Form 10-Q

(Mark One)
þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
		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: 0-26176

EchoStar Communications Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		88-0336997 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
9601 South Meridian Boulevard Englewood, Colorado (Address of principal executive offices)		80112 (Zip code)

(303) 723-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 þ  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes þ  No o

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

As of October 31, 2005, the Registrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 211,567,477 shares of Class A common stock and 238,435,208 Shares of Class B common stock.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements							i
Item 1.		Financial Statements
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (Unaudited)					1
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited)					2
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited)					3
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)					4
Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations					23
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk					42
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures					44
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings					45
Item 2.		Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds					50
Item 3.		Defaults Upon Senior Securities				None
Item 4.		Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders				None
Item 5.		Other Information				None
Item 6.		Exhibits					51
Signatures							52

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We make “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 throughout this report. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when we describe what we “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect” or “anticipate” will occur and other similar statements), you must remember that our expectations may not turn out to be correct, even though we believe they are reasonable. We do not guarantee that any future transactions or events described herein will happen as described or that they will happen at all. You should read this document completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Whether actual events or results will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

	•		we face intense and increasing competition from satellite and cable television providers; new competitors, including telephone companies, are entering the subscription television business, and new technologies, including video over the internet, are likely to further increase competition;
	•		as technology changes, and in order to remain competitive, we will have to upgrade or replace some, or all, subscriber equipment periodically. We will not be able to pass on to our customers the entire cost of these upgrades;
	•		DISH Network subscriber growth may decrease, subscriber turnover may increase and subscriber acquisition costs may increase;
	•		satellite programming signals have been pirated and will continue to be pirated in the future; pirating could cause us to lose subscribers and revenue, and result in higher costs to us;
	•		we depend on others to produce programming; programming costs may increase beyond our current expectations; we may be unable to obtain or renew programming agreements on acceptable terms or at all; existing programming agreements could be subject to cancellation; foreign programming is increasingly offered on other platforms which could cause our subscriber additions and related revenue to decline and could cause our subscriber turnover to increase;
	•		we depend on the Telecommunications Act of 1996 As Amended (“Communications Act”) and Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) program access rules to secure nondiscriminatory access to programming produced by others, neither of which assure that we have fair access to all programming that we need to remain competitive;
	•		the regulations governing our industry may change;
	•		certain provisions of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004, or SHVERA, may force us to stop offering local channels in certain markets or may force us to incur additional costs to continue offering local channels in certain markets;
	•		our satellite launches may be delayed or fail, or our satellites may fail in orbit prior to the end of their scheduled lives causing extended interruptions of some of the channels we offer;
	•		we currently do not have commercial insurance covering losses incurred from the failure of satellite launches and/or in-orbit satellites we own;
	•		service interruptions arising from technical anomalies on satellites or on-ground components of our direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) system, or caused by war, terrorist activities or natural disasters, may cause customer cancellations or otherwise harm our business;
	•		we are heavily dependent on complex information technologies; weaknesses in our information technology systems could have an adverse impact on our business; we may have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel to maintain our information technology infrastructure;
	•		we rely on key personnel including Charlie W. Ergen, our chairman and chief executive officer, and other executives; we do not maintain “key man” insurance;
	•		we may be unable to obtain needed retransmission consents, FCC authorizations or export licenses, and we may lose our current or future authorizations;
	•		we are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business;

	•		we may be unable to obtain patent licenses from holders of intellectual property or redesign our products to avoid patent infringement;
	•		sales of digital equipment and related services to international direct-to-home service providers may decrease;
	•		we are highly leveraged and subject to numerous constraints on our ability to raise additional debt;
	•		acquisitions, business combinations, strategic partnerships, divestitures and other significant transactions may involve additional uncertainties;
	•		weakness in the global or U.S. economy may harm our business generally, and adverse political or economic developments may occur in some of our markets;
	•		terrorist attacks, the possibility of war or other hostilities, natural and man-made disasters, and changes in political and economic conditions as a result of these events may continue to affect the U.S. and the global economy and may increase other risks;
	•		we periodically evaluate and test our internal control over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Although our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004, and while there has been no material change in our internal control over financial reporting during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, if in the future we are unable to report that our internal control over financial reporting is effective (or if our auditors do not agree with our assessment of the effectiveness of, or are unable to express an opinion on, our internal control over financial reporting), we could lose investor confidence in our financial reports, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price and our business; and
	•		we may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports 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. In this connection, investors should consider the risks described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in other reports we file with the SEC.

In this document, the words “we,” “our” and “us” refer to EchoStar Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. “EDBS” refers to EchoStar DBS Corporation and its subsidiaries.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 

		As of
		September 30,				December 31,
		2005				2004
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,012,522			$	704,560
Marketable investment securities			504,986				451,073
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $10,086 and $9,542, respectively			471,011				478,310
Inventories, net (Note 4)			236,322				271,581
Insurance receivable (Note 6)			—				106,000
Current deferred tax assets (Note 3)			124,483				—
Other current assets			154,400				101,784
Total current assets			2,503,724				2,113,308
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities			67,909				57,552
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,976,462 and $1,560,902, respectively			3,188,589				2,640,168
FCC authorizations			739,326				739,326
Long-term deferred tax assets (Note 3)			514,966				—
Intangible assets, net (Note 8)			235,822				240,186
Other noncurrent assets, net			282,881				238,737
Total assets		$	7,533,217			$	6,029,277
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable		$	290,425			$	247,698
Deferred revenue and other			717,525				757,302
Accrued programming			688,870				604,934
Other accrued expenses			440,417				416,869
Current portion of capital lease and other long-term obligations (Note 9)			45,941				45,062
Total current liabilities			2,183,178				2,071,865
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
5¾% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008			1,000,000				1,000,000
9⅛% Senior Notes due 2009			441,964				446,153
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2010			500,000				500,000
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008			500,000				500,000
5¾% Senior Notes due 2008			1,000,000				1,000,000
6⅜% Senior Notes due 2011			1,000,000				1,000,000
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011			25,000				25,000
6⅝% Senior Notes due 2014			1,000,000				1,000,000
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion (Note 9)			438,217				286,673
Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities			230,033				277,798
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion			6,135,214				6,035,624
Total liabilities			8,318,392				8,107,489
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit):
Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 249,999,640 and 249,028,664 shares issued, 213,287,425 and 217,235,150 shares outstanding, respectively			2,500				2,490
Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 238,435,208 shares issued and outstanding			2,384				2,384
Class C common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding			—				—
Additional paid-in capital			1,865,697				1,764,973
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			3,133				53,418
Accumulated earnings (deficit)			(1,519,562	)			(2,901,477	)
Treasury stock, at cost			(1,139,327	)			(1,000,000	)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)			(785,175	)			(2,078,212	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)		$	7,533,217			$	6,029,277

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

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 

		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2005				2004				2005				2004
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue		$	2,007,592			$	1,733,494			$	5,891,030			$	4,887,506
Equipment sales			98,724				97,777				286,056				260,107
Other			21,905				31,342				70,621				72,509
Total revenue			2,128,221				1,862,613				6,247,707				5,220,122
Costs and Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 12)			986,693				929,008				2,987,023				2,601,450
Satellite and transmission expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 12)			34,239				28,697				98,092				82,259
Cost of sales — equipment			82,906				85,659				234,767				206,543
Cost of sales — other			4,811				11,431				20,623				23,563
Subscriber acquisition costs:
Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 12)			23,641				90,361				95,080				399,246
Other subscriber promotion subsidies			330,690				256,389				855,540				666,167
Subscriber acquisition advertising			48,234				30,354				130,420				93,334
Total subscriber acquisition costs			402,565				377,104				1,081,040				1,158,747
General and administrative			116,250				101,817				342,314				286,761
Non-cash, stock-based compensation			—				—				—				1,180
Depreciation and amortization (Note 12)			208,873				133,973				568,336				358,512
Total costs and expenses			1,836,337				1,667,689				5,332,195				4,719,015
Operating income (loss)			291,884				194,924				915,512				501,107
Other income (expense):
Interest income			12,668				7,868				29,995				34,527
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized			(94,022	)			(92,176	)			(278,396	)			(367,024	)
Gain on insurance settlement (Note 6)			—				—				134,000				—
Other			7,342				(1,516	)			41,424				(13,225	)
Total other income (expense)			(74,012	)			(85,824	)			(72,977	)			(345,722	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			217,872				109,100				842,535				155,385
Income tax benefit (provision), net (Note 3)			(9,008	)			(6,839	)			539,380				(10,694	)
Net income (loss)		$	208,864			$	102,261			$	1,381,915			$	144,691
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share — weighted-average common shares outstanding			451,732				454,556				453,358				467,065
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share — weighted-average common shares outstanding			483,792				457,803				485,536				470,781
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic net income (loss)		$	0.46			$	0.22			$	3.05			$	0.31
Diluted net income (loss)		$	0.46			$	0.22			$	2.92			$	0.31

