EchoStar 10-K 2016-12-31

Filed 2017-02-24. 22 sections, 710K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON

What changed since the 2015-12-31 10-KNew, removed and reworded risk factor headings, then every item sentence by sentence.

Cover and table of contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO .

Commission file number: 001-33807

EchoStar Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada26-1232727
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado80112-5308
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer xAccelerated filer oNon-accelerated filer oSmaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

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

As of February 15, 2017, the registrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 46,907,032 shares of Class A common stock and 47,687,039 shares of Class B common stock, each $0.001 par value.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Disclosure Regarding Forward Looking Statementsi
PART I
Item 1.Business1
Item 1A.Risk Factors17
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments36
Item 2.Properties37
Item 3.Legal Proceedings38
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures38
PART II
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities39
Item 6.Selected Financial Data40
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations41
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk72
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data73
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure73
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures74
Item 9B.Other Information74
PART III
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance75
Item 11.Executive Compensation75
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters75
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence75
Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services75
PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules76
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary82
Signatures83
Index to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-1

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

•our reliance on our primary customer, DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries (“DISH Network”), for a significant portion of our revenue;
•our ability to implement our strategic initiatives;
•risks and uncertainties associated with the pending Share Exchange with DISH Network (as described below);
•significant risks related to the construction, launch and operation of our satellites, such as the risk of material malfunction on one or more of our satellites, risks resulting from delays or failures of launches of our satellites and potentially missing our regulatory milestones, changes in the space weather environment that could interfere with the operation of our satellites, and our general lack of commercial insurance coverage on our satellites;
•our failure to adequately anticipate the need for satellite capacity or the inability to obtain satellite capacity for our Hughes segment;
•the failure of third-party providers of components, manufacturing, installation services and customer support services to appropriately deliver the contracted goods or services;
•our ability to bring advanced technologies to market to keep pace with our customers and competitors;
•risk related to our foreign operations and other uncertainties associated with doing business internationally, including changes in foreign exchange rates between foreign currencies and the United States dollar, economic instability and political disturbances;
•the impact of variable demand and the adverse pricing and regulatory environment for digital set-top boxes; and
•dependence on our ability to successfully manufacture and sell our digital set-top boxes in increasing volumes on a cost-effective basis and with acceptable quality.

Other factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A. — Risk Factors and Item 7. — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Form 10-K and those discussed in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

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

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

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

i

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

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

We currently operate in the following three business segments:

•Hughes — which provides broadband satellite technologies and broadband services to home and small office customers and network technologies, managed services and communication solutions to domestic and international consumers and enterprise and government customers. The Hughes segment also provides managed services, hardware, and satellite services to large enterprises and government customers, and designs, provides and installs gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems. In addition, our Hughes segment provides satellite ground segment systems and terminals to mobile system operators.
•EchoStar Technologies — which designs, develops and distributes secure end-to-end video technology solutions including digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers and telecommunication companies. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries (“DISH Network”) and Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Dish Mexico”), a joint venture we entered into in 2008. In addition, we provide our TV Anywhere technology through Slingbox® units directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the pay-TV operator market. Beginning in 2015, this segment also includes our over-the-top (“OTT”), Streaming Video on Demand (“SVOD”) platform business, which primarily provides support services to DISH Network’s Sling TVTM service (“Sling TV”).
•EchoStar Satellite Services (“ESS”) — which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to provide satellite service operations and video delivery solutions on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, United States (“U.S.”) government service providers, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers. We also manage satellite operations for several satellites owned by third parties.

Following consummation of the Share Exchange described below under “Pending Share Exchange,” we will no longer operate the EchoStar Technologies business segment.

