of leadership, experience and knowledge of our industry and business that Mr. Ergen brings to the role of Chairman in providing guidance to, and oversight of, management.
Since Mr. Ergen succeeded Mr. Clayton as Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network effective March 31, 2015, the Board currently combines the role of Chairman of the Board with the role of Chief Executive Officer, among other reasons, because of Mr. Ergens unique position and qualifications as our co-founder and controlling shareholder. Mr. Ergen previously held the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DISH Network before Mr. Clayton served as President and Chief Executive Officer beginning in June 2011. The Board believes that Mr. Ergen remains best situated to serve as Chairman, among other reasons, because he is the director most familiar with the Corporations business and industry and is also the person most capable of effectively identifying strategic priorities and leading the discussion and execution of strategy. We believe that this leadership structure is appropriate for the Corporation, among other reasons, because it helps to ensure clarity regarding leadership of the Corporation, allows the Corporation to speak with one voice and provides for the efficient operation of our Board process. This structure also avoids potential confusion as to leadership roles and duplication of efforts that can result when the roles are separated. Furthermore, in light of Mr. Ergens voting control and position with DISH Network, we believe that the creation of a lead independent director position is not necessary at this time.
The Boards Role in Risk Oversight
The Board has ultimate responsibility for oversight of the Corporations risk management processes. The Board discharges this oversight responsibility through regular reports received from and discussions with senior management on areas of material risk exposure to the Corporation. These reports and Board discussions include, among other things, operational, financial, legal and regulatory, and strategic risks. Additionally, the Corporations risk management processes are intended to identify, manage and control risks so that they are appropriate considering the Corporations scope, operations and business objectives. The full Board (or the appropriate Committee in the case of risks in areas for which responsibility has been delegated to a particular Committee) engages with the appropriate members of senior management to enable its members to understand and provide input to, and oversight of, our risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation strategies. The Audit Committee also meets regularly in executive session without management present to, among other things, discuss the Corporations risk management culture and processes. For example, as part of its charter, our Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, discussing Corporation policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, and reviewing contingent liabilities and risks that may be material to the Corporation. When a Committee receives a report from a member of management regarding areas of risk, the Chairman of the relevant Committee is expected to report on the discussion to the full Board to the extent necessary or appropriate. This enables the Board to coordinate risk oversight, particularly with respect to interrelated or cumulative risks that may involve multiple areas for which more than one Committee has responsibility. The Board or applicable Committee also has authority to engage external advisors to the extent necessary or appropriate.
Other Information about Our Board of Directors
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. The Compensation Committee is comprised solely of independent directors. The Compensation Committee members are Mr. Goodbarn, Mr. Lillis and Mr. Ortolf. None of these individuals was an officer or employee of DISH Network or EchoStar at any time during the 2015 fiscal year. During the 2015 fiscal year, no executive officer of DISH Network served on: (i) the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee; (ii) the board of directors of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee; or (iii) the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Board of Directors.
Annual Meeting Attendance. Although we do not have a policy with regard to Board members attendance at our annual meetings of shareholders, all of our directors are encouraged to attend such meetings. All of our directors serving as directors at the time of our 2015 annual meeting were in attendance at our 2015 annual meeting. We expect that all of our directors will attend the 2016 Annual Meeting.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Unless otherwise indicated, the following table sets forth, to the best of our knowledge, the beneficial ownership of our voting securities as of the close of business on the Record Date by: (i) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities; (ii) each of our directors; (iii) our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three other most highly compensated persons acting as one of our executive officers in 2015 (collectively, the Named Executive Officers or NEOs); and (iv) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person listed in the following table (alone or with family members) has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares listed opposite such persons name.
Name (1) |
|
Amount and |
|
Percentage |
|
Class A Common Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
Charles W. Ergen (2), (3) |
|
208,123,250 |
|
48.3 |
% |
Cantey M. Ergen (4) |
|
207,351,250 |
|
48.2 |
% |
Putnam Investments, LLC (5) |
|
41,305,255 |
|
18.3 |
% |
William R. Gouger (6) |
|
33,806,194 |
|
13.0 |
% |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (7) |
|
21,144,696 |
|
9.4 |
% |
Eagle Capital Management, LLC (8) |
|
14,598,062 |
|
6.5 |
% |
Dodge & Cox (9) |
|
11,412,780 |
|
5.1 |
% |
James DeFranco (10) |
|
4,382,352 |
|
1.9 |
% |
Bernard L. Han (11) |
|
184,502 |
|
* |
|
Joseph P. Clayton (12) |
|
179,482 |
|
* |
|
David K. Moskowitz (13) |
|
174,402 |
|
* |
|
Tom A. Ortolf (14) |
|
80,200 |
|
* |
|
Carl E. Vogel (15) |
|
71,493 |
|
* |
|
Roger J. Lynch (16) |
|
40,173 |
|
* |
|
Charles M. Lillis (17) |
|
31,860 |
|
* |
|
Warren W. Schlichting (18) |
|
28,257 |
|
* |
|
George R. Brokaw (19) |
|
17,500 |
|
* |
|
Steven R. Goodbarn (20) |
|
17,000 |
|
* |
|
Afshin Mohebbi (21) |
|
13,750 |
|
* |
|
Steven E. Swain (22) |
|
5,502 |
|
* |
|
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (22 persons) (23) |
|
213,567,188 |
|
49.4 |
% |
Class B Common Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
Charles W. Ergen |
|
204,644,588 |
|
85.8 |
% |
Cantey M. Ergen |
|
204,644,588 |
|
85.8 |
% |
Trusts (24) |
|
33,790,620 |
|
14.2 |
% |
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (22 persons) (23) |
|
204,644,588 |
|
85.8 |
% |
* Less than 1%.
(1) Except as otherwise noted below, the address of each such person is 9601 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood, Colorado 80112. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 225,774,554 outstanding Class A Shares and 238,435,208 outstanding Class B Shares.
(2) Mr. Ergen is deemed to own beneficially all of the Class A Shares owned by his spouse, Cantey M. Ergen. Mr. Ergens beneficial ownership includes: (i) 501,185 Class A Shares; (ii) 19,604 Class A Shares held in the Corporations 401(k) Employee Savings Plan (the 401(k) Plan); (iii) 772,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date; (iv) 235 Class A Shares held by Mrs. Ergen; (v) 2,043 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan by Mrs. Ergen; (vi) 15,890 Class A Shares held as custodian for Mr. Ergens children; (vii) 2,167,705 Class A Shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Ergen is an officer; and (viii) 204,644,588 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Mr. Ergens Class B Shares. Mr. Ergen has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 134,661,851 Class B Shares. Mr. Ergens beneficial ownership of Class A Shares excludes 33,790,620 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family (see (6) below in the notes to the table).
(3) Because each Class B Share is entitled to 10 votes per share, Mr. Ergen owns beneficially equity securities of the Corporation representing approximately 78.5% of the voting power of the Corporation (assuming no conversion of the Class B Shares and after giving effect to the exercise of Mr. Ergens employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date). Mr. Ergens beneficial ownership includes: (i) 37,982,737 Class B Shares owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Three-Year 2014 DISH GRAT; and (ii) 32,000,000 Class B Shares owned beneficially by Mrs. Ergen solely by virtue of her position as trustee of the Ergen Three-Year 2015 DISH GRAT. Mr. Ergens beneficial ownership excludes 33,790,620 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family (see (6) below in the notes to the table). These trusts beneficially own approximately 13.0% of our total equity securities and possess approximately 13.0% of the total voting power.
(4) Mrs. Ergen beneficially owns all of the Class A Shares owned by her spouse, Mr. Ergen, except for 772,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(5) The address of Putnam Investments, LLC (Putnam Investments) is One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Of the Class A Shares beneficially owned, Putnam Investments has sole voting power as to 213,717 Class A Shares and sole dispositive power as to 41,305,255 Class A Shares. The foregoing information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by Putnam Investments with the SEC on February 16, 2016.
(6) The address of Mr. Gouger is 5701 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, Colorado 80123. Mr. Gougers beneficial ownership includes: (i) 140 Class A Shares; (ii) 7,249 Class A Shares owned beneficially indirectly by Mr. Gouger in his 401(k) Plan; (iii) 8,185 Class A Shares owned beneficially by Mr. Gouger solely by virtue of his position as trustee of certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family; and (iv) 33,790,620 Class B Shares owned beneficially by Mr. Gouger solely by virtue of his position as trustee of certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.
(7) The address of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMorgan Chase) is 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Of the Class A Shares beneficially owned, JPMorgan Chase has sole voting power as to 18,523,530 Class A Shares and sole dispositive power as to 20,987,203 Class A Shares. In addition, of the Class A Shares beneficially owned, JPMorgan Chase has shared voting power as to 333,379 Class A Shares and shared dispositive power as to 157,333 Class A Shares. The foregoing information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by JPMorgan Chase with the SEC on January 13, 2016.
(8) The address of Eagle Capital Management, LLC (Eagle) is 499 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10022. Of the Class A Shares beneficially owned, Eagle has sole voting power as to 12,000,614 Class A Shares and sole dispositive power as to 14,598,062 Class A Shares. The foregoing information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by Eagle with the SEC on February 16, 2016.
(9) The address of Dodge & Cox is 555 California Street, 40th Floor, San Francisco, California 94104. Of the Class A Shares beneficially owned, Dodge & Cox has sole voting power as to 10,789,763 Class A Shares and sole dispositive power as to 11,412,780 Class A Shares. The foregoing information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by Dodge & Cox with the SEC on February 12, 2016.
(10) Mr. DeFrancos beneficial ownership includes: (i) 1,133,529 Class A Shares; (ii) 19,604 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; (iii) 12,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date; (iv) 50,000 Class A Shares held by Mr. DeFranco in an irrevocable trust for the benefit of his children and grandchildren; (v) 12,160 Class A Shares held by Mr. DeFranco as custodian for his children; (vi) 1,250,000 Class A Shares controlled by Mr. DeFranco as general partner of a limited partnership; and (vii) 1,905,059 Class A Shares held by Mr. DeFranco as a general partner of a different limited partnership.
(11) Mr. Hans beneficial ownership includes: (i) 11,427 Class A Shares; (ii) 1,075 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (iii) 172,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(12) Mr. Claytons beneficial ownership includes: (i) 179,108 Class A Shares; and (ii) 374 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan. Mr. Clayton retired on March 31, 2015, and the foregoing information is based solely upon information available to the Corporation on March 31, 2015.
(13) Mr. Moskowitzs beneficial ownership includes: (i) 127,779 Class A Shares; (ii) 18,795 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; (iii) 1,328 Class A Shares held as custodian for his children; and (iv) 26,500 Class A Shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Moskowitz is a member of the board of directors.
(14) Mr. Ortolfs beneficial ownership includes: (i) 20,000 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date; (ii) 200 Class A
Shares held in the name of one of his children; and (iii) 60,000 Class A Shares held by a partnership of which Mr. Ortolf is a partner and are held as collateral for a margin account.
(15) Mr. Vogels beneficial ownership includes: (i) 10,165 Class A Shares (including 10,000 shares held in an account that is subject to a margin loan); (ii) 1,328 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (iii) 60,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(16) Mr. Lynchs beneficial ownership includes: (i) 173 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (ii) 40,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(17) Mr. Lillis beneficial ownership includes: (i) 8,080 Class A Shares; (ii) 17,500 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date; (iii) 2,355 Class A Shares held by a limited liability company of which Mr. Lillis is the managing member; and (iv) 3,925 Class A Shares held by Mr. Lillis spouse.
(18) Mr. Schlichtings beneficial ownership includes: (i) 2,137 Class A Shares; (ii) 234 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (iii) 25,886 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(19) Mr. Brokaws beneficial ownership includes 17,500 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(20) Mr. Goodbarns beneficial ownership includes: (i) 5,000 Class A Shares; and (ii) 12,000 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(21) Mr. Mohebbis beneficial ownership includes 13,750 Class A Shares subject to nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(22) Mr. Swains beneficial ownership includes: (i) 216 Class A Shares; (ii) 286 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; and (iii) 5,000 Class A Shares subject to employee stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(23) Includes: (i) 1,817,625 Class A Shares; (ii) 72,293 Class A Shares held in the 401(k) Plan; (iii) 1,536,636 Class A Shares subject to employee and nonemployee director stock options that are either currently exercisable or may become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date; (iv) 3,217,414 Class A Shares held in partnerships; (v) 204,644,588 Class A Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Shares; (vi) 84,427 Class A Shares held in the name of, or in trust for, children and other family members; and (vii) 2,194,205 Class A Shares held by charitable foundations. Class A Shares and Class B Shares beneficially owned by both Mr. and Mrs. Ergen are only included once in calculating the aggregate number of shares owned by directors and executive officers as a group.
