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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995
Commission file number 1-5128
Meredith Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Iowa 42-0410230
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3023
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 515 - 284-3000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1 New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
Title of class - Class B Stock, par value $1
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 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 registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. [ ]
The registrant estimates the aggregate market value of voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant at July 31, 1995, was $524,214,000 based upon
the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange at that date.
Number of common shares outstanding at July 31, 1995: 20,582,556
Number of class B shares outstanding at July 31, 1995: 6,897,141
----------
Total common and class B shares outstanding 27,479,697
==========
- 1 -
DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Description of document Part of the Form 10-K
------------------------------------ --------------------------------
Certain portions of the Registrant's
Proxy Statement for the Annual Part III to the extent described
Meeting of Stockholders to be therein.
held on November 13, 1995
- 2 -
PART I
Item 1. Business
General
-------
Meredith Corporation (the "Company") was founded in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1902
by Edwin Thomas Meredith as an Iowa corporation. Since its start with
Successful Farming magazine, the Company has expanded its operations, primarily
in magazine publishing and television broadcasting, through internal growth and
acquisitions.
Today, Meredith Corporation has four operating segments: Publishing, Broadcast-
ing, Real Estate and Cable. The Publishing segment includes magazine and book
publishing and brand licensing operations.
The Company's largest source of revenues is magazine and television
advertising, which tends to be seasonal in nature. Second and fourth quarter
advertising volumes are traditionally higher than the first and third quarters.
Certain other revenues are also somewhat seasonal, such as real estate
franchise fees which are generally highest during the spring and summer months.
Trademarks (e.g. Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal) are highly
important to the Company's Publishing segment. Better Homes and Gardens and
its familiar "house and trees" logo is important to the Real Estate and Cable
segments. Local recognition of television station call letters is important in
maintaining audience shares in the Broadcast segment. Name recognition and the
public image of these trademarks are vital to both ongoing operations and the
introduction of new businesses. Accordingly, the Company aggressively defends
it trademarks.
The Company did not have any material expenses for research and development
during any of the past three fiscal years.
There is no material effect on capital expenditures, earnings and the
competitive position of the Company regarding compliance with federal, state
and local provisions relating to the discharge of materials into the
environment and to the protection of the environment.
As of June 30, 1995, the Company employed 2,400 persons (including 257 in cable
operations).
- 3 -
Business Developments
---------------------
KPHO-TV in Phoenix and WNEM-TV in Flint/Saginaw/Bay City joined the CBS network
as affiliates in September 1994 and January 1995, respectively.
In January 1995, the Company acquired the assets of WSMV-TV, an NBC network
affiliate in Nashville, Tenn., for $159 million.
In March 1995, Meredith/New Heritage Strategic Partners, L.P., in which the
Company has a 70 percent indirect ownership interest, sold the assets of a
24,000-subscriber cable television system in Bismarck/Mandan, N. D.
home garden magazine was launched in the third fiscal quarter with a
circulation of 400,000. This bimonthly title is the Company's first
subscription magazine devoted to the gardening enthusiast.
The Company reached an agreement in July 1995 to acquire the assets of WOGX-TV,
a FOX affiliate in Ocala, Fla. Management believes the ownership of both WOFL-
TV (the FOX affiliate in Orlando currently owned by the Company) and WOGX will
strengthen the Company's position as FOX's leading affiliate serving central
Florida television viewers. The acquisition is expected to be completed in
calendar 1995, pending regulatory approval.
In July 1995, the Company announced an alliance with The Reader's Digest
Association, Inc. granting Reader's Digest the rights to sell Meredith-
trademarked products through its direct marketing channels. The agreement
covers products (primarily books) created by either Meredith or Reader's Digest
and includes access to Meredith's approximately 60 million-name consumer
database. Management believes the Company's retail and book club operations
will not be materially affected by the agreement.
Overview
--------
Fiscal 1995 revenues for the Company were $884,550,000, an increase of 11
percent over fiscal 1994 revenues of $799,526,000. This increase was primarily
due to higher advertising revenues in both the Magazine and Broadcasting
operations. Higher advertising revenues in the Broadcasting segment were
boosted by the inclusion of six months of operations of WSMV-TV in Nashville,
acquired by the Company in January 1995.
Company operating profit in fiscal 1995 increased to $75,708,000 from
$49,637,000 in fiscal 1994, an increase of over 50 percent. Increased
operating profits in the Broadcasting and Magazine operations, fueled by the
revenue gains, were primarily responsible.
- 4 -
The Company experienced a net loss in fiscal 1995 of $6,315,000 due to the
recognition of a non-cash charge for the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle. (See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements
beginning on page F-28 of this Form 10-K.) In 1994, net earnings of the
Company were $27,154,000.
See Financial Information about Industry Segments beginning on page F-4 of this
Form 10-K.
Description of Business
-----------------------
PUBLISHING
----------
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Publishing revenues $683,331 $622,953 $599,084
Publishing operating profit $ 48,636 $ 45,678 $ 35,802
Publishing revenues increased substantially in fiscal 1995 primarily due to
higher magazine advertising revenues. Operating profit increased six percent
due to strong operating results in magazine publishing, partially offset by an
increased operating loss in book publishing.
Magazine
--------
Meredith Corporation currently publishes 18 subscription magazines that appeal
primarily to consumers in the home and family market. Key advertising and
circulation information for major subscription titles is as follows:
Title Frequency Rate Base Ad Pages
----- --------- --------- --------
Better Homes and Gardens - Home service
Fiscal 1995 Monthly 7,600,000 1,592
Fiscal 1994 Monthly 7,600,000 1,412
Ladies' Home Journal - Women's service
Fiscal 1995 Monthly 5,000,000 1,482
Fiscal 1994 Monthly 5,000,000 1,392
- 5 -
Title Frequency Rate Base Ad Pages
----- --------- --------- --------
Country Home - Home decorating
Fiscal 1995 Bi-monthly 1,000,000 531
Fiscal 1994 Bi-monthly 1,000,000 497
Country America - Country music & lifestyle
Fiscal 1995 10x/year 1,000,000 599
Fiscal 1994 10x/year 1,000,000 640
Midwest Living - Regional travel & lifestyle
Fiscal 1995 Bi-monthly 815,000 561
Fiscal 1994 Bi-monthly 800,000 545
Traditional Home - Home decorating
Fiscal 1995 Bi-monthly 725,000 474
Fiscal 1994 Bi-monthly 700,000 397
WOOD - Woodworking projects & techniques
Fiscal 1995 9x/year 650,000 328
Fiscal 1994 9x/year 650,000 260
Successful Farming - Farm information
Fiscal 1995 12x/year 485,000 641
Fiscal 1994 12x/year 485,000 600
home garden - Garden information/lifestyle
Fiscal 1995 Bi-monthly 400,000 95
Fiscal 1994 N/A N/A N/A
Golf for Women - Golf instruction & information
Fiscal 1995 Bi-monthly 325,000 322
Fiscal 1994 Bi-monthly 300,000 276
Crayola Kids - Kids' reading, crafts & games
Fiscal 1995 Bi-monthly 300,000 96
Fiscal 1994 Bi-monthly 250,000 9
Rate base is the circulation guaranteed to advertisers.
Ad pages are as reported to Publisher's Information Bureau, Agricom, or if
unreported, as calculated by the publisher using a similar methodology.
Country America, published by Country America Corporation, is jointly owned by
Meredith Corporation (which owns 80 percent), TNN:The Nashville Network and
Group W Satellite Communications.
- 6 -
Crayola Kids is published by Meredith Publishing Services under a license from
Binney & Smith Properties, Inc., makers of Crayola crayons. It debuted in
March 1994 and two issues were included in fiscal 1994 results.
