EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1533758
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1533758_10-K_2024_0001533758-24-000007.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (which, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to as “HSSC,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) is a holding company and a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar” and “parent”). We were formed as a Colorado corporation in March 2011 to facilitate the acquisition by EchoStar (the “Hughes Acquisition”) of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries and related financing transactions. In connection with our formation, EchoStar contributed the assets and liabilities of its satellite services business to us, including the principal operating subsidiary of its satellite services business, EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. A substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of EchoStar is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain entities established for the benefit of his family. During 2022, Hamid Akhavan joined the Company as its Chief Executive Officer and President.
We are an industry leader in both networking technologies and services, innovating to deliver the solutions that power a connected future for people, enterprises and things everywhere. We provide broadband services to consumer customers, which include home and small to medium-sized businesses. We also provide satellite and multi-transport technologies and managed network services to telecommunications providers, aeronautical service providers, civilian and defense government entities, and other enterprise customers.
The EchoStar XXIV satellite began service in December 2023, bringing additional broadband capacity to North and South America. We will leverage EchoStar XXIV to serve the unserved and underserved consumer markets in the Americas as well as enterprise and government markets.
We also design, provide and install gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems. In addition, we design, develop, construct and provide telecommunication networks comprising satellite ground segment systems and terminals to mobile system operators and other enterprise customers. We also offer a robust suite of integrated, multi-transport solutions to enable airline and airline service providers to deliver reliable in-flight network connectivity serving both commercial and business aviation.
Our industry continues to evolve with the increasing worldwide demand for broadband internet access for information, entertainment and commerce. In addition to fiber and wireless systems, technologies such as geostationary high throughput satellites, low-earth orbit (“LEO”) networks, medium-earth orbit (“MEO”) systems and multi-transport networks using combinations of technologies are expected to continue to play significant roles in enabling global connectivity, networks and services. We expect demand for broadband internet access, connectivity, networking and related value-added services will continue to grow across all major end-user sectors - consumer, businesses, enterprises and government. We intend to use our expertise, technologies, capital, investments, global presence, relationships and other capabilities to continue to provide broadband internet systems, equipment, networks and managed services for information, the internet-of-things, entertainment, education, remote-connectivity and commerce across industries and communities globally for consumer and enterprise customers. We are closely tracking the developments in next-generation satellite businesses, and we are seeking to utilize our services, technologies, licenses and expertise to find new commercial opportunities for our business.
All amounts presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted.
On December 31, 2023, EchoStar completed the acquisition of DISH Network Corporation (“DISH Network”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 2, 2023 (the “Amended Merger Agreement”), by and among EchoStar, EAV Corp., a Nevada corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and DISH Network, pursuant to which EchoStar acquired DISH Network by means of the merger of Merger Sub with and into DISH Network (the “Merger”), with DISH Network surviving the Merger as EchoStar’s wholly owned subsidiary.
On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Amended Merger Agreement, on December 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET (the “Effective Time”), each share of DISH Network Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“DISH Network Class A Common Stock”) and DISH Network Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“DISH Network Class C Common Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, was converted into the right to receive a number of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of EchoStar Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“EchoStar Class A Common Stock”) equal to 0.350877 (the “Exchange Ratio”). On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Amended Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, each share of DISH Network Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“DISH Network Class B Common Stock” and, together with DISH Network Class A Common Stock and DISH Network Class C Common Stock, “DISH Network Common Stock”), outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into the right to receive a number of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of EchoStar Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “EchoStar Class B Common Stock” and, together with the EchoStar Class A Common Stock, the “EchoStar Common Stock”), equal to the Exchange Ratio. Any shares of DISH Network Common Stock that were held in DISH Network’s treasury or held directly by EchoStar or Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time were cancelled and cease to exist and no consideration was paid in respect thereof. All shares of the DISH Network Class A Common Stock were delisted from the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The EchoStar Common Stock issued to the Ergen DISH Stockholders (as defined in the Amended Merger Agreement) as Merger consideration was issued through a private placement exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). At the Effective Time, each share of DISH Network Class A Common Stock owned by the Ergen DISH Stockholders immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into the right to receive a number of shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio, and (b) each share of DISH Network Class B Common Stock owned by the Ergen DISH Stockholders immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into the right to receive a number of shares of EchoStar Class B Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio.
Concurrently with the entry into the Amended Merger Agreement, the Ergen EchoStar Stockholders (as defined in the Amended Merger Agreement), the Ergen DISH Stockholders (collectively, the “Ergen Stockholders”), EchoStar and DISH Network entered into an amended and restated support agreement (the “Amended Support Agreement”).
In connection with the completion of the Merger, and pursuant to the Amended and Restated Support Agreement, the Ergen Stockholders, EchoStar and DISH Network, on December 31, 2023, EchoStar and the Ergen Stockholders entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement provides the Ergen Stockholders, and their affiliates who become parties thereto, with certain registration rights relating to the shares of EchoStar Common Stock, which they beneficially own, including (i) the right to demand shelf registration as well as registration on long and short form registration statements and (ii) “piggyback” registration rights to be included in future registered offerings by us of our equity securities, in each case, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions. The Registration Rights Agreement sets forth customary registration procedures, including an agreement by EchoStar to make appropriate officers available to participate in roadshow presentations and cooperate as reasonably requested in connection with any underwritten offerings. EchoStar also agreed to indemnify the Ergen Stockholders and their affiliates with respect to liabilities resulting from untrue statements or omissions in any registration statement used in any such registration, other than untrue statements or omissions based on or contained in information furnished to EchoStar for use in a registration statement by a participating stockholder.
For more information and a copy of the Amended Merger Agreement, the Amended Support Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, see the Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation filed on October 3, 2023 and the Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation filed on January 2, 2024.
With the Merger complete, EchoStar is currently focused on the process of integrating EchoStar’s and DISH Network’s business in a manner that facilitates synergies, cost savings, growth opportunities and achieves other anticipated benefits (the “Integration”). In addition see Note 21. Subsequent Events in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further business updates.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We currently operate in two business segments: our Hughes segment and our EchoStar Satellite Services segment (“ESS segment”). These business segments are consistent with the way we make decisions regarding the allocation of resources, as well as how operating results are reviewed by our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”).
Our operations also include various corporate functions (primarily Executive, Treasury, Strategic Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, Accounting, Real Estate and Legal) and other activities, such as costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, and gains or losses from certain of our investments, that have not been assigned to our business segments. These activities, costs and income, as well as eliminations of intersegment transactions, are accounted for in Corporate and Other in our segment reporting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, and accordingly file our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. As an electronic filer, our public filings are maintained on the SEC’s Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov.
WEBSITE ACCESS
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act also may be accessed free of charge through the website of our parent company, EchoStar, as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC. The address of that website is https://ir.echostar.com/.
EchoStar has adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, and senior financial officers, in accordance with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder. This code of ethics is available on EchoStar’s corporate website at https://ir.echostar.com/. In the event that EchoStar makes changes in, or provides waivers of, the provisions of this code of ethics that the SEC requires EchoStar to disclose, it intends to disclose these events on its website.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. If any of the following events occur or evolve in a way different than expected, our business, financial condition, results of operation could be materially and adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO THE INTEGRATION
Although EchoStar expects that the Merger will result in synergies and other benefits, those synergies and benefits may not be realized in the amounts anticipated, or may not be realized within the anticipated timeframe, or at all, and risks associated with the foregoing may also result from any extended delay in the Integration of the companies.
EchoStar’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger will depend, to a large extent, on our ability to integrate EchoStar’s and DISH Network’s business in a manner that facilitates growth opportunities and achieves the anticipated benefits. In addition, some of the anticipated synergies are not expected to occur for a significant time period following the completion of the Merger and will require substantial capital expenditures to achieve. There can be no guarantee we will achieve any of these benefits on the anticipated timeframe or at all.
The combination of two separate companies is complex, costly and time-consuming and may require significant management attention and resources which may divert attention from our business and operations. The failure to meet the challenges involved in combining the two companies and to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger could, among other things, cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect the results of operations. The overall combination of the two companies may also result in, among other things, material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses and loss of customer and other business relationships. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include, among others:
•diversion of management and employee attention to Integration matters;
•difficulties in integrating operations and systems, including, but not limited to, communications systems, administrative and information technology infrastructure, financial reporting and internal control systems;
•challenges in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures and compensation structures between the two companies;
•difficulties in integrating employees and teams of the respective businesses and attracting and retaining key personnel;
•challenges in retaining and obtaining customers, suppliers and other commercial relationships;
•difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a larger and more complex company; and
•potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Integration.
Many of these factors are outside of our control and any of them could result in lower revenues, higher costs and diversion of management time and energy, which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, even if the operations of the companies are integrated successfully, the full benefits of the Merger may not be realized, including, among others, the synergies, cost savings or sales or growth opportunities that are expected. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame or at all. As a result, it cannot be assured that the Integration will result in the realization of the full benefits expected from the Merger within the anticipated time frames, or at all.
The market price of EchoStar’s common stock may be affected by factors different from, or in addition to, those that historically affected the market prices of shares of DISH Network Class A Common Stock and EchoStar Class A Common Stock.
Upon consummation of the Merger, DISH Network Class A Stockholders became holders of EchoStar Class A Common Stock. The businesses of DISH Network and its subsidiaries are different from those of EchoStar and its subsidiaries. Accordingly, after the consummation of the Merger, EchoStar’s results of operations are affected by some factors that are different from those that historically affected the results of operations of EchoStar and/or DISH Network. The results of operations of each company may also be affected by factors different from those that currently affect or have historically affected either company.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Any deterioration in our operational performance and subscriber satisfaction could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If our operational performance and subscriber satisfaction were to deteriorate, we may experience a decrease in subscriber activations and an increase in our subscriber churn rate, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. To improve our operational performance, we continue to make investments in staffing, training, information systems and other initiatives, primarily in our call center and in-home service operations, and business operations. These investments are intended to, among other things, help combat inefficiencies introduced by the increasing complexity of our business, improve subscriber satisfaction, reduce subscriber churn, increase productivity and allow us to scale better over the long run. We cannot, however, be certain that our spending will ultimately be successful in improving our operational performance, and if unsuccessful, we may have to incur higher costs to improve our operational performance. While we believe that such costs will be outweighed by longer-term benefits, there can be no assurance when or if we will realize these benefits at all.
Before the Merger, DISH Network had significantly greater indebtedness than EchoStar. Following the Merger, EchoStar and its subsidiaries have substantially higher leverage than they had prior to the Merger.
EchoStar and its subsidiaries have consolidated long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion) of approximately $22.8 billion. Therefore, EchoStar and its subsidiaries have substantially higher leverage than prior to the Merger. EchoStar’s debt levels could have significant negative consequences, including, but not limited to:
•making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations;
•a dilutive effect on EchoStar’s outstanding equity capital or future earnings;
•increasing EchoStar’s/our vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates;
•requiring EchoStar and its subsidiaries to devote a substantial portion of its cash toward making interest and principal payments on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the amount of cash available for other purposes and resulting in limited financial and operating flexibility to changing economic and competitive conditions;
•limiting EchoStar’s and/or our ability to raise additional capital because it may be more difficult for either or both of us to obtain debt financing on attractive terms or at all; and
•placing EchoStar and its subsidiaries at a disadvantage compared to its competitors that are less heavily leveraged.