(24) Held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file reports with the SEC regarding their ownership and changes in ownership of our equity securities. We believe that during 2015, our directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, with the exception of the inadvertent late filing of one Form 4 by Mr. Joseph P. Clayton, our former director, President and Chief Executive Officer, which related to a single transaction. In making these statements, we have relied upon examination of copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 provided to us and the written representations of our directors and officers.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis addresses our compensation objectives and policies for our Named Executive Officers, or NEOs, the elements of NEO compensation and the application of those objectives and policies to each element of fiscal 2015 compensation for our NEOs. Our NEOs in 2015 were Charles W. Ergen, Joseph P. Clayton, Bernard L. Han, Roger J. Lynch, Warren W. Schlichting and Steven E. Swain. Mr. Schlichting became an executive officer of the Corporation on December 11, 2015 when he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing, Programming, and Media Sales. Mr. Schlichting qualified as an NEO for 2015 and his compensation is included in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis solely as a result of his becoming an executive officer of the Corporation in December 2015.
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis contains information regarding company performance targets and goals for our executive compensation program. These targets and goals were disclosed to provide information on how executive compensation was determined in 2015 but are not intended to be estimates of future results or other forward-looking guidance. We caution investors against using these targets and goals outside of the context of their use in our executive compensation program as described herein.
Overall Compensation Program Objectives and Policies
Compensation Philosophy
DISH Networks executive compensation program is guided by the following key principles:
· Attraction, retention and motivation of executive officers over the long-term;
· Recognition of individual performance;
· Recognition of the achievement of company-wide performance goals; and
· Creation of shareholder value by aligning the interests of management and DISH Networks shareholders through equity incentives.
General Compensation Levels
The total direct compensation opportunities, both base salaries and long-term incentives, offered to DISH Networks NEOs have been designed to ensure that they are competitive in the market, support DISH Networks executive recruitment and retention objectives, reward individual and company-wide performance and contribute to DISH Networks long-term success by aligning the interests of its executive officers and shareholders.
The Compensation Committee, without Mr. Ergen present, determines Mr. Ergens compensation. Mr. Ergen recommends to the Board of Directors, but the Board of Directors ultimately approves, the base compensation of DISH Networks other NEOs. The Compensation Committee has made and approved grants of options and other equity-based compensation to DISH Networks NEOs, and established in writing performance goals for any performance-based compensation that together with other compensation to any of DISH Networks NEOs could exceed $1 million annually. The Compensation Committee has also certified achievement of those performance goals prior to payment of performance-based compensation.
In determining the actual amount of each NEOs compensation, the Corporation considers, among other things, the following factors: (i) the information described in Compilation of Certain Proxy Data below; (ii) subjective performance evaluations of the individuals performance (after reviewing Mr. Ergens recommendations with respect to the NEOs other than himself); (iii) the individuals success in achieving individual and company-wide goals; (iv) whether the performance goals of any short-term or long-term incentive plans were met and the payouts that would become payable upon achievement of those performance goals; (v) equity awards previously granted to the individual; and (vi) equity awards that would be normally granted upon a promotion in accordance with DISH Networks policies for promotions. The Corporation also considers the extent to which individual extraordinary efforts of each of DISH Networks NEOs resulted in tangible increases in corporate, division or department success when setting base cash salaries and short term incentive compensation.
Furthermore, the Compensation Committee also makes a subjective determination as to whether an increase should be made to Mr. Ergens compensation based on its evaluation of Mr. Ergens contribution to the success of DISH Network, whether the performance goals of any short-term or long-term incentive plans were met, the respective payouts that would become payable to Mr. Ergen upon achievement of those performance goals, the respective options and other stock awards currently held by Mr. Ergen and whether such awards are sufficient to retain Mr. Ergen.
This approach to general compensation levels is not formulaic and the weight given to any particular factor in determining a particular NEOs compensation depends on the subjective consideration of all factors described above in the aggregate.
With respect to incentive compensation, DISH Network attempts to ensure that each NEO has equity incentives at any given time that are significant in relation to such individuals annual cash compensation to ensure that each of DISH Networks NEOs has appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Networks Class A Shares. Therefore, DISH Network may grant more equity incentives to one particular NEO in a given year if a substantial portion of the NEOs equity incentives are vested and the underlying stock is capable of being sold. In addition, if an NEO recently received a substantial amount of equity incentives, DISH Network may not grant any equity incentives to that particular NEO.
Compilation of Certain Proxy Data
In connection with the approval process for DISH Networks executive officer compensation, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee had management prepare a compilation of the compensation components for the NEOs of companies selected by the Compensation Committee, as disclosed in their respective publicly-filed proxy statements (the Proxy Data). These surveyed companies included: DirecTV; Comcast Corporation; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Charter Communications, Inc.; Liberty Global, Inc.; Verizon Communications Inc.; CenturyLink, Inc.; Level 3 Communications, Inc.; and Netflix, Inc. The Proxy Data, along with other information obtained by members of the Compensation Committee from media reports, such as newspaper or magazine articles or other generally available sources related to executive compensation, and from corporate director events attended by members of the Compensation Committee, is used solely as a subjective frame of reference, rather than a basis for benchmarking compensation for DISH Networks NEOs. We do not utilize a formulaic or standard, formalized benchmarking level or element in tying or otherwise setting DISH Networks executive compensation to that of other companies. Generally, DISH Networks overall compensation lags behind competitors in the area of base pay, severance packages, and short-term incentives but is intended to be competitive over time in equity compensation. If DISH Networks stock performance substantially outperforms similar companies, executive compensation at DISH Network could exceed that at similar companies. Barring significant increases in the stock price, however, DISH Networks compensation levels generally lag its peers.
Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the Code) places a limit on the tax deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain covered employees of a publicly held corporation (generally, the corporations chief executive officer and its next three most highly compensated executive officers (other than the chief financial officer) in the year that the compensation is paid). This limitation applies only to compensation that is not considered performance-based under the Section 162(m) rules. We generally structure our compensation programs, where feasible, to minimize or eliminate the impact of the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code when we believe such payments are appropriate, after taking into consideration changing business conditions or the officers performance. However, nondeductible compensation in excess of this limitation may be paid.
Use of Compensation Consultants
No compensation consultants were retained by the Corporation, the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee to either evaluate or recommend the setting of executive compensation during the past fiscal year.
Implementation of Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Policies
Weighting and Selection of Elements of Compensation
As described in General Compensation Levels above, we have not in the past assigned specific weights to any factors considered in determining compensation, and none of the factors are more dispositive than others.
Elements of Executive Compensation
The primary components of DISH Networks executive compensation program have included:
· base cash salary;
· short-term incentive compensation, including conditional and/or performance-based cash incentive compensation and discretionary bonuses;
· long-term equity incentive compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock units offered under DISH Networks stock incentive plans;
· 401(k) plan; and
· other compensation, including perquisites and personal benefits and post-termination compensation.
These elements combine to promote the objectives and policies described above. Base salary, 401(k) benefits and other benefits and perquisites provided generally to DISH Network employees provide a minimum level of compensation for our NEOs. Short-term incentives reward individual performance and achievement of annual goals important to DISH Network. Long-term equity-incentive compensation aligns NEO compensation directly with the creation of long-term shareholder value and promotes retention.
DISH Network has not required that a certain percentage of an executives compensation be provided in one form versus another. However, our goal is to award compensation that is reasonable in relation to DISH Networks compensation program and objectives when all elements of potential compensation are considered. Each element of DISH Networks historical executive compensation and the rationale for each element is described below.
Base Cash Salary
DISH Network has traditionally included salary in its executive compensation package under the belief that it is appropriate that some portion of the compensation paid to its executives be provided in a form that is fixed and liquid occurring over regular intervals. Generally, for the reasons discussed in Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation, DISH Network has weighted overall compensation towards equity components as opposed to base salaries. The Board of Directors has traditionally been free to set base salary at any level deemed appropriate, with the Compensation Committee setting the base salary of the Chairman. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors typically review base salaries once annually. Any increases or decreases in base salary on a year-over-year basis have usually been dependent on a combination of the following factors, as assessed by the Compensation Committee and/or the Board of Directors, as applicable:
· DISH Networks overall financial and business performance;
· the performance of the NEOs business unit;
· the NEOs individual contributions to DISH Network; and
· the rate of DISH Networks standard annual merit increase for employees who are performing at a satisfactory level.
Short-Term Incentive Compensation
This compensation program, if implemented for a particular year, generally provides for a bonus that is linked to annual performance as determined by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year when it establishes the short-term incentive plan for that year. The objective of the short-term incentive plan is to compensate NEOs in significant part based on the achievement of specific annual goals that the Compensation Committee believes will create an incentive to maximize long-term shareholder value. This compensation program also permits short-term incentive compensation to be awarded in the form of discretionary cash bonuses based on individual performance during the year.
During 2015, we elected not to implement a short-term incentive program. The decision not to implement a short-term incentive program during 2015 was made based upon, among other things, the adoption of the 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan, or 2013 LTIP, discussed below.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
DISH Network has traditionally operated under the belief that executive officers will be better able to contribute to its long-term success and help build incremental shareholder value if they have a stake in that future success and value. DISH Network believes this stake focuses the executive officers attention on managing DISH Network as owners with equity positions in DISH Network and aligns their interests with the long-term interests of DISH Networks shareholders. Equity awards therefore have represented an important and significant component of DISH Networks compensation program for executive officers. DISH Network has attempted to create general incentives with its standard stock option grants and conditional incentives through conditional awards that may include payouts in cash or equity.
General Equity Incentives
With respect to equity incentive compensation, DISH Network attempts to ensure that each NEO has equity incentives at any given time that are significant in relation to such individuals annual cash compensation to ensure that each of DISH Networks NEOs has appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Networks Class A Shares. Therefore, DISH Network may grant more equity incentives to one particular NEO in a given year if a substantial portion of the NEOs equity incentives are vested and the underlying stock is capable of being sold. In addition, if an NEO recently received a substantial amount of equity incentives, DISH Network may not grant any equity incentives to that particular NEO. In particular, in granting awards for 2015, the Compensation Committee took into account, among other things, the amount necessary to retain our executive officers and that our executive officers had recently been granted equity incentives under the 2013 LTIP.
In granting equity incentive compensation, the Compensation Committee also takes into account whether the NEO has been promoted in determining whether to award equity awards to that individual. Finally, from time to time, the Compensation Committee may award one-time equity awards based on a number of subjective criteria, including the NEOs position and role in DISH Networks success and whether the NEO made any exceptional contributions to DISH Networks success.
To aid in our retention of employees, options granted under DISH Networks stock incentive plans generally vest at the rate of 20% per year and have exercise prices not less than the fair market value of DISH Networks Class A Shares on the date of grant or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the date of grant is not a trading day). Other than performance-based awards, including awards granted under the 2013 LTIP, DISH Networks standard form of option agreement given to executive officers has included acceleration of vesting upon a change in control of DISH Network for those executive officers that are terminated by DISH Network or the surviving entity, as applicable, for any reason other than for cause during the twenty-four month period following such change in control.
The principal provisions of our equity incentive plans, and certain material equity incentive grants under such plans, are summarized below. This summary and the features of these equity incentive plans and grants set forth below do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the provisions of the specific equity incentive plan or grant.
Practices Regarding Grant of Equity Incentives
Prior to 2013, DISH Network generally awarded equity incentives as of the last day of each calendar quarter and set exercise prices at not less than the fair market value of Class A Shares on the date of grant or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the last day of the calendar quarter was not a trading day). Beginning April 1, 2013, DISH Network generally awards equity incentives as of the first day of each calendar quarter and will set exercise prices at not less than the fair market value of Class A Shares on the date of grant or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the date of grant is not a trading day).