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

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 

		For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,
		2005				2004
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)		$	1,381,915			$	144,691
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			568,336				358,512
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates			(385	)			(100	)
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments			(46,567	)			6,955
Gain on insurance settlement (Note 6)			(134,000	)			—
Non-cash, stock-based compensation recognized			—				1,180
Deferred tax expense (benefit) (Note 3)			(569,214	)			6,899
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs			4,734				16,593
Change in noncurrent assets			6,845				(91,656	)
Change in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities			(29,197	)			112,206
Other, net			3,919				5,604
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net			185,633				193,700
Net cash flows from operating activities			1,372,019				754,584
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable investment securities			(553,793	)			(1,631,358	)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities			462,490				3,587,163
Purchases of property and equipment			(951,994	)			(638,841	)
Proceeds from insurance settlement (Note 6)			240,000				—
Change in cash reserved for satellite insurance			—				75,664
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities			(16,677	)			(10	)
Asset acquisition			—				(238,610	)
FCC auction deposits			(4,245	)			(26,684	)
Purchase of technology-based intangibles			(25,500	)			—
Purchase of strategic investments			(24,878	)			(6,900	)
Other			(524	)			468
Net cash flows from investing activities			(875,121	)			1,120,892
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of 3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011			—				25,000
Redemption of 9⅜% Senior Notes due 2009			—				(1,423,351	)
Repurchase of 9⅛% Senior Notes due 2009			(4,189	)			(8,847	)
Class A common stock repurchases (Note 10)			(152,464	)			(809,609	)
Repayment of capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable			(41,467	)			(6,268	)
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and Class A common stock issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan			9,184				8,438
Net cash flows from financing activities			(188,936	)			(2,214,637	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			307,962				(339,161	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			704,560				1,290,859
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	1,012,522			$	951,698
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest		$	222,244			$	276,533
Capitalized interest		$	5,264			$	1,947
Cash received for interest		$	23,981			$	48,231
Cash paid for income taxes		$	8,280			$	5,337
Assumption of net operating liabilities in asset acquisition		$	—			$	25,685
Assumption of liabilities and long-term deferred revenue		$	—			$	69,357
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock		$	13,055			$	16,375
Satellite financed under capital lease obligation (Note 9)		$	191,950			$	—
Vendor financing		$	1,940			$	6,519

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

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 

1.     Organization and Business Activities

Principal Business

EchoStar Communications Corporation (“ECC”) is a holding company. Its subsidiaries (which together with ECC are referred to as “EchoStar,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and/or “our”) operate two interrelated business units:

	•		The DISH Network — which provides a direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) subscription television service in the United States; and
	•		EchoStar Technologies Corporation (“ETC”) — which designs and develops DBS set-top boxes, antennae and other digital equipment for the DISH Network. We refer to this equipment collectively as “EchoStar receiver systems.” ETC also designs, develops and distributes similar equipment for international satellite service providers.

Since 1994, we have deployed substantial resources to develop the “EchoStar DBS System.” The EchoStar DBS System consists of our FCC-allocated DBS spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, EchoStar receiver systems, digital broadcast operations centers, customer service facilities, and certain other assets utilized in our operations. Our principal business strategy is to continue developing our subscription television service in the United States to provide consumers with a fully competitive alternative to cable television service.

2.     Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (“2004 10-K”) and all of our other reports filed with the SEC after such date and through the date of this report.

Principles of Consolidation

We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which we have controlling influence. Non-majority owned investments are accounted for using the equity method when we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer. When we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of an issuer, the cost method is used. For entities that are considered variable interest entities we apply the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 46-R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities — An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46-R”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for uncollectible accounts, inventory allowances, self insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, loss contingencies, fair values of financial instruments, fair

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

value of options granted under our stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, capital leases, asset impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, retailer commissions, programming expenses, subscriber lives including those related to our co-branding and other distribution relationships, royalty obligations and smart card replacement obligations. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2005				2004				2005				2004
		(In thousands)
Net income (loss)		$	208,864			$	102,261			$	1,381,915			$	144,691
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(101	)			19				(694	)			(162	)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities			(1,222	)			12,277				(43,161	)			(5,359	)
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)			(5,235	)			(1,342	)			(5,251	)			(34,147	)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities			2,260				—				(1,179	)			—
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	204,566			$	113,215			$	1,331,630			$	105,023

“Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” presented on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consists of the accumulated net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes.

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS 128”) requires entities to present both basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options were exercised and convertible securities were converted to common stock.

The potential dilution from our subordinated notes convertible into common stock was computed using the if-converted method, and the potential dilution from stock options exercisable into common stock was computed using the treasury stock method based on the average market value of our Class A common stock for the period. The following table reflects the basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted net income (loss) per share. Earnings per share amounts for all periods are presented below in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 128.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2005				2004				2005				2004
		(In thousands)
Numerator:
Numerator for basic net income (loss) per share — Net income (loss)		$	208,864			$	102,261			$	1,381,915			$	144,691
Interest on subordinated notes convertible into common shares, net of related tax effect			11,537				—				34,611				—
Numerator for diluted net income (loss) per share		$	220,401			$	102,261			$	1,416,526			$	144,691
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share — weighted-average common shares outstanding			451,732				454,556				453,358				467,065
Dilutive impact of options outstanding			1,695				3,247				1,813				3,716
Dilutive impact of subordinated notes convertible into common shares			30,365				—				30,365				—
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share — weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding			483,792				457,803				485,536				470,781
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic net income (loss)		$	0.46			$	0.22			$	3.05			$	0.31
Diluted net income (loss)		$	0.46			$	0.22			$	2.92			$	0.31
Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of:
5¾% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008			23,100				23,100				23,100				23,100
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2010			6,866				6,866				6,866				6,866
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011			399				399				399				399

As of September 30, 2005, there were approximately 8.0 million outstanding options to purchase shares of Class A common stock not included in the above denominator as their effect is antidilutive. Further, as of September 30, 2005, there were options to purchase approximately 11.4 million shares of our Class A common stock, and rights to acquire approximately 548,000 shares of our Class A common stock (“Restricted Performance Units”), outstanding under our long term incentive plans not included in the above denominator. Vesting of these options and Restricted Performance Units is contingent upon meeting certain longer-term goals which have not yet been achieved, and as a consequence, are not included in the diluted EPS calculation.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

We apply the intrinsic value method of accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations in accounting for our stock-based compensation plans. Under APB 25, we generally do not recognize compensation expense on the grant of options under our stock incentive plans because typically the option terms are fixed and the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. We apply the disclosure only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS 123”).

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which (i) revises SFAS 123 to eliminate the disclosure only provisions of that statement and the alternative to follow the intrinsic value method of accounting under APB 25 and related interpretations, and (ii) requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments, including grants of employee stock options, based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognize that cost in its results of operations over the period during which an employee is required to provide the requisite service in exchange for that award. On April 14, 2005, the SEC deferred the effective date we are required to adopt this statement until January 1, 2006. Companies may elect to apply this statement either prospectively, or on a modified version of retrospective application under which financial statements for prior periods are adjusted on a basis consistent with the pro forma disclosures required for those periods under SFAS 123. We are

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

currently evaluating which transitional provision and fair value methodology we will follow. However, we expect that any expense associated with the adoption of the provisions of SFAS 123(R) will have a material negative impact on our results of operations.

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS 123 and has been determined as if we had accounted for our stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method prescribed by that statement. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period on a straight-line basis. All options are initially assumed to vest. Compensation previously recognized is reversed to the extent applicable to forfeitures of unvested options. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) per share if we had accounted for our stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method:

		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2005				2004				2005				2004
		(In thousands)
Net income (loss), as reported		$	208,864			$	102,261			$	1,381,915			$	144,691
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income (loss), net of related tax effect			—				—				—				1,139
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect			(3,260	)			(6,259	)			(10,585	)			(16,982	)
Pro forma net income (loss)		$	205,604			$	96,002			$	1,371,330			$	128,848
Basic income (loss) per share, as reported		$	0.46			$	0.22			$	3.05			$	0.31
Diluted income (loss) per share, as reported		$	0.46			$	0.22			$	2.92			$	0.31
Pro forma basic income (loss) per share		$	0.46			$	0.21			$	3.02			$	0.28
Pro forma diluted income (loss) per share		$	0.45			$	0.21			$	2.90			$	0.27

For purposes of this pro forma presentation, the fair value of each option was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Consequently, our estimate of fair value may differ from other valuation models. Further, the Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of stock-based compensation awards.

Options to purchase 6.6 million shares pursuant to a long-term incentive plan under our 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1999 LTIP”), and 4.8 million shares pursuant to long-term incentive plans under our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 LTIP”) were outstanding as of September 30, 2005. These options were granted with exercise prices at least equal to the market value of the underlying shares on the dates they were issued. The weighted-average exercise price of these options is $8.95 under our 1999 LTIP and $29.42 under our 2005 LTIP. Further, pursuant to the 2005 LTIP, there were also approximately 548,000 outstanding Restricted Performance Units as of September 30, 2005. Vesting of these options and Restricted Performance Units is contingent upon meeting certain longer-term goals which have not yet been achieved. Consequently, no compensation was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 related to these long-term options and Restricted Performance Units. We will record the related compensation upon the achievement of the performance goals, if ever. This compensation, if recorded, would likely result in material non-cash, stock-based compensation expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

3.     Reversal of Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

Our income tax policy is to record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as operating loss, tax credit and other carry-forwards. We follow the guidelines set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”) regarding the recoverability of any tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and provide any necessary valuation allowances as required. In accordance with SFAS 109, we periodically evaluate our need for a valuation allowance. Determining necessary valuation allowances requires us to make assessments about historical financial information as well as the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities. We had income before taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. We concluded the recoverability of certain of our deferred tax assets is more likely than not, and accordingly, on June 30, 2005, we reversed our recorded valuation allowance for those deferred tax assets that we believe will become realizable in future years, less approximately $144.3 million which includes deferred tax assets expected to be utilized to offset taxable income during the remainder of 2005 and capital loss and other credit carry-forwards which begin to expire in the year 2006. The second quarter 2005 reversal of our valuation allowance resulted in an approximate $592.8 million credit to our provision for income taxes during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, or $1.31 per basic share and $1.22 per diluted share. Further, we reversed an additional net amount of approximately $72.6 million from our remaining recorded tax valuation allowance related to income before taxes generated during the three months ended September 30, 2005. As a result, net income increased by a corresponding amount.