In addition, EchoStar will incur additional debt in the future. If new debt is added to EchoStar’s current debt levels, the risks we face now could intensify.
We may pursue acquisitions, dispositions, capital expenditures, the development, acquisition and launch of new satellites and other strategic initiatives to complement or expand our business, which may not be successful and we may lose a portion or all of our investment in these acquisitions and transactions.
Our future success may depend on opportunities to buy or otherwise invest in other businesses or technologies that could complement, enhance or expand our current business or products or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities. To pursue this strategy successfully, we must identify attractive acquisition or investment opportunities and successfully complete transactions, some of which may be large and complex. We may not be able to identify or complete attractive acquisition or investment opportunities due to, among other things, the intense competition for these transactions. If we are not able to identify and complete such acquisition or investment opportunities, our future results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
We may be unable to obtain in the anticipated time frame, or at all, any regulatory approvals required to complete proposed acquisitions and other strategic transactions. Furthermore, the conditions imposed for obtaining any necessary approvals could delay the completion of such transactions for a significant period of time or prevent them from occurring at all. We may not be able to complete such transactions, and such transactions, if executed, pose significant risks and could have a negative effect on our operations. Any transactions that we are able to identify and complete may involve a number of risks, including, but not limited to:
•the risks associated with developing and constructing new satellites;
•the diversion of management’s attention from our existing business onto a strategic initiative;
•the possible adverse effects on our and our targets’ and partners’ business, financial condition or operating results during the Integration process;
•the high degree of risk inherent in these transactions, which could become substantial over time, and higher exposure to significant financial losses if the underlying ventures are not successful on an acceptable timeline or at all;
•the possible inability to achieve the intended objectives of the transaction;
•the risks associated with complying with contractual provisions and regulations applicable to the acquired business, which may cause us to incur substantial expenses;
•the disruption of relationships with employees, vendors or customers; and
•the risks associated with foreign and international operations and/or investments or dispositions.
In addition, we may not be able to successfully or profitably integrate, operate, maintain and manage our newly acquired operations or employees on an acceptable timeline or at all. We may not be able to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies, and this may lead to, among other things, operational inefficiencies. In addition, the Integration process may strain our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and procedures.
New acquisitions, joint ventures and other transactions may require the commitment of significant capital that would otherwise be directed to investments in our existing business. To pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions, we may need to raise additional capital in the future, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
In addition to committing capital to complete the acquisitions, substantial capital may be required to operate the acquired businesses following their acquisition. These acquisitions may result in significant financial losses if the intended objectives of the transactions are not achieved. Some of the businesses that we have acquired have experienced significant operating and financial challenges in their recent history, which in some cases resulted in these businesses commencing bankruptcy proceedings prior to our acquisition. We may acquire similar businesses in the future.
There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully address the challenges and risks encountered by these businesses following their acquisition. If we are unable to successfully address these challenges and risks, our business, financial condition and/or results of operations may suffer.
We are facing increasing competition which could impact demand for, and result in increasing pricing pressures with respect to, our products and services.
Our business operates in an intensely competitive, consumer- and enterprise-driven and rapidly changing environment and competes with a growing number of companies that provide similar products and services to consumer and enterprise customers. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively compete against our competitors due to their significant resources and operating history. Material competitive risks to our business include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Competition from new or different technology compared to our offerings;
•Competition from existing or new competitors entering the same markets we serve;
•Government funding for competing products and services, reducing demand for our products and services; and
•Competitive pressures to provide enhanced functionality for the same or lower price with each new generation of technology.
Our business will be negatively impacted if we fail to adequately anticipate our satellite capacity needs or are unable to obtain satellite capacity.
We have made substantial contractual commitments to acquire satellite capacity based on our existing customer contracts and backlog. If our existing customer contracts were to be terminated prior to their respective expiration dates, we may have insufficient revenue to cover our satellite capacity costs. On the other hand, insufficient satellite capacity to meet increases in demand or inability to quickly or easily adjust our capacity to such changes in demand could materially and adversely affect our ability to provide services to customers and grow our revenue and business. Our business could be adversely affected if we are not able to renew our capacity leases at economically viable rates, or if sufficient capacity is not available to us.
We are dependent upon third-party providers for components, manufacturing, installation services and customer support services, and our results of operations may be materially adversely affected if any of these third-party providers fail to deliver the contracted goods or services appropriately.
Our dependence upon third-party providers causes certain risks to our business, including the following:
•Components. A limited number of suppliers manufacture, and in some cases a single supplier manufactures, some of the key components required to build our products. We do not generally maintain long-term agreements with our suppliers or subcontractors for our products. If we change or lose suppliers, we could experience a delay in manufacturing our products. In addition, if either our current suppliers or any new suppliers increase prices beyond what we currently pay, we may be unable to produce our products at competitive prices and we may be unable to satisfy demand from our customers. Similarly, if any of our products require materials or components that are subject to “conflict minerals” or other supply chain regulations, these inputs could become scarce, unavailable, or materially more expensive or difficult to acquire, which could limit our ability to build or obtain sufficient volumes of such products to satisfy customer demand or could make it difficult or impossible for us to produce such products at competitive prices.
•Commodity Price Risk. Fluctuations in pricing of raw materials can affect our product costs and we may not be able to pass on the increased costs to our customers. Additionally, we are seeing increasing inflationary price pressure and where we have fixed-price customer contracts, we may have to absorb the increased costs.
•Manufacturing. While we develop and manufacture prototypes for certain of our products, we use contract manufacturers to produce a portion of our hardware. If these contract manufacturers fail to provide products that meet our specifications in a timely manner or at all, our business could be adversely impacted.
•Installation, customer support, and other services. Some of our products and services utilize a network of third-party service providers. The costs incurred for these services may increase due to a shortage of experienced workers and higher salaries required to recruit and retain a skilled third-party workforce. A decline in levels of service or attention to the needs of our customers could adversely affect our reputation, renewal rates and ability to win and retain customers. In addition, if the agreements for the provision of these services are terminated or not renewed, we could face difficulties replacing these service providers.
Our foreign operations and investments expose us to risks and restrictions not present in our domestic operations.
Our sales outside the U.S. accounted for 25.2%, 24.5% and 22.3% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We expect our foreign operations to represent a significant and growing portion of our business. Our foreign operations involve varying degrees of risk and uncertainties inherent in doing business abroad. Such risks include:
•Complications in complying with restrictions on foreign ownership and investment and limitations on repatriation of earnings. We may not be permitted to be the sole owner of our operations in some countries and may have to enter into partnership or joint venture relationships. Many foreign legal regimes and/or our contractual arrangements restrict our repatriation of earnings to the U.S. from our subsidiaries and joint venture entities. Applicable law in such foreign countries may also limit our ability to distribute or access our assets or offer our products and services in certain circumstances. In such event, we will not have unrestricted access to the cash flow and assets of our subsidiaries and joint ventures.
•Regulatory restrictions. Satellite market access, landing rights and terrestrial wireless rights are dependent on the national regulations established by foreign governments and international non-governmental bodies. Non-compliance with these requirements may result in the loss of the authorizations and licenses to conduct business in these countries, as well as fines, penalties, or other sanctions.
•Financial and legal constraints and obligations. Operating pursuant to foreign licenses subjects us to certain financial constraints and obligations, including, but not limited to: (a) tax liabilities that may or may not be dependent on revenue; (b) the regulatory requirements associated with maintaining such licenses, which may be subject to interpretation by foreign courts and regulatory bodies; (c) the burden of creating and maintaining additional entities, branches, facilities and/or staffing in foreign jurisdictions; and (d) regulations requiring that we make certain satellite capacity available for “free” or available at reduced rates.
•Compliance with applicable export control laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries. We must comply with all applicable export control and trade sanctions laws and regulations of the U.S. and other countries. A violation any export or trade-related regulations could materially adversely affect our business.
•Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, recessions and currency devaluations have affected, and may in the future affect, revenue, profits and cash earned from our international businesses.
•Regulations may favor state-owned enterprises or local service providers. Many of the countries in which we conduct business have traditionally had state-owned or state-granted monopolies on telecommunications services that favor an incumbent service provider. We face competition from these favored and entrenched companies in countries that have not liberalized.
We may not be able to generate cash to meet our debt service needs or fund our operations.
As of December 31, 2023, our total indebtedness was $1.5 billion. Our ability to make payments on or to refinance our indebtedness and to fund our operations will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash, we may be forced to take actions such as revising or delaying our strategic plans, reducing or delaying capital expenditures and/or the development, design, acquisition and construction of new satellites, selling assets, and restructuring or refinancing our debt. We may not be able to implement any of these actions on satisfactory terms, or at all.
Covenants in our indentures restrict our business in many ways.
The indentures governing our 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2026 and 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due August 1, 2026 contain various covenants, subject to certain exceptions, that limit our ability and/or certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
•incur additional debt;
•pay dividends or make distributions on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock;
•allow certain restrictions on such subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make distributions, make other payments, or transfer assets;
•make certain investments;
•create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
•enter into transactions with affiliates;
•merge or consolidate with another company; and
•transfer and sell assets.
Failure to comply with these and certain other financial covenants, if not cured or waived, may result in an event of default under the indentures, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. If certain events of default occur and are continuing under the respective indenture, the trustee under that indenture or the requisite holders of the notes under that indenture may declare all such notes to be immediately due and payable and, in the case of the indenture governing our secured notes, could proceed against the collateral that secures the secured notes. If certain other events of default occur, the indentures will become immediately due and payable. We and certain of our subsidiaries have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral to secure the 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2026.
Our failure to effectively invest in, introduce, and implement new competitive products and services could cause our products and services to become obsolete and could negatively impact our business.
Technology in our industry changes rapidly as new technologies are developed, which could cause our products and services to become obsolete. We and our suppliers may not be able to keep pace with technological developments. Our operating results are dependent to a significant extent upon our ability to continue to introduce new products and services, to upgrade existing products and services on a timely basis, and to reduce costs of our existing products and services. We may not be able to successfully identify new product or service opportunities or develop and market these opportunities in a timely or cost-effective manner.
The research and development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and investment. The success of new product and service development depends on many factors, including among others, the following:
•the difficulties and delays in the development, production, timely completion, testing and marketing of products and services;
•the cost of the products and services;
•the proper identification of subscriber need and subscriber acceptance of products and services;
•the development of, approval of and compliance with industry standards;
•the amount of resources we must devote to the development of new technologies; and
•the ability to differentiate our products and services and compete with other companies in the same markets.