2009 Stock Incentive Plan
We have adopted an employee stock incentive plan, which we refer to as the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan is to provide incentives to attract and retain executive officers and other key employees. Awards available to be granted under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan include: (i) stock options; (ii) stock appreciation rights; (iii) restricted stock and restricted stock units; (iv) performance awards; (v) dividend equivalents; and (vi) other stock-based awards.
Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan
We have adopted a Class B Chairman stock option plan, which we refer to as the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan. The purpose of the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan is to promote the interests of DISH Network and its subsidiaries by aiding in the retention of Charles W. Ergen, the Chairman of DISH Network, who our Board of Directors believes is crucial to assuring our future success, to offer Mr. Ergen incentives to put forth maximum efforts for our future success and to afford Mr. Ergen an opportunity to acquire additional proprietary interests in DISH Network. Mr. Ergen abstained from our Board of Directors vote on this matter. Awards available to be granted under the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan include nonqualified stock options and dividend equivalent rights with respect to DISH Networks Class B Shares.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We have adopted an employee stock purchase plan, which we refer to as our ESPP. The purpose of the ESPP is to provide our eligible employees with an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in us by the purchase of our Class A Shares. All full-time employees who are employed by DISH Network for at least one calendar quarter are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees are not permitted to deduct an amount that would permit such employee to purchase our capital stock in an amount that exceeds $25,000 in fair market value of capital stock in any one year. The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Code and thereby provide participating employees with an opportunity to receive certain favorable income tax consequences as to stock purchased under the ESPP.
2010 Equity Incentives to Mr. Han
During 2010, based on Mr. Ergens subjective evaluation of Mr. Hans contributions to the Corporations performance and to align his interests with the long-term interests of DISH Networks shareholders, Mr. Ergen recommended, and the Compensation Committee agreed, to grant Mr. Han 200,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) and an option to purchase 600,000 Class A Shares, with such awards vesting incrementally before June 30, 2020 according to the following vesting schedules. Although they are not NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2015, Thomas A. Cullen, our Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, and R. Stanton Dodge, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, each also received the same grant of options and RSUs as Mr. Han during 2010. None of the goals under this grant have been met, and none of the awards have vested.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, fifty percent (50%) of the option and RSU awards granted to Mr. Han vest based upon achieving the following specified cumulative free cash flow goals while achieving and maintaining a minimum threshold of 15,250,000 total net subscribers:
Cumulative Free |
|
Options Vesting |
|
RSUs Vesting |
$250 million |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$500 million |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$750 million |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1.25 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1.5 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1.75 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2.25 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2.5 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2.75 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3.25 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3.5 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3.75 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4.25 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4.5 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4.75 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$5 billion |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
In the event that the total net subscriber threshold is met and a cumulative free cash flow goal is achieved as of the last day of a given calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) the applicable cumulative free cash flow goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment(s) of the option or RSU awards will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, the other fifty percent (50%) of the option and RSU awards granted to Mr. Han vest based upon achieving the following specified total net subscriber goals while achieving and maintaining the specified cumulative free cash flow goal:
Cumulative Free |
|
Total Net |
|
Options Vesting |
|
RSUs Vesting |
$250 million |
|
15,250,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$500 million |
|
15,500,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$750 million |
|
15,750,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1 billion |
|
16,000,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1.25 billion |
|
16,250,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1.5 billion |
|
16,500,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$1.75 billion |
|
16,750,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2 billion |
|
17,000,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2.25 billion |
|
17,250,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2.5 billion |
|
17,500,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$2.75 billion |
|
17,750,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3 billion |
|
18,000,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3.25 billion |
|
18,250,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3.5 billion |
|
18,500,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$3.75 billion |
|
18,750,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4 billion |
|
19,000,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4.25 billion |
|
19,250,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4.5 billion |
|
19,500,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$4.75 billion |
|
19,750,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
$5 billion |
|
20,000,000 |
|
15,000 |
|
5,000 |
In the event that the cumulative free cash flow goal is met (or has already been retired and continues to be met) and a total net subscriber goal is achieved as of the last day of any such calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) the applicable total net subscriber goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the option or RSU awards will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC.
For purposes of the total net subscriber goal and total net subscriber threshold under these equity incentive awards, the calculation of subscribers is a formula that takes into account, among other things, Pay-TV subscribers, broadband subscribers and wireless subscribers. In addition, for purposes of the cumulative free cash flow goals under these equity incentive awards, the calculation of cumulative free cash flow is a formula that takes into account, among other things, free cash flow as set forth in the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, filed with the SEC. The Compensation Committee has final authority to, among other things, interpret and calculate any and all aspects of these equity incentive awards, including vesting and all other aspects of calculating the achievement of the goals under these equity incentive awards.
2011 Equity Incentives to Mr. Ergen
During 2011, the Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Ergen should receive a grant of options to purchase 1,200,000 of the Corporations Class A Shares, with such award vesting incrementally before June 30, 2021 according to the following vesting schedules.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, fifty percent (50%) of the option awards granted to Mr. Ergen vest based upon achieving the following specified cumulative free cash flow goals while achieving and maintaining a minimum threshold of 14,250,000 total net subscribers:
Cumulative Free |
|
Vesting Schedule |
$250 million |
|
30,000 |
$500 million |
|
30,000 |
$750 million |
|
30,000 |
$1 billion |
|
30,000 |
$1.25 billion |
|
30,000 |
$1.5 billion |
|
30,000 |
$1.75 billion |
|
30,000 |
$2 billion |
|
30,000 |
$2.25 billion |
|
30,000 |
$2.5 billion |
|
30,000 |
$2.75 billion |
|
30,000 |
$3 billion |
|
30,000 |
$3.25 billion |
|
30,000 |
$3.5 billion |
|
30,000 |
$3.75 billion |
|
30,000 |
$4 billion |
|
30,000 |
$4.25 billion |
|
30,000 |
$4.5 billion |
|
30,000 |
$4.75 billion |
|
30,000 |
$5 billion |
|
30,000 |
In the event that the total net subscriber threshold is met and a cumulative free cash flow goal is achieved as of the last day of a given calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) the applicable cumulative free cash flow goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the option will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC. During 2013, we achieved the cumulative free cash flow goal of $2.5 billion while achieving and maintaining a minimum threshold of 14,250,000 total net subscribers, resulting in the vesting of 300,000 stock options during 2013, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the $250 million, $500 million, $750 million, $1 billion, $1.25 billion, $1.5 billion, $1.75 billion, $2 billion, $2.25 billion and $2.5 billion cumulative free cash flow goals under the grant were retired. During 2014, we achieved the cumulative free cash flow goal of $3.75 billion while achieving and maintaining a minimum threshold of 14,250,000 total net subscribers, resulting in the vesting of 150,000 stock options during 2014, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the $2.75 billion, $3 billion, $3.25 billion, $3.5 billion and $3.75 billion cumulative free cash flow goals under the grant were retired. During 2015, we achieved the cumulative free cash flow goal of $5.0 billion while achieving and maintaining a minimum threshold of 14,250,000 total net subscribers, resulting in the vesting of 150,000 stock options during 2015, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, all of the remaining cumulative free cash flow goals under the grant were retired.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, the other fifty percent (50%) of the option awards granted to Mr. Ergen vest based upon achieving the following specified total net subscriber goals while achieving and maintaining the specified cumulative free cash flow goal:
Cumulative Free |
|
Total Net |
|
Vesting Schedule |
$250 million |
|
14,250,000 |
|
30,000 |
$500 million |
|
14,500,000 |
|
30,000 |
$750 million |
|
14,750,000 |
|
30,000 |
$1 billion |
|
15,000,000 |
|
30,000 |
$1.25 billion |
|
15,250,000 |
|
30,000 |
$1.5 billion |
|
15,500,000 |
|
30,000 |
$1.75 billion |
|
15,750,000 |
|
30,000 |
$2 billion |
|
16,000,000 |
|
30,000 |
$2.25 billion |
|
16,250,000 |
|
30,000 |
$2.5 billion |
|
16,500,000 |
|
30,000 |
$2.75 billion |
|
16,750,000 |
|
30,000 |
$3 billion |
|
17,000,000 |
|
30,000 |
$3.25 billion |
|
17,250,000 |
|
30,000 |
$3.5 billion |
|
17,500,000 |
|
30,000 |
$3.75 billion |
|
17,750,000 |
|
30,000 |
$4 billion |
|
18,000,000 |
|
30,000 |
$4.25 billion |
|
18,250,000 |
|
30,000 |
$4.5 billion |
|
18,500,000 |
|
30,000 |
$4.75 billion |
|
18,750,000 |
|
30,000 |
$5 billion |
|
19,000,000 |
|
30,000 |
In the event that the cumulative free cash flow goal is met (or has already been retired and continues to be met) and a total net subscriber goal is achieved as of the last day of any such calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) the applicable total net subscriber goal(s) will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the option will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC. During 2013, we achieved the total net subscriber goal of 14,250,000 while achieving and maintaining the cumulative free cash flow goal of at least $250 million, resulting in the vesting of 30,000 stock options during 2013, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the total net subscriber goal of 14,250,000 under the grant was retired. During 2014, we achieved the total net subscriber goal of 14,500,000 while achieving and maintaining the cumulative free cash flow goal of at least $500 million, resulting in the vesting of 30,000 stock options during 2014, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the total net subscriber goal of 14,500,000 under the grant was retired. During 2015, none of the total net subscriber goals under this grant were achieved.
For purposes of the total net subscriber goal and total net subscriber threshold under this equity incentive award, the calculation of subscribers is a formula that takes into account, among other things, Pay-TV subscribers, broadband subscribers and wireless subscribers. In addition, for purposes of the cumulative free cash flow goals under this equity incentive award, the calculation of cumulative free cash flow is a formula that takes into account, among other things, free cash flow as set forth in the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, filed with the SEC. The Compensation Committee has final authority to, among other things, interpret and calculate any and all aspects of this equity incentive award, including vesting and all other aspects of calculating the achievement of the goals under this equity incentive award.
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On November 30, 2012, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee approved a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan, the 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan, or 2013 LTIP, within the terms of DISH Networks 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2013 LTIP is to promote DISH Networks interests and the interests of its shareholders by providing key employees with financial rewards through equity participation upon achievement of specified long-term cumulative free cash flow goals while achieving and maintaining a specified long-term subscriber threshold and total net subscriber goals. The employees eligible to participate in the 2013 LTIP generally include DISH Networks executive officers, senior vice presidents, vice presidents and director-level employees. Employees participating in the 2013 LTIP receive a one-time award of: (i) an option to acquire a specified number of shares priced at the market value as of the first day of the calendar quarter in which the option was granted or the last trading day prior to the date of grant (if the first day of the calendar quarter is not a trading day) and (ii) rights to acquire for no additional consideration a specified smaller number of Class A Shares. Initial awards granted under the 2013 LTIP were made as of January 1, 2013. Under the 2013 LTIP, the cumulative free cash flow goals and the total net subscriber threshold are measured on the last day of each calendar quarter. The cumulative free cash flow goals commenced April 1, 2013. The total net subscriber goals are measured on the last day of each calendar quarter commencing on January 1, 2013. For purposes of the total net subscriber goal and total net subscriber threshold under the 2013 LTIP, the calculation of subscribers is a formula that takes into account, among other things, Pay-TV subscribers and broadband subscribers. In addition, for purposes of the cumulative free cash flow goals under the 2013 LTIP, the calculation of cumulative free cash flow is a formula that takes into account, among other things, free cash flow as set forth in the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, filed with the SEC, but excluding free cash flows from the wireless line of business. The Compensation Committee has final authority to, among other things, interpret and calculate any and all aspects of the 2013 LTIP, including vesting and all other aspects of calculating the achievement of the goals under the 2013 LTIP.