As of September 30, 2005, we had current and long-term net deferred tax assets of approximately $639.4 million compared to a current and long-term net deferred tax liability of approximately $20.1 million as of December 31, 2004. The increase in our current and long-term net deferred tax assets was primarily related to our reduction in the valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets as follows (in thousands):

Valuation Allowance as of December 31, 2004		$	(1,001,974	)
Decrease of valuation allowance for current period deferred tax activity within the tax provision during the nine months ended September 30, 2005			259,098
Valuation allowance offsetting deferred tax asset adjustments for filed returns			(12,205	)
Decrease of valuation allowance for tax-effected changes in stockholders’ equity during the nine months ended September 30, 2005			4,170
Credit to stockholders’ equity related to reversal of valuation allowance			74,261
Credit to provision for income taxes related to reversal of valuation allowance			592,804
Valuation Allowance as of September 30, 2005		$	(83,846	)

If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income through operating results, or if our estimates of expected future taxable income change significantly, a portion or all of our deferred tax assets may have to be reserved through adjustments to net income.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

4.     Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

		As of
		September 30,				December 31,
		2005				2004
		(In thousands)
Finished goods — DBS		$	132,088			$	159,350
Raw materials			77,671				68,144
Work-in-process — service repair			25,439				40,720
Work-in-process			10,813				11,112
Consignment			419				2,644
Inventory allowance			(10,108	)			(10,389	)
Inventories, net		$	236,322			$	271,581

5.     Marketable and Non-Marketable Investment Securities

We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale. We adjust the carrying value of our available-for-sale securities to fair market value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax. Declines in the fair market value of a marketable investment security which are estimated to be “other than temporary” are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair market value of these securities are other than temporary. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, the fair market value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying amount, the historical volatility of the price of each security and any market and company specific factors related to each security. Generally, absent specific factors to the contrary, declines in the fair market value of investments below cost basis for a period of less than six months are considered to be temporary. Declines in the fair market value of investments for a period of six to nine months are evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist which would indicate that such declines are other than temporary. Declines in the fair market value of investments below cost basis for greater than nine months are considered other than temporary and are recorded as charges to earnings, absent specific factors to the contrary.

Some of our investments in marketable securities have declined below our cost. The following table reflects the length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category, where those declines are considered temporary in accordance with our policy:

		As of September 30, 2005
		Less than Six Months								Six to Nine Months								Nine Months or More								Total
		Fair Market				Unrealized				Fair Market				Unrealized				Fair Market				Unrealized				Fair Market				Unrealized
		Value				Loss				Value				Loss				Value				Loss				Value				Loss
		(In thousands)
Government bonds		$	—			$	—			$	19,812			$	(186	)		$	100,878			$	(1,062	)		$	120,690			$	(1,248	)
Corporate equity securities			—				—				50,437				(19,481	)			—				—				50,437				(19,481	)
Total		$	—			$	—			$	70,249			$	(19,667	)		$	100,878			$	(1,062	)		$	171,127			$	(20,729	)
		As of December 31, 2004
Government bonds		$	—			$	—			$	143,928			$	(1,377	)		$	50,759			$	(692	)		$	194,687			$	(2,069	)

Government Bonds. The unrealized losses on our investments in U.S. Treasury obligations and direct obligations of U.S. government agencies were caused by interest rate increases. At September 30,

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

2005 and December 31, 2004, maturities on these government bonds ranged from one to nine months. We have the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity when the Government is required to redeem them at their full face value. Accordingly, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2005 or December 31, 2004.

Corporate Equity Securities. The unrealized loss on our investments in corporate equity securities represents an investment in the marketable common stock of a company in the home entertainment industry. We believe the unrealized loss is generally attributable to market uncertainty surrounding the company’s business outlook. However, after evaluating, among other factors, the company, the length of time the investment has been in a loss position and recent analyst reports, we believe that it is currently undervalued. Although there is significant risk the investment will not recover its full value, we are not aware of any specific factors which indicate the unrealized loss is other than temporary. We continue to evaluate the company’s performance, and if the fair market value of our investment remains below its cost basis as of the year ended December 31, 2005, we will recognize an impairment on this investment as a charge to earnings, absent specific factors to the contrary, in accordance with our policies discussed above.

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had unrealized gains net of related tax effect of approximately $2.2 million and $51.8 million, respectively, as a part of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit).” During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, we did not record any charge to earnings for other than temporary declines in the fair market value of our marketable investment securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, we realized net gains of approximately $8.7 million and net losses of $7.0 million on sales of marketable and non-marketable investment securities, respectively. Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method.

Our approximately $1.585 billion of restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities includes debt and equity securities which we own for strategic and financial purposes. The fair market value of these strategic marketable investment securities aggregated approximately $113.0 million and $174.3 million as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Our portfolio generally, and our strategic investments particularly, have experienced and continue to experience volatility. If the fair market value of our strategic marketable investment securities portfolio does not remain above cost basis or if we become aware of any market or company specific factors that indicate that the carrying value of certain of our strategic marketable investment securities is impaired, we may be required to record charges to earnings in future periods equal to the amount of the decline in fair market value.

We also have strategic equity investments in certain non-marketable securities which are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We account for our unconsolidated equity investments under the equity method or cost method of accounting, or as available-for-sale. These equity securities are not publicly traded and accordingly, it is not practical to regularly estimate the fair value of the investments, however, these investments are subject to an evaluation for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, company business plans and current financial statements, if available, for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investment. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, cash flow concerns, material litigation, violations of debt covenants and changes in business strategy. The fair value of these equity investments is not estimated unless there are identified changes in circumstances that may indicate an impairment exists and are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had $98.1 million and $90.4 million aggregate carrying amount of non-marketable, unconsolidated strategic equity investments, respectively, of which $52.7 million is accounted for under the cost method. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, we did not record any impairment charges with respect to these investments.

We also have a strategic investment in the non-public preferred stock and convertible debt of a public company which is included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The investment is convertible into the issuer’s common shares. We account for the investment at fair value with changes in fair value

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

reported each period as unrealized gains or losses in “Other” income or expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of September 30, 2005, the fair value of the investment was approximately $50.6 million based on the trading price of the issuer’s shares on that date, and we recognized a pre-tax unrealized gain of approximately $40.9 million for the change in the fair value of the investment. Among other factors, as the result of the relatively large number of shares we would hold upon conversion compared to the issuer’s limited public trading volume, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain full value for our investment upon a sale of the common shares.

Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments is dependent on the success of the issuer’s business and ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Since 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 full value for them.

6.     Settlement of EchoStar IV Arbitration

During March 2005, we settled our insurance claim and related claims for accrued interest and bad faith with the insurers of our EchoStar IV satellite for the net amount of $240.0 million. We also retained title to and use of the EchoStar IV satellite. The $134.0 million received in excess of our previously recorded $106.0 million receivable related to this insurance claim was recognized as a “Gain on insurance settlement” in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations during March 2005. We have received all amounts due under the settlement.

7.     Satellites

We presently have nine owned and three leased satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. While we believe that overall our satellite fleet is in general good health, during 2005 and prior periods, certain satellites within our fleet have experienced various anomalies, some of which have had a significant adverse impact on their commercial operation. We currently do not carry insurance for any of our owned in-orbit satellites. We believe we have in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to expeditiously recover transmission of most programming in the event one of our in-orbit satellites fails. However, programming continuity cannot be assured in the event of multiple satellite losses.

Recent developments with respect to certain of our satellites are discussed below.

EchoStar I and II

EchoStar I and II currently operate at the 148 degree orbital location. Each of these Series 7000 class satellites, designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation (“Lockheed”), has 16 transponders that operate at approximately 130 watts of power. While both satellites are currently functioning properly in orbit, similar Lockheed Series 7000 class satellites owned by third parties have experienced total in-orbit failure. While no telemetry or other data indicates EchoStar I or EchoStar II would be expected to experience a similar failure, Lockheed has been unable to conclude these and other Series 7000 satellites will not experience similar failures. EchoStar I and II are each equipped with 24 Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (“TWTA”), of which 16 are required to support full operation on each satellite. Prior to 2005, anomalies left each satellite with 23 usable TWTAs. While we don’t expect a large number of additional TWTAs to fail in any year, it is likely that additional TWTA failures will occur from time to time in the future, and that those failures may impact commercial operation of the satellites.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

EchoStar III

Our EchoStar III satellite was originally designed to operate a maximum of 32 transponders at approximately 120 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at over 230 watts per channel, and the satellite was equipped with a total of 44 TWTAs to provide redundancy. Prior to 2005, nine TWTA pairs failed. During May 2005, an additional TWTA pair failed resulting in a total of 20 failed TWTAs on the satellite to date. As a result, EchoStar III can now operate a maximum of 24 transponders, but due to redundancy switching limitations and specific channel authorizations, it currently can only operate 18 of the 19 FCC authorized frequencies we utilize at the 61.5 degree west orbital location. While we don’t expect a large number of additional TWTAs to fail in any year, it is likely that additional TWTA failures will occur from time to time in the future, and that those failures will further impact commercial operation of the satellite. The TWTA failures have not reduced the remaining estimated useful life of the satellite.

EchoStar IV

During July 2005, we relocated our EchoStar IV satellite from our 157 degree orbital location to a third party Mexican DBS orbital slot located at 77 degrees. During the relocation, EchoStar IV experienced a thruster anomaly which has not impacted commercial operation of the satellite. As previously disclosed, EchoStar IV is only capable of operating six of its 44 transponders and is fully depreciated.