If the new technologies on which we focus our research and development investments fail to achieve acceptance in the marketplace, our competitive position could be negatively impacted, causing a reduction in our revenues and earnings. For example, our competitors could use proprietary technologies that are perceived by the market as being superior. In addition, delays in the delivery of components or other unforeseen problems associated with our technology may occur that could materially and adversely affect our ability to generate revenue, offer new products and services and remain competitive. Furthermore, after we have incurred substantial costs, one or more of the products or services under our development, or under development by one or more of our strategic partners, could become obsolete prior to it being widely adopted.
If our products and services are not competitive, our business could suffer and our financial performance could be negatively impacted. Our products and services may also experience quality problems, including, but not limited to, outages and service slowdowns, from time to time. If the quality of our products and services does not meet our subscribers’ expectations, then our business, and ultimately our reputation, could be negatively impacted.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR HUMAN CAPITAL
We rely on highly skilled personnel for our business, and any inability to hire and retain key personnel or to hire qualified personnel may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We believe that our future success depends to a significant extent upon the performance of Mr. Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and certain other key executives. The loss of Mr. Ergen or certain other key executives, the ability to effectively provide for the succession of our senior management, or the ability of Mr. Ergen or such other key executives to devote sufficient time and effort to our business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although some of our key executives may have agreements relating to their equity compensation that limit their ability to work for or consult with competitors, we generally do not have employment agreements with them.
In addition, the success of the Integration will depend in part on the retention of personnel critical to the business and operations of EchoStar and DISH Network due to, for example, their technical skills or management expertise. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense and qualified personnel can be in high demand. Current and prospective employees of EchoStar and DISH Network may experience uncertainty about their future role until strategies regarding these employees are announced or executed, which may impair each company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key management, technical and other personnel following the Merger. If EchoStar and DISH Network are unable to attract and retain personnel, including key management, who are critical to the successful Integration and future operations of the companies, we could face, among other risks, disruptions in their operations, loss of existing customers, loss of key information, expertise or know- how, and unanticipated additional recruitment and training costs. In addition, the loss of key personnel could diminish the anticipated benefits of the Merger.
Our business growth and customer retention strategies rely in part on the work of technically skilled employees.
Our response to technological developments depends, to a significant degree, on the work of technically skilled employees. In addition, we have made and will continue to make significant investments in, among other things, research, development, and marketing for new products, services, satellites and related technologies, as well as entry into new business areas. Investments in new technologies, satellites and business areas are inherently dependent on these technically skilled employees as well. Competition for the services of such employees has become more intense as demand for these types of employees grows. We compete with other companies for these employees and although we strive to attract, retain, motivate and manage these employees, we may not succeed in these respects. Additionally, if we were to lose certain key technically skilled employees, the loss of knowledge and intellectual capital might have an adverse impact on our business.
The success of our business is also dependent on our ability to recruit engineers and other professionals, including those who are citizens of other countries. Immigration laws in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate are subject to legislative and regulatory changes, as well as variations in the standards of application and enforcement due to, among other things, political forces and economic conditions. It is difficult to predict the political and economic events that could affect immigration laws, or the restrictive impact they could have on obtaining or renewing work visas for our professionals. If immigration laws are changed or if new and more restrictive government regulations are enacted or increased, our access to qualified and skilled professionals may be limited.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR SATELLITES
Our owned and leased satellites in orbit are subject to significant operational and environmental risks that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.
Satellites are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit. These risks include, but are not limited to, malfunctions, commonly referred to as anomalies, which have occurred and may occur in the future in our satellites and the satellites of other operators. Any single anomaly could materially and adversely affect our ability to utilize the satellite. Anomalies may also reduce, among other things, the expected capacity, commercial operation and/or useful life of a satellite, thereby reducing the revenue that could be generated by that satellite, or create additional expenses due to the need to provide replacement or back-up satellites or satellite capacity earlier than planned and could have a material adverse effect on our business. We may not be able to prevent or mitigate the impacts of anomalies in the future.
Meteoroid events, decommissioned satellites, increased solar activity and other adverse events also pose a potential threat to all in-orbit satellites. We may be required to perform maneuvers to avoid collisions and these maneuvers may prove unsuccessful or could reduce the useful life of the satellite through the expenditure of fuel to perform these maneuvers.
Generally, the minimum design life of each of our satellites is 15 years. We can provide no assurance, however, as to the actual operational lives of our satellites, which may be shorter or longer than their design lives. Our ability to earn revenue depends on the continued operation of our satellites, each of which has a limited useful life.
We generally do not carry in-orbit insurance on our satellites or payloads because we have assessed that the cost of insurance is not economical relative to the risk of failures. If one or more of our in-orbit uninsured satellites or payloads fail, we could be required to record significant impairment charges for the satellite or payload.
Our satellites under construction, are subject to risks related to, among other things, construction, technology, regulations and launch that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites, increase costs and adversely affect our business.
Satellite construction and launch are subject to significant risks, including but not limited to, manufacturing and delivery delays, anomalies, launch failure and incorrect orbital placement. The technologies in our satellite designs are very complex and difficulties in constructing our designs could result in delays in the deployment of our satellites or increased or unanticipated costs. There can be no assurance that the technologies in our existing satellites or in new satellites that we design, acquire and build will work as we expect, will not become obsolete, that we will realize any or all of the anticipated benefits of our satellite designs or our new satellites, and/or that we will obtain all regulatory approvals required to operate our new or acquired satellites on an acceptable timeline or at all. Launch anomalies and failures can result in significant delays in the deployment of satellites because of the need both to construct replacement satellites, which can take significant amounts of time, and to obtain other launch opportunities. Such significant delays have and could in the future materially affect, among other things, our business, our ability to meet regulatory or contractual required milestones, the availability and our use of other or replacement satellite resources and our ability to provide services to customers. In addition, significant delays in a satellite program could give customers who have purchased or reserved capacity on that satellite a right to terminate their service contracts relating to the satellite. We may not be able to accommodate affected customers on other satellites until a replacement satellite is available. In addition, we generally do not carry in-orbit insurance on our satellites or payloads because we have assessed that the cost of insurance is not economical relative to the risk of failures. If we do obtain launch or in-orbit insurance, it may not cover the full cost of constructing and launching or replacing a satellite nor fully cover our losses in the event of a launch failure or significant degradation.
Our use of certain satellites is often dependent on satellite coordination agreements, which may be difficult to obtain.
Satellite operators are required to enter into international spectrum coordination agreements with other affected satellite operators and must be approved by the relevant governments. If a required agreement cannot be concluded, we may have to operate the applicable satellite(s) in a manner that does not cause harmful radio frequency interference with the affected satellite. If we cannot do so, we may have to cease operating such satellite(s) at the affected orbital locations.
We may face interference from other services sharing satellite spectrum.
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and other national, state, local and international regulators have adopted rules or may adopt rules in the future that require us to share spectrum on a basis with other radio services. There can be no assurance that these operations would not interfere with our operations and adversely affect our business. In the event that the FCC and/or another regulator determines that our spectrum interferes with another service, we may be required to, among other things, find or develop a solution. We cannot make any assurance that we will be able to do so on an acceptable timeline or at all, or that such solution will not adversely affect our business.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY
Our business depends on certain intellectual property rights and on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others.
We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. Legal challenges to our intellectual property rights and claims of intellectual property infringement by third parties could require that we enter into royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms, incur substantial monetary liability or be enjoined preliminarily or permanently from further use of the intellectual property in question or from the continuation of our business as currently conducted, which could require us to change our business practices or limit our ability to compete effectively or could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Even if we believe any such challenges or claims are without merit, they can be time consuming and costly to defend and divert management’s attention and resources away from our business. Moreover, because of the rapid pace of technological change, we rely on technologies developed by or licensed from third parties, and if we are unable to obtain or continue to obtain licenses from these third parties on reasonable terms or at all, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
In addition, we work with certain third parties such as vendors, contractors and suppliers for the development and manufacture of components that are integrated into our products and services, and our products and services may contain technologies provided to us by these third parties or other third parties. We may have little or no ability to determine in advance whether any such technology infringes the intellectual property rights of others. Our vendors, contractors and suppliers may not be required to indemnify us if a claim of infringement is asserted against us, license the potential infringing technology from other third parties or they may be required to indemnify us only up to a maximum amount, above which we would be responsible for any further costs or damages.
Legal challenges to these intellectual property rights may impair our ability to use the products, services and technologies that we need in order to operate our business and may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, our digital content offerings depend in part on effective digital rights management technology to control access to digital content. If the digital rights management technology that we use is compromised or otherwise malfunctions, content providers may be unwilling to provide access to their content. Changes in the copyright laws or how such laws may be interpreted could impact our ability to deliver content and provide certain features and functionality, particularly over the Internet.
We are, and may become, party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, particularly lawsuits regarding intellectual property.
We are, and may become, subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business, including, among other things, intellectual property disputes. Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that may cover or affect products or services related to those that we offer. In general, if a court determines that one or more of our products or services infringes on intellectual property held by others, we may be required to cease developing or marketing those products or services, to obtain licenses from the holders of the intellectual property at a material cost, or to redesign those products or services in such a way as to avoid infringing the intellectual property. If those intellectual property rights are held by a competitor, we may be unable to obtain the intellectual property at any price, which could adversely affect our competitive position. We may not be aware of all intellectual property rights that our services or the products used in connection with our services may potentially infringe. In addition, patent applications in the United States are confidential until the Patent and Trademark Office either publishes the application or issues a patent (whichever arises first). Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the extent to which our services or the products used in connection with our services may infringe claims contained in pending patent applications. Furthermore, it is sometimes not possible to determine definitively whether a claim of infringement is valid.
If our products contain defects, we could be subject to significant costs to correct such defects and our product and network service contracts could be delayed or cancelled, which could adversely affect our revenue.
Our products and networks we deploy are highly complex, and some may contain defects when first introduced or when new versions or enhancements are released, despite testing and our quality control procedures. Defects may also occur in components and products that we purchase from third parties. In addition, many of our products and network services are designed to interface with our customers’ existing networks, each of which has different specifications and utilizes multiple protocol standards. Our products and services must interoperate with the other products and services within our customers’ networks, as well as with future products and services that might be added to these networks, to meet our customers’ requirements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix all defects in the products and networks we sell, in a timely manner or at all. The occurrence of, and failure to remedy, any defects, errors or failures in our products or network services could materially affect our business.
RISKS RELATED TO CYBERSECURITY
Any failure or inadequacy of our information technology infrastructure and communications systems or those of third parties that we use in our operations, including, without limitation, those caused by cyber-attacks or other malicious activities, could disrupt or harm our business.
The capacity, reliability and security of our information technology hardware and software infrastructure (including, but not limited to, our billing systems) and communications systems, or those of third parties that we use in our operations, are important to the operation of our business, which has in the past and would in the future suffer in the event of system failures or cyber-attacks. Likewise, our ability to expand and update our information technology infrastructure in response to, among other things, our growth and changing needs is important to the continued implementation of our new service offering initiatives. Our inability to expand or upgrade our technology infrastructure could have adverse consequences, which could include, among other things, the delayed implementation of new service offerings, service or billing interruptions, and the diversion of management and developmental resources.