In the event that a cumulative free cash flow goal and/or total net subscriber goal is achieved, and the total net subscriber threshold is met, as of the last day of any such calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) the applicable cumulative free cash flow goal and/or total net subscriber goal will be retired; and (ii) the corresponding increment of the option/restricted stock unit will vest and shall become exercisable contemporaneously with filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC, in accordance with the following vesting schedules:
Cumulative Free |
|
Total Net Subscriber |
|
Vesting Schedule |
|
$1 billion |
|
14.5 million |
|
10% |
|
$2 billion |
|
14.5 million |
|
10% |
|
$3 billion |
|
14.5 million |
|
10% |
|
$4 billion |
|
14.5 million |
|
10% |
|
$5 billion |
|
14.5 million |
|
10% |
|
Total Net Subscriber |
|
Vesting Schedule |
|
14.5 million |
|
10% |
|
14.75 million |
|
10% |
|
15 million |
|
10% |
|
15.25 million |
|
10% |
|
15.5 million |
|
10% |
|
Employees who were granted equity awards after April 1, 2014 under the 2013 LTIP received: (i) an option to acquire a reduced number of Class A Shares; and (ii) rights to acquire for no additional consideration a reduced number of Class A Shares, relative to the amounts that were granted to employees at the same level prior to April 1, 2014. Such awards are subject to a vesting schedule that varies based upon the date on which such awards were granted.
Messrs. Ergen, Clayton, and Han were each granted an option to purchase 60,000 Class A Shares and 30,000 RSUs under the 2013 LTIP on January 1, 2013. Mr. Swain was granted an option to purchase 15,000 Class A Shares and 7,500 RSUs under the 2013 LTIP on January 1, 2013. Mr. Swain was granted an additional option to purchase 12,000 Class A Shares and 6,000 RSUs under the 2013 LTIP on July 1, 2014 as a result of his promotion to Senior Vice President of Programming on April 28, 2014. Mr. Schlichting was granted an option to purchase 30,000 Class A Shares and 15,000 RSUs under the 2013 LTIP on January 1, 2013. Mr. Schlichting was granted an additional option to purchase 15,000 Class A Shares and 7,500 RSUs under the 2013 LTIP on January 1, 2016 as a result of his promotion to Executive Vice President, Marketing, Programming, and Media Sales on December 11, 2015. Mr. Lynch was granted an option to purchase 42,000 Class A Shares and 21,000 RSUs under the 2013 LTIP on April 1, 2015 as a result of his eligibility to participate in the 2013 LTIP. During 2013, none of the goals under the 2013 LTIP were achieved. During 2014, we achieved the cumulative free cash flow goal of $1 billion while achieving and maintaining 14.5 million total net subscribers, which resulted in the cumulative vesting of 10% of the 2013 LTIP stock awards during 2014, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the $1 billion cumulative free cash flow goal under the 2013 LTIP was retired. In addition, during 2014, we achieved the 14.5 million total net subscriber goal, which resulted in the cumulative vesting of 10% of the 2013 LTIP stock awards during 2014, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the 14.5 million total net subscriber goal under the 2013 LTIP was retired. During 2015, none of the goals under the 2013 LTIP were achieved.
2014 Equity Incentives to Mr. Clayton
The Compensation Committee determined that, on April 1, 2014, Mr. Clayton should receive a grant of 200,000 RSUs, with such awards vesting incrementally according to the following vesting schedules.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, one hundred thousand (100,000) of the RSU awards granted to Mr. Clayton were eligible to vest based upon achieving certain quarterly earnings goals during 2014, using a formula that takes into account, among other things, adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) as set forth in the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, filed with the SEC (each a Quarterly Earnings Goal), in increments of twenty five thousand (25,000) RSUs in each calendar quarter. The Quarterly Earnings Goals for 2014 were as follows: (i) $700 million in the first quarter 2014; (i) $815 million in the second quarter 2014; (iii) $715 million in the third quarter 2014; and (iv) $815 million in the fourth quarter 2014.
In the event that a Quarterly Earnings Goal was achieved as of the last day of a given calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee, the corresponding increment(s) of the RSU awards vest contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC. Furthermore, in the event that the Corporation achieved an aggregate amount of earnings for 2014 that was greater than or equal to $3.045 billion (the sum of the above Quarterly Earnings Goals, the Total Earnings Goal), as determined by the Compensation Committee, any unvested increment of the one hundred thousand (100,000) RSUs vest contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for the year ended December 31, 2014, with the SEC. During 2014, we achieved the Quarterly Earnings Goals for the first quarter 2014 and the fourth quarter 2014, which resulted in the vesting of 25,000 RSUs during 2014 and 25,000 RSUs during 2015, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the Quarterly Earnings Goals for the first quarter 2014 and the fourth quarter 2014 under this grant were retired. During 2014, we also achieved the Total Earnings Goal, which resulted in the vesting of the remaining unvested 50,000 RSUs during 2015, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the Quarterly Earnings Goals for the second quarter 2014 and the third quarter 2014 and the Total Earnings Goal under this grant were retired.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, one hundred thousand (100,000) of the RSU awards granted to Mr. Clayton were eligible to vest based upon achieving a positive number of net subscriber additions in each calendar quarter during 2014 (each Quarterly Net Subscriber Additions Goal), in increments of twenty five thousand (25,000) RSUs in each calendar quarter.
In the event that a Quarterly Net Subscriber Additions Goal was achieved as of the last day of a given calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee, the corresponding increment of the RSU awards vest contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC. Furthermore, in the event that the Corporations aggregate number of net subscriber additions for 2014 is positive (the Total Net Subscriber Additions Goal), as determined by the Compensation Committee, any unvested increment of the one hundred thousand (100,000) RSUs vest contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for the year ended
December 31, 2014, with the SEC. During 2014, we achieved the Quarterly Net Subscriber Additions Goals for the first quarter 2014 and the third quarter 2014, which resulted in the vesting of 50,000 RSUs during 2014, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the Quarterly Net Subscriber Additions Goals for the first quarter 2014 and the third quarter 2014 under this grant were retired. During 2014, we also achieved the Total Net Subscriber Additions Goal, which resulted in the vesting of the remaining unvested 50,000 RSUs during 2015, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, the Quarterly Net Subscriber Additions Goals for the second quarter 2014 and the fourth quarter 2014 and the Total Net Subscriber Additions Goal under this grant were retired.
For purposes of the Quarterly Net Subscriber Additions Goals and the Total Net Subscriber Additions Goal under this equity incentive award, the calculation of subscribers is a formula that takes into account, among other things, Pay-TV subscribers and broadband subscribers. In addition, for purposes of the Quarterly Earnings Goals and the Total Earnings Goal under this equity incentive award, the calculation of earnings is a formula that takes into account, among other things, EBITDA as set forth in the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, filed with the SEC. The Compensation Committee has final authority to, among other things, interpret and calculate any and all aspects of this equity incentive award, including vesting and all other aspects of calculating the achievement of the goals under this equity incentive award.
Mr. Claytons equity incentive awards expired as of March 31, 2015.
2015 Cash Incentive to Mr. Schlichting
Mr. Schlichting became an executive officer of the Corporation on December 11, 2015 when he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing, Programming, and Media Sales. Prior to Mr. Schlichting becoming an executive officer on December 11, 2015, Mr. Schlichting was granted a performance-based cash award for 2015 that vested upon achieving certain media sales revenue goals. These goals were established and substantially achieved prior to Mr. Schlichting becoming an executive officer of the Corporation. Pursuant to this award, Mr. Schlichting received $661,562 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
2015 Cash Incentive to Mr. Lynch
The Compensation Committee determined that, on April 1, 2015, Mr. Lynch should receive a grant of a performance-based cash award of one million dollars ($1,000,000), with such award vesting based upon achieving a certain number of total net Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers on or before December 31, 2016 (the Total Net IPTV Subscriber Goal). In the event that the Total Net IPTV Subscriber Goal is achieved as of the last day of a given calendar quarter, as determined by the Compensation Committee, the one million dollar ($1,000,000) performance-based cash award vests contemporaneously with the filing of the Corporations financial results for that quarter or year, as applicable, with the SEC. For purposes of the Total Net IPTV Subscriber Goal under this performance-based cash award, the calculation of total net IPTV subscribers is a formula that takes into account, among other things, all subscribers to our Sling branded pay-TV services consisting of, among other things, live, linear streaming over-the-top Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services. The Compensation Committee has final authority to, among other things, interpret and calculate any and all aspects of this performance-based cash award, including vesting and all other aspects of calculating the achievement of the goal under this performance-based cash award. During 2015, the Total Net IPTV Subscriber Goal under this grant was not achieved.
401(k) Plan
DISH Network has adopted the 401(k) Plan, a defined-contribution tax-qualified 401(k) plan, for its employees, including its executives, to encourage its employees to save some percentage of their cash compensation for their eventual retirement. DISH Networks executives participate in the 401(k) Plan on the same terms as DISH Networks other employees. Under the 401(k) Plan, employees generally become eligible for participation in the 401(k) Plan upon completing ninety days of service with DISH Network and reaching age 19. 401(k) Plan participants are able to contribute up to 50% of their compensation in each contribution period, subject to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Code. DISH Network may also make a 50% matching employer contribution up to a maximum of $2,500 per participant per calendar year. In addition, DISH Network may also make an annual discretionary profit sharing contribution to the 401(k) Plan with the approval of its Compensation Committee and Board of Directors. 401(k) Plan participants are immediately vested in their voluntary contributions and earnings on voluntary contributions. DISH Networks matching employer contributions and any annual discretionary profit sharing contributions to 401(k) Plan participants accounts vest 20% per year commencing one year from the employees date of employment.
Perquisites and Personal Benefits, Post-Termination Compensation and Other Compensation
DISH Network has traditionally offered numerous plans and other benefits to its executive officers on the same terms as other employees. These plans and benefits have generally included medical, vision and dental insurance, life insurance and the employee stock purchase plan, as well as discounts on DISH Networks products and services. Relocation benefits may also be reimbursed, but are individually negotiated when they occur. DISH Network has also permitted certain NEOs and their family members and guests to use its corporate aircraft for personal use. DISH Network has also paid for annual tax preparation costs for certain NEOs.
DISH Network has not traditionally had any plans in place to provide severance benefits to employees. However, certain non-performance based stock options and restricted stock units have been granted to its executive officers subject to accelerated vesting upon a change in control.
Shareholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
DISH Network provided its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation at the annual meeting of shareholders held in October 2014. Over 98% of the voting power represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on that matter voted in favor of the executive compensation proposal. The Compensation Committee reviewed these voting results. Since the voting results affirmed shareholders support of DISH Networks approach to executive compensation, DISH Network did not change its approach in 2015 as a direct result of the vote. As set forth at the annual meeting of shareholders held in May 2011, DISH Network intends to continue to seek a shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation once every three years.
2015 Executive Compensation
Generally, DISH Network has historically made decisions with respect to executive compensation for a particular compensation year in December of the preceding compensation year or the first quarter of the applicable compensation year. With respect to the executive compensation of each NEO for 2015, the Compensation Committee (along with Mr. Ergen, for each of the NEOs other than himself) reviewed total compensation of each NEO and the value of (a) historic and current components of each NEOs compensation, including the annual base salary and bonus paid to the NEO in the prior year, and (b) equity incentives held by each NEO in DISH Networks stock incentive plans. The Compensation Committee (along with Mr. Ergen, for each of the NEOs other than himself) also reviewed the Proxy Data prepared for 2014 and other information described in Compilation of Certain Proxy Data above. As described in General Compensation Levels above, DISH Network aims to provide annual base salaries and long-term incentives that are competitive in the market with an emphasis on providing a substantial portion of overall compensation in the form of equity incentives. In addition, the Compensation Committee has discretion to award performance based compensation that is based on performance goals different from those that were previously set or that is higher or lower than the anticipated compensation that would be awarded under DISH Networks incentive plans if particular performance goals were met. The Compensation Committee did not exercise this discretion in 2015.
Compensation of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
2015 Base Salary of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Clayton retired on March 31, 2015, and Mr. Ergen succeeded Mr. Clayton as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, effective March 31, 2015. Mr. Ergens annual base salary for 2015 was determined based on a review by the Compensation Committee of the expected annual base salaries in 2015 of each of DISH Networks other NEOs and in light of, among other things, Mr. Ergen succeeding Mr. Clayton as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Ergens base salary should be increased to $1,000,000, effective April 1, 2015.
2015 Cash Bonus. No cash bonus was paid to Mr. Ergen in 2015.
2015 Equity Incentives. With respect to equity incentives, DISH Network attempts to ensure that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer has equity awards at any given time that are significant in relation to his annual cash compensation to ensure that he has appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Networks Class A Shares. As discussed above, Mr. Ergen received certain equity awards during 2011 and under the 2013 LTIP on January 1, 2013. In light of these equity awards, the Compensation Committee did not grant any additional equity awards to Mr. Ergen in 2015.