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

In 2008, DISH Network completed its distribution to us of its digital set-top box business, certain infrastructure, and other assets and related liabilities, including certain of its satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, and real estate (the “Spin-off”). Since the Spin-off, EchoStar and DISH Network have operated as separate publicly-traded companies. However, as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, described in Note 4 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report, DISH Network owns preferred tracking stock in EchoStar Corporation and one of our subsidiaries representing an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment. The tracking stock is an equity security and the rights of DISH Network, as the holder of the tracking stock, in our assets are subject to the claims of our creditors. In addition, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of EchoStar and DISH Network is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

PENDING SHARE EXCHANGE

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

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

In March 2014, EchoStar and its subsidiary Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSS”) each issued shares of preferred stock (the “EchoStar Tracking Stock” and “HSS Tracking Stock,” respectively, and together, the “Tracking Stock”) to DNLLC and DOLLC, respectively. The Track

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

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

GENERAL RISKS AFFECTING OUR BUSINESS

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

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

DISH Network is involved in several legal proceedings relating to products, components and services purchased from us. Adverse decisions against DISH Network in these proceedings could decrease the number of products, components and/or services we provide to DISH Network, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial position.

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

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

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

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

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

We could face decreased demand and increased pricing pressure to our products and services due to competition.

Our business operates in an intensely competitive, consumer-driven and rapidly changing environment and competes with a growing number of companies that provide products and services to consumers. Risks to our business from competition include, but are not limited to, the following:

•The digital set-top box market is intensely competitive, and market leadership changes frequently as a result of new products, designs, pricing and regulations. We currently face competition from well-established companies, from new, rapidly growing companies, and from digital video providers who have developed their own digital set-top boxes, and in the future we may face competition from new and existing companies that do not currently compete in the market for set-top boxes. If we do not distinguish our products, particularly our retail products, through distinctive, technologically advanced features and design, as well as build and strengthen our brand recognition, our business could be harmed as we may not be able to effectively compete on price alone against new low cost market entrants. Increased pricing pressure may also make it particularly difficult for us to make profitable sales in internationa

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Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

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

Location (3) (4)Segment(s)Leased/ OwnedFunction
San Diego, CaliforniaHughesLeasedEngineering and sales offices
Gaithersburg, MarylandHughesLeasedManufacturing and testing facilities, engineering and logistics and administrative offices
Southfield, Michigan (1)HughesLeasedShared hub
Las Vegas, Nevada (1)HughesLeasedShared hub, antennae yards, gateway, backup network operation and control center for Hughes corporate headquarters
Barueri, Brazil (1)HughesLeasedShared hub and warehouse
Sao Paulo, BrazilHughesLeasedHughes Brazil corporate headquarters, sales offices, and warehouse
Bangalore, India (2)HughesLeasedOffice space
Gurgaon, India (1) (2)HughesLeasedAdministrative offices, shared hub, operations, warehouse, and development center
New Delhi, IndiaHughesLeasedHughes India corporate headquarters
Mexico City, MexicoHughesLeasedSales office, gateways
Milton Keynes, United KingdomHughesLeasedHughes Europe corporate headquarters and operations
American Fork, Utah (5)Hughes/ETCLeasedOffice space, engineering and operations
Germantown, Maryland (1)HughesOwnedHughes corporate headquarters, engineering offices, network operations and shared hubs
Griesheim, Germany (1)HughesOwnedShared hub, operations, administrative offices and warehouse
Atlanta, GeorgiaETCLeasedEngineering offices
Foster City, California (5)ETCLeasedEngineering offices
Superior, Colorado (5)ETCLeasedEngineering offices
Kharkov, Ukraine (5)ETCLeasedEngineering office
Bangalore, India (5)ETC/HughesLeasedEngineering office and office space
Gilbert, Arizona (1) (5)ETC/ESSOwnedDigital broadcast operations center
Mustang Ridge, Texas (1) (5)ETC/ESSOwnedMicro digital broadcast operations center
Cheyenne, Wyoming (1) (5)ETC/ESSOwnedDigital broadcast operations center
Black Hawk, South Dakota (1)Hughes/ESSOwnedSpacecraft autotrack operations center
Englewood, Colorado (5)Hughes/ETC/ ESS/OtherOwnedCorporate headquarters, engineering offices, gateways

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

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

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

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

Market Information. Our Class A common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “SATS.” The high and low closing sale prices of our Class A common stock during 2016 and 2015 on Nasdaq (as reported by Nasdaq) are set forth below.