We rely on certain third parties for developing key components of our information technology and communications systems and ongoing service, all of which affect our businesses. Some of our key systems and operations, including, but not limited to, those supplied by certain third-party providers, are not fully redundant, and our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Interruption and/or failure of any of these systems could, among other things, disrupt our operations, interrupt our services, result in significant financial expenditures and damage our reputation, thus adversely impacting our ability to provide our services, retain our current subscribers and attract new subscribers.
In addition, although we take protective measures designed to secure our information technology systems and endeavor to modify such protective measures as circumstances warrant, our information technology hardware and software infrastructure and communications systems, or those of third parties that we use in our operations, may be vulnerable to a variety of interruptions, including, without limitation, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, cyber-attacks and other malicious activities such as unauthorized access, physical or electronic break-ins, misuse, computer viruses or other malicious code, computer denial of service attacks and other events that could disrupt or harm our business. These protective measures may not be sufficient for all eventualities and may themselves be vulnerable to hacking, malfeasance, system error or other irregularities.
For example, certain parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or subscribers into disclosing usernames, passwords or other sensitive information, which may in turn be used to access our information technology systems. In addition, third-party providers of some of our key systems may also experience interruptions to their information technology hardware and software infrastructure and communications systems that could adversely impact us and over which we may have limited or no control. We may obtain certain confidential, proprietary and personal information about our subscribers, personnel and vendors, and may provide this information to third parties in connection with our business. If one or more of such interruptions or failures occur to us or our third-party providers, it potentially could jeopardize such information and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our or our third-party providers’ information technology hardware and software infrastructure and communications systems, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in, among other things, lawsuits, government claims, investigations or proceedings, significant losses or reputational damage. Due to the fast-moving pace of technology, it may be difficult to detect, contain and remediate every such event on an acceptable timeline or at all.
As a result of the increasing awareness concerning the importance of safeguarding personal information, the potential misuse of such information and legislation that has been adopted or is being considered regarding the protection, privacy and security of personal information, the potential liability associated with information-related risks is increasing, particularly for businesses like ours that handle personal subscriber data. The occurrence of any network or information system related events or security breaches could have a material adverse effect on, among other things, our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. Significant incidents could result in a disruption of our operations, subscriber dissatisfaction, damage to our reputation or a loss of subscribers and revenues.
We have experienced, and may experience in the future, cyber-attacks and other attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems on a consistent basis.
We have experienced and may experience in the future security issues, whether due to, among other things, insider error or malfeasance or system errors or vulnerabilities in our or our third parties’ systems, which could result in, among other things, substantial legal and financial exposure, government inquiries and enforcement actions, litigation, diversion of management time and attention from our existing businesses, and unfavorable media coverage. We may be unable to anticipate or detect attacks or vulnerabilities or implement adequate preventative measures on an acceptable timeframe or at all. Attacks and security issues could also compromise trade secrets and other sensitive information. We have not incurred significant material expenses resulting from cyber security incidents.
We are subject to persistent cyber-security incidents and threats to our networks and systems. Although we take protective measures designed to secure our information technology systems and endeavor to modify such protective measures as circumstances warrant, our information technology hardware and software infrastructure and communications systems, or those of third parties that we use in our operations, may be vulnerable to a variety of interruptions, including, without limitation, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, cyber-attacks and other malicious activities such as unauthorized access, physical or electronic break-ins, misuse, computer viruses or other malicious code, computer denial of service attacks and other events that could disrupt or harm our business. The protective measures we take may not be sufficient for all eventualities and may themselves be vulnerable to hacking, malfeasance, system error, or other irregularities. For example, certain parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or subscribers into disclosing usernames, passwords or other sensitive information, which may in turn be used to access our information technology systems.
The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our services and products depends on the continuing operation of our information technology and other enabling systems.
Our systems are vulnerable to damage, intrusion, or disruption from, among other things, criminal and/or terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, ransomware attacks, digital denial of service attacks, phishing, and/or other attempts to injure or maliciously access our systems. Some of our systems are not fully redundant, and disaster recovery planning cannot account for all possibilities. In addition, our products and services are highly technical and complex and may contain errors or vulnerabilities, which could result in interruptions in or failure of our services or systems. Failure to respond, mitigate and/or remedy any cyber-attack or other information technology failure on a timely basis or at all, could materially affect our business.
Our international businesses expose us to additional risks that could harm our business.
Our international operations continue to grow. In addition to risks described herein, the different regions and countries in which we operate our businesses outside of the U.S. expose us to increased risks due to different privacy and cyber-related laws in each of these locations. The same cyber-related issue could have different consequences depending on, among other factors, the region or country of occurrence, the laws applicable in each case and the different levels of enforcement by regulatory and governmental authorities in each jurisdiction. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Data privacy and security concerns relating to our technology and practices could, among other things, damage our reputation, cause us to incur significant liability, and deter current and potential users or customers from using our products and services;
•Software bugs or defects, security breaches, and attacks on our systems could result in the improper disclosure of our user data which could harm, among other things, our business reputation and result in legal and/or government action;
•Concerns about our practices about the collection, use, disclosure, or security of personal information or other data-privacy-related matters, even if unsubstantiated, could harm our reputation and financial condition. Our policies and practices may change over time as expectations regarding privacy and data change.
Our ongoing investments in security will likely continue to identify new vulnerabilities within our services and products.
In addition to our efforts to, among other things, mitigate cyber-attacks and improve our products and services, we are making significant investments to assure that our products are resistant to compromise. As a result of these efforts, we could discover new vulnerabilities within our products and systems that would be undesirable for our users and customers. We have discovered and remediated, and may discover new vulnerabilities due to the scale of activities on our platforms, and may not be able to mitigate or fix such vulnerabilities on acceptable timeframes or at all, due to other factors, including, but not limited to, issues outside of our control such as natural disasters/climate change such as sea level rise, drought, flooding, wildfires, increased storm severity, pandemics like COVID-19 and power loss, and we may be notified of such vulnerabilities via third parties. Any of the foregoing developments may, among other things, negatively affect user and customer trust, harm our reputation and brands, and adversely affect our business and financial results.
Any such developments may also subject us to litigation and regulatory inquiries, which could result in monetary penalties and damages, distract management’s time and attention, and lead to enhanced regulatory oversight.
RISKS RELATED TO THE REGULATION OF OUR BUSINESS
The risk of non-compliance with laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the risk of changes to laws and regulations, could adversely affect our business.
Our business is regulated by numerous governmental agencies and other regulatory bodies, both domestically and internationally. Also, our international operations are subject to the laws and regulations of many different jurisdictions that may differ significantly from U.S. laws and regulations. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines or penalties or other sanctions which could have a material adverse impact on our business. Additionally, our ability to operate and grow our business depends on laws and regulations that govern the frequency bands and/or orbital locations we operate in or may operate in in the future.
These laws and regulations are subject to the administrative and political process and do change from time to time. Our business could suffer a material adverse impact if laws and regulations change and we are not able to adapt to these changes efficiently.
Our business depends on regulatory authorizations issued by the FCC and state and foreign regulators that can expire, be revoked or modified, and applications for licenses and other authorizations that may not be granted.
If the FCC were to cancel, revoke, suspend, restrict, significantly condition, or fail to renew any of our licenses or authorizations, or fail to grant our applications for FCC licenses that we may file from time to time, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As an example, a loss of a frequency authorization would reduce the amount of spectrum available to us, potentially reducing the amount of offerings available to our subscribers. The materiality of such a loss of authorizations would vary based upon, among other things, the location of the frequency used, or the availability of replacement spectrum. In addition, Congress and other Administrative and Regulatory agencies often consider and enact legislation that affects us and FCC proceedings to implement the Communications Act and enforce its regulations are ongoing. We cannot predict the outcomes of these legislative or regulatory proceedings or their effect on our business.
Generally, all licenses granted by the FCC and most other countries are subject to expiration unless renewed by the regulatory agency. Our satellite licenses are currently set to expire at various times. In addition, we occasionally receive special temporary authorizations that are granted for limited periods of time (e.g., 180 days or less) and subject to possible renewal. Generally, our licenses and special temporary authorizations have been renewed on a routine basis, but there can be no assurance that this will continue.
Changes in levels of U.S. government spending or overall spending priorities could impact, among other things, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We derive a portion of our revenue from subscribers who receive benefits under the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”), an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford access to broadband. Levels of U.S. government spending are very difficult to predict and may be impacted by numerous factors such as, among others, the political environment, macroeconomic conditions and the ability of the U.S. government to enact relevant legislation such as authorization and appropriations bills.
Discontinuation, amendment or repeal of ACP, or replacement of ACP with one having different eligibility requirements and/or funding levels could negatively impact, among other things, our net subscriber activations, which may impact our decision to continue to participate in the program. We cannot predict whether or when any future changes to the ACP may occur, or whether or to what extent those changes may affect our operations or impose additional costs on our business. In addition, the timing of any changes or modifications to ACP could affect our operations and results of operations. For example, a temporary lapse in funding for ACP, as a result of, among other things, temporary government shutdown, could, among other things, result in lower net subscriber activations, even if ACP is ultimately fully funded and approved.
In particular, reduced government funding for benefits programs such as ACP would result in a reduction in reimbursements to us. Amendments to or repeal of ACP in whole or in part and/or decisions by the FCC could affect us and the manner in which we are reimbursed by such programs, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Following the FCC’s announcement, ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. Barring congressional action to fund ACP, funding may run out as soon as April 2024.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR OWNERSHIP
Our parent, EchoStar, is controlled by one principal stockholder who is our Chairman.
Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, beneficially owns approximately 54.0% of EchoStar’s total equity securities (assuming conversion of only the EchoStar Class B common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Ergen into EchoStar Class A common stock and giving effect to the exercise of options held by Mr. Ergen that are either currently exercisable as of, or may become exercisable within 60 days after, March 29, 2024) and beneficially owns approximately 91.4% of the total voting power of all classes of shares of EchoStar (assuming no conversion of any EchoStar Class B common stock and giving effect to the exercise of options held by Mr. Ergen that are either currently exercisable as of, or may become exercisable within 60 days after, March 29, 2024). Through his beneficial ownership of EchoStar’s equity securities, Mr. Ergen has the ability to elect a majority of EchoStar’s directors and to control all other matters requiring the approval of EchoStar’s stockholders. As a result of Mr. Ergen’s voting power, EchoStar is a “controlled company” as defined in the NASDAQ listing rules and, therefore, are not subject to NASDAQ requirements that would otherwise require us to have (i) a majority of independent directors; (ii) a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors; (iii) compensation of our or EchoStar’s executive officers determined by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; (iv) a compensation committee charter which provides the compensation committee with the authority and funding to retain compensation consultants and other advisors; and/or (v) director nominees selected, or recommended for the EchoStar board’s selection, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors.