April 1995 was the first issue of home garden magazine. Three issues were
included in fiscal 1995 results.
Other subscription magazines published by the Company include Cross Stitch &
Country Crafts, Weekend Woodworking Projects, Super Scrollsaw Patterns and four
Better Homes and Gardens titles: Decorative Woodcrafts, Floral & Nature
Crafts, American Patchwork & Quilting and Craft & Wear. All subscription
titles, except Successful Farming and Super Scrollsaw Patterns, are also sold
on newsstands. Successful Farming is available only by subscription to
qualified farm families.
In addition, one of the largest contributors to revenues and operating profit
of magazine publishing is a newsstand-only group of magazines, the Better Homes
and Gardens Special Interest Publications. These titles are issued from one to
four times annually. Nearly 40 different titles were published in fiscal 1995
in categories including decorating, do-it-yourself, home plans, gardening,
holidays and food. Total annual advertising and circulation revenues of these
publications exceed those of other Company-owned titles, except Better Homes
and Gardens and Ladies' Home Journal.
Ladies' Home Journal published one edition of Parent's Digest and several one-
time specialty issues in fiscal 1995, each sold primarily on newsstands.
Country Home Country Gardens, published four times in fiscal 1995, is also sold
primarily on newsstands.
Meredith Publishing Services ("MPS") provides custom publishing services to
advertisers and external clients on both one-time and periodic bases. Current
clients for ongoing periodicals include Sears, Roebuck & Company, Northwest
Airlines and Andersen Windows. MPS operates California Tourism Publications, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Meredith Corporation, and recently signed an
agreement to produce travel publications for the California Board of Tourism.
MPS also will publish a quarterly magazine for Home Depot and a series of
brochures for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The creation and sale of
premiums, typically for one-time promotional purposes, are also a significant
source of revenues for MPS.
American Park Network, a wholly owned subsidiary, is the publisher of the
country's largest collection of visitor guide magazines for national, state and
wildlife parks. American Park Network published 18 editions of visitor guide
- 7 -
magazines in fiscal 1995. These guides are distributed each spring and
primarily furnished free to park visitors. Midwest Living magazine co-
published two single-state special issues in fiscal 1995 which were distributed
free to selected subscribers and others.
Magazine operations also realize revenues from the sale of ancillary products.
The Company also has a 50 percent interest in a monthly Australian edition of
Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
Magazine Advertising
--------------------
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Magazine advertising revenues $276,312 $236,814 $234,359
Advertising revenues are generated primarily from sales to clients engaged in
consumer advertising. Many of the Company's larger magazines offer advertisers
different regional and demographic editions which contain the same basic
editorial material but permit advertisers to concentrate their advertising in
specific markets or to target specific audiences. Selective binding technology
is also available to further target advertising audiences in some magazines.
Meredith Custom Marketing specializes in advertising sales across titles and in
more comprehensive integrated marketing programs which may involve resources
from other operating segments.
Magazine Circulation
--------------------
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Magazine circulation
revenues $269,029 $257,453 $245,693
Subscription revenues, the largest source of circulation revenues, are
generated through direct-mail solicitation, agencies, insert cards and other
means. Newsstand sales are also important circulation revenue sources for most
magazines. Newsstand sales include single copy sales at grocery stores, drug
stores and other retail outlets. Magazine wholesalers have the right to
receive credit for magazines returned to them by retailers.
- 8 -
Book
----
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Consumer book revenues $ 86,568 $ 86,040 $ 81,390
The Company publishes and markets a line of approximately 250 consumer home and
family service books. These books are published primarily under the Better
Homes and Gardens trademark. The books were sold through retail centers,
direct mail, book clubs and other means. Approximately 70 new or revised
titles were published during fiscal 1995. The Company also markets other
publishers' books and related non-book products through its book club
operations, including Better Homes and Gardens Crafts Club, Better Homes and
Gardens Cook Book Club, and Country Homes and Gardens Book Club.
Books offered through retail centers, direct mail and book clubs are primarily
sold on a fully returnable basis.
Other Publishing
----------------
The Company has licensed Multicom Publishing, Inc., in which it has a minority
ownership interest, to develop and publish CD-ROM titles based on Meredith's
home and family editorial products. The Company earns royalties on the sales
of these titles. In addition, the Company is currently developing products for
other emerging technologies such as online computer networks.
The Company has licensed Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to operate Better Homes and
Gardens Garden Centers in more than 2,100 stores nationwide. Royalties are
paid to the Company for sales of licensed products offered exclusively in the
Wal-Mart/ Better Homes and Gardens Garden Centers. The Company has entered
into an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to license Floral & Nature Crafts
in Wal-Mart stores beginning early in the 1996 calendar year.
Production and Delivery
-----------------------
The major raw materials essential to this segment are coated and uncoated
publication paper and book-grade papers. Following several years of soft
markets, the paper market began to tighten late in fiscal 1994 from increased
demand resulting from a stronger economy. Tight market conditions continued
during fiscal 1995, resulting in total paper price increases experienced by the
Company of nearly 30 percent in the current fiscal year. While the Company has
contractual agreements with major paper manufacturers to ensure adequate
supplies of paper for current publishing requirements, further price increases
are expected in fiscal 1996. In an effort to minimize the impact of price
increases, changes in rate base levels, trim size and paper type and weight are
being considered.
- 9 -
The Company has printing contracts for all of it's magazine titles. It's two
largest titles, Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies' Home Journal, are printed
under long-term contracts with a major United States printer. All of the
Company's published books are manufactured by outside printers with the Company
usually supplying the paper. Book manufacturing contracts are generally on a
title-by-title basis.
Postage is also a significant expense to this segment due to the large volume
of promotion, magazine subscription and book mailings. A postal rate increase
in January 1995 resulted in an annual increase of approximately 13 percent.
The Publishing operations continually seek the most economical and effective
methods for mail delivery. Accordingly, certain cost-saving measures, such as
pre-sorting and drop-shipping to central postal centers, are utilized. Most
book shipment and some magazine subscription invoices include a separate charge
for postage and handling. The rates charged are adjusted periodically to
partially offset increased postage and handling costs.
Most fulfillment services for the Company's publishing segment are provided by
an unrelated third party under negotiated contract terms. Effective June 1995,
national newsstand distribution services were reassigned to a new provider
under a multi-year agreement.
Competition
-----------
Publishing is a highly competitive business. The Company's magazines, books,
and related publishing products and services compete with other mass media and
many other types of leisure-time activities. Overall competitive factors in
this segment include price, editorial quality and customer service.
Competition for advertising dollars in the Magazine Group is primarily based on
advertising rates, reader response to advertisers' products and services and
effectiveness of sales teams. Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies' Home
Journal compete for readers and advertising dollars primarily in the women's
service magazine category. Both are members of a group known as the "Seven
Sisters," which also includes Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, McCall's,
Redbook and Woman's Day magazines, all published by other companies.
BROADCASTING
------------
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Broadcasting total revenues $125,650 $103,150 $105,167
Broadcasting advertising
revenues $120,420 $ 98,663 $100,116
Broadcasting operating profit $ 41,883 $ 19,189 $ 16,541
- 10 -
Net revenues increased 22 percent and operating profits 118 percent in fiscal
1995. The acquisition of WSMV (a NBC network affiliate in Nashville) in
January 1995, increased advertising revenues at all Company-owned stations and
a prior-year write-down of film assets (related to the CBS affiliation in
Phoenix) were the primary reasons for the improvements.
