UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
x | Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007
or
¨ | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-32352
NEWS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 26-0075658 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York | 10036 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code (212) 852-7000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class |
Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered | |
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
New York Stock Exchange | |
Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨ No x
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 x No ¨
Indicate by a check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Large Accelerated Filer x Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-accelerated Filer ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨ No x
As of December 29, 2006, which was the last business day of the registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of News Corporations Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates was approximately $45,435,573,995, based upon the closing price of $21.48 per share as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on that date, and the aggregate market value of News Corporations Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates was approximately $15,100,155,432, based upon the closing price of $22.26 per share as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.
As of August 17, 2007, 2,141,871,251 shares of Class A Common Stock and 986,520,953 Class B Common Stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required for Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the News Corporation definitive Proxy Statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days of News Corporations fiscal year end.
Page | ||||
Item 1. | 1 | |||
Item 1A. | 29 | |||
Item 1B. | 31 | |||
Item 2. | 31 | |||
Item 3. | 33 | |||
Item 4. | 38 | |||
PART II | ||||
Item 5. | 39 | |||
Item 6. | 41 | |||
Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
43 | ||
Item 7A. | 78 | |||
Item 8. | 79 | |||
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
160 | ||
Item 9A. | 160 | |||
Item 9B. | 160 | |||
PART III | ||||
Item 10. | 160 | |||
Item 11. | 161 | |||
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters |
161 | ||
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
161 | ||
Item 14. | 162 | |||
PART IV | ||||
Item 15. | 162 | |||
163 |
ITEM 1. | BUSINESS |
Background
News Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is a diversified entertainment company with operations in eight industry segments, including (i) Filmed Entertainment, (ii) Television, (iii) Cable Network Programming, (iv) Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, (v) Magazines and Inserts, (vi) Newspapers, (vii) Book Publishing and (viii) Other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin. For financial information regarding News Corporations segments and operations in geographic areas see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Annual Report) to we, us, our, News Corporation or the Company means News Corporations predecessor corporation, TNCL (as defined below), and its subsidiaries prior to November 12, 2004 and News Corporation and its subsidiaries from November 12, 2004 forward. Descriptions of transactions contained in this Annual Report that occurred prior to the Reorganization (as defined below) have been adjusted to reflect the consummation of the Reorganization.
On November 12, 2004, a reorganization was completed (the Reorganization), whereby News Corporation became the parent company of News Holdings Limited (formerly known as The News Corporation Limited), a South Australia corporation (TNCL), and its subsidiaries. The Reorganization was completed pursuant to schemes of arrangements under Australian law in which all ordinary and preferred shares of TNCL were cancelled and, in exchange, holders of those shares received shares of News Corporation voting Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class B Common Stock), and non-voting Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class A Common Stock), respectively, on a one-for-two basis.
In March 2005, Fox Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of News Corporation, completed an offer to the holders of Class A common stock of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (FEG) to exchange 2.04 shares of News Corporations Class A Common Stock for each outstanding share of FEG Class A common stock (the FEG Offer) that News Corporation did not already own. Shortly after the completion of the FEG Offer, News Corporation effected a merger of FEG with and into Fox Acquisition Corp. In the merger, each share of FEG Class A common stock not acquired in the FEG Offer, other than the shares owned by News Corporation, was converted into 2.04 shares of News Corporations Class A Common Stock. After the completion of the FEG Offer and the subsequent merger, Fox Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (for periods following the completion of the FEG Offer and the subsequent merger, referred to as FEG). As a result of the transaction described above, News Corporation owns 100% of FEG.
In December 2006, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement (the Share Exchange Agreement) with Liberty Media Corporation (Liberty). Under the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty will exchange its entire interest in the Companys common stock (approximately 325 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 188 million shares of Class B Common Stock) for 100% of a News Corporation subsidiary (Splitco), whose holdings will consist of the Companys approximately 39% interest (approximately 470 million shares) in The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (DIRECTV) constituting the Companys entire interest in DIRECTV, three of the Companys Regional Sports Networks (FSN Northwest, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Rocky Mountain (the Three RSNs)) and $588 million in cash, subject to adjustment.
The transaction contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement was approved by the Company Class B stockholders on April 3, 2007, but remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, regulatory approvals, the receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and the absence of a material adverse effect on Splitco. If these conditions are satisfied, the transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007.
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On July 31, 2007, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement (the Merger Agreement) with Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (Dow Jones), pursuant to which the Company will acquire Dow Jones in a transaction valued at approximately $5.6 billion. Members of the Bancroft family and related trusts owning approximately 37% of Dow Jones voting stock have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Dow Jones Stockholders will be entitled to receive $60 in cash for each share of Dow Jones stock they own, and up to 250 holders of record and not more than 10% of the shares of Dow Jones may elect to have their shares of Dow Jones converted into a number of units of a newly formed subsidiary of the Company (each unit of which will be exchangeable for one share of the Companys Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of such subsidiarys operating agreement). The Merger Agreement is subject to, among other things, the adoption of the Merger Agreement by Dow Jones stockholders, the execution of an editorial agreement (the form of which has been agreed by the parties), the establishment by the Company of a special committee as contemplated under such editorial agreement, the receipt of various regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and Dow Jones, including the right of Dow Jones to terminate the agreement to enter into an alternative transaction that constitutes a superior acquisition proposal. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, including a termination by Dow Jones to accept a superior acquisition proposal, Dow Jones would be required to pay the Company a termination fee of $165 million less any previously paid expenses. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007. The Company has agreed, upon consummation of the transaction, to appoint a member of the Bancroft family or another mutually acceptable person to the Companys Board of Directors.
The Companys subsidiary, NDS Group plc (NDS), and certain of the companies in which the Company owns equity interests, either directly or indirectly, including British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (BSkyB), Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (Gemstar-TV Guide) and DIRECTV, are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and in accordance with the Exchange Act, file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to June 30 in each year. At June 30, 2007, the Company had approximately 53,000 full-time and part-time employees. The Companys principal executive offices are located at 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036 and its telephone number is (212) 852-7000. The Companys website is www.newscorp.com. The Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available, free of charge, through the Companys website as soon as reasonably practicable after the material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document and the documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Report, including Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words expect, estimate, anticipate, predict, believe and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this document and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting the Companys financial condition or results of operations. The readers of this document are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors is set forth under the heading Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report. The Company does not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review this document and the other documents filed by the
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Company with the SEC. This section should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The Company is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in the eight segments described below.
Filmed Entertainment
The Company engages in the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production and licensing of television programming worldwide.
Feature Film Production and Distribution
One of the worlds largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment (FFE), produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world under a variety of arrangements. During fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, FFE placed 34, 31 and 23 motion pictures, respectively, in general release in the United States. Those motion pictures were produced and/or distributed by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox and Fox 2000, which produce and acquire motion pictures for mainstream audiences; Fox Searchlight Pictures, which produces and acquires specialized motion pictures; Fox Atomic, which produces and acquires motion pictures targeting the 17-24 year old demographic audience; and Twentieth Century Fox Animation, which produces feature length animated motion pictures. Motion pictures produced and/or distributed by FFE in the United States and international territories since the beginning of fiscal 2005 include Sideways, I, Robot, Robots, Kingdom of Heaven, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (distributed for Lucasfilm Ltd.), Mr. and Mrs. Smith (distributed for New Regency), Fantastic Four, Walk the Line, Ice Age: The Meltdown, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Devil Wears Prada, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, Night at the Museum, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Live Free or Die Hard, Little Miss Sunshine, The Last King of Scotland, Eragon and 28 Weeks Later. FFE has already released or currently plans to release approximately 30 motion pictures in the United States in fiscal 2008, including The Simpsons Movie, Horton Hears a Who, Jumper, AVP: Survival of the Fittest, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Dark is Rising, The Darjeeling Limited, The Savages, Juno, The Comebacks and Starship Dave.
Pursuant to an agreement with Monarchy Enterprises Holdings B.V. (MEH), the parent company of New Regency in which the Company has a 20% interest, and certain of MEHs subsidiaries, FFE distributes certain New Regency films and all films co-financed by FFE and New Regency in all media worldwide, excluding certain international territories with respect to theatrical and home video rights and most international territories with respect to television rights. Among its fiscal 2008 releases, FFE currently expects to distribute seven films either fully financed by New Regency or co-financed by FFE and New Regency.
Motion picture companies, such as FFE, typically seek to generate revenues from various distribution channels. FFE derives its worldwide motion picture revenues primarily from four basic sources (set forth in general chronology of exploitation): (i) distribution of motion pictures for theatrical exhibition in the United States and Canada and markets outside of the United States and Canada (international markets); (ii) distribution of motion pictures in various home media formats; (iii) distribution of motion pictures for exhibition on pay-per-view, video-on-demand and premium pay television programming services; and (iv) distribution of motion pictures for exhibition on free television networks, other broadcast program services, independent television stations and basic cable programming services, including certain services which are affiliates of the Company. The Company does not always have rights in all media of exhibition to all motion pictures which it releases, and does not necessarily distribute a given motion picture in all of the foregoing media in all markets.
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The Company believes that the pre-release marketing of a feature film is an integral part of its motion picture distribution strategy and generally begins marketing efforts three to six months in advance of a films release date in any given territory. The Company markets and distributes its films worldwide principally through its own distribution and marketing companies.
Through Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Inc., the Company distributes motion pictures and other programming produced by units of FFE, its affiliates and other producers in the United States, Canada and international markets in all home media formats, including the sale and rental of DVDs. In fiscal 2007, the domestic home entertainment division released or re-released approximately 711 produced and acquired titles, including 31 new FFE film releases, approximately 533 catalog titles and approximately 147 television and non-theatrical titles. In international markets, the Company distributed, produced and acquired titles both directly and through foreign distribution channels, with over 720 releases in fiscal 2007, including approximately 33 new FFE film releases, over 525 catalog titles and approximately 161 television and non-theatrical releases. In fiscal 2007, the Company continued its worldwide home video distribution arrangement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), releasing approximately 790 and 510 MGM home entertainment theatrical, catalog and television programs domestically and internationally, respectively. During fiscal 2007, the Company expanded its product portfolio to include the high-definition Blu-ray disc (Blu-ray) format. During fiscal 2007, the domestic home entertainment division released 26 Blu-ray titles, including nine new FFE film releases and 17 catalog titles. In international markets, the Company released 25 Blu-ray titles, including eight new FFE film releases and 17 catalog titles. The Company also distributed ten Blu-ray titles (one new release and nine catalog titles) from MGM domestically and five titles (one new release and four catalog titles) internationally.
Units of FFE license motion pictures and other programs in the United States, Canada and international markets to various third party and certain affiliated subscription pay television, pay-per-view, video-on-demand and electronic sell-through services. The license agreements reflecting the subscription pay television arrangements generally provide for a specified number of exhibitions of the program during a fixed term in exchange for a license fee which is based on a variety of factors, including the box office performance of each program and the number of subscribers to the service or system. Among third-party license agreements that units of FFE have in place in the United States for television exhibition of their motion pictures are exclusive subscription pay television license agreements with Home Box Office (HBO), providing for the licensing of films initially released for theatrical exhibition through 2015, as well as arrangements with Starz Encore Group. The license agreements reflecting the pay-per-view and video-on-demand services arrangements generally provide for a license fee based on a percentage of the licensees gross receipts from the exhibition of the program, and in some cases, a guaranteed minimum fee. In addition, these agreements generally provide for a minimum number of scheduled pay-per-view exhibitions and a minimum video-on-demand exhibition period during a fixed term. Units of FFE license motion pictures in the United States to direct broadcast satellite (DBS) pay-per-view services operated by DIRECTV and EchoStar Communications Corporation, as well as to pay-per-view and video-on-demand services operated by iN Demand L.L.C. In addition, units of FFE license motion pictures and other programs to third parties, including Wal-Mart, Apple and Amazon, for electronic sell-through over the Internet, enabling consumers in the United States to acquire the right to permanently retain such programs. In international markets, units of FFE license motion pictures and other programming to leading third-party pay television, pay-per-view and video-on-demand services, as well as to pay television and video-on-demand services operated by various affiliated entities.
Competition. Motion picture production and distribution are highly competitive businesses. The Company competes with other film studios, independent production companies and others for the acquisition of artistic properties, the services of creative and technical personnel, exhibition outlets and the publics interest in its products. The number of motion pictures released by the Companys competitors, particularly the other major film studios, in any given period may create an oversupply of product in the market, which may reduce the Companys shares of gross box office admissions and may make it more difficult for the Companys motion pictures to succeed. The commercial success of the motion pictures produced and/or distributed by the Company is substantially affected by the publics unpredictable response to them. The competitive risks affecting the
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Companys home entertainment business include the number of home entertainment titles released by the Companys competitors that may create an oversupply of product in the market, competition among home media formats, such as DVDs, and other methods of distribution, such as video-on-demand services.
The Company faces ongoing risks associated with controlling unauthorized copying and distribution of the Companys programs. For a further discussion of issues relating to unauthorized copying and distribution of the Companys programs, see Intellectual Property.
Television Programming, Production and Distribution
Twentieth Century Fox Television (TCFTV). During fiscal 2007, TCFTV produced television programs for the FOX Broadcasting Company (FOX), ABC Television Network (ABC), CBS Broadcasting, Inc. (CBS), NBC Television Network (NBC), The CW Television Network (The CW), E! Entertainment Television, Inc. (E!), Fox News Channel (Fox News) and Turner Network Television (TNT). TCFTV currently produces, or has orders to produce, episodes of the following television series: 24, American Dad, Anchorwoman, Back To You, Bones, Family Guy, K-Ville, King of the Hill, Prison Break, The Simpsons and Unhitched for FOX; Boston Legal, Miss/Guided and Womens Murder Club for ABC; How I Met Your Mother, Shark and The Unit for CBS; Journeyman and My Name Is Earl for NBC; Beauty and the Geek for The CW; The Simple Life for E!; and Half Hour News Hour for Fox News. Generally, a network will license a specified number of episodes for exhibition on the network during the license period. All other distribution rights, including international and off-network syndication rights, are typically retained by TCFTV, utilized by other units of the Company or sold to third parties.
Generally, television programs are produced under contracts that provide for license fees which may cover only a portion of the anticipated production costs. As these costs have increased in recent years, the resulting deficit between production costs and license fees for domestic first-run programming has also increased. Therefore, additional licensing is often critical to the financial success of a series. Successful U.S. network television series are, for example, (i) licensed for first-run exhibition in Canadian and international markets, (ii) released in DVD box sets, (iii) licensed for off-network exhibition in the United States (including in syndication or to cable programmers), (iv) licensed for further television exhibition in international markets and (v) made available for electronic sell-through, including individual episodes and full series. Generally, a series must be broadcast for at least three to four television seasons for there to be a sufficient number of episodes to offer the series in syndication in the United States or to cable and DBS programmers in the United States. The decision of a television network to continue a series through an entire television season or to renew a series for another television season depends largely on the series audience ratings.
Twentieth Television. Twentieth Television licenses both television programming and feature films for domestic syndication to television stations and basic cable services in the United States. Twentieth Television distributes a program portfolio that includes the Companys library of television and film assets, and first-run programming produced by its production companies for sales to the local stations, including the stations owned and operated by the Company, as well as to basic cable networks. First-run programs distributed by Twentieth Television include the court shows Divorce Court, Judge Alex and Cristinas Court, the daytime talk show, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, and a new game show produced in concert with FremantleMedia called Temptation.
Twentieth Television derives revenue from off-network, theatrical and first-run program sales in the form of cash license fees paid by both broadcast and cable licensees, and from the sales of national advertising units retained by Twentieth Television in its programs. Twentieth Television licenses such shows as My Name Is Earl, Family Guy, The Bernie Mac Show, Malcolm in the Middle, 24 and The Simpsons to cable and broadcast networks.
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Fox Television Studios (FtvS). FtvS is a program supplier to the major U.S. and international broadcast and cable networks. The studio is currently producing Burn Notice for the USA Network (USA); Saving Grace for Turner Network Television (TNT); The Shield and The Riches for FX; the late-night Talkshow with Spike Feresten for FOX; Crowned: The Mother of all Pageants, premiering in 2008 on The CW; and The Girls Next Door for E!. Through Regency Television (a partnership with New Regency), productions include New Amsterdam, premiering fall 2007, and The Return of Jezebel James, premiering in 2008, both for FOX. In fiscal 2007, FtvS made-for-TV movies included The Mermaid Chair and What if God Were the Sun for Lifetime. In fiscal 2007, FtvS international format production arm, Fox World, consulted on more than 25 series and specials in production around the world, including the hit shows Beauty and the Geek and The Simple Life.
Competition. Similar to motion picture production and distribution, production and distribution of television programming is extremely competitive. The Company competes with other film studios, independent production companies and others for the acquisition of artistic properties, the services of creative and technical personnel, exhibition outlets and the publics interest in its products. In addition, television networks have affiliated production companies from which they are increasingly obtaining their programming, which has reduced the demand for programming from other non-affiliated parties.
Motion Picture and Television Libraries
The Companys motion picture and television library (the Fox Library) consists of varying rights to several thousand previously released motion pictures and many well-known television programs. The motion pictures in the Fox Library include many successful and well-known titles, such as The Sound of Music, Mrs. Doubtfire, Planet of the Apes, Dr. Dolittle, the X-Men trilogy, The Day After Tomorrow, the Ice Age series, Sideways, Walk the Line, Fantastic Four, The Devil Wears Prada, Little Miss Sunshine, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, Night at the Museum and seven of the top 25 domestic box office grossing films of all time, which are Titanic (together with Paramount Pictures Corporation), Star Wars, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Return of the Jedi and Independence Day.
The Fox Library contains varying rights to many television series and made-for-television motion pictures. The television programming in the Fox Library consists of such classic series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, M*A*S*H, Hill Street Blues, Doogie Howser, M.D., L.A. Law, The Wonder Years, Futurama, The Practice, Ally McBeal, Angel, Dharma & Greg, In Living Color, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and NYPD Blue, as well as such current hits as The Simpsons, King of the Hill, 24, Family Guy, My Name Is Earl, How I Met Your Mother, Boston Legal, Prison Break, Bones, American Dad and Shark.
Television
The Company is engaged in the operation of broadcast television stations, the broadcasting of network programming in the United States and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia.
Fox Television Stations
Fox Television Stations currently operates 35 full power stations, including stations located in nine of the top ten largest designated market areas (DMAs). Fox Television Stations operates two stations in nine DMAs, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, the first, second and third largest DMAs, respectively.
Of the 35 full power stations, 25 stations are affiliates of FOX (FOX Affiliates). For a description of the programming offered to FOX Affiliates, see FOX Broadcasting Company. In addition, Fox Television Stations operates ten stations affiliated with MyNetworkTV, Inc. (MyNetworkTV).
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The following table lists certain information about each Fox Television Station. Unless otherwise noted, all stations are FOX Affiliates.
DMA/RANK | STATION | CHANNEL | TYPE | PERCENTAGE OF U.S. TELEVISION HOUSEHOLDS REACHED (1) |
||||||||
New York, NY |
1 | WNYW | 5 | VHF | 6.6 | % | ||||||
WWOR | (2) | 9 | VHF | |||||||||
Los Angeles, CA |
2 | KTTV | 11 | VHF | 5.0 | % | ||||||
KCOP | (2) | 13 | VHF | |||||||||
Chicago, IL |
3 | WFLD | 32 | UHF | 3.1 | % | ||||||
WPWR | (2) | 50 | UHF | |||||||||
Philadelphia, PA |
4 | WTXF | 29 | UHF | 2.6 | % | ||||||
Dallas, TX |
6 | KDFW | 4 | VHF | 2.1 | % | ||||||
KDFI | (2) | 27 | UHF | |||||||||
Boston, MA |
7 | WFXT | 25 | UHF | 2.1 | % | ||||||
Washington, DC |
8 | WTTG | 5 | VHF | 2.0 | % | ||||||
WDCA | (2) | 20 | UHF | |||||||||
Atlanta, GA |
9 | WAGA | 5 | VHF | 2.0 | % | ||||||
Houston, TX |
10 | KRIV | 26 | UHF | 1.8 | % | ||||||
KTXH | (2) | 20 | UHF | |||||||||
Detroit, MI |
11 | WJBK | 2 | VHF | 1.7 | % | ||||||
Tampa, FL |
12 | WTVT | 13 | VHF | 1.6 | % | ||||||
Phoenix, AZ |
13 | KSAZ | 10 | VHF | 1.5 | % | ||||||
KUTP | (2) | 45 | UHF | |||||||||
Minneapolis, MN (3) |
15 | KMSP | 9 | VHF | 1.5 | % | ||||||
WFTC | (2) | 29 | UHF | |||||||||
Cleveland, OH |
17 | WJW | 8 | VHF | 1.4 | % | ||||||
Denver, CO (4) |
18 | KDVR | 31 | UHF | 1.3 | % | ||||||
Orlando, FL |
19 | WOFL | 35 | UHF | 1.3 | % | ||||||
WRBW | (2) | 65 | UHF | |||||||||
St. Louis, MO |
21 | KTVI | 2 | VHF | 1.1 | % | ||||||
Baltimore, MD |
24 | WUTB | (2) | 24 | UHF | 1.0 | % | |||||
Kansas City, MO |
31 | WDAF | 4 | VHF | 0.8 | % | ||||||
Milwaukee, WI |
34 | WITI | 6 | VHF | 0.8 | % | ||||||
Salt Lake City, UT |
35 | KSTU | 13 | VHF | 0.8 | % | ||||||
Birmingham, AL |
40 | WBRC | 6 | VHF | 0.7 | % | ||||||
Memphis, TN |
44 | WHBQ | 13 | VHF | 0.6 | % | ||||||
Greensboro, NC |
47 | WGHP | 8 | VHF | 0.6 | % | ||||||
Austin, TX |
52 | KTBC | 7 | VHF | 0.5 | % | ||||||
Gainesville, FL |
162 | WOGX | 51 | UHF | 0.1 | % | ||||||
Total |
44.6 | % |
Source: Nielsen Media Research, January 2007
(1) |
VHF television stations transmit on Channels 2 through 13 and UHF television stations on Channels 14 through 69. UHF television stations in many cases have a weaker signal and therefore do not achieve the same coverage as VHF television stations. To address this disparity, the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC) applies a discount (the UHF Discount) which attributes only 50% of the television households in a local television market to the audience reach of a UHF television station for purposes of calculating whether that stations owner complies with the national station ownership cap imposed by FCC regulations and by statute. In addition, the coverage of two commonly owned stations in the same market is only counted once. The percentages listed are rounded and do not take into account the |
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UHF Discount. For more information regarding the FCCs national station ownership cap, see RegulationTelevision. |
(2) |
MyNetworkTV affiliate. |
(3) |
The Company also owns and operates KFTC, Channel 26, Bemidji, MN as a satellite station of WFTC, Channel 29, Minneapolis, MN. |
(4) |
The Company also owns and operates KFCT, Channel 22, Fort Collins, CO, as a satellite station of KDVR, Channel 31, Denver, CO. |
In June 2007, the Company announced its plan to sell nine of the FOX Affiliates. The nine FOX Affiliates subject to potential sale are: WJW in Cleveland, Ohio; KDVR in Denver, Colorado; KTVI in St. Louis, Missouri; WDAF in Kansas City, Kansas; WITI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; KSTU in Salt Lake City, Utah; WBRC in Birmingham, Alabama; WHBQ in Memphis, Tennessee; and WGHP in Greensboro, North Carolina. No agreement has yet been entered into with respect to the sale of any of these stations.
FOX Broadcasting Company (FOX)
FOX has 213 FOX Affiliates, including 25 stations owned by the Company, which reach approximately 99% of all U.S. television households. In general, each week FOX regularly delivers to its affiliates 15 hours of prime-time programming and 90 minutes of late-night programming on Saturday. FOXs prime-time programming features such series as The Simpsons, Prison Break, Bones, 24 and House; unscripted series such as American Idol; and various movies and specials. In addition, a significant component of FOXs programming consists of sports programming, with FOX providing to its affiliates live coverage (including post-season) of the National Football Conference of the National Football League (the NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB), as well as live coverage of the premier racing series (the Nextel Cup series) of the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). FOX also provides a four-hour block of childrens programming on Saturday morning, programmed by 4Kids Entertainment (4Kids), a childrens entertainment company. FOXs agreement with 4Kids extends through the 2007-2008 broadcast season with an option to extend through the 2008-2009 season.
FOXs prime-time line-up is intended to appeal primarily to target audiences of 18 to 49-year old adults, the demographic group that advertisers seek to reach most often. During the 2006-2007 traditional September to May broadcast season, FOX ranked first in prime-time programming based on viewership of adults aged 18 to 49 (FOX had a 4.1 rating and an 11 share, CBS had a 3.7 rating and a 10 share, ABC had a 3.5 rating and a 10 share and NBC had a 3.1 rating and an 8 share). The median age of the FOX viewer is 41 years, as compared to 48 years for NBC, 47 years for ABC and 52 years for CBS.
FOX obtains programming from major television studios and independent television production companies pursuant to license agreements. The terms of those agreements generally provide FOX with the right to broadcast a television series for a minimum of four seasons. FOX licenses its film programming from major film studios and independent film production companies. National sports programming, such as NFL, MLB and NASCAR programming, is obtained under license agreements with professional sports leagues or organizations. FOXs current licenses with the NFL, MLB, and NASCAR extend until the 2011 NFL season, the 2013 MLB season and the 2014 NASCAR season. FOX also has the right to broadcast the BCS through 2010.
FOX provides programming to the FOX Affiliates in accordance with affiliation agreements of varying durations, which grant to each affiliate the right to broadcast network television programming on the affiliated station. Such agreements typically run three or more years and have staggered expiration dates. These affiliation agreements generally require FOX Affiliates to carry FOX programming in all time periods in which FOX programming is offered to those affiliates, subject to certain exceptions stated in the affiliation agreements.
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MyNetworkTV
In September 2006, the Company launched MyNetworkTV, a primetime general entertainment broadcast television network. MyNetworkTV currently has 175 affiliates, including 10 stations owned by the Company, which reach approximately 97% of U.S. households.
MyNetworkTVs 2007 fall schedule includes reality programming such as The Academy, Jail, Decision House, and Meet My Folks, as well as various movies and specials. In addition, MyNetworkTV has partnered with International Fight League to broadcast mixed martial arts bouts and related content.
Competition. The network television broadcasting business is highly competitive. FOX and MyNetworkTV directly compete for programming, viewers and advertising with ABC, NBC, CBS and The CW. ABC, NBC and CBS each broadcasts a significantly greater number of hours of programming than FOX and MyNetworkTV and, accordingly, may be able to designate or change time periods in which programming is to be broadcast with greater flexibility than FOX or MyNetworkTV. FOX and MyNetworkTV also compete with other non-network sources of television service, including cable television and DBS services. Other sources of competition may include home video exhibition, digital video recorders (DVR), the Internet and home computer usage. In addition, future technological developments may affect competition within the television marketplace.
Each of the stations operated by Fox Television Stations also competes for advertising revenues with other television stations and radio and cable systems in its respective market area and with other advertising media, such as newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising, direct mail and Internet websites. All of the stations operated by Fox Television Stations are located in highly competitive markets. Additional elements which are material to the competitive position of each of the television stations include management experience, authorized power and assigned frequency of that station. Competition for sales of broadcast advertising time is based primarily on the anticipated and actually delivered size and demographic characteristics of audiences as determined by various rating services, price, the time of day when the advertising is to be broadcast, competition from the other broadcast networks, cable television systems, DBS services and other media and general economic conditions. Competition for audiences is based primarily on the selection of programming, the acceptance of which is dependent on the reaction of the viewing public which is often difficult to predict.
STAR
Star Group Limited (STAR) engages in the development, production and broadcasting of television programming to 53 countries throughout Asia. As of June 30, 2007, STAR was broadcast in ten languages and across 64 channels, with an additional channel launched in July 2007. STAR divides its markets into six regions: India; Greater China; Indonesia; the rest of South East Asia; the Middle East; and Pakistan. STAR estimates that approximately 300 million people in 143 million households have access to STARs owned and affiliated channels. STARs owned and affiliated channels and its library content are also distributed in Africa, Europe, Australia and North America.
STARs programming is primarily distributed via satellite to local cable and direct-to-home (DTH) operators for distribution to their subscribers. STAR is one of the leading providers of television programming in Asia. Of the 65 channels currently offered by STAR, 29 channels are wholly-owned and operated by STAR, including XING KONG WEI SHI (Xing Kong) (a mainland China-oriented general entertainment channel that is broadcast in three-star or better hotels and other approved organizations and institutions throughout mainland China and in southern China where STAR has been granted official landing rights), STAR PLUS (a Hindi language general entertainment channel and the highest rated cable channel in India) and STAR CHINESE CHANNEL (one of the leading general entertainment cable channels in Taiwan). STAR also owns and operates channels in other genres: CHANNEL [V], STARs music and youth entertainment television channels, STAR WORLD, an English language general entertainment channel, and STAR MOVIES, STAR CHINESE MOVIES and STAR GOLD, STARs English language, Chinese language and Hindi language movie channels, respectively. STARs channels are distributed both on a pay television and free basis.
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In addition, STAR provides 36 channels that are either owned and operated by third parties or are joint ventures between the Company and other entities, including NGC Networks Asia (National Geographic), Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited (Phoenix), ESPN STAR Sports and Media Content & Communications Services (India) Private Limited (MCCS). STAR has an approximate 18% interest in Phoenix, a company listed on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Phoenix owns and operates Chinese language general entertainment, movie and current affairs channels, including Phoenix Chinese Channel, Phoenix Chinese News and Entertainment Channel, Phoenix North America Chinese Channel, Phoenix InfoNews Channel (a 24-hour news channel) and Phoenix Movies Channel, all of which are targeted at Chinese audiences around the world and are primarily distributed on a free or an encrypted basis via pay television platforms in Asia and Europe and pay television platforms in the United States. ESPN STAR Sports, a 50/50 joint venture between STAR and ESPN, is the leading sports broadcaster in Asia and operates 15 channels in different languages. MCCS, an approximate 26% STAR owned joint venture with the Anand Bazaar Patrika Group, owns and operates three 24-hour news and current affairs channels, namely, STAR NEWS in Hindi, STAR ANANDA in Bengali and STAR MAJHA in Marathi.
STAR owns an approximate 26% stake in Balaji Telefilms Limited (Balaji), which is one of the largest television content production companies in India, the shares of which are listed on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai and the National Stock Exchange of India. Balaji currently produces many Hindi-language serials broadcast on STAR PLUS. In India, STAR has expanded into regional language programming with VIJAY, a Tamil general entertainment channel, the Bengali STAR ANANDA, and the Marathi STAR MAJHA. In April 2007, STAR entered into an agreement to form a joint venture with Balaji, in which STAR will hold a 51% interest, to own and operate VIJAY and to create a network of other regional language general entertainment channels in India. STAR also holds a 20% stake in Tata Sky Limited (Tata Sky), which owns and operates a DTH platform in India. Tata Sky commercially launched its DTH service in India in August 2006. STAR also has an approximate 22% stake in Hathway Cable & Datacom Private Limited, a multi-system cable operator in India which also provides broadband Internet services.
STAR has minority interests in various cable systems throughout Taiwan, in which the Koos Group, a leading Taiwan business conglomerate, also has an interest. In July 2007, the Koos Group and STAR sold a majority of those Taiwan cable systems. STAR and Koos intend to sell the remaining cable systems in fiscal 2008.
STAR holds a 20% interest in PT Cakrawala Andalas Televisi (antv), an Indonesian free over-the-air terrestrial television broadcaster. STAR also holds an almost 50% interest in Channel [V] Thailand, a 24-hour music and youth-oriented channel that is mostly in the Thai language, and has licensed the Channel [V] brand in Australia and Korea.
The primary sources of programming on STARs owned and affiliated channels include rights to broadcast over many territories in Asia and other parts of the world: (i) original Indian and Chinese television programming produced, commissioned or acquired by STAR; (ii) many of Asias most popular sporting events, such as English Premier League soccer; (iii) Chinese feature films distributed by Emperor Motion Picture, Filmko, Media Asia, China Star, Universe Films and Mandarin Films; (iv) other feature films distributed by Twentieth Century Fox, Buena Vista International, Dreamworks SKG, MGM/United Artists, Universal Studios, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Studios and Paramount Pictures; (v) an extensive contemporary Chinese film library comprising over 600 titles; (vi) an extensive Hindi film library comprising over 400 titles; and (vii) high-definition Chinese telefeature films or programs produced by STAR. STARs other sources of programming include rights to broadcast music videos, as well as music and youth-oriented programming, produced and carried on Channel [V].
Competition. Generally, STAR competes against various channels for a share of subscription, distribution, channel position, ratings and programming.
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India. In India, the pay television broadcasting industry has several participants. Competition for STARs Indian entertainment channels in the pay television sector is provided by both pay and free over-the-air channels since they are delivered by common cable. The competition in the general entertainment television sector is mainly from Zee Telefilms, Sony Entertainment Television, Sahara TV, SUN Network and Doordarshan (the government-owned broadcasting company which currently has a monopoly on terrestrial broadcasting). In addition, STAR, through MCCS, competes against Aaj Tak, NDTV, IBN7 and the news channels operated by Zee Telefilms in the Hindi, Bengali and Marathi language news television sector.
STAR competes against primarily Zee Telefilms, Sony Entertainment Television and Sahara TV in acquiring both Hindi film and programming rights and, through its 50% owned sports joint venture, ESPN STAR Sports, for sports broadcast rights, such as cricket rights.
China. In mainland China, STAR competes primarily in two distinct markets for which it has received government approvals to distribute its services. One is among three-star and above hotels and other approved organizations and institutions that are allowed to receive overseas satellite television channels throughout mainland China. The second is among general households in Guangdong that can view local Chinese channels, as well as the Xing Kong channel via cable networks. In the hotel and other institutional market, STAR competes mainly with foreign satellite television providers, such as Discovery, HBO, AXN, MTV and CETV. In the Guangdong cable market, STAR competes with CETV and other Chinese and Hong-Kong based satellite television channels.
Taiwan. In Taiwan, STAR competes against various local and foreign satellite channels, depending on programming genre. In the Mandarin Chinese language general entertainment genre, STAR CHINESE CHANNEL competes against local Taiwan channels, including TVBS and ETTV.
Cable Network Programming
The Company produces and licenses news, sports, general entertainment and movie programming for distribution to distributors in the United States and internationally.
Fox News. Fox News owns and operates the Fox News Channel, a 24-hour all news national cable channel, which is currently available to approximately 92 million U.S. households according to Nielsen Media Research. Fox News also produces a weekend political commentary show, Fox News Sunday, for broadcast on local FOX television stations throughout the United States, and the nationally syndicated morning television program, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. Fox News, through its Fox News Edge service, licenses news feeds to FOX Affiliates and other subscribers to use as part of local news broadcasts throughout the United States and abroad. Fox News also produces and runs the website, FoxNews.com, and the national Fox News Radio Network which licenses news updates and long form programs to local radio stations and satellite radio providers.
FSN. Fox Sports Net, Inc. (FSN, Inc.) is the largest regional sports network (RSN) programmer in the United States, focusing on live professional and major collegiate home team sports events. FSN, Inc.s sports programming business currently consists primarily of ownership interests in 16 RSNs (the FSN RSNs) and National Sports Programming, which operates FSN (FSN), a national sports programming service. FSN, Inc. is also affiliated with, through FSN, an additional five RSNs that are not owned by FSN, Inc. (the FSN Affiliated RSNs). FSN provides the FSN RSNs and the FSN Affiliated RSNs with 24-hour national sports programming, featuring original and licensed sports-related programming and live and replay sporting events. The FSN RSNs and the FSN Affiliated RSNs reach approximately 81 million U.S. households according to Nielsen Media Research and have rights to telecast live games of 67 of 82 U.S. professional sports teams in MLB, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL); numerous collegiate conferences; and college and high school sports teams.
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As discussed above, FSN Northwest, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Rocky Mountain are part of the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement. If consummated, the Company will not have any interest in these RSNs following the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement and these RSNs will become FSN Affiliated RSNs. For more information on the Share Exchange Agreement, please see discussion under the heading Background.
FX. Currently reaching approximately 92 million U.S. households according to Nielsen Media Research, FX is a general entertainment network that telecasts a growing roster of original series and films, as well as acquired television series and motion pictures. FXs lineup for the 2007-2008 season includes the following critically acclaimed and popular original programming: the Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning drama series, The Shield and Nip/Tuck; the Morgan Spurlock documentary series Thirty Days; and the critically acclaimed Rescue Me. Also included in the 2007-2008 season line-up is the third season of the comedy series Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the second season of The Riches, the second season of Dirt and the freshman series, Damages, as well as the syndicated series King of the Hill, Fear Factor, Cops, The Practice, Married with Children, That 70s Show, Spin City and Dharma and Greg. During the 2007-2008 season, FX will also showcase the television premieres of theatrical motion pictures, including Batman Begins, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Fantastic Four and Robots.
SPEED. Currently reaching approximately 71 million households in the United States according to Nielsen Media Research, SPEED brings viewers into the world of auto and motorcycle racing, showcasing NASCAR races, events and original programming, as well as other top racing series, such as Formula One, Grand American Road Racing, American Motorcycle Association and Moto GP racing and events. SPEEDs popular series PINKS is a reality-based racing show that pits amateur racers against each other in a unique drag racing format. SPEED also is distributed to subscribers in Mexico, Canada and Latin America.
FUEL TV. FUEL TV is the only domestic 24-hour programming service dedicated to action sports and the lifestyle surrounding it. FUEL TV covers both competitive and performance action in the arenas of skateboarding, surfing, BMX, freestyle motocross, snowboarding and wakeboarding. Programming includes U.S. and international action sports events and competitions, as well as original series and specials about top action sports athletes and their music, art and culture from a global perspective.
Fox College Sports. Fox College Sports consists of three regionally-aligned networks, FCS Pacific, FCS Central and FCS Atlantic. Fox College Sports provides live and delayed collegiate events from the nations top collegiate conferences, coaches shows and collegiate highlight and magazine-format programming from the FSN RSNs and certain of the FSN Affiliated RSNs across the country.
Fox Movie Channel. Fox Movie Channel (FMC) is Hollywoods first and only studio-based movie network. FMC airs Twentieth Century Fox films, as well as documentaries and original series that explore the moviemaking process from script to screen.
Fox Sports International. Fox Sports International owns Fox Soccer Channel, a U.S. programming English-language service offering comprehensive coverage of world-class soccer, and Fox Sports Middle East, an English-language sports network airing in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa.
Fox Sports International owns approximately 38% of Fox Pan American Sports LLC (FPAS) with Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated owning the remainder. FPAS owns and operates Spanish-language sports businesses, including the Fox Sports Latin America network (a Spanish-language sports network distributed to subscribers in certain Caribbean and Central and South American nations outside of Brazil) and Fox Sports en Español (the first Spanish-language sports programming service to be distributed in the United States).
Fox Reality Channel. Fox Reality Channel is a 24-hour national programming service, which airs off-network and syndicated unscripted programming made popular on major U.S. networks, as well as international unscripted programming. Fox Reality Channels lineup for the 2007-2008 season includes the
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following original programming: the daily reality magazine series Reality Remix and Reality Remix Weekend; Reality Revealed; The Academy; a second season of Solitary v.2.0; The Search For The Next Elvira to launch in October 2007; Long Way Down to launch in January 2008; Paradise Hotel expected to launch in March 2008; and a third season of American Idol Extra. Fox Reality Channels 2007-2008 lineup also includes original programming for its website, including Nightclub Confessions.
Fox International Channels. Fox International Channels (FIC) owns and operates channels in various countries in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia, including: the Fox Channel, Fox Life, FX, SPEED and Utilisma in Latin America; FOX, Fox Crime, Fox Life, FX, CULT, NEXT and The History Channel in Italy; FX in the United Kingdom; FOX and Fox Life in Japan and Portugal; the Voyage Channel and Fox Life in France; FOX in Spain and Korea; The History Channel in India; and Fox Life and Fox Crime in several countries in Eastern Europe. FIC also manages the Universal channel in Latin America.
The FOX, FX and Fox Life branded channels have first-run and library series programming and theatrical movies acquired primarily from major film studios, as well as original productions. CULT is a factual entertainment channel featuring arts and cultural programming. The History Channel provides factual series and specials acquired primarily from A&E Television Networks. The Voyage Channel is focused on travel related programming. Fox Crime is focused on crime related programming and NEXT is a high-definition documentary channel.
FIC also owns a 32.5% equity interest in LAPTV, a partnership which distributes three premium pay television channels (Movie City East and West, Cinecanal East and West and its multiplex channel Cinecanal 2) and one basic television channel (The Film Zone East and West) in Latin America (excluding Brazil). Such channels primarily feature theatrical motion pictures of Twentieth Century Fox and three other studio partners in the English language with Spanish subtitles. FIC has voting control over an additional 22.5% interest in the partnership.
National Geographic. The Company owns a 75% interest of NGC Network International LLC (NGC International), with National Geographic Television (NGT) holding the remaining 25% interest. NGC International produces and distributes the National Geographic Channel in various international markets, including certain countries in Europe and Asia. The Company and NGT also own interests of approximately 67% and 33%, respectively, in NGC Network Latin America LLC, which produces and distributes the National Geographic Channel throughout Latin America, Spain and Portugal. The National Geographic Channel is currently shown in approximately 162 countries internationally and in 28 languages, excluding the United States.
Big Ten Network. In February 2007, the Company formed a joint venture with a subsidiary of The Big Ten Conference, Inc. to create Big Ten Network, a 24-hour national programming service devoted to the Big Ten Conference and Big Ten athletics, academics and related programming. The Big Ten Network is expected to launch at the end of August 2007.
Fox Business Channel. The Company has announced that it will launch the Fox Business Channel, a 24-hour national business news channel, in October 2007. Currently, there are more than 30 million subscribers under contract to carry the channel at launch.
Competition.
General. Cable network programming is another highly competitive business. Cable networks compete for distribution and, when distribution is obtained, compete for viewers and advertisers with free over-the-air broadcast television, radio, print media, motion picture theaters, DVDs, Internet, wireless and portable viewing devices and other sources of information and entertainment. Important competitive factors include the prices charged for programming, the quantity, quality and variety of programming offered and the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
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Fox News. Fox News primary competition comes from the cable networks CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and CNN Headline News. Fox News also competes for viewers and advertisers within a broad spectrum of television networks, including other non-news cable networks and free over-the-air broadcast television networks.
Sports programming operations. A number of basic and pay television programming services, such as ESPN and CSTV, as well as free over-the-air stations and broadcast networks, provide programming that targets the FSN RSNs audience. FSN is currently the only programming service distributing a full range of sports programming on both a national and regional level. On a national level, FSNs primary competitor is ESPN and, to a lesser extent, ESPN2. In regional markets, the FSN RSNs compete with other regional sports networks, including those operated by team owners, cable television systems, local broadcast television stations and other sports programming providers and distributors.
In addition, the FSN RSNs and FSN compete, to varying degrees, for sports programming rights. The FSN RSNs compete for local and regional rights with local broadcast television stations, other local and regional sports networks, including sports networks launched by team owners, and distribution outlets, such as cable television systems. FSN competes for national rights principally with the national broadcast television networks, a number of national cable services that specialize in or carry sports programming, including sports networks launched by the leagues, and television superstations that distribute sports. Independent syndicators also compete by acquiring and reselling such rights nationally, regionally and locally. Distribution outlets, such as cable television systems, sometimes contract directly with the sports teams in their service area for the right to distribute a number of those teams games on their systems. In certain markets, the owners of distribution outlets, such as cable television systems, also own one or more of the professional teams in the region, increasing their ability to launch competing networks and also limiting the professional sports rights available for acquisition by FSN RSNs.
FX. FX faces competition from a number of basic cable and pay television programming services, such as USA, TNT, Spike TV, HBO and Showtime, as well as free over-the-air broadcast networks that provide programming that targets the same viewing audience as FX. FX also faces competition from these programming services in the acquisition of distribution rights to movie and series programming.
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television
The Company engages in the direct broadcast satellite business through its subsidiary, SKY Italia. The Company also owns equity interests in BSkyB and DIRECTV, which are engaged in the DBS business (for a description of the businesses of these equity interests, please see discussion under heading Equity Interests).
SKY Italia
SKY Italia currently distributes over 100 channels of basic and premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy. This programming includes exclusive rights to popular sporting events, newly-released movies and SKY Italias original programming, such as SKY News, Italys first 24-hour news channel. As of June 30, 2007, SKY Italia had approximately 4.2 million subscribers.
Competition. The number of pay television subscribers with services in Italy other than SKY Italia is minimal; however, competition in the Italian pay television market is growing and is expected to continue to increase. SKY Italias competition includes companies that offer video, audio, interactive programming, telephony, data and other information and entertainment services, including broadband Internet providers, digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) services, wireless companies and companies that are developing new media technologies. In fiscal 2005, the competitive DTT services in Italy expanded to include pay-per-view offerings of soccer games previously available exclusively on the SKY Italia platform. The Company is currently prohibited from providing a DTT service under regulations of the European Commission. In addition, the Italian government previously offered a subsidy on the purchase of DTT decoders. Competition is encouraged through the regulatory environment which requires SKY Italia to wholesale its premium programming, to limit the length and exclusivity of certain of its premium programming contracts, as well as to provide third parties with access to the SKY Italia platform.
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Magazines and Inserts
The Company engages in marketing operations, primarily the publication of free standing inserts and the provision of in-store marketing products and services, and magazine publishing.
News America Marketing Group
The Companys U.S. marketing operations are organized under News America Marketing Group (NAMG). NAMG consists primarily of free-standing insert publications and in-store marketing products and services.
NAMG is one of the two largest publishers of free-standing inserts in the United States. Free-standing inserts are multiple-page marketing booklets containing coupons, sweepstakes, rebates and other consumer offers, which are distributed to consumers through insertion into local Sunday newspapers. Advertisers, primarily packaged goods companies, pay NAMG to produce free-standing inserts, and NAMG contracts with and pays newspapers to include the free-standing inserts into the newspapers Sunday editions. NAMG produces over 69 million free-standing inserts more than 50 times a year, which are inserted in approximately 1,400 Sunday newspapers throughout the United States. NAMG, through an affiliate, also produces over six million free-standing inserts approximately 15 times annually, which are inserted into over 150 Canadian newspapers in Canada.
NAMG is a leading provider of in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers, with products in more than 36,000 supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchandisers worldwide.
SmartSource® is the brand name that is linked with NAMGs vast assortment of marketing products, including free-standing inserts and NAMGs instant coupon machines. The SmartSource® brand currently reaches approximately 150 million consumers weekly.
The SmartSource iGroup manages NAMGs portfolio of database marketing and on-line marketing products and services. The database marketing business, branded SmartSource Direct, provides database marketing and technology solutions for both retailers and manufacturers. The SmartSource Savings Network, which includes SmartSource.com, is an Internet-based network of approximately 100 newspaper, retailer and lifestyle sites connected through a common platform that currently delivers printable coupons, samples and other consumer marketing to an audience of approximately 50 million consumers.
Competition. NAMG competes against other providers of marketing products and services, including those that provide promotional or advertising inserts and direct mailers of promotional or advertising materials, as well as those that provide trade and in-store advertisements and promotions. Competition is based on, among other things, rates, availability of markets, quality of products and services provided and their effectiveness, and rate of coupon redemption.