Pursuant to the Amended Support Agreement (which was signed as part of the Merger), Mr. Ergen and the other Ergen Stockholders have agreed not to vote, or cause or direct to be voted, the shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock owned by them, other than with respect to any matter presented to the holders of EchoStar Class A Common Stock on which holders of EchoStar Class B Common Stock are not entitled to vote, for three years following the closing of the Merger, such that the Ergen Stockholders’ voting power of EchoStar will be approximately 90.4% for such three-year period.
In addition, pursuant to the Amended Support Agreement, EchoStar and the Ergen Stockholders entered into the Registration Rights Agreement reasonably providing for the registration of the Ergen Stockholders’ shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock or EchoStar Class B Common Stock received as part of the merger consideration and/or EchoStar Class B Common Stock held by such stockholders immediately prior to the closing of the Merger, at EchoStar’s sole cost and expense.
It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to EchoStar’s shareholders, because of our and EchoStar’s capital structure.
Certain provisions of EchoStar and our respective articles of incorporation and bylaws, such as a provision that authorizes the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our or EchoStar’s board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt and EchoStar’s capital structure with multiple classes of common stock some of which entitle the holders to multiple votes per share, may discourage delay or prevent a change in control of our company that may be considered favorable. Both we and EchoStar also have a significant amount of authorized and unissued stock under our respective articles of incorporation that would allow our respective boards of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, thereby protecting the continuity of management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us. In addition, Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, has the power to elect all of EchoStar’s directors and control shareholder decisions of EchoStar on matters on which all classes of EchoStar’s common stock vote together, and as our parent, EchoStar in turn holds all of our issued and outstanding equity and has the power to elect all of our directors and control shareholder decision on all matters, all of which may make it impractical for any third party to obtain control of us.
We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the SEC.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices are located at 9601 South Meridian Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112-5308 and our telephone number is (303) 723-1000. We operate various facilities in the United States and abroad. We believe that our facilities are well maintained and are sufficient to meet our current and projected needs.
Location
Segment(s)
Function
Owned:
Englewood, Colorado ESS/Corporate and Other Corporate headquarters and ESS operations
Germantown, Maryland Hughes Hughes corporate headquarters, engineering offices, network operations and shared hubs
Griesheim, Germany Hughes/Corporate and Other Shared hub, operations, administrative offices and warehouse
Leased:
Gilbert, Arizona Hughes Gateways
San Diego, California Hughes Engineering and sales offices
Englewood, Colorado Hughes Gateways and equipment
Gaithersburg, Maryland Hughes Engineering and administrative offices
Germantown, Maryland
Hughes
Manufacturing and testing facilities, logistics, and administrative offices
Southfield, Michigan Hughes Shared hub and regional network management center
Las Vegas, Nevada Hughes Shared hub, antennae yards, gateway, backup network operation and control center for Hughes corporate headquarters
Cheyenne, Wyoming Hughes/ESS Gateways, equipment and ESS operations
Barueri, Brazil Hughes Shared hub
Sao Paulo, Brazil Hughes Hughes Brazil corporate headquarters, sales offices and warehouse
Bangalore, India Hughes Engineering office and office space
Gurgaon, India Hughes Administrative offices, shared hub, operations, warehouse, and development center
New Delhi, India Hughes Hughes India corporate headquarters
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom Hughes Hughes Europe corporate headquarters and operations

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See Note 18 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information. As of March 29, 2024, all of our 1,078 issued and outstanding shares of common stock were held by EchoStar. There is currently no established trading market for our common stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and as of March 29, 2024, no shares of our preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
Dividends. On March 17, 2022, our Board of Directors declared and approved payment of a cash dividend on our outstanding common stock to our shareholder and parent, EchoStar, in the amount of $100.0 million. Payment of this dividend was made in the first quarter of 2022.
On February 15, 2024, our Board of Directors declared and approved payment of a cash dividend on our outstanding common stock to our shareholder and parent, EchoStar, in the amount of $529.0 million. Payment of the dividend was made in the first quarter of 2024.
On March 12, 2024, our Board of Directors declared and approved payment of a cash dividend on our outstanding common stock to our shareholder and parent, EchoStar, in the amount of $500.0 million. Payment of the dividend was made in the first quarter of 2024.
While we currently do not intend to declare additional dividends on our common stock, we may elect to do so from time to time. Payment of any future dividends will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors the Board of Directors considers appropriate. We currently intend to retain our earnings, if any, to support operations, future growth and expansion. Our ability to declare dividends is affected by the covenants in our indentures.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. RESERVED
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations (“Management’s Narrative Analysis”) should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements. This Management’s Narrative Analysis is intended to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and our results of operations. Many of the statements in this Management’s Narrative Analysis are forward-looking statements that involve assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. See Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. For a discussion of additional risks, uncertainties and other factors that could impact our results of operations or financial condition, see Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overview
We are an industry leader in both networking technologies and services, innovating to deliver the solutions that power a connected future for people, enterprises and things everywhere. We provide broadband services to consumer customers, which include home and small to medium-sized businesses. We also provide satellite and multi-transport technologies and managed network services to telecommunications providers, aeronautical service providers, civilian and defense government entities, and other enterprise customers.
The EchoStar XXIV satellite began service in December 2023, bringing additional broadband capacity to North and South America. We will leverage EchoStar XXIV to serve the unserved and underserved consumer markets in the Americas as well as enterprise and government markets.
We also design, provide and install gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems. In addition, we design, develop, construct and provide telecommunication networks comprising satellite ground segment systems and terminals to mobile system operators and other enterprise customers. We also offer a robust suite of integrated, multi-transport solutions to enable airline and airline service providers to deliver reliable in-flight network connectivity serving both commercial and business aviation.
Our industry continues to evolve with the increasing worldwide demand for broadband internet access for information, entertainment and commerce. In addition to fiber and wireless systems, technologies such as geostationary high throughput satellites, low-earth orbit (“LEO”) networks, medium-earth orbit (“MEO”) systems and multi-transport networks using combinations of technologies are expected to continue to play significant roles in enabling global connectivity, networks and services. We expect demand for broadband internet access, connectivity, networking and related value-added services will continue to grow across all major end-user sectors - consumer, businesses, enterprises and government. We intend to use our expertise, technologies, capital, investments, global presence, relationships and other capabilities to continue to provide broadband internet systems, equipment, networks and managed services for information, the internet-of-things, entertainment, education, remote-connectivity and commerce across industries and communities globally for consumer and enterprise customers. We are closely tracking the developments in next-generation satellite businesses, and we are seeking to utilize our services, technologies, licenses and expertise to find new commercial opportunities for our business.
All amounts presented in this Management’s Narrative Analysis are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted.
On December 31, 2023, EchoStar completed the acquisition of DISH Network Corporation (“DISH Network”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 2, 2023 (the “Amended Merger Agreement”), by and among EchoStar, EAV Corp., a Nevada corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and DISH Network, pursuant to which EchoStar acquired DISH Network by means of the merger of Merger Sub with and into DISH Network (the “Merger”), with DISH Network surviving the Merger as EchoStar’s wholly owned subsidiary.
On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Amended Merger Agreement, on December 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET (the “Effective Time”), each share of DISH Network Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“DISH Network Class A Common Stock”) and DISH Network Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“DISH Network Class C Common Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, was converted into the right to receive a number of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of EchoStar Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“EchoStar Class A Common Stock”) equal to 0.350877 (the “Exchange Ratio”). On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Amended Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, each share of DISH Network Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“DISH Network Class B Common Stock” and, together with DISH Network Class A Common Stock and DISH Network Class C Common Stock, “DISH Network Common Stock”), outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into the right to receive a number of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of EchoStar Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “EchoStar Class B Common Stock” and, together with the EchoStar Class A Common Stock, the “EchoStar Common Stock”), equal to the Exchange Ratio. Any shares of DISH Network Common Stock that were held in DISH Network’s treasury or held directly by EchoStar or Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time were cancelled and cease to exist and no consideration was paid in respect thereof. All shares of the DISH Network Class A Common Stock were delisted from the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The EchoStar Common Stock issued to the Ergen DISH Stockholders (as defined in the Amended Merger Agreement) as Merger consideration was issued through a private placement exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). At the Effective Time, each share of DISH Network Class A Common Stock owned by the Ergen DISH Stockholders immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into the right to receive a number of shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio, and (b) each share of DISH Network Class B Common Stock owned by the Ergen DISH Stockholders immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into the right to receive a number of shares of EchoStar Class B Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio.
Concurrently with the entry into the Amended Merger Agreement, the Ergen EchoStar Stockholders (as defined in the Amended Merger Agreement), the Ergen DISH Stockholders (collectively, the “Ergen Stockholders”), EchoStar and DISH Network entered into an amended and restated support agreement (the “Amended Support Agreement”).
In connection with the completion of the Merger, and pursuant to the Amended and Restated Support Agreement, the Ergen Stockholders, EchoStar and DISH Network, on December 31, 2023, EchoStar and the Ergen Stockholders entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement provides the Ergen Stockholders, and their affiliates who become parties thereto, with certain registration rights relating to the shares of EchoStar Common Stock, which they beneficially own, including (i) the right to demand shelf registration as well as registration on long and short form registration statements and (ii) “piggyback” registration rights to be included in future registered offerings by us of our equity securities, in each case, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions. The Registration Rights Agreement sets forth customary registration procedures, including an agreement by EchoStar to make appropriate officers available to participate in roadshow presentations and cooperate as reasonably requested in connection with any underwritten offerings. EchoStar also agreed to indemnify the Ergen Stockholders and their affiliates with respect to liabilities resulting from untrue statements or omissions in any registration statement used in any such registration, other than untrue statements or omissions based on or contained in information furnished to EchoStar for use in a registration statement by a participating stockholder.
For more information and a copy of the Amended Merger Agreement, the Amended Support Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, see the Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation filed on October 3, 2023 and the Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation filed on January 2, 2024.
With the Merger complete, EchoStar is currently focused on the Integration.
We currently operate in two business segments: our Hughes segment and our ESS segment. These business segments are consistent with the way we make decisions regarding the allocation of resources, as well as how operating results are reviewed by our CODM.
Our operations also include various corporate functions (primarily Executive, Treasury, Strategic Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, Accounting, Real Estate and Legal) and other activities, such as costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, and gains or losses from certain of our investments, that have not been assigned to our business segments. These activities, costs and income, as well as eliminations of intersegment transactions, are accounted for in Corporate and Other in our segment reporting.
Hughes Segment
Our Hughes segment is an industry leader in both networking technologies and services, innovating to deliver the solutions that power a connected future for people, enterprises and things everywhere. We provide broadband services to consumer customers, which include home and small to medium-sized businesses. We also provide satellite and multi-transport technologies and managed network services to telecommunications providers, aeronautical service providers, civilian and defense government entities, and other enterprise customers.