EchoStar V

EchoStar V momentum wheel failures in prior years resulted in increased fuel consumption and caused a minor reduction of spacecraft life. During 2005, we determined those anomalies will reduce the life of EchoStar V more than previously estimated, and as a result, we reduced the estimated remaining useful life of the satellite from approximately seven years to approximately six years effective January 2005. EchoStar V has been utilized as an in-orbit spare since February 2003. On June 30, 2005, the FCC approved our request to use this satellite to provide service to the United States from a third party Canadian DBS orbital slot located at 129 degrees. Due to the increase in fuel consumption resulting from the relocation of EchoStar V from the 119 degree orbital location, and our intent to place it into commercial operation at the 129 degree orbital location, effective July 1, 2005, we further reduced the satellite’s estimated remaining useful life from approximately six years to approximately 40 months. These reductions in estimated remaining useful life during 2005 will increase our depreciation expense related to the satellite by approximately $7.7 million in 2005 and by approximately $15.3 million annually thereafter. Prior to 2005, EchoStar V experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of five solar array strings out of a total of 96 available, reducing solar array power to approximately 95% of its original capacity. During August 2005, EchoStar V lost an additional solar array string. The loss is not expected to impact commercial operation of the satellite or its remaining useful life. There can be no assurance that future anomalies will not further impact the useful life or commercial operation of the satellite.

EchoStar VI

EchoStar VI has a total of 112 solar array strings. Approximately 106 are required to assure full power availability for the estimated 12-year design life of the satellite. Prior to 2005, EchoStar VI lost a total of five solar array strings. During 2005, EchoStar VI experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of 11 additional solar array strings bringing the total number of string losses to 16, and reducing the number of functional solar array strings available to 96. While originally designed to operate a maximum of 32 transponders at approximately 120 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at approximately 240 watts per channel, the solar array anomalies will prevent the use of some of those transponders for the full 12-year design life of the satellite. See discussion of evaluation for impairment below. The solar array anomalies have not impacted commercial operation of the satellite or reduced its estimated useful life below 12 years. There can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause further losses which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

EchoStar VIII

During January 2005, one of the computer components in our EchoStar VIII satellite control electronics experienced an anomaly. The processors were successfully reset, during April 2005, restoring full redundancy in the spacecraft control electronics. In July 2005, a thruster experienced a “bubble” event in a propellant line which caused improper pointing of the satellite resulting in a loss of service. Service was restored within several hours and the thruster is currently operating normally. An investigation of the anomaly is continuing. During February 2005, EchoStar VIII lost a solar array string, reducing solar array power to approximately 99% of its original capacity. Until the root cause of these anomalies are determined, there can be no assurance that a repeat of the July 2005 anomaly, or other anomalies, will not cause further losses which could materially impact its commercial operation, or result in a total loss of the satellite. These and other anomalies previously disclosed have not reduced the 12 year estimated design life of the satellite. We depend on EchoStar VIII to provide local channels to over 40 markets at least until such time as our EchoStar X satellite is successfully launched and placed in operation, which is currently expected during the first half of 2006. In the event that EchoStar VIII experienced a total or substantial failure, we could transmit many, but not all, of those channels from other in-orbit satellites.

Long-Lived Satellite Assets

We account for long-lived satellite assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). SFAS 144 requires a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Based on the guidance under SFAS 144, we evaluate our satellite fleet for recoverability as an asset group. While certain of the anomalies discussed above, and previously disclosed, may be considered to represent a significant adverse change in the physical condition of an individual satellite, based on the redundancy designed within each satellite and considering the asset grouping, these anomalies (none of which caused a loss of service for an extended period) are not considered to be significant events that would require evaluation for impairment recognition pursuant to the guidance under SFAS 144. Should any one satellite be abandoned or determined to have no service potential, the net carrying amount would be written off.

8.     Goodwill and Intangible Assets

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, our identifiable intangibles subject to amortization consisted of the following:

		As of
		September 30, 2005								December 31, 2004
		Intangible				Accumulated				Intangible				Accumulated
		Assets				Amortization				Assets				Amortization
		(In thousands)
Contract-based		$	189,426			$	(25,692	)		$	223,873			$	(46,852	)
Customer relationships			73,298				(27,237	)			73,298				(13,493	)
Technology-based			32,234				(9,567	)			17,181				(17,181	)
Total		$	294,958			$	(62,496	)		$	314,352			$	(77,526	)

Amortization of these intangible assets, recorded on a straight line basis over an average finite useful life primarily ranging from approximately four to twelve years, was $29.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. For all of 2005, the aggregate amortization expense related to these identifiable assets is estimated to be $39.0 million. The aggregate amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $36.7 million for 2006, $36.1 million for 2007, $22.5 million for 2008, $17.7 million for 2009 and $110.3 million thereafter. In addition, we had approximately $3.4 million of goodwill as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 which arose from a 2002 acquisition.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

9.     Capital Lease Obligations

During February 2004, we entered into a satellite service agreement with SES Americom for all of the capacity on a new FSS satellite, AMC-16, which successfully launched during December 2004 and commenced commercial operations in February 2005. In connection with this agreement, we prepaid $29.0 million to SES Americom during 2004. The ten-year satellite service agreement is renewable by us on a year to year basis following the initial term, and provides us with certain rights to replacement satellites. We are required to make monthly payments to SES Americom under this agreement over the next ten years. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13 (“SFAS 13”), we have accounted for this agreement as a capital lease asset by recording approximately $220.9 million as the estimated fair value of the satellite and recording a capital lease obligation in the amount of approximately $191.9 million.

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had approximately $551.7 million and $330.8 million capitalized for the estimated fair value of satellites acquired under capital leases included in “Property and equipment, net,” respectively, with related accumulated depreciation of approximately $39.5 million and zero, respectively. Approximately $13.8 million and $39.5 million of depreciation expense related to these satellites was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and is included in “Depreciation and amortization” in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Future minimum lease payments under our capital lease obligations for our AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites, together with the present value of net minimum lease payments as of September 30, 2005 are as follows:

For the Year Ending December 31,
2005		$	14,460
2006			86,759
2007			86,759
2008			86,759
2009			86,759
Thereafter			432,023
Total minimum lease payments			793,519
Less: Amount representing lease of orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments			(145,945	)
Net minimum lease payments			647,574
Less: Amount representing interest			(205,240	)
Present value of net minimum lease payments			442,334
Less: Current portion			(29,248	)
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations		$	413,086

10.   Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

Common Stock Repurchases

During the third quarter of 2004, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an aggregate of up to an additional $1.0 billion of our Class A common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we purchased approximately 5.3 million shares of our Class A common stock under this plan for approximately $152.5 million.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)
 

11.   Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

Distant Network Litigation

Until July 1998, we obtained feeds of distant broadcast network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX) for distribution to our customers through PrimeTime 24. In December 1998, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami entered a nationwide permanent injunction requiring PrimeTime 24 to shut off distant network channels to many of its customers, and henceforth to sell those channels to consumers in accordance with the injunction.

In October 1998, we filed a declaratory judgment action against ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. We asked the Court to find that our method of providing distant network programming did not violate the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (“SHVIA”) and hence did not infringe the networks’ copyrights. In November 1998, the networks and their affiliate association groups filed a complaint against us in Miami Federal Court alleging, among other things, copyright infringement. The Court combined the case that we filed in Colorado with the case in Miami and transferred it to the Miami Federal Court.

In February 1999, the networks filed a Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Contempt Finding against DirecTV, Inc. in Miami related to the delivery of distant network channels to DirecTV customers by satellite. DirecTV settled that lawsuit with the networks. Under the terms of the settlement between DirecTV and the networks, some DirecTV customers were scheduled to lose access to their satellite-provided distant network channels by July 31, 1999, while other DirecTV customers were to be disconnected by December 31, 1999. Subsequently, substantially all providers of satellite-delivered network programming other than us agreed to this cut-off schedule, although we do not know if they adhered to this schedule.

In April 2002, we reached a private settlement with ABC, Inc., one of the plaintiffs in the litigation, and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. In November 2002, we reached a private settlement with NBC, another of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. During March 2004, we reached a private settlement with CBS, another of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. We have also reached private settlements with many independent stations and station groups. We were unable to reach a settlement with five of the original eight plaintiffs — Fox and the independent affiliate groups associated with each of the four networks.

A trial took place during April 2003 and the District Court issued a final judgment in June 2003. The District Court found that with one exception our current distant network qualification procedures comply with the law. We have revised our procedures to comply with the District Court’s Order. Although the plaintiffs asked the District Court to enter an injunction precluding us from selling any local or distant network programming, the District Court refused. While the plaintiffs did not claim monetary damages and none were awarded, the plaintiffs were awarded approximately $4.8 million in attorneys’ fees. This amount is substantially less than the amount the plaintiffs sought. We asked the Court to reconsider the award and the Court has vacated the fee award. When the award was vacated, the District Court also allowed us an opportunity to conduct discovery concerning the amount of plaintiffs’ requested fees. The parties have agreed to postpone discovery and an evidentiary hearing regarding attorney’s fees until after the Court of Appeals rules on the pending appeal of the Court’s June 2003 final judgment. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of plaintiffs’ outstanding request for fees.

The District Court’s injunction requires us to use a computer model to re-qualify, as of June 2003, all of our subscribers who receive ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox programming by satellite from a market other than the city in which the subscriber lives. The Court also invalidated all waivers historically provided by network stations. These waivers, which have been provided by stations for the past several years through a third party automated system, allow subscribers who believe the computer model improperly disqualified them for distant network channels to

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nonetheless receive those channels by satellite. Further, the District Court terminated the right of our grandfathered subscribers to continue to receive distant network channels.

We believe the District Court made a number of errors and appealed the decision. Plaintiffs cross-appealed. The Court of Appeals granted our request to stay the injunction until our appeal is decided. Oral arguments occurred during February 2004. It is not possible to predict how or when the Court of Appeals will rule on the merits of our appeal. On April 13, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a motion asking the Court of Appeals to vacate the stay of the injunction that was issued in August 2004. We responded on April 25, 2005. It is not possible to predict how or when the Court of Appeals will rule on Plaintiffs’ motion to vacate the stay.