2016HighLow
First Quarter$45.89$33.39
Second Quarter$43.94$37.25
Third Quarter$43.83$36.91
Fourth Quarter$53.35$43.60
2015HighLow
First Quarter$55.31$49.36
Second Quarter$52.70$47.95
Third Quarter$49.29$41.93
Fourth Quarter$46.39$36.63

Holders. As of February 15, 2017, there were approximately 8,919 holders of record of our Class A common stock, not including stockholders who beneficially own Class A common stock held in nominee or street name. As of February 15, 2017, 33,193,945 of the 47,687,039 outstanding shares of our Class B common stock were held by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and the remaining 14,493,094 were held in trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Ergen’s family. There is currently no established trading market for our Class B common stock.

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

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

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by our board of directors, we are authorized to repurchase up to $500.0 million of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock through December 31, 2017. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we did not repurchase any common stock under this program.

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for 2016 have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) included in our consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

The following tables present selected information relating to our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the past five years. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this report. Historical financial data presented below may not be indicative of future financial condition. See Note 20 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report for further discussion of the Share Exchange transaction.

For the Years Ended December 31,
Statements of Operations Data:201620152014 (1)20132012
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Total revenue$3,056,730$3,143,714$3,445,578$3,282,452$3,121,704
Total costs and expenses2,692,3322,787,6813,117,4883,178,8653,021,818
Operating income$364,398$356,033$328,090$103,587$99,886
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock$181,673$163,700$165,268$2,525$211,048
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding93,79592,39791,19089,40587,150
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding94,41093,46692,61690,95287,959
Basic earnings per share$1.94$1.77$1.81$0.03$2.42
Diluted earnings per share$1.92$1.75$1.78$0.03$2.40
As of December 31,
Balance Sheet Data:201620152014 (1)20132012
(In thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities$3,093,659$1,536,578$1,688,156$1,620,652$1,547,565
Total assets (2) (3)$9,008,859$7,209,486$7,214,936$6,657,088$6,549,957
Total debt and capital lease obligations (3)$3,660,186$2,192,365$2,328,625$2,377,513$2,438,223
Total stockholders’ equity$4,006,805$3,781,642$3,623,638$3,226,231$3,150,227
For the Years Ended December 31,
Cash Flow Data:201620152014 (1)20132012
(In thousands)
Net cash flows from:
Operating activities$803,343$776,451$840,131$450,507$505,149
Investing activities$(632,267)$(275,311)$(887,590)$(570,289)$(346,781)
Financing activities$1,475,689$(120,257)$(35,096)$18,326$(43,976)
(1)In March 2014, we issued preferred tracking stock to DISH Network in exchange for five satellites and $11.4 million in cash. Please see Note 4 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report. As a result, our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are not comparable to our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
(2)In 2015, we prospectively adopted Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. As a result, our total assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is not comparable to our total assets as reported in prior years.
(3)In March 2016, we retrospectively adopted Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. As a result, our total assets and total debt and capital lease obligations for all dates presented reflect the application of this Update.

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

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EchoStar is a global provider of satellite service operations, video delivery solutions, digital set-top boxes, broadband satellite technologies and broadband services for home and small office customers. We deliver innovative network technologies, managed services, and various communications solutions for enterprise and government customers. We currently o

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

Net cash inflows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $26.9 million compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in cash inflows was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash outflows of $20.1 million resulting from timing differences in operating assets and liabilities and higher net income of $6.8 million adjusted to exclude: (i) “Depreciation and amortization;” (ii) “Impairment of long-lived assets;” (iii) “Loss from partial redemption of debt;” (iv) “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net;” (v) “Losses (gains) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net;” (vi) “Stock-based compensation;” (vii) “Deferred tax provision;” and “Other, net.”

Net cash inflows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $63.7 million compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $98.8 million resulting from timing differences in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by higher net income of $35.1 million adjusted to exclude: (i) “Depreciation and amortization;” (ii) “Impairment of long-lived assets;” (iii) “Loss from partial redemption of debt;” (iv) “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net;” (v) “Losses (gains) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net;” (vi) “Stock-based compensation;” (vii) “Deferred tax provision;” and (viii)“Other, net.”