Magazines
United States. The Company publishes The Weekly Standard, a weekly magazine offering political commentary, in the United States.
Australia. News Magazines Pty. Ltd (News Magazines) produces both direct sale magazines and inserts for the Companys Australian newspapers. The direct sale magazines include: INSIDEout, a home and lifestyle magazine; donna hay, a food and lifestyle magazine; and Big League, a custom magazine for the National Rugby League. With the April 2007 acquisition of Federal Publishing Companys (FPC) magazine group, News Magazines now also publishes more than 20 additional magazines, including Vogue Australia, Vogue Living, GQ Australia, Australian Good Taste, delicious., Notebook: and Gardening Australia. News Magazines also publishes Sunday Magazine, which is an insert in the Companys Australian newspapers in Sydney and Melbourne. In addition, News Magazines publishes ALPHA, which is a sport and lifestyle mens magazine, which is only sold together with one of the Companys Australian newspapers.
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Competition. The magazines all compete for circulation and advertising revenue with other published products, in their same categories, as well as other forms of media. Competition for circulation is based on the editorial and informational content of each publication and its price. Competition for advertising is based on circulation levels, reader demographics, advertising rates and advertiser results.
Newspapers
The Company is engaged in the newspaper and magazine publishing business in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and the United States.
United Kingdom and Ireland. News International Limited (News International) publishes The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun and the News of the World in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sales of these four newspapers account for approximately one-third of all national newspapers sold in the United Kingdom. Both The Times, a daily published Monday through Saturday, and The Sunday Times are leading quality newspapers. The Sun, published each morning Monday through Saturday, and the News of the World, published on Sunday, are both popular, mass market newspapers. The average paid circulation for each of these four national newspapers during the six months ended June 30, 2007 was approximately: The Times640,893; The Sunday Times1,230,790; The Sun3,073,046; and News of the World3,315,976. In September 2006, News International launched thelondonpaper, a free newspaper distributed by hand in central London each afternoon Monday through Friday.
The printing of all four of News Internationals newspapers (except Saturday and Sunday supplements) takes place principally in its four printing facilities located in England, Scotland and Ireland. The Company is in the process of updating the printing facilities of all News Internationals newspapers to high speed, full color printing presses. In May 2007, the Companys printing facility in Glasgow, Scotland was moved to an updated facility in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. In addition, the current printing operations in Wapping (East London), England are expected to be moved to a new facility in Broxbourne, North London in 2008 and the Company expects to complete the expansion of its printing facility in Knowsley, England in late 2007.
News International also publishes The Times Literary Supplement, a weekly literary review, and love it!, a weekly real-life magazine.
Australia. News Limited is the largest newspaper publisher in Australia, owning approximately 145 daily, Sunday, weekly, bi-weekly and tri-weekly newspapers, of which three are free commuter titles and 105 are suburban publications (including 17 of which News Limited has a 50% interest). News Limited publishes the only nationally distributed general interest newspaper in Australia, the leading metropolitan newspapers in each of the major Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin and the leading suburban newspapers in the suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. News Limiteds daily and Sunday newspapers account for more than 65% of the total circulation of all daily and Sunday newspapers (excluding suburban and regional newspapers) published in Australia.
News Limiteds principal daily newspapers in Australia are: The Australian; The Daily Telegraph, published in Sydney; the Herald Sun, published in Melbourne; The Courier-Mail, published in Brisbane; The Advertiser, published in Adelaide; The Mercury, published in Hobart; and the Northern Territory News, published in Darwin. The Australian, which is Australias only general interest national daily newspaper, is printed in six cities and distributed nationwide. News Limiteds other principal daily newspapers in Australia are mass circulation, regional newspapers with broad-based readerships and are published and distributed regionally. The average Monday to Saturday paid circulation of each of these daily newspapers during fiscal 2007 was approximately as follows: The Australian161,000; The Daily Telegraph380,000; the Herald Sun530,000; The Courier-Mail237,000; The Advertiser203,000; The Mercury49,000; and the Northern Territory News22,000.
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News Limiteds principal Sunday newspapers in Australia are: The Sunday Telegraph, published in Sydney; the Sunday Herald Sun, published in Melbourne; The Sunday Mail, published in Brisbane; the Sunday Mail, published in Adelaide; The Sunday Times, published in Perth; the Sunday Tasmanian, which is published in Hobart; and the Sunday Territorian, published in Darwin. All these newspapers are mass circulation, metropolitan Sunday newspapers with broad-based readerships reflecting the diversity of the populations of the cities in which they are published. The average paid circulation of each of these Sunday newspapers during fiscal 2007 was approximately as follows: The Sunday Telegraph684,000; the Sunday Herald Sun617,000; The Sunday Mail (Brisbane)601,000; the Sunday Mail (Adelaide)321,000; The Sunday Times342,000; the Sunday Tasmanian60,000; and the Sunday Territorian22,000.
The other newspapers which News Limited owns and publishes in Australia are distributed to a wide range of readers in urban, suburban and rural areas and are principally weekly publications. The majority of such newspapers are free-distribution suburban publications. In the Sydney suburban markets, News Limited owns 24 weekly newspapers; in Melbourne, 33 weekly newspapers; in Brisbane, 20 weekly newspapers; in Adelaide, 11 weekly newspapers; and in Perth, News Limiteds 50% owned suburban group publishes 17 weekly newspapers. The aggregate average weekly circulations of these suburban newspapers for the six months ended March 31, 2007 was approximately 5,200,000 homes (adjusted to reflect the acquisition of seven community newspapers from FPC in April 2007, which had an average weekly circulation of approximately 360,000 homes).
In addition to these newspapers, News Limited and its 50% owned Perth suburban group also publish 18 other publications (16 monthlies and two weeklies) with an average circulation for the six months ended March 31, 2007 of approximately 560,000 homes for the monthly titles and approximately 80,000 for the two weekly titles (adjusted to reflect the acquisition of six publications from FPC in April 2007, which had an average circulation of approximately 180,000 homes for the period).
News Limiteds suburban newspapers are leading publications in terms of advertising and circulation in each of their respective markets. News Limiteds other newspapers in Australia are regional newspapers, circulating throughout broader, less densely populated areas.
Except for 53 of its suburban newspapers and three regional newspapers, News Limiteds Australian newspapers are produced and printed in facilities owned by the Company.
United States. The Company owns the New York Post (the Post), a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper that is published seven days a week and distributed in New York City, Baltimore, Boston, Florida and California. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, the newspaper had average daily circulation of approximately 715,000. The Company prints the Post in a printing facility in the Bronx, New York and uses third-party printers in its other markets in the United States.
In fiscal 2007, the Company formed the Community Newspaper Group and acquired several local newspapers and other publications distributed in the New York metropolitan area.
Competition. The newspapers published by the Company compete for readership and advertising with local and national newspapers and also compete with television, radio, the Internet and other communications media in their respective locales. Competition for newspaper circulation is based on the news and editorial content of the newspaper, cover price and, from time to time, various promotions. The success of the newspapers published by the Company in competing with other newspapers and media for advertising depends upon advertisers judgments as to the most effective use of their advertising budgets. Competition for advertising among newspapers is based upon circulation levels, readership levels, reader demographics, advertising rates and advertiser results. Such judgments are based on factors such as cost, availability of alternative media, circulation and quality of readership demographics.
In recent years, the newspaper industry has experienced difficulty increasing circulation volume and revenues. This is due to, among other factors, increased competition from new media formats and sources, and
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shifting preferences among some consumers to receive all or a portion of their news from sources other than a newspaper. The Company believes that competition from new media formats and sources and shifting consumer preferences will continue to pose challenges within the newspaper industry.
Book Publishing
HarperCollins Publishers (HarperCollins) is engaged in English language book publishing on a worldwide basis and is one of the worlds largest English language book publishers. HarperCollins principal businesses are HarperCollins Publishers LLC (HarperCollins U.S.), headquartered in New York, HarperCollins Publishers Limited, headquartered in London, and The Zondervan Corporation LLC (Zondervan), headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. HarperCollins primarily publishes fiction and non-fiction, including religious books, for the general consumer. In the United Kingdom, HarperCollins publishes some titles for the educational market as well.
During fiscal 2007, HarperCollins U.S. had 128 adult and childrens titles on The New York Times bestseller list, with 16 titles hitting number one, including Marley & Me by John Grogan, The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan, At the Center of the Storm by George Tenet, The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier, The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner, The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls, A Series of Unfortunate Events, #13: The End by Lemony Snicket, Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy by Jane OConnor, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, The Night before Christmas by Clement Moore, Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis, Bad Dog, Marley! by John Grogan, Charlottes Web The Movie Storybook by Kate Egan, Thanks to You by Julie Andrews and Emma Hamilton and Warriors: The New Prophecy and Warriors: Power of Three both by Erin Hunter.
Competition. The book publishing business operates in a highly competitive market and has been affected by consolidation trends. This market continues to change in response to technological innovations and other factors. Recent years have brought a number of significant mergers among leading book publishers. There have also been a number of mergers completed in the distribution channel. HarperCollins must compete with other publishers, such as Random House, Penguin Group, Simon & Schuster and Hachette Livre, for the rights to works by well-known authors and public personalities. Although HarperCollins currently has strong positions in each of its markets, further consolidation in the book publishing industry could place it at a competitive disadvantage with respect to scale and resources.
Other
NDS
The Company owns approximately 73% of the equity and approximately 96% of the voting power of NDSs American Depositary Shares, which each represent one NDS Series A ordinary share, par value $0.01 per share, and which are quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol NNDS.
NDS supplies open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay television platform operators and content providers. NDSs technologies include conditional access and microprocessor security, broadcast stream management, set-top box and residential gateway middleware, electronic program guides, DVR technologies and interactive infrastructure and applications. NDS provides technologies and services supporting standard definition and high definition televisions and a variety of industry, Internet and Internet protocol standards. NDSs software systems, consultancy and systems integration services are focused on providing platform operators and content providers with technology to help them profit from the secure distribution of digital information and entertainment to consumer devices that incorporate various technologies supplied by NDS. For more information on NDS, please see its reports filed with the SEC.
Competition. NDS competes with a number of companies, although no single company competes with it in all of its product lines.
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Fox Interactive Media
Fox Interactive Media, Inc. (FIM) operates the majority of the Companys Internet businesses, including MySpace.com, FoxSports.com, Scout.com, AmericanIdol.com, IGN.com, RottenTomatoes.com, AskMen.com, Photobucket.com, Flektor.com and other Company web properties. In June 2007, the FIM network of websites (excluding Photobucket.com and Flektor.com, which were acquired in July 2007 and May 2007, respectively) had approximately 164 million unique visitors worldwide and approximately 84 million unique visitors in the United States and, as of June 30, 2007, was the fifth largest network of users on the Internet in the United States according to comScore Media Metrix (based on monthly unique users). The FIM properties create original entertainment, news and information content and leverage the Companys current and archived video assets.
FIM derives revenue principally from the sale of Internet advertising and sponsorships, as well as from subscription services and e-commerce, including the digital sale of video games, television programming and other entertainment products. FIM has a multi-year search technology and services agreement with Google Inc. (Google), pursuant to which Google provides search and keyword targeted advertising on an exclusive basis for a majority of FIMs web properties domestically and internationally. In furtherance of FIMs monetization strategy, it purchased an interactive advertising technology company, Strategic Data Corporation (SDC) in March 2007. SDCs advanced, proprietary technology is designed to optimize the delivery of FIMs online advertising.
MySpace.com is the leading social networking site on the Internet, with over 188 million registered users worldwide as of June 30, 2007. MySpace.com allows users, such as individuals, bands, comedians and film producers, to create and customize content-rich Internet profile pages, share user-generated video, participate in user groups and communicate with each other using various technologies, including instant messaging. In June 2007, MySpace.com had approximately 70 million unique visitors and 46 billion page views in the United States according to comScore Media Metrix.
During fiscal 2007, MySpace launched international sites in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Mexico and expects to launch in additional countries in the coming year. The international MySpace sites provide unique local content to users in those countries while maintaining global connectivity to MySpace.com. In addition, FIM formed a joint venture with Softbank Corp. to launch MySpace Japan in November 2006. MySpace also licenses its trademarks and technology to a local company that operates a MySpace site in China, which launched in April 2007.
MySpace launched a number of new features and services during the past year, including the Impact Channel (http://impact.myspace.com), which provides a community for politicians, non-profit organizations and others to communicate with MySpace users, MySpace News (http://news.myspace.com), which provides users with access to news stories from over 8,000 sources across the Internet, and, most recently, MySpaceTV, an integrated component of the companys worldwide community and content platform which provides users personalized video channels, exclusive and original content, user generated and partner driven branded channels. MySpace announced video-focused content deals and partnerships with a variety of content partners, including Broadband Emmy Awards, Michael Eisners Prom Queen, Mark Burnetts INDEPENDENT, the NBA, the NHL and The Sony Minisode Network. Branded channel partners include National Geographic, The New York Times and Reuters.
FIMs IGN network of video game-related Internet properties (IGN.com, GameSpy, FilePlanet, TeamXbox, Direct2Drive and others) is the Webs number one video game information destination and attracts one of the largest concentrated audiences of young males on the Internet. IGN also owns and operates the popular movie-related website, RottenTomatoes.com, and one of the leading male lifestyle websites, AskMen.com. In addition, IGN provides technology for online game play in video games. IGN has launched international versions of IGN.com in the United Kingdom and Australia and expects to launch in additional countries in the coming year. Collectively, IGNs properties had approximately 36 million unique users worldwide in June 2007 according to comScore Media Metrix.
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FoxSports.com, part of the MSN Network, is the leading general interest sports destination on the Internet in the United States. Through its strategic relationship with MSN.com, FoxSports.com surpassed ESPN.com in unique users in fiscal 2007, and grew over 16% over the prior year. In June 2007, FoxSports.com on the MSN Network had approximately 15 million unique visitors and 506 million page views in the United States according to comScore Media Metrix.
FIM acquired Photobucket.com, Inc. in July 2007 and Flektor, Inc. in May 2007. Photobucket.com is a web-based provider of photo- and video-sharing services, and Flektor.com is a next-generation website that provides users with a suite of web-based tools to transform their photos and videos into dynamic slideshows, postcards, live interactive presentations and video mash-ups.
Competition. FIMs business and the Internet generally are highly competitive. FIM properties compete with other Internet sites for advertisers, users and traffic. FIM develops new tools and features to remain competitive in the Web 2.0 world. These new tools and features are key competitive factors in keeping users engaged with FIM properties.
News Outdoor
News Outdoor Group (News Outdoor) operates outdoor advertising companies. News Outdoor owns an approximately 73% interest in Media Support Services Limited (MSS), the largest outdoor advertising company in Russia. In certain limited circumstances, the minority stockholders of MSS have the right to sell, and News Outdoor has the right to purchase, the minority interests at fair market value. News Outdoor also owns or has interests in outdoor advertising companies in Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Israel, India and Southeast Asia.
In June 2007, the Company announced that it intends to explore strategic options for News Outdoor in connection with News Outdoors continued development plans. The strategic options include, but are not limited to, exploring the opportunity to expand News Outdoors existing shareholder group through new strategic and private equity partners. No agreement has yet been entered into with respect to any transaction.
Other Operations
In January 2007, the Company and VeriSign, Inc. (VeriSign) formed a joint venture to provide entertainment content for mobile devices. The Company paid approximately $190 million for a controlling interest in VeriSigns wholly-owned subsidiary, Jamba, which was combined with certain of the Companys Fox Mobile Entertainment assets.
The Company owns or has interests in the following free over-the-air, general entertainment television stations: bTV in Bulgaria; TV Puls in Poland; LNT and TV5 in Latvia; Fox Televizija in Serbia; and FOX TV in Turkey. The Company has also entered into agreements in principle to acquire interests in television stations in Israel (Channel 10) and Georgia (TV IMEDI). In addition, the Company owns interests in Nashe Radio and Best FM, both Russian radio stations.
News Digital Media is the Companys Australian online division. In addition to maintaining the Companys Australian websites, News Digital Media is responsible for online advertising in Australia. News Digital Media operates CareerOne.com.au, CARSguide.com.au, NEWS.com.au, truelocal.com.au and FOXSPORTS.com.au.
Equity Interests
BSkyB
The Company holds an approximate 39% interest in BSkyB. BSkyBs ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and its American Depositary Shares, each representing four BSkyB ordinary shares, are
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listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), in each case under the symbol BSY. BSkyB is the leading pay television broadcast service in the United Kingdom and Ireland. BSkyB acquires programming to broadcast on its own channels and also supplies certain of those channels to cable operators for retransmission in the United Kingdom and Ireland. BSkyB also retails channels (both its own and those of third parties) to DTH subscribers and to a limited number of DSL subscribers. For more information on BSkyB, please see its reports filed with the SEC.
DIRECTV
The Company holds an approximate 39% interest in DIRECTV. DIRECTVs common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol DTV. DIRECTV is the largest provider of DTH digital television services and the second largest provider in the multichannel video programming distribution (MVPD) industry in the United States, in each case based on the number of subscribers. DIRECTV is a leading provider of digital television entertainment in the United States and Latin America. DIRECTV acquires, promotes, sell and distributes digital entertainment programming via satellite to residential and commercial customers. For more information on DIRECTV, please see its reports filed with the SEC.
As discussed above, the Companys interest in DIRECTV is part of the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement. If consummated, the Company will not have any interest in DIRECTV following the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement. For more information on the Share Exchange Agreement, please see discussion under the heading Background.
Gemstar-TV Guide
The Company holds an approximate 41% interest in Gemstar-TV Guide. GemstarTV Guides common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol GMST. GemstarTV Guide is a media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes products and services targeted at the video guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. In July 2007, Gemstar-TV Guide announced that its board of directors authorized Gemstar-TV Guide and its advisors to explore strategic alternatives intended to maximize stockholder value, which may include a sale of the company. For more information on GemstarTV Guide, please see its reports filed with the SEC.
FOXTEL
The Company, Telstra Corporation Limited, an Australian telecommunications company, and Publishing and Broadcasting Limited, an Australian media and entertainment company, own and operate FOXTEL, a cable and satellite television service in Australia with 25%, 50% and 25% interests, respectively. At June 30, 2007, FOXTEL had approximately 1.4 million subscribers (including subscribers to Optus, an Australian telecommunications company). At June 30, 2007, 100% of the FOXTEL managed subscriber base was connected to FOXTELs digital service, which delivers over 100 channels on cable and satellite.
Other Investments
National Geographic Channel. The Company holds an approximate 67% non-controlling interest in the National Geographic Channel in the United States, with NGT holding the remaining interest. The National Geographic Channel currently reaches approximately 64.5 million households in the United States according to Nielsen Media Research. The National Geographic Channel airs documentary programming on such topics as natural history, adventure, science, exploration and culture. The Company and NGT also own interests of 25% and 75%, respectively, in NGC Network (UK) Limited, which produces and distributes the National Geographic Channel throughout the United Kingdom, Benelux, Scandinavia, Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Israel, Greece, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
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Telecine. The Company owns a 12.5% equity interest in Telecine, Ltda., which distributes five premium pay television channels (Telecine Premium, Telecine Action, Telecine Emotion, Telecine Popcorn and Telecine Cult) in Brazil. Such channels primarily feature theatrical motion pictures of Twentieth Century Fox and three other studio partners in the English language with Portuguese subtitles, except that Telecine Popcorn is dubbed into Portuguese.
Premium Movie Partnership. The Company owns an approximate 20% equity interest in The Premium Movie Partnership, which distributes three premium pay television channels (Showtime and its multiplex channel, Showtime 2, and Showtime Greats) in Australia. Such channels primarily feature theatrical motion pictures of the Company and three other studio partners.
SkyNZ. The Company owns an approximate 44% interest in Sky Network Television Limited (SkyNZ), a land-linked UHF network and digital DBS service in New Zealand.
News Corporation/NBC Universal Online Joint Venture. In March 2007, the Company and NBC Universal announced the formation of a joint venture to launch a website and online video distribution network. The joint venture will be a platform for premium produced content from the Company, NBC Universal and a myriad of other content partners. The joint ventures content library will also be distributed by partners, such as AOL, MSN, MySpace, Yahoo! and Comcast. In August 2007, the Company and NBC Universal entered into an agreement with Providence Equity Partners (Providence), a media investment firm, pursuant to which Providence will invest $100 million and will acquire a 10% interest in the joint venture.
Government Regulation
General
Various aspects of the Companys activities are subject to regulation in numerous jurisdictions around the world. The Company believes that it is in material compliance with the requirements imposed by those laws and regulations. The introduction of new laws and regulations in countries where the Companys products and services are produced or distributed (and changes in the enforcement of existing laws and regulations in those countries) could have a negative impact on the interests of the Company.
Filmed Entertainment
United States
FFE is subject to the provisions of so-called trade practice laws in effect in 25 states relating to theatrical distribution of motion pictures. These laws substantially restrict the licensing of motion pictures unless theater owners are first invited to attend a screening of the motion pictures and, in certain instances, also prohibit payment of advances and guarantees to motion picture distributors by exhibitors. Further, pursuant to various consent judgments, FFE and certain other motion picture companies are subject to certain restrictions on their trade practices in the United States, including a requirement to offer motion pictures for exhibition to theaters on a theater-by-theater basis and, in some cases, a prohibition against the ownership of theaters.
Other International Regulation
In countries outside of the United States, there are a variety of existing or contemplated governmental laws and regulations which may affect the ability of FFE to distribute and/or license its motion picture and television products to cinema, television or in-home media, including copyright laws and regulations which may or may not be adequate to protect its interests, cinema screen quotas, television quotas, contract term limitations, discriminatory taxes and other discriminatory treatment of U.S. products. The ability of countries to deny market access or refuse national treatment to products originating outside their territories is regulated under various international agreements, including the World Trade Organizations General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and General Agreement on Trade and Services; however, these agreements have limited application with respect to preventing the denial of market access to audio-visual products originating outside the European Union.
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Television
United States
In general, the television broadcast industry in the United States is highly regulated by federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the FCC. The FCC regulates television broadcasting, and certain aspects of the operations of cable, satellite and other electronic media that compete with broadcasting, pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Communications Act).
The Communications Act permits the operation of television broadcast stations only in accordance with a license issued by the FCC upon a finding that the grant of the license would serve the public interest, convenience and necessity. The FCC grants television broadcast station licenses for specific periods of time and, upon application, may renew the licenses for additional terms. Under the Communications Act, television broadcast licenses may be granted for a maximum permitted term of eight years. Generally, the FCC renews broadcast licenses upon finding that: (i) the television station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity; (ii) there have been no serious violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or FCC rules and regulations; and (iii) there have been no other violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or FCC rules and regulations which, taken together, indicate a pattern of abuse. After considering these factors, the FCC may grant the license renewal application with or without conditions, including renewal for a lesser term than the maximum otherwise permitted, or hold an evidentiary hearing. Fox Television Stations has pending renewal applications for a number of its television station licenses. Nine of the pending applications have been opposed by third parties. For information on the television stations owned and operated by the Company, see Fox Television Stations above.
In February 1998, the FCC adopted a final table of digital channel allotments and rules for the implementation of digital television (DTV) service (including high-definition television) in the United States. The digital table of allotments provides each existing full power television station licensee or permittee, including the 35 stations operated by Fox Television Stations, with a second broadcast channel in order to facilitate a transition from analog to digital transmission, conditioned upon the surrender of one of the channels at the end of the DTV transition period. By law, all full power television stations must cease transmission of analog signals by February 17, 2009. The law sets aside $1.5 billion in subsidies to help consumers obtain converter boxes that will allow analog television sets to receive digital broadcasts. All of the stations operated by Fox Television Stations have launched digital facilities. Under FCC rules, television stations may use their second channel to broadcast either one stream of high definition digital programming or to multicast several streams of standard definition digital programming or a mixture of both. Broadcasters may also deliver data over these channels, provided that the supplemental services do not derogate the mandated, free over-the-air program service. Fox Television Stations is currently formulating plans for use of its digital channels. It is difficult to assess the impact of cessation of analog broadcasting and how the conversion to digital television will affect Fox Television Stations business.
On October 6, 2006 the FCC granted Fox Television Stations applications to transfer control of its television station licenses from Mr. K Rupert Murdoch to the Company through a recapitalization of FTH stock that reduced Mr. K. Rupert Murdochs voting interest to 14.8% and raised the Companys voting interest to 85.2% (the October 2006 Order). The grant of the applications effected no change with respect to the equity held in FTH, the officers or directors of FTH or to its day-to-day operations.
On June 2, 2003, the FCC concluded the 2002 biennial review of its broadcast ownership regulations required by the 1996 Telecom Act by amending its rules governing the ownership of television and radio stations and by replacing its newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership ban and the radio/television cross-ownership restriction with a new set of cross-media ownership limits (the June 2003 Order). In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004, Congress increased the national television station ownership cap to permit an entity to have an attributable ownership interest in an unlimited number of television stations nationally, so long as the
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audience reach of those stations does not exceed, in the aggregate and after the application of the UHF Discount, 39% of U.S. television households.
Several parties appealed the June 2003 Order and, on September 3, 2003, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (the Third Circuit) issued an Order staying the effectiveness of the new rules. On June 24, 2004, the Third Circuit remanded the FCCs June 2003 Order for additional justification or modification of the revisions the FCC had made to its ownership regulations. On June 21, 2006, the FCC commenced a proceeding to again review its media ownership rules and to address the issues raised by the Third Circuits remand. The September 3, 2003 stay remains in effect pending the remand, and, therefore, the FCC broadcast ownership rules that were operative prior to the June 2003 Order continue to govern the ownership of multiple stations and cross-ownership. Those rules (i) permit the ownership of two television stations with overlapping coverage areas if the stations are in separate DMAs; (ii) permit the ownership of two stations in the same DMA if their Grade B coverage areas do not overlap or if eight independently owned full power television stations will remain in the DMA after the stations that had been independently owned become commonly owned, and one of the merged stations is not among the top four-ranked stations in the market, based on audience share; and (iii) prohibit the common ownership of a broadcast station and a newspaper in the same market. Fox Television Stations is in compliance with the rules governing ownership of multiple stations in the same market and with the national station ownership cap established by Congress. It is not possible to predict the timing or outcome of the FCCs action on remand or its effect on the Company.
Fox Television Stations retains an attributable interest in the Post and two television stations in the New York DMA. In the October 2006 Order, the FCC reaffirmed the Companys permanent waiver of the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule, which allows the common ownership of the Post and WNYW(TV), and granted a two-year temporary waiver of the rule to continue to allow the common ownership of the Post and WWOR-TV. Parties opposed to the FCCs decision filed a petition for reconsideration with the agency and an appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, both of which are pending. It is not possible to predict the timing or outcome of the FCCs or the Courts action on these filings or their effect on the Company.
FCC regulations implementing the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the 1992 Cable Act) require each television broadcaster to elect, at three-year intervals, either to (i) require carriage of its signal by cable systems in the stations market (must carry) or (ii) negotiate the terms on which that broadcast station would permit transmission of its signal by the cable systems within its market (retransmission consent). On February 10, 2005, the FCC resolved issues relating to carriage requirements for digital broadcast television signals on cable systems by concluding that cable operators are not required by law to carry simultaneously the analog and digital signals of local television stations during the period of transition from analog to digital broadcasting. In addition, the FCC concluded that stations that multicast several streams of digital programming and that elect must carry are entitled to the carriage by cable systems of only a single primary programming stream. The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 required satellite carriers, as of January 1, 2002, to carry upon request all television stations located in markets in which the satellite carrier retransmits at least one local station pursuant to the copyright license provided in the statute. FCC regulations implementing this statutory provision require affected stations to either elect mandatory carriage at the same three year intervals applicable to cable must carry or to negotiate carriage terms with the satellite operators. The FCC has yet to decide what obligations satellite carriers will have with respect to carriage of digital broadcast signals.
Legislation enacted in 1990 limits the amount of commercial matter that may be broadcast during programming designed for children 12 years of age and younger. In addition, under FCC license renewal processing guidelines, television stations are generally required to broadcast a minimum of three hours per week of programming, which, among other requirements, must serve, as a significant purpose, the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and under. A television station found not to have complied with the programming requirements or commercial limitations could face sanctions, including monetary fines and the possible non-renewal of its license.
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FCC rules prohibit the broadcast by television and radio stations of indecent or profane material between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Beginning in March 2004, the FCC implemented a new policy regarding this prohibition and generally stepped up its enforcement of indecency violations. Under the new policy, the single use of certain forbidden expletives, or variations of those expletives, were deemed indecent and profane. The FCC also warned broadcasters that serious multiple violations of the indecency prohibition could lead to license revocation proceedings, and that fines could be imposed for each incident in a single broadcast. Under the new FCC policy, both complaints about indecency and FCC enforcement actions have increased, and several complaints alleging the broadcast of alleged indecent or profane material by Fox Television Stations are pending at the FCC. In 2004, the FCC notified Fox Television Stations of apparent liability for a $175,000 forfeiture relating to the broadcast of an episode of the program Married by America by the Companys FOX Affiliates, including its owned and operated FOX stations. On March 15, 2006, the FCC notified Fox Television Stations of apparent liability for a $27,500 forfeiture relating to the broadcast of the movie The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper by its owned and operated station KTVI(TV) in St. Louis, Missouri (the March 15 Order). Fox Television Stations is contesting both forfeitures.
In the March 15 Order, the FCC also determined that the 2002 and 2003 Billboard Music Awards programs, both live broadcasts on FOX, violated the prohibitions against indecent and profane broadcasts because they contained isolated uses of the forbidden expletives. However, since these broadcasts preceded the FCCs March 2004 policy, no forfeiture or other penalty was imposed. Nonetheless, in April 2006, Fox Television Stations appealed the March 15 Order to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals (the Second Circuit). On June 4, 2007 the Second Circuit granted Foxs appeal, vacated the FCCs decision in the Billboard Music Awards cases as well as the FCCs new policy on fleeting expletives in its entirety on the grounds that both were arbitrary and capricious. The Court remanded the case to the FCC for further proceedings consistent with the Courts opinion.
On June 15, 2006, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act was signed into law. This law raises the maximum amount the FCC can impose for a violation of the prohibition against indecent and profane broadcasts from $32,500 to $325,000 per incident. Some members of Congress have supported extending the indecency rules applicable to free over-the-air broadcasters to cable and satellite programming, and/or requiring MVPDs to provide their subscribers with the option of purchasing programming on a channel by channel (or à la carte) basis or to provide them with a family -friendly program tier without obligating the subscriber to purchase any other programming channels or tiers.
Modifications to the Companys programming to reduce the risk of indecency violations could have an adverse effect on the competitive position of Fox Television Stations and FOX. If indecency regulation is extended to cable and satellite programming, and such extension was found to be constitutional, some of the Companys cable programming services could be subject to additional regulation that might affect subscription and viewership levels. Regulation requiring à la carte or family-friendly program options might decrease the distribution of the Companys cable services and increase their marketing expenses, which could affect results of operations.
The FCC continues to enforce strictly its regulations concerning political advertising, childrens television, environmental concerns, equal employment opportunity, technical operating matters and antenna tower maintenance. FCC rules require the closed captioning of almost all broadcast and cable programming. Although not required by FCC regulation, the Company has committed to provide program ratings information for its broadcast network programming for use in conjunction with V Chip technology, a technology that blocks the display of television programming based on its rating. FCC regulations governing network affiliation agreements mandate that television broadcast station licensees retain the right to reject or refuse network programming in certain circumstances or to substitute programming that the licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance. Violation of FCC regulations can result in substantial monetary forfeitures, periodic reporting conditions, short-term license renewals and, in egregious cases, denial of license renewal or revocation of license.
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Asia
STAR broadcasts television programming over a footprint covering approximately 53 countries. Government regulation of direct reception and redistribution via cable or other means of satellite television signals, where it is addressed at all, is treated differently throughout STARs footprint. At one extreme are absolute bans on private ownership of satellite receiving equipment. Some countries, however, have adopted a less restrictive approach, opting to allow ownership of satellite receiving equipment by certain institutions and individuals but allowing them to receive only authorized broadcasts. At the opposite end of the spectrum are countries where private satellite dish ownership is allowed and laws and regulations have been adopted which support popular access to satellite services through local cable redistribution.
Most television services within STARs footprint, whether free over-the-air or pay television, are also subject to licensing requirements, although these requirements are imposed on the local broadcast operators who collect the subscription fees rather than on program suppliers, such as STAR, which license local broadcast operators to receive their programming. In addition, most countries in STARs footprint control the content offered by local broadcast operators through censorship requirements to which program suppliers, such as STAR, are subject. Certain countries also impose obligations to carry government-operated or terrestrial channels or require a minimum percentage of local content. Other countries require local broadcast operators to obtain government approval to retransmit foreign programming.
Most countries within STARs footprint, including in STARs key markets (India, mainland China and Taiwan), have a regulatory framework for the satellite and cable television industry.
India. In India, private satellite dish ownership, including DTH, is allowed. Television viewers receive broadcast television signals primarily through terrestrial and cable delivery and in more recent years, DTH delivery.
All cable television operators are required to carry certain government-operated channels. Retransmissions of foreign satellite channels, such as STARs channels in India, are permitted, subject to licensing requirements and compliance with local applicable laws, including censorship codes. The Indian government also places certain restrictions on advertising and requires that certain media, whether produced in India or abroad, must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification prior to exhibition in India.
Limits are imposed on the increase in the year-on-year prices payable by cable operators to broadcasters for certain channels, including certain STAR channels. There is no tariff regulation for DTH; however, broadcasters are required to offer their channels to DTH platforms at 50% of the rates charged by analogue cable operators. Broadcasters are also required to provide their channels on non-discriminatory terms to all distributors.
In certain metropolitan areas, viewers are required to buy or rent a set-top-box from cable operators to access pay television channels, which allows viewers to choose the pay television channels they wish to subscribe to on an à la carte basis, rather than on a bundled basis. Further cable operators are required to provide a pay television channel at a capped retail price, of which the broadcasters share is restricted to 45%. Broadcasters and cable operators must execute standard format agreements regarding the provision of television signals in certain metropolitan areas.
China. In mainland China, private satellite dish ownership is prohibited except with special approval for hotels, government and foreign institutions which can receive only authorized broadcasts. Local cable and free over-the-air terrestrial operators are required to broadcast a minimum percentage of local content and retransmission of foreign satellite channels by local operators is prohibited except with special approval.
Taiwan. In Taiwan, private satellite dish ownership is allowed. The maximum subscription fee chargeable by cable television operators is set by both the national and local governments. Cable television operators offer analog basic channels in a single package and digital premium channels in packages or on an à la carte basis as a
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buy through to their basic analog service. All channels offered in Taiwan must be licensed. Retransmission of foreign satellite programming by local cable operators is permitted, but local cable operators are also required to carry terrestrial channels and broadcast a minimum percentage of local content.
Additional categories of regulation of actual or potential significance to STAR within its footprint are restrictions on foreign investment in platform or channel businesses, uplink-downlink licensing regulations, content protection under copyright or communications law, limitations on exclusive arrangements for channel distribution and non-discrimination requirements for supply or carriage of programming.
Cable Network Programming
FCC regulations adopted pursuant to the 1992 Cable Act (the Program Access Rules) prevent a cable operator that has an attributable interest (including voting or non-voting stock ownership of 5% or more or limited partnership equity interests of 5% or more) in a programming vendor from exercising undue or improper influence over the vendor in its dealings with competitors to cable. The Program Access Rules also prohibit a cable programmer in which a cable operator has an attributable interest from entering into exclusive contracts with any cable operator or from discriminating among competing MVPDs in the price, terms and conditions of sale or delivery of programming. As a result of Libertys ownership interest in the Company and the conditions imposed on the Company by the FCC in connection with the Companys acquisition of an interest in DIRECTV, cable networks operated by the Company are subject to the Program Access Rules. These regulations therefore restrict the ability of the Companys cable programming services to enter into exclusive contracts. The rules also permit MVPDs (such as cable operators, multi-channel multi-point distribution services, satellite master antenna television services, DBS and DTH operators) to bring complaints against the Company to the FCC charging they are unable to obtain the affected programming networks on nondiscriminatory terms and conditions.
Program Access Conditions
In connection with its approval of the transfer of licenses controlled by DIRECTV to the Company, the FCC imposed the following conditions relating to the carriage and availability of its broadcast and cable programming services: (i) extended the requirements of the Program Access Rules to DIRECTV; (ii) extended the non-discrimination requirements of the Program Access Rules to any television station owned and operated or represented by the Company with respect to negotiations or agreements for retransmission consent and required the Company to negotiate in good faith over retransmission consent rights for as long as the Program Access Rules are in effect; (iii) required the Company to enter into commercial arbitration if negotiations with an MVPD over retransmission consent for its television stations signals and/or carriage of the regional sports networks it owns, controls or manages reach an impasse; and (iv) prohibited the Company from unduly or improperly influencing the decision of any affiliated program rights holder (a program rights holder that holds an attributable interest in the Company or in which the Company holds an attributable interest) to sell programming to an unaffiliated MVPD, or the prices, terms and conditions of such a sale.
Internet
The Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) prohibits web sites from collecting personally identifiable information online from children under age 13 without prior parental consent. The Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM) regulates the distribution of unsolicited commercial emails, or spam. Online services provided by the Company may be subject to COPPA and CAN-SPAM requirements. Congress and individual states may also consider online privacy legislation that would apply to personal information collected from teens and adults.
In addition, the federal government and some state governments have introduced or considered legislation relating to Internet usage generally, including measures relating to privacy and data security, as well as specific legislation aimed at social networking sites, such as MySpace.com. Because most of such legislation is in its
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early stages, it is unclear how this would affect the Companys business conducted on the Internet. The Company monitors pending legislation to ascertain relevance, analyze impact and develop strategic direction surrounding regulatory trends and developments within the industry.
Raw Materials
As a major publisher of newspapers, magazines, free-standing inserts and books, the Company utilizes substantial quantities of various types of paper. In order to obtain the best available prices, substantially all of the Companys paper purchasing is done on a centralized, volume purchase basis, and draws upon major paper manufacturing countries around the world. The Company believes that under present market conditions, its sources of paper supply used in its publishing activities are adequate and that there are alternative sources of supply available at prices comparable to those presently being paid.
Intellectual Property
The Companys intellectual property assets include: copyrights in motion pictures, television programming, newspapers, books, magazines, websites and technologies; trademarks in names, logos and characters; domain names; patents or patent applications for inventions related to its products, business methods and/or services; and licenses of intellectual property rights of various kinds. The Company derives value from these assets through the theatrical release of films and the production, distribution and/or licensing of its films and television programming to domestic and international television and cable networks, pay television services, pay-per-view, video-on-demand services and direct-to-home satellite services, operation of websites, and through the sale of products, such as DVDs, books, newspapers and magazines, among others.
The Company devotes significant resources to protecting its intellectual property in the United States and other key foreign territories. To protect these assets, the Company relies upon a combination of copyright, trademark, unfair competition, patent, trade secret and Internet/domain name statutes and laws and contract provisions. However, there can be no assurance of the degree to which these measures will be successful in any given case. Policing unauthorized use of the Companys products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken may not in every case prevent the infringement by unauthorized third parties of the Companys intellectual property. The Company seeks to limit that threat through a combination of approaches, including offering legitimate market alternatives, deploying digital rights management technologies, pursuing legal sanctions for infringement, promoting appropriate legislative initiatives and international treaties and enhancing public awareness of the meaning and value of intellectual property and intellectual property laws. In addition, piracy, including in the digital environment, continues to present a threat to revenues from products and services based on intellectual property.
Third parties may challenge the validity or scope of the Companys intellectual property from time to time, and such challenges could result in the limitation or loss of intellectual property rights. Irrespective of their validity, such claims may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources which could have an adverse effect on the Companys operations. Moreover, effective intellectual property protection may be either unavailable or limited in certain foreign territories. Therefore, the Company engages in efforts to strengthen and update intellectual property protection around the world, including efforts to ensure the effective enforcement of intellectual property laws and remedies for infringement.
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Prospective investors should consider carefully the risk factors set forth below before making an investment in the Companys securities.
A Decline in Advertising Expenditures Could Cause the Companys Revenues and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.
The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising on or in its television stations, broadcast and cable networks, newspapers and inserts, websites and DBS services. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions, as well as budgeting and buying patterns. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy in general could alter current or prospective advertisers spending priorities. Demand for the Companys products is also a factor in determining advertising rates. For example, ratings points for the Companys television stations, broadcast and cable networks and circulation levels for the Companys newspapers are factors that are weighed when determining advertising rates, and with respect to the Companys television stations and broadcast and television networks, when determining the affiliate rates received by the Company. In addition, newer technologies, including new video formats, streaming and downloading capabilities via the Internet, video-on-demand, personal video recorders and other devices and technologies are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences. Some of these devices and technologies allow users to view television or motion pictures from a remote location or on a time- delayed basis and provide users the ability for users to fast-forward, rewind, pause and skip programming. These technological developments are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences and may cause changes in consumer behavior that could affect the attractiveness of the Companys offerings to viewers, advertisers and/or distributors. A decrease in advertising expenditures or reduced demand for the Companys offerings can lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could have an adverse effect on the Companys businesses.
Acceptance of the Companys Film and Television Programming by the Public is Difficult to Predict, Which Could Lead to Fluctuations in Revenues.
Feature film and television production and distribution are speculative businesses since the revenues derived from the production and distribution of a feature film or television series depend primarily upon its acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. The commercial success of a feature film or television series also depends upon the quality and acceptance of other competing films and television series released into the marketplace at or near the same time, the availability of a growing number of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. Further, the theatrical success of a feature film and the audience ratings for a television series are generally key factors in generating revenues from other distribution channels, such as home entertainment and premium pay television, with respect to feature films, and syndication, with respect to television series.
The Loss of Carriage Agreements Could Cause the Companys Revenue and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.
The Company is dependent upon the maintenance of affiliation agreements with third-party owned television stations, and there can be no assurance that these affiliation agreements will be renewed in the future on terms acceptable to the Company. The loss of a significant number of these affiliation arrangements could reduce the distribution of FOX and adversely affect the Companys ability to sell national advertising time. Similarly, the Companys cable networks maintain affiliation and carriage arrangements that enable them to reach a large percentage of cable and direct broadcast satellite households across the United States. The loss of a significant number of these arrangements or the loss of carriage on basic programming tiers could reduce the distribution of the Companys cable networks, which may adversely affect those networks revenues from subscriber fees and their ability to sell national and local advertising time.
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The Inability to Renew Sports Programming Rights Could Cause the Companys Advertising Revenue to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.
The sports rights contracts between the Company, on the one hand, and various professional sports leagues and teams, on the other, have varying duration and renewal terms. As these contracts expire, renewals on favorable terms may be sought; however, third parties may outbid the current rights holders for the rights contracts. In addition, professional sports leagues or teams may create their own networks or the renewal costs could substantially exceed the original contract cost. The loss of rights could impact the extent of the sports coverage offered by the Company and its affiliates, as it relates to FOX, and could adversely affect the Companys advertising and affiliate revenues. Upon renewal, the Companys results could be adversely affected if escalations in sports programming rights costs are unmatched by increases in advertising rates and, in the case of cable networks, subscriber fees.
Technological Developments May Increase the Threat of Content Piracy and Signal Theft and Limit the Companys Ability to Protect Its Intellectual Property Rights.
The Company seeks to limit the threat of content piracy and DBS programming signal theft; however, policing unauthorized use of the Companys products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken by the Company may not in every case prevent the infringement by unauthorized third parties. Developments in technology, including digital copying, file compressing and the growing penetration of high-bandwidth Internet connections, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to duplicate and widely distribute pirated material. In addition, developments in software or devices that circumvent encryption technology increase the threat of unauthorized use and distribution of DBS programming signals. The Company has taken, and will continue to take, a variety of actions to combat piracy and signal theft, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry associations. There can be no assurance that the Companys efforts to enforce its rights and protect its products, services and intellectual property will be successful in preventing content piracy or signal theft. Content piracy and signal theft present a threat to the Companys revenues from products and services, including, but not limited to, films, television shows, books and DBS programming.
Labor Disputes May Have an Adverse Effect on the Companys Business.
In a variety of the Companys business, the Company and its partners engage the services of writers, directors, actors and other talent, trade employees and others who are subject to collective bargaining agreements, including employees of the Companys film and television studio operations and newspapers. If the Company or its partners are unable to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements, certain of which are expiring within the next year or so, it is possible that the affected unions could take action in the form of strikes or work stoppages. Such actions, as well as higher costs in connection with these collective bargaining agreements or a significant labor dispute could have an adverse effect on the Companys business by causing delays in production or by reducing profit margins.
Changes in U.S. or Foreign Communications Laws and Other Regulations May Have an Adverse Effect on the Companys Business.
In general, the television broadcasting and multichannel video programming and distribution industries in the United States are highly regulated by federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the FCC. The FCC generally regulates, among other things, the ownership of media, broadcast and multichannel video programming and technical operations of broadcast and satellite licensees. Further, the United States Congress and the FCC currently have under consideration, and may in the future adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters, including technological changes, which could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations and ownership of the Companys U.S. media properties. Similarly, changes in regulations imposed by governments in other jurisdictions in which the Company, or entities in which the Company has an interest, operate could adversely affect its business and results of operations.
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Provisions in the Companys Corporate Documents, Delaware Law and the Ownership of the Companys Class B Common Stock by Certain Principal Stockholders Could Delay or Prevent a Change of Control of News Corporation, Even if That Change Would be Beneficial to the Companys Stockholders.
The existence of some provisions in the Companys corporate documents could delay or prevent a change of control of News Corporation, even if that change would be beneficial to the Companys stockholders. The Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws, contain provisions that may make acquiring control of News Corporation difficult, including:
| provisions relating to the classification, nomination and removal of directors; |
| a provision prohibiting stockholder action by written consent; |
| provisions regulating the ability of the Companys stockholders to bring matters for action before annual and special meetings of the Companys stockholders; and |
| the authorization given to the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) to issue and set the terms of preferred stock. |
In addition, the Company currently has in place a stockholder rights plan, which would cause extreme dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire a significant interest in the Company without advance approval of the Board. Further, as a result of Mr. K. Rupert Murdochs ability to appoint certain members of the board of directors of the corporate trustee of the Murdoch Family Trust, which beneficially owns 1.6% of the Companys Class A Common Stock and 30.1% of the Class B Common Stock, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares beneficially owned by the Murdoch Family Trust. Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of those shares. Also, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns an additional 1.2% of the Class A Common Stock and 1.1% of the Class B Common Stock. Thus, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate 2.7% of the Class A Common Stock and 31.2% of the Class B Common Stock. If the Share Exchange Agreement is consummated, the Company intends to redeem the rights issued under the stockholder rights plan at that time and to take the necessary steps to declassify its classified board structure. Further, if the Share Exchange Agreement is consummated, the aggregate voting power represented by the shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch and the Murdoch Family Trust would increase to approximately 38.6% of the Companys aggregate voting power, subject to further increase to approximately 40.0% if the Company completes its previously announced stock repurchase program.