Compensation of Other Named Executive Officers
2015 Base Salary
Base salaries for each of the other NEOs are determined annually by the Board of Directors primarily based on Mr. Ergens recommendations. The Board of Directors places substantial weight on Mr. Ergens recommendations in light of his role as Chairman and as co-founder and controlling shareholder of DISH Network. Mr. Ergen made recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the 2015 annual base salary of each of the other NEOs after considering: (a) the NEOs annual base salary in 2014, (b) the range of the percentage increases in annual base salary for NEOs of the companies contained in the Proxy Data, (c) whether the NEOs annual base salary was appropriate in light of DISH Networks goals, including retention of the NEO, (d) the expected compensation to be paid to other NEOs in 2015 in relation to a particular NEO in 2015, (e) whether the NEO was promoted or newly hired in 2015, and (f) whether in Mr. Ergens subjective determination, the NEOs performance in 2014 warranted an increase in the NEOs annual base salary in 2015. Placing primary weight on: (i) the NEOs annual base salary in 2014 and (ii) whether, in Mr. Ergens subjective view, an increase in 2015 annual base salary was warranted based on performance and/or necessary to retain the NEO, Mr. Ergen recommended the annual base salary amounts indicated in Executive Compensation and Other Information - Summary Compensation Table below. The basis for Mr. Ergens recommendation with respect to each of the other NEOs is discussed below. The Board of Directors accepted each of Mr. Ergens recommendations on annual base salaries for each of the other NEOs.
Mr. Lynch. In determining Mr. Lynchs 2015 annual base salary, Mr. Ergen subjectively determined that Mr. Lynchs existing base compensation was already within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data in light of DISH Networks practices with respect to annual base salaries and that therefore an increase over Mr. Lynchs 2014 annual base salary was not necessary.
Mr. Schlichting. Mr. Schlichtings 2015 annual base salary was established prior to Mr. Schlichting becoming an executive officer of the Corporation. Mr. Schlichtings annual base salary was increased to $350,000 as a result of his promotion to Executive Vice President, Marketing, Programming, and Media Sales on December 11, 2015.
Mr. Han. In determining Mr. Hans 2015 annual base salary, Mr. Ergen subjectively determined that Mr. Hans existing base compensation was already within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data in light of DISH Networks practices with respect to annual base salaries and that therefore an increase over Mr. Hans 2014 annual base salary was not necessary.
Mr. Swain. In determining Mr. Swains 2015 annual base salary, Mr. Ergen subjectively determined that Mr. Swains existing base compensation was already within the range of market compensation indicated in the Proxy Data in light of DISH Networks practices with respect to annual base salaries and that therefore an increase over Mr. Swains 2014 annual base salary was not necessary.
2015 Cash Bonus.
Consistent with prior years, Mr. Ergen generally recommended that other NEOs receive cash bonuses only to the extent that such amounts would be payable pursuant to the existing short-term incentive plan, if any. As discussed above, in light of prior grants of equity incentives, among other things, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee elected not to implement a short-term incentive program for 2015. No cash bonus was paid to Messrs. Lynch, Schlichting, Han or Swain during 2015.
Prior to Mr. Schlichting becoming an executive officer on December 11, 2015, Mr. Schlichting was granted a performance-based cash award for 2015 that vested upon achieving certain media sales revenue goals. These goals were established and substantially achieved prior to Mr. Schlichting becoming an executive officer of the Corporation. Pursuant to this award, Mr. Schlichting received $661,562 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
2015 Equity Incentives
With respect to equity incentives, DISH Network primarily evaluates the position of each NEO to ensure that each individual has equity incentives at any given time that are significant in relation to the NEOs annual cash compensation to ensure that the NEO has appropriate incentives tied to the performance of DISH Networks Class A Shares. This determination is made by the Compensation Committee primarily on the basis of Mr. Ergens recommendation. As discussed above, in granting awards to the other NEOs for 2015, Mr. Ergen based his recommendation on, and the
Compensation Committee took into account, among other things, what was necessary to retain our executive officers and to align the interests of our executive officers and shareholders. As discussed above, Messrs. Lynch, Schlichting, Han and Swain each previously received awards under the 2013 LTIP.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors of DISH Network to discharge certain of the Boards responsibilities relating to compensation of DISH Networks executive officers.
The Compensation Committee, to the extent the Board deems necessary or appropriate, will:
· Make and approve all option grants and other issuances of DISH Networks equity securities to DISH Networks executive officers and Board members other than nonemployee directors;
· Approve all other option grants and issuances of DISH Networks equity securities, and recommend that the full Board make and approve such grants and issuances;
· Establish in writing all performance goals for performance-based compensation that together with other compensation to senior executive officers could exceed $1 million annually, other than standard Stock Incentive Plan options that may be paid to DISH Networks executive officers, and certify achievement of such goals prior to payment; and
· Set the compensation of the Chairman.
Based on the review of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and discussions with management, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Corporations Proxy Statement.
Respectfully submitted,
The DISH Network Executive Compensation Committee
Steven R. Goodbarn (Chairman)
Charles M. Lillis
Tom A. Ortolf
The report of the Compensation Committee and the information contained therein shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or filed or incorporated by reference in any filing we make under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) or under the Exchange Act, irrespective of any general statement incorporating by reference this information into any such filing, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference into a document we file under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
Compensation Program Risk Assessment
Annually, management reviews the components of our compensation for each employee other than our executive officers. Base salaries for each of our executive officers (other than Mr. Ergen) are determined annually by our Board of Directors primarily based on Mr. Ergens recommendations. The Board of Directors places substantial weight on Mr. Ergens recommendations in light of his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and as co-founder and controlling shareholder of DISH Network. The Board of Directors ultimately approved base cash salaries for 2015 for each of these executive officers other than Mr. Ergen.
Our Compensation Committee, without Mr. Ergen present, sets Mr. Ergens base cash salary. Our Compensation Committee makes and approves grants of options and other equity-based compensation to all of our executive officers.
The primary components of our executive compensation have historically included:
· base cash salary;
· long-term equity incentive compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock units offered under DISH Networks stock incentive plans;
· 401(k) plan; and
· other compensation, including perquisites and personal benefits and post-termination compensation.
DISH Networks executive compensation program may also include short-term incentive compensation, including conditional and/or performance-based cash incentive compensation and discretionary bonuses. We design corporate performance metrics that determine payouts for certain business segment leaders in part on the achievement of longer-term company-wide goals. This is based on our belief that applying company-wide metrics encourages decision-making that is in the best long-term interests of DISH Network and our shareholders as a whole. However, during 2015, we elected not to implement a short-term incentive program.
Base salary, 401(k) benefits and other benefits and perquisites provided generally to DISH Network employees provide a minimum level of compensation for our executive officers. DISH Network has included base salary as a component of its executive compensation package because we believe it is appropriate that some portion of the compensation paid to executives be provided in a form that is fixed and liquid occurring over regular intervals. Generally, however, DISH Network has weighted overall compensation towards incentives, particularly equity components, as opposed to base salaries.
With respect to other compensation, including perquisites and personal benefits and post-termination compensation, DISH Network has traditionally offered benefits to its executive officers on substantially the same terms as offered to other employees. These benefits generally have included medical, vision and dental insurance, life insurance and the employee stock purchase plan, as well as discounts on DISH Networks products and services. DISH Network has not traditionally provided severance benefits to employees. However, certain non-performance based stock options and restricted stock units have been granted to its executive officers subject to acceleration of vesting upon a change in control of DISH Network for those executive officers who are terminated by us or the surviving entity, as applicable, for any reason other than for cause during the twenty-four month period following such change in control.
Generally, DISH Networks overall executive compensation trails that of its competitors in the areas of base pay, severance packages, and short-term incentives but is intended to be competitive over time in equity compensation. With respect to equity incentive compensation, DISH Network attempts to ensure that each executive officer retains equity awards that at any given time are significant in relation to such individuals annual cash compensation to ensure that each of its executive officers has appropriate incentives tied to the value realized by our shareholders.
DISH Network generally grants equity incentives only to a limited number of employees at certain levels. The awards generally vest annually at the rate of 20% per year. We generally use multi-year vesting of our equity awards to account for the appropriate time horizon of risk. DISH Network has operated under the belief that executive officers will be better able to contribute to its long-term success and help build incremental shareholder value prudently if they have a stake in that future success and value over a long period. DISH Network believes this stake focuses the executive officers attention on managing DISH Network as owners with equity positions in DISH Network and aligns their interests with the long-term interests of DISH Networks shareholders. Equity awards therefore have represented an important and significant component of DISH Networks compensation program for executive officers. These awards, coupled with the relatively
longer time frame during which these awards vest, mitigate the effect of short-term variations in our operating and financial performance, and we believe focus management goals appropriately on longer-term value creation for shareholders rather than rewarding short-term gains. In light of our approach towards compensation as set forth above, we believe that our process assists us in our efforts to mitigate excessive risk-taking.
Summary Compensation Table
Our executive officers are compensated by certain of our subsidiaries. The following table sets forth the cash and noncash compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for the NEOs.
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Non-Equity |
|
Change in |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
| ||||||||
Charles W. Ergen (3) |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
972,308 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
368,467 |
|
$ |
1,340,775 |
|
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
|
2014 |
|
$ |
900,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
794,800 |
|
$ |
1,694,800 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
$ |
900,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
218,400 |
|
$ |
196,488 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
952,478 |
|
$ |
2,267,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Roger J. Lynch |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
486,538 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
627,612 |
|
$ |
535,183 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
2,600 |
|
$ |
1,651,933 |
|
Chief Executive Officer, Sling TV |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Holding L.L.C. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Warren W. Schlichting (4) |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
661,562 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
12,917 |
|
$ |
974,479 |
|
Executive Vice President, Marketing, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Programming, and Media Sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Bernard L. Han |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
7,020 |
|
$ |
507,020 |
|
Executive Vice President, |
|
2014 |
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
$ |
506,500 |
|
Strategic Planning |
|
2013 |
|
$ |
495,193 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
218,400 |
|
$ |
196,488 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
$ |
916,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Steven E. Swain (5) |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
330,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
7,020 |
|
$ |
337,020 |
|
Senior Vice President |
|
2014 |
|
$ |
298,269 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
49,208 |
|
$ |
549,601 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
$ |
903,578 |
|
and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Joseph P. Clayton (6) |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
287,279 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
4,000 |
|
$ |
291,279 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
2014 |
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
12,780,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
$ |
13,786,500 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
$ |
980,769 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
218,400 |
|
$ |
196,488 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
6,500 |
|
$ |
1,402,157 |
|
(1) The amounts reported reflect grant date fair values. These amounts include both performance and non-performance based awards. The grant date fair values for performance awards are based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions under the awards and do not necessarily reflect the amount of compensation actually realized or that may be realized.
Assuming achievement of all performance conditions underlying the performance awards included in this column, the total grant date fair values would be as follows:
|
|
Aggregate Grant |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Roger J. Lynch |
|
$ |
2,713,008 |
|
Assumptions used in the calculation of grant date fair values are included in Note 14 to the Corporations audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, included in the Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016.
(2) All Other Compensation for all of the NEOs includes amounts contributed pursuant to our 401(k) matching program and our profit sharing program.
(3) Mr. Ergens All Other Compensation for 2015 also includes $48,015 for tax preparation services. In addition, Mr. Ergens All Other Compensation for 2015 includes $313,952 for Mr. Ergens personal use (and on certain occasions for the personal use by members of his family and other guests) of corporate aircraft during the year ended December 31, 2015. We calculated the value of personal use of corporate aircraft based upon the incremental cost of such usage to DISH Network. Since both the Corporation and EchoStar use the corporate aircraft and Mr. Ergen is an employee of both the Corporation and EchoStar, certain incremental costs related to personal use of corporate aircraft by Mr. Ergen and his family members and guests are allocated between the Corporation and EchoStar.
(4) Mr. Schlichtings Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation for 2015 was received under a performance-based cash award. Mr. Schlichting became an executive officer of the Corporation on December 11, 2015 when he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing, Programming, and Media Sales. Prior to Mr. Schlichting becoming an executive officer on December 11, 2015, Mr. Schlichting was granted a performance-based cash award for 2015 that vested upon achieving certain media sales revenue goals. These goals were established and substantially achieved prior to Mr. Schlichting becoming an executive officer of the Corporation. Mr. Schlichtings All Other Compensation for 2015 includes taxable relocation payments.