Cash flows from investing activities. Our investing activities generally include purchases and sales of marketable investment securities, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and strategic investments. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we reported net cash outflows from investing activities of $632.3 million, $275.3 million and $887.6 million, respectively.

Net cash outflows from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $357.0 million compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in cash outflows primarily related to an increase of $440.7 million in purchases of marketable investment securities, net of sales and maturities. The increase in cash outflows was partially offset by a $64.7 million investment in WorldVu and SmarDTV in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of $9.1 million in restricted cash relating to a release in funds for certain satellite slots as a result of a FCC settlement in 2016, an decrease of $5.3 million in capital expenditures, net of related refunds, in 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015 and the acquisition of a regulatory authorization in the first quarter of 2015 of $3.4 million.

Net cash outflows from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $612.3 million compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in cash outflows primarily related to a decrease of $691.0 million in purchases of marketable investment securities, net of sales and maturities, a cash receipt of $105.8 million refund relating to the cancellation of an existing launch services agreement and capital contributions of $18.6 million to certain investees in 2014, partially offset by an increase in cash outflows primarily related to a $129.2 million increase in capital expenditures in 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, a $64.7 million investment in WorldVu and SmarDTV in the second quarter of 2015, and the acquisition of a regulatory authorization in the first quarter of 2015 of $3.4 million.

Cash flows from financing activities. Our financing activities generally include proceeds related to the issuance of debt and cash used for the repurchase, redemption or payment of debt and capital lease obligations, and the proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under our stock incentive plans and employee stock purchase plan. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we reported net cash inflows from financing activities of $1.48 billion, net cash outflows from financing activities of $120.3 million, net cash outflows from financing activities of $35.1 million, respectively.

Net cash inflows from financing activities increased by $1.60 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in cash inflows was primarily due to the proceeds of $1.5 billion from the issuance of the 2026 Notes in the third quarter of 2016, the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes of $110.0 million and related premium of $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of $7.7 million in capital lease obligation payments relating to the expiration of the capital lease for the AMC-16 satellite, effective February 2015, partially offset by a decrease of $11.3 million in net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under our stock incentive plans and employee stock purchase plan, payments of debt issuance costs of $7.1 million, and a decrease of $3.1 million in excess tax benefits recognized on the exercise of stock options.

Net cash outflows from financing activities increased by $85.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in cash outflows was primarily due to the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes of $110.0 million and related premium of $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2015, and proceeds of $11.4 million, net of offering costs of $3.9 million from the issuance of our preferred tracking stock received in 2014, partially offset by a decrease of $22.7 million in capital lease obligation payments relating to the expiration of the capital lease for the AMC-16

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

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

Obligations and Future Capital Requirements

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2016:

Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31,
Total20172018201920202021Thereafter
(In thousands)
Long-term debt$3,390,000$—$—$990,000$—$900,000$1,500,000
Capital lease obligations302,00737,30736,92740,37044,73346,13196,539
Interest on long-term debt and capital lease obligations1,487,583252,999248,428212,318175,799136,673461,366
Satellite-related obligations732,004220,421135,98763,49960,47945,308206,310
Operating lease obligations87,55834,97414,92011,4848,4257,38510,370
Purchase and other obligations105,923105,923—————
Total$6,105,075$651,624$436,262$1,317,671$289,436$1,135,497$2,274,585

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

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

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

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

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

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

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

Satellite Insurance

We historically have not carried in-orbit insurance on our satellites because we assessed that the cost of insurance was uneconomical relative to the risk of failures. Therefore, we generally bear the risk of any in-orbit failures. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements governing certain portions of our indebtedness, we are required, subject to certain limitations on coverage, to maintain in-orbit insurance for our SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVI, and EchoStar XVII satellites. Based on economic analysis of the current insurance market we have elected to obtain, subject to certain limitations on coverage, launch and in-orbit insurance for our EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI and EchoStar XXIII satellites and our interest in the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite. All other satellites, either in orbit or under construction, are not covered by launch or in-orbit insurance. We will continue to assess circumstances going forward and make insurance decisions on a case by case basis.