The following table lists selected information regarding the Company's
television stations:
Station, Channel #, DMA
Market, Network National Expiration # of
Affiliation, TV Homes Market Date of TV Stations
Frequency in DMA Rank FCC License in Market
------------------- ---------- -------- ----------- -------------
KPHO-TV, Ch. 5 1,170,000 17 10- 1-1998 8 VHF
Phoenix, Ariz. 4 UHF
(CBS) VHF
WOFL-TV, Ch. 35 998,000 22 2- 1-1997 3 VHF
Orlando, Fla. 8 UHF
(FOX) UHF
KCTV, Ch. 5 780,000 32 2- 1-1998 3 VHF
Kansas City, Mo. 4 UHF
(CBS) VHF
WSMV-TV, Ch. 4 766,000 33 8- 1-1997 3 VHF
Nashville, Tenn. 6 UHF
(NBC) VHF
WNEM-TV, Ch. 5 450,000 60 10- 1-1997 2 VHF
Flint/Saginaw, Mich. 3 UHF
(CBS) VHF
KVVU-TV, Ch. 5 400,000 66 10- 1-1998 4 VHF
Las Vegas, Nev. 3 UHF
(FOX) VHF
VHF (very high frequency) stations transmit on channels 2 through 13; UHF
(ultra high frequency) stations transmit on channels above 13. Technical
factors and area topography determine the market served by a television
station.
- 11 -
Designated Market Area ("DMA"), as defined by A. C. Nielsen Company
("Nielsen"), is an exclusive geographic area consisting of all counties in
which local stations receive a preponderance of total viewing hours. The
market rank is the Nielsen 1995-96 DMA rank based on estimated television
households as reported by Nielsen Media Research.
The number of television broadcasting stations reported is from Investing in
Television, '95 Market Report dated May 1995. Public television stations are
not included.
KPHO became a CBS affiliate in September 1994. It was previously an
independent station. WNEM became a CBS affiliate in January 1995. Previously,
it was an NBC affiliate.
Operations
----------
Advertising is the principal source of revenues for the Broadcasting segment.
The stations sell commercial time to both local and national advertisers.
Rates for national and local spot advertising are influenced by the market size
and demographics, demand for advertising time and the ability of the station to
attract audiences, as reflected in rating surveys. Most national advertising
is sold through national advertising representative firms. Local advertising
revenues are generated by sales staff at each station's location.
All of the Company's television broadcasting stations are network affiliates
and as such receive programming and/or cash compensation from the national
networks. In exchange, much of the advertising time during this programming
is sold by the networks. Affiliation with a national network is an important
influence on a station's revenues. The audience share drawn by a network's
programming affects the rates at which advertising time is sold.
Competition
-----------
Meredith television stations compete directly for advertising dollars and
programming in each of their markets with other television stations and cable
television providers. Other mass media providers such as newspapers and radio
stations also provide competition for market advertising dollars and for
entertainment and news information. The entry of telephone companies in
providing video programming in local markets has been facilitated by judicial
and Congressional actions in the past year. Changes in legislation enabling
television broadcast stations to more effectively compete in local markets is
important, especially in light of the entry of possible strong, new
competitors.
- 12 -
Regulation
----------
Television broadcasting operations are subject to regulation by the Federal
Communications Commission ("FCC") under the Communications Act of 1934, as
amended ("Communications Act"). Under the Communications Act, the FCC performs
many regulatory functions including granting of station licenses and
determining regulations and policies which affect the ownership, operation,
programming and employment practices of broadcast stations. The FCC must
approve all television licenses and therefore compliance with FCC regulations
is essential to the operation of this segment. Licenses are granted for
maximum periods of five years and are renewable upon proper application for
additional terms of up to five years. The Company is not aware of any reason
why its television station licenses would not be renewed.
Currently, Congress is considering various amendments to the Communications
Act. Possible revisions include changes in ownership limits (raising the U.S.
television household coverage cap, eliminating the limit on the number of
television stations under common ownership and allowing ownership of cable
system-television station and/or two television stations in the same market),
extending the length of FCC license terms for television stations and awarding
second channels to local broadcasting stations for digital services. (The
information given in this section is not intended to be a complete listing of
all regulatory provisions currently in effect or proposed.)
Congressional legislation and FCC rules are subject to change and these groups
may adopt regulations that could affect future operations and profitability of
the Company's Broadcasting segment. The Company cannot predict what changes to
current legislation will be adopted or determine, in advance, what impact any
changes could have on its television broadcasting operations.
REAL ESTATE
-----------
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Real Estate revenues $ 24,429 $ 21,813 $ 21,034
Real Estate operating profit $ 2,298 $ 1,914 $ 1,220
Increased revenues and operating profit in the Company's Real Estate segment
resulted primarily from increased franchise fees received from member firms.
- 13 -
Operations
----------
The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service is a national residential real
estate marketing service which licenses the rights to exclusive territories to
selected real estate firms. Members and affiliates (real estate companies
affiliated with larger member firms) totaled 728 in the United States and 16 in
Canada on June 30, 1995. The primary revenue sources of the Real Estate
segment are franchise fees (based on a percentage of each member's gross
commission income on residential housing sales) and the sale of marketing
programs and materials to member firms.
Competition
-----------
The real estate business is highly competitive and customer service remains
vital to the success of this segment. The Real Estate Service competes for
members with other national real estate franchise networks primarily on the
bases of benefits provided to the member and fees for membership.
CABLE
-----
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Cable revenues $ 51,189 $ 51,653 $ 43,614
Cable operating profit* $ 3,006 $ 3,761 $ 5,044
*before interest expense and minority interests
Decreased revenues and operating profits in the Company's cable segment reflect
the sale of the North Dakota system in March 1995.
The Company has a 70 percent indirect ownership interest in Meredith/New
Heritage Strategic Partners, L.P. ("Strategic Partners") through its wholly
owned subsidiary, Meredith Cable, Inc. (Continental Cablevision of Minnesota,
Inc., a subsidiary of Continental Cablevision Inc., owns approximately 27
percent and New Heritage Associates the remaining 3 percent of Strategic
Partners.) Strategic Partners owns and operates a cable television system
with approximately 120,000 subscribers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
(Previously, Strategic Partners also owned a smaller system with 24,000
subscribers in Bismarck, North Dakota, which was sold in March 1995.) The
principal source of revenues for the cable operations is monthly fees charged
to subscribers for basic, tier and pay cable services. Revenues also are
received for advertising, pay-per-view and other subscriber services.
- 14 -
Nonexclusive franchises granted by local authorities are essential to the
operation of this segment. Franchise fees (generally five percent of operating
revenues) are paid to local authorities. The franchise agreements typically
specify the type of cable system that must be constructed and cover such
matters as total channel capacity and access. Franchise agreements for
Strategic Partners' systems extend from 1997 through 2006. Cable management
believes that its Minnesota system is in compliance with the terms of the
franchise agreements in each of the municipalities in which it offers cable
television services.
Competition
-----------
The cable television systems compete with other media in their respective
markets for viewers and advertising dollars on bases of price, programming
quality and customer service. Changing technology may be expected to produce
and/or encourage additional competing systems for the delivery of entertainment
and information programming, including satellite dishes, direct broadcast
satellite and wireless cable systems. With the current Congressional review of
telecommunications legislation and recent judicial rulings, significant
competition from telephone companies in providing local cable television
services has and continues to be facilitated.
Regulation
----------
Operations of cable television systems are subject to federal regulation. The
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 ("1984 Act") established certain
uniform national regulatory guidelines and gave the federal government
exclusive jurisdiction over cable television. The 1984 Act, among other
provisions, also established procedures and standards governing the franchising
of cable systems.