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES |
The Company owns and leases various real properties in the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia which are utilized in the conduct of its businesses. Each of these properties is considered to be in good condition, adequate for its purpose and suitably utilized according to the individual nature and requirements of the relevant operations. The Companys policy is to improve and replace property as considered appropriate to meet the needs of the individual operation.
United States
The Companys principal real properties in the United States are the following:
(a) | The Fox Studios Lot, in Los Angeles, California, owned by the Company, containing sound stages, production facilities, administrative, technical and dressing room structures, screening theaters and |
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machinery, equipment facilities and three restaurants. FEG also leases office space at Fox Plaza, located adjacent to the Fox Studios Lot; |
(b) | The leased U.S. headquarters of News Corporation, located in New York, New York. This space includes the editorial offices of the Post, the executive offices of NAMG, the home office for Fox Television Stations and various operations of FEG, including the offices and broadcast studios of Fox News; |
(c) | The leased offices of HarperCollins U.S. in New York, New York,; |
(d) | The leased office and warehouse facilities of HarperCollins U.S. in Scranton, Pennsylvania; |
(e) | The printing plant of the Post located in Bronx, New York owned by the Company; |
(f) | The leased offices of FIM in Beverly Hills, California; |
Europe
The Companys principal real properties in Europe are the following:
(a) | The newspaper production and printing facilities for its U.K. newspapers, which consist of: |
1. | The leasehold interest in a publishing and printing facility in Wapping, England; |
2. | The leasehold interest in a publishing and printing facility in Broxbourne, England (the Wapping printing operations are expected to be moved to the Broxbourne facility in March 2008); |
3. | The freehold interest in a printing facility in Knowsley, England; |
4. | The leased office space in Dublin, Ireland; |
5. | The printing facility in North Lanarkshire, Scotland owned by the Company; and |
6. | The leased office space in Glasgow City Centre, Scotland. |
(b) | The leased headquarters and editorial offices of HarperCollins Publishers Limited in London, England; |
(c) | The leased warehouse and office facilities of HarperCollins Publishers Limited in Glasgow, Scotland; |
(d) | The leased office and theater space of FEG in London, England; |
(e) | The leased office space of SKY Italia in Rome, Italy; |
(f) | The leased office space of SKY Italia in Milan, Italy; |
(g) | The leased SKY Italia call center in Sardinia, Italy; and |
(h) | The SKY Italia broadcast operation center owned by the Company in Milan, Italy. |
In addition, SKY Italia has entered into an agreement for the construction and subsequent lease to SKY Italia of premises that will contain the new head offices and television production and transmission studios for SKY Italia operations in Milan. Pursuant to the agreement, SKY Italia will occupy approximately the majority of such space in March 2008 and will occupy the remaining space by October 2009. SKY Italia also has an option to increase the total surface area of the portion of the space designated as office space.
Australia and Asia
The Companys principal real properties in Australia and Asia are the following:
(a) | The Company-owned print center in Sydney, Australia at which The Australian, the Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph are printed; |
(b) | The Company-owned office building space in Sydney, Australia; |
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(c) | The Company-owned print center in Melbourne, Australia at which the Herald-Sun and the Sunday Herald-Sun are printed; |
(d) | The Company-owned office building in Adelaide, Australia utilized in the publishing of The Advertiser and The Sunday Mail; |
(e) | The Company-owned print center in Adelaide, Australia at which The Advertiser and The Sunday Mail are printed; |
(f) | The Company-owned office building in Bowen Hills, Brisbane Australia and a Company-owned, print center in Murarrie, Brisbane, Australia at which The Courier Mail and Sunday Mail are published and printed; |
(g) | The two Company-owned buildings totaling on land sites in Perth, Australia which are used to publish and print The Sunday Times; |
(h) | The leased Fox Studios Australia Lot in Sydney, Australia, containing sound stages, production facilities and administrative, technical, dressing room and personnel support services structures. |
(i) | The facility in Hong Kong used by STAR for its television broadcasting and programming operations. |
ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
NDS
Echostar Litigation
On June 6, 2003, Echostar Communications Corporation, Echostar Satellite Corporation, Echostar Technologies Corporation and Nagrastar L.L.C. (collectively, Echostar) filed an action against NDS in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Echostar filed an amended complaint on October 8, 2003, which purported to allege claims for violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), the Communications Act of 1934 (CA), the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, Californias Unfair Competition statute and the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. The complaint also purported to allege claims for civil conspiracy, misappropriation of trade secrets and interference with prospective business advantage. The complaint sought injunctive relief, unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and restitution. On December 22, 2003, all of the claims were dismissed by the court, except for the DMCA, CA and unfair competition claims, and the court limited these claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostars original complaint.
After Echostar filed a second amended complaint, NDS filed a motion to dismiss this complaint on March 31, 2004. On July 21, 2004, the court issued an order directing Echostar to, among other things, file a third amended complaint within ten days correcting various deficiencies noted in the second amended complaint. Echostar filed its third amended complaint on August 4, 2004. On August 6, 2004, the court ruled that NDS was free to file a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint, which NDS did on September 20, 2004. The hearing occurred on January 3, 2005. On February 28, 2005, the court issued an order treating NDSs motion to dismiss as a motion for a more definite statement, granting the motion and giving Echostar until March 30, 2005 to file a fourth amended complaint correcting various deficiencies noted in the third amended complaint. On March 30, 2005, Echostar filed a fourth amended complaint, which NDS moved to dismiss. On July 27, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part NDSs motion to dismiss, and again limited Echostars surviving claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostars original complaint. NDSs management believes these surviving claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.
On October 24, 2005, NDS filed its Amended Answer with Counterclaims, alleging that Echostar misappropriated NDSs trade secrets, violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and engaged in unfair competition. On November 8, 2005, Echostar moved to dismiss NDSs counterclaims for conversion and claim and delivery, arguing that these claims were preempted and time-barred. Echostar also moved for a more definite
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statement of NDSs trade secret misappropriation claim. On December 8, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part Echostars motion to dismiss and for a more definite statement, but granted NDS leave to file amended counterclaims. On December 13, 2005, NDS filed a Second Amended Answer with Counterclaims, which Echostar answered on December 27, 2005. The court has set this case to go to trial in February 2008.
Sogecable Litigation
On July 25, 2003, Sogecable, S.A. and its subsidiary Canalsatellite Digital, S.L., Spanish satellite broadcasters and customers of Canal+ Technologies SA (together, Sogecable), filed an action against NDS in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Sogecable filed an amended complaint on October 9, 2003, which purported to allege claims for violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the federal RICO Act. The amended complaint also purported to allege claims for interference with contract and prospective business advantage. The complaint sought injunctive relief, unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and restitution. On December 22, 2003, all of the claims were dismissed by the court. Sogecable filed a second amended complaint. NDS filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint on March 31, 2004. On August 4, 2004, the court issued an order dismissing the second amended complaint in its entirety. Sogecable had until October 4, 2004 to file a third amended complaint. On October 1, 2004, Sogecable notified the court that it would not be filing a third amended complaint, but would appeal the courts entry of final judgment dismissing the suit to the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On December 14, 2006, the appellate court issued a memorandum decision reversing the district courts dismissal. On January 26, 2007, NDS filed its petition for rehearing by an en banc panel of the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On February 21, 2007, the petition was denied. On June 11, 2007, NDS filed a petition for a Writ of Certiorari in the United States Supreme Court seeking reversal of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision. The Company believes that Sogecables claims are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend itself in this matter.
Intermix
FIM Transaction
On August 26, 2005 and August 30, 2005, two purported class action lawsuits captioned, respectively, Ron Sheppard v. Richard Rosenblatt et. al., and John Friedmann v. Intermix Media, Inc. et al. , were filed in the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles. Both lawsuits named as defendants all of the then incumbent members of the Intermix Board, including Mr. Rosenblatt, Intermixs former Chief Executive Officer, and certain entities affiliated with VantagePoint Venture Partners, a former major Intermix stockholder. The complaints alleged that, in pursuing the transaction whereby Intermix was to be acquired by FIM (the FIM Transaction) and approving the related merger agreement, the director defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Intermix stockholders by, among other things, engaging in self-dealing and failing to obtain the highest price reasonably available for Intermix and its stockholders. The complaints further alleged that the merger agreement resulted from a flawed process and that the defendants tailored the terms of the merger to advance their own interests. The FIM Transaction was consummated on September 30, 2005. The Friedmann and Sheppard lawsuits were subsequently consolidated and, on January 17, 2006, a consolidated amended complaint was filed (the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation). The plaintiffs in the consolidated action are seeking various forms of declaratory relief, damages, disgorgement and fees and costs. On March 20, 2006, the court ordered that substantially identical claims asserted in a separate state action filed by Brad Greenspan, captioned Greenspan v. Intermix Media, Inc., et al., be severed and related to the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The defendants filed demurrers seeking dismissal of all claims in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation and the severed Greenspan claims, which were heard by the Court on July 6, 2006. On October 6, 2006, the court sustained the demurrers without leave to amend. On December 13, 2006, the court dismissed the complaints and entered judgment for the defendants. On February 6, 2007, the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal. Although their opening brief is currently due on August 24, 2007, plaintiffs have requested that the Court of Appeal grant them an extension of this due date to October 23, 2007. The Court of Appeal has not yet ruled on this request. The matter will likely not be fully briefed and ready for oral argument until the first half of 2008.
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In November 2005, plaintiff in a derivative action captioned LeBoyer v. Greenspan et al. pending against various former Intermix directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, filed a First Amended Class and Derivative Complaint (the Amended Complaint). The original derivative action was filed in May 2003 and arose out of Intermixs restatement of quarterly financial results for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Until the filing of the Amended Complaint, the action had been stayed by mutual agreement of the parties since its inception. A substantially similar derivative action filed in Los Angeles Superior Court was dismissed based on inability of the plaintiffs to adequately plead demand futility. Plaintiff LeBoyers November 2005 Amended Complaint added various allegations and purported class claims arising out of the FIM Transaction which are substantially similar to those asserted in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The Amended Complaint also adds as defendants the individuals and entities named in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation that were not already defendants in the matter. On July 14, 2006, the parties filed their briefing on defendants motion to dismiss and stay the matter. On October 16, 2006, the court dismissed the fourth through seventh claims for relief, which related to the 2003 restatement, finding that the plaintiff is precluded from relitigating demand futility. At the same time, the court asked for further briefing regarding the standing issues and the effect of the judges dismissal of the claims in the Greenspan case and the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation on the remaining claims, which include two direct class action claims related to alleged breaches of fiduciary duty leading up to the FIM Transaction and a third claim under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) asserted as a derivative claim and alleging material misstatements and omissions in the FIM Transaction proxy statement. The parties filed the requested additional briefing in which the defendants requested that the court stay the federal court proceedings pending the resolution of any appeal in the Greenspan case and the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The court vacated the scheduled November 27, 2006 hearing with respect to this briefing and took the matter under submission. The court denied the stay in an order dated May 22, 2007, and as explained in more detail in the next paragraph, consolidated this case with the Brown v. Brewer action also pending before the court. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuant to the stipulated briefing schedule ordered by the court, the parties joint brief is due to be filed on October 11, 2007.
On June 14, 2006, a purported class action lawsuit, captioned Jim Brown v. Brett C. Brewer, et al., was filed against certain former Intermix directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiff asserts claims for alleged violations of Section 14a of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 14a-9, as well as control person liability under Section 20a. The plaintiff alleges that certain defendants disseminated false and misleading definitive proxy statements on two occasions: one on December 30, 2003 in connection with the shareholder vote on January 29, 2004 on the election of directors and ratification of financing transactions with certain entities of VantagePoint Venture Partners (VantagePoint), a former large stockholder of Intermix, and another on August 25, 2005 in connection with the shareholder vote on the FIM Transaction. The complaint names as defendants certain VantagePoint related entities and the members of the Intermix Board who were incumbent on the dates of the respective proxy statements. Intermix is not named as a defendant, but has certain indemnity obligations to the former officer and director defendants in connection with these claims and allegations. Intermix believes that the claims are without merit and expects that the individual defendants will vigorously defend themselves in the matter. On August 25, 2006, plaintiff amended his complaint to add certain investment banks (the Investment Banks) as defendants. Intermix has certain indemnity obligations to the Investment Banks as well. After conferring with defendants concerning deficiencies in the amended complaint pursuant to local rule and entering a stipulation with defendants regarding a briefing schedule, plaintiff amended his complaint again on September 27, 2006. On October 19, 2006, defendants filed motions to dismiss all claims in the Second Amended Complaint. These motions were scheduled to be heard on February 12, 2007. On February 9, 2007, the case was transferred from Judge Walter to Judge George H. King, the judge assigned to the LeBoyer action on the grounds that it raises substantially related questions of law and fact as LeBoyer, and would entail substantial duplication of labor if heard by different judges. Judge King took the February 26, 2007 hearing date for the motions to dismiss off-calendar. On May 22, 2007, Judge King ordered a combined status conference with the LeBoyer action occur on June 11, 2007 at which he ordered the Brown case be consolidated with the LeBoyer action. Judge King also stated that he was not going to consider the pending motions to dismiss but rather ordered plaintiffs counsel to file a consolidated first amended complaint
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setting forth the causes of action in the LeBoyer and Brown matters and further ordered the parties to file a joint brief regarding dismissal of the first amended complaint. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuant to the stipulated briefing schedule ordered by the court, the parties joint brief is due to be filed on October 11, 2007. Intermix believes that the claims are without merit and expects the individual defendants will vigorously defend themselves in the matter.
Greenspan Litigation
On February 10, 2005, Brad Greenspan, Intermixs former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer who was asked to resign as CEO and was removed as Chairman in the fall of 2003, filed a derivative complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against Intermix, various of its former directors and officers, VantagePoint and certain of VantagePoints principals and affiliates. The complaint alleged claims of libel and fraud against Intermix and various of its then current and former officers and directors, claims of intentional interference with contract and prospective economic advantage, unfair competition and fraud against VantagePoint and certain of its affiliates and principals and claims alleging that Intermixs forecasts of profitability leading up to its January 2004 annual stockholder meeting and associated proxy contest waged by Mr. Greenspan were false and misleading. These claims generally related to Intermixs decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003, Mr. Greenspans contemporaneous separation from Intermix and matters arising during the proxy contest. The complaint also alleged that Intermixs acquisition of the assets of a company known as Supernation LLC (Supernation) in July 2004 involved breaches of fiduciary duty. Mr. Greenspan sought remittance of compensation received by the various then current and former Intermix director and officer defendants, unspecified damages, removal of various Intermix directors, disgorgement of unspecified profits, reformation of the Supernation purchase, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Intermix and the other defendants filed motions challenging the validity of the action and Mr. Greenspans ability to pursue it. Mr. Greenspan voluntarily dismissed this action in October 2005.
Prior to dismissing his derivative lawsuit, in August 2005, Mr. Greenspan filed another complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against the same defendants. The complaint, for breach of fiduciary duty, included substantially the same allegations made by Mr. Greenspan in the above-referenced lawsuit. Mr. Greenspan further alleged that defendants actions have, with the FIM Transaction, culminated in the loss of Mr. Greenspans interest in Intermix for a cash payment allegedly below its value. On October 31, 2005, the defendants filed motions seeking dismissal of the lawsuit on the grounds that the complaint fails to state any cause of action. Instead of responding to these motions, Mr. Greenspan filed an amended complaint on February 21, 2006, in which Mr. Greenspan omitted certain previously named defendants and added two other former directors as defendants. In this amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan asserts seven causes of action. The first two causes of action, for intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and violation of Californias Business Professions Code section 17200, generally related to Intermixs decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003 and allege that Mr. Greenspan was forced to resign. The third through sixth causes of action assert various claims for breach of fiduciary duty related to the FIM Transaction and substantially mirror the allegations in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. By Order of March 20, 2006, the court ordered that Mr. Greenspans claims based on the FIM Transaction be severed from the rest of his complaint and coordinated with the claims asserted in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The seventh cause of action is asserted against Intermix for indemnification. In his amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan seeks compensatory and consequential damages, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Motions to dismiss the first six causes of action were filed and, on October 6, 2006, granted without leave to amend. On November 21, 2006, Mr. Greenspan dismissed with prejudice the seventh cause of action for indemnity, which was the only remaining claim and his sole cause of action against Intermix. On January 24, 2007, Mr. Greenspan filed a notice of appeal of the courts October 6, 2006 ruling. Mr. Greenspans opening brief in the Court of Appeal is currently due August 24, 2007. The matter will likely not be fully briefed and ready for oral argument until the first half of 2008.
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News America Marketing
On January 18, 2006, Valassis Communications, Inc. (Valassis) filed a complaint against News America Incorporated, News America Marketing FSI,LLC and News America Marketing Services, In-Store, LLC (collectively News America) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Valassis alleges that News America possesses monopoly power in a claimed in-store advertising and promotions market (the in-store market) and has used that power to gain an unfair advantage over Valassis in a purported market for coupons distributed by free standing inserts (FSIs). Valassis alleges that News America is attempting to monopolize the purported FSI market by leveraging its alleged monopoly power in the purported in-store market, thereby allegedly violating Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, as amended (the Sherman Act). Valassis further alleges that News America has unlawfully bundled the sale of in-store marketing products with the sale of FSIs and that such bundling constitutes unlawful tying in violation of Sections 1 and 3 of the Sherman Act. Additionally, Valassis alleges that News America is predatorily pricing its FSI products in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Valassis also asserts that News America violated various state antitrust statutes and has tortiously interfered with Valassis actual or expected business relationships. Valassis complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On April 20, 2006, News America moved to dismiss Valassis complaint in its entirety for failure to state a cause of action. On September 28, 2006, the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation granting the motion. On October 16, 2006, Valassis filed an Amended Complaint, alleging the same causes of action. On November 17, 2006, News America answered the three federal antitrust claims and moved to dismiss the remaining nine state law claims. On March 23, 2007, the Court granted News Americas motion and dismissed the nine state law claims. On April 12, 2007, the Court entered a Scheduling Order that provides that all discovery will be closed on or before October 12, 2007 and sets a jury trial date for February 5, 2008. The parties are in ongoing negotiations regarding discovery and production of responsive discovery is imminent.
On March 9, 2007, Valassis filed a two-count complaint in Michigan state court against News America. That complaint, which is based on the same factual allegations as the federal complaint discussed above, alleges that News America has tortiously interfered with Valassis business relationships and that News America has unfairly competed with Valassis. Valassis Michigan complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On May 4, 2007, News America filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative stay, that complaint. On August 14, 2007, the Court denied the motion.
On March 12, 2007, Valassis filed a three-count complaint in California state court against News America. That complaint, which is based on the same factual allegations as the federal complaint discussed above, alleges that News America has violated the Cartwright Act (Californias state antitrust law) by unlawfully tying its FSI products to its in-store products, has violated Californias Unfair Practices Act by predatorily pricing its FSI products, and has unfairly competed with Valassis. Valassis California complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On May 4, 2007, News America filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative stay, that complaint. On June 28, 2007, the court issued a tentative ruling denying the motion and reassigned the case to the Complex Litigation Program. On July 19, 2007, the court denied the motion.
News America believes that all of the claims in each of the complaints filed by Valassis are without merit and it intends to defend itself vigorously in the three matters.
Other
The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.
The Companys operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently
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anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SHAREHOLDERS |
The Company held a special meeting of stockholders (the Special Meeting) on April 3, 2007. A brief description of the matters voted upon at the Special Meeting on such matters is set forth below.
Proposal 1: A proposal to approve the Share Exchange was voted upon as follows:
For: |
317,029,268 | |
Against: |
488,428 | |
Abstain: |
272,236 |
Proposal 2: A proposal to approve the adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies for approval of the Share Exchange if there were insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to approve the Share Exchange was voted upon as follows:
For: |
799,958,550 | |
Against: |
13,531,061 | |
Abstain: |
242,033 |
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ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
The Companys Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), its principal market, under the symbols NWS.A and NWS, respectively. CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) representing the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are listed and traded on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) under the symbols NWS and NWSLV, respectively. The Class A and Class B Common Stock are also traded on the London Stock Exchange. As of June 30, 2007, there were approximately 54,000 holders of record of shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,600 holders of record of shares of Class B Common Stock.
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the reported high and low closing sales prices for the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE.
Class B Common Stock |
Class A Common Stock | ||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | ||||||
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, |
|||||||||
2006: |
|||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 18.11 | 16.04 | 17.13 | 15.22 | ||||
Second Quarter |
16.92 | 14.97 | 16.01 | 14.09 | |||||
Third Quarter |
17.83 | 16.30 | 16.86 | 15.25 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
20.47 | 17.72 | 19.52 | 16.67 | |||||
2007: |
|||||||||
First Quarter |
20.64 | 18.96 | 19.75 | 18.19 | |||||
Second Quarter |
22.74 | 20.30 | 21.75 | 19.35 | |||||
Third Quarter |
25.34 | 22.16 | 23.98 | 21.26 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
25.27 | 22.94 | 23.74 | 21.21 |
The total dividends declared related to fiscal 2007 results were $0.12 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.10 per share of Class B Common Stock. In August 2007, the Company declared the final dividend on fiscal 2007 results of $0.06 per share for Class A Common Stock and $0.05 per share for Class B Common Stock. This, together with the interim dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and a dividend of $0.05 per Class B Common Stock, constitute the total dividend relating to fiscal 2007.
The total dividends declared related to fiscal 2006 results were $0.12 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.10 per share of Class B Common Stock. In August 2006, the Company declared the final dividend on fiscal 2006 results of $0.06 per share for Class A Common Stock and $0.05 per share for Class B Common Stock. This, together with the interim dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and a dividend of $0.05 per Class B Common Stock, constitute the total dividend relating to fiscal 2006.
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In June 2005, the Company announced a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of $3 billion in Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board had authorized increasing the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6 billion. Through June 30, 2007, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of approximately 213 million shares of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock for a total cost of purchase of $3,855 million since the announcement of the stock repurchase program in June 2005. Below is a summary of the Companys purchases of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007:
Total Number of Shares Purchased |
Average Price per Share |
Total Cost of Purchase (in millions) | ||||||
Total first quarter fiscal 2007Class A |
3,142,564 | $ | 18.78 | $ | 59 | |||
Total first quarter fiscal 2007Class B |
9,415 | 19.25 | | |||||
Total second quarter fiscal 2007Class A |
| | | |||||
Total second quarter fiscal 2007Class B |
| | | |||||
Total third quarter fiscal 2007Class A |
31,402,125 | 23.05 | 724 | |||||
Total third quarter fiscal 2007Class B |
| | | |||||
Fourth quarter repurchases: |
||||||||
Common StockApril Class A |
| | | |||||
Common StockApril Class B |
| | | |||||
Common StockMay Class A |
6,250,000 | 22.08 | 138 | |||||
Common StockMay Class B |
| | | |||||
Common StockJune Class A |
16,730,400 | 22.27 | 373 | |||||
Common StockJune Class B |
| | | |||||
Total fourth quarter fiscal 2007Class A |
22,980,400 | 22.22 | 511 | |||||
Total fourth quarter fiscal 2007Class B |
| | | |||||
Total fiscal 2007Class A |
57,525,089 | $ | 22.48 | $ | 1,294 | |||
Total fiscal 2007Class B |
9,415 | $ | 19.25 | $ | | |||
The remaining authorized amount at June 30, 2007, under the Companys stock repurchase program excluding commissions, was approximately $2,149 million.
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ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and the other financial information included elsewhere herein.
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 (1) | 2006 (1) | 2005 (1) | 2004 (2) | 2003 (3) | |||||||||||
(in millions, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: |
|||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 28,655 | $ | 25,327 | $ | 23,859 | $ | 20,802 | $ | 17,380 | |||||
Operating income |
4,452 | 3,868 | 3,564 | 2,931 | 2,380 | ||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
3,426 | 2,812 | 2,128 | 1,533 | 822 | ||||||||||
Net income |
3,426 | 2,314 | 2,128 | 1,533 | 822 | ||||||||||
Basic income from continuing operations per share: (4)(5) |
|||||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.33 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.28 | |||||
Diluted income from continuing operations per share: (4)(5) |
|||||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.33 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.61 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.28 | |||||
Basic earnings per share: (4)(5) |
|||||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.33 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.63 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.28 | |||||
Diluted earnings per share: (4)(5) |
|||||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.33 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.63 | $ | 0.61 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.28 | |||||
Cash dividend per share: (4)(5)(6) |
|||||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 0.12 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.10 | $ | 0.10 | $ | 0.09 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | |||||
As of June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||||
BALANCE SHEET DATA: |
|||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 7,654 | $ | 5,783 | $ | 6,470 | $ | 4,051 | $ | 4,477 | |||||
Total assets |
62,343 | 56,649 | 54,692 | 48,343 | 42,149 | ||||||||||
Borrowings and perpetual preference shares (7) |
12,502 | 11,427 | 10,999 | 10,509 | 10,003 |
(1) |
See Notes 2, 3, 6 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for information with respect to significant acquisitions, disposals, changes in accounting and other transactions during fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005. |
(2) |
Fiscal 2004 results include the sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger Stadium and the teams training facilities in Vero Beach, Florida. |
(3) |
Fiscal 2003 results include the Companys acquisition of WPWR-TV for approximately $425 million. Fiscal 2003 results also include the Companys acquisition of 80% of Telepiu, S.p.A. (Telepiu) for approximately $874 million. Telepiu was merged with Stream S.p.A., (Stream) and the combined platform was renamed SKY Italia. As a result of the acquisition, commencing April 30, 2003, the Company ceased to equity account its share of Streams results. |
(4) |
Basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted earnings per share and cash dividend per share reflect per share amounts based on the adjusted share amounts to reflect the November 12, 2004 one-for-two share exchange in the reincorporation of News Corporation. |
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(5) |
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class A Common Stock) carry rights to a greater dividend than the Companys Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class B Common Stock) through fiscal 2007. As such, net income available to the Companys stockholders is allocated between the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The allocation between these classes of common stock was based upon the two-class method. See Notes 2 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for further discussion. Subsequent to the final fiscal 2007 dividend payment, shares of Class A Common Stock will cease to carry any rights to a greater dividend than shares of Class B Common Stock. Earnings per share based on the total weighted average shares outstanding (Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock combined) are as follows: |
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 (a) | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 1.08 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.31 |
(a) |
In March 2005, the Companys acquisition of the interest of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (FEG) that it did not already own was completed and a total of 357 million shares of Class A Common Stock were issued as consideration. |
(6) |
The Companys Board of Directors (the Board) currently declares an interim and final dividend each fiscal year. The final dividend is determined by the Board subsequent to the fiscal year end. The total dividends declared related to fiscal 2007 results were $0.12 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.10 per share of Class B Common Stock. The total dividends declared related to fiscal 2006 results were $0.12 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.10 per share of Class B Common Stock. |
(7) |
Each fiscal year presented prior to June 30, 2005 includes $345 million of perpetual preference shares outstanding, which were redeemed at par by the Company in November 2004. |
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ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
This document contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words expect, estimate, anticipate, predict, believe and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this document and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting the Companys financial condition or results of operations. The readers of this document are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors is set forth under the heading Risk Factors in Item 1A of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company does not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review this document and the other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). This section should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report.
REORGANIZATION
Effective November 12, 2004, the Company changed its corporate domicile from Australia to the United States and its reporting currency from the Australian dollar to the U.S. dollar (the Reorganization). As a result, the Companys accompanying consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars as opposed to Australian dollars, which was the currency the Company previously used to present its financial statements, and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP.
In the Reorganization, all outstanding The News Corporation Limited (TNCL) ordinary shares and preferred limited voting ordinary shares were cancelled and shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class A Common Stock) and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class B Common Stock) were issued in exchange, respectively, on a one-for-two share basis. The financial statements have been presented as if the one-for-two share exchange took place on July 1, 2004.
INTRODUCTION
Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to help provide an understanding of the Companys financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. This discussion is organized as follows:
| Overview of the Companys BusinessThis section provides a general description of the Companys businesses, as well as developments that have occurred either during fiscal 2007 or early fiscal 2008 that the Company believes are important in understanding its results of operations and financial condition or to disclose known trends. |
| Results of OperationsThis section provides an analysis of the Companys results of operations for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2007. This analysis is presented on both a consolidated and a segment basis. In addition, a brief description is provided of significant transactions and events that have an impact on the comparability of the results being analyzed. |
| Liquidity and Capital ResourcesThis section provides an analysis of the Companys cash flows for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, as well as a discussion of the Companys outstanding debt and commitments, both firm and contingent, that existed as of June 30, 2007. Included in the discussion of outstanding debt is a discussion of the amount of financial capacity available to fund the Companys future commitments and obligations, as well as a discussion of other financing arrangements. |
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| Critical Accounting PoliciesThis section discusses accounting policies considered important to the Companys financial condition and results of operations, and which require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in application. In addition, Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements summarizes the Companys significant accounting policies, including the critical accounting policy discussion found in this section. |
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANYS BUSINESS
The Company is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments:
| Filmed Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production and licensing of television programming worldwide. |
| Television, which principally consists of the operation of 35 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (of these stations, 25 are affiliated with the FOX network and ten are affiliated with the MyNetworkTV network), the broadcasting of network programming in the United States and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia. |
| Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the licensing and production of programming distributed through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operators primarily in the United States. |
| Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which principally consists of the distribution of premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy. |
| Magazines and Inserts, which principally consists of the publication of free-standing inserts, which are promotional booklets containing consumer offers distributed through insertion in local Sunday newspapers in the United States, and the provision of in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers, in the United States and Canada. |
| Newspapers, which principally consists of the publication of four national newspapers in the United Kingdom, the publication of approximately 145 newspapers in Australia and the publication of a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper in the United States. |
| Book Publishing, which principally consists of the publication of English language books throughout the world. |
| Other, which includes NDS Group Plc (NDS), a company engaged in the business of supplying open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers; News Outdoor Group (News Outdoor), an advertising business which offers display advertising primarily in outdoor locations throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and Fox Interactive Media (FIM), which operates the Companys Internet activities. |
Filmed Entertainment
The Filmed Entertainment segment derives revenue from the production and distribution of feature motion pictures and television series. In general, motion pictures produced or acquired for distribution by the Company are exhibited in U.S. and foreign theaters, followed by DVDs, pay-per-view television, premium subscription television, network television and basic cable and syndicated television exploitation. Television series initially produced for the networks and first-run syndication are generally licensed to domestic and international markets concurrently and subsequently released in seasonal DVD box sets. More successful series are later syndicated in domestic markets. The length of the revenue cycle for television series will vary depending on the number of seasons a series remains in active production and, therefore, may cause fluctuations in operating results. License
44
fees received for television exhibition (including international and U.S. premium television and basic cable television) are recorded as revenue in the period that licensed films or programs are available for such exhibition, which may cause substantial fluctuations in operating results.
The revenues and operating results of the Filmed Entertainment segment are significantly affected by the timing of the Companys theatrical and home entertainment releases, the number of its original and returning television series that are aired by television networks and the number of its television series in off-network syndication. Theatrical and home entertainment release dates are determined by several factors, including timing of vacation and holiday periods and competition in the marketplace. The distribution windows for the release of motion pictures theatrically and in various home entertainment formats have been compressing and may continue to change in the future. A reduction in timing between theatrical and home entertainment releases could adversely affect the revenues and operating results of this segment.
The Company enters into arrangements with third parties to co-produce many of its theatrical productions. These arrangements, which are referred to as co-financing arrangements, take various forms. The parties to these arrangements include studio and non-studio entities, both domestic and foreign. In several of these agreements, other parties control certain distribution rights. The Filmed Entertainment segment records the amounts received for the sale of an economic interest as a reduction of the cost of the film, as the investor assumes full risk for that portion of the film asset acquired in these transactions. The substance of these arrangements is that the third-party investors own an interest in the film and, therefore, receive a participation based on the third-party investors interest in the profits or losses incurred on the film. Consistent with the requirements of Statement of Position 00-2, Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films (SOP 00-2), the estimate of the third-party investors interest in profits or losses incurred on the film is determined by reference to the ratio of actual revenue earned to date in relation to total estimated ultimate revenues.
Operating costs incurred by the Filmed Entertainment segment include: exploitation costs, primarily theatrical prints and advertising and home entertainment marketing and manufacturing costs; amortization of capitalized production, overhead and interest costs; and participations and talent residuals. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
The Company competes with other major studios, such as Disney, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros., and independent film producers in the production and distribution of motion pictures and DVDs. As a producer and distributor of television programming, the Company competes with studios, television production groups and independent producers and syndicators, such as Disney, Sony, NBC Universal, Warner Bros. and Paramount Television, to sell programming both domestically and internationally. The Company also competes to obtain creative talent and story properties which are essential to the success of the Companys filmed entertainment businesses.
Television and Cable Network Programming
The Companys U.S. television operations primarily consist of the FOX Broadcasting Company (FOX), MyNetworkTV, Inc. (MyNetworkTV) and the 35 television stations owned by the Company. The Companys international television operations consist primarily of STAR Group Limited (STAR).
The U.S. television broadcast environment is highly competitive and the primary methods of competition are the development and acquisition of popular programming. Program success is measured by ratings, which are an indication of market acceptance, with the top rated programs commanding the highest advertising prices. FOX and MyNetworkTV compete for audience, advertising revenues and programming with other broadcast networks, such as CBS, ABC, NBC and The CW, independent television stations, cable program services, as well as other media, including DBS services, DVDs, video games, print and the Internet. In addition, FOX and MyNetworkTV compete with the other broadcast networks to secure affiliations with independently owned television stations in markets across the country.
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The television stations owned by the Company compete for programming, audiences and advertising revenues with other television stations and cable networks in their respective coverage areas and, in some cases, with respect to programming, with other station groups, and in the case of advertising revenues, with other local and national media. The competitive position of the television stations owned by the Company is largely influenced by the strength of FOX and MyNetworkTV, and, in particular, the prime-time viewership of the respective network, as well as the quality of the syndicated programs and local news programs in time periods not programmed by FOX and MyNetworkTV.
In Asia, STARs channels are primarily distributed to local cable operators or other pay-television platform operators for distribution to their subscribers. STAR derives its revenue from the sale of advertising time and affiliate fees from these pay-television platform operators.
The Companys U.S. cable network operations primarily consist of the Fox News Channel (Fox News), the FX Network (FX) and the Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). The Companys international cable networks consist of the Fox International Channels (FIC) with operations primarily in Latin America and Europe.
Generally, the Companys cable networks, which target various demographics, derive a majority of their revenues from monthly affiliate fees received from cable television systems and DBS operators based on the number of its subscribers. Affiliate fee revenues are net of the amortization of cable distribution investments (capitalized fees paid to a cable operator or DBS operator to facilitate the launch of a cable network). The Company defers the cable distribution investments and amortizes the amounts on a straight-line basis over the contract period. Cable television and DBS are currently the predominant means of distribution of the Companys program services in the United States. Internationally, distribution technology varies region by region.
The Companys cable networks compete for carriage on cable television systems, DBS systems and other distribution systems with other program services, as well as other uses of bandwidth, such as retransmission of free over-the-air broadcast networks, telephony and data transmission. A primary focus of competition is for distribution of the Companys cable network channels that are not already distributed by particular cable television or DBS systems. For such program services, distributors make decisions on the use of bandwidth based on various considerations, including amounts paid by programmers for launches, subscription fees payable by distributors and appeal to the distributors subscribers.
The most significant operating expenses of the Television segment and the Cable Network Programming segment are the acquisition and production expenses related to programming and the production and technical expenses related to operating the technical facilities of the broadcaster or cable network. Other expenses include promotional expenses related to improving the market visibility and awareness of the broadcaster or cable network and its programming. Additional expenses include sales commissions paid to the in-house advertising sales force, as well as salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead expenses.
The Company has several multi-year sports rights agreements, including contracts with the National Football League (NFL) through fiscal 2012, contracts with the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) for certain races and exclusive rights for certain ancillary content through calendar year 2014, a contract with Major League Baseball (MLB) through calendar year 2013 and a contract for the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) through fiscal year 2010. These contracts provide the Company with the broadcast rights to certain national sporting events during their respective terms. The costs of these sports contracts are charged to expense based on the ratio of each periods operating profit to estimated total operating profit for the remaining term of the contract.
The profitability of these long-term national sports contracts is based on the Companys best estimates at June 30, 2007 of directly attributable revenues and costs; such estimates may change in the future and such changes may be significant. Should revenues decline from estimates applied at June 30, 2007, a loss may be
46
recorded. Should revenues improve as compared to estimated revenues, the Company may have an improved operating profit related to the contract, which may be recognized over the estimated remaining contract term.
While the Company seeks to ensure compliance with federal indecency laws and related Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, the definition of indecency is subject to interpretation and there can be no assurance that the Company will not broadcast programming that is ultimately determined by the FCC to violate the prohibition against indecency. Such programming could subject the Company to regulatory review or investigation, fines, adverse publicity or other sanctions, including the loss of station licenses.
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television
The DBS segments operations consist of SKY Italia, which provides basic and premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy. SKY Italia derives revenues principally from subscriber fees. The Company believes that the quality and variety of video, audio and interactive programming, quality of picture, access to service, customer service and price are the key elements for gaining and maintaining market share. SKY Italias competition includes companies that offer video, audio, interactive programming, telephony, data and other information and entertainment services, including broadband Internet providers, digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) services, wireless companies and companies that are developing new media technologies.
In fiscal 2005, competitive DTT services in Italy expanded to include pay-per-view offering of soccer games previously available exclusively on the SKY Italia platform. The Company is currently prohibited from providing a pay DTT service under regulations of the European Commission. In addition, the Italian government previously offered a subsidy on the purchase of DTT decoders.
SKY Italias most significant operating expenses are those related to the acquisition of entertainment, movie and sports programming and subscribers and the production and technical expenses related to operating the technical facilities. Operating expenses related to sports programming are generally recognized over the course of the related sport season, which may cause fluctuations in the operating results of this segment.
Magazines and Inserts
The Magazine and Inserts segment derives revenues from the sale of advertising space in free-standing inserts, in-store marketing products and services, promotional advertising, subscriptions and production fees. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising may affect revenues. Operating expenses for the Magazine and Inserts segment include paper costs, promotional, printing, retail commissions, distribution expenses and production costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
Newspapers
The Newspapers segment derives revenues from the sale of advertising space and the sale of published newspapers. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising may affect revenues. Circulation revenues can be greatly affected by changes in competitors cover prices and by promotion activities. Operating expenses for the Newspapers segment include costs related to newsprint, ink, printing costs and editorial content. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
The Newspapers segments advertising volume, circulation and the price of newsprint are the key uncertainties whose fluctuations can have a material effect on the Companys operating results and cash flow. The Company has to anticipate the level of advertising volume, circulation and newsprint prices in managing its businesses to maximize operating profit during expanding and contracting economic cycles. Newsprint is a basic commodity and its price is sensitive to the balance of supply and demand. The Companys costs and expenses are
47
affected by the cyclical increases and decreases in the price of newsprint. The newspapers published by the Company compete for readership and advertising with local and national newspapers and also compete with television, radio, Internet and other media alternatives in their respective locales. Competition for newspaper circulation is based on the news and editorial content of the newspaper, service, cover price and, from time to time, various promotions. The success of the newspapers published by the Company in competing with other newspapers and media for advertising depends upon advertisers judgments as to the most effective use of their advertising budgets. Competition for advertising among newspapers is based upon circulation levels, readership levels, reader demographics, advertising rates and advertiser results. Such judgments are based on factors such as cost, availability of alternative media, circulation and quality of readership demographics.
In recent years, the newspaper industry has experienced difficulty increasing circulation volume and revenues. This is due to, among other factors, increased competition from new media formats and sources, and shifting preferences among some consumers to receive all or a portion of their news from sources other than a newspaper. The Company believes that competition from new media formats and sources and shifting consumer preferences will continue to pose challenges within the newspaper industry.
Book Publishing
The Book Publishing segment derives revenues from the sale of general and childrens books in the United States and internationally. The revenues and operating results of the Book Publishing segment are significantly affected by the timing of the Companys releases and the number of its books in the marketplace. The book publishing marketplace is subject to increased periods of demand in the summer months and during the end-of-year holiday season. Each book is a separate and distinct product, and its financial success depends upon many factors, including public acceptance.
Major new title releases represent a significant portion of the Companys sales throughout the fiscal year. Consumer books are generally sold on a fully returnable basis, resulting in the return of unsold books. In the domestic and international markets, the Company is subject to global trends and local economic conditions.
Operating expenses for the Book Publishing segment include costs related to paper, printing, authors royalties, editorial, art and design expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include promotional expenses, salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
The book publishing business operates in a highly competitive market and has been affected by consolidation trends. This market continues to change in response to technological innovations and other factors. Recent years have brought a number of significant mergers among the leading book publishers. There have also been a number of mergers completed in the distribution channel. The Company must compete with other publishers such as Random House, Penguin Group, Simon & Schuster and Hachette Livre, for the rights to works by well-known authors and public personalities. Although the Company currently has strong positions in each of its book publishing markets, further consolidation in the industry could place the Company at a competitive disadvantage with respect to scale and resources.
Other
NDS
NDS supplies open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers. NDS technologies include conditional access and microprocessor security, broadcast stream management, set-top box and residential gateway middleware, electronic program guides, digital video recording technologies and interactive infrastructure and applications. NDS provides technologies and services supporting standard definition and high definition televisions and a variety of industry, Internet and Internet protocol standards. NDS software systems, consultancy and systems integration services are focused on
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providing platform operators and content providers with technology to help them profit from the secure distribution of digital information and entertainment to consumer devices which incorporate various technologies supplied by NDS.
News Outdoor
The Company sells, through its News Outdoor businesses, outdoor advertising space on various media, primarily in Russia and Eastern Europe.
FIM
The Company sells, through its FIM division, advertising, sponsorships and subscription services on the Companys various Internet properties. The Companys Internet properties include the social networking site MySpace.com, IGN.com, AmericanIdol.com, Scout.com and Foxsports.com. The Company also has a distribution agreement with Microsofts MSN for Foxsports.com.
Other Business Developments
In August 2006, the Company announced that its FIM division entered into a multi-year search technology and services agreement with Google, Inc. (Google), pursuant to which Google is the exclusive search and keyword-targeted advertising sales provider for a majority of FIMs web properties. Under the terms of the agreement, Google is obligated to make guaranteed minimum revenue share payments to FIM of $900 million, of which the $50 million that was due was paid as of June 30, 2007. These guaranteed minimum revenue share payments, which are based on FIMs achievement of certain traffic and other commitments, are expected to be made through the second quarter of calendar 2010.
On December 22, 2006, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement (the Share Exchange Agreement) with Liberty Media Corporation (Liberty). Under the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty will exchange its entire interest in the Companys common stock (approximately 325 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 188 million shares of Class B Common Stock) for 100% of a News Corporation subsidiary (Splitco), whose holdings will consist of an approximately 39% interest (approximately 470 million shares) in The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (DIRECTV) constituting the Companys entire interest in DIRECTV, three of the Companys RSNs (FSN Northwest, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Rocky Mountain (the Three RSNs)) and $588 million in cash, subject to adjustment. The transaction contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement was approved by the Class B common stockholders on April 3, 2007, but remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, regulatory approvals, the receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and the absence of a material adverse effect on Splitco. If these conditions are satisfied, the transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007. The Company will enter into a non-competition agreement with DIRECTV and non-competition agreements with each of the Three RSNs, in each case, restricting its right to compete for a period of four years with DIRECTV and the Three RSNs in the respective regions in which such entities are operating on the date the Share Exchange Agreement is consummated.
In January 2007, the Company and VeriSign, Inc. (VeriSign) formed a joint venture to provide entertainment content for mobile devices. The Company paid approximately $190 million for a controlling interest in VeriSigns wholly-owned subsidiary, Jamba, which was combined with certain of the Companys Fox Mobile Entertainment assets. The results of the joint venture have been included in the Companys consolidated results of operations since January 2007. The Company and VeriSign have various call and put rights related to VeriSigns ownership interest including VeriSigns right to put its share of the joint venture to the Company for $150 million and $350 million, in fiscal 2010 and 2012, respectively.
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In June 2007, the Company announced its plan to sell nine of its FOX-affiliated television stations. No agreement has yet been entered into with respect to the sale of any of these stations.
In June 2007, the Company announced that it intends to explore strategic options for News Outdoor in connection with News Outdoors continued development plans. The strategic options include, but are not limited to, exploring the opportunity to expand News Outdoors existing shareholder group through new strategic and private equity partners. No agreement has yet been entered into with respect to any transaction.
In July 2007, Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (Gemstar-TV Guide) announced that its board of directors authorized Gemstar-TV Guide and its advisors to explore strategic alternatives intended to maximize stockholder value, which may include a sale of the company. The Company currently holds an approximate 41% interest in Gemstar-TV Guide. For more information on GemstarTV Guide, please see its reports filed with the SEC.
On July 31, 2007, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement (the Merger Agreement) with Dow Jones & Company (Dow Jones), pursuant to which the Company will acquire Dow Jones in a transaction valued at approximately $5.6 billion. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Dow Jones Stockholders will be entitled to receive $60 in cash for each share of Dow Jones stock they own, and up to 250 holders of record and not more than 10% of the shares of Dow Jones may elect to have their shares of Dow Jones converted into a number of units of a newly formed subsidiary of the Company (each unit of which will be exchangeable for one share of the Companys Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of such subsidiarys operating agreement). The Merger Agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, adoption of the Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of Dow Jones stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of Dow Jones outstanding common stock and Class B common stock voting together, the execution of an editorial agreement, the establishment by the Company of a special committee as contemplated under such editorial agreement and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007. The Company believes that this acquisition will position it as a leader in the financial news and information market and will enhance its ability to adapt to future challenges and opportunities within the Companys Newspapers segment and across the Companys other related business segments.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of OperationsFiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006
The following table sets forth the Companys operating results for fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006.
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
($ millions) | |||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 28,655 | $ | 25,327 | $ | 3,328 | 13 | % | |||||||
Expenses: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating |
18,645 | 16,593 | 2,052 | 12 | % | ||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
4,655 | 3,982 | 673 | 17 | % | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
879 | 775 | 104 | 13 | % | ||||||||||
Other operating charges |
24 | 109 | (85 | ) | (78 | )% | |||||||||
Total operating income |
4,452 | 3,868 | 584 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(524 | ) | (545 | ) | 21 | (4 | )% | ||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
1,019 | 888 | 131 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
Other, net |
359 | 194 | 165 | 85 | % | ||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
5,306 | 4,405 | 901 | 20 | % | ||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(1,814 | ) | (1,526 | ) | (288 | ) | 19 | % | |||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
(66 | ) | (67 | ) | 1 | (1 | )% | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
3,426 | 2,812 | 614 | 22 | % | ||||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax |
| 515 | (515 | ) | * | * | |||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
3,426 | 3,327 | 99 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| (1,013 | ) | 1,013 | * | * | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,426 | $ | 2,314 | $ | 1,112 | 48 | % | |||||||
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (1) |
$ | 1.08 | $ | 0.87 | $ | 0.21 | 24 | % |
** | not meaningful |
(1) |
Represents earnings per share based on the total weighted average shares outstanding (Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock combined) for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006. Class A Common Stock carry rights to a greater dividend than Class B Common Stock through fiscal 2007. As such, net income available to the Companys stockholders is allocated between the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Subsequent to the final fiscal 2007 dividend payment, shares of Class A Common Stock will cease to carry any rights to a greater dividend than shares of Class B Common Stock. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
OverviewThe Companys revenues in fiscal 2007 increased 13% as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to revenue increases at the Cable Network Programming, Filmed Entertainment, DBS, Newspapers, Television and Other segments.