Future Capital Requirements

We primarily rely on our existing cash and marketable investment securities balances, as well as cash flow generated through our operations to fund our business. There can be no assurance that we will have positive cash flows from operations. Furthermore, if we experience negative cash flows, our existing cash and marketable investment securities balances may be reduced.

We currently depend on DISH Network for a substantial portion of our revenue and our cash flow from operations. If the Share Exchange is not consummated, to the extent that DISH Network’s gross new subscriber activations decrease or DISH Network experiences a net loss of subscribers, sales of our digital set-top boxes and related components to DISH Network may continue to decline, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. If the Share Exchange is consummated, we expect to no longer generate cash flow from our EchoStar Technologies segment.

We have a significant amount of outstanding indebtedness. As of December 31, 2016, our total indebtedness was $3.66 billion, of which $302.0 million related to capital lease obligations. For a discussion of the terms of our indebtedness, see Note 11 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report Our liquidity requirements will be significant, primarily due to our debt service requirements. In addition, our future capital expenditures are likely to increase if we make acquisitions or additional investments in infrastructure or joint ventures necessary to support and expand our business, or if we decide to purchase one or more additional satellites. Other aspects of our business operations may also require additional capital. We periodically evaluate various strategic initiatives, the pursuit of which could also require us to invest or raise significant additional capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all.

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

Satellites

As our satellite fleet ages, we will be required to evaluate replacement alternatives such as acquiring, leasing or constructing additional satellites, with or without customer commitments for capacity. We may also construct or lease additional satellites in the future to provide satellite services at additional orbital locations or to improve the quality of our satellite services.

Stock Repurchases

Pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by our board of directors, we are authorized to repurchase up to $500.0 million of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock through December 31, 2017. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we did not repurchase any common stock under this program.

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheets, the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period, and certain information disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report. We base our estimates, judgments, and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. We review our estimates and assumptions periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur or prospectively if the revised estimate affects future periods. The following represent what we believe are the critical accounting policies that may involve a high degree of estimation, judgment and complexity. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, including those discussed below, see Note 2 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report.

Marketable Securities and Other Investments

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

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

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

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

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

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

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

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

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

As of December 31, 2016, our goodwill consisted primarily of goodwill assigned to reporting units of the Hughes segment. We test such goodwill annually in our second fiscal quarter. Based on our qualitative assessment of impairment of the goodwill assigned to the Hughes segment in the second quarter of each of 2016 and 2015, we determined that no further testing of goodwill for impairment was necessary as it was more likely than not that the fair values of the Hughes segment reporting units exceeded their corresponding carrying amounts. Depending on our assessment of future events and changes in circumstances, we may be required to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test in the future. We may determine that some or all of our goodwill is impaired in connection with future impairment tests.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of regulatory authorizations for the use of spectrum in specified orbital locations. We test these intangible assets annually in our fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. We recognize an impairment loss in the determination of operating income when we determine that the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using discounted cash flow techniques reflecting the estimated cash flows and discount rate that we believe would be assumed by market participants. Our cash flow projections typically include significant assumptions based on unobservable inputs. Changes in economic conditions, laws and regulations, technology, competition and other factors could affect the assumptions reflected in our fair value estimates and may result in future intangible asset impairments. We may bypass the quantitative impairment test when we determine based on a qualitative assessment that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired.

Revenue Recognition

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

Income Taxes

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

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

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

Contingent Liabilities

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

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 15 of this report. We are continuing to assess the impact of adopting the recently issued accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Seasonality

For our Hughes segment, service revenue is generally not impacted by seasonal fluctuations other than those associated with fluctuations related to sales and promotional activities. However, like many communications infrastructure equipment vendors, a higher amount of our hardware revenue occurs in the second half of the year due to our customers’ annual procurement and budget cycles. Large enterprises and operators often allocate their capital expenditure budgets at the beginning of their fiscal year (which often coincides with the calendar year). The typical sales cycle for large complex system procurements is six to 12 months, which often results in the customer expenditure occurring towards the end of the year. Customers often seek to expend the budgeted funds prior to the end of the year and the next budget cycle.