We also design, provide and install gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems. In addition, we design, develop, construct and provide telecommunication networks comprising satellite ground segment systems and terminals to mobile system operators and other enterprise customers. We also offer a robust suite of integrated, multi-transport solutions to enable airline and airline service providers to deliver reliable in-flight network connectivity serving both commercial and business aviation.
Our Hughes segment continues to focus its efforts on optimizing financial returns of our existing satellites while planning for new satellite capacity to be launched, leased or acquired. Our consumer revenue growth depends on our success in adding new and retaining existing subscribers, as well as increasing our Average Revenue Per User/subscriber (“ARPU”). Service and acquisition costs related to ongoing support for our direct and indirect customers and partners are typically impacted most significantly by our growth. The growth of our enterprise and consumer businesses relies heavily on global economic conditions and the competitive landscape for pricing relative to competitors and alternative technologies. Prior to the launch of EchoStar XXIV, we were nearing or had reached capacity in most areas of the U.S., which constrained growth within our consumer subscriber base. Growth within our Latin America consumer subscriber base in certain areas had also become capacity constrained. These constraints have been addressed by the EchoStar XXIV satellite.
The EchoStar XXIV satellite began service in December 2023, bringing additional broadband capacity across North and South America and is expected to be an integral part of our satellite service business. The satellite brings further consumer broadband capacity across North and South America and generate additional sales in other markets, including in-flight Wi-Fi, enterprise networking and cellular back haul for mobile network operators across the two continents. We currently lease the capacity of EchoStar XXIV from an affiliate of ours, EchoStar XXIV L.L.C., effective December 2023.
Our broadband subscribers include customers that subscribe to our HughesNet services in the U.S. and Latin America through retail, wholesale and small/medium enterprise service channels.
The following table presents our approximate number of broadband subscribers:
As of December 31,
2023 2022 2021
United States 752,000 931,000 1,090,000
Latin America 252,000 297,000 372,000
Total broadband subscribers 1,004,000 1,228,000 1,462,000
The following table presents the approximate number of net subscriber losses for each quarter in 2023:
For the three months ended
December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31
United States (49,000) (45,000) (44,000) (41,000)
Latin America (10,000) (14,000) (11,000) (10,000)
Total net subscriber losses (59,000) (59,000) (55,000) (51,000)
The net subscriber losses both in the United States and Latin America primarily resulted from our past capacity limitations, competitive pressure from satellite-based competitors and other technologies, and our emphasis on acquiring and retaining higher quality subscribers.
We continued to execute our strategy of maximizing financial returns by utilizing capacity for higher economic value enterprise and government applications. Continued success of this strategy will further reduce the available capacity for consumer subscribers.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our Hughes segment had approximately $1.970 billion and $1.540 billion of contracted revenue backlog, respectively, an increase of approximately 30.0% during that period, primarily due to an increase in contracts from our domestic enterprise customers. Of the total Hughes segment contracted revenue backlog as of December 31, 2023, we expect to recognize approximately $541 million of revenue in 2024. We define Hughes segment contracted revenue backlog as our expected future revenue under enterprise customer contracts that are non-cancelable, including lease revenue.
Goodwill Impairment Assessment
During the fourth quarter in 2023, we recorded a noncash impairment charge of $533 million related to our goodwill. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information. The impairment of goodwill has no effect on liquidity or capital resources.
ESS Segment
Our ESS segment provides satellite services on a full-time and/or occasional-use basis to U.S. government service providers, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, content providers and private enterprise customers. We operate our ESS business using primarily the EchoStar IX satellite and the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite and related infrastructure. Revenue in our satellite services business depends largely on our ability to make continuous use of our available satellite capacity on behalf of existing customers and our ability to enter into commercial relationships with new customers.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our ESS segment had contracted revenue backlog of approximately $10 million and $22 million, respectively, a decrease of approximately 55% during that period, primarily due to the recognition of revenue of existing contracts. Of the total ESS segment contracted revenue backlog as of December 31, 2023, we expect to recognize $8 million of revenue in 2024. We define contracted revenue backlog for our ESS segment as contracted future satellite lease revenue.
Satellite Anomalies and Impairments
In the second quarter of 2023, we reduced the estimated useful life of the Al Yah 3 satellite, which serves our Brazilian customers, as a result of certain technical anomalies. In order to safeguard the future operability of the satellite, the Company has, in conjunction with recommendations from the satellite manufacturer, implemented immediate and long-term remedial actions. A revised estimate of the satellite’s remaining lifetime has been calculated using operational data of two previous quarters. Although the anomalies are expected to shorten the remaining useful life of the satellite, they have not affected its current operation.
We are not aware of any other anomalies to our owned or leased satellites as of December 31, 2023. There can be no assurance, however, that anomalies will not have a significant adverse effect in the future. In addition, there can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our satellites were to fail.
Cybersecurity
We are not aware of any cyber-incidents with respect to our owned or leased satellites or other networks, equipment or systems that have had a material adverse effect on our business, costs, operations, prospects, results of operation or financial position during the year ended December 31, 2023 and through April 1, 2024. There can be no assurance, however, that any such incident can be detected or thwarted or will not have such a material adverse effect in the future.
Other Developments
Operational Liquidity
We primarily rely on our existing cash and marketable investment securities balances, as well as cash flow generated through our operations, to fund our business operations. Revenue in our ESS segment depends largely on our ability to continuously make use of our available satellite capacity with existing customers and our ability to enter into commercial relationships with new customers. Consumer revenue in our Hughes segment depends on our success in adding new and retaining existing subscribers and driving higher ARPU. Revenue in our enterprise and equipment businesses relies heavily on global economic conditions and the competitive landscape for pricing relative to competitors and alternative technologies. There can be no assurance that we will have positive cash flows from operations. Furthermore, if we experience negative cash flows, our existing cash and marketable investment securities balances may be reduced. We anticipate that our existing cash and marketable investment securities are sufficient to fund the currently anticipated operations of our business through the next twelve months.
Debt Issuances and Maturity
On July 27, 2016, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes at an issue price of 100.0% due August 1, 2026. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 1/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears, on February 1 and August 1 of each year.
On July 27, 2016, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes at an issue price of 100.0% due August 1, 2026. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 6 5/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears, on February 1 and August 1 of each year.
Future Liquidity
We have made cash distributions to partially finance the consolidated operations and debt service payment obligation of our parent company, EchoStar, and its subsidiaries. On February 15, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared and approved payment of a cash dividend on the Company’s outstanding stock to our shareholder and parent, EchoStar, in the amount of $529 million. On March 12, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared and approved payment of a cash dividend on the Company’s outstanding common stock to its shareholder and parent, EchoStar, in the amount of $500 million. Payment of both dividends was made in the first quarter of 2024.
While we currently do not intend to declare additional dividends on our common stock, we may elect to do so from time to time. Payment of any future dividends will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors the Board of Directors considers appropriate. We currently intend to retain our earnings, if any, to support operations, future growth and expansion. Our ability to declare dividends is affected by the covenants in our indentures.
We may make additional funds available to EchoStar in the form of loans to finance, in whole or in part, EchoStar’s future operations and debt service obligations. Any such distributions or advances, as well as other factors including, among others, debt maturities, continuing investment in our business, financing acquisitions and other strategic transactions, may reduce the amount of our cash flows available to fund working capital requirements, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, debt obligations and other general corporate requirements, and may require us to refinance our existing debt agreements or raise additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
Covenants and Restrictions Related to our Senior Notes
We are subject to the covenants and restrictions set forth in the indentures related to our long-term debt. In particular, the indentures related to our outstanding senior notes and senior secured notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on our ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (iii) pay dividends or make distributions on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock; (iv) make certain investments; (v) create liens; (vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate with another company; and (viii) transfer or sell assets. Should we fail to comply with these covenants, all or a portion of the debt under the senior notes, senior secured notes and our other long-term debt could become immediately payable. The senior notes and senior secured notes also provide that the debt may be required to be prepaid if certain change-in-control events occur. As of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we were in compliance with the covenants and restrictions related to our respective long-term debt.
Guarantor Financial Information
Certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries (together, the “obligor group”) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, the obligations of our Notes. See Note 13. Long-term Debt in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our Notes.
The following tables include summarized financial information of the obligor group. The summarized financial information of the obligor group is presented on a combined basis with balances and transactions within the obligor group eliminated. Investments in and the equity in earnings of non-guarantor subsidiaries, which would otherwise be consolidated in accordance with GAAP, are excluded from the below summarized financial information pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 13-01.
The summarized balance sheet information for the consolidated obligor group of debt issued by HSSC is presented in the table below:
(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2023
Total current assets $ 1,954,927
Total non-current assets
2,781,659
Total current liabilities
670,383
Total non-current liabilities
2,725,566
Due from related parties - current
5,038
Due from non-guarantors - current 41,324
Due from related parties - non-current
7,228
Due from non-guarantors - non-current
82,498
Due to related parties - current 336,099
Due to related parties - non-current
755,379
Due to non-guarantors - non-current
44,165
The summarized results of operations information for the consolidated obligor group of debt issued by HSSC is presented in the table below:
(in thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2023
Total revenue $ 1,464,572
Operating income (loss) (303,722)
Net income (loss) (346,262)
Revenue from non-guarantors 25,823
Revenue from related parties 14,881
Interest income - non-guarantors 3,031
Interest income - related parties 344
The indentures governing our Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions, incur additional debt, make certain investments, create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions, merge or consolidate with another company, transfer and sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates or allow to exist certain restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, make distributions, make other payments, or transfer assets.
EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS
Services and other revenue. Services and other revenue primarily includes the sales of consumer and enterprise broadband services, maintenance and other contracted services, revenue associated with satellite and transponder leases and services, satellite uplinking/downlinking, subscriber wholesale service fees for the HughesNet service, professional services and facilities rental revenue.
Equipment revenue. Equipment revenue primarily includes broadband equipment and networks sold to customers in our consumer and enterprise markets.
Cost of sales - services and other. Cost of sales - services and other primarily includes the cost of broadband services provided to our consumer and enterprise customers, maintenance and other contracted services, costs associated with satellite and transponder leases and services, professional services and facilities rental expenses.
Cost of sales - equipment. Cost of sales - equipment consists primarily of the cost of broadband equipment and networks provided to customers in our consumer and enterprise markets. It also includes certain other costs associated with the deployment of equipment to our customers.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily include selling and marketing costs and employee-related costs associated with administrative services (e.g., information systems, human resources and other services), including bad debt expense and stock-based compensation expense. It also includes professional fees (e.g. legal, information systems and accounting services), and other expenses associated with facilities and administrative services.
Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses primarily include costs associated with the design and development of products to support future growth and provide new technology and innovation to our customers.
Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill. Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill includes our impairment losses related to our property and equipment, regulatory authorizations, goodwill, and other intangible assets.
Interest income, net. Interest income, net primarily includes interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities, and other investments including premium amortization and discount accretion on debt securities, and changes in allowance for estimated credit losses on investments.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized primarily includes interest expense associated with our debt and finance lease obligations (net of capitalized interest), amortization of debt issuance costs and interest expense related to certain legal proceedings.