In the event the Court of Appeals upholds the injunction or lifts the stay as plaintiffs now request, and if we do not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, we will attempt to assist subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets. However, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many subscribers would cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. We could be required to terminate distant network programming to all subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their cross-appeal and we are permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result, among other things, in a reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and a temporary increase in subscriber churn.

Superguide

During 2000, Superguide Corp. (“Superguide”) filed suit against us, DirecTV and others in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,038,211 (the ‘211 patent), 5,293,357 (the ‘357 patent) and 4,751,578 (the ‘578 patent) which relate to certain electronic program guide functions, including the use of electronic program guides to control VCRs. Superguide sought injunctive and declaratory relief and damages in an unspecified amount.

On summary judgment, the District Court ruled that none of the asserted patents were infringed by us. These rulings were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. During February 2004, the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the District Court’s findings and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. In July 2005, SuperGuide indicated that it would no longer pursue infringement allegations with respect to the ‘211 and ‘357 patents and those patents have now been dismissed from the suit. We examined the ‘578 patent and believe that it is not infringed by any of our products or services. We will continue to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly electronic programming guide and related features that we currently offer to consumers. The case is stayed pending the District Court’s ruling. A trial date has not been set. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.

In November of 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. filed a lawsuit against us, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in Federal District Court in Denver, Colorado. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the ‘094 patent) and 4,992,066 (the ‘066 patent). The ‘094 patent relates to certain methods and devices for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The ‘066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay television system on removable cards. We examined these patents and believe that they are not infringed by any of our products or services. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast Innovation leaving us as the only defendant.

During January 2004, the judge issued an order finding the ‘066 patent invalid. In August of 2004, the Court ruled the ‘094 invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and Comcast. In August of 2005,

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the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“CAFC”) overturned this finding of invalidity and remanded the case back to the District Court. Charter has filed a petition for rehearing and the CAFC has asked Broadcom to respond to the petition. Our case remains stayed pending resolution of the Charter case. We intend to continue to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

TiVo Inc.

During January 2004, TiVo Inc. (“TiVo”) filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,233,389 (the ‘389 patent). The ‘389 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing what the patent calls “time-warping.” We have examined this patent and do not believe that it is infringed by any of our products or services. During March 2005, the Court denied our motion to transfer this case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The trial has been continued to March 2006 in Marshall, Texas unless TiVo consents to move the trial to Texarkana, Texas for an earlier trial date. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

On April 29, 2005, we filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against TiVo and Humax USA, Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,774,186 (the ‘186 patent), 6,529,685 (the ‘685 patent), 6,208,804 (the ‘804 patent) and 6,173,112 (the ‘112 patent). These patents relate to digital video recorder (“DVR”) technology. Trial is currently scheduled for February 2007.

Acacia

In June 2004, Acacia Media Technologies filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit also named DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, Cox and a number of smaller cable companies as defendants. Acacia is an intellectual property holding company which seeks to license the patent portfolio that it has acquired. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,132,992 (the ‘992 patent), 5,253,275 (the ‘275 patent), 5,550,863 (the ‘863 patent), 6,002,720 (the ‘720 patent) and 6,144,702 (the ‘702 patent). The ‘992, ‘863, ‘720 and ‘702 patents have been asserted against us.

The asserted patents relate to various systems and methods related to the transmission of digital data. The ‘992 and ‘702 patents have also been asserted against several internet adult content providers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On July 12, 2004, that Court issued a Markman ruling which found that the ‘992 and ‘702 patents were not as broad as Acacia had contended.

Acacia’s various patent infringement cases have now been consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District court for the Northern District of California. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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Forgent

In July of 2005, Forgent Networks, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit also named DirecTV, Charter, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cable One and Cox as defendants. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,285,746 ( the ‘746 patent).

The ‘746 patent discloses a video teleconferencing system which utilizes digital telephone lines. We have examined this patent and do not believe that it is infringed by any of our products or services. Trial is currently scheduled for May 2007 in Tyler, Texas. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

California Action

A purported class action relating to the use of terms such as “crystal clear digital video,” “CD-quality audio,” and “on-screen program guide,” and with respect to the number of channels available in various programming packages was filed against us in the California State Superior Court for Los Angeles County in 1999 by David Pritikin and by Consumer Advocates, a nonprofit unincorporated association. The complaint alleges breach of express warranty and violation of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Civil Code Sections 1750, et seq., and the California Business & Professions Code Sections 17500 & 17200. A hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and our motion for summary judgment was held during 2002. At the hearing, the Court issued a preliminary ruling denying the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. However, before issuing a final ruling on class certification, the Court granted our motion for summary judgment with respect to all of the plaintiffs’ claims. The plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of the court’s granting of our motion for summary judgment. During December 2003, the Court of Appeals affirmed in part; and reversed in part, the lower court’s decision granting summary judgment in our favor. Specifically, the Court found there were triable issues of fact whether we may have violated the alleged consumer statutes “with representations concerning the number of channels and the program schedule.” However, the Court found no triable issue of fact as to whether the representations “crystal clear digital video” or “CD quality” audio constituted a cause of action. Moreover, the Court affirmed that the “reasonable consumer” standard was applicable to each of the alleged consumer statutes. Plaintiff argued the standard should be the “least sophisticated” consumer. The Court also affirmed the dismissal of Plaintiffs’ breach of warranty claim. Plaintiff filed a Petition for Review with the California Supreme Court and we responded. During March 2004, the California Supreme Court denied Plaintiff’s Petition for Review. Therefore, the action has been remanded to the trial court pursuant to the instructions of the Court of Appeals. Hearings on class certification were conducted during December 2004 and February 2005. The Court subsequently denied Plaintiff’s motion for class certification. The Plaintiff has appealed this decision. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability.

Retailer Class Actions

During October 2000, two separate lawsuits were filed by retailers in the Arapahoe County District Court in the State of Colorado and the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, respectively, by Air Communication & Satellite, Inc. and John DeJong, et al. on behalf of themselves and a class of persons similarly situated. The plaintiffs are attempting to certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our satellite hardware retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting the Courts to declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge backs, and other compensation. We are vigorously defending against the suits and have asserted a variety of counterclaims. The United States District Court for the District of Colorado stayed the Federal Court action to allow the parties to pursue a comprehensive adjudication of their dispute in the Arapahoe County State Court. John DeJong, d/b/a Nexwave, and Joseph Kelley, d/b/a Keltronics, subsequently intervened in the Arapahoe County Court action as plaintiffs and

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proposed class representatives. We have filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a motion for additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to our motion. The Court granted a limited discovery period which ended November 15, 2004. The Court is hearing discovery related motions and has set a briefing schedule for the motion for summary judgment to begin 30 days after the ruling on those motions. A trial date has not been set. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

StarBand Shareholder Lawsuit

During August 2002, a limited group of shareholders in StarBand, a broadband Internet satellite venture in which we invested, filed an action in the Delaware Court of Chancery against us and EchoBand Corporation, together with four EchoStar executives who sat on the Board of Directors for StarBand, for alleged breach of the fiduciary duties of due care, good faith and loyalty, and also against us and EchoBand Corporation for aiding and abetting such alleged breaches. Two of the individual defendants, Charles W. Ergen and David K. Moskowitz, are members of our Board of Directors. The action stems from the defendants’ involvement as directors, and our position as a shareholder, in StarBand. During July 2003, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss on all counts. The Plaintiffs appealed. On July 21, 2005, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Chancery Court’s judgment.

Enron Commercial Paper Investment Complaint

During October 2001, EchoStar received approximately $40.0 million from the sale of Enron commercial paper to a third party broker. That commercial paper was ultimately purchased by Enron. During November 2003, an action was commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, against approximately 100 defendants, including us, who invested in Enron’s commercial paper. The complaint alleges that Enron’s October 2001 purchase of its commercial paper was a fraudulent conveyance and voidable preference under bankruptcy laws. We dispute these allegations. We typically invest in commercial paper and notes which are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. At the time of our investment in Enron commercial paper, it was considered to be high quality and considered to be a very low risk. The defendants moved the Court to dismiss the case on grounds that Enron’s complaint does not adequately state a legal claim, which motion was denied but is subject to an appeal. It is too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Bank One

During March 2004, Bank One, N.A. (“Bank One”) filed suit against us and one of our subsidiaries, EchoStar Acceptance Corporation (“EAC”), in the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio alleging breach of a duty to indemnify. Bank One alleges that EAC is contractually required to indemnify Bank One for a settlement it paid to consumers who entered private label credit card agreements with Bank One to purchase satellite equipment in the late 1990s. Bank One alleges that we entered into a guarantee wherein we agreed to pay any indemnity obligation incurred by Bank One. During April 2004, we removed the case to federal court in Columbus, Ohio. We deny the allegations and intend to vigorously defend against the claims. We filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint which was granted in part and denied in part. The Court granted our motion, agreeing we did not owe Bank One a duty to defend the underlying lawsuit. However, the Court denied the motion in that Bank One will be allowed to attempt to prove that we owed Bank One a duty to indemnify. The case is currently in discovery. A trial date has not been set. It is too early in the litigation to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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Church Communications Network, Inc.