The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 ("1992
Act") amended the 1984 Act primarily to provide increased consumer protection
and to promote increased competition in the cable television market. Effective
September 1, 1993, the FCC required cable systems operating above a benchmark
average to reduce rates from their September 30, 1992 level by approximately 10
percent. On May 15, 1994, additional rate regulations were enacted. Under
these rules, regulated cable systems were required to reduce rates by an
additional 7 percent from their September 1992 levels, but not below the
applicable benchmark. These rate regulations have had a negative impact on the
revenues and operating results of the cable segment.
- 15 -
In March 1995, the FCC announced that it would not enforce cross-ownership
restrictions against certain telephone companies in light of several court
decisions. The FCC has recommended to Congress that legislation be enacted to
allow telephone companies to own and operate cable television systems. These
events and others have led Congress to consider major amendments to
telecommunications legislation (Communications Act of 1934) which could have a
significant effect on the cable television industry. This legislation could
lead to de-reregulation of the cable industry by substantially reducing or
eliminating the rate restrictions imposed by the 1992 Act. In addition,
proposed legislation would open competition in local markets by permitting
telephone companies to own cable television systems in their telephone service
areas and by preempting barriers to cable operators offering telephone service.
(The information given regarding regulatory provisions currently in effect or
proposed is not intended to be a complete summary of such provisions.)
Congressional legislation and FCC rules are subject to change and these groups
may adopt regulations that could affect future operations and profitability of
the Company's Cable segment. The Company cannot predict what changes to
current legislation will be adopted or determine, in advance, what impact any
changes could have on the Company's continued investment and future operations
of the Company's Cable segment.
The Company continues to consider its options in relation to its investment in
cable television systems. Strategic Partners' cable television system in the
Minneapolis/St. Paul area has been listed for sale; however, a formal plan of
disposal has not yet been adopted.
Pursuant to General Instruction G(3), information regarding executive officers
required by Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K is included in Part I of this report.
Executive Officers of the Registrant (as of September 1, 1995)
Executive
Officer
Name Age Title Since
------------------- --- --------------------------------------- ---------
E. T. Meredith III 62 Chairman of the Executive Committee of
the Board 1968
Jack D. Rehm 62 Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer 1980
William T. Kerr 54 President and Chief Operating Officer 1991
Christopher M. Little 54 President - Publishing Group 1994
Philip A. Jones 51 President - Broadcasting Group 1989
Allen L. Sabbag 51 President - Real Estate Group 1983
Larry D. Hartsook 52 Vice President - Finance 1991
- 16 -
Executive officers are elected to one-year terms of office each November. All
present executive officers except Mr. Kerr and Mr. Little have been employed by
the Company for at least five years. Mr. Kerr served as President - Magazine
Group and Executive Vice President of the Company from September 1991 to June
1994. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kerr served as a vice president at The
New York Times Company and president of its magazine group from 1984 to 1991.
Mr. Little served as a vice president and publishing director of the Magazine
Group from October 1992 to June 1994. Prior to joining Meredith, Mr. Little
had been president of Cowles Magazines, Inc. since 1989. Mr. Meredith, Mr.
Rehm and Mr. Kerr are directors of the Company.
Item 2. Properties
The following is a summary description of significant physical properties owned
and leased by the Company and its subsidiaries. The description sets forth the
location, approximate size of any building area, acreage of any land owned,
expiration date of any lease, and principal activity carried on at the
location. All facilities are in good condition and provide suitable and
adequate space for the operations currently at each location. However, the
Company has entered into a lease agreement to consolidate its three New York
City offices into one location and also will begin construction of an office
building adjacent to its Des Moines headquarters in fiscal 1996. Both moves
are expected to increase operational efficiency.
Owned
-----
Area
Location (Square Feet) Acreage Principal Activity
-------------------------- ------------- ------- --------------------------
Des Moines, Iowa 354,500 9.0 Publishing and corporate
Des Moines, Iowa 15,000 0.4 Real estate
Des Moines, Iowa 90,000 0.5 Real estate and publishing
Phoenix, Arizona 43,000 4.0 Broadcasting
Fairway, Kansas 58,000 3.2 Broadcasting
Saginaw, Michigan 60,700 0.5 Broadcasting
Orlando, Florida 38,000 5.0 Broadcasting
Henderson-Las Vegas, Nevada 31,700 3.5 Broadcasting
Nashville, Tennessee 55,000 11.2 Broadcasting
- 17 -
Leased
------
Area
Location (Square Feet) Expires Principal Activity
----------------------- ------------- -------- ------------------------
Des Moines, Iowa 47,400 6-30-96 Publishing
New York City, New York 59,600 12-31-95 Publishing and corporate
New York City, New York 40,400 3-15-96 Publishing
New York City, New York 17,000 12-31-95 Publishing
New York City, New York 105,100 12-31-11 Publishing and corporate
Chicago, Illinois 12,500 7-31-00 Publishing
Roseville, Minnesota 41,000 8-31-98 Cable
The Company or its subsidiaries lease sales office space in approximately 30
cities throughout the United States.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are various legal proceedings pending against the Company arising from
the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, any liability
which could arise from any such proceedings would not have a material adverse
affect on the consolidated results of operations or financial position of the
Company.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters have been submitted to a vote of stockholders since the last annual
meeting held on November 14, 1994.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The principal market for trading the Company's common stock is the New York
Stock Exchange (trading symbol MDP). There is no separate public trading
market for the Company's class B stock, which is convertible share-for-share at
any time into common stock.
- 18 -
The range of trading prices for the Company's common stock and the dividends
paid during the past two fiscal years are presented below. All information has
been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split in March 1995.
High Low Dividends
------- ------- ---------
Fiscal 1995
Fourth Quarter $27 $24 1/8 $ .10
Third Quarter 27 22 5/8 .10
Second Quarter 24 9/16 22 3/16 .09
First Quarter 24 9/16 21 1/4 .09
Fiscal 1994
Fourth Quarter $22 1/8 $20 13/16 $ .09
Third Quarter 22 13/16 19 3/8 .09
Second Quarter 21 3/4 18 1/16 .08
First Quarter 18 3/8 16 3/4 .08
Stock of the Company became publicly traded in 1946, and quarterly dividends
have been paid continuously since 1947. It is anticipated that comparable
dividends will continue to be paid in the future.
On August 31, 1995, there were approximately 2,000 holders of record of the
Company's common stock and 1,500 holders of record of class B stock.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The information required by this Item is set forth on pages F-2 and F-3 of this
Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
The information required by this Item is set forth on pages F-6 through F-17 of
this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
- 19 -
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required by this Item is set forth on pages F-18 through F-48
of this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 13,
1995, under the captions "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Reporting
Delinquencies" and in Part I of this Form 10-K on pages 16 and 17 under the
caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 13,
1995, under the captions "Compensation of Executive Officers" and "Retirement
Programs and Employment Agreements" and in the last paragraph under the caption
"Board Committees" and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 13,
1995, under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management" and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
There are no reportable relationships or transactions.
- 20 -
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
The following consolidated financial statements listed under (a) 1. and finan-
cial statement schedules listed under (a) 2. of the Company and its subsid-
iaries are filed as part of this report as set forth on the Index at page F-1.
(a) 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended
June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Independent Auditors' Report
(a) 2. Financial Statement Schedules as of or for each of the three
years ended June 30, 1995:
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other Schedules have been omitted for the reason that the items
required by such schedules are not present in the consolidated
financial statements, are covered in the consolidated financial
statements or notes thereto, or are not significant in amount.
(a) 3. Exhibits. Certain of the exhibits to this Form 10-K are incorporated
herein by reference, as specified: - (See index to attached exhibits
on page E-1 of this Form 10-K.)