Gains (losses) on investments, net. Gains (losses) on investments, net primarily includes changes in fair value of our marketable equity securities and other investments for which we have elected the fair value option. It may also include realized gains and losses on the sale or exchange of our available-for-sale debt securities, other-than-temporary impairment losses on our available-for-sale securities, realized gains and losses on the sale or exchange of equity securities and debt securities without readily determinable fair value and adjustments to the carrying amount of investments in unconsolidated affiliates and marketable equity securities resulting from impairments and observable price changes.
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net. Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net includes earnings or losses from our investments accounted for using the equity method.
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments primarily includes impairment charges for losses on our equity method investments which were deemed permanent in nature.
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net. Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net include gains and losses resulting from the re-measurement of transactions denominated in foreign currencies.
Other, net. Other, net primarily includes dividends received from our marketable investment securities and other non-operating income and expense items that are not appropriately classified elsewhere in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA is defined as Net income (loss) excluding Interest income and expense, net, Income tax benefit (provision), net, Depreciation and amortization, and Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests. EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This non-GAAP measure is reconciled to Net income (loss) in our discussion of Results of Operations section below. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used by our management as a measure of operating efficiency and overall financial performance for benchmarking against our peers and competitors. Management believes EBITDA provides meaningful supplemental information regarding the underlying operating performance of our business and is appropriate to enhance an overall understanding of our financial performance. Management also believes that EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate the performance of companies in our industry.
Subscribers. Subscribers include customers that subscribe to our HughesNet service, through retail, wholesale and small/medium enterprise service channels.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2022
The following table presents our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:
For the year ended December 31, Variance
Statements of Operations Data (1)
2023 2022 Amount %
Revenue:
Services and other revenue $ 1,448,489 $ 1,629,194 $ (180,705) (11.1)
Equipment revenue 299,367 374,149 (74,782) (20.0)
Total revenue 1,747,856 2,003,343 (255,487) (12.8)
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales - services and other 540,945 562,849 (21,904) (3.9)
% of total services and other revenue 37.3 % 34.5 %
Cost of sales - equipment 239,336 292,290 (52,954) (18.1)
% of total equipment revenue 79.9 % 78.1 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 411,127 429,877 (18,750) (4.4)
% of total revenue 23.5 % 21.5 %
Research and development expenses 28,857 32,810 (3,953) (12.0)
% of total revenue 1.7 % 1.6 %
Depreciation and amortization 389,632 431,065 (41,433) (9.6)
Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill 532,940 - 532,940 *
Total costs and expenses 2,142,837 1,748,891 393,946 22.5
Operating income (loss) (394,981) 254,452 (649,433) *
Other income (expense):
Interest income, net 85,036 30,812 54,224 176.0
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (89,569) (92,386) 2,817 (3.0)
Gains (losses) on investments, net 245 245 - -
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net (4,264) (5,703) 1,439 (25.2)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net 5,711 6,016 (305) (5.1)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments (33,400) - (33,400) *
Other, net (1,090) (85) (1,005) *
Total other income (expense), net (37,331) (61,101) 23,770 (38.9)
Income (loss) before income taxes (432,312) 193,351 (625,663) *
Income tax benefit (provision), net
(46,126) (54,441) 8,315 (15.3)
Net income (loss) (478,438) 138,910 (617,348) *
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests 16,569 10,503 6,066 57.8
Net income (loss) attributable to HSSC $ (461,869) $ 149,413 $ (611,282) *
Other data:
EBITDA (2)
$ (21,578) $ 696,493 $ (718,071) (103.1)
Subscribers, end of period 1,004,000 1,228,000 (224,000) (18.2)
* Percentage is not meaningful.
(1) An explanation of our key metrics is included in Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items.
(2) A reconciliation of EBITDA to Net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure in our Consolidated Financial Statements, is included in Results of Operations. For further information on our use of EBITDA, see Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items.
The following discussion relates to our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:
Services and other revenue. Services and other revenue totaled $1.448 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $181 million, or 11.1%, as compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to our Hughes segment related to lower sales of broadband services to our consumer and North American enterprise customers of $184 million, partially offset by a net increase in broadband services sales to our international enterprise customers of $11 million.
Equipment revenue. Equipment revenue totaled $299 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $75 million, or 20.0%, as compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to a net decrease of $44 million related to our North American enterprise customers due to lower hardware sales and positive adjustments on certain long-term contracts and a $35 million net decrease in hardware sales to our international enterprise customers, partially offset by an increase of $7 million in sales to our mobile satellite system customers.
Cost of sales - services and other. Cost of sales - services and other totaled $541 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $22 million, or 3.9%, as compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to the corresponding decrease in service and other revenue.
Cost of sales - equipment. Cost of sales - equipment totaled $239 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $53 million, or 18.1%, as compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to the corresponding decrease in equipment revenue.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $411 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $19 million, or 4.4%, as compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in sales and marketing expenses of $24 million.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses totaled $390 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $41 million, or 9.6%, as compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in non-satellite depreciation expense of $48 million, partially offset by an increase in satellite depreciation related to the Al Yah 3 satellite.
Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill. Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill totaled $533 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase is driven by a $533 million noncash impairment charge to goodwill. See Note 2 to the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
Interest income, net. Interest income, net totaled $85 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $54 million, as compared to 2022, primarily attributable to increases in the yield on our marketable investment securities and an increase in our marketable investment securities average balance.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, totaled $90 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $3 million, or 3.0%, as compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in capitalized interest relating to the EchoStar XXIV satellite program.
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net. Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net totaled $4 million in losses for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $6 million in losses for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease in losses of $2 million. The decrease was related to net increased earnings from our investments in our equity method investees.
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments was $33 million for the Year Ended December 31, 2023, related to the impairment of our investment in Broadband Connectivity Solutions (Restricted) Limited (“BCS”) as a result of increased competition and the economic environment for this business.
Income tax benefit (provision), net. Income tax benefit (provision), net was $(46) million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $(54) million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Our effective income tax rate was (10.7)% and 28.2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The variations in our effective tax rate from the U.S. federal statutory rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 were primarily due to excluded losses for goodwill impairment, excluded investment impairment losses, and excluded foreign losses where the Company carries a full valuation allowance. The variations in our current year effective tax rate from the U.S. federal statutory rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 were primarily due to excluded foreign losses where the Company carries a full valuation allowance, and the impact of state and local taxes.
Net income (loss) attributable to HSSC. The following table reconciles the change in Net income (loss) attributable to HSSC:
Amounts
Net income (loss) attributable to HSSC for the year ended December 31, 2022 $ 149,413
Increase (decrease) in interest income, net 54,224
Decrease (increase) in income tax benefit (provision), net 8,315
Decrease (increase) in net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests 6,066
Decrease (increase) in interest expense, net of amounts capitalized 2,817
Decrease (increase) in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net 1,439
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net (305)
Increase (decrease) in other, net (1,005)
Increase (decrease) in other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments (33,400)
Increase (decrease) in operating income (loss), including depreciation and amortization (1)
(649,433)
Net income (loss) attributable to HSSC for the year ended December 31, 2023 $ (461,869)
(1) The decrease in Operating income (loss) includes a noncash impairment charge for goodwill of $533 million.
EBITDA. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is described under Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items section. The following table reconciles EBITDA to Net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure in our Consolidated Financial Statements:
For the year ended December 31, Variance
2023 2022 Amount %
Net income (loss) $ (478,438) $ 138,910 $ (617,348) *
Depreciation and amortization 389,632 431,065 (41,433) (9.6)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized 89,569 92,386 (2,817) (3.0)
Income tax provision (benefit), net 46,126 54,441 (8,315) (15.3)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests 16,569 10,503 6,066 57.8
Interest Income, net (85,036) (30,812) (54,224) *
EBITDA $ (21,578) $ 696,493 $ (718,071) *
* Percentage is not meaningful.
The following table reconciles the change in EBITDA:
Amounts
EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 $ 696,493
Decrease (increase) in net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests 6,066
Decrease (increase) in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net 1,439
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net (305)
Increase (decrease) in other, net (1,005)
Increase (decrease) in other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments (33,400)
Increase (decrease) in operating income (loss), excluding depreciation and amortization (1)
(690,866)
EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 $ (21,578)
(1) The decrease in Operating income (loss) includes a noncash impairment charge for goodwill of $533 million.
Segment Operating Results and Capital Expenditures
The following tables present our total revenue, capital expenditures and EBITDA by segment for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:
Hughes ESS Corporate and Other Consolidated Total
For the year ended December 31, 2023
Total revenue $ 1,721,406 $ 24,095 $ 2,355 $ 1,747,856
Capital expenditures 189,999 130 - 190,129
EBITDA 39,679 18,325 (79,582) (21,578)
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Total revenue $ 1,966,587 $ 20,533 $ 16,223 $ 2,003,343
Capital expenditures 239,403 - - 239,403
EBITDA 732,929 14,416 (50,852) 696,493
Hughes Segment
For the years ended
December 31, Variance
2023 2022 Amount %
Total revenue $ 1,721,406 $ 1,966,587 $ (245,181) (12.5)
Capital expenditures 189,999 239,403 (49,404) (20.6)
EBITDA 39,679 732,929 (693,250) (94.6)
Total revenue was $1.721 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $245 million, or 12.5%, as compared to 2022. Services and other revenue decreased primarily due to lower sales of broadband services to our consumer and North American enterprise customers of $184 million. Equipment revenue decreased primarily due to a net decrease of $35 million in hardware sales to our international enterprise customers and a net decrease of $44 million related to our North American enterprise customers due to lower hardware sales and positive adjustments on certain long-term contracts, partially offset by an increase of $7 million in sales to our mobile satellite system customers.
Capital expenditures were $190 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $49 million, or 20.6%, as compared to 2022, primarily due to decreases in expenditures associated with our consumer business, and decreases in expenditures related to the construction of our satellite-related ground infrastructure.
The following table reconciles the change in the Hughes Segment EBITDA:
Amounts
EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 $ 732,929
Decrease (increase) in net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests 6,066
Decrease (increase) in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net 273
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net (208)
Increase (decrease) in gains (losses) on investments, net (217)
Increase (decrease) in other, net (1,004)
Increase (decrease) in other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity method investments (33,400)
Increase (decrease) in operating income (loss), excluding depreciation and amortization (1)
(664,760)
EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 $ 39,679
(1) The decrease in Operating income (loss) includes a noncash impairment charge for goodwill of $533 million.
ESS Segment
For the years ended
December 31, Variance
2023 2022 Amount %
Total revenue $ 24,095 $ 20,533 $ 3,562 17.3
Capital expenditures
130 - 130 *
EBITDA 18,325 14,416 3,909 27.1
* Percentage is not meaningful.
Total revenue was $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $4 million, or 17.3%, compared to 2022, primarily due to an increase in transponder services provided to third parties.