During August 2004, Church Communications Network, Inc. (“CCN”) filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, asserting causes of action for breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, intentional and reckless misrepresentation, and non-disclosure based on a 2003 contract with us. The action was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The Court permitted CCN to amend its complaint to assert the same claims based on a 2000 contract with us. We have filed motions for summary judgment on all claims in the case. CCN has filed a motion for summary judgment on the issue of liability on its intentional and reckless misrepresentation claim. CCN claims approximately $20.0 million in damages plus punitive damages, attorney fees and costs. Discovery has been concluded but no trial date has been set. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Vivendi

In January 2005, Vivendi Universal, S.A. (“Vivendi”), filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that we have anticipatorily repudiated or are in breach of an alleged agreement between us and Vivendi pursuant to which we are allegedly required to broadcast a music-video channel provided by Vivendi. Vivendi’s complaint seeks injunctive and declaratory relief, and damages in an unspecified amount. On April 12, 2005, the Court granted Vivendi’s motion for a preliminary injunction and directed us to broadcast the music-video channel during the pendency of the litigation. In connection with that order, we have also agreed to provide marketing support to Vivendi during the pendency of the litigation. In the event that the Court ultimately determines that we have a contractual obligation to broadcast the Vivendi music-video channel and that we are in breach of that obligation, we may be required to continue broadcasting the Vivendi music-video channel and may also be subject to substantial damages. We intend to vigorously defend this case.

Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit

During March 2005, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against us, our chairman and chief executive officer Charles W. Ergen and the members of our board of directors in the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the members of our board of directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the matters that were the subject of our Audit Committee’s review, during late 2004 and early 2005, of recordkeeping and internal control issues relating to certain of our vendor and third party relationships. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Other

In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Reauthorization of Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act

We currently offer local broadcast channels in 164 markets across the United States. In 38 of those markets, a second dish is necessary to receive some local channels in the market. SHVERA now requires, among other things, that all local broadcast channels delivered by satellite to any particular market be available from a single dish within 18 months of the law’s December 8, 2004 effective date. Satellite capacity limitations could force us to move the local channels in all 38 markets to different satellites, requiring subscribers in those markets to install a second or a different dish to continue receiving their local network channels. We may be forced to stop offering local channels in some of those markets altogether.

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The transition of all local channels to the same dish could result in disruptions of service for a substantial number of our customers. Further, our ability to timely comply with this requirement without incurring significant additional costs is dependent on, among other things, the successful launch and commencement of commercial operations of our EchoStar X satellite during the first half of 2006 and continued operation of our EchoStar V satellite at the 129 degree orbital location until that time. Delays in launch or commencement of commercial operation of EchoStar X would likely require us to cease offering local channels by satellite in many markets absent regulatory relief from the single dish obligation. Further, if regulatory or operational impediments to our preferred transition plan arise, it is possible that the costs of compliance with this requirement could exceed $100.0 million. To the extent subscribers are unwilling for any reason to upgrade to a new dish, our subscriber churn could be negatively impacted. It is too early to make a firm determination of the cost of compliance.

12.   Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the following:

		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2005				2004				2005				2004
		(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers		$	116,431			$	58,939			$	298,460			$	144,274
Satellites			50,982				33,640				144,941				100,921
Furniture, fixtures and equipment			30,485				27,659				89,536				81,270
Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization			9,171				11,724				29,864				23,590
Buildings and improvements			1,712				1,155				4,096				3,425
Tooling and other			92				856				1,439				5,032
Total depreciation and amortization		$	208,873			$	133,973			$	568,336			$	358,512

Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations do not include depreciation expense related to satellites or equipment leased to customers.

13.   Segment Reporting

Financial Data by Business Unit

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”) establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements of public business enterprises and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker(s) of an enterprise. Under this definition, we currently operate as two business units. The “All Other” category consists of revenue and net income (loss) from other operating segments for which the disclosure requirements of SFAS 131 do not apply.

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		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2005				2004				2005				2004
		(In thousands)
Revenue
DISH Network		$	2,057,768			$	1,800,342			$	6,045,833			$	5,071,892
ETC			40,730				36,913				130,918				79,650
All other			32,762				27,635				79,666				74,760
Eliminations			(3,039	)			(2,277	)			(8,710	)			(6,180	)
Total revenue		$	2,128,221			$	1,862,613			$	6,247,707			$	5,220,122
Net income (loss)
DISH Network		$	198,044			$	100,967			$	1,361,106			$	146,284
ETC			(4,538	)			(9,336	)			(9,617	)			(22,674	)
All other			15,358				10,630				30,426				21,081
Total net income (loss)		$	208,864			$	102,261			$	1,381,915			$	144,691

14.   Related Party

We own 50% of NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our exclusive provider of security access devices. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we purchased approximately $104.7 million of security access devices from NagraStar. As of September 30, 2005, we were committed to purchase approximately $69.4 million of security access devices from NagraStar.

15.   Subsequent Events

Cablevision Satellite Acquisition

On October 12, 2005, the FCC approved our purchase for $200.0 million of certain satellite assets from Rainbow DBS Co., a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. We have agreed to purchase Rainbow 1, a direct broadcast satellite located at 61.5 degrees west longitude, together with rights to 11 DBS frequencies at that location. The satellite includes 13 transponders, up to 12 of which can be operated in “spot beam” mode. Also, as part of this transaction, which is expected to close during the fourth quarter 2005, we will acquire ground facilities and related assets in Black Hawk, S.D.

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS

Subscriber-related revenue. “Subscriber-related revenue” consists principally of revenue from basic, movie, local, international and pay-per-view subscription television services, advertising sales, DVR fees, equipment rental fees and additional outlet fees from subscribers with multiple set-top boxes and other subscriber revenue. Contemporaneous with the commencement of sales of co-branded services pursuant to our agreement with SBC Communications, Inc. (“SBC”) during the first quarter of 2004, “Subscriber-related revenue” also includes revenue from equipment sales, installation and other services related to that agreement. Revenue from equipment sales to SBC is deferred and recognized over the estimated average co-branded subscriber life. Revenue from installation and certain other services performed at the request of SBC is recognized upon completion of the services.

Development and implementation fees received from SBC are being recognized in “Subscriber-related revenue” over the next several years. In order to estimate the amount recognized monthly, we first divide the number of co-branded subscribers activated during the month under the SBC agreement by total estimated co-branded subscriber activations during the life of the contract. We then multiply this percentage by the total development and implementation fees received from SBC. The resulting estimated monthly amount is recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated average co-branded subscriber life.

Equipment sales. “Equipment sales” consist of sales of non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components by our ETC subsidiary to an international DBS service provider, and by our EchoStar International Corporation (“EIC”) subsidiary to international customers. “Equipment sales” also include unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers. “Equipment sales” does not include revenue from sales of equipment to SBC.

“Other” sales. “Other” sales consist principally of revenues from subscription and satellite services from the C-band subscription television service business of Superstar/Netlink Group L.L.C. (“SNG”) that we acquired in April 2004.

Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” principally include programming expenses, costs incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, overhead costs associated with our installation business, copyright royalties, residual commissions paid to retailers or distributors, billing, lockbox, subscriber retention and other variable subscriber expenses. Contemporaneous with the commencement of sales of co-branded services pursuant to our agreement with SBC during the first quarter of 2004, “Subscriber-related expenses” also include the cost of sales from equipment sales and expenses related to installation and other services from that relationship. Cost of sales from equipment sales to SBC are deferred and recognized over the estimated average co-branded subscriber life. Expenses from installation and certain other services performed at the request of SBC are recognized as the services are performed.

Satellite and transmission expenses. “Satellite and transmission expenses” include costs associated with the operation of our digital broadcast centers, the transmission of local channels, satellite telemetry, tracking and control services, satellite and transponder leases, and other related services.

Cost of sales — equipment. “Cost of sales — equipment” principally includes costs associated with non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components sold by our ETC subsidiary to an international DBS service provider and by our EIC subsidiary to international customers. “Cost of sales — equipment” also include unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers. “Cost of sales — equipment” does not include the costs from sales of equipment to SBC.

Cost of sales — other. “Cost of sales — other” principally includes costs related to satellite services and programming and other expenses associated with the C-band subscription television service business of SNG we acquired in April 2004.

Subscriber acquisition costs. We generally subsidize installation of EchoStar receiver systems and lease receivers in order to attract new DISH Network subscribers. Our “Subscriber acquisition costs” include the cost of EchoStar receiver systems sold to retailers and other distributors of our equipment, the cost of receiver systems sold directly by us to subscribers, net costs related to our promotional incentives, and costs related to installation and acquisition advertising. We exclude the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers from

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued

 

“Subscriber acquisition costs.” We also exclude payments we receive in connection with equipment that is not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers, and the value of equipment returned to the extent we make that equipment available for sale rather than redeploying it through the lease program from our calculation of “Subscriber acquisition costs.”

SAC and Equivalent SAC. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating “subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation,” or SAC, and believe presentations of SAC may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate SAC by dividing the amount of our expense line item “Subscriber acquisition costs” for a period, by our gross new DISH Network subscribers added during that period. We include all new DISH Network subscribers in our calculation, including DISH Network subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition costs. To calculate “Equivalent SAC,” we add the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers to the expense line item “Subscriber acquisition costs,” subtract certain offsetting amounts, and divide the result by our gross new subscriber number. These offsetting amounts include payments we receive in connection with equipment that is not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers, and the value of equipment returned to the extent we make that equipment available for sale rather than redeploying it through the lease program.

General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” primarily include employee-related costs associated with administrative services such as legal, information systems, accounting and finance. It also includes outside professional fees (i.e. legal and accounting services) and building maintenance expense and other items associated with administration.

Interest expense. “Interest expense” primarily includes interest expense, prepayment premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with our senior debt and convertible subordinated debt securities (net of capitalized interest) and interest expense associated with our capital lease obligations.

“Other” income (expense). The main components of “Other” income and expense are unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value of non-marketable strategic investments accounted for at fair value, equity in earnings and losses of our affiliates, gains and losses realized on the sale of investments, and impairment of marketable and non-marketable investment securities.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA is defined as “Net income (loss)” plus “Interest expense” net of “Interest income,” “Taxes” and “Depreciation and amortization.”