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

Our ESS segment is not generally affected by seasonal impacts.

Inflation

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

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

EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS

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

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

Equipment revenue — DISH Network. “Equipment revenue — DISH Network” primarily includes sales of digital set-top boxes and related components, including Slingbox products and related hardware products, and sales of satellite broadband equipment and related equipment, primarily related to the Hughes service, to DISH Network.

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

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

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

Selling, general and administrative expenses. “Selling, general and administrative expenses” primarily includes selling and marketing costs and employee-related costs associated with administrative services (e.g., information systems, human resources and other services), including stock-based compensation expense. It also includes professional fees (e.g. legal, information systems and accounting services) and other items associated with facilities and administrative services provided by DISH Network and other third parties.

Research and development expenses. “Research and development expenses” primarily includes costs associated with the design and development of products to support future growth and provide new technology and innovation to our customers.

Impairment of long-lived assets. “Impairment of long-lived assets” includes our impairment losses related to our property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

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

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

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

Loss from partial redemption of debt**.** “Loss from partial redemption of debt” primarily includes the loss from the partial redemption of the 2019 Senior Secured Notes representing the redemption premium that the Company paid to the holders of its 2019 Senior Secured Notes and the write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs.

Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net. “Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net” primarily includes gains, net of any losses, on the sale or exchange of investments and other-than-temporary impairment on certain of our marketable investment securities.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net. “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net” includes earnings or losses from our investments accounted for under the equity method.

Other, net. “Other, net” primarily includes foreign exchange gains and losses, dividends received from our marketable investment securities, and other non-operating income or expense items that are not appropriately classified elsewhere in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA is defined as “Net income” excluding “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized,” “Interest income,” “Income tax provision, net,” and “Depreciation and amortization.” EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP measure is reconciled to “Net income” in our discussion of “Results of Operations” above. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. 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. 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 Hughes segment’s HughesNet broadband services, through retail, wholesale and small/medium enterprise service channels.

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risks Associated with Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency

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

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Current Marketable Investment Securities

As of December 31, 2016, our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities had a fair value of $3.09 billion. Of this amount, a total of $3.00 billion was invested in: (a) cash; (b) commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; (c) 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 current non-strategic investment portfolio of $3.00 billion as of December 31, 2016, a hypothetical 10% change in average interest rates during 2016 would not have a material impact on the fair value of our cash, cash equivalents and debt securities portfolio due to the limited duration of our investments.

Our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable debt securities had an average annual rate of return for the year ended December 31, 2016 of 1.0%. A change in interest rates would affect our future annual interest income from this portfolio, since funds would be re-invested at different rates as the instruments mature. A hypothetical 10% decrease in average interest rates during 2016 would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $2.0 million in annual interest income.

Strategic Marketable Investment Securities

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

Restricted cash and marketable investment securities and investments in unconsolidated entities

Restricted cash and marketable investment securities

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

Investments in unconsolidated entities

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We generally conduct our business in U.S. dollars. Our international business is conducted in a variety of foreign currencies with our largest exposures being to the Brazilian real, the Indian rupee, and the British pound. This exposes us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Transactions in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect on the dates of the transactions.

Our objective in managing our exposure to foreign currency changes is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Accordingly, we may enter into foreign 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, 2016, we had $6.5 million of net foreign currency denominated receivables and payables outstanding, and foreign currency forward contracts with a notional value of $3.0 million in place to partially mitigate foreign currency exchange risk. The estimated fair values of the foreign exchange contracts were not material as of December 31, 2016. The impact of a hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates on the carrying amount of the net assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries would be an estimated loss to the cumulative translation adjustment of $36.6 million as of December 31, 2016.