EBITDA was $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $4 million, or 27.1%, as compared to 2022, primarily due to the increase in overall ESS segment revenue and lower expenses.
Corporate and Other
For the years ended
December 31, Variance
2023 2022 Amount %
Total revenue $ 2,355 $ 16,223 $ (13,868) (85.5)
EBITDA (79,582) (50,852) (28,730) 56.5
Total revenue was $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $14 million, or 85.5%, compared to 2022, primarily due to a decrease in satellite leasing revenue related to the EchoStar XXI satellite.
EBITDA was a loss of $80 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $29 million, or 56.5%, compared to 2022, primarily due to a decrease in service revenue and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
The following table reconciles the change in the Corporate and Other EBITDA:
Amounts
EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 $ (50,852)
Increase (decrease) in operating income (loss), excluding depreciation and amortization (30,015)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net (97)
Increase (decrease) in other, net (1)
Increase (decrease) in gains (losses) on investments, net 217
Decrease (increase) in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net 1,166
EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 $ (79,582)

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risks Associated with Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency
Our investments and debt are exposed to market risks, discussed below.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities
As of December 31, 2023, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities had a fair value of $1.7 billion. Of this amount, a total of $1.7 billion was invested in: (a) cash; (b) commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; (c) debt instruments of the U.S. government and its agencies; and/or (d) instruments with similar risk, duration and credit quality characteristics to the commercial paper and corporate obligations described above. The primary purpose of these investing activities has been to preserve principal until the cash is required to, among other things, fund operations, make strategic investments and expand the business. Consequently, the size of this portfolio fluctuates significantly as cash is received and used in our business. The value of this portfolio may be negatively impacted by credit losses; however, this risk is mitigated through diversification that limits our exposure to any one issuer.
Interest Rate Risk
A change in interest rates would not affect the fair value of our cash, or materially affect the fair value of our cash equivalents due to their maturities of less than 90 days. A change in interest rates would affect the fair value of our current marketable debt securities portfolio; however, we normally hold these investments to maturity. Based on our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable debt securities investment portfolio of $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical 10% change in average interest rates during 2023 would not have had a material impact on the fair value of our cash, cash equivalents and debt securities portfolio due to the limited duration of our investments.
Our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable debt securities had an average annual rate of return for the year ended December 31, 2023 of 5.47%. A change in interest rates would affect our future annual interest income from this portfolio, since funds would be re-invested at different rates as the instruments mature. A hypothetical 10% decrease in average interest rates during 2023 would have resulted in a decrease of $7.8 million in annual interest income.
Other Investments
Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are privately held depends on the success of those companies’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Because private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we sell them, we will not be able to recover our investment.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our international business is conducted in a variety of foreign currencies with our largest exposures being to the Brazilian real, the Indian rupee, European euro and the British pound. Transactions in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect on the dates of the transactions. This exposes us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Our objective in managing our exposure to foreign currency changes is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily resulting from loans to foreign subsidiaries in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, we may enter into foreign currency forward contracts, or take other measures, to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency transactions. As of December 31, 2023, we had foreign currency forward contracts with a notional amount of $0.2 million in place to partially mitigate foreign currency exchange risk. The estimated fair values of the foreign currency contracts were not material as of December 31, 2023. The impact of a hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates on the carrying amount of the net assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries during 2023 would have resulted in an estimated loss to the cumulative translation adjustment of $42.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We generally do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes and we generally do not apply hedge accounting treatment to our derivative financial instruments. We evaluate our derivative financial instruments from time to time but there can be no assurance that we will not enter into additional foreign currency forward contracts, or take other measures, in the future to mitigate our foreign currency exchange risk.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Item 15 of this Form 10-K.

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

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We continue to review our internal control over financial reporting and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing its effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our business.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. EchoStar’s board of directors, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in our best interests.
Fees Paid to KPMG LLP
The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP on behalf of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, in full dollar amounts:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Audit fees (1) $ 2,412,955 $ 2,133,489
Audit-related fees (2) - 38,523
Total audit and audited related fees 2,412,955 2,172,012
Tax fees (3) 46,272 39,010
Total fees $ 2,459,227 $ 2,211,022
(1) Consists of fees for the audit of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, review of our unaudited financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and fees in connection with statutory and other audits of our foreign subsidiaries.
(2) Consists of fees for assurance and other services that are provided in connection with the issuance of consents, comfort letters, certifications, and professional consultations with respect to accounting issues or matters that are non-recurring in nature.
(3) Consists of fees for tax consultation and tax compliance services.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
EchoStar’s Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation, retaining, and overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. EchoStar’s Audit Committee has established a process regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.
Requests are submitted to EchoStar’s Audit Committee in one of the following ways:
•Request for approval of services at a meeting of EchoStar’s Audit Committee; or
•Request for approval of services by members of EchoStar’s Audit Committee acting by written consent.
The request may be made with respect to either specific services or a type of service for predictable or recurring services. All of the fees paid by us to KPMG LLP for services for 2023 and 2022 were pre-approved by EchoStar’s Audit Committee.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
Page
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
2.1
Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 2, 2023, by and among EchoStar, DISH and Merger Sub (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 03, 2023.)+
3.1(a)*
Articles of Incorporation of EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), dated as of March 16, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-179121).
3.1(b)*
Articles of Amendment of EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), dated as of October 26, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-179121).
3.1(c)*
Articles of Amendment of Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, dated as of December 30, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(c) to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed February 21, 2014, Commission File No. 333-179121.
3.1(d)*
Articles of Amendment of Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, dated as of January 21, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(d) to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed February 21, 2014, Commission File No. 333-179121).
3.1(e)*
Articles of Amendment of Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, dated as of February 28, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 333-179121).
3.1(f)*
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, dated as of March 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 32 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 6, 2017, Commission File No. 001-33807).
Exhibit No. Description
3.2*
Bylaws of EH Holding Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-179121).
4.1*
Security Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2011, among EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.2*
Indenture, relating to the 5.250% Senior Secured Notes, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and successor collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.3*
Indenture, relating to the 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.4*
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.5*
Additional Secured Party Joinder, dated as of July 27, 2016, among U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and successor collateral agent, and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.6*
Form of 5.250% Senior Secured Note due 2026 (included as part of Exhibit 4.2).
4.7*
Form of 6.625% Senior Unsecured Note due 2026 (included as part of Exhibit 4.3).
4.8*
Supplemental Indenture relating to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, dated March 23, 2017, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantor listed on the signature pages thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and successor collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed April 6, 2017, Commission File No. 333-179121).
4.9*
Supplemental Indenture relating to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s 6.625% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of March 23, 2017, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantor listed on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed April 6, 2017, Commission File No. 333-179121).
4.10*
Joinder Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2017, to the Security Agreement dated as of June 8, 2011, by and between HNS Americas, L.L.C., HNS Americas II, L.L.C. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed February 22, 2018, Commission File No. 333-179121).
4.11*
Second Supplemental Indenture relating to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, dated August 10, 2017, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantor listed on the signature pages thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and successor collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed February 22, 2018, Commission File No. 333-179121).
Exhibit No. Description
4.12*
Second Supplemental Indenture relating to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s 6.625% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of August 10, 2017, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantor listed on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed February 22, 2018, Commission File No. 333-179121).
4.13*
Joinder Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2019, to the Security Agreement dated as of June 8, 2011, by and between EchoStar BSS Corporation, EchoStar FSS L.L.C. and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, filed August 8, 2019, Commission File No. 333-179121).
4.14*
Third Supplemental Indenture relating to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, dated June 12, 2019, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and successor collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, filed August 8, 2019, Commission File No. 333-179121).
4.15*
Third Supplemental Indenture relating to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s 6.625% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of June 12, 2019, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, filed August 8, 2019, Commission File No. 333-179121).
10.1*
Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Stock Incentive Plan”) (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed September 18, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.2*
Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed June 22, 2006, (Commission File No. 000-51784)). **
10.3*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive or Director (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, filed November 6, 2015, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.4*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 333-179121). **
10.5*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan - Employee (2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 333-179121). **
10.6*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive (2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 333-179121). **
10.7*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan - Employee (2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 333-179121). **
10.8*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive (2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 333-179121). **
Exhibit No. Description
10.9*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive or Director (2011) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Hughes Satellite System Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 333-179121).**
10.10*
EchoStar Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed March 23, 2017, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.11*
Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed March 23, 2017, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.12*
Amendment No. 1 to EchoStar Corporation 2017 Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan dated October 20, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, filed November 3, 2022, Commission File No. 001-33807)**
10.13*
EchoStar Non-Qualified Plan -- Executive Plan and Adoption Agreement, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, filed August 9, 2017, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.14*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the EchoStar Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan - Employee (2017) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, filed August 9, 2017, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.15*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the EchoStar Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive (2017) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, filed August 9, 2017, Commission File No. 001-33807). **
10.16*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the EchoStar Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive (2017) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, filed August 9, 2017, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.17*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the EchoStar Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan - Employee (2022) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, filed November 3, 2022, Commission File No. 001-33807)**
10.18*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the EchoStar Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive (2022) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, filed November 3, 2022, Commission File No. 001-33807) **
10.19*
Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement for the EchoStar Corporation 2017 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan (2022) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, filed November 3, 2022, Commission File No. 001-33807)**
10.20*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the EchoStar Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan - Executive (2022) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, filed November 3, 2022, Commission File No. 001-33807) **
10.21*
Letter Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2023, by and between EchoStar and Hamid Akhavan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Amendment No. 1 on Form S-4 of EchoStar filed on November 6, 2023, Registration File No. 333-274837).**
10.22*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Hamid Akhavan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, filed May 5, 2022, Commission File No. 001-33807)**
Exhibit No. Description
10.23*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Hamid Akhavan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, filed May 5, 2022, Commission File No. 001-33807)**
10.24*
Amendment to EchoStar Non-Qualified Plan-Executive Plan and Adoption Agreement, dated November 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2018, filed February 21, 2019, Commission File No. 333-179121).**
10.25*
Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation Executive Officer Bonus Incentive Plan, dated as of April 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, filed August 8, 2019, Commission File No. 333-179121).**
10.26*
Amendment to EchoStar Non-Qualified Plan - Executive Plan and Adoption Agreement, dated October 21, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, filed November 5, 2020, Commission File No. 333-179121). **
10.27*
Amendment No. 1 to EchoStar Corporation 2017 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed March 17, 2021, Commission File No. 001-33807). **
10.28*
Second Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation Executive Officer Bonus Incentive Plan, dated as of November 2, 2021. **
10.29
Amended and Restated Support Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2023, by and among EchoStar, DISH Network, and the Ergen Stockholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 03, 2023.)+
22 (H)
List of Subsidiary Guarantors
31.1 (H)
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2 (H)
Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32.1 (H)
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2 (H)
Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
101.INS XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
(H) Filed herewith.
* Incorporated by reference.
** Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
+ Schedules, annexes and/or exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules, annexes and/or exhibits upon request by the SEC; provided, that the Company may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) for any schedules so furnished.