Operating expenses for the fiscal year end June 30, 2007 increased 12% from fiscal 2006, primarily due to higher sports programming rights at the DBS, Cable Network Programming, Television and Other segments. The increase in operating expenses was also due to higher amortization of production and participation costs and higher home entertainment manufacturing and marketing expenses at the Filmed Entertainment segment.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 17% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to increased personnel costs, higher costs relating to Internet activities
51
and incremental costs resulting from acquisitions. Depreciation and Amortization for fiscal 2007 increased 13% as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily resulting from acquisitions and additional plant and equipment placed into service.
Operating income increased 15% for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to increased Operating income at the Cable Networks Programming, DBS, Newspapers and Filmed Entertainment segments.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, the weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in an increase of approximately 2% in both revenues and Operating income as compared to fiscal 2006.
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 decreased $21 million as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to an increase in interest income resulting from higher cash balances during the period. The increase in interest income was partially offset by increased interest expense primarily due to the issuance of $1,150 million in 6.4% Senior Notes due 2035 in December 2005 and $1,000 million in 6.15% Senior Notes due 2037 in March 2007.
Equity earnings of affiliatesNet earnings from equity affiliates increased $131 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. Fiscal 2007 reflects increased contributions from DIRECTV, resulting from subscriber growth and higher pricing, as well as lower expenses resulting from DIRECTVs set-top receiver lease program. These improvements were offset by the absence of equity earnings from Innova S. de R.L. de C.V. (Innova) sold in February 2006 and Sky Brasil Servicos Ltda (Sky Brasil) sold in August 2006 and increased costs at British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (BSkyB) associated with the launch of broadband.
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | Change | % Change |
||||||||||
( $ millions) | |||||||||||||
The Companys share of equity earnings of affiliates principally consists of: |
|||||||||||||
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc |
$ | 336 | $ | 369 | $ | (33 | ) | (9 | )% | ||||
The DIRECTV Group, Inc. |
489 | 246 | 243 | 99 | % | ||||||||
Other DBS equity affiliates |
19 | 108 | (89 | ) | (82 | )% | |||||||
Cable channel equity affiliates |
98 | 68 | 30 | 44 | % | ||||||||
Other equity affiliates |
77 | 97 | (20 | ) | (21 | )% | |||||||
Total equity earnings of affiliates |
$ | 1,019 | $ | 888 | $ | 131 | 15 | % | |||||
Other, net
For the years ended June 30, |
||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of Sky Brasil (a) |
$ | 261 | $ | | ||||
Gain on sale of Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited (a) |
136 | | ||||||
Termination of participation rights agreement (b) |
97 | | ||||||
Gain on sale of Innova (a) |
| 206 | ||||||
Gain on sale of China Netcom Group Corporation (a) |
| 52 | ||||||
Change in fair value of exchangeable securities (c) |
(126 | ) | (76 | ) | ||||
Other |
(9 | ) | 12 | |||||
Total Other, net |
$ | 359 | $ | 194 | ||||
(a) |
See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
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(b) |
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
(c) |
The Company has certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities which contain embedded derivatives. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) SFAS No. 133 Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 133), these embedded derivatives are not designated as hedges and, as such, changes in their fair value are recognized in Other, net. A significant variance in the price of the underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
Income tax expenseThe effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 was 34% as compared to the effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 of 35% and a statutory rate of 35%. The lower effective rate for fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 was due to the realization of deferred tax assets on which valuation allowances had previously been recorded and the resolution of domestic and foreign income tax matters. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, the occurrence of certain capital gain transactions and ordinary taxable income resulted in the utilization of existing capital loss carryforwards and net operating losses on which valuation allowances had been previously recorded.
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of taxDuring fiscal 2006, the Company sold its TSL Education Ltd. division (TSL), which primarily included The Times Educational Supplement publication in the United Kingdom, for cash consideration of approximately $395 million. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $381 million, net of tax of $0. Also in fiscal 2006, the Company sold Sky Radio Limited (Sky Radio), a commercial radio station group in the Netherlands and Germany, for cash consideration of approximately $215 million. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $134 million, net of tax of $0. Both of these transactions are included in gain on disposition of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
There was no provision for income taxes related to these transactions as any tax due was offset by a release of a valuation allowance that was applied to an existing deferred tax asset established for capital losses, which, because of the sale of TSL and Sky Radio, was utilized.
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxEffective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Topic No. D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill (EITF D-108). EITF D-108 requires companies who have applied the residual value method in the valuation of acquired identifiable intangibles for purchase accounting and impairment testing to use a direct value method. As a result of the adoption, the Company recorded a charge of $1.6 billion ($1 billion net of tax, or ($0.33) per diluted share of Class A Common Stock and ($0.28) per diluted share of Class B Common Stock), to reduce the intangible balances attributable to its television stations FCC licenses. This charge has been reflected as a cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
Net incomeNet income increased $1,112 million for fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to the absence of the Cumulative effect of accounting change recognized in fiscal 2006 and increases in Operating income, Equity earnings from affiliates and Other, net. The increase in net income was partially offset by the effect of the gains on sale of TSL and Sky Radio that were recorded during fiscal 2006, with no corresponding gains in fiscal 2007.
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Segment Analysis:
The following table sets forth the Companys revenues and operating income by segment, for fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006.
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
($ millions) | |||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
|||||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 6,734 | $ | 6,199 | $ | 535 | 9 | % | |||||||
Television |
5,705 | 5,334 | 371 | 7 | % | ||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
3,902 | 3,358 | 544 | 16 | % | ||||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
3,076 | 2,542 | 534 | 21 | % | ||||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
1,119 | 1,090 | 29 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Newspapers |
4,486 | 4,095 | 391 | 10 | % | ||||||||||
Book Publishing |
1,347 | 1,312 | 35 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Other |
2,286 | 1,397 | 889 | 64 | % | ||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 28,655 | $ | 25,327 | $ | 3,328 | 13 | % | |||||||
Operating income (loss): |
|||||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,225 | $ | 1,092 | $ | 133 | 12 | % | |||||||
Television |
962 | 1,032 | (70 | ) | (7 | )% | |||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
1,090 | 864 | 226 | 26 | % | ||||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
221 | 39 | 182 | * | * | ||||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
335 | 307 | 28 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
Newspapers |
653 | 517 | 136 | 26 | % | ||||||||||
Book Publishing |
159 | 167 | (8 | ) | (5 | )% | |||||||||
Other |
(193 | ) | (150 | ) | (43 | ) | 29 | % | |||||||
Total operating income |
$ | 4,452 | $ | 3,868 | $ | 584 | 15 | % | |||||||
** | not meaningful |
Filmed Entertainment (23% and 25% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, revenues at the Filmed Entertainment segment increased $535 million, or 9%, as compared to fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in worldwide home entertainment, pay television and free television revenues, partially offset by a decrease in worldwide theatrical revenues. The increase in home entertainment revenues for fiscal 2007 was primarily due to the worldwide release of previously strong theatrical titles, primarily driven by Ice Age: The Meltdown, Night at the Museum, X-Men: The Last Stand, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, The Devil Wears Prada and Eragon. Fiscal 2006 worldwide home entertainment releases included Fantastic Four, Walk the Line, Robots, Kingdom of Heaven and Hide & Seek. Home entertainment revenues generated from the sale and distribution of film and television titles in fiscal 2007 were 78% and 22%, respectively, of total home entertainment revenues. The increases in worldwide pay television and free television revenues were primarily due to a stronger film lineup and more feature films available during fiscal 2007 and stronger revenues from the returning primetime series Prison Break, Family Guy and My Name Is Earl. Fiscal 2007 worldwide theatrical revenues were driven by the worldwide release of Night at the Museum, Eragon, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, The Devil Wears Prada and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Fiscal 2006 theatrical releases included Ice Age: The Meltdown, X-Men: The Last Stand, Fantastic Four, Walk the Line, Big Mommas House 2 and Cheaper by the Dozen 2.
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Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment segment for the fiscal year ended 2007 increased $133 million, or 12%, as compared to fiscal 2006. The improvement was primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, which were partially offset by higher releasing costs and higher amortization of production and participation costs directly associated with the increase in revenues noted above.
Television (20% and 21% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Television segment revenues increased $371 million, or 7%, as compared to fiscal 2006. The Television segment reported a decrease in Operating income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 of $70 million, or 7%, from fiscal 2006.
Revenues at the U.S. television operations increased for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to the broadcasts of the BCS and NASCARs Daytona 500 with no comparable events in fiscal 2006 and higher FOX prime-time advertising revenue due to higher pricing and additional commercial inventory sold. Also contributing to the increased advertising revenues was higher political advertising at the Companys television stations due to the November 2006 elections. The increase in revenue was partially offset by revenue decreases at the Company-owned MyNetworkTV affiliated stations. Operating income at the Companys U.S. television operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 decreased from fiscal 2006. The decrease in Operating income was a result of expenses associated with the first full year of MyNetworkTV which was launched in September 2006, higher sports programming costs related to the BCS, Daytona 500 and the new NFL contracts, partially offset by the increase in revenues noted above.
Revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 at the Companys international television operations increased over fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to higher advertising revenues in India and higher subscription revenues. Operating income for the Companys international television operations decreased for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to higher programming costs.
Cable Network Programming (13% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2007 and 2006)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, revenues at the Cable Network Programming segment increased $544 million, or 16%, as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was driven by higher net affiliate and advertising revenues at the RSNs and FIC, as well as increased net affiliate revenues at Fox News and FX.
The RSNs revenues increased 12% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to advertising and net affiliate revenue increases. The increase in advertising revenues was primarily due to additional revenues from the increased number of MLB and National Basketball Association (NBA) games broadcasted. The increase in net affiliate revenues was primarily due to higher average rates per subscriber and a higher number of subscribers, including those from the acquisition of SportSouth in May 2006.
Fox News revenues increased 19% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to net affiliate and advertising revenue increases. Net affiliate revenues increased for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, as a result of increases in average rates per subscriber and lower cable distribution amortization as compared to fiscal 2006. Advertising revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 increased as compared to fiscal 2006 due to higher pricing and higher volume. In addition, revenue from licensing fees contributed to the increase in fiscal 2007. As of June 30, 2007, Fox News reached approximately 92 million Nielsen households.
FXs revenues increased 4% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to an increase in net affiliate revenues. Net affiliate revenues increased as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average rate per subscriber and in the number of subscribers. As of June 30, 2007, FX reached approximately 92 million Nielsen households.
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Revenues at the Companys international cable channels increased 65% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The increases were due to the consolidation of NGC Network International LLC (NGC International) and NGC Network Latin America LLC (NGC Latin America) beginning January 1, 2007, as well as improved advertising sales and subscriber growth at the other FIC channels.
The Cable Network Programming segment Operating income increased $226 million, or 26%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, as compared to fiscal 2006. This improvement in Operating income was primarily driven by the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by higher sports rights amortization mainly due to additional games, higher entertainment programming for new shows and incremental expenses from the consolidation of NGC International and NGC Latin America.
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (11% and 10% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, SKY Italias revenues increased $534 million, or 21%, as compared to fiscal 2006. This revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in subscribers over fiscal 2006. During fiscal 2007, SKY Italia added approximately 368,000 net subscribers, which resulted in SKY Italias subscriber base totaling almost 4.2 million at June 30, 2007. The total churn for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 was approximately 423,000 on an average subscriber base of approximately 4.0 million, as compared to churn of approximately 314,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of approximately 3.6 million in fiscal 2006. Subscriber churn for the period represents the number of SKY Italia subscribers whose service was disconnected during the period.
SKY Italias average revenue per subscriber (ARPU) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 was approximately 44 and was consistent with that of fiscal 2006. SKY Italia calculates ARPU by dividing total subscriber-related revenues for the period by the average subscribers for the period and dividing that amount by the number of months in the period. Subscriber-related revenues are comprised of total subscription revenue, pay-per-view revenue and equipment rental revenue for the period. Average subscribers are calculated for the respective periods by adding the beginning and ending subscribers for the period and dividing by two.
Subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (SAC) were approximately 260 in fiscal 2007, which was consistent with that of fiscal 2006, primarily due to an increase in commissions being offset by lower average installation costs. SAC is calculated by dividing total subscriber acquisition costs for a period by the number of gross SKY Italia subscribers during the period. Subscriber acquisition costs include the cost of the commissions paid to retailers and other distributors, the cost of equipment sold directly by SKY Italia to subscribers and the costs related to installation and acquisition advertising, net of any upfront activation fee. SKY Italia excludes the value of equipment capitalized under SKY Italias equipment lease program, as well as payments and the value of returned equipment related to disconnected lease program subscribers from subscriber acquisition costs.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Operating income at SKY Italia improved by $182 million as compared to fiscal 2006. The improvement in fiscal 2007 was primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by higher programming costs due to the increased subscriber base, as well as higher sports rights amortization.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, the weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in an increase of approximately 7% in both revenues and Operating income as compared to fiscal 2006.
Magazines and Inserts (4% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2007 and 2006)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, revenues at the Magazines and Inserts segment increased $29 million, or 3%, as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase in revenues primarily resulted from an increase in volume of in-store marketing and free-standing insert products, partially offset by lower rates for these products.
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Operating income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 increased $28 million, or 9%, as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, as well as lower printing costs.
Newspapers (16% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal years 2007 and 2006)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, revenues at the Newspaper segment increased $391 million, or 10%, as compared to fiscal 2006. Operating income increased $136 million, or 26%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in increases of approximately 7% in both revenues and Operating income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, U.K. newspapers revenues increased 9% as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to favorable foreign exchange movements and higher Internet revenues which were partially offset by lower circulation and advertising revenues. Operating income increased for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to a higher redundancy provision in fiscal 2006. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, the Company recorded a redundancy provision of approximately $109 million as compared with a $24 million provision recorded during fiscal 2007. The increase in Operating income was also a result of lower production costs due to decreased circulation and lower promotional costs, partially offset by higher operating costs associated with the launch of a free London newspaper, increased investment in Internet businesses and higher newsprint costs.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Australian newspapers revenues increased 10% as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to favorable foreign exchange movements, an increase in advertising revenues and incremental revenue from the acquisition of the Federal Publishing Companys group of companies in April 2007. Operating income increased 3% as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to the impact of favorable exchange rate movements, partially offset by higher employee and newsprint costs.
Book Publishing (5% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal years 2007 and 2006)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, revenues at the Book Publishing segment increased by $35 million, or 3%, from fiscal 2006, primarily due to strong sales on key titles, including The Dangerous Book For Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden, The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan, The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien and The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier, partially offset by lower revenues from the successful childrens title The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis in the corresponding period of fiscal 2006. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, HarperCollins had 128 titles on The New York Times Bestseller lists with 16 titles reaching the number one position.
Operating income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 decreased $8 million, or 5%, as compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales of the highly profitable The Chronicles of Narnia which were included in fiscal 2006.
Other (8% and 6% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, revenues at the Other operating segment increased $889 million, or 64%, as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in the number of active users and higher advertising revenues from FIMs Internet sites. The revenue increase was also driven by incremental revenues from acquisitions by FIM in October 2005 and from the Jamba joint venture which was formed in January 2007. Also contributing to the revenue increase was Global Cricket Corporations sale of the broadcast and sponsorship rights of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup with no comparable event in fiscal 2006.
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Operating results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, decreased $43 million as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to a loss on the ICC Cricket World Cup which can be attributable to a shortfall in advertising and sponsorship revenue. This underperformance was due to the early elimination of two of the more popular teams from the competition, which resulted in matches among less well-known teams, significantly reducing the Companys advertising and sponsorship revenues. Also contributing to the decrease was higher employee costs and higher costs related to Internet initiatives. The decrease in operating results was partially offset by improved Operating income at FIM, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above.
Results of OperationsFiscal 2006 versus Fiscal 2005
The following table sets forth the Companys operating results for fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005.
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
($ millions) | |||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 25,327 | $ | 23,859 | $ | 1,468 | 6 | % | |||||||
Expenses: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating |
16,593 | 15,901 | 692 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
3,982 | 3,697 | 285 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
775 | 648 | 127 | 20 | % | ||||||||||
Other operating charges |
109 | 49 | 60 | * | * | ||||||||||
Total operating income |
3,868 | 3,564 | 304 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(545 | ) | (536 | ) | (9 | ) | 2 | % | |||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
888 | 355 | 533 | * | * | ||||||||||
Other, net |
194 | 178 | 16 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
4,405 | 3,561 | 844 | 24 | % | ||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(1,526 | ) | (1,220 | ) | (306 | ) | 25 | % | |||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
(67 | ) | (213 | ) | 146 | (69 | )% | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
2,812 | 2,128 | 684 | 32 | % | ||||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax |
515 | | 515 | * | * | ||||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
3,327 | 2,128 | 1,199 | 56 | % | ||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
(1,013 | ) | | (1,013 | ) | * | * | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 2,314 | $ | 2,128 | $ | 186 | 9 | % | |||||||
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (1) |
$ | 0.87 | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.18 | 26 | % |
** | not meaningful |
(1) |
Represents earnings per share based on the total weighted average shares outstanding (Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock combined) for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. Class A Common Stock carry rights to a greater dividend than Class B Common Stock through fiscal 2007. As such, net income available to the Companys stockholders is allocated between the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
OverviewThe Companys revenues in fiscal 2006 increased 6% as compared to fiscal 2005. The increase was primarily due to revenue increases at the Cable Network Programming, Filmed Entertainment, DBS and Other segments.
Operating expenses for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 increased approximately 4% from fiscal 2005, primarily due to increased expenses at the Cable Network Programming segment and acquisitions made by the Newspaper segment and FIM during fiscal 2005 and 2006. The increased operating expenses at the Cable
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Network Programming segment were due to the acquisition in April 2005 of the Florida and Ohio RSNs and Fox Sports Net, a national sports program service, and higher programming costs at the remaining RSNs and the FX. In addition, operating results include the consolidation of Queensland Press Pty Ltd (QPL), which was acquired in November 2004, within the Newspapers segment and the impact of the Internet businesses acquired by the Company in fiscal 2006, collectively referred to as the FIM acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by reduced operating expenses at the Filmed Entertainment and Television segments. The operating expense reduction at the Filmed Entertainment segment was due to reduced amortization of production and participation costs. The decrease in operating expenses at the Television segment was mainly due to the absence of programming costs for the NFLs Super Bowl and NASCARs Daytona 500 that were broadcast in fiscal 2005.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately 8% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 from fiscal 2005, primarily due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio RSNs, Fox Sports Net and QPL. In addition, the impact of acquisitions at FIM also contributed to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Depreciation and amortization expense increased approximately 20% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, when compared to fiscal 2005, primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets acquired on the purchase of the minority interest in the FEG in March 2005, as well as incremental expenses resulting from the FIM acquisitions. Accelerated depreciation recognized on printing plant assets in the United Kingdom also contributed to the increase.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, Operating income increased 9% from fiscal 2005, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above. The Operating income increase was offset by a $109 million redundancy provision recorded as an other operating charge during fiscal 2006. The redundancy provision, recorded at the Newspapers segment, was related to certain U.K. employees as a result of the Company committing to a reduction in workforce, associated with the development of new printing plants in the United Kingdom.
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net increased $9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. This increase is primarily due to interest on the Companys issuance of $1.0 billion in 6.2% Senior Notes due 2034 and $750 million in 5.3% Senior Notes due 2014 in December 2004 and $1.15 billion in 6.4% Senior Notes due 2035 in December 2005. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by higher interest income.
Equity earnings of affiliatesNet earnings from affiliates for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 increased $533 million as compared to fiscal 2005. The improvement for fiscal 2006 was due to an increased contribution from DIRECTV on subscriber growth and increased pricing. DIRECTVs results also reflect lower expenses associated with a new set-top receiver lease program, as well as the absence of charges recognized in fiscal 2005 related to the SPACEWAY program and PanAmSat.
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||
( $ millions) | ||||||||||||||
The Companys share of equity earnings of affiliates principally consists of: |
||||||||||||||
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc |
$ | 369 | $ | 374 | $ | (5 | ) | (1 | )% | |||||
The DIRECTV Group, Inc. |
246 | (186 | ) | 432 | * | * | ||||||||
Other DBS equity affiliates |
108 | 81 | 27 | 33 | % | |||||||||
Cable channel equity affiliates |
68 | 46 | 22 | 48 | % | |||||||||
Other equity affiliates |
97 | 40 | 57 | * | * | |||||||||
Total equity earnings of affiliates |
$ | 888 | $ | 355 | $ | 533 | * | * | ||||||
** | not meaningful |
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Other, net
For the years ended June 30, |
||||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Loss on sale of Regional Programming Partners (a) |
$ | | $ | (85 | ) | |||
Gain on sale of Innova (b) |
206 | | ||||||
Gain on sale of China Netcom Group Corporation (b) |
52 | | ||||||
Loss on sale of Sky Multi-Country Partners (b) |
| (55 | ) | |||||
Gain on sale of Rogers Sportsnet (b) |
| 39 | ||||||
Change in fair value of exchangeable securities (c) |
(76 | ) | 246 | |||||
Other |
12 | 33 | ||||||
Total Other, net |
$ | 194 | $ | 178 | ||||
(a) |
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
(b) |
See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
(c) |
The Company has certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities which contain embedded derivatives. Pursuant to SFAS No. 133, these embedded derivatives are not designated as hedges and, as such, changes in their fair value are recognized in Other, net. A significant variance in the price of the underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
Income tax expenseThe effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 was 35%. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 reflects the positive impact of the Companys application of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (AJCA). The Company reflected a tax benefit of approximately $126 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, primarily resulting from the reduction of prior deferred tax accruals relating to the repatriation of foreign earnings at the lower rate of 5.25% under the AJCA.
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 was slightly higher than the effective tax rate for fiscal 2005 of 34%, primarily due to the impact of the resolution of foreign income tax audits in fiscal 2005, offset by the impact of the AJCA noted above.
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of taxMinority interest expense improved by $146 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005. The improvement was primarily due to the acquisition of minority shares of FEG in fiscal 2005.
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of taxIn October 2005, the Company sold TSL for cash consideration of approximately $395 million and recorded a gain on disposition of discontinued operations of approximately $381 million. In April 2006, the Company sold Sky Radio for cash consideration of approximately $215 million and recorded a gain on disposition of discontinued operations of approximately $134 million. (See Results of OperationsFiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006 for further information on Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxEffective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted EITF D-108. As a result of this adoption, the Company recorded a charge of $1.6 billion ($1 billion net of tax) to reduce the intangible balances attributable to its television stations FCC licenses. (See Results of OperationsFiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006 for further information on Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax)
Net incomeNet income increased $186 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. The increase was primarily due to increases in Operating income, Equity earnings from affiliates, Other income, the Gain on the disposition of discontinued operations, as well as lower minority interest expense, partially offset by the Cumulative effect of accounting change.
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Segment Analysis:
The following table sets forth the Companys revenues and operating income by segment, for fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005.
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
($ millions) | |||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
|||||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 6,199 | $ | 5,919 | $ | 280 | 5 | % | |||||||
Television |
5,334 | 5,338 | (4 | ) | | ||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
3,358 | 2,688 | 670 | 25 | % | ||||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
2,542 | 2,313 | 229 | 10 | % | ||||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
1,090 | 1,068 | 22 | 2 | % | ||||||||||
Newspapers |
4,095 | 4,083 | 12 | | |||||||||||
Book Publishing |
1,312 | 1,327 | (15 | ) | (1 | )% | |||||||||
Other |
1,397 | 1,123 | 274 | 24 | % | ||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 25,327 | $ | 23,859 | $ | 1,468 | 6 | % | |||||||
Operating income (loss): |
|||||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,092 | $ | 1,058 | $ | 34 | 3 | % | |||||||
Television |
1,032 | 952 | 80 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
864 | 702 | 162 | 23 | % | ||||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
39 | (173 | ) | 212 | * | * | |||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
307 | 298 | 9 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Newspapers |
517 | 740 | (223 | ) | (30 | )% | |||||||||
Book Publishing |
167 | 164 | 3 | 2 | % | ||||||||||
Other |
(150 | ) | (177 | ) | 27 | (15 | )% | ||||||||
Total operating income |
$ | 3,868 | $ | 3,564 | $ | 304 | 9 | % | |||||||
** | not meaningful |
Filmed Entertainment (25% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2006 and 2005)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, revenues at the Filmed Entertainment segment increased $280 million, or 5%, as compared to fiscal 2005. This increase was primarily due to an increase in worldwide theatrical, pay television and free television revenues, partially offset by a decrease in worldwide home entertainment revenues. Theatrical revenues increased primarily due to improved performance and an increase in the number of releases, driven by successful titles including Ice Age: The Meltdown, X-Men: The Last Stand, Fantastic Four, Walk the Line, Big Mommas House 2 and Cheaper by the Dozen 2. Fiscal 2005 theatrical releases included I, Robot, Alien vs. Predator, Robots, Hide & Seek and Sideways. The increases in worldwide pay television and free television revenues were primarily due to a stronger film lineup, more feature films available during fiscal 2006 and stronger revenues from the returning primetime series 24 and new primetime series Prison Break and My Name Is Earl. Fiscal 2006 worldwide home entertainment revenues were driven by the worldwide release of Fantastic Four, Walk the Line, Robots, Kingdom of Heaven and Hide & Seek. Fiscal 2005 included the worldwide home entertainment release of The Day After Tomorrow, I, Robot, Alien vs. Predator, Garfield, Dodgeball, Man on Fire, Napoleon Dynamite, the Star Wars Trilogy and the distribution fees earned for The Passion of the Christ. The film home entertainment decreases were slightly offset by home entertainment revenue from television titles, including Family Guy and 24. Home entertainment revenues generated from the sale and distribution of film and television titles in fiscal 2006 were 76% and 24%, respectively, of total home entertainment revenues.
Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment segment for fiscal 2006 increased $34 million, or 3%, as compared to fiscal 2005. This improvement was due to the revenue changes noted above and lower home
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entertainment marketing and manufacturing costs, partially offset by higher theatrical marketing costs directly associated with the increased number of releases.
Television (21% and 22% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, Television segment revenue was consistent with fiscal 2005. The Television segment reported an increase in Operating income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 of $80 million, or 8%, from fiscal 2005.
Revenues at the Companys U.S. television operations decreased 1% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. The decrease was primarily due to the broadcast of the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 in fiscal 2005, with no comparable events in fiscal 2006. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in primetime net advertising revenue as a result of higher primetime ratings, pricing and continued growth in local news programming versus fiscal 2005. Operating income at the Companys U.S. television operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 increased approximately 11% from fiscal 2005. The increase was mainly due to the absence of programming costs for the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 that were broadcast in fiscal 2005, partially offset by the decreased revenues noted above and by higher programming costs for returning shows, local news expansions, music license fees and new sports programming on the non-FOX affiliated stations.
Revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 at the Companys international television operations increased over fiscal 2005. The increase was primarily driven by higher advertising and subscription revenues. Operating income for the Companys international television operations increased for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 over fiscal 2005, primarily driven by increased revenues, as noted above, which were partially offset by increased programming costs associated with the launch of new programming.
Cable Network Programming (13% and 11% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, revenues for the Cable Network Programming segment increased $670 million, or 25%, as compared to fiscal 2005. These increases were driven by higher net affiliate and advertising revenues at the RSNs and FX, as well as increased advertising revenue at Fox News.
FXs revenues increased 14% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005, primarily due to advertising and net affiliate revenue increases. Advertising revenues increased in fiscal 2006 primarily due to higher pricing and higher ratings as compared to fiscal 2005. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, net affiliate revenues increased as compared to fiscal 2005, reflecting an increase in average rates per subscriber and DBS subscribers. As of June 30, 2006, FX reached approximately 89 million Nielsen households.
The RSNs revenues increased 30% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005, primarily due to advertising and net affiliate revenue increases. The increase in advertising revenues was primarily due to the acquisition of the Florida and Ohio RSNs in April 2005. Also contributing to the increase in advertising revenues was the resumption of NHL games in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 after the cancellation of the 2004-05 NHL season. In addition, there was an increase in overall advertising pricing in fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. Net affiliate revenues increased for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. This increase was primarily due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio RSNs, the absence of fiscal 2005 allowances related to the cancellation of the 2004-05 NHL season, an increase in DBS subscribers and higher average rates per subscriber.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, Fox News revenues increased 13% as compared to fiscal 2005, primarily due to advertising and affiliate revenue increases. Advertising revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 increased as compared to fiscal 2005 due to higher pricing and higher volume. Net affiliate revenues increased for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, as a result of increases in subscribers and average
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rates per subscriber from fiscal 2005. As of June 30, 2006, Fox News reached approximately 89 million Nielsen households.
The Cable Network Programming segment Operating income increased $162 million, or 23%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. This improvement was primarily driven by the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by higher programming expenses. Programming expenses increased primarily due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio RSNs and Fox Sports Net in April 2005 and the programming costs associated with the resumption of NHL games after the cancellation of the 2004-05 season. Also contributing to this increase were newly acquired series and more original programming at FX. In addition, marketing expenses increased at FX due to increased promotion costs for its new original series, as well as returning shows in fiscal 2006.
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (10% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2006 and 2005 )
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, SKY Italia revenues increased $229 million, or 10%, as compared to fiscal 2005. This revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in subscribers over fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2006, SKY Italia added approximately 513,000 net subscribers, which resulted in SKY Italias subscriber base totaling more than 3.8 million at June 30, 2006. The total churn for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 was approximately 314,000 on an average subscriber base of 3.6 million, as compared to churn of approximately 270,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 3.0 million in fiscal 2005. Subscriber churn for the period represents the number of SKY Italia subscribers whose service was disconnected during the period.
ARPU for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 was over 44. The ARPU for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 improved slightly over fiscal 2005 primarily due to a nearly 2 price increase during the second quarter of fiscal 2006, which was partially offset by price promotions.
SAC of approximately 260 in fiscal 2006 increased over fiscal 2005 due to changes in the consumer offer that reflected lower upfront activation fees and increased advertising and marketing costs on a per gross addition basis, although fiscal 2006 marketing and advertising costs on an aggregate basis remained relatively flat as compared to fiscal 2005.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar resulted in decreases of approximately 4% in both revenues and operating income as compared to fiscal 2005.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, operating results at SKY Italia improved by $212 million as compared to fiscal 2005. The improvement was primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by increased programming costs associated with the larger subscriber base, as well as higher spending, which was primarily due to the broadcast of additional movie titles and new entertainment channels on the basic programming tier.
Magazines and Inserts (4% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2006 and 2005)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, revenues at the Magazines and Inserts segment increased $22 million, or 2%, as compared to fiscal 2005. The increase in fiscal 2006 primarily resulted from an increase in sales of the Companys in-store marketing products due to higher demand in supermarkets, partially offset by lower rates for the publication of free-standing inserts.
Operating income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 increased $9 million, or 3%, as compared to fiscal 2005. The increase was primarily due to volume increases for in-store marketing products, partially offset by the lower rates for the publication of free-standing inserts, as noted above.
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Newspapers (16% and 17% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively)
The Newspapers segment revenues were relatively flat as compared to fiscal 2005. Operating income decreased $223 million, or 30%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar resulted in decreases of approximately 2% in both revenues and operating income as compared to fiscal 2005.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, the U.K. newspapers revenues decreased 7% as compared to fiscal 2005. The U.K. newspapers advertising revenues decreased from fiscal 2005 as a result of a general weakness in the U.K. advertising market. Advertising revenues were affected by lower mono display and lower classified revenues across all titles. Revenues also decreased due to the absence of revenue from TSL, which the Company sold in October 2005. The decrease was partially offset by higher color display revenue on The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times and increased circulation revenues due to cover price increases across all titles and higher net circulation on The Times as a result of promotional activities and strong editorial content.
U.K. newspapers Operating income decreased 70% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. This decrease was primarily due to a redundancy provision of $109 million recorded in fiscal 2006 for certain U.K. production employees as a result of the Company committing to a reduction in workforce expected to occur in fiscal 2007 and 2008. In addition, higher depreciation expense and other costs associated with the development of the new printing plants in the United Kingdom also contributed to this decrease. The Company expects annualized personnel cost savings of approximately $65 million when the U.K. workforce reduction is completed. Also contributing to this decrease in operating income was the lower advertising revenue noted above, the absence of the TSL division noted above, increased costs associated with employees and increased newsprint costs.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, the Australian newspapers revenues increased 9% as compared to fiscal 2005, mainly due to the consolidation of the results of QPL beginning in November 2004. Also contributing to this increase were improved display and classified advertising revenues, along with the impact of cover price increases at the major weekend newspapers. The increase in Operating income of 8% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005, was primarily attributable to the consolidation of QPL beginning in November 2004.
Book Publishing (5% and 6% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, revenues at the Book Publishing segment decreased by $15 million, or 1%, from fiscal 2005 as fiscal 2005 included the effect of significant sales of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, HarperCollins had 109 titles on The New York Times Bestseller List with 14 titles reaching the number one position. Notable bestsellers during fiscal 2006 included: Marley and Me by John Grogan, Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, YOU: The Owners Manual by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. and The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.
Operating income for the Book Publishing segment for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 increased by $3 million, or 2%, from fiscal 2005. The increase in Operating income was primarily due to a higher level of more profitable backlist sales in the General Books group, when compared to fiscal 2005.
Other (6% and 5% of the Companys consolidated revenues in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, revenues at the Other segment increased $274 million, or 24%, as compared to fiscal 2005. The increase was primarily driven by incremental revenues from the FIM acquisitions. The Operating loss at the Other segment decreased $27 million, or 15%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006
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as compared to fiscal 2005, primarily as a result of fiscal 2005 results including costs in connection with the Reorganization partially offset by the inclusion of the fiscal 2006 FIM operating losses, principally resulting from employee retention expenses and amortization of purchased intangible assets.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Current Financial Condition
The Companys principal source of liquidity is internally generated funds; however, the Company has access to the worldwide capital markets, a $2.25 billion revolving credit facility and various film co-production alternatives to supplement its cash flows. The availability under the revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2007 was reduced by letters of credit issued which totaled approximately $121 million. Also, as of June 30, 2007, the Company had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of approximately $7.7 billion. The Company believes that cash flows from operations will be adequate for the Company to conduct its operations. The Companys internally generated funds are highly dependent upon the state of the advertising market and public acceptance of film and television products. Any significant decline in the advertising market or the performance of the Companys films could adversely impact its cash flows from operations which could require the Company to seek other sources of funds including proceeds from the sale of certain assets or other alternative sources.
The principal uses of cash that affect the Companys liquidity position include the following: investments in the production and distribution of new feature films and television programs; the acquisition of and payments under programming rights for entertainment and sports programming; paper purchases; operational expenditures including employee costs; capital expenditures; interest expense; income tax payments; investments in associated entities; dividends; acquisitions and stock repurchases.
Sources and Uses of CashFiscal 2007 vs. Fiscal 2006
Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended June 30, |
2007 | 2006 | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 4,110 | $ | 3,257 | ||
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities reflects higher operating results and cash collections resulting primarily from an increased sale of home entertainment product at the Filmed Entertainment segment during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. These increases were offset by higher tax payments and higher sports rights. The higher sports rights payments reflect the renewal of several sports teams local rights agreements, the addition of the BCS sports rights and higher international sports rights.
Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended June 30, |
2007 | 2006 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
$ | (2,076 | ) | $ | (2,060 | ) | ||
Cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2007 was slightly higher than fiscal 2006 due to higher capital expenditures and increased investments. Partially offsetting this increase was a reduction in the total net cash used for acquisitions and dispositions.
The increase in capital expenditures was primarily due to the Companys continued investment in new printing plants in the United Kingdom and an increase in expenditures related to Internet initiatives. The decrease in cash used for acquisitions was primarily due to the acquisitions of Intermix Media, Inc. (Intermix) and IGN Entertainment, Inc. (IGN) during fiscal 2006.
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The Company has evaluated, and expects to continue to evaluate, possible acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses. Such transactions may be material and may involve cash, the Companys securities or the assumption of additional indebtedness.
Net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended June 30, |
2007 | 2006 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
$ | (273 | ) | $ | (1,932 | ) | ||
The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a reduction in share repurchases of approximately $733 million. During fiscal 2007, the Company repurchased 57.5 million shares for approximately $1.3 billion, as compared to repurchases of 125.3 million shares for approximately $2.0 billion in fiscal 2006. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was also due to an increase in net borrowings of $704 million during fiscal 2007.
The total dividends declared related to fiscal 2007 results were $0.12 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.10 per share of Class B Common Stock. In August 2007, the Company declared the final dividend on fiscal 2007 results of $0.06 per share for Class A Common Stock and $0.05 per share for Class B Common Stock. This together with the interim dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and a dividend of $0.05 per share of Class B Common Stock constitute the total dividend relating to fiscal 2007.
Based on the number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 2007 the total aggregate cash dividends expected to be paid to stockholders in fiscal 2008 is approximately $365 million.
Sources and Uses of CashFiscal 2006 vs. Fiscal 2005
Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended June 30, |
2006 | 2005 | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 3,257 | $ | 3,371 | ||
The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects lower cash collections from worldwide home entertainment product, which was primarily driven by the decrease in worldwide home entertainment revenues at the Filmed Entertainment segment as compared to fiscal 2005. In addition, also contributing to the decrease was higher sports rights and higher tax payments during fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005.
Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended June 30, |
2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
$ | (2,060 | ) | $ | (303 | ) | ||
Cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2006 was higher than the cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2005. The increase was primarily due to the acquisitions of Intermix, IGN and a RSN during fiscal 2006. The cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2006 was partially offset by proceeds received from the disposition of discontinued operations as the Company sold its TSL division for approximately $395 million in cash consideration in October 2005 and its Sky Radio division for approximately $215 million in cash consideration in April 2006. The cash received from the sale of Innova and China Netcom Group Corporation
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during fiscal 2006 and cash received in advance on the sale of Sky Brasil to DIRECTV and the sale of other non-strategic investments during fiscal 2005 also partially offset the cash used in investing activities.
Net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended June 30, |
2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
$ | (1,932 | ) | $ | (681 | ) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2006 increased from net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2005, primarily due to the stock repurchase program. The increase was partially offset by an increase in borrowings net of repayments during fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005.
The total dividends declared related to fiscal 2006 results were $0.12 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.10 per share of Class B Common Stock. In August 2006, the Company declared the final dividend on fiscal 2006 results of $0.06 per share for Class A Common Stock and $0.05 per share for Class B Common Stock. This together with the interim dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and a dividend of $0.05 per share of Class B Common Stock constitute the total dividend relating to fiscal 2006.
Issuances of Shares For Acquisitions
Transaction |
Approximate amount of issuance |
Number of Class A shares |
Number of Class B shares | ||||
(in millions) | |||||||
Fiscal 2006 |
|||||||
Queensland Press (a) |
$ | 33 | 2 | | |||
Fiscal 2005 |
|||||||
Fox Entertainment Group (a) |
$ | 14,293 | 1,988 | | |||
Queensland Press (a) |
$ | 6,359 | 61 | 308 |
(a) |
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation. |
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Debt Instruments and Guarantees
Debt Instruments(1)
Years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Borrowings |
||||||||||||
Notes due 2037 |
$ | 1,000 | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Notes due 2035 |
| 1,133 | | |||||||||
Notes due 2034 |
| | 995 | |||||||||
Notes due 2014 |
| | 748 | |||||||||
All other |
196 | 26 | 98 | |||||||||
Total borrowings |
$ | 1,196 | $ | 1,159 | $ | 1,841 | ||||||
Repayments of borrowings |
||||||||||||
Liquid Yield Option Notes |
$ | | $ | (831 | ) | $ | | |||||
New Millennium (2) |
| | (659 | ) | ||||||||
Cruden Group assumed debt (3) |
| | (654 | ) | ||||||||
Preferred Perpetual Shares (4) |
| | (345 | ) | ||||||||
All other |
(198 | ) | (34 | ) | (452 | ) | ||||||
Total repayment of borrowings |
$ | (198 | ) | $ | (865 | ) | $ | (2,110 | ) | |||
(1) |
See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for information with respect to borrowings. |
(2) |
The Company had historically funded its film production by borrowing under a commercial paper facility (New Millennium) but in May 2004, the Company ceased utilizing this facility. In fiscal 2005, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of $659 million on the New Millennium facility. |
(3) |
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for information with respect to the acquisition of the Cruden Group of companies. |
(4) |
The Company redeemed $345 million of perpetual preference shares outstanding at par in November 2004. |
LYONs
In February 2001, the Company issued Liquid Yield OptionTM Notes (LYONs) which pay no interest and have an aggregate principal amount at maturity of $1,515 million representing a yield of 3.5% per annum on the issue price. The holders may exchange the notes at any time into Class A Common Stock or, at the option of the Company, the cash equivalent thereof at a fixed exchange rate of 24.2966 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 note. The LYONs are redeemable at the option of the holders on February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2016 at a price of $706.82 and $840.73, respectively. The Company, at its election, may satisfy the redemption amounts in cash, Class A Common Stock or any combination thereof. The Company can redeem the notes in cash at any time at specified redemption amounts.
On February 28, 2006, 92% of the LYONs were redeemed for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. Accordingly, the Company paid an aggregate of approximately $831 million to the holders of the LYONs that had exercised this redemption option. The pro-rata portion of unamortized deferred financing costs relating to the redeemed LYONs approximating $13 million was recognized and included in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
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Ratings of the Public Debt
The table below summarizes the Companys credit ratings as of June 30, 2007.
Rating Agency |
Senior Debt | Outlook | ||
Moodys |
Baa 2 | Stable | ||
S&P |
BBB | * |
* | In December 2006, as a result of the announcement of the signing of the Share Exchange Agreement, Standard & Poors placed its ratings of the Company on CreditWatch with positive implications. (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement.) |
Revolving Credit Agreement
On May 23, 2007, News America Incorporated (NAI), a subsidiary of the Company, terminated its existing $1.75 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (the Prior Credit Agreement) and entered into a new Credit Agreement (the New Credit Agreement), among NAI as Borrower, the Company as Parent Guarantor, the lenders named therein (the Lenders), Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Syndication Agent. The New Credit Agreement consists of a $2.25 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility with a sublimit of $600 million available for the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings are in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. Dollars or Euros. The significant terms of the New Credit Agreement include, among others, the requirement that the Company maintain specific leverage ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company will pay a facility fee of 0.10% regardless of facility usage. The Company will pay interest of a margin over LIBOR for borrowings and a letter of credit fee of 0.30%. The Company is subject to additional fees of 0.05% if borrowings under the facility exceed 50% of the committed facility. The interest and fees are based on the Companys current debt rating. Under the New Credit Agreement, NAI may request an increase in the amount of the credit facility up to a maximum amount of $2.5 billion. The New Credit Agreement is available for the general corporate purposes of NAI, the Company and its subsidiaries. The maturity date is in May 2012, however, NAI may request that the Lenders commitments be renewed for up to two additional one year periods. At June 30, 2007, letters of credit representing approximately $121 million were issued under the New Credit Agreement.
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Commitments and Guarantees
The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (firm commitments) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. The following table summarizes the Companys material firm commitments as of June 30, 2007.
As of June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||
Total | 1 year | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||||
Contracts for capital expenditure |
|||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
$ | 75 | $ | 68 | $ | 7 | $ | | $ | | |||||
Plant and machinery |
373 | 353 | 20 | | | ||||||||||
Operating leases (a) |
|||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
3,078 | 259 | 453 | 386 | 1,980 | ||||||||||
Plant and machinery |
935 | 203 | 256 | 165 | 311 | ||||||||||
Other commitments |
|||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
10,871 | 355 | 430 | 107 | 9,979 | ||||||||||
Exchangeable securities |
1,631 | | 1,502 | | 129 | ||||||||||
News America Marketing (b) |
428 | 94 | 166 | 102 | 66 | ||||||||||
Sports programming rights (c) |
17,092 | 2,908 | 4,855 | 3,990 | 5,339 | ||||||||||
Entertainment programming rights |
3,631 | 1,566 | 1,395 | 433 | 237 | ||||||||||
Other commitments and contractual obligations (d) |
2,263 | 674 | 418 | 314 | 857 | ||||||||||
Total commitments, borrowings and contractual obligations |
$ | 40,377 | $ | 6,480 | $ | 9,502 | $ | 5,497 | $ | 18,898 | |||||
The Company also has certain contractual arrangements in relation to certain investees that would require the Company to make payments or provide funding if certain circumstances occur (contingent guarantees). The Company does not expect that these contingent guarantees will result in any material amounts being paid by the Company in the foreseeable future. The timing of the amounts presented in the table below reflect when the maximum contingent guarantees will expire and does not indicate that the Company expects to incur an obligation to make payments during that time frame.
As of June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Total Amounts Committed |
Amount of Guarantees Expiration Per Period | ||||||||||||||
Contingent guarantees: |
1 year | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||||
Programming rights (e) |
$ | 523 | $ | 21 | $ | 73 | $ | 135 | $ | 294 | |||||
Affiliate borrowings (f) |
65 | 65 | | | | ||||||||||
Other |
19 | 19 | | | | ||||||||||
$ | 607 | $ | 105 | $ | 73 | $ | 135 | $ | 294 | ||||||
(a) |
The Company leases transponders, office facilities, warehouse facilities, equipment and microwave transmitters used to carry broadcast signals. These leases, which are classified as operating leases, expire at certain dates through fiscal 2090. In addition, the Company leases various printing plants, which leases expire at various dates through fiscal 2095. |
(b) |
News America Marketing (NAMG), a leading provider of in-store marketing products and services primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers, enters into agreements with retailers to occupy space for the display of point of sale advertising. |
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(c) |
The Companys contract with MLB gives the Company rights to telecast certain regular season and post season games, as well as exclusive rights to telecast MLBs World Series and All-Star Game for a seven-year term through the 2013 MLB season. |
Under the Companys contract with NFL, remaining future minimum payments for program rights to broadcast certain football games are payable over the remaining term of the contract through fiscal 2012.
The Companys contracts with NASCAR give the Company rights to broadcast certain races and ancillary content through calendar year 2014.
Under the Companys contract with the BCS, remaining future minimum payments for program rights to broadcast the BCS are payable over the remaining term of the contract through fiscal 2010.
In addition, the Company has certain other local sports broadcasting rights.
(d) |
The Company is upgrading its printing presses with new automated technology that once fully on line, are expected to lower production costs and improve newspaper quality including expanded color. As part of this initiative, the Company entered into several third party printing contracts in the United Kingdom expiring in fiscal 2022. |
The Company has an eight year agreement with Nielsen Media Research (Nielsen) under which Nielsen provides audience measurement services for 49 of the Companys subsidiaries and affiliates.
(e) |
A joint-venture in which the Company owns a 50% equity interest, entered into an agreement for global programming rights. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company and the other joint-venture partner have jointly guaranteed the programming rights obligation. |
(f) |
The Company has guaranteed a bank loan facility of $65 million (¥7.97 billion) for an affiliate. The facility covers a term loan which matures in June 2008 and an agreement for an overdraft. The Company would be liable under this guarantee, to the extent of default by the affiliate. |
As of June 30, 2007, the Company was contractually obligated for approximately $242 million and $42 million in the United Kingdom and Australia, respectively, for new printing plants and related costs. All firm commitments related to these projects are included in the capital expenditure lines disclosed in the commitments table above.