(5) Mr. Swain was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation on October 1, 2014 and his annual base salary was increased to $330,000 effective October 1, 2014.
(6) Mr. Clayton retired on March 31, 2015, and Mr. Ergen succeeded Mr. Clayton as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, effective March 31, 2015.
Grant of Plan-Based Awards
The following table provides information on equity awards in 2015 for the NEOs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
All Other |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Name |
|
Grant |
|
Date of |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
Exercise |
|
Grant Date |
| |||||
Charles W. Ergen |
|
04/01/2015 |
|
02/10/2015 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Roger J. Lynch |
|
04/01/2015 |
|
03/31/2015 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
69.73 |
|
$ |
535,183 |
|
|
|
04/01/2015 |
|
03/31/2015 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
627,612 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Warren W. Schlichting |
|
04/01/2015 |
|
02/10/2015 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Bernard L. Han |
|
04/01/2015 |
|
02/10/2015 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Steven E. Swain |
|
04/01/2015 |
|
02/10/2015 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Joseph P. Clayton |
|
04/01/2015 |
|
02/10/2015 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
(1) The amounts reported in the All Other Stock Awards column represent Class A Shares awarded to the eligible NEOs during 2015 pursuant to our profit sharing program.
(2) These amounts include both performance and non-performance based awards. The grant date fair values for performance awards are based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions under the awards and do not necessarily reflect the amount of compensation actually realized or that may be realized.
Assuming achievement of all performance conditions underlying the performance awards included in this column, the total grant date fair values would be as follows:
|
|
2015 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Roger J. Lynch |
|
$ |
2,713,008 |
|
Assumptions used in the calculation of grant date fair values are included in Note 14 to the Corporations audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, included in the Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information on outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end 2015 for the NEOs.
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
| |||||||||||||||||
Name |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Equity |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Number of |
|
Market |
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
| |||
Charles W. Ergen |
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23.96 |
|
03/31/2018 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
660,000 |
|
|
|
540,000 |
|
$ |
27.90 |
|
09/30/2021 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
48,000 |
|
$ |
36.40 |
|
01/01/2023 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
24,000 |
(3) |
$ |
1,372,320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Roger J. Lynch |
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18.00 |
|
12/31/2019 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,000 |
|
$ |
69.73 |
|
01/01/2023 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
21,000 |
(4) |
$ |
1,200,780 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Warren W. Schlichting |
|
8,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22.28 |
|
03/31/2017 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
11,008 |
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
$ |
22.28 |
|
09/30/2021 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
$ |
36.40 |
|
01/01/2023 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
12,000 |
(3) |
$ |
686,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Bernard L. Han |
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6.34 |
|
03/31/2019 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
$ |
15.38 |
|
06/30/2020 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
200,000 |
(5) |
$ |
11,436,000 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
$ |
21.59 |
|
03/31/2021 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
48,000 |
|
$ |
36.40 |
|
01/01/2023 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
24,000 |
(3) |
$ |
1,372,320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Steven E. Swain |
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
$ |
22.28 |
|
09/30/2021 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
$ |
36.40 |
|
01/01/2023 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
6,000 |
(3) |
$ |
343,080 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
$ |
65.61 |
|
01/01/2023 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
6,000 |
(6) |
$ |
343,080 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
$ |
65.61 |
|
07/01/2024 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
(1) Amount represents the number of unvested, performance-based restricted stock units multiplied by $57.18, the closing market price of DISH Networks Class A Shares on December 31, 2015.
(2) On December 2, 2012, we declared a dividend of $1.00 per share on our outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares. The dividend was paid in cash on December 28, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012. In light of such dividend, our Board of Directors and Compensation Committee, which administers our stock incentive plans, determined to adjust the exercise price of certain stock options issued under the plans by decreasing the exercise price by $0.77 per share during January 2013.
(3) Restricted stock awarded on January 1, 2013 under DISH Networks Stock Incentive Plans.
(4) Restricted stock awarded on April 1, 2015 under DISH Networks Stock Incentive Plans.
(5) Restricted stock awarded on June 30, 2010 under DISH Networks Stock Incentive Plans.
(6) Restricted stock awarded on July 1, 2014 under DISH Networks Stock Incentive Plans.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table provides information on option exercises and stock vested in 2015 for the NEOs.
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
| ||||||
Name |
|
Number of |
|
Value |
|
Number of |
|
Value |
| ||
Charles W. Ergen |
|
495,000 |
|
$ |
28,053,450 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Bernard L. Han |
|
60,000 |
|
$ |
4,419,600 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Steven E. Swain |
|
2,000 |
|
$ |
69,220 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Joseph P. Clayton |
|
262,000 |
|
$ |
11,290,613 |
|
125,000 |
|
$ |
9,788,750 |
|
(1) The value realized on exercise is computed by multiplying the difference between the exercise price of the stock option and the market price of the Class A Shares on the date of exercise by the number of shares with respect to which the option was exercised.
Potential Payments Upon Termination Following a Change in Control
As discussed in Compensation Discussion and Analysis above, our standard form of non-performance based option agreement given to executive officers includes acceleration of vesting upon a change in control of DISH Network for those executive officers that are terminated by us or the surviving entity, as applicable, for any reason other than for cause during the twenty-four month period following such change in control.
Generally a change in control is deemed to occur upon: (i) a transaction or a series of transactions the result of which is that any person (other than Mr. Ergen, our controlling shareholder, or a related party) individually owns more than fifty percent (50%) of the total equity interests of either (A) DISH Network or (B) the surviving entity in any such transaction(s) or a controlling affiliate of such surviving entity in such transaction(s); and (ii) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of DISH Network are not continuing directors.
Assuming a change in control were to have taken place as of December 31, 2015, and the executives were terminated by DISH Network or the surviving entity at such date, the estimated benefits that would have been provided are as follows:
Name |
|
Maximum |
| |
Charles W. Ergen (1) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Roger J. Lynch (1) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Bernard L. Han |
|
$ |
711,800 |
|
(1) The value of potentially accelerated unvested options is zero because Mr. Ergen and Mr. Lynch did not have any unvested non-performance based options as of December 31, 2015.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the cash and noncash compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for each of our nonemployee directors. Our employee directors are not compensated for their service as directors and, consequently, are not included in the table.
Name |
|
Fees |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Non-Equity |
|
Change in |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
| |||||||
George R. Brokaw |
|
$ |
73,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
82,769 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
155,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Steven R. Goodbarn |
|
$ |
74,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
82,769 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
156,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Charles M. Lillis |
|
$ |
68,500 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
82,769 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
151,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Afshin Mohebbi |
|
$ |
68,500 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
68,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Tom A. Ortolf |
|
$ |
74,500 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
82,769 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
157,269 |
|
(1) The amounts reported in the Option Awards column reflect the aggregate grant date fair values. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 14 to the Corporations audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, included in the Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016.
On January 1, 2015, Mr. Brokaw, Mr. Goodbarn, Mr. Lillis and Mr. Ortolf were each granted an option to acquire 5,000 Class A Shares at an exercise price of $72.89 per share under our 2001 Director Plan. Options granted under our 2001 Director Plan are 100% vested upon issuance. Thus, the amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes and the full grant date fair value are the same.
Standard Nonemployee Director Compensation Arrangements
We use a combination of cash and equity compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on our Board.
Cash Compensation. Each nonemployee director receives an annual retainer of $60,000 which is paid in equal quarterly installments; provided such person is a member of the Board on the last day of the applicable calendar quarter. Our nonemployee directors also receive $1,000 for each meeting attended in person and $500 for each meeting attended by telephone; provided that if there is more than one meeting of the Board of Directors and/or any committee thereof on the same day, then the applicable nonemployee director is only entitled to receive compensation for attendance at a single meeting. Additionally, the chairperson of each committee of the Board receives a $5,000 annual retainer, which is paid in equal quarterly installments; provided such person is the chairperson of the committee on the last day of the applicable calendar quarter. Furthermore, our nonemployee directors receive: (i) reimbursement, in full, of reasonable travel expenses related to attendance at all meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees and (ii) reimbursement, in full, of reasonable expenses related to educational activities undertaken in connection with service on the Board of Directors and its committees.
Equity Compensation. We have adopted a nonemployee director stock option plan, which we refer to as the 2001 Director Plan. The purpose of the 2001 Director Plan is to advance our interests through the motivation, attraction and retention of highly-qualified nonemployee directors. Upon election to our Board, our nonemployee directors are granted an option to acquire a certain number of our Class A Shares under our 2001 Director Plan effective as of the first day of the next calendar quarter. Options granted under our 2001 Director Plan are 100% vested upon issuance and have a term of five years. We also have the discretion to grant each continuing nonemployee director an option to acquire Class A Shares annually, and we have typically granted each continuing nonemployee director an option to acquire 5,000 Class A Shares in recent years.
Our nonemployee directors do not hold any stock awards except those granted to the nonemployee directors pursuant to our 2001 Director Plan. We have granted the following options to our nonemployee directors under such plan:
|
|
Option Awards |
| |||||
Name |
|
Number of |
|
Option |
|
Option |
| |
George R. Brokaw |
|
7,500 |
|
$ |
57.92 |
|
01/01/19 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
$ |
72.89 |
|
01/01/20 |
|
Total Options Outstanding at December 31, 2015 |
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Steven R. Goodbarn |
|
2,000 |
|
$ |
42.52 |
|
06/30/18 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
$ |
72.89 |
|
01/01/20 |
|
Total Options Outstanding at December 31, 2015 |
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Charles M. Lillis |
|
7,500 |
|
$ |
57.92 |
|
01/01/19 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
$ |
72.89 |
|
01/01/20 |
|
Total Options Outstanding at December 31, 2015 |
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Afshin Mohebbi |
|
8,750 |
|
$ |
63.60 |
|
10/01/19 |
|
Total Options Outstanding at December 31, 2015 |
|
8,750 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Tom A. Ortolf |
|
5,000 |
|
$ |
27.78 |
|
06/30/17 |
(1) |
|
|
5,000 |
|
$ |
42.52 |
|
06/30/18 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
$ |
72.89 |
|
01/01/20 |
|
Total Options Outstanding at December 31, 2015 |
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) On December 2, 2012, we declared a dividend of $1.00 per share on our outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares. The dividend was paid in cash on December 28, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012. In light of such dividend, our Board determined to adjust the exercise price of certain stock options issued to nonemployee directors under the plans by decreasing the exercise price by $0.77 per share during January 2013.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
We have two employee stock incentive plans: our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the Stock Incentive Plans). We adopted the Stock Incentive Plans to provide incentives to attract and retain executive officers and other key employees. While awards remain outstanding under our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, we no longer grant equity awards pursuant to this plan. The Stock Incentive Plans are administered by our Compensation Committee.
Awards available under the Stock Incentive Plans include: (i) common stock purchase options; (ii) stock appreciation rights; (iii) restricted stock and restricted stock units; (iv) performance awards; (v) dividend equivalents; and (vi) other stock-based awards. As of December 31, 2015, 68,179,084 of our Class A Shares were available for issuance under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. Our authorization to grant new awards under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan has expired. The Compensation Committee retains discretion, subject to plan limits, to, among other things, modify the terms of outstanding awards and to adjust the price of awards.
As of December 31, 2015, there were outstanding options to purchase 6,845,685 Class A Shares and 1,382,250 outstanding restricted stock units under the Stock Incentive Plans. These awards generally vest at the rate of 20% per year commencing one year from the date of grant. The exercise prices of these options, which have generally been equal to or greater than the fair market value of our Class A Shares at the date of grant, range from less than $1.00 to $80.00 per Class A Share.
On December 2, 2012, we declared a dividend of $1.00 per share on our outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares. The dividend was paid in cash on December 28, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012. In light of such dividend, our Board of Directors and Compensation Committee, which administers our Stock Incentive Plans, determined to adjust the exercise price of certain stock options issued under the plans by decreasing the exercise price by $0.77 per share during January 2013.
As previously discussed in Compensation Discussion & Analysis, we have adopted the 2013 LTIP under DISH Networks Stock Incentive Plans.