3.1 The Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation
3.2 The Restated Bylaws, effective July 1, 1995
4.1 Term Loan Agreement among Meredith Corporation, The Northern
Trust Company, as agent, and a group of banks dated as of
December 19, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A-1 dated
January 5, 1995.
- 21 -
4.2 Loan Agreement among Meredith/New Heritage Strategic Partners
L.P., The Toronto Dominion Bank, as agent, and a group of
banks, as amended, is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended December 31, 1994 (the "Company's Form 10-Q
dated December 31, 1994").
10.1 Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement between the Company
and Jack D. Rehm effective August 10, 1994, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10a to the Company's Form 10-Q
dated December 31, 1994.
10.2 Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and Jack D. Rehm
effective September 1, 1994, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10b to the Company's Form 10-Q dated
December 31, 1994.
10.3 Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement between the Company
and William T. Kerr effective August 10, 1994, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10c to the Company's Form 10-Q
dated December 31, 1994.
10.4 Statement re: Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreements
between the Company and its executive officers is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10d to the Company's Form 10-Q
dated December 31, 1994.
10.5 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Cook Inlet Television
Partners, L.P. and Cook Inlet Television License Partners, L.P.
and Meredith Corporation, dated as of August 19, 1994, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 1994.
10.6 Meredith Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of
November 8, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending December 31, 1993.
10.7 Meredith Corporation 1993 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to
the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on
November 8, 1993.
- 22 -
10.8 1992 Meredith Corporation Stock Incentive Plan Agreement
between the Company and Jack D. Rehm effective August 12, 1992,
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10a(1) to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1992 (the "Company's Form 10-Q dated September
30, 1992").
10.9 1992 Meredith Corporation Stock Incentive Plan Agreement
between the Company and Jack D. Rehm effective August 12, 1992,
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10a(2) to the
Company's Form 10-Q dated September 30, 1992.
10.10 Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and Jack D.
Rehm, effective September 22, 1992, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10b(1) to the Company's Form 10-Q dated
September 30, 1992.
10.11 Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and Jack D.
Rehm, effective September 22, 1992, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10b(2) to the Company's Form 10-Q dated
September 30, 1992.
10.12 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 11, 1992,
regarding the purchase of North Central Cable Communications
Corporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 1,
1992.
10.13 1992 Meredith Corporation Stock Incentive Plan effective
August 12, 1992, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10b to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended June 30, 1992.
10.14 Employment contract by and between Meredith Corporation and
Jack D. Rehm as of July 1, 1992, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10c to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1992.
10.15 Meredith/New Heritage Partnership Agreement is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10a to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September 30, 1991.
10.16 Employment Agreement between the Company and William T. Kerr
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10b to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending
September 30, 1991.
- 23 -
10.17 Meredith Corporation 1980 Long Term Incentive Plan as amended
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10e to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1991.
10.18 Meredith Corporation 1990 Restricted Stock Plan for Non-
Employee Directors is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on November 12, 1990.
10.19 Indemnification Agreement in the form entered into between the
Company and its Officers and Directors is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending December 31, 1988.
10.20 Second Amendment to Employment Contract between the Company
and Robert A. Burnett, Retired Chairman of the Board of the
Company (the "Employment Contract"). (The Employment
Contract is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
June 30, 1988. First amendment to the Employment Contract,
dated November 11, 1991, is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended December 31, 1991.)
10.21 Meredith Corporation 1986 Restricted Stock Award Plan is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on November
10, 1986.
10.22 Severance Agreement in the form entered into between the
Company and its Officers is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1986.
(11) Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings
(21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant
(23) Consent of Independent Auditors
(27) Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of the
Company's fiscal year.
- 24 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MEREDITH CORPORATION
/s/ Thomas L. Slaughter
------------------------------------
Thomas L. Slaughter, Vice President-
General Counsel and Secretary
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.
/s/ Larry D. Hartsook /s/ Jack D. Rehm
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Larry D. Hartsook Jack D. Rehm, Chairman, Chief
Vice President-Finance (Principal Executive Officer and Director
Accounting and Financial Officer) (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ E. T. Meredith III /s/ William T. Kerr
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
E. T. Meredith III William T. Kerr
Chairman of the Executive President, Chief Operating
Committee and Director Officer and Director
/s/ Herbert M. Baum /s/ Robert A. Burnett
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Herbert M. Baum, Director Robert A. Burnett, Director
/s/ Pierson M. Grieve /s/ Frederick B. Henry
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Pierson M. Grieve, Director Frederick B. Henry, Director
/s/ Joel W. Johnson /s/ Robert E. Lee
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Joel W. Johnson, Director Robert E. Lee, Director
/s/ Richard S. Levitt /s/ Nicholas L. Reding
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Richard S. Levitt, Director Nicholas L. Reding, Director
/s/ Barbara S. Uehling
---------------------------------
Barbara S. Uehling, Director
Each of the above signatures is affixed as of September 7, 1995.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Financial
Schedules and Other Financial Information
Page
----
Selected Financial Data F-2
Financial Information about Industry Segments F-4
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations F-6
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Statements of Earnings F-18
Balance Sheets F-19
Statements of Stockholders' Equity F-22
Statements of Cash Flows F-23
Notes (including supplementary data) F-26
Independent Auditors' Report F-48
Report of Management F-49
Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information F-50
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts F-56
F-1
Selected Financial Data
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years Ended June 30 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands, except per share)
Results of operations
Net revenues $884,550 $799,526 $768,848 $706,662 $730,911
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings from continuing
operations $ 39,845 $ 27,154 $ 18,626 $ 969 $ 22,824
Discontinued operations
(net of tax) -- -- -- -- 60,302
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (net of tax) (46,160) -- -- (7,300) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net (loss) earnings $ (6,315) $27,154 $18,626 ($6,331) $83,126
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Per share amounts
Earnings from continuing
operations $1.44 $0.96 $0.61 $0.03 $0.68
Discontinued operations
(net of tax) -- -- -- -- 1.79
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (net of tax) (1.67) -- -- (0.23) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net (loss) earnings ($0.23) $0.96 $0.61 ($0.20) $2.47
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Dividends paid to stockholders $0.38 $0.34 $0.32 $0.32 $0.32
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Financial position at June 30
Total assets $882,300 $864,467 $900,768 $780,127 $768,152
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Long-term obligations
(including current portion) $193,338 $148,801 $150,368 $ 55,505 $ 24,910
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
General:
Significant acquisitions occurred in January 1995 with the purchase of WSMV and
in September 1992 with the purchase of North Central cable television systems.
F-2
Per-share amounts are computed on weighted-average number of shares outstanding
for the year.
The data have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split in March 1995.
Long-term obligations include film rental contracts, Company debt and, since
1993, non-recourse cable partnership bank debt.
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (all per-share amounts are post-
tax):
Fiscal 1995 includes interest income of $8,554,000, or 17 cents per share, from
the IRS for the settlement of the 1986 through 1990 tax years and a gain of
$3,501,000, or four cents per share, on disposition of the North Dakota cable
television system.
Fiscal 1994 includes non-recurring items of $5,584,000 for broadcasting film
write-downs and $1,800,000 for taxes on disposed properties, or a total of 14
cents per share and a gain of $11,997,000, or 28 cents per share, on
disposition of the Syracuse and Fresno television properties.
Fiscal 1992 includes non-recurring items of $12,983,000 for restructuring costs
and $13,400,000 for book inventory write-downs and other items, or a total of
51 cents per share.
Fiscal 1991 includes gains on dispositions of Sail magazine and Information/
Fulfillment Services of $9,677,000, or 17 cents per share.