The table excludes the Companys pension and other postretirement benefits (OPEB) obligations. The Company made voluntary contributions of $67 million and $149 million to its pension plans in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. Future plan contributions are dependent upon actual plan asset returns and interest rates. Assuming that actual plan asset returns are consistent with the Companys expected plan return of 7% in fiscal 2008 and beyond, and that interest rates remain constant, the Company would not be required to make any material contributions to its pension plans to satisfy minimum statutory funding requirements for the foreseeable future. The Company expects to make voluntary contributions of approximately $60 million to its pension plans in fiscal 2008. Payments due to participants under the Companys pension plans are primarily paid out of the underlying trusts. Payments due under the Companys OPEB plans are not required to be funded in advance, but are paid as medical costs are incurred by covered retiree populations, and are principally dependent upon the future cost of retiree medical benefits under the Companys pension plans. The Company expects its OPEB payments to approximate $7 million in fiscal 2008. See Note 16 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for further discussion of the Companys pension and OPEB plans.
Contingencies
The Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, News Outdoor owns and operates outdoor advertising companies and also owns approximately 73% of Media Support Services Limited (MSS), an outdoor advertising company
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in Russia. The minority stockholders of MSS had the right to sell a portion of their interests to News Outdoor during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and exercised those rights. In certain limited circumstances, the minority stockholders of MSS have the right to sell, and News Outdoor has the right to purchase, the remaining minority interests at fair market value. The Company believes that the exercise of these sale rights, if any, will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity. In June 2007, the Company announced that it intends to explore strategic options for News Outdoor in connection with News Outdoors continued development plans. These strategic options include, but are not limited to, exploring the opportunity to expand News Outdoors existing shareholder group through new strategic and private equity partners.
Other than previously disclosed in the notes to these consolidated financial statements, the Company is party to several purchase and sale arrangements which become exercisable over the next ten years by the Company or the counter-party to the agreement. In the next twelve months, none of these arrangements that become exercisable are material. Purchase arrangements that are exercisable by the counter-party to the agreement, and that are outside the sole control of the Company are accounted for in accordance with EITF No. D-98 Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities. Accordingly, the fair values of such purchase arrangements are classified in Minority interest liabilities.
The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.
The Companys operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.
Related Party Transactions
Immediately prior to and as part of the Reorganization, the Company acquired from certain trusts, the beneficiaries of which include Mr. K.R. Murdoch, members of his family and certain charities (the Murdoch Trusts), the 58% shareholding in QPL which was not already owned by the Companys predecessor through the acquisition of the Cruden Group of companies (the Cruden/QPL Transaction). The principal assets of the Cruden Group were shares of News Corporation and a 58% interest in QPL. QPL owns a publishing business which includes two metropolitan and eight regional newspapers in Queensland, Australia, as well as shares in News Corporation. Following this transaction, Mr. K.R. Murdoch and the Murdoch Trusts owned approximately 29.5% of the Companys Class B Common Stock.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it is important to the Companys financial condition and results, and if it requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. The development and selection of these critical accounting policies have been determined by management of the Company and the related disclosures have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board. For a summary of all of the Companys significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Companys consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on managements best
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knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from the estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Filmed EntertainmentRevenues from distribution of feature films are recognized in accordance with SOP 00-2. Revenues from the theatrical distribution of motion pictures are recognized as they are exhibited and revenues from home video and DVD sales, net of a reserve for estimated returns, together with related costs, are recognized on the date that video and DVD units are made widely available for sale by retailers and all Company-imposed restrictions on the sale of video and DVD units have expired. Revenues from television distribution are recognized when the motion picture or television program is made available to the licensee for broadcast.
Management bases its estimates of ultimate revenue for each film on the historical performance of similar films, incorporating factors such as the past box office record of the lead actors and actresses, the genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings) and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. Management updates such estimates based on information available on the actual results of each film through its life cycle.
License agreements for the telecast of theatrical and television product in the broadcast network, syndicated television and cable television markets are routinely entered into in advance of their available date for telecast. Cash received and amounts billed in connection with such contractual rights for which revenue is not yet recognizable is classified as deferred revenue. Because deferred revenue generally relates to contracts for the licensing of theatrical and television product which have already been produced, the recognition of revenue for such completed product is principally only dependent upon the commencement of the availability period for telecast under the terms of the related licensing agreement.
Television, Cable Network Programming and Direct Broadcast SatelliteAdvertising revenue is recognized as the commercials are aired, net of agency commissions. Subscriber fees received from subscribers, cable systems and DBS operators are recognized as revenue in the period that services are provided, net of amortization of cable distribution investments. The Company defers the cable distribution investments and amortizes the amounts on a straight-line basis over the contract period.
Filmed Entertainment and Television Programming Costs
Accounting for the production and distribution of motion pictures and television programming is in accordance with SOP 00-2, which requires managements judgment as it relates to total revenues to be received and costs to be incurred throughout the life of each program or its license period. These judgments are used to determine the amortization of capitalized filmed entertainment and television programming costs, the expensing of participation and residual costs associated with revenues earned and any fair value adjustments.
In accordance with SOP 00-2, the Company amortizes filmed entertainment and television programming costs using the individual-film-forecast method. Under the individual-film-forecast method, such programming costs are amortized for each film or television program in the ratio that current period actual revenue for such title bears to managements estimated remaining unrecognized ultimate revenue as of the beginning of the current fiscal year to be recognized over approximately a six year period or operating profits to be realized from all media and markets for such title. Management bases its estimates of ultimate revenue for each film on factors such as historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors and actresses and once released actual results of each film. For each television program, management bases its estimates of ultimate revenue on the performance of the television programming in the initial markets, the existence of future firm commitments to sell additional episodes of the program and the past performance of similar television programs. Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its total revenue estimates on a title-by-title basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization and/or a write down of the asset to fair value.
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The costs of national sports contracts at FOX and for international sports rights agreements are charged to expense based on the ratio of each periods operating profit to estimated total remaining operating profit of the contract. Estimates of total operating profit can change and accordingly, are reviewed periodically and amortization is adjusted as necessary. Such changes in the future could be material.
The costs of local and regional sports contracts, which are for a specified number of events, are amortized on an event-by-event basis. Those costs, which are for a specified season, are amortized over the season on a straight-line basis, and if applicable, a portion of the cost is allocated to rebroadcasts.
Original cable programming is amortized on an accelerated basis. Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its total revenue estimates on a contract basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization and/or a write down of the asset to fair value.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of such assets. Changes in circumstances such as technological advances, changes to the Companys business model or capital strategy could result in the actual useful lives differing from the Companys estimates. In those cases where the Company determines that the useful life of buildings and equipment should be shortened, the Company would depreciate the asset over its revised remaining useful life thereby increasing depreciation expense.
Intangible Assets
The Company has a significant amount of intangible assets, including goodwill, FCC licenses, and other copyright products and trademarks. Intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded at their estimated fair market value at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the cost of acquiring an entity and the estimated fair values assigned to its tangible and identifiable intangible net assets and is assigned to one or more reporting units for purposes of testing for impairment. The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of intangible assets acquired, their reporting unit, as well as their useful lives can significantly impact net income.
The Company accounts for its business acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the tangible net assets acquired is recorded as intangibles. Amounts recorded as goodwill are assigned to one or more reporting units. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires managements judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. Identifying reporting units and assigning goodwill thereto requires judgment involving the aggregation of business units with similar economic characteristics and the identification of existing business units that benefit from the acquired goodwill.
Carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed at least annually for possible impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Companys impairment review is based on, among other methods, a discounted cash flow approach that requires significant management judgments. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the discounted present value of the cash flows for that reporting unit. An impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the net present value of estimated future cash flows, which represents the estimated fair value of the asset. The Company uses its judgment in assessing whether assets may have become impaired between annual valuations. Indicators such as unexpected adverse economic factors, unanticipated technological change or competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts, may signal that an asset has become impaired.
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For all of its television station acquisitions through June 30, 2005, the Company utilized the residual method to estimate the fair value of the stations FCC licenses. Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted EITF D-108. EITF D-108 requires companies who have applied the residual value method in the valuation of acquired identifiable intangibles for purchase accounting and impairment testing to now use a direct valuation method. The direct valuation method used for FCC licenses requires, among other inputs, the use of published industry data that are based on subjective judgments about future advertising revenues in the markets where the Company owns television stations. This method also involves the use of managements judgment in estimating an appropriate discount rate reflecting the risk of a market participant in the U.S. broadcast industry. The resulting fair values for FCC licenses are sensitive to these long-term assumptions and any variations to such assumptions could result in an impairment to existing carrying values in future periods and such impairment could be material.
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company computes its annual tax rate based on the statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to it in the various jurisdictions in which it earns income. Significant judgment is required in determining the Companys annual provision for income taxes and in evaluating its tax positions. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on evaluations of the probability of whether additional taxes and related interest and penalties will be due. The Company adjusts these reserves based on changing facts and circumstances and it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter. The Company believes that its reserves reflect the probable outcome of known tax matters.
The Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making this assessment, management analyzes future taxable income, reversing temporary differences and ongoing tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company would adjust related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to income.
Employee Costs
In June 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) (SFAS No. 158). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the fiscal year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. (See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation)
The following table summarizes the incremental effects of the initial adoption of SFAS No. 158 on the Companys consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2007:
Before application of SFAS No.158 |
SFAS No. 158 adjustment |
After application of SFAS No. 158 | ||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||
Intangible assets |
$ | 11,710 | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 11,703 | |||
Other non-current assets |
1,096 | (274 | ) | 822 | ||||||
Total assets |
62,624 | (281 | ) | 62,343 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
3,301 | 18 | 3,319 | |||||||
Deferred income taxes |
5,999 | (100 | ) | 5,899 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
33,121 | (199 | ) | 32,922 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
62,624 | (281 | ) | 62,343 |
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The Company maintains defined benefit pension plans covering a majority of its employees and retirees. For financial reporting purposes, net periodic pension expense (income) is calculated based upon a number of actuarial assumptions, including a discount rate for plan obligations and an expected rate of return on plan assets. The Company considers current market conditions, including changes in investment returns and interest rates, in making these assumptions. In developing the expected long-term rate of return, the Company considered the pension portfolios past average rate of returns, and future return expectations of the various asset classes. The expected long-term rate of return is based on an asset allocation assumption of 60% equities, 37% fixed-income securities and 3% in all other investments.
The discount rate reflects the market rate for high-quality fixed-income investments on the Companys annual measurement date of June 30 and is subject to change each year. The discount rate assumptions used to account for pension and other postretirement benefit plans reflect the rates at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. The rate was determined based on a cash flow matching technique whereby a hypothetical portfolio of high quality debt securities was constructed that mirrors the specific benefit obligations for each of the Companys primary plans where appropriate.
The key assumptions used in developing the Companys fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 net periodic pension expense (income) for its plans consists of the following:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
($ in millions) | ||||||||||||
Discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost |
5.9 | % | 5.1 | % | 5.7 | % | ||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||
Expected rate of return |
7.0 | % | 7.5 | % | 7.5 | % | ||||||
Expected return |
$ | 135 | $ | 122 | $ | 111 | ||||||
Actual return |
$ | 232 | $ | 186 | $ | 160 | ||||||
Gain |
$ | 97 | $ | 64 | $ | 49 | ||||||
One year actual return |
12.3 | % | 11.1 | % | 10.8 | % | ||||||
Five year actual return |
9.0 | % | 4.7 | % | 1.7 | % |
The weighted average discount rate is volatile from year to year because it is determined based upon the prevailing rates in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia as of the measurement date. The Company will utilize a weighted average discount rate of 6.0% in calculating the fiscal 2008 net periodic pension expense for its plans. The Company will continue to use a weighted average long-term rate of return of 7% for fiscal 2008 based principally on a combination of asset mix and historical experience of actual plan returns. The net losses on the Companys pension plans were $301 million at June 30, 2007, a decrease from $348 million at June 30, 2006. This decrease of $47 million was due primarily to an actual plan asset return of 12% in fiscal 2007, which was higher than the expected rate of return of 7%, and loss amortization in fiscal 2007. The net losses at June 30, 2006 were primarily a result of economic conditions and the strengthening of the mortality assumptions. Economic conditions impacting the plan were the lower interest rate environment for high-quality fixed income debt instruments over the past five years and the downturn in the equity markets in the earlier part of this decade. These deferred losses are being systematically recognized in future net periodic pension expense in accordance with SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions (SFAS No. 87). Unrecognized losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or the plans projected benefit obligation are recognized over the average future service of the plan participants.
The Company made contributions of $67 million, $149 million and $236 million to its pension plans in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. These were primarily voluntary contributions made to improve the funded status of the plans which were impacted by a declining interest rate environment, as well as the downturn of the equity markets earlier in this decade. Future plan contributions are dependent upon actual plan asset returns and interest rate movements. Assuming that actual plan returns are consistent with the Companys
76
expected plan returns in fiscal 2008 and beyond, and that interest rates remain constant, the Company would not be required to make any statutory contributions to its primary U.S. pension plans for the foreseeable future.
Changes in net periodic pension expense may occur in the future due to changes in the Companys expected rate of return on plan assets and discount rate resulting from economic events. The following table highlights the sensitivity of the Companys pension obligations and expense to changes in these assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant:
Changes in Assumption |
Impact on Annual Pension Expense |
Impact on PBO | ||
0.25 percentage point decrease in discount rate |
Increase $12 million |
Increase $87 million | ||
0.25 percentage point increase in discount rate |
Decrease $12 million |
Decrease $87 million | ||
0.25 percentage point decrease in expected rate of return on assets |
Increase $6 million |
| ||
0.25 percentage point increase in expected rate of return on assets |
Decrease $6 million |
|
Net periodic pension expense for the Companys pension plans is expected to be approximately $80 million in fiscal 2008 which is consistent with fiscal 2007.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
77
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company has exposure to several types of market risk: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and stock prices. The Company neither holds nor issues financial instruments for trading purposes.
The following sections provide quantitative information on the Companys exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and stock price risk. It makes use of sensitivity analyses that are inherently limited in estimating actual losses in fair value that can occur from changes in market conditions.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
The Company conducts operations in four principal currencies: the U.S. dollar, the British pound sterling, the Euro and the Australian dollar. These currencies operate as the functional currency for the Companys U.S., European (including the United Kingdom) and Australian operations, respectively. Cash is managed centrally within each of the three regions with net earnings reinvested locally and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. To the extent such funds are not sufficient to meet working capital requirements, drawdowns in the appropriate local currency are available from intercompany borrowings. Since earnings of the Companys Australian and European (including the United Kingdom) operations are expected to be reinvested in those businesses indefinitely, the Company does not hedge its investment in the net assets of those foreign operations.
At June 30, 2007, the Companys outstanding financial instruments with foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure had an aggregate fair value of $201 million (including the Companys non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed rate debt). The potential increase in the fair values of these instruments resulting from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would be approximately $25 million at June 30, 2007.
Interest Rates
The Companys current financing arrangements and facilities include $12.5 billion of outstanding debt with fixed interest and the New Credit Agreement, which carries variable interest. Fixed and variable rate debts are impacted differently by changes in interest rates. A change in the interest rate or yield of fixed rate debt will only impact the fair market value of such debt, while a change in the interest rate of variable debt will impact interest expense as well as the amount of cash required to service such debt. As of June 30, 2007, substantially all of the Companys financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk was denominated in U.S. dollars and had an aggregate fair market value of $13.2 billion. The potential change in fair value for these financial instruments from an adverse 10% change in quoted interest rates across all maturities, often referred to as a parallel shift in the yield curve, would be approximately $643 million at June 30, 2007.
Stock Prices
The Company has common stock investments in several publicly traded companies that are subject to market price volatility. These investments principally represent the Companys equity affiliates and have an aggregate fair value of approximately $21,608 million as of June 30, 2007. A hypothetical decrease in the market price of these investments of 10% would result in a fair value of approximately $19,447 million. Such a hypothetical decrease would result in a decrease in comprehensive income of approximately $23 million, as any changes in fair value of the Companys equity affiliates are not recognized unless deemed other-than-temporary, as these investments are accounted for under the equity method.
In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company has recorded the conversion feature embedded in its exchangeable debentures in other liabilities. At June 30, 2007, the fair value of this conversion feature is $352 million and is sensitive to movements in the share price of one of the Companys publicly traded equity affiliates. A significant variance in the price of the underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company. A 10% increase in the price of the underlying shares, holding other factors constant, would increase the fair value of the call option by approximately $115 million.
78
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
79
MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of News Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. News Corporations internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
| pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of News Corporation; |
| provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; |
| provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of News Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of News Corporation; and |
| provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. |
Internal control over financial reporting includes the controls themselves, monitoring and internal auditing practices and actions taken to correct deficiencies as identified.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, may not prevent or detect misstatements. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Also, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting was made as of a specific date. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of News Corporations internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2007. Management based this assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Managements assessment included an evaluation of the design of News Corporations internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of News Corporations Board of Directors.
Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of June 30, 2007, News Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements of News Corporation included in this report, has issued an attestation report on managements assessment of internal control over financial reporting.
80
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of News Corporation:
We have audited managements assessment, included in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that News Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). News Corporations management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on managements assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating managements assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, managements assessment that News Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2007 is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, News Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of News Corporation as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders equity and other comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2007 of News Corporation, and our report dated August 23, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
August 23, 2007
81
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of News Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of News Corporation as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders equity and other comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of News Corporation at June 30, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2007 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company changed its methods of accounting for stock based compensation and the valuation of certain acquired identifiable intangible assets, effective July 1, 2005, and pension and other post-retirement obligations, effective June 30, 2007.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of News Corporations internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated August 23, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
August 23, 2007
82
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 28,655 | $ | 25,327 | $ | 23,859 | ||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Operating |
18,645 | 16,593 | 15,901 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
4,655 | 3,982 | 3,697 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
879 | 775 | 648 | |||||||||
Other operating charges |
24 | 109 | 49 | |||||||||
Operating income |
4,452 | 3,868 | 3,564 | |||||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(524 | ) | (545 | ) | (536 | ) | ||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
1,019 | 888 | 355 | |||||||||
Other, net |
359 | 194 | 178 | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
5,306 | 4,405 | 3,561 | |||||||||
Income tax expense |
(1,814 | ) | (1,526 | ) | (1,220 | ) | ||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
(66 | ) | (67 | ) | (213 | ) | ||||||
Income from continuing operations |
3,426 | 2,812 | 2,128 | |||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax |
| 515 | | |||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
3,426 | 3,327 | 2,128 | |||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| (1,013 | ) | | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,426 | $ | 2,314 | $ | 2,128 | ||||||
Basic earnings per share: |
||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.74 | ||||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.62 | ||||||
Net Income |
||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.74 | ||||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.63 | $ | 0.62 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per share: |
||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.73 | ||||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.61 | ||||||
Net Income |
||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.73 | ||||||
Class B |
$ | 0.95 | $ | 0.63 | $ | 0.61 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
83
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
As of June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Assets: |
||||||
Current assets: |
||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 7,654 | $ | 5,783 | ||
Receivables, net |
5,842 | 5,150 | ||||
Inventories, net |
2,039 | 1,840 | ||||
Other |
371 | 350 | ||||
Total current assets |
15,906 | 13,123 | ||||
Non-current assets: |
||||||
Receivables |
437 | 593 | ||||
Investments |
11,413 | 10,601 | ||||
Inventories, net |
2,626 | 2,410 | ||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
5,617 | 4,755 | ||||
Intangible assets, net |
11,703 | 11,446 | ||||
Goodwill |
13,819 | 12,548 | ||||
Other non-current assets |
822 | 1,173 | ||||
Total non-current assets |
46,437 | 43,526 | ||||
Total assets |
$ | 62,343 | $ | 56,649 | ||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity: |
||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||
Borrowings |
$ | 355 | $ | 42 | ||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
4,545 | 4,047 | ||||
Participations, residuals and royalties payable |
1,185 | 1,007 | ||||
Program rights payable |
940 | 801 | ||||
Deferred revenue |
469 | 476 | ||||
Total current liabilities |
7,494 | 6,373 | ||||
Non-current liabilities: |
||||||
Borrowings |
12,147 | 11,385 | ||||
Other liabilities |
3,319 | 3,536 | ||||
Deferred income taxes |
5,899 | 5,200 | ||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries |
562 | 281 | ||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||
Stockholders Equity: |
||||||
Class A common stock (1) |
21 | 22 | ||||
Class B common stock (2) |
10 | 10 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital |
27,333 | 28,153 | ||||
Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income |
5,558 | 1,689 | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
32,922 | 29,874 | ||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 62,343 | $ | 56,649 | ||
(1) |
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 6,000,000,000 shares authorized, 2,139,585,571 shares and 2,169,184,961 shares issued and outstanding, net of 1,777,593,698 and 1,777,837,008 treasury shares at par at June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. |
(2) |
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 3,000,000,000 shares authorized, 986,520,953 shares and 986,530,368 shares issued and outstanding, net of 313,721,702 treasury shares at par at June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
84
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS)
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,426 | $ | 2,314 | $ | 2,128 | ||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax |
| (515 | ) | | ||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| 1,013 | | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
3,426 | 2,812 | 2,128 | |||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
879 | 775 | 648 | |||||||||
Amortization of cable distribution investments |
77 | 103 | 117 | |||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
(1,019 | ) | (888 | ) | (355 | ) | ||||||
Cash distributions received from affiliates |
255 | 233 | 138 | |||||||||
Other, net |
(359 | ) | (194 | ) | (178 | ) | ||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
66 | 67 | 213 | |||||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |
||||||||||||
Receivables and other assets |
(169 | ) | (765 | ) | 7 | |||||||
Inventories, net |
(360 | ) | (508 | ) | 206 | |||||||
Accounts payable and other liabilities |
1,314 | 1,622 | 447 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
4,110 | 3,257 | 3,371 | |||||||||
Investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net of acquisitions |
(1,308 | ) | (976 | ) | (901 | ) | ||||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
(1,059 | ) | (1,989 | ) | (69 | ) | ||||||
Investments in equity affiliates |
(121 | ) | (89 | ) | (106 | ) | ||||||
Other investments |
(328 | ) | (28 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of investments and other non-current assets |
740 | 412 | 800 | |||||||||
Proceeds from disposition of discontinued operations |
| 610 | | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(2,076 | ) | (2,060 | ) | (303 | ) | ||||||
Financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Borrowings |
1,196 | 1,159 | 1,841 | |||||||||
Repayment of borrowings |
(198 | ) | (865 | ) | (2,110 | ) | ||||||
Cash on deposit |
| | 275 | |||||||||
Issuance of shares |
392 | 232 | 88 | |||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
(1,294 | ) | (2,027 | ) | (535 | ) | ||||||
Dividends paid |
(369 | ) | (431 | ) | (240 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(273 | ) | (1,932 | ) | (681 | ) | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
1,761 | (735 | ) | 2,387 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
5,783 | 6,470 | 4,051 | |||||||||
Exchange movement of opening cash balance |
110 | 48 | 32 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
$ | 7,654 | $ | 5,783 | $ | 6,470 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
85
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(IN MILLIONS)
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||
Class A common stock: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
2,169 | $ | 22 | 2,237 | $ | 22 | 1,935 | $ | 19 | ||||||||||||
Acquisitions |
| | 2 | | 2,049 | 20 | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued |
28 | | 50 | 1 | 8 | | |||||||||||||||
Treasury shares |
| | (38 | ) | | (1,740 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||||||
Shares repurchased |
(58 | ) | (1 | ) | (82 | ) | (1 | ) | (15 | ) | | ||||||||||
Balance, end of year |
2,139 | 21 | 2,169 | 22 | 2,237 | 22 | |||||||||||||||
Class B common stock: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
987 | 10 | 1,030 | 10 | 1,050 | 11 | |||||||||||||||
Acquisitions |
| | | | 308 | 3 | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued |
| | | | 1 | | |||||||||||||||
Treasury shares |
| | | | (314 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||
Shares repurchased |
| | (43 | ) | | (15 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance, end of year |
987 | 10 | 987 | 10 | 1,030 | 10 | |||||||||||||||
Additional Paid-In Capital: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
28,153 | 30,044 | 23,636 | ||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions |
| 33 | 20,629 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares |
394 | 750 | 76 | ||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
(1,293 | ) | (2,026 | ) | (535 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Treasury shares |
| (592 | ) | (13,528 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared |
| (239 | ) | (255 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other |
79 | 183 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of year |
27,333 | 28,153 | 30,044 | ||||||||||||||||||
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit): |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
1,609 | (527 | ) | (2,655 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
3,426 | 2,314 | 2,128 | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared |
(362 | ) | (178 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||
Change in value of minority put arrangements and other |
(60 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of year |
4,613 | 1,609 | (527 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
80 | (172 | ) | (136 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 158, net of tax |
(199 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax expense of $(1) million, $(124) million and $(46) million |
1,064 | 252 | (36 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of year |
945 | 80 | (172 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Retained Earnings (accumulated deficit) and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of year |
5,558 | 1,689 | (699 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
$ | 32,922 | $ | 29,874 | $ | 29,377 | |||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income (Loss): |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
3,426 | 2,314 | 2,128 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities |
121 | (64 | ) | (94 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Minimum pension liability adjustment |
73 | 167 | (34 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
870 | 149 | 92 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
1,064 | 252 | (36 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
$ | 4,490 | $ | 2,566 | $ | 2,092 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
86
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
On November 12, 2004, a new Delaware corporation named News Corporation (for periods after November 12, 2004, the Company) became, through a wholly-owned subsidiary named News Australia Holdings Pty Ltd (News Australia Holdings), the parent of News Holdings Inc. (formerly known as The News Corporation Limited), an Australian corporation (TNCL or for periods prior to November 12, 2004, the Company). These transactions are collectively referred to as the Reorganization.
In the Reorganization, all outstanding TNCL ordinary shares and preferred limited voting ordinary shares were cancelled and shares of the Companys Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class A Common Stock), and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class B Common Stock), were issued in exchange on a one-for-two share basis. The consolidated financial statements have been presented as if the one-for-two share exchange took place on July 1, 2004.
On November 12, 2004, as part of the Reorganization, News Corporation acquired from the A.E. Harris Trust (the Harris Trust) the approximate 58% shareholding in Queensland Press Pty Limited (QPL) not already owned by TNCL through the acquisition of the Cruden Group of companies. The principal assets of the Cruden Group were the shareholding in QPL and shares of TNCL. (See Note 3Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions)
News Corporation and its subsidiaries (together, News Corporation or the Company) is a Delaware corporation, incorporated in 2004 (See Note 3Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions). News Corporation is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments: Filmed Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production of television programming worldwide Television, which principally consists of the operation of broadcast television stations in the United States; the broadcasting of network programming in the United States through the Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) and MyNetworkTV, Inc. (MyNetworkTV); and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia through Star Group Limited (STAR); Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the production and licensing of programming distributed through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operators primarily in the United States; Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which principally consists of the distribution of premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy through SKY Italia; Magazines and Inserts, which principally consists of the publication of free-standing inserts, which are promotional booklets containing consumer offers distributed through insertion in local Sunday newspapers in the United States, and providing in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers in the United States and Canada; Newspapers, which principally consists of the publication of four national newspapers in the United Kingdom, the publication of approximately 145 newspapers in Australia, and the publication of a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper in the United States; Book Publishing, which principally consists of the publication of English language books throughout the world through HarperCollins; and Other, which includes NDS Group plc (NDS), which is engaged in the business of supplying digital technology and services, enabling and supporting digital pay-television platform operators and content providers; News Outdoor Group (News Outdoor), an advertising business which offers display advertising primarily in outdoor locations throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and Fox Interactive Media (FIM), which operates the Companys Internet activities.
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NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. In addition, the Company evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. (FIN) 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46R), and to assess whether it is the primary beneficiary of such entities. If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then that entity is consolidated in accordance with FIN 46R.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, including the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.
Certain fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2007 presentation.
The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to June 30th. Fiscal 2007 ended on July 1, 2007 and was comprised of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2006 ended on July 2, 2006 and was comprised of 52 weeks and fiscal 2005 ended on July 3, 2005 and was comprised of 53 weeks. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of June 30th.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less.
Concentration of credit risk
Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk.
Inventories
Filmed Entertainment Costs:
In accordance with Statement of Position (SOP) No. 00-2, Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films (SOP 00-2), Filmed entertainment costs include capitalized production costs, overhead and capitalized interest costs, net of any amounts received from outside investors. These costs, as well as participations and talent residuals, are recognized as operating expenses on an individual film or network series basis in the ratio that the current fiscal years gross revenues bear to managements estimate of total remaining ultimate gross revenues. Television production costs incurred in excess of the amount of revenue contracted for each episode in
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the initial market are expensed as incurred on an episode by episode basis. Estimates for initial syndication and basic cable revenues are not included in the estimated lifetime revenues of network series until such sales are probable. Television production costs incurred subsequent to the establishment of secondary markets are capitalized and amortized. Marketing costs and development costs under term deals are charged as operating expenses as incurred. Development costs for projects not produced are written-off at the earlier of the time the decision is taken not to develop the story or after three years.
Filmed entertainment costs are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated fair value on an individual motion picture or television product basis. Revenue forecasts for both motion pictures and television products are continually reviewed by management and revised when warranted by changing conditions. When estimates of total revenues and other events or changes in circumstances indicate that a motion picture or television production has a fair value that is less than its unamortized cost, a loss is recognized currently for the amount by which the unamortized cost exceeds the film or television productions fair value.
Programming Costs:
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 63, Financial Reporting by Broadcasters, costs incurred in acquiring program rights or producing programs for the Television, DBS and Cable Network Programming segments are capitalized and amortized over the license period or projected useful life of the programming. Program rights and the related liabilities are recorded at the gross amount of the liabilities when the license period has begun, the cost of the program is determinable and the program is accepted and available for airing. Television broadcast network and original cable programming are amortized on an accelerated basis. The Company has single and multi-year contracts for broadcast rights of programs and sporting events. At the inception of these contracts and at each subsequent reporting date, the Company evaluates the recoverability of the costs associated therewith, using aggregate estimated advertising revenues directly associated with the program material and related expenses. Where an evaluation indicates that a multi-year contract will result in an ultimate loss, additional amortization is provided to currently recognize that loss. The costs of national sports contracts at FOX and for international sports rights agreements are charged to expense based on the ratio of each periods operating profits to estimated total remaining operating profit of the contract. Estimates of total operating profit can change and accordingly, are reviewed periodically and amortization is adjusted as necessary. Such changes in the future could be material.
The costs of local and regional sports contracts, which are for a specified number of events, are amortized on an event-by-event basis. Those costs, which are for a specified season, are amortized over the season on a straight-line basis and if applicable, a portion of the cost is allocated to rebroadcasts.
Inventories for other divisions are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is primarily determined by the first in first out average cost method or by specific identification.
Equity method investments
Investments in and advances to equity or joint ventures in which the Company has a substantial ownership interest of approximately 20% to 50% and exercises significant influence, or for which the Company owns more than 50% but does not control policy decisions, are accounted for by the equity method. The difference between the Companys investment and its share of the fair value of the underlying net assets of the investee is first allocated to either finite-lived intangibles or indefinite-lived intangibles and the balance is attributed to goodwill. The Company follows SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No. 142), which requires that equity method finite-lived intangibles be amortized over their estimated useful life while indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill are not amortized.
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Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis by initially comparing their fair value to their respective carrying amounts each quarter. The Company determines the fair value of its public company investments by reference to their publicly traded stock price. With respect to private company investments, the Company makes its estimate of fair value by considering other available information, including recent investee equity transactions, discounted cash flow analyses, estimates based on comparable public company operating multiples and, in certain situations, balance sheet liquidation values. If the fair value of the investment has dropped below the carrying amount, management considers several factors when determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred, including the length of the time and extent to which the market value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and other factors influencing the fair market value, such as general market conditions.
Other investments
Investments in which there is no significant influence (generally less than a 20% ownership interest) are accounted for under the cost method of accounting, unless they have readily determinable fair values. The Company reports investments with readily determinable fair values at fair value based on quoted market prices. Investment securities with readily determinable fair values are designated as available for sale with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes and other adjustments. The Company regularly reviews available for sale investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment based on criteria that include the extent to which the investments carrying value exceeds its related market value, the duration of the market decline, the Companys ability to hold until recovery and the financial strength and specific prospects of the issuer of the security. Unrealized losses that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings. Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of two to 50 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their useful lives or the life of the lease. Costs associated with the repair and maintenance of property are expensed as incurred. Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances, changes to the Companys business model or capital strategy, could result in the actual useful lives differing from the Companys estimates. In those cases where the Company determines that the useful life of buildings and equipment should be shortened, the Company would depreciate the asset over its revised remaining useful life thereby increasing depreciation expense.
Goodwill and intangible assets
The Company has a significant amount of intangible assets, including goodwill, film and television libraries, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses, newspaper mastheads, distribution networks, publishing rights and other copyright products and trademarks. Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the cost of acquiring entities and amounts assigned to their tangible and identifiable intangible net assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Companys goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, which primarily consist of FCC licenses, are no longer amortized but are tested annually for impairment or earlier if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. Intangible assets with finite lives, are generally amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 20 years and are reviewed for impairment at least annually. SFAS No. 142 requires the Company to perform an annual impairment assessment of its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible
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assets. This impairment assessment compares the fair value of these intangible assets to their carrying value. The Company determined that the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets included in the consolidated balance sheets were not impaired.
Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. D-108 Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill (EITF D-108). (See Note 8Goodwill and Intangible Assets)
Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets
SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, requires that the Company periodically review the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment and its finite-lived intangible assets to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, an impairment adjustment is to be recognized. Such adjustment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such assets exceeds their fair value. The Company generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The Company determined that the long-lived and intangible assets included in the consolidated balance sheets were not impaired.
Financial instruments
The carrying value of the Companys financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, cost investments and long-term borrowings, approximate fair value. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. Derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, such as exchangeable securities, are separated into their host and derivative financial instrument components. The derivative component is recorded at its estimated fair value in the consolidated balance sheet with changes in estimated fair value recorded in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
Guarantees
The Company follows FIN 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45). FIN 45 requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, the product or service has been delivered and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company considers the terms of each arrangement to determine the appropriate accounting treatment.
Filmed Entertainment:
Revenues are recognized in accordance with SOP 00-2. Revenues from the distribution of motion pictures are recognized as they are exhibited, and revenues from home entertainment sales, net of a reserve for estimated
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returns, are recognized on the date that DVD units are made available for sale by retailers and all Company-imposed restrictions on the sale of DVD units have expired.
License agreements for the telecast of theatrical and television product in the broadcast network, syndicated television and cable television markets are routinely entered into in advance of their available date for telecast. Cash received and amounts billed in connection with such contractual rights for which revenue is not yet recognizable is classified as deferred revenue. Because deferred revenue generally relates to contracts for the licensing of theatrical and television product which have already been produced, the recognition of revenue for such completed product is principally only dependent upon the commencement of the availability period for telecast under the terms of the related licensing agreement.
Television, Cable Network Programming and DBS:
Advertising revenue is recognized as the commercials are aired. Subscriber fees received from cable systems and DBS operators for cable network programming are recognized as revenue in the period services are provided. DBS subscription and pay-per-view revenues are recognized when programming is broadcast to subscribers, while fees for equipment rental are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract period.
The Company classifies the amortization of cable distribution investments (capitalized fees paid to a cable or DBS operator to facilitate the launch of a cable network) against revenue in accordance with EITF No. 01-09, Accounting for the Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendors Products. The Company defers the cable distribution investments and amortizes the amounts on a straight-line basis over the contract period.
Newspapers, Magazine Inserts and Book Publishing
Advertising revenue from newspapers, inserts and magazines is recognized when the advertisements are published. Revenues earned from book publishing and from newspaper circulation are recognized upon passing of control to the buyer.
Sales returns
Consistent with industry practice, certain of the Companys products, such as home entertainment products, books and newspapers, are sold with the right of return. The Company records, as a reduction of revenue, the estimated impact of such returns. In determining the estimate of product sales that will be returned, management analyzes historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer demand and acceptance of the Companys product. Based on this information, management reserves a percentage of each dollar of product sales that provide the customer with the right of return.
Subscriber acquisition costs
Subscriber acquisition costs in the DBS segment primarily consist of amounts paid for third-party customer acquisitions, which consist of the cost of commissions paid to authorized retailers and dealers for subscribers added through their respective distribution channels and the cost of hardware and installation subsidies for subscribers. All costs, including hardware, installation and commissions, are expensed upon activation. However, where legal ownership is retained in the equipment, the cost of the equipment is capitalized and depreciated over the useful life. Additional components of subscriber acquisition costs include the cost of print, radio and television advertising, which are expensed as incurred.
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Advertising expenses
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred, including advertising expenses for theatrical and television product in accordance with SOP 00-2. Advertising expenses recognized for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006, and 2005 totaled $2.4 billion, $2.3 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively.
Translation of foreign currencies
Income and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated into U.S. dollars using the current rate method whereby trading results are converted at the average rate of exchange for the period and assets and liabilities are converted at the closing rates on the period end date. The resulting translation adjustments are accumulated as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in income for the period.
The Company enters into limited forward foreign exchange contracts with the objective of protecting the Company against future adverse foreign exchange fluctuations. Exchange gains or losses on these contracts are included in net income (loss), except where they relate to specific commitments, whereby they are deferred until the commitment to sell or purchase is satisfied.
Capitalization of interest
Interest cost on funds invested in major projects, primarily theatrical productions, with substantial development and construction phases are capitalized until production or operations commence. Once production or operations commence, the interest costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized interest is amortized over future periods on a basis consistent with that of the project to which it relates. Total interest capitalized was $24 million, $28 million and $31 million, for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amortization of capitalized interest for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $34 million, $44 million and $48 million, respectively.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS 109). SFAS 109 requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Valuation allowances are established where management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Deferred taxes have not been provided on the cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries to the extent amounts are expected to be reinvested indefinitely.
Earnings per share
Net income available to the Companys common stockholders is allocated between the Companys two classes of common stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The allocation between classes is based upon the two-class method. Under the two-class method, earnings per share for each class of common stock is allocated according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. (See Note 20Earnings Per Share for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method.)
Basic earnings per share for Class A and Class B Common Stock is calculated by dividing net income or loss, less dividends on perpetual preference shares, by the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share for Class A and Class B Common Stock is calculated similarly, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of shares issuable under the Companys equity-based compensation plans and the dilutive effect of convertible securities.
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Comprehensive income (loss)
The Company follows SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, for the reporting and display of comprehensive income.
For the years ended June 30, |
||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
||||||||||||
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities: |
||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
$ | 19 | $ | 83 | $ | 177 | ||||||
Fiscal year activity |
121 | (64 | ) | (94 | ) | |||||||
Balance, end of year |
140 | 19 | 83 | |||||||||
Pension liability adjustments: |
||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
(79 | ) | (246 | ) | (212 | ) | ||||||
Adoption of SFAS No. 158 |
(199 | ) | | | ||||||||
Fiscal year activity |
73 | 167 | (34 | ) | ||||||||
Balance, end of year |
(205 | ) | (79 | ) | (246 | ) | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments: |
||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year |
140 | (9 | ) | (101 | ) | |||||||
Fiscal year activity |
870 | 149 | 92 | |||||||||
Balance, end of year |
1,010 | 140 | (9 | ) | ||||||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
$ | 945 | $ | 80 | $ | (172 | ) | |||||
Equity based compensation
The Company accounts for share based payments in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 123R establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires all companies to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for generally all share-based payment transactions with employees. The Company adopted SFAS 123R in July 2005 using a modified prospective application, as permitted under SFAS 123R. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Under this application, the Company is required to record compensation expense for all share-based awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption.
Pension and other postretirement benefits
In June 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plansan amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) (SFAS No. 158). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the fiscal year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. (See Note 16Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits)
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The following table summarizes the incremental effects of the initial adoption of SFAS No. 158 on the Companys consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2007:
Before application of SFAS No. 158 |
SFAS No. 158 adjustment |
After application of SFAS No. 158 | ||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||
Intangible assets |
$ | 11,710 | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 11,703 | |||
Other non-current assets |
1,096 | (274 | ) | 822 | ||||||
Total assets |
62,624 | (281 | ) | 62,343 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
3,301 | 18 | 3,319 | |||||||
Deferred income taxes |
5,999 | (100 | ) | 5,899 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
33,121 | (199 | ) | 32,922 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
62,624 | (281 | ) | 62,343 |
Derivatives
SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 133), requires every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or a liability. SFAS No. 133 also requires that changes in the fair value of recorded derivatives be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
The Company uses financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges to hedge its limited exposures to foreign currency exchange risks associated with the costs for producing films abroad. All cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. As of June 30, 2007 and 2006, the notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts with foreign currency risk was $107.8 million and $39.0 million, respectively, and the net unrealized gain was approximately $2.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The potential loss in fair value for such financial instruments for a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would be approximately $10.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The effective changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) with foreign currency translation adjustments. Amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) when the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings. If derivatives are not designated as hedges, changes in fair value are recorded in earnings. (See Note 10Exchangeable Securities.)
Recent accounting pronouncements
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48), to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of July 1, 2007, as required. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of FIN 48 will have a material effect on the Companys future results of operation and financial condition.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), providing a framework to improve the comparability and consistency of fair value measurements in applying
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GAAP. SFAS No. 157 also expands the disclosures regarding fair value measurement. SFAS No. 157 will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2009. The Company is currently evaluating what effects the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on the Companys future results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesIncluding an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 allows companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2009. The Company is currently evaluating what effects the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on the Companys future results of operations and financial condition.
NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSALS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Fiscal 2007 Transactions
Acquisitions
In November 2006, the Company, together with a local Turkish partner, acquired TGRT (now called FOX TV), a national general interest free-to-air broadcast television station in Turkey. The Company acquired its interest for approximately $103 million in cash plus acquisition related costs.
In December 2006, NDS, an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired Jungo Limited (Jungo), a developer and supplier of software for residential gateway devices, for approximately $91 million. Additional consideration of up to $17 million may be payable in cash, contingent upon Jungo achieving certain revenue and profitability targets in the year ending December 31, 2007.
In January 2007, the Company and VeriSign, Inc. (VeriSign) formed a joint venture to provide entertainment content for mobile devices. The Company paid approximately $190 million for a controlling interest in VeriSigns wholly-owned subsidiary, Jamba, which was combined with certain of the Companys Fox Mobile Entertainment assets. The results of the joint venture have been included in the Companys consolidated results of operations since January 2007. The Company and VeriSign have various call and put rights related to VeriSigns ownership interest, including VeriSigns right to put its interest in the joint venture to the Company for $150 million and $350 million, in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2012, respectively.
In March 2007, the Company acquired Strategic Data Corporation (SDC), a developer of technology that allows websites to target advertisements to specific audiences. The Company acquired SDC for a total purchase price of $50 million, of which $40 million was in cash and $10 million in deferred consideration. The Company may be required to pay up to an additional $310 million through fiscal 2010 contingent upon SDC achieving specified advertising rate growth in future periods.
In April 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of Federal Publishing Companys (FPC) magazines, newspapers and online properties in Australia from F Hannan Pty Limited for approximately $393 million.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the excess purchase price that has been allocated or has been preliminarily allocated to goodwill is not being amortized for all of the acquisitions noted above. Where the allocation of the excess purchase price is not final, the amount allocated to goodwill is subject to changes upon completion of final valuations of certain assets and liabilities. A future reduction in goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets could reduce future earnings as a
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result of additional amortization. For every $10 million reduction in goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets, Depreciation and amortization expense would increase by approximately $1 million per fiscal year, representing amortization expense assuming an average useful life of ten years.
The aforementioned acquisitions were all accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141).
Share Exchange Agreement
On December 22, 2006, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement (the Share Exchange Agreement) with Liberty Media Corporation (Liberty). Under the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty will exchange its entire interest in the Companys common stock (approximately 325 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 188 million shares of Class B Common Stock) for 100% of a News Corporation subsidiary (Splitco), whose holdings will consist of an approximately 39% interest (approximately 470 million shares) in The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (DIRECTV) constituting the Companys entire interest in DIRECTV, three of the Companys Regional Sports Networks (FSN Northwest, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Rocky Mountain (the Three RSNs)) and $588 million in cash, subject to adjustment. The transaction contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement was approved by the Companys Class B stockholders on April 3, 2007 but remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, regulatory approvals, the receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and the absence of a material adverse effect on Splitco. If these conditions are satisfied, the transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007. The Company will enter into a non-competition agreement with DIRECTV and non-competition agreements with each of the Three RSNs, in each case, restricting its right to compete for a period of four years with DIRECTV and the Three RSNs in the respective regions in which such entities are operating on the date the Share Exchange Agreement is consummated.
Other Transactions
In August 2006, the Company announced that its FIM division entered into a multi-year search technology and services agreement with Google, Inc. (Google), pursuant to which Google is the exclusive search and keyword-targeted advertising sales provider for a majority of FIMs web properties. Under the terms of the agreement, Google is obligated to make guaranteed minimum revenue share payments to FIM of $900 million, of which the $50 million that was due was paid as of June 30, 2007. These guaranteed minimum revenue share payments, which are based on FIMs achievement of certain traffic and other commitments, are expected to be made through the second quarter of calendar 2010.
The Company previously entered into an agreement with a direct response marketing company that provided the Company with participation rights if the direct response marketing company is ever sold or consummates certain other strategic transactions. In December 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to terminate the participation rights for $100 million, of which $50 million payments were received by the Company in each of December 2006 and March 2007. This transaction closed in March 2007 and the Company recorded a gain of approximately $97 million on this transaction which is included in Other, net in the consolidated statements of operations. An additional termination payment of $175 million will be made to the Company by the direct response marketing company if it is sold prior to March 31, 2008.
In fiscal 2007, the Company restructured the ownership interest in one of its majority-owned Regional Sports Networks (RSN). The minority shareholder has a put right related to their respective ownership interest
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
that is currently exercisable and is outside of the control of the Company. The Company accounts for this put arrangement in accordance with EITF No. D-98 Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities (EITF D-98), and as of June 30, 2007 has included the value of the put right in minority interest in subsidiaries in the consolidated balance sheet.
Fiscal 2006 Acquisitions
In September 2005, the Company acquired the 25% stake in News Out of Home (NOOH) that it did not own for approximately $175 million in cash. This acquisition increased the Companys ownership of NOOH to 100%.
In order to increase the Companys Internet presence, the Company purchased several Internet companies during fiscal 2006 through its FIM division.
In September 2005, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common and preferred stock of Intermix Media, Inc. (Intermix) for approximately $580 million in cash. Under an existing stockholders agreement between Intermix, MySpace, Inc. (MySpace), an Internet entertainment company, and certain other stockholders of MySpace, Intermix exercised its option in July 2005 to acquire the outstanding 47% equity interest of MySpace that it did not already own for approximately $70 million in cash. This transaction, which closed in October 2005, increased Intermixs ownership in MySpace to 100%. In a related intercompany restructuring, the Company issued approximately 35 million shares of Class A Common Stock, which are considered treasury shares, to one of its subsidiaries, and, as a result, had no impact on the Companys outstanding shares.