DISH Network subscribers. We include customers obtained through direct sales, and through our retail networks, including our co-branding relationship with SBC and other distribution relationships, in our DISH Network subscriber count. We believe our overall economic return for co-branded and traditional subscribers will be comparable. We also provide DISH Network service to hotels, motels and other commercial accounts. For certain of these commercial accounts, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by an amount approximately equal to the retail price of our most widely distributed programming package, AT60 (but taking into account, periodically, price changes and other factors), and include the resulting number, which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our DISH Network subscriber count.

During April 2004, we acquired the C-band subscription television service business of SNG, the assets of which primarily consist of acquired customer relationships. Although we are converting some of these customer relationships from C-band subscription television services to our DISH Network DBS subscription television service, acquired C-band subscribers are not included in our DISH Network subscriber count unless they have also subscribed to our DISH Network DBS television service.

Monthly average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”). We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating ARPU and believe presentations of ARPU may not be calculated consistently by other companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, by dividing average monthly “Subscriber-related revenues” for the period (total “Subscriber-related revenue” during the period divided by the number of months in the period) by our average DISH Network subscribers for the period. Average DISH Network subscribers are calculated for the period by adding the average DISH Network subscribers for each month and dividing by the number of months in the period. Average DISH Network subscribers for each month are calculated by adding the beginning and ending DISH Network subscribers for the month and dividing by two.

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued

 

Subscriber churn/subscriber turnover. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating subscriber churn and believe presentations of subscriber churn may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate percentage monthly subscriber churn by dividing the number of DISH Network subscribers who terminate service during each month by total DISH Network subscribers as of the beginning of that month. We calculate average subscriber churn for any period by dividing the number of DISH Network subscribers who terminated service during that period by the average number of DISH Network subscribers subject to churn during the period, and further dividing by the number of months in the period. Average DISH Network subscribers subject to churn during the period are calculated by adding the DISH Network subscribers as of the beginning of each month in the period and dividing by the total number of months in the period.

Free cash flow. We define free cash flow as “Net cash flows from operating activities” less “Purchases of property and equipment,” as shown on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Impact on metrics of revised SBC agreement. We recently modified and extended our distribution and sales agency agreement with SBC. We believe our overall economic return will be similar under both arrangements. However, the impact of subscriber acquisition on many of our line item business metrics was substantially different under the prior SBC agreement, compared to most other sales channels (including the revised SBC agreement).

Among other things, our “Subscriber-related revenue” will be impacted in a number of respects. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2005, new subscribers acquired under our SBC agreement will no longer generate equipment sales, installation or other services revenue. However, our programming services revenue will be greater for subscribers acquired under the revised SBC agreement.

Deferred equipment sales revenue relating to subscribers acquired through our prior SBC agreement will continue to have a positive impact on “Subscriber-related revenue” over the estimated average life of those subscribers. Further, development and implementation fees received from SBC will continue to be recognized over the estimated average subscriber life of all subscribers acquired under both the previous and revised agreements with SBC.

The changes to our agreement with SBC will also impact ARPU. The magnitude of that impact, and whether ARPU increases or decreases during particular future periods, will depend on the timing and number of subscribers acquired pursuant to the modified agreement with SBC.

Under the revised SBC agreement, we will include costs from equipment and installations in “Subscriber acquisition costs” or in capital expenditures, rather than in “Subscriber-related expenses.” To the extent all other factors remain constant, this will tend to improve operating margins. We will continue to include in “Subscriber-related expenses” the costs deferred from equipment sales made to SBC. These costs will be amortized over the life of the subscribers acquired under the previous SBC agreement.

Since equipment and installation costs previously reflected in “Subscriber-related expenses” will be included in “Subscriber acquisition costs” or in capital expenditures under the revised agreement, to the extent all other factors remain constant, the revised SBC agreement will also cause increases in “Subscriber acquisition costs,” SAC and Equivalent SAC. This will tend to negatively impact free cash flow in the short term if substantial additional subscribers are added through SBC in the future, but we believe that free cash flow will improve over time since better operating margins are expected from those customers under the terms of the revised SBC agreement. We also expect that the historical negative impact on subscriber turnover from subscribers acquired pursuant to our agreement with SBC will decline.

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004.

		For the Three Months
		Ended September 30,								Variance
Statements of Operations Data		2005				2004				Amount				%
		(In thousands)
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue		$	2,007,592			$	1,733,494			$	274,098				15.8	%
Equipment sales			98,724				97,777				947				1.0	%
Other			21,905				31,342				(9,437	)			(30.1	%)
Total revenue			2,128,221				1,862,613				265,608				14.3	%
Costs and Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses			986,693				929,008				57,685				6.2	%
% of Subscriber-related revenue			49.1	%			53.6	%
Satellite and transmission expenses			34,239				28,697				5,542				19.3	%
% of Subscriber-related revenue			1.7	%			1.7	%
Cost of sales — equipment			82,906				85,659				(2,753	)			(3.2	%)
% of Equipment sales			84.0	%			87.6	%
Cost of sales — other			4,811				11,431				(6,620	)			(57.9	%)
Subscriber acquisition costs			402,565				377,104				25,461				6.8	%
General and administrative			116,250				101,817				14,433				14.2	%
% of Total revenue			5.5	%			5.5	%
Depreciation and amortization			208,873				133,973				74,900				55.9	%
Total costs and expenses			1,836,337				1,667,689				168,648				10.1	%
Operating income (loss)			291,884				194,924				96,960				49.7	%
Other income (expense):
Interest income			12,668				7,868				4,800				61.0	%
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized			(94,022	)			(92,176	)			(1,846	)			2.0	%
Other			7,342				(1,516	)			8,858			NM
Total other income (expense)			(74,012	)			(85,824	)			11,812				(13.8	%)
Income (loss) before income taxes			217,872				109,100				108,772				99.7	%
Income tax benefit (provision), net			(9,008	)			(6,839	)			(2,169	)			31.7	%
Net income (loss)		$	208,864			$	102,261			$	106,603				104.2	%
Other Data:
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions)			11.710				10.475				1.235				11.8	%
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions)			0.900				0.895				0.005				0.6	%
DISH Network subscriber additions, net (in millions)			0.255				0.350				(0.095	)			(27.1	%)
Monthly churn percentage			1.86	%			1.77	%			0.09	%			5.1	%
Average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”)		$	57.78			$	56.11			$	1.67				3.0	%
Average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“SAC”)		$	447			$	421			$	26				6.2	%
Equivalent average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“Equivalent SAC”)		$	670			$	588			$	82				13.9	%
EBITDA		$	508,099			$	327,381			$	180,718				55.2	%

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued

DISH Network subscribers. As of September 30, 2005, we had approximately 11.710 million DISH Network subscribers compared to approximately 10.475 million subscribers at September 30, 2004, an increase of approximately 11.8%. DISH Network added approximately 900,000 gross new subscribers for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to approximately 895,000 gross new subscribers during the same period in 2004, an increase of approximately 5,000 gross new subscribers. The increase in gross new subscribers resulted from a number of factors, including an increase in sales through our agency relationships and an increase in our distribution channels, partially offset by a decline in gross activations under our co-branding agreement with SBC. A substantial majority of our gross new subscriber additions are acquired through our equipment lease program.

DISH Network added approximately 255,000 net new subscribers for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to approximately 350,000 net new subscribers during the same period in 2004, a decrease of approximately 27.1%. This decrease was primarily a result of increased subscriber churn on a larger subscriber base, and the estimated impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita discussed below. In addition, even if percentage subscriber churn had remained constant or had declined, increasing numbers of gross new subscribers are required to sustain net subscriber growth.

During August and September 2005, hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused damage to significant portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas. While many of our customers in the impacted areas whom we have not been able to contact remain current in their payments to us, we have estimated the number of these customers we believe are unlikely to continue as subscribers and have reflected that estimate in churn and subscriber counts for the quarter. Although we continue to assess the potential impact of these hurricanes, and hurricane Wilma, on our subscriber base, we currently do not expect lost revenue or additional expenses incurred as a result of these storms to have a material affect on our overall financial position.

During the first half of 2005, SBC shifted its DISH Network marketing and sales efforts to focus on limited geographic areas and customer segments. As a result of SBC’s de-emphasized sales of DISH Network services, a decreasing percentage of our new subscriber additions are derived from our relationship with SBC. SBC also previously announced that in 2005 it will begin deploying an advanced fiber network that will enable it to offer video services directly, and other regional bell operating companies have announced similar plans. While it is possible that the fourth quarter 2005 revision to our SBC agreement may drive increased subscriber growth, our net new subscriber additions and certain of our other key operating metrics could continue to be adversely affected to the extent SBC further de-emphasizes, or discontinues altogether, its efforts to acquire DISH Network subscribers, and as a result of competition from video services offered by SBC or other regional bell operating companies.

Our net new subscriber additions would also be negatively impacted to the extent existing or new competitors offer more attractive consumer promotions, including, among other things, better priced or more attractive programming packages or more compelling consumer electronic products and services, including advanced DVRs, video on demand services, and high definition television services or additional local channels. Many of our competitors are also better equipped than we are to offer video services bundled with other telecommunications services such as telephone and broadband data services, including wireless services.

Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Network “Subscriber-related revenue” totaled $2.008 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $274.1 million or 15.8% compared to the same period in 2004. This increase was directly attributable to continued DISH Network subscriber growth and the increase in “ARPU” discussed below.

ARPU. Monthly average revenue per subscriber was approximately $57.78 during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and approximately $56.11 during the same period in 2004. The $1.67 or 3.0% increase in ARPU is primarily attributable to price increases in February 2005 on some of our most popular packages, higher equipment rental fees resulting from increased penetration of our equipment leasing programs, increased availability of local channels by satellite and fees for DVRs. This increase was partially offset by a greater number of new DISH Network subscribers receiving subsidized programming through our free and discounted programming promotions discussed below.