Fiscal 1991 discontinued operations includes a post-tax gain on the disposition
of printing operations of $49,305,000 and income tax credits of $8,280,000 on
the 1990 dispositions of MMT Sales, Inc. and two owned real estate brokerages.
Changes in accounting principles:
Fiscal 1995 reflects the adoption of Practice Bulletin 13, "Direct-Response
Advertising and Probable Future Benefits."
Fiscal 1992 reflects the adoption of SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions."
F-3
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Revenues
Publishing $683,331 $622,953 $599,084
Broadcasting 125,650 103,150 105,167
Real Estate 24,429 21,813 21,034
Cable 51,189 51,653 43,614
Less: Inter-segment revenue (49) (43) (51)
--------- --------- ---------
Total revenues $884,550 $799,526 $768,848
========= ========= =========
Operating profit
Publishing $ 48,636 $ 45,678 $ 35,802
Broadcasting 41,883 19,189 16,541
Real Estate 2,298 1,914 1,220
Cable 3,006 3,761 5,044
Unallocated corporate expense (20,115) (20,905) (17,698)
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating profit 75,708 49,637 40,909
Gain on dispositions 3,501 11,997 - -
Interest income 11,493 1,991 2,141
Interest expense (15,073) (11,624) (9,925)
Minority interests 1,434 2,232 1,219
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes and
cumulative effect of change in $ 77,063 $ 54,233 $ 34,344
accounting principle ========= ========= =========
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Publishing $ 48,636 $ 45,678 $ 35,802
Broadcasting 41,883 19,189 16,541
Real Estate 2,397 2,016 1,303
Cable (5,207) (5,169) (2,726)
Unallocated corporate expense (20,115) (20,905) (17,698)
--------- --------- ---------
Total 67,594 40,809 33,222
Gain on dispositions 3,501 11,997 - -
Interest income 10,814 1,733 1,789
Interest expense (4,019) (306) (667)
Minority interests (827) - - - -
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes and
cumulative effect of change in $ 77,063 $ 54,233 $ 34,344
accounting principle ========= ========= =========
F-4
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Identifiable assets
Publishing $341,652 $413,605 $414,089
Broadcasting 261,643 94,010 131,311
Real Estate 11,479 10,057 9,050
Cable 226,613 275,249 279,724
Unallocated corporate 40,913 71,546 66,594
--------- --------- ---------
Total assets $882,300 $864,467 $900,768
========= ========= =========
Depreciation/amortization
Publishing $ 10,192 $ 10,418 $ 9,477
Broadcasting 6,903 4,551 5,593
Real Estate 465 520 499
Cable 17,431 17,314 15,521
Unallocated corporate 1,457 1,453 1,303
--------- --------- ---------
Total depreciation/amortization $ 36,448 $ 34,256 $ 32,393
========= ========= =========
Capital expenditures
Publishing $ 2,087 $ 4,329 $ 2,758
Broadcasting 8,465 2,808 1,856
Real Estate 158 552 171
Cable 11,459 11,530 8,001
Unallocated corporate 2,574 1,554 3,297
--------- --------- ---------
Total capital expenditures $ 24,743 $ 20,773 $ 16,083
========= ========= =========
See pages 3 through 16 of this Form 10-K for description of revenue
sources.
See Management's Discussion and Analysis on pages F-6 through F-17 for
discussion of significant factors affecting comparability.
Operating profit for industry segment reporting is net revenues less operating
costs and does not include gain on dispositions, interest income and expense,
minority interests or unallocated corporate expense, which is primarily
corporate staff and miscellaneous expenses.
F-5
Earnings (loss) before income taxes for industry segment reporting is operating
profit adjusted for interest income, interest expense and minority interests
applicable to the segment. Adjustments to the Cable segment include minority
interests of $2,261,000 in fiscal 1995 ($2,232,000 in fiscal 1994 and
$1,219,000 in fiscal 1993) and $10,474,000 of net interest expense in fiscal
1995 ($11,162,000 in fiscal 1994 and $8,989,000 in fiscal 1993). The Real
Estate segment also includes minor adjustments for interest income.
Identifiable assets include intangibles, fixed and all other assets identified
with each segment. Unallocated corporate assets consist primarily of cash and
cash items and miscellaneous assets not assignable to one of the segments.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Note: All per-share amounts are computed on a post-tax basis and reflect a
two-for-one stock split in March 1995.
Results of Operations: Fiscal 1995 Compared with Fiscal 1994
A non-cash charge for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
caused the Company to record a net loss of $6,315,000, or 23 cents per share,
in fiscal 1995 compared to net earnings of $27,154,000, or 96 cents per share,
in fiscal 1994. Exclusive of the accounting change and the special items
described later in detail, fiscal 1995 earnings would have been $33,997,000, or
$1.23 per share, compared with $22,944,000, or 82 cents per share, in fiscal
1994. The improvement was due primarily to increased operating profits in the
Company's broadcasting and magazine businesses.
Revenues for fiscal 1995 increased 11 percent to $884,550,000. The growth was
due primarily to higher magazine and broadcasting advertising revenues.
Increases in magazine circulation and custom publishing revenues also
contributed. Fiscal 1995 included six months of revenues from WSMV while
fiscal 1994 included six months of revenues from the Syracuse and Fresno
television stations (sold in December 1993). Excluding these ownership
differences, revenues increased 10 percent.
F-6
Income from operations was $75,708,000 in fiscal 1995 compared to $49,637,000
in fiscal 1994. The operating profit margin rose from 6.2 percent (7.1 percent
excluding the non-recurring charge) in fiscal 1994 to 8.6 percent in the
current year. Lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenues in the Publishing segment were the primary factor in the
margin improvement.
Operating costs and expenses were $808,842,000 in fiscal 1995 compared with
$742,505,000 (exclusive of the non-recurring charge) in the prior year. The
increase reflects higher paper, manufacturing and delivery expenses for
magazines (due to volume and price increases), increased magazine circulation
expenses (including the current-year operating impact of the change in
accounting principle) and higher payroll and related costs (due to additional
staff in new operations and annual merit increases).
Fiscal 1995 earnings were affected by the following special items (all amounts
are post-tax):
A charge of $46,160,000 ($1.67 per share) for the cumulative effect, as of
July 1, 1994, of a change in accounting principle (Note 2).
Interest income of $4,747,000 (17 cents per share) from the Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") (Note 3).
A gain of $1,101,000 (4 cents per share) from the sale of the North Dakota
cable television system in March 1995 (Note 9).
Fiscal 1994 earnings were affected by the following special items (all amounts
are post-tax):
A gain of $8,197,000 (28 cents per share) on the dispositions of the
Syracuse and Fresno television properties in December 1993 (Note 9).
A non-recurring charge of $3,987,000 (14 cents per share) for the write-down
of film assets at the Phoenix television station and a reserve for taxes on
disposed properties (Note 4).
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"),
excluding gains on dispositions and non-recurring items, rose significantly to
$112,156,000 in fiscal 1995 from $91,277,000 in fiscal 1994 due to the notable
improvement in operating results.
Net interest expense (excluding IRS interest income) rose to $12,134,000 in
fiscal 1995 from $9,633,000 in fiscal 1994 primarily due to debt incurred for
the purchase of the Nashville television station in January 1995. The increase
F-7
was partially offset by lower cable interest expense as proceeds from the March
1995 sale of the North Dakota system were used to reduce the cable
partnership's outstanding debt.
The Company's effective tax rate was 48.3 percent compared with 49.9 percent in
fiscal 1994. The current-year provision benefited from increased operating
earnings which lessened the effect of non-deductible items on the overall tax
rate. The prior-year provision benefited from a favorable tax rate on the gain
on disposition of two television stations, partially offset by the unfavorable
impact of the federal corporate tax rate increase on the Company's deferred tax
liabilities (Note 11).