In September 2005, the Company acquired Scout Media, Inc. (Scout), the parent company of Scout.com, the countrys leading independent online sports network, and Scout Publishing, producer of widely read local sports magazines in the United States, for approximately $60 million.
In October 2005, the Company acquired IGN Entertainment, Inc., a leading community-based Internet media and services company for video games and other forms of digital entertainment, for approximately $650 million in cash.
In May 2006, the Company acquired a U.S. regional cable sports and entertainment channel in the southeast region for approximately $375 million. This channel has broadcast rights to the National Hockey Leagues Atlanta Thrashers and shares broadcast rights to Major League Baseballs (MLB) Atlanta Braves and the National Basketball Associations Atlanta Hawks together with one of the Companys existing regional sports networks.
The aforementioned acquisitions were all accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 141.
Fiscal 2006 Disposals
In October 2005, the Company sold its TSL Education Ltd. division (TSL), which included The Times Educational Supplement and other newspapers, magazines, websites and exhibitions aimed at teachers and education professionals in the United Kingdom for cash consideration of approximately $395 million. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $381 million, net of tax of $0.
In April 2006, the Company sold Sky Radio Limited (Sky Radio), a commercial radio station group in the Netherlands and Germany for cash consideration of approximately $215 million. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $134 million, net of tax of $0.
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Both of these transactions are included in gain on disposition of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. The net income, assets, liabilities and cash flow attributable to the TSL and Sky Radio operations are not material to the Company in any of the periods presented and accordingly have not been presented separately. There was no provision for income taxes related to these transactions as any tax due is offset by a release of a valuation allowance that was applied to an existing deferred tax asset established for capital losses, which because of the sale of TSL and Sky Radio can now be utilized.
Fiscal 2005 Transactions
Incorporation in the United States
In April 2004, the Company announced that it would pursue the Reorganization, which would change the Companys place of incorporation from Australia to the United States. In August 2004, the Company announced that a special committee of non-executive Directors and the Board of Directors of the Company had unanimously recommended the proposed Reorganization. On October 26, 2004, the reorganization was approved by the Companys stockholders and option holders and on November 3, 2004, the Federal Court of Australia also approved the Reorganization.
On November 12, 2004, the Reorganization was accomplished under Australian law whereby the holders of TNCLs ordinary and preferred limited voting ordinary shares, including those ordinary shares and preferred limited voting ordinary shares represented by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), had their shares cancelled and received in exchange shares of voting and non-voting common stock of News Corporation at a one-for-two ratio. Reorganization costs expensed during fiscal 2005 amounted to $49 million and were included in Other operating charges in the Other segment in the consolidated statements of operations.
In connection with the Reorganization, the Company acquired from the Harris Trust the approximate 58% interest in QPL not already owned by the Company through the acquisition of the Cruden Group of companies. The principal assets of the Cruden Group were shares of the Company and a 58% interest in QPL. QPL owns a publishing business which includes two metropolitan and eight regional newspapers in Queensland, Australia, as well as shares of the Company. The consideration for the acquisition of the net assets of the Cruden Group, excluding shares of the Company owned directly through the Cruden Group and indirectly (through QPL) by the Cruden Group, was the issuance of approximately 61 million shares of Class B Common Stock valued at approximately $1.0 billion and the assumption of approximately $400 million of debt. All of the debt assumed was retired in November 2004. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired of approximately $1.3 billion has been allocated to newspaper mastheads and goodwill, which in accordance with SFAS No. 142 are not being amortized. As a result of the purchase of this interest in QPL, the Companys ownership interest in QPL increased from 42% to 100% and accordingly on November 12, 2004, the Company ceased to equity account for QPL. The results of QPL have been included in the Companys consolidated statements of operations from November 12, 2004, the date of acquisition.
As a result of the Reorganization, News Corporation became the new parent company of TNCL. News Corporation has a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange and secondary listings on the Australian Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.
In exchange for approximately 78 million shares of Class A Common Stock and approximately 247 million shares of Class B Common Stock owned directly through the Cruden Group and indirectly (through QPL) by the Cruden Group, the Harris Trust received shares of News Corporation in the same exchange ratio as all other TNCL stockholders in the Reorganization. The shares of News Corporation non-voting Class A Common Stock that the Harris Trust received were reduced by the number of shares equal in value to the net debt and certain
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other net liabilities of the Cruden Group which were assumed by the Company in the transaction. The shares issued to the Harris Trust were approximately 61 million shares of Class A Common Stock and approximately 247 million shares of Class B Common Stock with an approximate aggregate value of $6 billion, and the Company assumed approximately $250 million of net debt and certain other net liabilities of the Cruden Group. All of the debt assumed was retired in November 2004.
The 61 million shares of Class A Common Stock issued to the Harris Trust were based on agreed estimates. The Company agreed to compensate the Harris Trust for any difference between the estimated amounts and the actual amounts (the Adjustment Amount) after the completion of the Reorganization, and it was subsequently agreed that the Company would issue to the Harris Trust additional shares of Class A Common Stock of approximately equivalent value to the Adjustment Amount. The Adjustment Amount owed to the Harris Trust was approximately an additional $33 million. Following approval by stockholders on October 21, 2005, a total of approximately two million additional shares of Class A Common Stock were issued to the Harris Trust on October 27, 2005, to provide for the difference between the estimated and actual amounts. The number of shares was determined based on the New York Stock Exchange closing price of the Class A Common Stock on October 25, 2005.
The Company shares acquired through the acquisition of the Cruden Group, as well as the shares which were indirectly owned by the Company through its 42% ownership interest in QPL prior to the acquisition, are considered treasury shares. The treasury shares are accounted for using the par value method. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock related to this transaction that were held in treasury at June 30, 2007 was approximately 109 million and 314 million, respectively.
Immediately following the Reorganization, the Harris Trust owned approximately 29.5% of the voting Class B Common Stock of News Corporation.
Fox Entertainment Group Acquisition
In March 2005, Fox Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed its offer to the holders of Class A common stock of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (FEG) to exchange 2.04 shares of the Companys Class A Common Stock for each outstanding share of FEGs Class A common stock validly tendered and not withdrawn in the exchange offer (the Offer). Shortly thereafter, the Company effected a merger of FEG with and into Fox Acquisition Corp. Each share of FEG Class A common stock not acquired in the Offer, other than the shares already owned by the Company, was converted in the merger into 2.04 shares of the Companys Class A Common Stock. The Company issued approximately 357 million shares of its Class A Common Stock valued at approximately $6.3 billion in exchange for the outstanding shares of FEG Class A common stock, resulting in an excess purchase price of approximately $2.9 billion. After the consummation of the Offer and the subsequent merger, Fox Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. As a result of the Offer, the Companys ownership interest in FEG increased from approximately 82% to 100%. This acquisition of the remaining non-controlling interests in FEG has been accounted for under the purchase method in accordance with SFAS No. 141.
The Company has allocated the excess purchase price of $2.9 billion to finite-lived intangible assets, indefinite-lived intangibles, goodwill and deferred tax liabilities which are included in the Filmed Entertainment, Television, Cable Network Programming and Other segments.
In connection with the Offer and subsequent merger, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company tendered the shares of Fox Class A common stock and Fox Class B common stock that it owned prior to the acquisition to
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Fox Acquisition Corp. in exchange for the Companys Class A Common Stock at the same exchange ratio as was provided in the Offer for shares of Fox Class A common stock. As a result of the exchange, the wholly-owned subsidiary owns 1,631 million shares of the Companys Class A Common Stock, with an approximate value of $8 billion, which are reflected as treasury shares. The treasury shares are accounted for using the par value method.
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 assumes that the acquisitions of FEG and QPL were completed as of July 1, 2004.
For the year ended June 30, 2005 | |||
(in millions, except per share amounts) | |||
Revenues |
$ | 24,020 | |
Net Income |
2,316 | ||
Earnings per sharebasic |
|||
Class A |
0.74 | ||
Class B |
0.62 | ||
Earnings per sharediluted |
|||
Class A |
0.73 | ||
Class B |
0.61 |
Pro forma data may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had these events actually occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, nor does it intend to be a projection of future results.
Other fiscal 2005 transactions
In September 2004, the Company purchased Telecom Italia S.p.A.s (Telecom Italia) 20% interest in SKY Italia for cash consideration of $108 million, thereby increasing the Companys ownership interest in SKY Italia to 100%.
In April 2005, the Company and Rainbow Media Holdings (Rainbow) exchanged their investments in Regional Programming Partners (RPP). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company exchanged its 40% interest in RPP for Rainbows 60% interests in Fox Sports Net Ohio and Fox Sports Net Florida (formerly included in the RPP business) and Rainbows 50% interests in National Sports Partners and National Advertising Partners increasing the Companys ownership in these entities to 100%. In addition, the Company retained its 40% interest in SportsChannel Pacific Associates (SportsChannel Bay Area) (also formerly included in the RPP business) and remitted to RPP the $150 million in promissory notes it received from RPP as a result of RPPs December 2003 acquisition of the Companys direct ownership interests in SportsChannel Chicago Associates (SportsChannel Chicago) and SportsChannel Bay Area. The Company accounted for this exchange in accordance with APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions and accordingly the Company recorded the assets received at fair value upon closing. The Company has recognized a loss of approximately $85 million on this restructuring in Other, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
In February 2004, the Company sold the Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodgers) and related properties to entities owned by Frank McCourt (the McCourt Entities) for $421 million in consideration. Part of the consideration delivered by the McCourt Entities at closing was a $125 million note secured by certain real estate in Boston,
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Massachusetts. In March 2006, the McCourt entities remitted the real estate to the Company in full satisfaction of the note, including accrued interest of $20 million. This real estate consisted of approximately 23 acres located in the Seaport District of Boston, Massachusetts. In conjunction with this transfer, the Company assumed $36 million in debt. The Company recorded the assets and liabilities received at fair value upon closing. No gain or loss was recognized as the net fair value of the land approximated the value of the note. In September 2006, the Company sold this property for $202 million in cash. The Company discharged all of the debt on the property at the time of the sale. Upon the completion of the March 2006 transaction, the Company recorded the assets and liabilities received at fair value and accordingly no gain or loss was recognized on the sale of the land in September 2006.
NOTE 4. UNITED KINGDOM REDUNDANCY PROGRAM
In fiscal 2005, the Company announced its intention to invest in new printing plants in the United Kingdom to take advantage of technological and market changes. As the new automated technology comes on line, the Company expects lower production costs and improved newspaper quality, including expanded color.
In conjunction with this project, during fiscal 2006, the Company received formal approval for the construction of the main new plant which was the last contingency, thereby committing the Company to a redundancy program (the Program) for certain production employees at the Companys U.K. newspaper operations. The Program is in response to the reduced workforce that will be required as new printing presses and the new printing facilities eventually come on line. As a result of this Program, the Company expects to reduce its production workforce by approximately 65%, and as of June 30, 2007, over 700 employees in the United Kingdom had already voluntarily accepted severance agreements and are expected to leave the Company in fiscal 2008.
In accordance with SFAS No. 88, Employers Accounting for Settlements & Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits, the Company recorded a redundancy provision of approximately $109 million during fiscal 2006 in Other operating charges. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, the Company recorded an additional $24 million relating to the Program, which was comprised of an increase to the original provision amount, accretion and earned retention expenses, in Other operating charges in the consolidated statements of operations. Payments of approximately $15 million and $6 million were made against this accrual during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Foreign currency translation adjustments increased the program liability balance by approximately $10 million and $5 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Program liabilities of approximately $127 million were included in other current liabilities in the June 30, 2007 consolidated balance sheet. The Company expects to record an additional provision of approximately $9 million in fiscal 2008 to record accretion on the redundancy provision and to recognize any retention bonuses earned. A majority of the Programs costs are expected to be paid in cash to employees in fiscal 2008.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
NOTE 5. INVENTORIES
As of June 30, 2007, the Companys inventories were comprised of the following:
As of June 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Programming rights |
$ | 2,390 | $ | 2,147 | ||||
Books, DVDs, paper and other merchandise |
497 | 466 | ||||||
Filmed entertainment costs: |
||||||||
Films: |
||||||||
Released (including acquired film libraries) |
557 | 588 | ||||||
Completed, not released |
| 88 | ||||||
In production |
450 | 251 | ||||||
In development or preproduction |
82 | 59 | ||||||
1,089 | 986 | |||||||
Television productions: |
||||||||
Released (including acquired libraries) |
487 | 475 | ||||||
Completed, not released |
13 | 27 | ||||||
In production |
185 | 147 | ||||||
In development or preproduction |
4 | 2 | ||||||
689 | 651 | |||||||
Total filmed entertainment costs, less accumulated amortization (a) |
1,778 | 1,637 | ||||||
Total inventories, net |
4,665 | 4,250 | ||||||
Less: current portion of inventory, net (b) |
(2,039 | ) | (1,840 | ) | ||||
Total noncurrent inventories, net |
$ | 2,626 | $ | 2,410 | ||||
(a) |
Does not include $553 million and $584 million of net intangible film library costs as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively which are included in intangible assets subject to amortization in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 8Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for further details). |
(b) |
Current inventory as of June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 is comprised of programming rights ($1,578 million and $1,411 million, respectively), books, DVDs, paper, and other merchandise. |
As of June 30, 2007, the Company estimated that approximately 68% of unamortized filmed entertainment costs from the completed films are expected to be amortized during fiscal 2008 and approximately 93% of released filmed entertainment costs will be amortized within the next three fiscal years. During fiscal 2008, the Company expects to pay $1,067 million in accrued participation liabilities, which are included in participations, residuals and royalties payable on the consolidated balance sheet. At June 30, 2007, acquired film and television libraries have remaining unamortized film costs of $165 million, which are generally, amortized using the individual film forecast method generally over a remaining period of approximately three to 14 years.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS
As of June 30, 2007, the Companys investments were comprised of the following:
Ownership Percentage |
As of June 30, | ||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||
Equity method investments: |
|||||||||||
The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (1) |
DBS operator principally in the U.S. | 39% | (3) | $ | 7,224 | $ | 6,866 | ||||
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (1) |
U.S. print and electronic guidance company | 41% | 717 | 647 | |||||||
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (1) |
U.K. DBS operator | 39% | (4) | 1,193 | 1,061 | ||||||
China Network Systems |
Taiwan cable TV operator | various | 242 | 239 | |||||||
Sky Network Television Ltd. |
New Zealand media company | 44% | 314 | 239 | |||||||
National Geographic Channel (US) (2) |
U.S. cable channel | 67% | 316 | 295 | |||||||
National Geographic International (5) |
International cable channel | various | (5) | 68 | 99 | ||||||
Other equity method investments |
various | 703 | 679 | ||||||||
Other investments |
636 | 476 | |||||||||
$ | 11,413 | $ | 10,601 | ||||||||
(1) |
The market value of the Companys investment in DIRECTV, Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (Gemstar-TV Guide) and British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (BSkyB) was $10,871 million, $861 million and $8,809 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2007. |
(2) |
The Company does not control this entity as it does not hold a majority on its board of directors, is unable to dictate operating decision-making and it is not a variable interest entity. |
(3) |
The Companys ownership in DIRECTV increased from approximately 38% at June 30, 2006 to approximately 39% at June 30, 2007 due to DIRECTVs share buyback program. |
(4) |
The Companys ownership in BSkyB increased from approximately 38% at June 30, 2006 to approximately 39% at June 30, 2007 due to BSkyBs share buyback program. |
(5) |
The Companys ownership percentage in NGC Network (UK) Limited (NGC UK) was 25% and 0% as of June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006, respectively. Investments held at June 30, 2006 included a 50% ownership interest in NGC Network International LLC (NGC International) and a 67% interest in NGC Network Latin America LLC (NGC Latin America). Prior to January 1, 2007, NGC International and NGC Latin America were not consolidated as the Company did not hold a majority on their board of directors, was unable to dictate operating decision-making and they were not variable interest entities. As of January 1, 2007, the results of NGC International and NGC Latin America have been consolidated by the Company. (See Fiscal Year 2007 Acquisitions and Disposals below for further discussion) |
The aggregate market value of the Companys publicly traded investments was approximately $21,608 million and $16,622 million at June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006, respectively. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, the Company made mark-to-market adjustments in fair value for the publicly traded other investments of $188 million which were recorded as an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Equity Earnings of Affiliates
The Companys share of the income of each of its equity affiliates is as follows:
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc |
$ | 336 | $ | 369 | $ | 374 | ||||
The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (a) |
489 | 246 | (186 | ) | ||||||
Other DBS equity affiliates |
19 | 108 | 81 | |||||||
Cable channel equity affiliates |
98 | 68 | 46 | |||||||
Other equity affiliates |
77 | 97 | 40 | |||||||
Total equity earnings of affiliates (b) |
$ | 1,019 | $ | 888 | $ | 355 | ||||
(a) |
The Companys share of DIRECTVs losses for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 includes the Companys share of DIRECTVs increased loss from its sale of PanAmSat resulting from a reduction in the sales proceeds and the Companys portion of DIRECTVs SPACEWAY program impairment. |
(b) |
The Companys investment in several of its affiliates exceeded its equity in the underlying net assets at their acquisition by a total of $5.9 billion and $5.7 billion as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. |
This excess primarily relates to the Companys investment in DIRECTV. At June 30, 2007 the remaining excess included in the investment in DIRECTV was $4.1 billion which represents the excess of fair value over the Companys proportionate share of DIRECTVs underlying net assets as adjusted to record such net assets at fair value, most notably the adjustment to the carrying value of DIRECTVs SPACEWAY, PanAmSat, Hughes Software Systems and Hughes Network Systems, Inc. businesses and its deferred subscriber acquisition costs. The Companys purchase price allocation reflected the fair value of these assets at the date of acquisition, which approximate DIRECTVs revised carrying amounts. As such, portions of the impacts of the preceding items were recognized by the Company through its purchase price allocation. The resulting excess has been allocated to finite-lived intangibles, which are being amortized over lives ranging from six to 20 years, and to certain indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill, which are not subject to amortization in accordance with SFAS No. 142.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company amortized $96 million and $83 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets. Such amortization is reflected in equity earnings of affiliates.
Fiscal Year 2007 Acquisitions and Disposals
In August 2006, the Company sold a portion of its equity investment in Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited (Phoenix), representing a 19.9% stake, for approximately $164 million. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $136 million on the sale included in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. The Company retained a 17.6% stake in Phoenix, which is accounted for under the cost method of accounting and, accordingly, the carrying value is adjusted to market value each reporting period as required under SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.
In July 2007, the Company and its joint venture partner sold a majority of the cable systems in Taiwan, in which the Company maintains a minority interest ownership, to a third party. The Company will be recording a gain in proportion to its minority interest on this transaction. The Company and its joint venture partner intend to sell the remaining cable systems in fiscal 2008.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
In October 2006, the Company acquired a 7.3% share in Fairfax, an Australian newspaper publisher, for approximately $299 million. The Company sold its investment in Fairfax in May 2007. A loss of approximately $9 million on this sale was included in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.
In December 2006, the Company acquired 25% stakes in each of NGC International and NGC UK joint ventures for a combined total of approximately $154 million. These two joint ventures produce and distribute the National Geographic Channel in various international markets. The transaction increased the Companys interest in NGC International to 75% with National Geographic Television holding the remaining interest. In January 2007, National Geographic Television agreed to certain governance changes related to the operations of NGC International and NGC Latin America which gave the Company operating decision-making authority and control over these entities. Accordingly, the results of NGC International and NGC Latin America have been included in the Companys consolidated results of operations since January 2007.
Fiscal Year 2006 Disposals
In July 2005, the Company sold its entire cost investment in China Netcom Group Corporation (China Netcom). The Companys 1% investment in China Netcom was sold for total consideration of approximately $112 million. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $52 million on this sale included in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
Fiscal Year 2005 Acquisitions and Disposals
In June 2005, the Company sold its entire cost investment in The Wireless Group plc (Wireless Group). The Companys 38.9 million shares of Wireless Group were sold for total consideration of approximately $60 million. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $6 million on the sale, which is reflected in Other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005.
In fiscal 2005, Independent Newspapers Limited merged with Sky Network Television and formed a new company which has been named Sky Network Television Limited (Sky Network Television). As part of the transaction, the Company received net cash consideration of approximately $60 million and increased the Companys ownership interest in Sky Network Television by 10%, to 44%.
During fiscal 2005, as part of the Companys acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares of FEG it did not already own (See Note 3Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions), approximately $166 million of the FEG excess purchase price was assigned to the Companys investments in National Geographic and DIRECTV, of which approximately $53 million was allocated to amortizable intangibles with an estimated weighted average useful life of 17 years.
In October 2004, the Company and its then 34% investee, DIRECTV, announced a series of transactions with Grupo Televisa, Globopar and Liberty Media International, Inc. that would result in the reorganization of the companies direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television platforms in Latin America. The transactions would result in DIRECTV Latin America and Sky Latin America consolidating their two DTH platforms into a single platform in each of the major territories served in the region. As part of these transactions, DIRECTV would acquire News Corporations interests in Sky Multi-Country Partners, Innova and Sky Brasil.
The Sky Multi-Country Partners transaction closed during fiscal 2005 and the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of approximately $55 million on this transaction.
In February 2006, the Company completed its sale of its investment in Innova, a Mexican DTH platform, to DIRECTV for $285 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
gain of approximately $206 million, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company deferred a portion of its total gain on sale due to its indirect retained interest through the Companys ownership of DIRECTV. Upon the closing of the Innova transaction, the Company was released from both its Innova transponder lease guarantee and its guarantee under Innovas credit agreement.
In August 2006, the Company completed the sale of its investment in Sky Brasil, a Brazilian DTH platform, to DIRECTV for approximately $300 million in cash which was received in fiscal 2005. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $261 million, which is included in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. The Company deferred a portion of its total gain on sale due to its indirect retained interest through the Companys ownership of DIRECTV. As a result of the transaction, the Company was released from its Sky Brasil transponder lease guarantee and was released from its Sky Brasil credit agreement guarantee in January 2007.
Summarized financial information
Summarized financial information for significant equity affiliates, determined in accordance with Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, accounted for under the equity method is as follows:
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 24,682 | $ | 21,109 | $ | 19,734 | ||||
Operating income (loss) |
4,100 | 3,068 | (221 | ) | ||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
2,457 | 1,889 | (67 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) |
2,473 | 1,889 | (119 | ) | ||||||
As of June 30, | ||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 6,430 | $ | 7,835 | ||||||
Non-current assets |
17,885 | 13,613 | ||||||||
Current liabilities |
6,181 | 5,268 | ||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
10,064 | 8,770 |
Equity affiliates of the Company have balance sheet dates consistent with the Company with the following exceptions:
Investment |
Year End | |
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. |
December 31 | |
NGC UK |
December 31 | |
The DIRECTV Group, Inc. |
December 31 |
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
NOTE 7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Useful Lives | As of June 30, | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||
Land |
$ | 305 | $ | 288 | ||||||
Buildings and leaseholds |
2 to 50 years | 2,864 | 2,451 | |||||||
Machinery and equipment |
2 to 30 years | 6,394 | 5,361 | |||||||
9,563 | 8,100 | |||||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(4,838 | ) | (4,029 | ) | ||||||
4,725 | 4,071 | |||||||||
Construction in progress |
892 | 684 | ||||||||
Total property, plant and equipment, net |
$ | 5,617 | $ | 4,755 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization related to property, plant and equipment was $769 million, $676 million and $608 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. This includes depreciation of set-top boxes at the DBS segment of $119 million, $100 million and $100 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Total operating lease expense was approximately $432 million, $358 million and $327 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Companys intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are as follows:
Weighted average useful lives |
As of June 30, | |||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
FCC licenses (a) |
Indefinite-lived | $ | 6,910 | $ | 6,910 | |||
Distribution networks |
Indefinite-lived | 750 | 749 | |||||
Publishing rights & imprints |
Indefinite-lived | 506 | 506 | |||||
Newspaper mastheads |
Indefinite-lived | 918 | 796 | |||||
Other |
Indefinite-lived | 1,355 | 1,365 | |||||
Intangible assets not subject to amortization |
10,439 | 10,326 | ||||||
Film library, net of accumulated amortization of $70 million and $39 million as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively |
20 years | 553 | 584 | |||||
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $222 million and $138 million as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively |
3 20 years | 711 | 536 | |||||
Total intangibles, net |
$ | 11,703 | $ | 11,446 | ||||
(a) |
Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted EITF D-108. EITF D-108 requires companies who have applied the residual value method in the valuation of acquired identifiable intangibles for purchase accounting and impairment testing to now use a direct value method. As a result of the adoption, the Company recorded a charge of $1.6 billion ($1 billion net of tax, or ($0.33) per diluted share of Class A Common Stock and ($0.28) per diluted share of Class B Common Stock) to reduce the intangible balances |
108
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
attributable to its television stations FCC licenses. As required, this charge has been reflected as a cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax in the consolidated statement of operations. |
The direct valuation method used for FCC Licenses requires, among other inputs, the use of published industry data that are based on subjective judgments about future advertising revenues in the markets where the Company owns television stations. This method also involves the use of managements judgment in estimating an appropriate discount rate reflecting the risk of a market participant in the U.S. broadcast industry. The resulting fair values for FCC Licenses are sensitive to these long-term assumptions and any variations to such assumptions could result in an impairment to existing carrying values in future periods and such impairment could be material.
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by segment, are as follows:
Balance as of June 30, 2006 |
Additions | Adjustments | Balance as of June 30, 2007 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,073 | $ | | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 1,071 | ||||
Television |
3,284 | | | 3,284 | |||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
4,779 | 138 | (2 | ) | 4,915 | ||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
559 | | 33 | 592 | |||||||||
Magazines & Inserts |
257 | | | 257 | |||||||||
Newspapers |
913 | 354 | 128 | 1,395 | |||||||||
Book Publishing |
2 | | | 2 | |||||||||
Other |
1,681 | 642 | (20 | ) | 2,303 | ||||||||
Total goodwill |
$ | 12,548 | $ | 1,134 | $ | 137 | $ | 13,819 | |||||
Goodwill balances increased $1,271 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, primarily as a result of new acquisitions. The largest goodwill balance increases arose primarily from acquisitions at the Other segment (Jamba, TGRT, Jungo and SDC), the Newspapers segment (FPC) and the Cable segment (NGC International). Fiscal 2007 adjustments primarily relate to the finalization of purchase price allocations for previously announced acquisitions and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Balance as of June 30, 2005 |
Additions | Adjustments | Balance as of June 30, 2006 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 976 | $ | | $ | 97 | $ | 1,073 | |||||
Television |
3,407 | | (123 | ) | 3,284 | ||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
4,416 | 323 | 40 | 4,779 | |||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
523 | | 36 | 559 | |||||||||
Magazines & Inserts |
257 | | | 257 | |||||||||
Newspapers |
980 | | (67 | ) | 913 | ||||||||
Book Publishing |
| 2 | | 2 | |||||||||
Other |
385 | 1,382 | (86 | ) | 1,681 | ||||||||
Total goodwill |
$ | 10,944 | $ | 1,707 | $ | (103 | ) | $ | 12,548 | ||||
Goodwill balances increased $1,604 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of new acquisitions. The largest goodwill balance increases arose from acquisitions at the Other segment (Intermix, IGN and Scout) and at the Cable segment (SportSouth). Fiscal 2006 adjustments primarily relate to the finalization of purchase price allocations for previously announced acquisitions and foreign currency translation adjustments.
109
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Amortization related to finite-lived intangible assets was $110 million, $99 million and $40 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated amortization expense for each of the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows: 2008$170 million, 2009$161 million, 2010$153 million, 2011$114 million and 2012$105 million. These amounts may vary as acquisitions and disposals occur in the future and as purchase price allocations are finalized.
NOTE 9. BORROWINGS
Description |
Weighted average |
Due date |
Outstanding | ||||||||
As of June 30, | |||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||
Bank Loans (a) |
$ | 192 | $ | 194 | |||||||
Public Debt |
|||||||||||
Senior notes issued under January 1993 indenture (b) |
8.60 | % | 2013 - 2034 | 2,217 | 2,201 | ||||||
Senior notes issued under March 1993 indenture (c)(d) |
6.75 | % | 2008 - 2096 | 8,390 | 7,390 | ||||||
Liquid Yield Option Notes (e) |
2021 | 72 | 70 | ||||||||
Exchangeable securities (f) |
1,631 | 1,572 | |||||||||
Total public debt |
12,310 | 11,233 | |||||||||
Total borrowings |
12,502 | 11,427 | |||||||||
Less current portion |
355 | 42 | |||||||||
Long-term borrowings |
$ | 12,147 | $ | 11,385 | |||||||
At June 30, 2007, the fair value of interest bearing liabilities in aggregate amounts to $13.2 billion.
a) The Company previously entered into two loan agreements with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the EBRD) and had an outstanding balance of $154 million under these loans at June 30, 2006. In August 2006, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG (RZB) for $300 million and repaid all amounts outstanding under the Companys loan agreements with the EBRD. As of June 30, 2007, $113 million remains available for future use. The RZB loan bears interest at LIBOR for a period equal to each one, three or six month interest period, plus a margin of up to 2.85% dependent upon certain financial metrics. Principal amounts under the RZB loan are to be repaid in equal amounts every six months starting on the second anniversary of the date of the agreement until the fifth anniversary of the date of the agreement. The remaining available amount under the RZB loan, which may be drawn prior to the second anniversary of the date of the agreement, will be used to expand the Companys outdoor advertising business primarily in Russia and Eastern Europe. The loans are secured by certain guarantees, bank accounts and share pledges of the Companys Russian operating subsidiaries.
b) These notes are issued under the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of January 28, 1993, as supplemented, among News America Incorporated (NAI), the Company (the Parent Guarantor) named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. These notes are direct unsecured obligations of NAI and rank pari passu with all other unsecured indebtedness of NAI. Redemption may occur, at the option of the holders, at 101% of the principal plus an accrued interest amount in certain circumstances where a change of control is deemed to have occurred. These notes are subject to certain covenants, which, among other things, restrict secured indebtedness to 10% of tangible assets and in certain circumstances limit new senior indebtedness.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
c) These notes are issued under the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented, among NAI, the Parent Guarantor named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. These notes are direct unsecured obligations of NAI and rank pari passu with all other unsecured indebtedness of NAI. Redemption may occur, at the option of the holders, at 101% of the principal plus an accrued interest amount in certain circumstances where a change of control is deemed to have occurred. These notes are subject to certain covenants, which, among other things, restrict secured indebtedness to 10% of tangible assets and in certain circumstances limit new senior indebtedness.
d) In December 2004, the Company issued approximately $750 million of 5.30% Senior Notes due 2014 and $1,000 million of 6.20% Senior Notes due 2034 for general corporate purposes. The Company received proceeds of $1,743 million on the issuance of this debt, net of expenses.
In December 2005, the Company issued $1,150 million of 6.40% Senior Notes due 2035 for general corporate purposes. The Company received proceeds of approximately $1,133 million on the issuance of this debt, net of expenses.
In March 2007, the Company issued $1,000 million of 6.15% Senior Notes due 2037 for general corporate purposes. The Company received proceeds of approximately $1,000 million on the issuance of this debt, net of expense.
e) In February 2001, the Company issued Liquid Yield OptionTM Notes (LYONs) which pay no interest and have an aggregate principal amount at maturity of $1,515 million representing a yield of 3.5% per annum on the issue price. The remaining holders may exchange the notes at any time into Class A Common Stock or, at the option of the Company, the cash equivalent thereof at a fixed exchange rate of 24.2966 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 note. The remaining LYONs are redeemable at the option of the holders on February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2016 at a price of $706.82 and $840.73, respectively. The Company, at its election, may satisfy the redemption amounts in cash, Class A Common Stock or any combination thereof. The Company can redeem the notes in cash at any time at specified redemption amounts.
On February 28, 2006, 92% of the LYONs were redeemed for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. Accordingly, the Company paid an aggregate of approximately $831 million to the holders of the LYONs that had exercised this redemption option. The pro-rata portion of unamortized deferred financing costs relating to the redeemed LYONs approximating $13 million was recognized and included in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
The LYONs constitute senior indebtedness of NAI and rank equal in right of payment with all present and future senior indebtedness of NAI. The Parent Guarantor has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the LYONs. The LYONs, which have been recorded at a discount, are being accreted using the effective interest rate method.
f) See Note 10Exchangeable Securities
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists of:
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
$ | 319 | $ | 246 | $ | 200 | ||||||
Interest expense |
(867 | ) | (819 | ) | (767 | ) | ||||||
Interest capitalized |
24 | 28 | 31 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
$ | (524 | ) | $ | (545 | ) | $ | (536 | ) | |||
111
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Ratings of Public Debt
The table below summarizes the Companys credit ratings as of June 30, 2007.
Rating Agency |
Senior Debt | Outlook | ||
Moodys |
Baa 2 | Stable | ||
Standard & Poors |
BBB | Stable |
Original Currencies of Borrowings
Borrowings are payable in the following currencies:
As of June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||
United States Dollars |
$ | 12,370 | $ | 11,312 | ||
Australian Dollars |
127 | 111 | ||||
Other currencies |
5 | 4 | ||||
Total borrowings |
$ | 12,502 | $ | 11,427 | ||
112
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
At June 30, 2007, the impact of foreign currency movements on borrowings was not material.
In May 2007, NAI, a subsidiary of the Company, terminated its existing $1.75 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (the Prior Credit Agreement) and entered into a new credit agreement (the New Credit Agreement), among NAI as Borrower, the Company as Parent Guarantor, the lenders named therein (the Lenders), Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Syndication Agent. The New Credit Agreement consists of a $2.25 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility with a sublimit of $600 million available for the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings are in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. Dollars or Euros. The significant terms of the New Credit Agreement include, among others, the requirement that the Company maintain specific leverage ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company will pay a facility fee of 0.10% regardless of facility usage. The Company will pay interest of a margin over LIBOR for borrowings and a letter of credit fee of 0.30%. The Company is subject to additional fees of 0.05% if borrowings under the facility exceed 50% of the committed facility. The interest and fees are based on the Companys current debt rating. Under the New Credit Agreement, NAI may request an increase in the amount of the credit facility up to a maximum amount of $2.5 billion. The New Credit Agreement is available for the general corporate purposes of NAI, the Company and its subsidiaries. The maturity date is in May 2012, however, NAI may request that the Lenders commitments be renewed for up to two additional one year periods. At June 30, 2007, letters of credit representing approximately $121 million were issued under the New Credit Agreement. The total unused credit facility under the New Credit Agreement amounted to $2,129 million at June 30, 2007. The total unused credit facility under the Prior Credit Agreement amounted to $1,570 million at June 30, 2006.
NOTE 10. EXCHANGEABLE SECURITIES
TOPrS
In November 1996, the Company, through a trust (the Exchange Trust) wholly-owned by NAI, issued 10 million 5% TOPrS for aggregate gross proceeds of $1 billion. Such proceeds were invested in (i) preferred securities representing a beneficial interest of NAIs 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due November 12, 2016 (the Subordinated Debentures) and (ii) 10,000,000 warrants to purchase from NAI ordinary shares of BSkyB (the Warrants). During fiscal 2003, approximately 85% of the Companys outstanding TOPrS and related warrants were redeemed. As of June 30, 2007, approximately 1.5 million TOPrS and 1 million warrants remain outstanding. These investments represent the sole assets of the Exchange Trust. Cumulative cash distributions are payable on the TOPrS at an annual rate of 5%. The TOPrS have a mandatory redemption date of November 12, 2016 or earlier to the extent of any redemption by NAI of any Subordinated Debentures or Warrants. The Company has the right to pay cash equal to the market value of the BSkyB ordinary shares for which the Warrants are exercisable in lieu of delivering freely tradable shares. The Company and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries have certain obligations relating to the TOPrS, the preferred securities representing a beneficial interest in the Subordinated Debentures, the Subordinated Debentures and Warrants which amount to a full and unconditional guarantee of the respective issuers obligations with respect thereto.
The total net proceeds from the issuance of the TOPrS were allocated between the fair value of the obligation and the fair value of the Warrants on their date of issuance. The fair value of the Warrants is determined at the end of each period using the Black-Scholes method. The original fair value of the obligation has been recorded in non-current borrowings and in accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Warrants are reported at fair value and in non-current other liabilities. The fair value of the obligation is accreted to its maturity value through the effective interest method. (See Note 17Other, net) A significant variance in the price of the underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company.
113
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
As of June 30, 2007, $129 million and $35 million of the TOPrS were included in borrowings and non-current liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet. As of June 30, 2006, $128 million and $26 million of the TOPrS were included in borrowings and non-current liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
BUCS
During fiscal 2003, News Corporation Finance Trust II (the Trust) issued an aggregate of $1.655 billion 0.75% BUCS representing interests in debentures issued by NAI and guaranteed on a senior basis by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. The net proceeds from the BUCS issuance were used to purchase approximately 85% of the Companys outstanding TOPrS. The BUCS are exchangeable at the holders option into BSkyB ordinary shares based on an exchange ratio of 77.09 BSkyB ordinary shares per $1,000 original liquidation amount of BUCS. The Trust may pay the exchange market value of each BUCS in cash, by delivering ordinary shares of BSkyB or a combination of cash and ordinary shares of BSkyB.
The holders also have the right to tender the BUCS for redemption on March 15, 2010, March 15, 2013 or March 15, 2018 for payment of the adjusted liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid distributions and any final period distribution in, at the Companys election, cash, BSkyB ordinary shares, the Companys Class A Common Stock or any combination thereof.
The Company may redeem the BUCS for cash, BSkyB ordinary shares or a combination thereof in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 20, 2010, at the adjusted liquidation preference of the BUCS plus any accrued and unpaid distributions and any final period distribution thereon.
The total net proceeds from the issuance of the BUCS were allocated between the fair value of the obligation and the fair value of the exchange feature. The fair values of the obligation and the exchange feature were determined by pricing the issuance with and without the exchange feature. The original fair value of the obligation has been recorded in non-current borrowings and in accordance with SFAS No.133, the call option feature of the exchangeable debentures is reported at fair value and in non-current other liabilities. The fair value of the obligation is being accreted to its maturity value through the effective interest method. (See Note 17Other, net) A significant variance in the price of the underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company.
As of June 30, 2007, $1,501 million and $352 million of the BUCS were included in borrowings and non-current liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet. As of June 30, 2006, $1,444 million and $235 million of the BUCS were included in borrowings and non-current liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
NOTE 11. FILM PRODUCTION FINANCING
The Company enters into arrangements with third parties to co-produce many of its theatrical productions. These arrangements, which are referred to as co-financing arrangements, take various forms. The parties to these arrangements include studio and non-studio entities, both domestic and foreign. In several of these agreements, other parties control certain distribution rights. The Filmed Entertainment segment records the amounts received for the sale of an economic interest as a reduction of the cost of the film, as the investor assumes full risk for that portion of the film asset acquired in these transactions. The substance of these arrangements is that the third-party investors own an interest in the film and, therefore, receive a participation based on the third-party investors contractual interest in the profits or losses incurred on the film. Consistent with the requirements of SOP 00-2,
114
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
the estimate of the third-party investors interest in profits or losses incurred on the film is determined by reference to the ratio of actual revenue earned to date in relation to total estimated ultimate revenues.
NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Preferred Stock and Common Stock
Under the News Corporation Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock or common stock at any time, without stockholder approval, and to determine all the terms of those shares, including the following:
(i) the voting rights, if any, except that the issuance of preferred stock or series common stock which entitles holders thereof to more than one vote per share requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of the Companys capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
(ii) the dividend rate and preferences, if any, which that preferred stock or common stock will have compared to any other class; and
(iii) the redemption and liquidation rights and preferences, if any, which that preferred stock or common stock will have compared to any other class.
Any decision by the Board to issue preferred stock or common stock must, however, be taken in accordance with the Boards fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the Companys stockholders. The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 9,000,000 preferred shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of June 30, 2007, there were no shares of preferred stock, including Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, issued and outstanding. The Board has the authority, without any further vote or action by the stockholders, to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the number of shares, designations, relative rights (including voting rights), preferences, qualifications and limitations of such series to the full extent permitted by Delaware law.
The Company has two classes of common stock that are authorized and outstanding, non-voting Class A Common Stock and voting Class B Common Stock. Class A Common Stock carry the right to dividends in the amount equal to 120% of the aggregate of all dividends declared on a share of Class B Common Stock through fiscal 2007. Subsequent to the final fiscal 2007 dividend payment, shares of Class A Common Stock will cease to carry any rights to a greater dividend than shares of Class B Common Stock.
As of June 30, 2007, there were approximately 54,000 holders of record of shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,600 holders of record of Class B Common Stock.
In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or a portion thereof, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by Class A Common Stock stockholders and Class B Common Stock stockholders, respectively. In the event of any merger or consolidation with or into another entity, the holders of Class A Common Stock and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive substantially identical per share consideration.
Stockholder Rights Plan
In fiscal 2005, the Board adopted a stockholder rights plan (the Rights Plan).
115
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Under the Rights Plan, each stockholder of record received a distribution of one right for each share of voting and non-voting common stock of the Company (the Rights).
The Rights are represented by the Companys common stock certificates. The Rights are not traded separately from the common stock and are not exercisable.
The Rights will become exercisable only if a person or group obtains ownership (defined to include stock which a person has the right to acquire, regardless of whether such right is subject to the passage of time or the satisfaction of conditions), or announces a tender offer that would result in ownership of 15% or more of the Companys voting common stock, at which time each Right would enable the holder of such Right to buy additional stock of the Company. Following the acquisition of 15% or more of the Companys voting common stock, the holders of Rights (other than the acquiring person or group) will be entitled to purchase from the Company shares of the Companys voting or non-voting common stock, as applicable, at half price, and in the event of a subsequent merger or other acquisition of the Company, to buy shares of common stock of the acquiring entity at half price. The Rights Plan grandfathered holdings of voting common stock and disclosed contracts permitting the acquisition of voting common stock in each case that existed at the time the Right Plan was adopted, including the then existing holdings of the Murdoch family and affiliated entities and Liberty, but any additional acquisitions (subject to a 1% cushion granted to all exempt holders) by the Murdoch family and its affiliated entities or by Liberty and its affiliated entities would trigger the Rights.
In August 2005, the Company announced that the Board determined to extend the expiration date of the Rights Plan for an additional two-year period, expiring in November 2007. Each Right permits the holder to spend $80 for the purchases described above. In April 2006, the Company agreed to a settlement of a lawsuit regarding the extension of its stockholder rights plan. In August 2006, the Company announced that, in accordance with the terms of the settlement of a lawsuit regarding the Companys Rights Plan, the Board had approved the adoption of an Amended and Restated Rights Plan, extending the term of the Companys existing Rights Plan from November 7, 2007 to October 20, 2008. The Board has the right to extend the term for an additional year if the situation with Liberty has not, in the Boards judgment, been resolved. The terms of the Amended and Restated Rights Plan remain the same as the Companys existing stockholder rights plan in all other material respects. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, on October 20, 2006, the Amended and Restated Rights Plan was presented for a vote of the Companys Class B stockholders at the Companys 2006 annual meeting of stockholders and the stockholders voted in favor of its approval. In January 2007, the Rights Plan was amended to allow for the grant of an irrevocable proxy to Liberty in connection with the stockholder vote on the Share Exchange Agreement. The Company has announced that it intends to redeem the rights issued under the Rights Plan if the transactions contemplated under the Share Exchange Agreement are consummated. (See Note 3Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement)
Stock Repurchase Program
In June 2005, the Company announced a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of $3 billion in Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board had authorized increasing the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6 billion. The Company repurchased approximately 58 million and approximately 125 million shares during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The remaining authorized amount at June 30, 2007, under the Companys stock repurchase program was approximately $2,149 million excluding commissions.
116
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
The repurchases will be made through open market transactions. The timing of such transactions and class of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
Dividends
The total dividends declared related to fiscal 2007 results were $0.12 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.10 per share of Class B Common Stock. In August 2007, the Company declared the final dividend on fiscal 2007 results of $0.06 per share for Class A Common Stock and $0.05 per share for Class B Common Stock. This together with the interim dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and a dividend of $0.05 per share of Class B Common Stock constitute the total dividend relating to fiscal 2007.
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Cash dividends paid per share |
|||||||||
Class A |
$ | 0.12 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.10 | |||
Class B |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.04 |
NOTE 13. EQUITY BASED COMPENSATION
News Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Company has adopted the News Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan) under which equity based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs) and other types of awards, may be granted. Such equity grants under the 2005 Plan will generally vest over a four-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. The Companys employees and directors are entitled to participate in the 2005 Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board (the Compensation Committee) will determine the recipients, type of award to be granted and amounts of awards to be granted under the 2005 Plan. Stock options awarded under the 2005 Plan will be granted at exercise prices which are equal to or exceed the market price at the date of grant. The 2005 Plan replaced the News Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan under which no additional stock options will be granted. The maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued under the 2005 Plan is 165 million shares. The remaining shares available for issuance under the 2005 Plan at June 30, 2007 were approximately 148 million. The Company will issue new shares of Class A Common Stock for award upon exercises of stock options or vesting of stock-settled RSUs.
The fair value of equity based compensation under the 2005 Plan will be calculated according to the type of award issued.
Stock options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) issued under the 2005 Plan or under the NDS Group plc executive share option schemes will be fair valued using a Black-Scholes option valuation method that uses the following assumptions: expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Class A Common Stock; expected term of awards granted is derived from the historical activity of the Companys awards and represents the period of time that the awards granted are expected to be outstanding; weighted average risk-free interest rate is an average of the interest rates of U.S. government bonds with similar lives on the dates of the stock option grants; and dividend yield was calculated as an average of a ten year history of the Companys yearly dividend divided by the fiscal years closing stock price.
