Question

Use the note below from DirecTV’s 2012 annual report to answer the questions.

The following table sets forth the components for "Intangible assets, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of: December 31, 2012 December 31, 2011 Estimated Useful Lives Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net (years) Amount Amortization Amount Amount Amortization Amount (Dollars in Millions) Orbital slots ........ Indefinite $ 432 $432 $ 432 $ — $432 Satellite rights ...... 15 101 110 Subscriber related ..... 5-10 383 402 Dealer network ....... 15 130 117 13 130 Trade name and other ... 5-20 174 46 128 159 37 122 Distribution agreements .. 165 208 22 186 Total intangible assets ... $1,428 $596 $832 $1,441 $909 82 98 353 108 6-20 51428 5596 5832 $1.41 Amortization expense of intangible assets was $95 million in 2012, $136 million in 2011 and $190 million in 2010. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets in each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows: $58 million in 2013. $50 million in 2014, $45 million in 2015, $24 million in 2016, $24 million in 2017 and $199 million thereafter. We performed our annual impairment tests for goodwill and orbital slots in the fourth quarters of 2012, 2011 and 2010. The estimated fair values for each reporting unit and the orbital slots exceeded our carrying values, and accordingly, no impairment losses were recorded during 2012, 2011 or 2010. Additionally, there are no accumulated impairment losses as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

a. Did DirectTV record any impairment of their intangibles for the period ending 12/31/2012 and 12/31/2011? If yes, how much was the impairment and what types of the intangibles were impaired? If no, why not?

b. Assume that DirectTV recognized $20 million impairment charge for its intangibles for the period ending 12/31/2012 (Ignore the actual footnote for this question). How does the impairment charge affect DirectTV’s operating cash flows for the period?

c. Based on the value of Trade names and other, did DirecTV acquire another company during 2012? Justify your answer.

Answer 1

a. DirectTV did not record any impairment of their intangibles for the period ending 12/31/2012 and 12/31/2011. Impairment is done only when the estimated fair value for each reporting unit does not exceed the carrying value.

Impairment Loss = Carrying Value (-) Fair Value of reporting unit

b. Impairment charge is book entry to show the fair value of the reporting unit are lesser than the carrying value and hence recorded. It does not impact the operating cash flow for the period.

c. Based on the change in Gross value of Trade names and other, it shows that $ 15 Million ($174M - $159M) was invested during the year 2012. It is not related to acquisition of a Company as the acquisition of a Company will be reflected as part of Investments in the Financial Statements.