In addition to the 2001 Director Plan and the Stock Incentive Plans, during 2002 we adopted and our shareholders approved our 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan, under which we have reserved 20 million Class B Shares for issuance. The Class B Shares available for issuance under the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan are not included in the table below. No options have been granted to date under the 2002 Class B Chairman Stock Option Plan.
The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding stock options and restricted stock unit awards and the Class A Shares reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015:
Plan Category |
|
Number of |
|
Weighted- |
|
Number of |
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
8,227,935 |
|
$ |
31.13 |
|
69,040,334 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total |
|
8,227,935 |
|
$ |
31.13 |
|
69,040,334 |
|
(1) The calculation of the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights excludes restricted stock units that provide for the issuance of shares of common stock upon vesting because these awards do not require payment of an exercise price in order to obtain the underlying shares upon vesting.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Our Board has adopted a written policy for the review and approval of transactions involving DISH Network and related parties, such as directors, executive officers (and their immediate family members) and EchoStar. In order to identify these transactions, we distribute questionnaires to our officers and directors on a quarterly basis. Our General Counsel then directs the appropriate review of all potential related-party transactions and generally schedules their presentation at the next regularly-scheduled meetings of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors must approve these transactions, with all interested parties abstaining from the vote. Once each calendar year, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors undertake a review of all recurring potential related-party transactions. Both the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors must approve the continuation of each such transaction, with all interested parties abstaining. Transactions involving EchoStar are subject to the approval of a committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain circumstances non-interlocking management.
Related Party Transactions with EchoStar Corporation
On January 1, 2008, we completed the spin-off of EchoStar (the Spin-off), which was previously our subsidiary. Following the Spin-off, DISH Network and EchoStar have operated as separate publicly-traded companies and, except for the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction and Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (Sling TV Holding, formerly known as DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) described below, neither entity has any ownership interest in the other. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.
EchoStar is our primary supplier of set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations and a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity. Generally, the amounts we pay EchoStar for products and services are based on pricing equal to EchoStars cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which will vary depending on the nature of the products and services provided.
In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and EchoStar have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from EchoStar, EchoStar obtains certain products, services and rights from us, and we and EchoStar have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. We also may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future. The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with EchoStar that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Application Development Agreement. During the fourth quarter 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the Application Development Agreement) pursuant to which EchoStar provides us with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for set-top boxes for a period ending on February 1, 2016. The Application Development Agreement renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or EchoStar at any time upon at least 90 days notice. The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at EchoStars cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $7 million under the Application Development Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Broadcast Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement (the 2012 Broadcast Agreement) pursuant to which EchoStar provides broadcast services to us, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. The fees for services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either: (a) EchoStars cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) EchoStars cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided. We have the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar. If we terminate the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than EchoStars breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $237 million under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming. During May 2010, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain broadcast services to us in connection with our carriage of certain sports related programming. The term of this agreement is for ten years. If we terminate this agreement for a reason other than EchoStars breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate. The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $1 million under this broadcast agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive, among other things, certain remote DVR management services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms. This agreement automatically renewed on February 23, 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 23, 2017. This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $2 million under the remote access services agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015
DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. Effective January 1, 2010, we entered into a two-year agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services associated with an online video portal. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. We have the option to renew this agreement for successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. In November 2015, we exercised our right to renew this agreement for a one-year period ending on December 31, 2016. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $7 million under the DISHOnline.com services agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
gTLD Bidding Agreement. In April 2015, we and EchoStar entered into a gTLD Bidding Agreement whereby, among other things: (i) we obtained rights from EchoStar to participate in a generic top level domain (gTLD) auction, assuming all rights and obligations from EchoStar related to EchoStars application with ICANN for a particular gTLD; (ii) we agreed to reimburse EchoStar for its ICANN application fee and certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the application and the auction; and (iii) we and EchoStar agreed to split equally the net proceeds obtained by us as the losing bidder in the auction, less such fee reimbursement and out-of-pocket expenses. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $1 million under the gTLD Bidding Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Hughes Agreements.
DBSD North America. On March 9, 2012, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity of reorganized DBSD North America, Inc. (DBSD North America). During the second quarter 2011, EchoStar acquired Hughes Communications, Inc. (Hughes). Prior to our acquisition of DBSD North America and EchoStars acquisition of Hughes, DBSD North America and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hughes, entered into an agreement pursuant to which HNS provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for DBSD North Americas satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. This agreement will expire on February 15, 2017. We incurred expenses payable to HNS of approximately $2 million under this agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. Effective October 1, 2012, dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. (dishNET Satellite Broadband), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, and HNS entered into a Distribution Agreement (the Distribution Agreement) pursuant to which dishNET Satellite Broadband has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the HNS satellite Internet service (the Service). dishNET Satellite Broadband pays HNS a monthly per subscriber wholesale service fee for the Service based upon the subscribers service level, and, beginning January 1, 2014, certain volume subscription thresholds. The Distribution Agreement also provides that dishNET Satellite Broadband has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase certain broadband equipment from HNS to support the sale of the Service. As part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, on February 20, 2014, dishNET Satellite Broadband and HNS amended the Distribution Agreement which, among other things, extended the initial term of the Distribution Agreement through March 1, 2024. Thereafter, the Distribution Agreement automatically renews for successive one year terms unless either party gives written notice of its intent not to renew to the other party at least 180 days before the expiration of the then-current term. Upon expiration or termination of the Distribution Agreement, the parties will continue to provide the Service to the then-current dishNET subscribers pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement. We incurred expenses payable to HNS of approximately $86 million under the Distribution Agreement during the year ended
December 31, 2015 for services from HNS. In addition, we purchased approximately $11 million of broadband customer premise equipment from HNS during the year ended December 31, 2015.
TerreStar. On March 9, 2012, we completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar Networks, Inc. (TerreStar). Prior to our acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar and EchoStars acquisition of Hughes, TerreStar and HNS entered into various agreements pursuant to which HNS provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for TerreStars satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. These agreements generally may be terminated by us at any time for convenience. We incurred expenses payable to HNS of approximately $5 million under these agreements during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Intellectual Property Matters Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into an intellectual property matters agreement with EchoStar. The intellectual property matters agreement governs our relationship with EchoStar with respect to patents, trademarks and other intellectual property. The term of the intellectual property matters agreement will continue in perpetuity. Pursuant to the intellectual property matters agreement we irrevocably assigned to EchoStar all right, title and interest in certain patents, trademarks and other intellectual property necessary for the operation of EchoStars set-top box business. In addition, the agreement permits EchoStar to use, in the operation of its set-top box business, certain other intellectual property currently owned or licensed by us and our subsidiaries. Pursuant to the intellectual property matters agreement we may not use the EchoStar name as a trademark, except in certain limited circumstances. Similarly, the intellectual property matters agreement provides that EchoStar will not make any use of the name or trademark DISH Network or any other trademark owned by us, except in certain circumstances. There were no payments under the intellectual property matters agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Patent Cross-License Agreements. During December 2011, we and EchoStar entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby: (i) EchoStar and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) we and such third-party licensed our respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a Cross-License Agreement). Each Cross License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10 million. Each Cross License Agreement also contains an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2022. If both options are exercised, the aggregate additional payments to such third-party would total less than $3 million. However, we and EchoStar may elect to extend our respective Cross-License Agreement independently of each other. Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenues of us and EchoStar, we and EchoStar agreed to allocate our respective payments to such third party based on our respective percentage of combined total revenue. No payments were made under the Cross-License Agreements during the year ended December 31, 2015.
PMC. During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (PMC) filed suit against us; EchoStar and Motorola Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277 and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. On May 7, 2015, we, EchoStar and PMC entered into a settlement and release agreement that provided, among other things, for a license by PMC to us and EchoStar for certain patents and patent applications and the dismissal of all of PMCs claims in the action against us and EchoStar with prejudice. On June 4, 2015, the Court dismissed all of PMCs claims in the action against us and EchoStar with prejudice. In June 2015, we and EchoStar agreed that EchoStar would contribute a one-time payment of $5 million towards the settlement under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off and the 2012 Receiver Agreement.
Product Support Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from EchoStar (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related accessories that EchoStar has previously sold and in the future may sell to us. The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such receivers and related accessories, unless terminated earlier. We may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, we are entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to EchoStar for the services. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $57 million under the product support agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Professional Services Agreement. Prior to 2010, in connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with EchoStar including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired on January 1, 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement. During 2009, we and EchoStar agreed that EchoStar shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from us, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the Transition Services Agreement: information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services. Additionally, we and EchoStar agreed that we shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage EchoStar to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for us (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement) and receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services. The Professional Services Agreement automatically renewed on January 1, 2016 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2017 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days notice. However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days notice. We earned revenues of less than $1 million from EchoStar under the Professional Services Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $14 million under the Professional Services Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from EchoStar. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $14 million under these real estate lease agreements during the year ended December 31, 2015. The term of each lease is set forth below:
· Inverness Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016. This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months prior notice. In February 2016, we provided notice to EchoStar to terminate this lease effective August 2016.
· Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.
· Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.
· EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement. The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending on October 31, 2016.
· Gilbert Lease Agreement. Effective August 1, 2014, we began leasing certain space from EchoStar at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending on July 31, 2016. We also have renewal options for three additional one-year terms.
· Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.
Additionally, since the Spin-off, we have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate to EchoStar. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic areas, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. We earned revenues of less than $1 million from EchoStar under these real estate leases during both the year ended December 31, 2015. The term of each lease is set forth below:
· El Paso Lease Agreement. During 2012, we leased certain space at 1285 Joe Battle Blvd., El Paso, Texas to EchoStar for an initial period ending on August 1, 2015, which also provides EchoStar with renewal options for four consecutive three-year terms. During the second quarter 2015, EchoStar exercised its first renewal option for a period ending on August 1, 2018.
Receiver Agreement. EchoStar is currently our primary supplier of set-top box receivers. Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a receiver agreement (the 2012 Receiver Agreement) pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from EchoStar. On November 4, 2015, we and EchoStar amended the 2012 Receiver Agreement to extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2016. The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows us to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories and other equipment from EchoStar either: (i) at a cost (decreasing as EchoStar reduces costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on EchoStars mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased. Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, EchoStars margins will be increased if they are able to reduce the costs of their digital set-top boxes and their margins will be reduced if these costs increase. EchoStar provides us with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters. We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar. EchoStar is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire us. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $753 million under the 2012 Receiver Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015. Included in this amount are purchases of certain broadband customer premise equipment from EchoStar under the 2012 Receiver Agreement.
Remanufactured Receiver and Services Agreement. We entered into a remanufactured receiver and services agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and accessories from us at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. In November 2015, we and EchoStar extended this agreement until December 31, 2016. EchoStar may terminate the remanufactured receiver and services agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to us. We may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire us. We earned revenues of less than $1 million as a result of EchoStars purchases of remanufactured receivers and accessories from us during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Satellite Capacity Agreements
Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we lease certain capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by EchoStar. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $421 million under satellite capacity agreements during the year ended December 31, 2015. The term of each lease is set forth below:
EchoStar I, VII, X, XI and XIV. On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar I, VII, X, XI and XIV satellites. The term of each satellite capacity agreement generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite. We generally have the option to renew each satellite capacity agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellites life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised. The satellite capacity agreement for EchoStar I expired on November 30, 2015.
EchoStar VIII. During May 2013, we began leasing capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare. Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease. Both parties had the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice. This lease terminated in November 2015.
EchoStar IX. We lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX. Subject to availability, we generally have the right to continue to lease satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX on a month-to-month basis.
EchoStar XII. The lease for EchoStar XII generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite (unless we determine to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponders on which service is being provided fails; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service and the exercise of certain renewal options. We generally have the option to renew the lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the satellites life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.
EchoStar XVI. During December 2009, we entered into a transponder service agreement with EchoStar to lease all of the capacity on EchoStar XVI, a DBS satellite, after its service commencement date. EchoStar XVI was launched during November 2012 to replace EchoStar XV at the 61.5 degree orbital location and is currently in service. Effective December 21, 2012, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew for an additional six-year period. Prior to expiration of the initial term, EchoStar also has the right, upon certain conditions, to renew for an additional six-year period. If either we or EchoStar exercise our respective six-year renewal options, then we have the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.