RSU awards are grants that entitle the holder to shares of Class A Common Stock or the value of shares of Class A Common Stock as the award vests, subject to the 2005 Plan and such other terms and conditions as the
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Compensation Committee may establish. RSUs issued under the 2005 Plan are fair valued based upon the fair market value of Class A Common Stock on the grant date. Any person who holds RSUs shall have no ownership interest in the shares of Class A Common Stock to which such RSUs relate until and unless shares of Class A Common Stock are delivered to the holder. All shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for cancelled or forfeited stock-based compensation awards or for awards that are settled in cash become available for future grants. Certain RSU awards are settled in cash and are subject to terms and conditions of the 2005 Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may establish. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company issued 1.8 million and 16.2 million RSUs, respectively, which primarily vest over four years. Outstanding RSUs as of June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 are payable in shares of the Class A Common Stock, upon vesting, except for approximately 2.3 million RSUs that will be settled in cash. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006, approximately 4,583,000 and 295,000 RSUs vested, of which approximately 3,632,000 and 125,000 were settled in stock and 951,000 and 170,000 were settled in cash, respectively.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Companys RSUs to be settled in stock:
Fiscal 2007 | Fiscal 2006 | |||||||||||
Restricted stock units |
Weighted average grant- date fair value |
Restricted stock units |
Weighted average grant- date fair value | |||||||||
(Shares in thousands) |
||||||||||||
Unvested restricted stock units at beginning of the year |
12,861 | $ | 15.37 | | $ | | ||||||
Granted |
1,317 | 19.28 | 13,187 | 15.38 | ||||||||
Vested |
(3,632 | ) | 15.82 | (125 | ) | 16.93 | ||||||
Cancelled |
(493 | ) | 15.74 | (201 | ) | 15.24 | ||||||
Unvested restricted stock units at the end of the year |
10,053 | $ | 15.70 | 12,861 | $ | 15.37 | ||||||
In fiscal 2007, a group of executives responsible for various business units within the Company had the opportunity to earn a grant of RSUs under the 2005 Plan. These fiscal 2007 awards (the fiscal 2007 LTIP) were conditioned upon the attainment of pre-determined operating profit goals for fiscal 2007 by the executives particular business unit. If the actual fiscal 2007 operating profit of the executives business unit as compared to its pre-determined target operating profit was within a certain performance goal range, the executive was entitled to receive a grant of RSUs under the fiscal 2007 LTIP. To the extent that it was determined that the business units actual fiscal 2007 operating profit fell within the performance goal range, the executive received a percentage of his or her annualized base salary, ranging from 0% to 100%, in time-vested RSUs representing shares of our Class A Common Stock. The RSUs are generally payable in shares of Class A Common Stock. In fiscal 2008, approximately 3.9 million RSUs were issued in connection with these fiscal 2007 LTIP awards, twenty-five percent of which vested on August 15, 2007. The remaining balance will vest in three equal annual installments over the next three years, subject to the individuals continued employment with the Company.
News Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan and 2004 Replacement Stock Option Plan
As a result of the Reorganization, all preferred limited voting ordinary shares which the Company issued stock options over were cancelled and holders received in exchange stock options for shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-two basis with no change in the original terms under the News Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan and 2004 Replacement Stock Option Plan (collectively, the 2004 Plan). In addition, all other outstanding stock options to purchase preferred limited voting ordinary shares were adjusted to be exercisable
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into shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the one-for-two share exchange. Prior to the Reorganization, stock options were granted to employees with Australian dollar exercise prices.
Under the 2004 Plan, equity grants generally vest over a four-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. The equity awards were granted with exercise prices that are equal to or exceed the market price at the date of grant and were valued, in Australian dollars. The 2004 Plan automatically terminates in 2014.
Other
The Company operates employee share ownership schemes in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These plans enable employees to enter into fixed-term savings contracts with independent financial institutions linked to an option for Class A Common Stock. The savings contracts can range from three to seven years with an average expected life of four years. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company granted approximately 256,000, 341,000 and 1.4 million stock options under this scheme, respectively.
The following table summarizes information about the Companys stock option transactions for all the Companys stock option plans (options in thousands):
Fiscal 2007 | Fiscal 2006 | Fiscal 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | Weighted average exercise price |
Options | Weighted average exercise price |
Options | Weighted average exercise price | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in US$) | (in A$) | (in US$) | (in A$) | (in US$) | (in A$) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at the beginning of the year |
110,881 | $ | 14.52 | $ | 24.50 | 131,367 | $ | 13.97 | $ | 23.35 | 143,849 | $ | 13.69 | $ | 23.13 | ||||||||||||
Granted |
256 | 17.72 | * | 935 | 16.36 | * | 1,519 | 14.04 | 18.70 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(24,719 | ) | 11.04 | 18.59 | (16,102 | ) | 10.32 | 16.74 | (6,273 | ) | 10.09 | 15.96 | |||||||||||||||
Cancelled |
(1,060 | ) | 16.01 | 28.40 | (5,319 | ) | 13.98 | 24.27 | (7,728 | ) | 11.95 | 20.97 | |||||||||||||||
Outstanding at the end of the year |
85,358 | $ | 15.52 | $ | 26.18 | 110,881 | $ | 14.52 | $ | 24.50 | 131,367 | $ | 13.97 | $ | 23.35 | ||||||||||||
Vested and unvested expected to vest at June 30, 2007 |
85,358 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercisable at the end of the year |
83,521 | 102,055 | 95,638 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average fair value of options granted |
$ | 8.83 | * | $ | 4.20 | * | $ | 6.74 | $ | 8.66 |
* | Granted in U.S. dollars. |
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in fiscal years ended June 30:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Weighted average risk free interest rate |
4.50 | % | 4.94 | % | 4.08 | % | |||
Dividend yield |
0.7 | % | 0.7 | % | 0.9 | % | |||
Expected volatility |
26.98 | % | 29.52 | % | 35.38 | % | |||
Maximum expected life of options |
7 years | 7 years | 7 years |
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The fair value of each outstanding stock option award under the 2004 Plan was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the following assumptions: expected volatility was based on historical volatility of the Class A Common Stock; expected term of stock options granted was derived from the historical activity of the Companys stock options and represented the period of time that stock options granted were expected to be outstanding; weighted average risk-free interest rate was an average of the interest rates of U.S. government bonds with similar lives on the dates of the stock option grants; and dividend yield was calculated as an average of a ten year history of the Companys yearly dividend divided by the fiscal years closing stock price.
The exercise prices for the stock options issued prior to the Reorganization in November 2004 are in Australian dollars. The U.S. dollar equivalents presented above have been converted at historical exchange rates; therefore, the proceeds from the exercise of these options may differ due to fluctuations in exchange rates in periods subsequent to the date of the grants.
The Company issued 1,325,000 SARs in both fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 at exercise prices of $15.20 and $12.99, respectively. As of June 30, 2007, none of the SARs have been exercised and 593,750 of the SARs issued in fiscal 2005 and 890,625 of the SARs issued in fiscal 2004 were vested and exercisable. No SARs have been issued since fiscal 2005.
The following table summarizes information about the Companys stock option transactions (options in thousands):
Tranches |
Options Outstanding |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life |
Exercisable Options |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||||
(in US$) | (in US$) | (in US$) | ||||||||||
$6.49 to $9.31 |
16,092 | 8.65 | 4.74 | 16,092 | 8.65 | |||||||
$9.96 to $14.70 |
41,979 | 12.91 | 3.93 | 40,392 | 12.89 | |||||||
$15.20 to $22.38 |
15,274 | 20.34 | 3.05 | 15,024 | 20.38 | |||||||
$23.25 to $27.74 |
12,013 | 27.74 | 2.35 | 12,013 | 27.74 | |||||||
85,358 | $ | 15.52 | 83,521 | $ | 15.56 | |||||||
NDS Option Schemes
NDS has three executive share option schemes (the NDS Plans). The NDS Plans provide for the grant of options to purchase Series A ordinary shares in NDS with a maximum term of ten years. Stock options granted under the NDS Plans vest over a four-year period. The NDS Plans authorize stock options to be granted subject to a maximum of 10% of the ordinary shares of NDS on issue at the date of grant. All NDS employees are entitled to participate in the NDS Plans, however (with the exception of the employee share ownership schemes which are open to all), management determines to whom and how many stock options are granted.
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A summary of the NDS stock options (options in thousands):
Fiscal 2007 | Fiscal 2006 | Fiscal 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
Options | Weighted average exercise price |
Options | Weighted average exercise price |
Options | Weighted average exercise price | |||||||||||||
(in US$) | (in US$) | (in US$) | ||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at the beginning of the year |
3,691 | $ | 26.28 | 4,338 | $ | 18.17 | 4,844 | $ | 14.60 | |||||||||
Granted |
| | 942 | 43.13 | 721 | 32.78 | ||||||||||||
Exercised |
(846 | ) | 16.68 | (1,555 | ) | 14.00 | (1,132 | ) | 11.92 | |||||||||
Cancelled |
(55 | ) | 33.64 | (34 | ) | 20.05 | (95 | ) | 21.66 | |||||||||
Outstanding at the end of the year |
2,790 | $ | 29.05 | 3,691 | $ | 26.28 | 4,338 | $ | 18.17 | |||||||||
Vested and unvested expected to vest at June 30, 2007 |
2,757 | |||||||||||||||||
Exercisable at the end of the year |
1,841 | 2,150 | 2,872 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average fair value of options granted |
$ | | $ | 29.42 | $ | 23.59 |
NDS 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
In October 2006, NDS shareholders approved the NDS 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the NDS LTIP), which provides for awards of stock options to purchase NDS Series A ordinary shares (NDS shares), restricted awards, conditional awards, stock appreciation rights or awards of NDS shares, the terms and conditions of which are described in the NDS LTIP. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) representing NDS shares are given to recipients in respect of any awards of NDS shares. The maximum number of NDS shares that may be issued or delivered under the NDS LTIP is 10,000,000 shares. There will be no further stock options granted under two of NDSs existing stock option plans: The NDS 1997 Executive Share Option Scheme or The NDS 1999 Executive Share Option Scheme. However, further grants may be made under the NDS U.K. Approved Share Option Scheme, which will be treated as a sub-scheme of the plan.
The fair value of equity-based compensation under the NDS LTIP is calculated according to the type of award issued. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, fixed conditional awards (the Fiscal 2007 Fixed Conditional Awards) over an aggregate of 43,500 NDS shares were awarded to certain employees and directors, twenty-five percent of which vested and were issued on August 15, 2007. The remaining balance will vest in three equal annual installments, subject to the individuals continued employment with the Company. The fair value of these awards was $51.57 per share.
In addition, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, certain employees and executives of NDS had the opportunity to earn grants of NDS shares under the NDS LTIP conditioned upon the attainment of pre-determined operating income goals for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 (the Fiscal 2007 Performance-Based Award). To the extent that it was determined that the Companys actual fiscal 2007 operating income fell within the performance goal range, the employees or executives received a percentage of his or her annualized base salary, ranging from 0% to 45% for the vast majority of recipients (the range for some recipients was from 0% to up to 225%) in time-vesting NDS shares. In fiscal 2008, approximately 285,000 NDS shares were awarded in connection with the Fiscal 2007 Performance-Based Award, twenty-five percent of which vested and were issued on August 15, 2007. The remaining balance will vest in three equal annual installments over the next three years, subject to the individuals continued employment with the Company.
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The following table summarizes the Companys equity-based compensation:
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||
Equity-based compensation |
$ | 131 | $ | 132 | ||
Cash received from exercise of equity-based compensation |
$ | 366 | $ | 222 | ||
Total intrinsic value of options exercised |
$ | 208 | $ | 123 | ||
At June 30, 2007, the Companys total compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, SARs and RSUs not yet recognized for all plans presented was approximately $284 million, a portion of which is expected to be recognized over the next three fiscal years. Compensation expense on all stock-based awards is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the entire award.
The Company recognized a tax benefit on stock options exercised of $68 million, $35 million and $12 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
On May 3, 2005, the Compensation Committee approved the acceleration of vesting of unvested out-of-the-money stock options granted under the 2004 Plan. The affected stock options were those with exercise prices greater than A$19.74 per share, which was the closing price of the Class A Common Stock (as traded on the Australian Stock Exchange in the form of CHESS Depositary Interests) on May 2, 2005. Prior to the Reorganization, stock options were granted to employees with Australian dollar exercise prices. As a result of this action, the vesting of approximately 19,862,000 previously unvested stock options was accelerated and those stock options became exercisable. None of the unvested stock options held by directors, some of whom have stock options with exercise prices in excess of A$19.74, were accelerated.
The Compensation Committees decision to accelerate the vesting of these stock options was in anticipation of the related compensation expense that would be recorded subsequent to the Companys adoption of SFAS 123R. In addition, the Compensation Committee considered that because these stock options had exercise prices in excess of the prevailing market value on May 2, 2005, they were not fully achieving their original objectives of incentive compensation and employee retention, and it believed that the acceleration would have a positive effect on employee morale. Incremental expense of approximately $100 million ($65 million, net of tax) associated with the acceleration was recorded in the fiscal 2005 pro forma disclosure.
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The following table reflects the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions for stock-based employee compensation prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R on July 1, 2005. These pro forma effects may not be representative of future amounts since the estimated fair value of stock options on the date of grant is amortized to expense over the vesting period, additional stock options may be granted in future years and the vesting of certain options was accelerated on May 3, 2005 (see above).
For the year ended June 30, 2005 |
||||
(in millions except per share data) |
||||
Net income, as reported |
$ | 2,128 | ||
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects |
(184 | ) | ||
Pro forma net income |
$ | 1,944 | ||
Basic earnings per share: |
||||
As reported: |
||||
Class A |
$ | 0.74 | ||
Class B |
$ | 0.62 | ||
Pro forma: |
||||
Class A |
$ | 0.68 | ||
Class B |
$ | 0.57 | ||
Diluted earnings per share: |
||||
As reported: |
||||
Class A |
$ | 0.73 | ||
Class B |
$ | 0.61 | ||
Pro forma: |
||||
Class A |
$ | 0.67 | ||
Class B |
$ | 0.56 |
In fiscal 2005, the Company received $88 million in cash from stock option exercises for all plans presented. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised for all the Companys plans presented in fiscal 2005 was $51 million.
As a result of adopting SFAS 123R on July 1, 2005, the Companys income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries and net income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, were $53 million and $35 million lower, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for stock-based compensation under APB No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25). Basic and diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 were each $0.01 lower for both Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.
NOTE 14. RELATED PARTIES
Director transactions
Mr. Shuman served as a non-executive Director of the Company through October 2005 and was named Director Emeritus effective October 2005. He is also the Managing Director of Allen & Company LLC, a U.S.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
based investment bank. In fiscal 2006, total fees paid to Allen & Company LLC were $6.1 million. There were no fees paid to Allen & Company LLC in fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2005.
Mr. Aznar, a Director of the Company, holds a 50% interest in Famaztella S.L. (Famaztella), a private consulting firm, which provided advisory services to the Company related to its global corporate strategy. Since September 1, 2004, Famaztella received 10,000 per month for its services. The consultancy agreement between Famaztella and the Company was terminated on June 20, 2006, immediately preceding Mr. Aznars appointment to the Board.
Freud International LLP, which is controlled by Matthew Freud, Mr. K.R. Murdochs son-in-law, has provided external support to the press and publicity activities of the Company during fiscal year 2007 and 2006 amounting to approximately $500,000 in each year. At June 30, 2007, there were no outstanding amounts due to or from Freud International LLP. Freud International LLP did not provide any services to the Company prior to fiscal 2006.
The Company has engaged Mrs. Wendi Murdoch, the wife of Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to provide strategic advice for the development of the MySpace business in China. The fees paid to Mrs. Murdoch pursuant to this arrangement are $100,000 per annum and Mrs. Murdoch received $83,333 in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. Mrs. Murdoch is a Director of MySpace China Holdings Limited (MySpace China), a joint venture in which the Company owns a 51.5% interest on a fully diluted basis, which licenses the technology and brand to the local company in China that operates the MySpace China website. As a Director of MySpace China, Mrs. Murdoch will receive options over 2.5% of the fully diluted shares of MySpace China that will vest over four years under the MySpace China option plan. There were no fees paid to Mrs. Murdoch in fiscal 2006 or fiscal 2005.
SMS TV, which is controlled by Ms. Elisabeth Murdoch, the daughter of Mr. K.R. Murdoch, was a party to a production agreement with the Company, for programming that is distributed on the Companys owned-and-operated television stations. Under a revenue sharing arrangement provided under the terms of the production agreement, SMS TV received approximately $300,000 in the fiscal year 2007. The production agreement was terminated by the Company during fiscal 2007, and the parties are negotiating a termination fee to be paid by the Company to SMS TV.
Other related entities
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties, such as equity affiliates, to purchase and/or sell advertising, the sale of programming, administrative services and supplying digital technology and services for digital pay television platforms. The following table sets forth the net revenue from related parties, excluding transactions with QPL, included on the consolidated statement of operations:
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Related party revenue, net of expense |
$ | 1,173 | $ | 1,143 | $ | 1,008 |
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
The following table sets forth the amount of accounts receivable due from and payable to related parties outstanding on the consolidated balance sheets:
As of June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||
Accounts receivable from related parties |
$ | 389 | $ | 371 | ||
Accounts payable to related parties |
15 | 38 |
Liberty Transaction
In December 2006, the Company entered into the Share Exchange Agreement with Liberty. Under the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty will exchange its entire interest in the Company for 100% of Splitco, whose holdings will consist of an approximate 39% interest in DIRECTV, the Three RSNs and $588 million in cash, subject to adjustment. As of June 30, 2007, Libertys economic equity ownership in the Company was approximately 16% and its voting interest was approximately 19%. (See Note 3Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement.)
NOTE 15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (firm commitments) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. The following table summarizes the Companys material firm commitments as of June 30, 2007.
As of June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||
Total | 1 year | 2-3 years |
4-5 years |
After 5 years | |||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||||
Contracts for capital expenditure |
|||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
$ | 75 | $ | 68 | $ | 7 | $ | | $ | | |||||
Plant and machinery |
373 | 353 | 20 | | | ||||||||||
Operating leases (a) |
|||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
3,078 | 259 | 453 | 386 | 1,980 | ||||||||||
Plant and machinery |
935 | 203 | 256 | 165 | 311 | ||||||||||
Other commitments |
|||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
10,871 | 355 | 430 | 107 | 9,979 | ||||||||||
Exchangeable securities |
1,631 | | 1,502 | | 129 | ||||||||||
News America Marketing (b) |
428 | 94 | 166 | 102 | 66 | ||||||||||
Sports programming rights (c) |
17,092 | 2,908 | 4,855 | 3,990 | 5,339 | ||||||||||
Entertainment programming rights |
3,631 | 1,566 | 1,395 | 433 | 237 | ||||||||||
Other commitments and contractual obligations (d) |
2,263 | 674 | 418 | 314 | 857 | ||||||||||
Total commitments, borrowings and contractual obligations |
$ | 40,377 | $ | 6,480 | $ | 9,502 | $ | 5,497 | $ | 18,898 | |||||
The Company also has certain contractual arrangements in relation to certain investees that would require the Company to make payments or provide funding if certain circumstances occur (contingent guarantees). The Company does not expect that these contingent guarantees will result in any material amounts being paid by the
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Company in the foreseeable future. The timing of the amounts presented in the table below reflect when the maximum contingent guarantees will expire and does not indicate that the Company expects to incur an obligation to make payments during that time frame.
As of June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Amount of Guarantees Expiration Per Period | |||||||||||||||
Contingent guarantees: |
Total Amounts Committed |
1 year | 2 -3 years |
4 -5 years |
After 5 years | ||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||||
Programming rights (e) |
$ | 523 | $ | 21 | $ | 73 | $ | 135 | $ | 294 | |||||
Affiliate borrowings (f) |
65 | 65 | | | | ||||||||||
Other |
19 | 19 | | | | ||||||||||
$ | 607 | $ | 105 | $ | 73 | $ | 135 | $ | 294 | ||||||
(a) |
The Company leases transponders, office facilities, warehouse facilities, equipment and microwave transmitters used to carry broadcast signals. These leases, which are classified as operating leases, expire at certain dates through fiscal 2090. In addition, the Company leases various printing plants, which leases expire at various dates through fiscal 2095. |
(b) |
News America Marketing (NAMG), a leading provider of in-store marketing products and services primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers, enters into agreements with retailers to rent space for the display of point of service advertising. |
(c) |
The Companys contract with MLB gives the Company rights to telecast certain regular season and post season games, as well as exclusive rights to telecast MLBs World Series and All-Star Game for a seven-year term through the 2013 MLB season. |
Under the Companys contract with the National Football League (NFL), remaining future minimum payments for program rights to broadcast certain football games are payable over the remaining term of the contract through fiscal 2012.
The Companys contracts with the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) give the Company rights to broadcast certain races and ancillary content through calendar year 2014.
Under the Companys contract with the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), remaining future minimum payments for program rights to broadcast the BCS are payable over the remaining term of the contract through fiscal 2010.
In addition, the Company has certain other local sports broadcasting rights.
(d) |
The Company is upgrading its printing presses with new automated technology that once fully on line, are expected to lower production costs and improve newspaper quality, including expanded color. As part of this initiative, the Company entered into several third party printing contracts in the United Kingdom expiring in fiscal 2022. |
The Company has an eight year agreement with Nielsen Media Research (Nielsen) under which Nielsen provides audience measurement services for 49 of the Companys subsidiaries and affiliates.
(e) |
A joint-venture in which the Company owns a 50% equity interest, entered into an agreement for global programming rights. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company and the other joint-venture partner have jointly guaranteed the programming rights obligation. |
(f) |
The Company has guaranteed a bank loan facility of $65 million (¥7.97 billion) for an affiliate. The facility covers a term loan which matures in June 2008, and an agreement for an overdraft. The Company would be liable under this guarantee, to the extent of default by the affiliate. |
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
As of June 30, 2007 the Company was contractually obligated for approximately $242 million and $42 million in the United Kingdom and Australia, respectively, for new printing plants and related costs. All firm commitments related to these projects are included in the capital expenditure lines disclosed in the commitments table above.
In accordance with SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, and SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, the total accrued benefit liability for pension and other postretirement benefit plans recognized as of June 30, 2007 was $344 million (see Note 16 Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits). This amount is effected by, among other items, statutory funding levels, changes in plan demographics and assumptions, and investment return on plan assets. Because of the current overall funded status of our material plans, the accrued liability does not represent expected near-term liquidity needs and accordingly the Company did not include this amount in the contractual obligations table.
Contingencies
NDS
Echostar Litigation
On June 6, 2003, Echostar Communications Corporation, Echostar Satellite Corporation, Echostar Technologies Corporation and Nagrastar L.L.C. (collectively, Echostar) filed an action against NDS in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Echostar filed an amended complaint on October 8, 2003, which purported to allege claims for violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), the Communications Act of 1934 (CA), the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, Californias Unfair Competition statute and the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. The complaint also purported to allege claims for civil conspiracy, misappropriation of trade secrets and interference with prospective business advantage. The complaint sought injunctive relief, unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and restitution. On December 22, 2003, all of the claims were dismissed by the court, except for the DMCA, CA and unfair competition claims, and the court limited these claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostars original complaint.
After Echostar filed a second amended complaint, NDS filed a motion to dismiss this complaint on March 31, 2004. On July 21, 2004, the court issued an order directing Echostar to, among other things, file a third amended complaint within ten days correcting various deficiencies noted in the second amended complaint. Echostar filed its third amended complaint on August 4, 2004. On August 6, 2004, the court ruled that NDS was free to file a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint, which NDS did on September 20, 2004. The hearing occurred on January 3, 2005. On February 28, 2005, the court issued an order treating NDSs motion to dismiss as a motion for a more definite statement, granting the motion and giving Echostar until March 30, 2005 to file a fourth amended complaint correcting various deficiencies noted in the third amended complaint. On March 30, 2005, Echostar filed a fourth amended complaint, which NDS moved to dismiss. On July 27, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part NDSs motion to dismiss, and again limited Echostars surviving claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostars original complaint. NDSs management believes these surviving claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.
On October 24, 2005, NDS filed its Amended Answer with Counterclaims, alleging that Echostar misappropriated NDSs trade secrets, violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and engaged in unfair competition. On November 8, 2005, Echostar moved to dismiss NDSs counterclaims for conversion and claim and delivery, arguing that these claims were preempted and time-barred. Echostar also moved for a more definite
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
statement of NDSs trade secret misappropriation claim. On December 8, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part Echostars motion to dismiss and for a more definite statement, but granted NDS leave to file amended counterclaims. On December 13, 2005, NDS filed a Second Amended Answer with Counterclaims, which Echostar answered on December 27, 2005. The court has set this case to go to trial in February 2008.
Sogecable Litigation
On July 25, 2003, Sogecable, S.A. and its subsidiary Canalsatellite Digital, S.L., Spanish satellite broadcasters and customers of Canal+ Technologies SA (together, Sogecable), filed an action against NDS in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Sogecable filed an amended complaint on October 9, 2003, which purported to allege claims for violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the federal RICO Act. The amended complaint also purported to allege claims for interference with contract and prospective business advantage. The complaint sought injunctive relief, unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and restitution. On December 22, 2003, all of the claims were dismissed by the court. Sogecable filed a second amended complaint. NDS filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint on March 31, 2004. On August 4, 2004, the court issued an order dismissing the second amended complaint in its entirety. Sogecable had until October 4, 2004 to file a third amended complaint. On October 1, 2004, Sogecable notified the court that it would not be filing a third amended complaint, but would appeal the courts entry of final judgment dismissing the suit to the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On December 14, 2006, the appellate court issued a memorandum decision reversing the district courts dismissal. On January 26, 2007, NDS filed its petition for rehearing by an en banc panel of the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On February 21, 2007, the petition was denied. On June 11, 2007, NDS filed a petition for a Writ of Certiorari in the United States Supreme Court seeking reversal of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision. The Company believes that Sogecables claims are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend itself in this matter.
Intermix
FIM Transaction
On August 26, 2005 and August 30, 2005, two purported class action lawsuits captioned, respectively, Ron Sheppard v. Richard Rosenblatt et. al., and John Friedmann v. Intermix Media, Inc. et al., were filed in the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles. Both lawsuits named as defendants all of the then incumbent members of the Intermix Board, including Mr. Rosenblatt, Intermixs former Chief Executive Officer, and certain entities affiliated with VantagePoint Venture Partners, a former major Intermix stockholder. The complaints alleged that, in pursuing the transaction whereby Intermix was to be acquired by FIM (the FIM Transaction) and approving the related merger agreement, the director defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Intermix stockholders by, among other things, engaging in self-dealing and failing to obtain the highest price reasonably available for Intermix and its stockholders. The complaints further alleged that the merger agreement resulted from a flawed process and that the defendants tailored the terms of the merger to advance their own interests. The FIM Transaction was consummated on September 30, 2005. The Friedmann and Sheppard lawsuits were subsequently consolidated and, on January 17, 2006, a consolidated amended complaint was filed (the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation). The plaintiffs in the consolidated action are seeking various forms of declaratory relief, damages, disgorgement and fees and costs. On March 20, 2006, the court ordered that substantially identical claims asserted in a separate state action filed by Brad Greenspan, captioned Greenspan v. Intermix Media, Inc., et al., be severed and related to the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The defendants filed demurrers seeking dismissal of all claims in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation and the severed Greenspan claims, which were heard by the Court on July 6, 2006. On October 6, 2006, the court sustained the demurrers without leave to amend. On December 13, 2006, the court dismissed the complaints and entered judgment for the defendants. On February 6, 2007, the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal.
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Although their opening brief is currently due on August 24, 2007, plaintiffs have requested that the Court of Appeal grant them an extension of this due date to October 23, 2007. The Court of Appeal has not yet ruled on this request. The matter will likely not be fully briefed and ready for oral argument until the first half of 2008.
In November 2005, plaintiff in a derivative action captioned LeBoyer v. Greenspan et al. pending against various former Intermix directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, filed a First Amended Class and Derivative Complaint (the Amended Complaint). The original derivative action was filed in May 2003 and arose out of Intermixs restatement of quarterly financial results for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Until the filing of the Amended Complaint, the action had been stayed by mutual agreement of the parties since its inception. A substantially similar derivative action filed in Los Angeles Superior Court was dismissed based on inability of the plaintiffs to adequately plead demand futility. Plaintiff LeBoyers November 2005 Amended Complaint added various allegations and purported class claims arising out of the FIM Transaction which are substantially similar to those asserted in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The Amended Complaint also adds as defendants the individuals and entities named in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation that were not already defendants in the matter. On July 14, 2006, the parties filed their briefing on defendants motion to dismiss and stay the matter. On October 16, 2006, the court dismissed the fourth through seventh claims for relief, which related to the 2003 restatement, finding that the plaintiff is precluded from relitigating demand futility. At the same time, the court asked for further briefing regarding the standing issues and the effect of the judges dismissal of the claims in the Greenspan case and the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation on the remaining claims, which include two direct class action claims related to alleged breaches of fiduciary duty leading up to the FIM Transaction and a third claim under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) asserted as a derivative claim and alleging material misstatements and omissions in the FIM Transaction proxy statement. The parties filed the requested additional briefing in which the defendants requested that the court stay the federal court proceedings pending the resolution of any appeal in the Greenspan case and the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The court vacated the scheduled November 27, 2006 hearing with respect to this briefing and took the matter under submission. The court denied the stay in an order dated May 22, 2007, and as explained in more detail in the next paragraph, consolidated this case with the Brown v. Brewer action also pending before the court. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuant to the stipulated briefing schedule ordered by the court, the parties joint brief is due to be filed on October 11, 2007.
On June 14, 2006, a purported class action lawsuit, captioned Jim Brown v. Brett C. Brewer, et al., was filed against certain former Intermix directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiff asserts claims for alleged violations of Section 14a of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 14a-9, as well as control person liability under Section 20a. The plaintiff alleges that certain defendants disseminated false and misleading definitive proxy statements on two occasions: one on December 30, 2003 in connection with the shareholder vote on January 29, 2004 on the election of directors and ratification of financing transactions with certain entities of VantagePoint Venture Partners (VantagePoint), a former large stockholder of Intermix, and another on August 25, 2005 in connection with the shareholder vote on the FIM Transaction. The complaint names as defendants certain VantagePoint related entities and the members of the Intermix Board who were incumbent on the dates of the respective proxy statements. Intermix is not named as a defendant, but has certain indemnity obligations to the former officer and director defendants in connection with these claims and allegations. Intermix believes that the claims are without merit and expects that the individual defendants will vigorously defend themselves in the matter. On August 25, 2006, plaintiff amended his complaint to add certain investment banks (the Investment Banks) as defendants. Intermix has certain indemnity obligations to the Investment Banks as well. After conferring with defendants concerning deficiencies in the amended complaint pursuant to local rule and entering a stipulation with defendants regarding a briefing schedule, plaintiff amended his complaint again on September 27, 2006. On October 19, 2006, defendants filed
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motions to dismiss all claims in the Second Amended Complaint. These motions were scheduled to be heard on February 12, 2007. On February 9, 2007, the case was transferred from Judge Walter to Judge George H. King, the judge assigned to the LeBoyer action on the grounds that it raises substantially related questions of law and fact as LeBoyer, and would entail substantial duplication of labor if heard by different judges. Judge King took the February 26, 2007 hearing date for the motions to dismiss off-calendar. On May 22, 2007, Judge King ordered a combined status conference with the LeBoyer action occur on June 11, 2007 at which he ordered the Brown case be consolidated with the LeBoyer action. Judge King also stated that he was not going to consider the pending motions to dismiss but rather ordered plaintiffs counsel to file a consolidated first amended complaint setting forth the causes of action in the LeBoyer and Brown matters and further ordered the parties to file a joint brief regarding dismissal of the first amended complaint. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuant to the stipulated briefing schedule ordered by the court, the parties joint brief is due to be filed on October 11, 2007. Intermix believes that the claims are without merit and expects the individual defendants will vigorously defend themselves in the matter.
Greenspan Litigation
On February 10, 2005, Brad Greenspan, Intermixs former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer who was asked to resign as CEO and was removed as Chairman in the fall of 2003, filed a derivative complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against Intermix, various of its former directors and officers, VantagePoint and certain of VantagePoints principals and affiliates. The complaint alleged claims of libel and fraud against Intermix and various of its then current and former officers and directors, claims of intentional interference with contract and prospective economic advantage, unfair competition and fraud against VantagePoint and certain of its affiliates and principals and claims alleging that Intermixs forecasts of profitability leading up to its January 2004 annual stockholder meeting and associated proxy contest waged by Mr. Greenspan were false and misleading. These claims generally related to Intermixs decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003, Mr. Greenspans contemporaneous separation from Intermix and matters arising during the proxy contest. The complaint also alleged that Intermixs acquisition of the assets of a company known as Supernation LLC (Supernation) in July 2004 involved breaches of fiduciary duty. Mr. Greenspan sought remittance of compensation received by the various then current and former Intermix director and officer defendants, unspecified damages, removal of various Intermix directors, disgorgement of unspecified profits, reformation of the Supernation purchase, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Intermix and the other defendants filed motions challenging the validity of the action and Mr. Greenspans ability to pursue it. Mr. Greenspan voluntarily dismissed this action in October 2005.
Prior to dismissing his derivative lawsuit, in August 2005, Mr. Greenspan filed another complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against the same defendants. The complaint, for breach of fiduciary duty, included substantially the same allegations made by Mr. Greenspan in the above-referenced lawsuit. Mr. Greenspan further alleged that defendants actions have, with the FIM Transaction, culminated in the loss of Mr. Greenspans interest in Intermix for a cash payment allegedly below its value. On October 31, 2005, the defendants filed motions seeking dismissal of the lawsuit on the grounds that the complaint fails to state any cause of action. Instead of responding to these motions, Mr. Greenspan filed an amended complaint on February 21, 2006, in which Mr. Greenspan omitted certain previously named defendants and added two other former directors as defendants. In this amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan asserts seven causes of action. The first two causes of action, for intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and violation of Californias Business Professions Code section 17200, generally related to Intermixs decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003 and allege that Mr. Greenspan was forced to resign. The third through sixth causes of action assert various claims for breach of fiduciary duty related to the FIM Transaction and substantially mirror the allegations in the Intermix Media Shareholder
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Litigation. By Order of March 20, 2006, the court ordered that Mr. Greenspans claims based on the FIM Transaction be severed from the rest of his complaint and coordinated with the claims asserted in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The seventh cause of action is asserted against Intermix for indemnification. In his amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan seeks compensatory and consequential damages, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Motions to dismiss the first six causes of action were filed and, on October 6, 2006, granted without leave to amend. On November 21, 2006, Mr. Greenspan dismissed with prejudice the seventh cause of action for indemnity, which was the only remaining claim and his sole cause of action against Intermix. On January 24, 2007, Mr. Greenspan filed a notice of appeal of the courts October 6, 2006 ruling. Mr. Greenspans opening brief in the Court of Appeal is currently due August 24, 2007. The matter will likely not be fully briefed and ready for oral argument until the first half of 2008.
News America Marketing
On January 18, 2006, Valassis Communications, Inc. (Valassis) filed a complaint against News America Incorporated, News America Marketing FSI, LLC and News America Marketing Services, In-Store, LLC (collectively News America) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Valassis alleges that News America possesses monopoly power in a claimed in-store advertising and promotions market (the in-store market) and has used that power to gain an unfair advantage over Valassis in a purported market for coupons distributed by free standing inserts (FSIs). Valassis alleges that News America is attempting to monopolize the purported FSI market by leveraging its alleged monopoly power in the purported in-store market, thereby allegedly violating Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, as amended (the Sherman Act). Valassis further alleges that News America has unlawfully bundled the sale of in-store marketing products with the sale of FSIs and that such bundling constitutes unlawful tying in violation of Sections 1 and 3 of the Sherman Act. Additionally, Valassis alleges that News America is predatorily pricing its FSI products in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Valassis also asserts that News America violated various state antitrust statutes and has tortiously interfered with Valassis actual or expected business relationships. Valassis complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On April 20, 2006, News America moved to dismiss Valassis complaint in its entirety for failure to state a cause of action. On September 28, 2006, the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation granting the motion. On October 16, 2006, Valassis filed an Amended Complaint, alleging the same causes of action. On November 17, 2006, News America answered the three federal antitrust claims and moved to dismiss the remaining nine state law claims. On March 23, 2007, the Court granted News Americas motion and dismissed the nine state law claims. On April 12, 2007, the Court entered a Scheduling Order that provides that all discovery will be closed on or before October 12, 2007 and sets a jury trial date for February 5, 2008. The parties are in ongoing negotiations regarding discovery and production of responsive discovery is imminent.
On March 9, 2007, Valassis filed a two-count complaint in Michigan state court against News America. That complaint, which is based on the same factual allegations as the federal complaint discussed above, alleges that News America has tortiously interfered with Valassis business relationships and that News America has unfairly competed with Valassis. Valassis Michigan complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On May 4, 2007, News America filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative stay, that complaint. On August 14, 2007, the Court denied the motion.
On March 12, 2007, Valassis filed a three-count complaint in California state court against News America. That complaint, which is based on the same factual allegations as the federal complaint discussed above, alleges that News America has violated the Cartwright Act (Californias state antitrust law) by unlawfully tying its FSI products to its in-store products, has violated Californias Unfair Practices Act by predatorily pricing its FSI products, and has unfairly competed with Valassis. Valassis California complaint seeks injunctive relief,
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damages, fees and costs. On May 4, 2007, News America filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative stay, that complaint. On June 28, 2007, the court issued a tentative ruling denying the motion and reassigned the case to the Complex Litigation Program. On July 19, 2007, the court denied the motion.
News America believes that all of the claims in each of the complaints filed by Valassis are without merit and it intends to defend itself vigorously in the three matters.
Other
Other than previously disclosed in the notes to these consolidated financial statements, the Company is party to several purchase and sale arrangements which become exercisable over the next ten years by the Company or the counter-party to the agreement. In the next twelve months, none of these arrangements that become exercisable are material. Purchase arrangements that are exercisable by the counter-party to the agreement, and that are outside the sole control of the Company are accounted for in accordance with EITF D-98. Accordingly the fair values of such purchase arrangements are classified in Minority interest liabilities.
The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.
The Companys operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.
NOTE 16. PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company participates in and/or sponsors pension and savings plans of various types in a variety of jurisdictions covering, in aggregate, substantially all employees. The Company has a legally enforceable obligation to contribute to some plans and is not required to contribute to others. Non-U.S. plans include both employee contributory and employee non-contributory defined benefit plans and accumulation plans covering all eligible employees. The plans in the United States include both defined benefit pension plans and employee non-contributory and employee contributory accumulation plans covering all eligible employees. The Company makes contributions in accordance with applicable laws or contract terms in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates. The Companys benefit obligation is calculated using several assumptions which the Company reviews on a regular basis.
The funded status of the plans can change from year to year but plan assets have been sufficient to fund all benefits coming due in each of the fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005.
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The Company uses a June 30 measurement date for all pension and postretirement benefit plans. The following table sets forth the change in the benefit obligation for the Companys benefit plans:
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits |
|||||||||||||||
As of June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of the year |
$ | 2,061 | $ | 2,074 | $ | 138 | $ | 143 | ||||||||
Service cost |
70 | 82 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost |
122 | 106 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Benefits paid |
(98 | ) | (85 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||
Actuarial loss (gain) (a) |
57 | (168 | ) | (4 | ) | (11 | ) | |||||||||
Foreign exchange rate changes |
110 | 29 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Amendments, transfers and other |
70 | 23 | (3 | ) | | |||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation, end of year |
$ | 2,392 | $ | 2,061 | $ | 139 | $ | 138 | ||||||||
(a) |
Actuarial gains and losses primarily related to changes in the discount rate and mortality assumptions utilized in measuring plan obligations at June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006. |
The following table sets forth the change in the fair value of plan assets for the Companys benefit plans:
Pension benefits | ||||||||
As of June 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of the year |
$ | 1,903 | $ | 1,609 | ||||
Actual return on plan assets |
232 | 186 | ||||||
Employer contributions |
67 | 149 | ||||||
Benefits paid |
(97 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||
Foreign exchange rate changes |
112 | 22 | ||||||
Amendments, transfers and other |
70 | 22 | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets, end of the year |
$ | 2,287 | $ | 1,903 | ||||
The accrued pension and postretirement costs recognized in the Companys consolidated balance sheets were computed as follows:
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits |
|||||||||||||||
As of June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Funded status |
$ | (105 | ) | $ | (158 | ) | $ | (139 | ) | $ | (138 | ) | ||||
Unrecognized net loss |
N/A | 348 | N/A | 32 | ||||||||||||
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit) |
N/A | 7 | N/A | (31 | ) | |||||||||||
Unrecognized net transition obligation |
N/A | (1 | ) | N/A | | |||||||||||
Net amount recognized, end of the year |
$ | (105 | ) | $ | 196 | $ | (139 | ) | $ | (137 | ) | |||||
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Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits |
|||||||||||||||
As of June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Non-current pension assets |
$ | 100 | $ | 275 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
Accrued pension/ postretirement liabilities |
(205 | ) | (205 | ) | (139 | ) | (137 | ) | ||||||||
Intangible asset |
N/A | 4 | N/A | | ||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income |
N/A | 122 | N/A | | ||||||||||||
Net amount recognized |
$ | (105 | ) | $ | 196 | $ | (139 | ) | $ | (137 | ) | |||||
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits |
||||||
As of June 30, | |||||||
2007 | 2007 | ||||||
(in millions) | |||||||
Actuarial losses |
$ | 301 | $ | 26 | |||
Prior service cost (benefit) |
6 | (28 | ) | ||||
Net amounts recognized |
$ | 307 | $ | (2 | ) | ||
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost in fiscal 2008:
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits |
|||||||
As of June 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2007 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Actuarial losses |
$ | 15 | $ | 2 | ||||
Prior services benefit |
(1 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
Net amounts recognized |
$ | 14 | $ | (4 | ) | |||
Accumulated pension benefit obligations at June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $2,181 million and $1,867 million, respectively. Below is information about pension plans in which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the plan assets.
As of June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||
Projected benefit obligation |
$ | 236 | $ | 774 | ||
Accumulated benefit obligation |
229 | 701 | ||||
Fair value of plan assets |
54 | 506 |
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
The components of net periodic costs were as follows:
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Components of net periodic cost: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost benefits earned during the period |
$ | 70 | $ | 82 | $ | 83 | $ | 4 | $ | 4 | $ | 4 | ||||||||||||
Interest costs on projected benefit obligations |
122 | 106 | 107 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(135 | ) | (122 | ) | (111 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred losses |
19 | 45 | 28 | 2 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
(2 | ) | (1 | ) | 3 | (6 | ) | (5 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net periodic costs |
$ | 74 | $ | 110 | $ | 110 | $ | 8 | $ | 9 | $ | 8 | ||||||||||||
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Additional information: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in minimum liability reflected in other comprehensive income |
N/A | $ | 286 | $ | (106 | ) | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Discount rate |
6.0 | % | 5.9 | % | 5.1 | % | 6.2 | % | 6.1 | % | 5.2 | % | ||||||||
Rate of increase in future compensation |
5.0 | % | 4.9 | % | 4.8 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost |
||||||||||||||||||||
Discount rate |
5.9 | % | 5.1 | % | 5.7 | % | 6.1 | % | 5.2 | % | 5.9 | % | ||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
7.0 | % | 7.5 | % | 7.5 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||
Rate of increase in future compensation |
4.9 | % | 4.8 | % | 4.7 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A |
N/Anot applicable
The following assumed health care cost trend rates at June 30 were also used in accounting for postretirement benefits:
Postretirement benefits | ||||||
Fiscal 2007 | Fiscal 2006 | |||||
Health care cost trend rate |
8.2 | % | 9.4 | % | ||
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) |
4.9 | % | 4.9 | % | ||
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate |
2011 | 2011 |
Assumed health care cost trend rates could have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care plan. The effect of a one percentage point increase and one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects on the results for fiscal 2007:
Service and interest costs |
Benefit Obligation |
|||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
One percentage point increase |
$ | 1 | $ | 8 | ||||
One percentage point decrease |
(1 | ) | (7 | ) |
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
The following table sets forth the estimated benefit payments for the next five fiscal years, and in aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter. The expected benefits are estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Companys benefit obligation at the end of the fiscal year and include benefits attributable to estimated future employee service:
Expected benefit payments | ||||||
Pension benefits |
Postretirement benefits | |||||
Fiscal year: |
||||||
2008 |
$ | 116 | $ | 7 | ||
2009 |
109 | 8 | ||||
2010 |
112 | 9 | ||||
2011 |
116 | 9 | ||||
2012 |
125 | 10 | ||||
2013-2017 |
701 | 59 |
The Companys investment strategy for its pension plans is to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan assets within an acceptable level of risk in order to minimize the cost of providing pension benefits while maintaining adequate funding levels. The Companys practice is to conduct a periodic strategic review of its asset allocation. The Companys current broad strategic targets are to have a pension asset portfolio comprising of 60% equity securities, 37% fixed income securities, 2% in real estate and 1% in other instruments. In developing the expected long-term rate of return, the Company considered the pension asset portfolios past average rate of returns and future return expectations of the various asset classes. A portion of the other allocation is reserved in short-term cash to provide for expected benefits to be paid in short term. The Companys equity portfolios are managed in such a way as to achieve optimal diversity. The Companys fixed income portfolio is investment grade in the aggregate. The Company does not manage any assets internally.
The Companys benefit plan weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category, are as follows:
Pension benefits | ||||||
As of June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||
Asset Category: |
||||||
Equity securities |
61 | % | 60 | % | ||
Debt securities |
34 | % | 37 | % | ||
Real estate |
2 | % | 2 | % | ||
Other |
3 | % | 1 | % | ||
Total |
100 | % | 100 | % | ||
The Company contributes to multi-employer plans that provide pension and health and welfare benefits to certain employees under collective bargaining agreements. The contributions to these plans were $114 million, $88 million, and $75 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. In addition, the Company has defined contribution plans for the benefit of substantially all employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. Employer contributions to such plans were $115 million, $104 million, and $76 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The Company does not expect mandatory pension funding requirements to be significant in fiscal 2008. However, the Company does expect to continue making discretionary contributions to the plans during fiscal 2008 of approximately $60 million.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
NOTE 17. OTHER, NET
The following table sets forth the components of Other, net included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Gain on sale of Sky Brasil (a) |
$ | 261 | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Gain on sale of Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited (a) |
136 | | | |||||||||
Termination of Participation rights agreement (b) |
97 | | | |||||||||
Gain on sale of Innova (a) |
| 206 | | |||||||||
Gain on sale of China Netcom Group Corporation (a) |
| 52 | | |||||||||
Loss on sale of RPP (b) |
| | (85 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on sale of Sky Multi-Country Partners (a) |
| | (55 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of Rogers Sportsnet (a) |
| | 39 | |||||||||
Change in fair value of Exchangeable securities (c) |
(126 | ) | (76 | ) | 246 | |||||||
Other |
(9 | ) | 12 | 33 | ||||||||
Total Other, net |
$ | 359 | $ | 194 | $ | 178 | ||||||
(a) |
See Note 6Investments. |
(b) |
See Note 3Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions. |
(c) |
The Company has certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities which contain embedded derivatives. Pursuant to SFAS No. 133, these embedded derivatives are not designated as hedges and, as such, changes in their fair value are recognized in Other, net. A significant variance in the price of the underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company. See Note 10Exchangeable Securities. |
NOTE 18. INCOME TAXES
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries was attributable to the following jurisdictions:
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
United States (including exports) |
$ | 4,586 | $ | 3,748 | $ | 2,896 | |||
Foreign |
720 | 657 | 665 | ||||||
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
$ | 5,306 | $ | 4,405 | $ | 3,561 | |||
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Significant components of the Companys provisions for income taxes from continuing operations were as follows:
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Current: |
|||||||||
United States |
|||||||||
Federal |
$ | 281 | $ | 145 | $ | 51 | |||
State & local |
69 | 66 | 45 | ||||||
Foreign |
390 | 357 | 179 | ||||||
Total current |
740 | 568 | 275 | ||||||
Deferred |
1,074 | 958 | 945 | ||||||
Total provision for income taxes |
$ | 1,814 | $ | 1,526 | $ | 1,220 | |||
In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act (the AJCA) was signed into law. The AJCA includes a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate foreign earnings at the favorable effective tax rate of 5.25%. Such repatriations must occur in either an enterprises last tax year that began before the enactment date or the first tax year that begins during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment. In accordance with the AJCA, the Company repatriated $420 million at a favorable tax rate of 5.25%, which resulted in a tax benefit to the Company of approximately $125 million. The amounts repatriated were used to compensate non-executive U.S. employees for services performed within the United States.