Derivative Financial Instruments

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

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Our consolidated financial statements are included in Item 15 of this report beginning on page 4.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report such that the information required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

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

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

(i)pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii)provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors; and
(iii)provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item with respect to the identity and business experience of our directors and corporate governance will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2016, under the caption “Election of Directors,” which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to the identity and business experience of our executive officers is set forth on pages 15-16 of this report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

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

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2016, under the caption “Executive Compensation and Other Information,” which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

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

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2016, under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Equity Security Ownership” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

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

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2016, under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions,” which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2016, under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services,” which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

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 StatementsF-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-8
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Information Only)F-64
Condensed Balance SheetsF-64
Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)F-65
Condensed Statements of Cash FlowsF-66
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying AccountsF-67

(3) Exhibits

2.1*Form of Separation Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).
2.2*Agreement and Plan of Merger between EchoStar Corporation, EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., Broadband Acquisition Corporation and Hughes Communications, Inc. dated as of February 13, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed February 15, 2011, Commission File No. 1-33040). ****
3.1*Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807), as amended by the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 25, 2008, Commission File No. 001-33807).
3.2*Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar Corporation, dated as of May 4, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation, filed May 5, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
3.3*Bylaws of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).
3.4*EchoStar Corporation Certificate of Designation Establishing the Voting Powers, Designations, Preferences, Limitations, Restrictions, and Relative Rights of the Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 3, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807)
4.1*Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.2*Indenture relating to the EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation) 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019, dated as of June 1, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.3*Indenture relating to the EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation) 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021, dated as of June 1, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.4*Supplemental Indenture relating to the 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 of EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), dated as of June 8, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.5*Supplemental Indenture relating to the 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 of EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), dated as of June 8, 2011, by and among EH Holding Corporation, the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.6*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2011, among EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), the guarantors listed on the signature page thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.7*Security Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2011, among EH Holding Corporation (currently known as Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation), the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.8*Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2014, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.9*Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2014, by and among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors and the supplemental guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.10*Joinder Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2014, to the Security Agreement dated as of June 8, 2011, by and among EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C., EchoStar XIV Holding L.L.C., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.11*Form of Note for 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (included as part of Exhibit 4.2).
4.12*Form of Note for 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (included as part of Exhibit 4.3).
4.13*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 Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.14*Indenture, relating to the 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.15*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2016, among Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, the guarantors party thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.16*Additional Secured Party Joinder, dated as of July 27, 2016, among U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to EchoStar Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
4.17*Form of 5.250% Senior Secured Note due 2026 (included as part of Exhibit 4.13)
4.18*Form of 5.250% Senior Secured Note due 2026 (included as part of Exhibit 4.13)
10.1*Form of Tax Sharing Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.2*Form of Employee Matters Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.3*Form of Intellectual Property Matters Agreement between EchoStar Corporation, EchoStar Acquisition L.L.C., Echosphere L.L.C., DISH DBS Corporation, EIC Spain SL, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.4*Agreement to Form NagraStar L.L.C., dated as of June 23, 1998, by and between Kudelski S.A., DISH Network Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed March 17, 1999, Commission File No. 000-26176).
10.5*Satellite Service Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2003, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, filed May 6, 2003, Commission File No. 000-26176).***
10.6*Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement dated July 10, 2003 between SES Americom Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, filed November 10, 2003, Commission File No. 000-26176).***
10.7*Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, filed May 6, 2004, Commission File No. 000-26176). ***
10.8*Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated October 21, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed March 16, 2005, Commission File No. 000-26176).***
10.9*Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed March 16, 2005, Commission File No. 000-26176). ***
10.10*Amendment No. 6 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc., DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed March 16, 2005, Commission File No. 000-26176).***
10.11*Form of EchoStar Corporation 2008 Class B CEO Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Amendment No. 1 of EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.12*Form of Satellite Capacity Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to Amendment No. 2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Form 10 filed December 26, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.13*QuetzSat-1 Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 24, 2008, between SES Latin America S.A. and EchoStar 77 Corporation, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807). ***
10.14*QuetzSat-1 Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 24, 2008, between EchoStar 77 Corporation, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation, and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807). ***