During May 2005, we introduced a promotion which offers new Digital Home Advantage lease program subscribers our “America’s Top 180” package for $19.99 for each of the first three months of service. Effective June 2005, the promotion was modified to provide a $12.00 discount per month on qualifying programming packages, together

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued

with free HBO and Showtime programming, for each of the first three months of service. The promotion, which continued through August 15, 2005, required a one year minimum programming commitment. Our ARPU has been, and will continue to be, negatively impacted during 2005 as a result of DISH Network subscribers acquired under this promotion.

During August 2005, we introduced a promotion which offers new Digital Home Advantage lease program subscribers a free month of qualifying programming, three free months of HBO, Showtime and Cinemax programming, and a free DVR upgrade. Further, in exchange for an 18 month minimum programming commitment, new lease program subscribers receive a credit of the one-time set-up fee of $49.99. Effective November 3, 2005, instead of one month free, new lease program subscribers can elect to receive a $12.00 discount for the first three months of service on qualifying programming. These promotions will continue through at least January 31, 2006. As a result, our ARPU has been, and will continue to be, negatively impacted during 2005 and into 2006 as we acquire new DISH Network subscribers under these promotions.

Impacts from our litigation with the networks in Florida, FCC rules governing the delivery of superstations and other factors could cause us to terminate delivery of network channels and superstations to a substantial number of our subscribers, which could cause many of those customers to cancel their subscription to our other services. In the event the Court of Appeals upholds the Miami District Court’s network litigation injunction, and if we do not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, we will attempt to assist subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets. However, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many subscribers might ultimately cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. We could be required to terminate distant network programming to all subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their cross-appeal and we are permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result in, among other things, a reduction in ARPU and a temporary increase in subscriber churn.

Equipment sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2005, “Equipment sales” totaled $98.7 million, an increase of $0.9 million or 1.0% compared to the same period during 2004. This increase principally resulted from an increase in sales of non-DISH Network digital receivers to an international DBS service provider and to other international customers, partially off-set by a decrease in sales of DBS accessories domestically.

Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” totaled $986.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $57.7 million or 6.2% compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in “Subscriber-related expenses” was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers, which resulted in increased expenses to support the DISH Network. The increase was partially offset by a $35.1 million non-recurring vendor credit. “Subscriber-related expenses” represented 49.1% and 53.6% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in this expense to revenue ratio primarily resulted from the increase in “Subscriber-related revenue” and the vendor credit discussed above, and an increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers participating in our lease program for existing subscribers. Since certain subscriber retention costs associated with our lease program are capitalized rather than expensed, our “Subscriber-related expenses” decreased and our capital expenditures increased. To a lesser extent, the decrease in the ratio also resulted from reduced costs associated with our installation and in-home service operations, partially offset by increases in certain of our programming costs during the three months ended September 30, 2005. In addition, the quarter ended September 30, 2004 was positively impacted by approximately $21.0 million of accrual reductions. The ratio of “Subscriber-related expenses” to “Subscriber-related revenue” could increase if our programming costs increase at a greater rate than our “Subscriber-related revenue,” if we are unable to continue to maintain or improve efficiencies related to our installation, in-home service and call center operations, or if a significant number of our existing subscribers desire to purchase rather than lease upgraded equipment.

Our “Subscriber-related expenses” and capital expenditures related to our lease program for existing subscribers may materially increase in the future to the extent that we upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, we introduce other more aggressive promotions, or for other reasons. See further discussion under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Subscriber Acquisition and Retention Costs.”

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued

Satellite and transmission expenses. “Satellite and transmission expenses” totaled $34.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005, a $5.5 million or 19.3% increase compared to the same period in 2004. This increase primarily resulted from commencement of service and operational costs associated with the increasing number of markets in which we offer local network channels by satellite discussed below, and operational costs associated with our capital leases of AMC-15 and AMC-16 which commenced commercial operations in January and February 2005, respectively. “Satellite and transmission expenses” totaled 1.7% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during each of the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. These expenses will increase further in the future as we increase the size of our satellite fleet, if we obtain in-orbit satellite insurance, as we increase the number and operations of our digital broadcast centers and as additional local markets and other programming services are launched.

Cost of sales — equipment. “Cost of sales — equipment” totaled $82.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of $2.8 million or 3.2% compared to the same period in 2004. Cost of sales — equipment” represented 84.0% and 87.6% of “Equipment sales,” during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The improvement in the expense to revenue ratio principally related to lower 2005 charges for slow moving and obsolete inventory and higher margins on sales to international customers. This improvement was partially offset by a decline in margins on sales to an international DBS service provider, and on sales of DBS accessories domestically.

Subscriber acquisition costs. “Subscriber acquisition costs” totaled approximately $402.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $25.5 million, or 6.8%, compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in “Subscriber acquisition costs” was attributable to an increase in the number of non co-branded subscribers acquired during the three months ended September 30, 2005, partially offset by a greater percentage of DISH Network subscribers participating in our equipment lease program for new subscribers as compared to the same period during 2004.

SAC and Equivalent SAC. Subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation were approximately $447 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and approximately $421 during the same period in 2004, an increase of $26 or 6.2%. Most of the factors contributing to the increase in Equivalent SAC during the three months ended September 30, 2005, as discussed below, also placed increasing pressure on SAC. However, those factors were partially offset by the greater percentage of new DISH Network subscribers choosing to lease equipment, rather than purchase subsidized equipment.

Equivalent SAC was approximately $670 during the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $588 during the same period in 2004, an increase of $82, or 13.9%. This increase was primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of co-branded subscribers acquired during 2005, a greater number of SuperDISH installations, and more DISH Network subscribers activating higher priced advanced products, such as receivers with multiple tuners, DVRs and high definition receivers. Activation of these more advanced and complex products also resulted in higher installation costs during 2005 as compared to 2004. The increase in Equivalent SAC was also attributable to higher costs for acquisition advertising, and promotional incentives paid to our independent dealer network. The value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers totaled approximately $225.0 million and $165.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

During the three months ended September 30, 2005, the percentage of our new subscribers choosing to lease rather than purchase equipment continued to increase compared to the three months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in leased equipment and related reduction in subsidized equipment sales caused our capital expenditures to increase, while our “Subscriber acquisition costs” and SAC declined.

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued

The increase in capital expenditures resulting from our equipment lease program for new subscribers has been, and we expect it will continue to be, partially mitigated by, among other things, the redeployment of equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers. However, to remain competitive we will have to upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, and the associated costs may be substantial. To the extent technological changes render existing equipment obsolete, we would cease to benefit from the Equivalent SAC reduction associated with redeployment of that returned lease equipment.

Several years ago we began deploying satellite receivers capable of exploiting 8PSK modulation technology. Since that technology is now standard in all of our new satellite receivers, our cost to migrate programming channels to that technology in the future will be substantially lower than if it were necessary to replace all existing consumer equipment.

As we implement 8PSK technology, bandwidth efficiency will improve, significantly increasing the number of programming channels we can transmit over our existing satellites as an alternative or supplement to the acquisition of additional spectrum or the construction of additional satellites. New channels we add to our service using only that technology may allow us to further reduce conversion costs and create additional revenue opportunities. Similarly beginning in late 2005 or early 2006, we intend to make MPEG-4 technology standard in all satellite receivers for new customers who subscribe to our high definition programming packages. This technology will result in further bandwidth efficiencies over time. We have not yet determined the extent to which we will convert the EchoStar DBS System to these new technologies, or the period of time over which the conversions will occur. Provided EchoStar X launches successfully during 2006 and other planned satellites are successfully deployed, our 8PSK transition will afford us greater flexibility in delaying and reducing the costs to convert our subscriber base to MPEG-4.

While we may be able to generate increased revenue from such conversions, the deployment of equipment including new technologies will increase the cost of our consumer equipment, at least in the short term. To the extent we subsidize those costs, SAC and Equivalent SAC will increase as well. However, the increases in these costs would be mitigated by, among other things, our expected migration away from relatively expensive and complex SuperDISH installations (assuming successful launch of our EchoStar X satellite and the continued availability of our other in-orbit satellites). These increases may also be mitigated to the extent we successfully redeploy existing set-top boxes and implement other SAC reduction strategies.

Our “Subscriber acquisition costs,” both in the aggregate and on a per new subscriber activation basis, may materially increase to the extent that we introduce more aggressive promotions in the future, or for other reasons. See further discussion under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Subscriber Acquisition and Retention Costs.”

General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” totaled $116.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $14.4 million or 14.2% compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in “General and administrative expenses” was primarily attributable to increased personnel and infrastructure expenses to support the growth of the DISH Network. “General and administrative expenses” represented 5.5% of “Total revenue” during each of the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

Depreciation and amortization. “Depreciation and amortization” expense totaled $208.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005, a $74.9 million or 55.9% increase compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in “Depreciation and amortization” expense was primarily attributable to additional depreciation of equipment leased to subscribers resulting from increased penetration of our equipment lease programs. Further, depreciation of our AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites, which commenced commercial operations during January and February 2005, respectively, contributed to this increase.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA was $508.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $180.7 million or 55.2% compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in EBITDA was primarily attributable to the changes in operating revenues and expenses discussed above. EBITDA does not include the impact of capital expenditures under our new and existing subscriber equipment lease programs of approximately $248.9 million and $187.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements:

		For the Three Months
		Ended September 30,
		2005				2004
		(In thousands)
EBITDA		$	508,099			$	327,381
Less:
Interest expense, net			81,354				84,308
Income tax provision (benefit), net			9,008				6,839
Depreciation and amortization			208,873				133,973
Net income (loss)		$	208,864			$	102,261