Discussion of results by segment:
Publishing: Revenues in the Publishing segment increased 10 percent from
fiscal 1994. Advertising revenues grew 17 percent primarily due to strong
advertising page gains by most magazines. Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies'
Home Journal, the Company's two largest circulation titles, reported ad page
increases of 13 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Traditional Home, WOOD,
Golf for Women and the Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications
all reported double-digit percentage gains in ad pages. Publishing segment
circulation revenues increased 4 percent primarily due to higher revenues from
new titles (including Crayola Kids, Better Homes and Gardens Floral & Nature
Crafts and home garden) and increased volume of newsstand sales of the Better
Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications. Revenues in Meredith
Publishing Services increased significantly from new business. Consumer book
revenues increased slightly as higher sales volumes in retail marketing more
than offset lower sales volumes in the direct-response operations.
Publishing segment operating profit increased 6 percent from the prior year
despite the unfavorable effect the subscription accounting change had on
operating results. Excluding that impact, publishing operating profit was up
18 percent, largely due to the strong performance of magazine operations, led
by the Company's flagship title, Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
Advertising revenue growth fueled the record operating profit performances of
Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal, Traditional Home, WOOD,
Successful Farming, Country Home and Midwest Living magazines and the Company's
lineup of Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications. Partially
offsetting these improvements were increases in paper and postage costs,
increased costs for new magazine start-ups and expansion in the custom
publishing area. The increase in new title start-up costs primarily reflected
costs associated with a new bimonthly gardening magazine, home garden, which
was introduced in the Company's fiscal third quarter.
F-8
An increased operating loss was reported by book operations due to increased
investment in the acquisition of new book club members and lower volumes and
higher promotion costs in direct-response operations. Partially offsetting
these declines was higher operating profit from retail marketing, due to
increased sales volumes and lower product return rates. In July 1995, the
Company announced an alliance with The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
whereby Reader's Digest will have the rights for direct-response marketing of
Meredith-trademarked products. This alliance is expected to have a favorable
effect on long-term direct-response operating results. Expenses related to the
discontinuance of the Company's direct-response marketing efforts, including
those related to staff reductions, are expected to be more than offset by
payments anticipated from this alliance. Management believes the results of
its book retail marketing and club operations will not be materially affected
by the alliance.
A full year's operating results from the Company's licensing agreement with
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. are reflected in segment profits versus six months'
results in fiscal 1994. Beginning in calendar 1996, the Company expects to
realize revenues and operating profits from the licensing of Better Homes and
Gardens Floral & Nature Crafts in Wal-Mart stores.
Paper and postage are significant and essential expenses in the Publishing
segment. The Company's paper prices increased approximately 30 percent during
fiscal 1995. The price increases reflect a tightening of the paper market due
to strong demand and a relatively fixed level of supply. Paper prices
increased another 9 percent on July 1, 1995. Further price increases expected
in fiscal 1996 could have an adverse effect on segment operating profit. To
minimize the effect of these increases, the Company will consider changes in
paper types and weights, but only in cases where product quality will not be
adversely affected. In addition, changes to magazine rate bases will be
considered. A postal rate increase occurred in January 1995, raising the
Company's postage costs by approximately 13 percent on an annualized basis.
Broadcasting: Broadcasting segment revenues increased 22 percent in fiscal
1995 including six months of revenues from newly acquired WSMV in Nashville.
The prior year included six months of revenues from two television stations
sold in December 1993. Revenues at the five comparable stations increased 18
percent due to strong local and national advertising revenues. Improved market
demand for television advertising led to higher spot rates and increased ad
revenues at all stations. KPHO, the Company's station in Phoenix, experienced
the largest revenue increase, primarily due to its September 1994 affiliation
with the CBS network.
Broadcasting segment operating profit increased 118 percent from the prior
year. Excluding the non-recurring item from the prior year (a film write-down
of $5,584,000 at KPHO related to its CBS affiliation), operating profit
F-9
increased 69 percent. Increased ad revenues, lower programming expenses and
the inclusion of WSMV operations for six months were the primary factors in the
improvement. Operating profits at the five comparable stations, excluding the
non-recurring item from the prior year, increased 48 percent as all stations
reported significant improvements. As with revenues, KPHO reported the largest
percentage improvement in operating profit. The decline in programming expense
was due to increased use of first-run syndicated programming and the prior-year
film write-down at KPHO. Fiscal 1994 operating profit included a favorable
adjustment to accrued music license fees resulting from the broadcast
industry's settlement with ASCAP/BMI (American Society of Composers, Authors &
Publishers and Broadcast Music Industry).
Across the broadcast industry, local television stations continue to face
increasing competition for viewers and advertisers. Nevertheless, management
believes television broadcasting will continue to play an important media role
in each station's community. The Company's fiscal 1995 acquisition of WSMV in
Nashville demonstrates that belief. This acquisition, the pending acquisition
of WOGX and the recent affiliation with CBS in Phoenix are expected to have
favorable impacts on future revenues and operating profit of the Broadcasting
segment.
Real Estate: Higher transaction fee revenues and increased product and
publication sales volumes led to a 12 percent increase in Real Estate segment
revenues in fiscal 1995. The increase in transaction fees, generated by
members' sales volume, reflected continued strength in existing home sales and
an increase in the number of member firms. Increased revenues also were the
primary factor in a 20 percent operating profit increase for the segment.
Cable: On March 9, 1995, Meredith/New Heritage Strategic Partners, L.P.
("Strategic Partners") sold its cable television system in North Dakota, the
smaller of two cable television properties, of which the Company indirectly
owned approximately 70 percent. Revenues of the remaining cable television
system in Minnesota increased four percent as subscriber growth more than
offset the negative effects of federally-mandated subscriber rate rollbacks.
After interest expense, the cable television operations experienced a net loss
comparable to the prior-year loss. Operating profit declined due to the sale
of the North Dakota system; however, this was offset by lower interest expense.
Proceeds from the sale of the North Dakota system were used to reduce Strategic
Partners' outstanding bank debt, as required by its loan agreement.
F-10
Results of Operations: Fiscal 1994 Compared with Fiscal 1993
Meredith Corporation net earnings for the year ended June 30, 1994, were
$27,154,000, or 96 cents per share, compared to net earnings of $18,626,000, or
61 cents per share, in fiscal 1993.
Excluding the special items described below, fiscal 1994 earnings were
$22,944,000, or 82 cents per share, a 34 percent increase from the previous-
year earnings per share. All operating segments except cable contributed to
this increase. Six cents of the comparable per-share increase resulted from
fewer shares outstanding due to shares repurchased by the Company.
Fiscal 1994 earnings were affected by the following special items (all amounts
are post-tax):
A gain of $8,197,000 (28 cents per share) on the December 1993 dispositions
of the Syracuse and Fresno television properties (Note 9).
A non-recurring charge of $3,987,000 (14 cents per share) for the write-down
of film assets at KPHO in Phoenix and a reserve for taxes on disposed
properties (Note 4).
The Company reported revenues in fiscal 1994 of $799,526,000, a four percent
increase from fiscal 1993 revenues of $768,848,000. Factors contributing to
the increase included higher magazine circulation revenues, an additional two
months of revenue from the Minnesota cable television system (purchased in
September 1992) and increased retail and direct-response book sales volumes.
Fiscal 1994 income from operations was $49,637,000 compared with $40,909,000 in
fiscal 1993. The operating margin rose from 5.3 percent of net revenues to 6.2
percent in fiscal 1994, despite the negative effect of the non-recurring items.