The reconciliation of income tax attributable to continuing operations computed at the statutory rate to income tax expense is:
For the years ended June 30, |
|||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
US federal income tax rate |
35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | |||
State and local taxes |
1 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
Effect of foreign taxes |
2 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
AJCA Section 965 Benefit |
| (3 | ) | | |||||
Resolution of tax matters |
(2 | ) | | (3 | ) | ||||
Change in valuation allowance |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Other permanent differences |
(1 | ) | 1 | 1 | |||||
Effective tax rate |
34 | % | 35 | % | 34 | % | |||
138
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
The following is a summary of the components of the deferred tax accounts:
As of June 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards |
$ | 695 | $ | 874 | ||||
Capital loss carryforwards |
991 | 1,107 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
265 | 172 | ||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
1,951 | 2,153 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities, net: |
||||||||
Basis difference and amortization |
(5,448 | ) | (4,872 | ) | ||||
Revenue recognition |
(271 | ) | (228 | ) | ||||
Sports rights contracts |
(164 | ) | (78 | ) | ||||
Other |
(284 | ) | (205 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
(6,167 | ) | (5,383 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax liabilities before valuation allowance |
(4,216 | ) | (3,230 | ) | ||||
Less: valuation allowance |
(1,562 | ) | (1,877 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax liabilities |
$ | (5,778 | ) | $ | (5,107 | ) | ||
At June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company had net current deferred tax assets of $4 million and $18 million, respectively, and non-current deferred tax assets of $117 million and $75 million, respectively. The Company also had non-current deferred tax liabilities of $5,899 million and $5,200 million at June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
At June 30, 2007, the Company had approximately $2.0 billion of net operating and $3.2 billion of capital loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income. The majority of these net operating loss carryforwards, if not utilized to reduce taxable income in future periods, will expire in varying amounts between 2008 and 2026, with a significant portion, approximately $1.4 billion relating to foreign operations, expiring within the next four years. While approximately $464 million of the capital loss carryforwards expire in four years, the remaining capital loss carryforwards are in jurisdictions where they do not expire. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management evaluates a variety of factors in considering whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized. Management considers earnings expectations, the existence of taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and the periods in which estimated losses can be utilized. Based upon this analysis, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize all of the benefits of its deferred tax assets. In particular, this is due to the uncertainty of generating capital gains, as well as generating taxable income within the requisite period in various foreign jurisdictions and the uncertainty of fully utilizing the capital losses and net operating losses before they expire through tax planning strategies or reversing taxable temporary differences in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, valuation allowances of $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion have been established to reflect the expected realization of the deferred tax assets as to June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The net decrease in the valuation allowance during fiscal 2007 of $315 million was primarily due to the expiration of foreign net operating losses for which a full valuation had previously been provided.
Except for amounts repatriated under the AJCA, the Company has not provided for possible U.S. taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be reinvested indefinitely. Calculation of the unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to these earnings is not practicable.
139
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries considered to be indefinitely reinvested amounted to approximately $5.0 billion at June 30, 2007. (See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies)
NOTE 19. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments:
| Filmed Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production and licensing of television programming worldwide. |
| Television, which principally consists of the operation of 35 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (Of these stations, 25 are affiliated with the FOX network, and ten are affiliated with the MyNetworkTV network.), the broadcasting of network programming in the United States and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia. |
| Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the production and licensing of programming distributed through cable television systems and DBS operators primarily in the United States. |
| Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which principally consists of the distribution of premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy. |
| Magazines and Inserts, which principally consists of the publication of free-standing inserts, which are promotional booklets containing consumer offers distributed through insertion in local Sunday newspapers in the United States, and the provision of in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers in the United States and Canada. |
| Newspapers, which principally consists of the publication of four national newspapers in the United Kingdom, the publication of approximately 145 newspapers in Australia and the publication of a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper in the United States. |
| Book Publishing, which principally consists of the publication of English language books throughout the world. |
| Other, which includes NDS, a company engaged in the business of supplying open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers; News Outdoor, an advertising business which offers display advertising in outdoor locations primarily throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and FIM, which operates the Companys Internet activities. |
The Companys operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Companys internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measures are segment operating income (loss) and Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization.
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization and the amortization of cable distribution investments, eliminates the variable effect across all business segments of non-cash depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense includes the depreciation of property and equipment, as well as amortization of finite-lived intangible assets. Amortization of cable distribution investments represents a reduction against revenues over the term of a carriage arrangement and as such it is excluded from Operating income (loss) before depreciation and
140
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
amortization. Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization is a non-GAAP measure and it should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization does not reflect cash available to fund requirements, and the items excluded from Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, such as depreciation and amortization, are significant components in assessing the Companys financial performance.
Management believes that Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Companys business segments. Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization provides management, investors and equity analysts a measure to analyze operating performance of each business segment and enterprise value against historical and competitors data, although historical results, including Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors including customer tastes and preferences).
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 6,734 | $ | 6,199 | $ | 5,919 | ||||||
Television |
5,705 | 5,334 | 5,338 | |||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
3,902 | 3,358 | 2,688 | |||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
3,076 | 2,542 | 2,313 | |||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
1,119 | 1,090 | 1,068 | |||||||||
Newspapers |
4,486 | 4,095 | 4,083 | |||||||||
Book Publishing |
1,347 | 1,312 | 1,327 | |||||||||
Other |
2,286 | 1,397 | 1,123 | |||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 28,655 | $ | 25,327 | $ | 23,859 | ||||||
Operating income: |
||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,225 | $ | 1,092 | $ | 1,058 | ||||||
Television |
962 | 1,032 | 952 | |||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
1,090 | 864 | 702 | |||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
221 | 39 | (173 | ) | ||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
335 | 307 | 298 | |||||||||
Newspapers |
653 | 517 | 740 | |||||||||
Book Publishing |
159 | 167 | 164 | |||||||||
Other |
(193 | ) | (150 | ) | (177 | ) | ||||||
Total operating income (loss) |
4,452 | 3,868 | 3,564 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(524 | ) | (545 | ) | (536 | ) | ||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
1,019 | 888 | 355 | |||||||||
Other, net |
359 | 194 | 178 | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
5,306 | 4,405 | 3,561 | |||||||||
Income tax expense |
(1,814 | ) | (1,526 | ) | (1,220 | ) | ||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
(66 | ) | (67 | ) | (213 | ) | ||||||
Income from continuing operations |
3,426 | 2,812 | 2,128 | |||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax |
| 515 | | |||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
3,426 | 3,327 | 2,128 | |||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| (1,013 | ) | | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,426 | $ | 2,314 | $ | 2,128 | ||||||
141
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Interest expense, net, Equity earnings of affiliates, Other, net, Income tax expense and Minority interest in subsidiaries are not allocated to segments, as they are not under the control of segment management.
Intersegment revenues, generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment, of approximately $1,030 million, $864 million and $789 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment. Intersegment operating profit (losses) generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment of approximately $5 million, $(2) million and $(3) million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment.
For the year ended June 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
Depreciation and amortization |
Amortization of cable distribution investments |
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization |
|||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,225 | $ | 85 | $ | | $ | 1,310 | ||||||
Television |
962 | 93 | | 1,055 | ||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
1,090 | 56 | 77 | 1,223 | ||||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
221 | 191 | | 412 | ||||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
335 | 8 | | 343 | ||||||||||
Newspapers |
653 | 284 | | 937 | ||||||||||
Book Publishing |
159 | 8 | | 167 | ||||||||||
Other |
(193 | ) | 154 | | (39 | ) | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 4,452 | $ | 879 | $ | 77 | $ | 5,408 | ||||||
For the year ended June 30, 2006 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
Depreciation and amortization |
Amortization of cable distribution investments |
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization |
|||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,092 | $ | 85 | $ | | $ | 1,177 | ||||||
Television |
1,032 | 88 | | 1,120 | ||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
864 | 51 | 103 | 1,018 | ||||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
39 | 172 | | 211 | ||||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
307 | 7 | | 314 | ||||||||||
Newspapers |
517 | 263 | | 780 | ||||||||||
Book Publishing |
167 | 7 | | 174 | ||||||||||
Other |
(150 | ) | 102 | | (48 | ) | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,868 | $ | 775 | $ | 103 | $ | 4,746 | ||||||
142
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
For the year ended June 30, 2005 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
Depreciation and amortization |
Amortization of cable distribution investments |
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization |
|||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,058 | $ | 51 | $ | | $ | 1,109 | ||||||
Television |
952 | 92 | | 1,044 | ||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
702 | 39 | 117 | 858 | ||||||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
(173 | ) | 156 | | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
298 | 6 | | 304 | ||||||||||
Newspapers |
740 | 222 | | 962 | ||||||||||
Book Publishing |
164 | 6 | | 170 | ||||||||||
Other |
(177 | ) | 76 | | (101 | ) | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,564 | $ | 648 | $ | 117 | $ | 4,329 | ||||||
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 85 | $ | 85 | $ | 51 | |||
Television |
93 | 88 | 92 | ||||||
Cable Network Programming |
56 | 51 | 39 | ||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
191 | 172 | 156 | ||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
8 | 7 | 6 | ||||||
Newspapers |
284 | 263 | 222 | ||||||
Book Publishing |
8 | 7 | 6 | ||||||
Other |
154 | 102 | 76 | ||||||
Total depreciation and amortization |
$ | 879 | $ | 775 | $ | 648 | |||
Capital expenditures: |
|||||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 85 | $ | 66 | $ | 53 | |||
Television |
125 | 136 | 119 | ||||||
Cable Network Programming |
92 | 40 | 32 | ||||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
199 | 223 | 324 | ||||||
Magazines and Inserts |
10 | 9 | 4 | ||||||
Newspapers |
544 | 359 | 293 | ||||||
Book Publishing |
23 | 7 | 10 | ||||||
Other |
230 | 136 | 66 | ||||||
Total capital expenditures |
$ | 1,308 | $ | 976 | $ | 901 | |||
143
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
As of June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||
Total assets: |
||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 6,738 | $ | 6,489 | ||
Television |
12,974 | 12,903 | ||||
Cable Network Programming |
8,523 | 7,813 | ||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
2,030 | 2,124 | ||||
Magazines and Inserts |
1,278 | 1,257 | ||||
Newspapers |
5,343 | 4,524 | ||||
Book Publishing |
1,566 | 1,452 | ||||
Other |
12,478 | 9,486 | ||||
Investments |
11,413 | 10,601 | ||||
Total assets |
$ | 62,343 | $ | 56,649 | ||
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net: |
||||||
Filmed Entertainment |
$ | 1,979 | $ | 2,010 | ||
Television |
10,195 | 10,195 | ||||
Cable Network Programming |
5,517 | 5,393 | ||||
Direct Broadcast Satellite Television |
595 | 563 | ||||
Magazines and Inserts |
1,009 | 1,006 | ||||
Newspapers |
2,422 | 1,709 | ||||
Book Publishing |
508 | 508 | ||||
Other |
3,297 | 2,610 | ||||
Total goodwill and intangibles, net |
$ | 25,522 | $ | 23,994 | ||
Geographic Segments
For the years ended June 30, | |||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||
Revenues: |
|||||||||
United States and Canada (1) |
$ | 15,282 | $ | 14,102 | $ | 12,884 | |||
Europe (2) |
9,073 | 7,552 | 7,511 | ||||||
Australasia and Other (3) |
4,300 | 3,673 | 3,464 | ||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 28,655 | $ | 25,327 | $ | 23,859 | |||
(1) |
Revenues include approximately $14.8 billion, $13.6 billion and $12.5 billion from customers in the United States in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
(2) |
Revenues include approximately $3.6 billion, $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion from customers in the United Kingdom in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as well as approximately $3.4 billion, $2.8 billion and $2.5 billion from customers in Italy in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
(3) |
Revenues include approximately $2.5 billion, $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion from customers in Australia in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
144
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
As of June 30, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||
Long-Lived Assets: |
||||||
United States and Canada |
$ | 35,289 | $ | 35,097 | ||
Europe |
4,949 | 3,582 | ||||
Australasia and Other |
6,200 | 4,847 | ||||
Total long-lived assets |
$ | 46,438 | $ | 43,526 | ||
There is no material reliance on any single customer. Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of customers.
Australasia comprises Australia, Asia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
NOTE 20. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share (EPS) is computed individually for the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Net income is apportioned to both Class A stockholders and Class B stockholders on the ratio of 1.2 to 1, respectively, in accordance with the rights of the stockholders as described in the Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation. In order to give effect to this apportionment when determining EPS, the weighted average Class A Common Stock is increased by 20% (the Adjusted Class) and is then compared to the sum of the weighted average Class B Common Stock and the weighted average Adjusted Class. The resulting percentage is then applied to the Net income to determine the apportionment for the Class A stockholders with the balance attributable to the Class B stockholders.
EPS has been presented in the two-class presentation, as the Class B Common Stock participate in dividends with the Class A Common Stock.
145
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share:
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 3,426 | $ | 2,812 | $ | 2,128 | ||||||
Perpetual preference dividends (a) |
| | (10 | ) | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations available to shareholdersbasic |
3,426 | 2,812 | 2,118 | |||||||||
Interest on convertible debt (b) |
| | 20 | |||||||||
Other |
(5 | ) | (1 | ) | | |||||||
Income from continuing operations available to shareholdersdiluted |
$ | 3,421 | $ | 2,811 | $ | 2,138 | ||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations |
$ | | $ | 515 | $ | | ||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
$ | | $ | (1,013 | ) | $ | | |||||
Net income |
$ | 3,426 | $ | 2,314 | $ | 2,128 | ||||||
Perpetual preference dividends (a) |
| | (10 | ) | ||||||||
Net income available to shareholdersbasic |
3,426 | 2,314 | 2,118 | |||||||||
Interest on convertible debt (b) |
| | 20 | |||||||||
Other |
(5 | ) | (1 | ) | | |||||||
Net income available to shareholdersdiluted |
$ | 3,421 | $ | 2,313 | $ | 2,138 | ||||||
(a) |
In November 2004, the Company redeemed the adjustable rate cumulative perpetual preference shares and the guaranteed 8.625% perpetual preference shares for $345 million at par. |
(b) |
In February 2006, the Company redeemed 92% of the LYONs for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. (see Note 9Borrowings) |
146
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | Class B | Total | Class A | Class B | Total | Class A | Class B | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allocation of incomebasic: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 2,484 | $ | 942 | $ | 3,426 | $ | 2,033 | $ | 779 | $ | 2,812 | $ | 1,484 | $ | 634 | $ | 2,118 | ||||||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations |
| | | 372 | 143 | 515 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| | | (732 | ) | (281 | ) | (1,013 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income available to shareholders |
2,484 | 942 | 3,426 | 1,673 | 641 | 2,314 | 1,484 | 634 | 2,118 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares used in income allocation |
2,604 | 987 | 3,591 | 2,638 | 1,012 | 3,650 | 2,390 | 1,021 | 3,411 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Allocation of incomediluted: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 2,487 | $ | 934 | $ | 3,421 | $ | 2,036 | $ | 775 | $ | 2,811 | $ | 1,513 | $ | 625 | $ | 2,138 | ||||||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations |
| | | 373 | 142 | 515 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| | | (734 | ) | (279 | ) | (1,013 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income available to shareholders |
2,487 | 934 | 3,421 | 1,675 | 638 | 2,313 | 1,513 | 625 | 2,138 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares used in income allocation |
2,629 | 987 | 3,616 | 2,659 | 1,012 | 3,671 | 2,473 | 1,021 | 3,494 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average sharesbasic |
2,170 | 987 | 3,157 | 2,198 | 1,012 | 3,210 | 1,992 | 1,021 | 3,013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issuable under equity based compensation plans |
21 | | 21 | 18 | | 18 | 32 | | 32 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible debt (a) |
| | | | | | 37 | | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average sharesdiluted |
2,191 | 987 | 3,178 | 2,216 | 1,012 | 3,228 | 2,061 | 1,021 | 3,082 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per sharebasic: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations |
$ | | $ | | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.14 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
$ | | $ | | $ | (0.33 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.63 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per sharediluted: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.61 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations |
$ | | $ | | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.14 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
$ | | $ | | $ | (0.33 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 1.14 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.63 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.61 |
(a) |
In February 2006, the Company redeemed 92% of the LYONs for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. The impact of the remaining LYONs which are convertible into approximately 2.8 million shares is not significant. |
147
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
NOTE 21. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
For the three months ended | |||||||||||||
September 30, | December 31, | March 31, | June 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||
Fiscal 2007 |
|||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 5,914 | $ | 7,844 | $ | 7,530 | $ | 7,367 | |||||
Operating income |
851 | 1,144 | 1,239 | 1,218 | |||||||||
Net income |
843 | 822 | 871 | 890 | |||||||||
Basic earnings per share |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 0.28 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.30 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.23 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.25 | |||||
Diluted earnings per share |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 0.28 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.30 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.23 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.25 | |||||
Stock prices (a) |
|||||||||||||
Class AHigh |
$ | 19.75 | $ | 21.75 | $ | 23.98 | $ | 23.74 | |||||
Class ALow |
$ | 18.19 | $ | 19.35 | $ | 21.26 | $ | 21.21 | |||||
Class BHigh |
$ | 20.64 | $ | 22.74 | $ | 25.34 | $ | 25.27 | |||||
Class BLow |
$ | 18.96 | $ | 20.30 | $ | 22.16 | $ | 22.94 | |||||
Fiscal 2006 |
|||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 5,682 | $ | 6,665 | $ | 6,198 | $ | 6,782 | |||||
Operating income |
909 | 920 | 1,011 | 1,028 | |||||||||
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations |
| 381 | | 134 | |||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
580 | 1,075 | 820 | 852 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) |
(433 | ) | 1,075 | 820 | 852 | ||||||||
Basic earnings (loss) per share |
|||||||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 0.19 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.28 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.16 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.24 | |||||
Net income (loss) |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | (0.14 | ) | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.28 | ||||
Class B |
$ | (0.12 | ) | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.24 | ||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
|||||||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | 0.19 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.28 | |||||
Class B |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.24 | |||||
Net income (loss) |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | (0.14 | ) | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.28 | ||||
Class B |
$ | (0.11 | ) | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.24 | ||||
Stock prices (a) |
|||||||||||||
Class AHigh |
$ | 17.13 | $ | 16.01 | $ | 16.86 | $ | 19.52 | |||||
Class ALow |
$ | 15.22 | $ | 14.09 | $ | 15.25 | $ | 16.67 | |||||
Class BHigh |
$ | 18.11 | $ | 16.92 | $ | 17.83 | $ | 20.47 | |||||
Class BLow |
$ | 16.04 | $ | 14.97 | $ | 16.30 | $ | 17.72 |
(a) |
The stock prices reflect the reported high and low closing sales prices for the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. |
148
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
NOTE 22. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Balance at beginning of year |
Additions | Acquisitions and disposals |
Utilization | Foreign exchange |
Balance at end of year |
||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2007 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts |
$ | (1,068 | ) | $ | (1,691 | ) | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 1,701 | $ | (37 | ) | $ | (1,102 | ) | ||||||
Deferred tax valuation allowance |
(1,877 | ) | (3 | ) | | 318 | | (1,562 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2006 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts |
(1,178 | ) | (1,598 | ) | (1 | ) | 1,738 | (29 | ) | (1,068 | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax valuation allowance |
(1,324 | ) | (629 | ) | | 76 | | (1,877 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2005 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts |
(1,017 | ) | (1,309 | ) | (6 | ) | 1,148 | 6 | (1,178 | ) | |||||||||||||
Deferred tax valuation allowance |
(1,541 | ) | (7 | ) | | 224 | | (1,324 | ) |
NOTE 23. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
For the years ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information: |
||||||||||||
Cash paid for income taxes |
$ | (969 | ) | $ | (558 | ) | $ | (455 | ) | |||
Cash paid for interest |
(744 | ) | (715 | ) | (671 | ) | ||||||
Shares issued in lieu of cash dividend payments |
| | 35 | |||||||||
Sale of other investments |
64 | 22 | 10 | |||||||||
Purchase of other investments |
(392 | ) | (50 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||||
Supplemental information on businesses acquired: |
||||||||||||
Fair value of assets acquired |
1,594 | 2,215 | 6,253 | |||||||||
Cash acquired |
96 | 26 | 162 | |||||||||
Less: Liabilities assumed |
408 | 232 | 1,371 | |||||||||
Assets exchanged |
| | 1,191 | |||||||||
Minority interest acquired |
127 | (39 | ) | (3,483 | ) | |||||||
Cash paid |
1,155 | 2,015 | 232 | |||||||||
Fair value of stock consideration issued to third parties |
| 33 | 7,104 | |||||||||
Treasury stock acquired |
| | 13,548 | |||||||||
Fair value of stock consideration |
$ | | $ | 33 | $ | 20,652 | ||||||
NOTE 24. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In July 2007, the Company acquired Photobucket, a web-based provider of photo- and video-sharing services. The initial consideration of approximately $234 million was paid in cash. Further amounts of up to $50 million may be payable, contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives.
149
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
On July 31, 2007, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement (the Merger Agreement) with Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (Dow Jones), pursuant to which the Company will acquire Dow Jones in a transaction valued at approximately $5.6 billion. Members of the Bancroft family and related trusts owning approximately 37% of Dow Jones voting stock have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Dow Jones Stockholders will be entitled to receive $60 in cash for each share of Dow Jones stock they own, and up to 250 holders of record and not more than 10% of the shares of Dow Jones may elect to have their shares of Dow Jones converted into a number of units of a newly formed subsidiary of the Company (each unit of which will be exchangeable for one share of the Companys Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of such subsidiarys operating agreement). The Merger Agreement is subject to, among other things, the adoption of the Merger Agreement by Dow Jones stockholders, the execution of an editorial agreement (the form of which has been agreed by the parties), the establishment by the Company of a special committee as contemplated under such editorial agreement, the receipt of various regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and Dow Jones, including the right of Dow Jones to terminate the agreement to enter into an alternative transaction that constitutes a superior acquisition proposal. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, including a termination by Dow Jones to accept a superior acquisition proposal, Dow Jones would be required to pay the Company a termination fee of $165 million less any previously paid expenses. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007. The Company has agreed, upon consummation of the transaction, to appoint a member of the Bancroft family or another mutually acceptable person to the Companys Board of Directors.
NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION
In May 2007, NAI entered into the New Credit Agreement. The New Credit Agreement provides a $2.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a sub-limit of $600 million available for the issuance of letters of credit, and expires on May 23, 2012. NAI may request an increase in the amount of the credit facility up to a maximum amount of $2.5 billion. Borrowings are in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. dollars or Euros. The significant terms of the agreement include the requirement that the Company maintain specific gearing ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company pays a facility fee of 0.10% regardless of facility usage. The Company pays interest for borrowings and letters of credit at LIBOR plus 0.30%. The Company pays an additional fee of 0.05% if borrowings under the facility exceed 50% of the committed facility. The interest and fees are based on the Companys current debt rating.
The Parent Guarantor presently guarantees the senior public indebtedness of NAI. The supplemental condensed consolidating financial information of the Parent Guarantor should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included herein.
In accordance with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company uses the equity method to account for the results of all of the non-guarantor subsidiaries, representing substantially all of the Companys consolidated results of operations, excluding certain intercompany eliminations.
The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of NAI, News Corporation, the wholly-owned and non-wholly-owned non-guarantor subsidiaries of News Corporation and the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.
150
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended June 30, 2007
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 7 | $ | | $ | 28,648 | $ | | $ | 28,655 | ||||||||||
Expenses |
307 | | 23,896 | | 24,203 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(300 | ) | | 4,752 | | 4,452 | ||||||||||||||
Other (Expense) Income: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(1,740 | ) | (115 | ) | 1,331 | | (524 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
4 | | 1,015 | | 1,019 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities |
1,627 | 3,638 |
|
|
|
(5,265 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Other, net |
169 | (97 | ) | 287 | 359 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
(240 | ) | 3,426 | 7,385 | (5,265 | ) | 5,306 | |||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
82 | | (2,524 | ) | 628 | (1,814 | ) | |||||||||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
| | (66 | ) | | (66 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (158 | ) | $ | 3,426 | $ | 4,795 | $ | (4,637 | ) | $ | 3,426 | ||||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
151
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended June 30, 2006
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 7 | $ | | $ | 25,320 | $ | | $ | 25,327 | ||||||||||
Expenses |
240 | | 21,219 | | 21,459 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(233 | ) | | 4,101 | | 3,868 | ||||||||||||||
Other (Expense) Income: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(1,504 | ) | (145 | ) | 1,104 | | (545 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
1 | | 887 | | 888 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities |
1,645 | 2,558 |
|
|
|
(4,203 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Other, net |
20 | (99 | ) | 273 | | 194 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
(71 | ) | 2,314 | 6,365 | (4,203 | ) | 4,405 | |||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
24 | | (2,164 | ) | 614 | (1,526 | ) | |||||||||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
| | (67 | ) | | (67 | ) | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
(47 | ) | 2,314 | 4,134 | (3,589 | ) | 2,812 | |||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations |
| | 515 | | 515 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change |
(47 | ) | 2,314 | 4,649 | (3,589 | ) | 3,327 | |||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| | (1,013 | ) | | (1,013 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (47 | ) | $ | 2,314 | $ | 3,636 | $ | (3,589 | ) | $ | 2,314 | ||||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
152
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended June 30, 2005
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries |
|||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 4 | $ | | $ | 23,855 | $ | | $ | 23,859 | |||||||||
Expenses |
261 | | 20,034 | | 20,295 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(257 | ) | | 3,821 | | 3,564 | |||||||||||||
Other (Expense) Income: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(1,880 | ) | | 1,344 | | (536 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
| | 355 | | 355 | ||||||||||||||
Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities |
3,191 | 2,128 |
|
|
|
(5,319 | ) | | |||||||||||
Other, net |
319 | | (141 | ) | | 178 | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries |
1,373 | 2,128 |
|
5,379 |
|
(5,319 | ) | 3,561 | |||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
(481 | ) | | (1,883 | ) | 1,144 | (1,220 | ) | |||||||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax |
| | (213 | ) | | (213 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 892 | $ | 2,128 | $ | 3,283 | $ | (4,175 | ) | $ | 2,128 | ||||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
153
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
At June 30, 2007
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
|||||||||||||||||
Current Assets: |
|||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 5,450 | $ | | $ | 2,204 | $ | | $ | 7,654 | |||||||
Receivables, net |
24 | | 5,818 | | 5,842 | ||||||||||||
Inventories, net |
| | 2,039 | | 2,039 | ||||||||||||
Other |
9 | | 362 | | 371 | ||||||||||||
Total Current Assets |
5,483 | | 10,423 | | 15,906 | ||||||||||||
Non-Current Assets: |
|||||||||||||||||
Receivables |
1 | | 436 | | 437 | ||||||||||||
Inventories, net |
| | 2,626 | | 2,626 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
82 | | 5,535 | | 5,617 | ||||||||||||
Intangible assets |
| | 11,703 | | 11,703 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| | 13,819 | | 13,819 | ||||||||||||
Other |
131 | 1 | 690 | | 822 | ||||||||||||
Investments |
|||||||||||||||||
Investments in associated companies and Other investments |
108 | 5 | 11,300 | | 11,413 | ||||||||||||
Intragroup investments |
39,028 | 38,045 |
|
|
|
(77,073 | ) | | |||||||||
Total Investments |
39,136 | 38,050 | 11,300 | (77,073 | ) | 11,413 | |||||||||||
Total Non-Current Assets |
39,350 | 38,051 | 46,109 | (77,073 | ) | 46,437 | |||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 44,833 | $ | 38,051 | $ | 56,532 | $ | (77,073 | ) | $ | 62,343 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|||||||||||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
|||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
$ | 350 | $ | | $ | 5 | $ | | $ | 355 | |||||||
Other current liabilities |
1 | | 7,138 |
|
|
|
7,139 | ||||||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
351 | | 7,143 |
|
|
|
7,494 | ||||||||||
Non-Current Liabilities: |
|||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
11,960 | | 187 | | 12,147 | ||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
519 | 2 | 8,697 |
|
|
|
9,218 | ||||||||||
Intercompany |
14,608 | 5,127 | (19,735 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries |
| | 562 | | 562 | ||||||||||||
Stockholders Equity |
17,395 | 32,922 | 59,678 | (77,073 | ) | 32,922 | |||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 44,833 | $ | 38,051 | $ | 56,532 | $ | (77,073 | ) | $ | 62,343 | ||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
154
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
At June 30, 2006
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
|||||||||||||||||
Current Assets: |
|||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 4,094 | $ | 17 | $ | 1,672 | $ | | $ | 5,783 | |||||||
Receivables, net |
25 | | 5,125 | | 5,150 | ||||||||||||
Inventories, net |
| | 1,840 | | 1,840 | ||||||||||||
Other |
4 | | 346 |
|
|
|
350 | ||||||||||
Total Current Assets |
4,123 | 17 | 8,983 |
|
|
|
13,123 | ||||||||||
Non-Current Assets: |
|||||||||||||||||
Receivables |
2 | | 591 | | 593 | ||||||||||||
Inventories, net |
| | 2,410 | | 2,410 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
83 | | 4,672 | | 4,755 | ||||||||||||
Intangible assets |
| | 11,446 | | 11,446 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill |
4 | | 12,544 | | 12,548 | ||||||||||||
Other |
157 | 1 | 1,015 | | 1,173 | ||||||||||||
Investments |
|||||||||||||||||
Investments in associated companies and Other investments |
100 | | 10,501 | | 10,601 | ||||||||||||
Intragroup investments |
43,290 | 33,466 |
|
|
|
(76,756 | ) | | |||||||||
Total Investments |
43,390 | 33,466 | 10,501 | (76,756 | ) | 10,601 | |||||||||||
Total Non-Current Assets |
43,636 | 33,467 | 43,179 | (76,756 | ) | 43,526 | |||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 47,759 | $ | 33,484 | $ | 52,162 | $ | (76,756 | ) | $ | 56,649 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|||||||||||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
|||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
$ | | $ | | $ | 42 | $ | | $ | 42 | |||||||
Other current liabilities |
251 | 6,080 |
|
|
|
6,331 | |||||||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
251 | | 6,122 |
|
|
|
6,373 | ||||||||||
Non-Current Liabilities: |
|||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
11,233 | | 152 | | 11,385 | ||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
376 | 1 | 8,359 |
|
|
|
8,736 | ||||||||||
Intercompany |
14,330 | 3,609 | (17,939 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Minority interest in subsidiaries |
| | 281 | 281 | |||||||||||||
Stockholders Equity |
21,569 | 29,874 | 55,187 | (76,756 | ) | 29,874 | |||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 47,759 | $ | 33,484 | $ | 52,162 | $ | (76,756 | ) | $ | 56,649 | ||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
155
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended June 30, 2007
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries |
|||||||||||||||
Operating activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 375 | $ | 1,269 | $ | 2,466 | $ | | $ | 4,110 | |||||||||
Investing and other activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
(10 | ) | | (1,298 | ) | | (1,308 | ) | |||||||||||
Investments |
(14 | ) | (5 | ) | (1,489 | ) | | (1,508 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of investments and non-current assets |
5 | | 735 | | 740 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(19 | ) | (5 | ) | (2,052 | ) | | (2,076 | ) | ||||||||||
Financing activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
1,000 | | 196 | | 1,196 | ||||||||||||||
Repayment of borrowings |
| | (198 | ) | | (198 | ) | ||||||||||||
Issuance of shares |
| 375 | 17 | | 392 | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
| (1,294 | ) | | | (1,294 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
| (362 | ) | (7 | ) | | (369 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
1,000 | (1,281 | ) | 8 | | (273 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
1,356 | (17 | ) | 422 | | 1,761 | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
4,094 | 17 | 1,672 | | 5,783 | ||||||||||||||
Exchange movement on opening cash balance |
| | 110 | | 110 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 5,450 | $ | | $ | 2,204 | $ | | $ | 7,654 | |||||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
156
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended June 30, 2006
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries |
|||||||||||||||
Operating activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
$ | (441 | ) | $ | 2,261 | $ | 1,437 | $ | | $ | 3,257 | ||||||||
Investing and other activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
(6 | ) | | (970 | ) | | (976 | ) | |||||||||||
Investments |
5 | | (2,111 | ) | | (2,106 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of investments and non-current assets |
| | 1,022 | | 1,022 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(1 | ) | | (2,059 | ) | | (2,060 | ) | |||||||||||
Financing activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
1,133 | | 26 | | 1,159 | ||||||||||||||
Repayment of borrowings |
(831 | ) | | (34 | ) | | (865 | ) | |||||||||||
Issuance of shares |
| 200 | 32 | | 232 | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
| (2,027 | ) | | | (2,027 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
| (417 | ) | (14 | ) | | (431 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
302 | (2,244 | ) | 10 | | (1,932 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(140 | ) | 17 | (612 | ) | | (735 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
4,234 | | 2,236 | | 6,470 | ||||||||||||||
Exchange movement on opening cash balance |
| | 48 | | 48 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 4,094 | $ | 17 | $ | 1,672 | $ | | $ | 5,783 | |||||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
157
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended June 30, 2005
(US$ in millions)
News America Incorporated |
News Corporation |
Non-Guarantor | Reclassifications and Eliminations |
News Corporation and Subsidiaries |
|||||||||||||||
Operating activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 519 | $ | 673 | $ | 2,179 | $ | | $ | 3,371 | |||||||||
Investing and other activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
(4 | ) | | (897 | ) | | (901 | ) | |||||||||||
Investments |
(136 | ) | | (66 | ) | | (202 | ) | |||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of investments and non-current assets |
14 | | 786 | | 800 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(126 | ) | | (177 | ) | | (303 | ) | |||||||||||
Financing activities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
1,743 | | 98 | | 1,841 | ||||||||||||||
Repayment of borrowings |
(149 | ) | | (1,961 | ) | | (2,110 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash on deposit |
275 | | | | 275 | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares |
| 76 | 12 | | 88 | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
| (535 | ) | | | (535 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
| (214 | ) | (26 | ) | | (240 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
1,869 | (673 | ) | (1,877 | ) | | (681 | ) | |||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
2,262 | | 125 | | 2,387 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
1,972 | | 2,079 | | 4,051 | ||||||||||||||
Exchange movement on opening cash balance |
| | 32 | | 32 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 4,234 | $ | | $ | 2,236 | $ | | $ | 6,470 | |||||||||
See notes to supplemental guarantor information
158
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
Notes to Supplemental Guarantor Information
(1) Investments in the Companys subsidiaries, for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation, are accounted for by their parent companies under the equity method of accounting whereby earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the parent companys investment account and earnings.
(2) The guarantees of NAIs senior public indebtedness constitute senior indebtedness of the Company, and rank pari passu with all present and future senior indebtedness of the Company. Because the factual basis underlying the obligations created pursuant to the various facilities and other obligations constituting senior indebtedness of the Company differ, it is not possible to predict how a court in bankruptcy would accord priorities among the obligations of the Company.
159
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. |
None.
ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Companys management, with the participation of the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based on such evaluation, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Managements report and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon are set forth on pages 80 and 81 respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Companys fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION. |
None.
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. |
The information required by this item with respect to the Companys Directors is contained in the Proxy Statement for the Companys 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement) to be filed with the SEC under the headings Election of Directors and Directors Continuing in Office and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the Companys Audit Committee, including the Audit Committees members and its financial experts is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Corporate Governance MattersCommittees and Meetings of the Board of DirectorsAudit Committee and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
160
The information required by this item with respect to the Companys Standards of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics governing the Companys employees, including its Chief Executive Officer, senior financial officer and members of the Board is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Corporate Governance MattersStandards of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the Company executive officers is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Executive Officers of News Corporation and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Board is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Corporate Governance MattersStockholder Nomination Procedure and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. |
The information required by this item with respect to executive compensation and director compensation is contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings Executive Compensation and Director Compensation, respectively, and is incorporated herein by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to compensation committee interlocks and insider participation is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The compensation committee report required by this item is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Compensation Committee Report and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. |
The information required by this item with respect to securities authorized for issuance under the Companys equity compensation plans is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Equity Compensation Plan Information and is incorporated herein by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings Security Ownership of News Corporation and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. |
The information required by this item with respect to transactions with related persons is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to director independence is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading Corporate Governance MattersBoard Independence and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
161
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
The information required by this item is contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. |
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. | The Companys Consolidated Audited Financial Statements required to be filed as part of this Annual Report and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. |
2. | All other financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not applicable, or because the information called for is included in the Companys Consolidated Audited Financial Statements or the Notes to the Consolidated Audited Financial Statements. |
3. | ExhibitsThe exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index filed or incorporated by references as part of this Annual Report and such Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference. On the Exhibit Index, a ± identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report, and such listing is incorporated herein by reference. |
162
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NEWS CORPORATION | ||
(Registrant) | ||
By: | /s/ LAWRENCE A. JACOBS | |
Lawrence A. Jacobs | ||
Senior Executive Vice President and Group General Counsel |
Date: August 23, 2007
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
/s/ K. RUPERT MURDOCH K. Rupert Murdoch |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ DAVID F. DEVOE David F. DeVoe |
Senior Executive Vice President, (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ JOSÉ MARÍA AZNAR José María Aznar |
Director | August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ PETER BARNES Peter Barnes |
Director | August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ CHASE CAREY Chase Carey |
Director | August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ PETER CHERNIN Peter Chernin |
Director | August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ KENNETH E. COWLEY Kenneth E. Cowley |
Director |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ VIET DINH Viet Dinh |
Director |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ RODERICK I. EDDINGTON Roderick I. Eddington |
Director |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ ANDREW S. B. KNIGHT Andrew S. B. Knight |
Director |
August 23, 2007 |
163
Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
/s/ LACHLAN K. MURDOCH Lachlan K. Murdoch |
Director |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ RODERICK R. PAIGE Roderick R. Paige |
Director |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ THOMAS J. PERKINS Thomas J. Perkins |
Director |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ ARTHUR M. SISKIND Arthur M. Siskind |
Director |
August 23, 2007 | ||
/s/ JOHN L. THORNTON John L. Thornton |
Director |
August 23, 2007 |
164
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number | Description | |
2.1 | Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 22, 2006, by and between News Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 26, 2006.) | |
2.2 | Tax Matters Agreement, dated December 22, 2006, by and between News Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 26, 2006.) | |
3.1 | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of News Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) | |
3.2 | Amended and Restated By-Laws of News Corporation, dated February 25, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement of News Corporation on Form S-4 (File No. 333-143335) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2007.) | |
4.1 | Specimen Certificate for Shares of Class A Common Stock of News Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51022) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2004.) | |
4.2 | Specimen Certificate for Shares of Class B Common Stock of News Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 000-51022) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2004.) | |
4.3 | Indenture, dated as of February 28, 2001, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Liquid Yield Option Notes due February 28, 2021. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement of The News Corporation Limited on Form F-3 (Registration No. 333-13556) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 25, 2001.) | |
4.4 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 27, 2003, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Liquid Yield Option Notes due February 28, 2021. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.) | |
4.5 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2004, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Liquid Yield Option Notes due February 28, 2021. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) | |
4.6 | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Liquid Yield Option Notes due February 28, 2021.* | |
4.7 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Liquid Yield Option Notes due February 28, 2021.* |
165
Number | Description | |
4.8 | Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2007*, by and among News America Incorporated, the guarantor named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Liquid Yield Option Notes due February 28, 2021.* | |
4.9 | Indenture, dated as of January 28, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Report of The News Corporation Limited on Form 6-K (File No. 1-9141) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated January 28, 1993.) | |
4.10 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Report of The News Corporation Limited on Form 6-K (File No.1-9141) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 26, 1993.) | |
4.11 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 8, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Report of The News Corporation Limited on Form 6-K (File No.1-9141) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 26, 1993.) | |
4.12 | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-63604) and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of News America Holdings Incorporated (Registration No. 33-59688) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1993.) | |
4.13 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 28, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-63604) and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of News America Holdings Incorporated (Registration No. 33-59688) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1993.) | |
4.14 | Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated July 21, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-74574) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 1994.) |
166
Number | Description | |
4.15 | Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 25, 1994, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-74574) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 1994.) | |
4.16 | Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 4, 1994, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-79334) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 1994.) | |
4.17 | Form of Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 12, 1994, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-79334) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 1994.) | |
4.18 | Form of Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1995, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-94868) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 1995.) | |
4.19 | Form of Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 2, 2000, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001.) | |
4.20 | Form of Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2001, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001.) |
167
Number | Description | |
4.21 | Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 27, 2003, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.) | |
4.22 | Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2004, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) | |
4.23 | Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 23, 2006.) | |
4.24 | Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 23, 2006.) | |
4.25 | Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2007, by and among News America Incorporated, the guarantor named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities.* | |
4.26 | Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-59688) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 1993.) | |
4.27 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement of The News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-63604) and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-59688) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1993.) |
168
Number | Description | |
4.28 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 28, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-63604) and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-59688) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1993.) | |
4.29 | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 21, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-98238) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 1995.) | |
4.30 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 20, 1995, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated (currently News America Incorporated) on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-98238) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 1995.) | |
4.31 | Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 8, 1998, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registration Statement of News America Incorporated on Form F-4 (Registration No. 333-8744) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 1998.) | |
4.32 | Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 1, 1999, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001.) | |
4.33 | Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2001, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2001.) | |
4.34 | Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 27, 2003, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.) | |
4.35 | Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2004, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) |
169
Number | Description | |
4.36 | Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2006.) | |
4.37 | Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2006.) | |
4.38 | Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2007, by and among News America Incorporated, the guarantor named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Registration Statement of News Corporation on Form S-4 (File No. 333-143335) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2007.) | |
4.39 | Indenture, dated as of November 12, 1996, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to the Registration Statement of The News Corporation Limited on Form F-3 (Registration No. 333-6896) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 1997.) | |
4.40 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 2, 2000, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.39 to the Annual Report of The News Corporation Limited on Form 20-F (File No. 1-9141) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.) | |
4.41 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2001, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.40 to the Annual Report of The News Corporation Limited on Form 20-F (File No. 1-9141) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.) | |
4.42 | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 27, 2003, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 to the Annual Report of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form 10-K (File No. 1-14595) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.) | |
4.43 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2004, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) |
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4.44 | Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due 2016.* | |
4.45 | Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2007, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures due 2016.* | |
4.46 | Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2003, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Beneficial Unsecured exChangeable Securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-3/S-3 of News America Incorporated (Registration No. 333-106837) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 2003.) | |
4.47 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 27, 2003, by and among News America Incorporated, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Beneficial Unsecured exChangeable Securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-3/S-3 of News America Incorporated (Registration No. 333-106837) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 2003.) | |
4.48 | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2004, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, The News Corporation Limited, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Beneficial Unsecured exChangeable Securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) | |
4.49 | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Beneficial Unsecured exChangeable Securities.* | |
4.50 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, News Corporation, the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the Beneficial Unsecured exChangeable Securities.* | |
4.51 | Rights Agreement, by and between News Corporation, Inc. and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent, dated as of November 8, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Report on Form 6-K (File No. 1-09141) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2004.) | |
4.52 | Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, by and between News Corporation and Computershare Investor Services, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) | |
4.53 | Amendment No. 2 to Rights Agreement, by and between News Corporation and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent, dated August 16, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2005.) | |
4.54 | Amendment and Restated Rights Agreement, by and between News Corporation and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent, dated August 4, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2006.) |
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Number | Description | |
4.55 | Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2007, by and between News Corporation and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2007.) | |
4.56 | Form of Notes representing $1.0 billion principal amount of 6.20% Senior Notes due 2034 and $750 million principal amount of 5.30% Senior Notes due 2014 and Officers Certificate of News Corporation relating thereto, dated December 3, 2004, pursuant to Section 301 of the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, by and among News America Incorporated (formerly News America Holdings Incorporated), the News Corporation Limited (n/k/a News Holdings Limited), the other Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2004.) | |
4.57 | Form of Notes representing $1.15 billion principal amount of 6.40% Senior Notes due 2035 and Officers Certificate of News Corporation relating thereto, dated December 23, 2005, pursuant to Section 301 of the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented among the Company and the subsidiary guarantors named therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2006.) | |
4.58 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 23, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, the Guarantors listed therein and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2006.) | |
4.59 | Form of Notes representing $1 billion principal amount of 6.150% Senior Notes due 2037 and Officers Certificate of News Corporation relating thereto, dated March 2, 2007, pursuant to Section 301 of the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented, among News America, News Corporation, as guarantor, and the other subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2007.) | |
4.60 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 2, 2007, by and among News America Incorporated and the Guarantors listed therein and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as Initial Purchaser. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2007.) | |
10.1 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2004, by and between News America Incorporated and Peter Chernin. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) ± | |
10.2 | Form of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between News America Incorporated and Peter Chernin. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2005.) ± | |
10.3 | Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between News America Incorporated and Peter Chernin. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2005.) ± |
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Number | Description | |
10.4 | Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between News America Incorporated and Peter Chernin. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2006.) ± | |
10.5 | News Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) ± | |
10.6 | News Corporation 2004 Replacement Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) ± | |
10.7 | Master Assignment, Assumption and Indemnity Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2004, by and between The News Corporation Limited, Carlholt Pty. Ltd. and News Corporation, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2004.) | |
10.8 | Non-Executive Director Compensation Summary Sheet.±* | |
10.9 | Employment Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2004, by and between News America Incorporated and David F. DeVoe. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2005.) ± | |
10.10 | Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between News America Incorporated (successor to News America Publishing Incorporated and formerly known as News America Holding Incorporated) and Arthur M. Siskind. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2005.) ± | |
10.11 | News Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2005.) ± | |
10.12 | Amendment No. 1 to the News Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.±* | |
10.13 | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between News America Incorporated and Lawrence A. Jacobs. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005.) ± | |
10.14 | Letter Agreement between the Company and K. Rupert Murdoch dated July 28, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2005.) ± | |
10.15 | Letter Agreement between the Company and David F. DeVoe dated July 28, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2005.) ± | |
10.16 | Letter Agreement between the Company and Lachlan K. Murdoch regarding separation arrangements, dated July 28, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2005.) ± | |
10.17 | Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement for Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2005.) ± |
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Number | Description | |
10.18 | Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Stock-Settled Restricted Stock Units. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2005.) ± | |
10.19 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 21, 2007, between News America Incorporated and Roger Ailes. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2007.) ± | |
10.20 | Stipulation of Settlement, dated April 12, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2006.) | |
10.21 | Letter Agreement between News Corporation and Chase Carey, dated February 27, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2007.) ± | |
10.22 | Credit Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2007, among News America Incorporated, News Corporation and the initial lenders named therein, Citibank, N.A. as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2007.) | |
10.23 | Form of Performance Award Agreement Settled in Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units. ±* | |
10.24 | Form of Performance Award Agreement Settled in Stock-Settled Restricted Stock Units. ±* | |
12.1 | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.* | |
21 | List of Subsidiaries.* | |
23.1 | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP regarding News Corporation.* | |
31.1 | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.* | |
31.2 | Chief Financial Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.* | |
32.1 | Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.* |
* | Filed herewith. |
174