10.15*Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.16*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).**
10.17*Amended and Restated EchoStar Corporation 2008 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “2008 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan”) (incorporated by reference to EchoStar Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14, filed March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.18*NIMIQ 5 Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated September 15, 2009, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.19*NIMIQ 5 Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated September 15, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.20*Allocation Agreement, dated August 4, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, filed November 9, 2004, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.21*Form A Amendment to form of Satellite Capacity Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.22*Form B Amendment to Form of Satellite Capacity Agreement between EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.23*EchoStar XVI Satellite Transponder Service Agreement between EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C., effective December 21, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 1, 2010, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.24*Contract between Hughes Network Systems, LLC and Space Systems/Loral, Inc. for the Hughes Jupiter Satellite Program dated June 8, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed August 7, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33040). ***
10.25*Employment Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2005 between Hughes Network Systems, LLC and Pradman Kaul (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed December 5, 2005, Commission File No. 333-130136).**
10.26*Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2016, between 2010 between Hughes Communications, Inc. and Pradman Kaul (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation, filed April 6, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.27*Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2010 between Hughes Communications, Inc. and Pradman Kaul (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hughes Communications, Inc., filed March 7, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33040).**
10.28*Cost Allocation Agreement, dated April 29, 2011, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, filed August 9, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.29*Settlement and Patent License between TiVo Inc. and DISH Network Corporation and EchoStar Corporation, dated as of April 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, filed February 21, 2012, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.30*Receiver Agreement dated January 1, 2012 between Echosphere L.L.C and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. (“2012 Receiver Agreement”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed May 7, 2012, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.31*Second Amendment to 2012 Receiver Agreement, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.32(H)Third Amendment to 2012 Receiver Agreement, dated November 4, 2016.
10.33*Broadcast Agreement dated January 1, 2012 between EchoStar Broadcasting Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed May 7, 2012, Commission File No. 001-33807). ***
10.34(H)First Amendment to Broadcast Agreement, dated November 4, 2016.
10.35*First Amendment to EchoStar XVI Satellite Transponder Service Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2012 between EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed February 20, 2013, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.36*Transaction Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2014, by and among EchoStar Corporation, Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, Alpha Company LLC, DISH Network, L.L.C., DISH Operating L.L.C. and EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.37*Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2014, by and among EchoStar Corporation, Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, DISH Operating L.L.C. and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).***
10.38*Form of Satellite Transponder Service Agreement by and between EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation and DISH Operating L.L.C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 001-33807).
10.39*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive or Director (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to EchoStar Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, filed November 6, 2015, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.40*Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.41*Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Employee (2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.42*Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive (2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2105, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.43*Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Employee (2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.44*Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive (2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807). **
10.45*Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement for 2008 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807). **
10.46*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2008 Stock Incentive Plan — Executive or Director (2011) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to EchoStar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 24, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
10.47*Echostar Corporation Executive Officer Bonus Incentive Plan, dated as of May 4, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar Corporation, filed May 5, 2016, Commission File No. 001-33807).**
21(H)Subsidiaries of EchoStar Corporation.
23(H)Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24(H)Powers of Attorney of Charles W. Ergen, R. Stanton Dodge, Anthony M. Federico, Pradman P. Kaul, Tom A. Ortolf and C. Michael Schroeder.
31.1(H)Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2(H)Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1(I)Section 906 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
99.1(H)Unaudited Condensed Attributed Financial Information and Notes for Hughes Retail Group
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
(H)Filed herewith.
(I)Furnished herewith
*Incorporated by reference.
**Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
***Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment.
****Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. We agree to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit upon request, subject to our right to request confidential treatment of any requested schedule or exhibit.

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
By:/s/ David J. Rayner
David J. Rayner
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Operating Officer, and
Treasurer

Date: February 24, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Michael T. DuganChief Executive Officer, President and DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Michael T. Dugan(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ David J. RaynerExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
David J. RaynerChief Operating Officer and TreasurerFebruary 24, 2017
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
*ChairmanFebruary 24, 2017
Charles W. Ergen
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
R. Stanton Dodge
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Anthony M. Federico
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Pradman P. Kaul
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Tom A. Ortolf
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
C. Michael Schroeder
*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
William David Wade
* By:/s/ Dean A. Manson
Dean A. Manson
Attorney-in-Fact

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Page
Index to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-8

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

EchoStar Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EchoStar Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and the financial statement schedules I and II listed in Item 15. We also have audited EchoStar Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). EchoStar Corporation’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules and an opinion on EchoStar Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

F-2

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EchoStar Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements ta

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