By Relmor Demitrius -

Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) had a slew of news hit the newswires on Friday.  They were added to the NASDAQ Q-50 index and refinanced 800 million in restrictive debt.  First news reported was that Sirius XM was offering 550 million dollars in notes that would be used to repay their 2005 500 million dollar bond issue, at 9 5/8%.  This was welcome news to Sirius XM investors, as it took down a large bond maturity year of over 1.8 billion dollars in 2013 to 1.3 billion dollars.  This reinforces investors views that the company would no longer be caught like it did in 2009, with more debt due than could possible be paid off with cash on hand.  As reported last week by KOAT, we predicted that Sirius XM would be removing these exact bonds in a matter of maybe days.  This proved to be true.  Then the results of the offering came in later that day.

Instead of receiving 550 million dollars, due to strong demand for Sirius XM debt, they were able to raise 800 million dollars instead, a full 250 million dollars more than they originally asked for.  Due to the increased amount garnered from the offering, Sirius XM stated they would use the added money to remove a 2012 senior secured loan that had very restrictive bond covenants on them, and limited Sirius XM’s ability in their corporate structure or just general plans moving forward.  These two debts being removed seemed odd at first to be targeting.  I mean, the loan has under 3% interest on it, and other bond debt had higher rates, or was due sooner.  That is until you look closer.

We find out that the 2005 and the 2012 loan had similar debt restrictions on them hindering the company’s ability to be flexible in multiple areas going forward.  This is from their filings on the loan.

“The Senior Secured Term Loan contains customary affirmative covenants and event of default provisions. The negative covenants contained in the Senior Secured Term Loan are substantially similar to those contained in the indenture governing SIRIUS’ 9 5 / 8 % Senior Notes due 2013. ”

Interesting.  In the filing on the loan, it actually mentions specifically these bonds due in 2005.  Well let’s see what bond covenants are on the debt and see if we can’t ascertain Sirius XM’s intentions here. (more…)

And so, as usual,  Sirius/XM (Siri) has spiked through resistance just before earnings to reach the next plateau before then settling 30% – ish from its peak. And as usual the analysts come scurrying out like cockroaches to say it’s overvalued, the sky is falling, beware beware , blah blah blah. It’s all a broken record. More to the point, who really cares? All of the posturing and political backstabbing that has (and probably still is) occurred boils down to a couple of satellite radio start-ups who dared to take on terrestrial radio.  I don’t think any of us can fully comprehend the death grip that companies like Clear Channel (more…)

By Relmor Demitrius

With a possible historic profitable conference call now around a week away, shares of Sirius XM Radio (Nasdaq:SIRI) are finally trading over the $1 mark for the first time in over 1 year.  This is welcome news to Sirius XM long term investors, as the chance to avoid a reverse split is now within reach.  Stock still has plenty of time to log 10 trading days over $1 before the March 15th date, even removing the need for the company to file an exception request, which Sirius XM has hinted at they would very well do if so needed. 

No specific news relating to this recent move, but a steady combination of news events has allowed reality to begin to settle in on the stock price of late.  With most EBITDA evaluations coming in way over the current trading price, any up move in this stock is not surprising.  With recent S&P corporate credit rating upgrades, Blackberry application release, and a press release from Sirius XM in early January confirming free cash flow and gains in their subscriber base, has helped move the stock in the new year. 

The stock began the year trading at 60 cents, and has never looked back yet.  Sirius XM has dramatically improved their balance sheet in 2009, so any stock gains are not unexpected, if not long over due.

Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM Radio, and Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei (Nasdaq:LCAPA), which owns 40% of Sirius XM Radio, have confirmed reports recently of a global plan, which would include the services of Sirius XM Radio.  With recent Ford commercials citing a “global” Ford, and featuring Sirius Satellite Radio, speculation of possible additional revenues from a global venture has sparked interest in the common.  As a long term investment, regardless of recent gains, the future seems bright, and opportunities for global growth is definitely a real possibility.  Worldspace assets, which already has transmission rights in Europe, Asia, and Africa, are being controlled by Liberty Media, and a plan to move forward should be coming soon from the company.

By Steve Garcia

Today was a day that reminded me just how predatory and evil some Wall Street movers and shakers can be. The negative slant and bias regarding SIRIUS XM and its stock was out there in all its glory with no less than 8..yes that’s correct 8 articles out of 10 bookmarked on YAHOO….all spewing negatives about SIRIUS XM. You’d think it was the only stock in the world that traded with that type of coverage; coverage by the way from Jim Cramer’s own thestreet.com (TSCM) and Realmoney. Take a look for yourself;

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By Relmor Demitrius

On September 15th, 2009, Greg Maffei of Liberty Media Corporation presented at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia in New York. Not much fanfare came from this presentation from Maffei for Sirius XM Radio (SIRI) investors, but maybe that was an oversight. Lost in the more seemingly important Liberty Investors Conference this month, and Sirius XM Radio’s own conference call coming very shortly, one might have missed some interesting and fascinating comments from one of the more powerful and important influences on Sirius XM, Greg Maffei. In case anyone is wondering who Greg Maffei is, a quick look into his past accomplishments and credentials is in order before going forward.

Greg Maffei is currently the President and CEO of all three Liberty Holding Companies, Liberty Capital (LCAPB), Liberty Entertainment (LMDIA), and Liberty Interactive (LINTA).

Liberty Capital includes Liberty’s holdings in Sirius XM Radio (SIRI), Viacom (VIA), Time/Warner (TWX), and Sprint Nextel (S).

Liberty Entertainment is where DIRECTV is held.

Liberty Interactive is where they hold QVC and a lot of their internet companies.

Greg Maffei discussed all of Liberty’s divisions during his presentation, but the commonality in all of Liberty’s interests is Greg Maffei himself and his background is truly impressive.

Maffei is currently on boards with Electronic Arts, DIRECTV, and Sirius XM Radio.  He has held the  position of Chief Finance Officer at Oracle, Chairman and CEO of 360 Networks, and a CFO of Microsoft as well. His resume is extensive, having been involved with many industry leaders in the past. This man has attached (more…)