Nimiq 5 Agreement. During 2009, EchoStar entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (Telesat) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree orbital location (the Telesat Transponder Agreement). During 2009, EchoStar also entered into a satellite service agreement (the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement) with us, pursuant to which we currently receive service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement. We have also guaranteed certain obligations of EchoStar under the Telesat Transponder Agreement.
Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in September 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (SES), which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement) with us pursuant to which we receive service from EchoStar on 24 DBS transponders. QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter 2011 at the 67.1 degree orbital location while we and EchoStar explored alternative uses for the QuetzSat-1 satellite. In the interim, EchoStar provided us with alternate capacity at the 77 degree orbital location. During the first quarter 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease five DBS transponders back to EchoStar. During January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013.
Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Upon an in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3. During May 2012, EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement) with Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. (Ciel) to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree orbital location (the 103 Spectrum Rights). During June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement) pursuant to which we may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights. During the third quarter 2013, we made a $23 million payment to EchoStar in exchange for its rights under the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights.
In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, during May 2012, EchoStar also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain satellite capacity from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location (the 103 Service Agreement). During June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on the SES-3 satellite (the DISH 103 Service Agreement). Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of: (i) the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
Satellite Capacity Leased to EchoStar. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain capacity on certain satellites owned by us. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. We earned revenues of approximately $45 million from EchoStar under these satellite capacity agreements during the year ended December 31, 2015. The term of each lease is set forth below:
EchoStar XV. During May 2013, we began leasing satellite capacity to EchoStar on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite for testing at EchoStars Brazilian authorization at the 45 degree orbital location. Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease. Both parties had the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice. This lease terminated in November 2015 and EchoStar relocated this satellite from the 45 degree orbital location back to the 61.5 degree orbital location where it currently serves as an in-orbit spare.
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar. To improve our position in the growing consumer satellite broadband market, among other reasons, on February 20, 2014, we entered into agreements with EchoStar to implement a transaction pursuant to which, among other things: (i) on March 1, 2014, we transferred to EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (HSSC), a subsidiary of EchoStar, five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV (collectively, the Transferred Satellites), including related in-orbit incentive obligations and cash interest payments of approximately $59 million) and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange for shares of a series of preferred tracking stock issued by EchoStar and shares of a series of preferred tracking stock issued by HSSC; and (ii) beginning on March 1, 2014, we lease back all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites (collectively, the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction). The Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is further described below:
Transaction Agreement. On February 20, 2014, DISH Operating L.L.C. (DOLLC) and DISH Network L.L.C. (DNLLC, together with DOLLC, the DISH Investors) and EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C., all indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, entered into a Transaction Agreement (the Transaction Agreement) with EchoStar, HSSC and Alpha Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which, on March 1, 2014, we, among other things, transferred to EchoStar and HSSC the Transferred Satellites (including related in-orbit incentive obligations and interest payments of approximately $59 million) and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange for an aggregate of 6,290,499 shares of preferred tracking stock issued by EchoStar and 81.128 shares of preferred tracking stock issued by HSSC (collectively, the Tracking Stock). The Tracking Stock generally tracks the residential retail satellite broadband business of HNS, including without limitation the operations, assets and liabilities attributed to the Hughes residential retail satellite broadband business (collectively, the Hughes Retail Group). The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to the DISH Investors represent an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group. Although our investment in the Tracking Stock represents an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, we have no operational control or significant influence over the Hughes Retail Group business, and currently there is no public market for the Tracking Stock. The Transaction Agreement includes, among other things, customary mutual provisions for representations, warranties and indemnification.
Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar. On February 20, 2014, we entered into satellite capacity agreements with certain subsidiaries of EchoStar pursuant to which, beginning March 1, 2014, we, among other things, lease all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites. See Satellite Capacity Agreements - Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar above for further discussion.
Investor Rights Agreement. On February 20, 2014, EchoStar, HSSC and the DISH Investors also entered into an Investor Rights Agreement (the Investor Rights Agreement) with respect to the Tracking Stock. The Investor Rights Agreement provides, among other things, certain information and consultation rights for the DISH Investors; certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfers of the Tracking Stock for one year, with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to EchoStar in connection with a change of control of us and a right to require EchoStar to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions); certain registration rights; certain obligations to provide conversion and exchange rights of the Tracking Stock under certain circumstances; and certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock. The Investor Rights Agreement generally will terminate as to the DISH Investors at such time as the DISH Investors no longer hold any shares of the HSSC-issued Tracking Stock and any registrable securities under the Investor Rights Agreement.
SlingService Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services related to placeshifting, which is used for, among other things, the DISH Anywhere mobile application. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms. This agreement automatically renewed on February 23, 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 23, 2017. This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $6 million under the SlingService services agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Sling Trademark License Agreement. On December 31, 2014, Sling TV L.L.C. entered into an agreement with Sling Media, Inc., a subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which we have the right for a fixed fee to use certain trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property related to the Sling trademark for a period ending on December 31, 2016. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $1 million under this agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Sling TV Holding. Effective July 1, 2012, we and EchoStar formed Sling TV Holding, which was owned two-thirds by us and one-third by EchoStar and was consolidated into our financial statements beginning July 1, 2012. Sling TV Holding was formed to develop and commercialize certain advanced technologies. At that time, we, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding entered into the following agreements with respect to Sling TV Holding: (i) a contribution agreement pursuant to which we and EchoStar contributed certain assets in exchange for our respective ownership interests in Sling TV Holding; (ii) a limited liability company operating agreement (the Operating Agreement), which provides for the governance of Sling TV Holding; and (iii) a commercial agreement (the Commercial Agreement) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding has: (a) certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; and (b) the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and EchoStar, respectively. Since this was a formation of an entity under common control and a step-up in basis was not allowed, each partys contributions were recorded at historical book value for accounting purposes.
Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding entered into an exchange agreement (the Exchange Agreement) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding distributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV Holding to a ten percent non-voting interest. We now have a ninety percent equity interest and a 100% voting interest in Sling TV Holding. In addition, we, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding amended and restated the Operating Agreement, primarily to reflect the changes implemented by the Exchange Agreement. Finally, we, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding amended and restated the Commercial Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding: (1) continues to have certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; (2) continues to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and EchoStar; and (3) has a license from EchoStar to use certain of the assets distributed to EchoStar as part of the Exchange Agreement. Sling TV Holding operates, through its subsidiary Sling TV L.L.C., the Sling branded live, linear streaming over-the-top Internet-based programming services. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $50 million under the Commercial Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Tax Sharing Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with EchoStar which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by us, and we will indemnify EchoStar for such taxes. However, we are not liable for and will not indemnify EchoStar for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) because of: (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of EchoStars stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that EchoStar takes or fails to take; or (iii) any action that EchoStar takes that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, EchoStar is solely liable for, and will indemnify us for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The tax sharing agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed.
In light of the tax sharing agreement, among other things, and in connection with our consolidated federal income tax returns for certain tax years prior to and for the year of the Spin-off, during the third quarter 2013, we and EchoStar agreed upon a supplemental allocation of the tax benefits arising from certain tax items resolved in the course of the IRS examination of these consolidated tax returns. As a result, we agreed to pay EchoStar $83 million of the tax benefit we received or will receive. Any payment to EchoStar, including accrued interest, will be made at such time as EchoStar would have otherwise been able to realize such tax benefit. In addition, during the third quarter 2013, we and EchoStar agreed upon a tax sharing arrangement for filing certain combined state income tax returns and a method of allocating the respective tax liabilities between us and EchoStar for such combined returns, through the taxable period ending on December 31, 2017. No payments were made with respect to the tax sharing agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
We and EchoStar file combined income tax returns in certain states. In 2015, EchoStar earned and recognized a tax benefit for certain state income tax credits that EchoStar estimates it would be unable to utilize in the future if it had filed separately from us. In addition, EchoStar earned and recognized tax benefits for certain federal income tax credits, a portion of which were allocated to us under IRS rules for affiliated companies. We expect to utilize these tax credits to reduce our federal and state income tax payable in the future. In accordance with accounting rules that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, we recorded a capital contribution of $3 million in Additional paid-in capital on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, representing the amount that we estimate is more likely than not to be realized by us as a result of our utilization of these tax credits earned. Any payments made to EchoStar related to the utilization of these credits will be recorded as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
TiVo. On April 29, 2011, we and EchoStar entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo, Inc. (TiVo). The settlement resolved all pending litigation between us and EchoStar, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH digital video recorders, or DVRs.
Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation was dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by us or EchoStar were dissolved. We and EchoStar are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500 million, including an initial payment of $300 million and the remaining $200 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off of EchoStar from us, we made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for the contribution from EchoStar totaling approximately $10 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to EchoStars sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer. Future payments will be allocated between us and EchoStar based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with us being responsible for 95% of each annual payment.
TT&C Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) agreement pursuant to which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for certain satellites for a period ending on December 31, 2016 (the 2012 TT&C Agreement). The fees for services provided under the 2012 TT&C Agreement are calculated at either: (i) a fixed fee; or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. We are able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days notice. We incurred expenses payable to EchoStar of approximately $2 million under the 2012 TT&C Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
XiP Encryption Agreement. During the third quarter 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with EchoStar for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the XiP Encryption Agreement) pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain security measures on our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes. The initial term of the XiP Encryption Agreement was for a period until December 31, 2014. Under the XiP Encryption Agreement, we had the option, but not the obligation, to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term. On May 5, 2014, we provided EchoStar notice to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2015. On November 4, 2015, we and EchoStar extended the term of the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2016. We and EchoStar each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 30 days notice and 180 days notice, respectively. The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month. No payments were made under the XiP Encryption Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C. (NagraStar)
NagraStar is a joint venture between EchoStar and Nagra USA, Inc. that is our provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we purchased from NagraStar security access and other fees at an aggregate cost to us of $89 million. As of December 31, 2015, amounts payable to NagraStar totaled $19 million.
Certain Related Party Transactions with Certain of Our Executive Officers
Khemka Transaction. During 2015, we employed Ms. Sruta Vootukuru, the wife of Mr. Vivek Khemka, our Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. We employed Ms. Vootukuru as Vice President, Business Operations in our Sling TV business, and we paid her approximately $175,000 during 2015. While the amount paid during 2016 will depend on the time and services that will be provided, we expect to pay Ms. Vootukuru approximately $175,000 during 2016.
Certain Related Party Transactions with Certain Members of Our Board of Directors
Ergen Family. During 2015, Mrs. Ergen served as a Senior Advisor and as a member of our Board of Directors, and we paid her approximately $100,000. During 2015, we employed Mrs. Katie Flynn, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ergen, as an Assistant Brand Manager and paid her approximately $44,000. During 2015, we also employed Mr. Christopher Ergen, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ergen, as a Business Analyst and paid him approximately $25,000. During 2016, we expect to continue to employ Mrs. Ergen, Mrs. Flynn, Mr. Christopher Ergen and certain other Ergen children. While the amount paid during 2016 will depend on the time and services that will be provided, we expect to pay Mrs. Ergen approximately $100,000, Mrs. Flynn approximately $92,000, Mr. Christopher Ergen approximately $25,000 and certain other Ergen children approximately $25,000 in the aggregate during 2016.
Mr. Christopher Ergen/Yottabytes Ventures LLC. During the second quarter 2012, we entered into an agreement pursuant to which we had the right to make certain investments in Yottabytes Ventures LLC (YBV), a company that develops mobile web-based video applications. As of December 31, 2015, we had invested $700,000 in YBV, which resulted in us owning approximately 77.8% of YBV. We have the right, but not the obligation, to invest an additional $100,000 in YBV, which if exercised would bring our aggregate ownership interest in YBV to 80%. As part of our investment, we also have the right to appoint two out of the three members of the YBV board of directors. Mr. Christopher Ergen, Mr. and Mrs. Ergens son, is an owner in YBV. As of December 31, 2015, Mr. Christopher Ergen had approximately a 5.6% ownership interest in YBV.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in 2014. KPMG LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and the Board has proposed that our shareholders ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. Please see Proposal No. 2 below. The Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee believes that a change would be in the best interests of DISH Network.
Fees Paid to KPMG LLP for 2015 and 2014
The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP during those periods.
|
|
For the Years Ended |
| ||||
|
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
| ||