Excluding their effect, the operating margin was 7.1 percent, a 34 percent
increase from the comparable fiscal 1993 margin.
Production, distribution and editorial expenses as a percentage of revenues
declined from 42 percent in fiscal 1993 to 41 percent in fiscal 1994, mostly
due to lower programming expenses at the television broadcasting stations.
Selling, general and administrative expenses also declined as a percentage of
revenues, from 49 percent in fiscal 1993 to 48 percent in fiscal 1994. A
favorable adjustment to accrued music license fees in the Broadcasting segment,
based on an industry settlement with ASCAP/BMI, was the single biggest
F-11
factor. Other significant factors included lower promotion expenses in book
operations and lower administrative expenses from the relocation of Craftways
operations from California to Des Moines in fiscal 1993.
Discussion of results by segment:
Publishing: Revenues in magazine operations increased 4 percent from fiscal
1993. Magazine advertising revenues increased 4 percent, excluding the
revenues of Metropolitan Home magazine sold in November 1992. Advertising
revenues were down slightly at Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies' Home
Journal magazines due to fewer ad pages. These declines were more than offset
by increased ad revenues in most of the Company's other titles. Increases of
more than 20 percent were reported by Traditional Home, Country America and
Golf for Women magazines, and the American Park Network collection of visitor
guides, primarily due to additional ad pages. These publications also reported
higher net revenue per page.
Circulation revenues in magazine operations increased 7 percent from fiscal
1993. Higher newsstand sales volume of the Better Homes and Gardens Special
Interest Publications was the largest factor in the increase. Newsstand sales
of several new Ladies' Home Journal special issues and higher new title
subscription revenues also contributed.
Magazine operating profit increased 12 percent over the previous year's
performance. Increased ad revenues for many titles and improved newsstand
sales and profits were the most significant factors in the improvement.
Operating results for Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications,
Ladies' Home Journal (including special issues) and Traditional Home magazines
benefited from increased newsstand profits. Increased advertising revenues
contributed to the operating profit improvements of Country America,
Traditional Home, Successful Farming, Country Home and American Park Network.
Operating profit in fiscal 1993 was held down by a loss on Metropolitan Home
magazine and by moving costs associated with relocating Craftways magazine
operations to Des Moines.
Operating profit was down in the custom publishing area due to start-up costs
associated with Crayola Kids and lower profit margins on periodical and premium
sales. Better Homes and Gardens magazine reported a slight decline in
operating profit due to fewer advertising pages.
Total book revenues were essentially unchanged from fiscal 1993. Consumer book
revenues were up 6 percent due to increased sales volume in the retail
marketing and direct-response operations, partially offset by lower sales
F-12
volume in the book clubs due to planned downsizing. This increase was offset
by a decline in revenues in Craftways operations due to lower volumes.
Book operating results showed improvement from fiscal 1993. Increased
operating profit in retail marketing reflected increased sales of both new and
backlist titles including a major sale of gardening titles to Wal-Mart Stores,
Inc. that coincided with the January 1994 opening of the Better Homes and
Gardens Garden Centers. The book clubs reported improved results due to lower
manufacturing, delivery and promotion expenses. Cost savings associated with
the consolidation of Craftways editorial and marketing operations with book
operations in Des Moines also contributed to improved results. Operating
results in the direct-response area showed little change from fiscal 1993 as
lower-than-expected response rates held down results.
Related to the Better Homes and Gardens Garden Centers, the Company began to
realize revenues and operating profit from its licensing agreement with Wal-
Mart Stores, Inc. in fiscal 1994.
Paper and postage are significant and essential expenses in the Publishing
segment. Paper prices were relatively stable during fiscal 1994 due to soft
market conditions and increased international competition. Postal rates also
remained flat in fiscal 1994.
Broadcasting: Broadcasting segment revenues in fiscal 1994 declined slightly
from the previous year due to the sale of two television stations in December
1993. Revenues at the five remaining television stations increased 8 percent
from comparable previous-year revenues due to increases in local and national
advertising revenues at virtually all of the stations. The growth primarily
reflected increased market demand for advertising resulting in higher spot
rates. KPHO in Phoenix reported the largest increase with double-digit
percentage gains in both local and national advertising revenues. A stronger
sales effort and an improving economy in the Phoenix market contributed to the
increase.
Operating profit increased 16 percent in the Broadcasting segment despite a
non-recurring charge of $5,584,000 for the write-down of film assets at KPHO
related to its CBS affiliation in September 1994. WNEM, an NBC affiliate
serving the Flint/Saginaw, Mich., market, also announced plans to change
affiliation to CBS during fiscal 1995.
F-13
Excluding the non-recurring charge, Broadcasting segment operating profit
increased 50 percent from fiscal 1993. Advertising revenue increases at the
five comparable stations, along with lower programming expenses and music
license fees, resulted in the improvement. Programming costs were held down by
a combination of cost-saving measures, including the purchase of more first-run
programming. The favorable adjustment to accrued music license fees reflected
the settlement between the broadcast industry and ASCAP/BMI. As with revenues,
KPHO reported the most substantial improvement in operating results of the five
stations, mainly due to the revenue increase and lower programming expense.
Real Estate: Revenues increased 4 percent in the Real Estate segment, while
operating profit showed significant improvement from fiscal 1993. Transaction
fees, revenues generated by member firms' sales volume, increased 9 percent due
to continued strength in the residential housing market and record gross
commission income of member firms. Revenues from the sale of ancillary
products and services also increased, primarily due to higher volumes. A
decline in joining fees partially offset other revenue increases. Improved
operating profit in the segment reflected the revenue increases and lower
administrative and bad debt expenses.
Cable Television: An 18 percent increase in fiscal 1994 revenues for the cable
television operations reflected the timing of the Minnesota system acquisition
on September 1, 1992. At June 30, 1994, the two cable television systems
indirectly owned by the Company served a total of 133,000 subscribers.
Subscriber counts increased 5 percent at the Minnesota system and 3 percent at
the Bismarck system during fiscal 1994. Basic subscriber penetration rates
also increased at both systems, as did the percentage of subscribers receiving
pay services. However, average revenue per subscriber was down slightly due to
the effect of government re-regulation of cable pricing in September 1993.
The decline in average revenue per subscriber, increased programming costs and
expenses associated with rate re-regulation resulted in lower operating profit
for the cable television systems. Increased amortization of acquisition
expenses (associated with the purchase of the Minnesota system) and increased
depreciation expense also contributed to the decline. Interest expense
pertaining to the cable television segment increased due to timing of the
Minnesota system acquisition and bank fees paid to buyout interest rate
contracts. These factors led to an increased net loss for the cable segment in
fiscal 1994.
F-14
Other: The increase in fiscal 1994 interest expense reflected two additional
months of debt financing related to the timing of the Minnesota cable
television system acquisition. Corporate non-operating expenses increased from
fiscal 1993 due to a $1.8 million reserve for taxes on disposed properties, a
$1.4 million write-down of a building to its estimated realizable value and
reserves for certain corporate assets. The building write-down resulted from
the decision to consolidate Des Moines employees in one location with the
future construction of a new building next to the current Company headquarters.
In the third quarter of fiscal 1994, the Company received a favorable ruling
regarding the Ladies' Home Journal tax case. The appeal period expired in the
first quarter of fiscal 1995.
The effective tax rate for fiscal 1994 exceeded the previous year's rate due to
the increase in the federal corporate tax rate enacted in August 1993. The
effect of the increased corporate tax rate was to reduce fiscal 1994 earnings
per share by seven cents. The Company's effective tax rate also increased due
to the increased loss of the cable operations because most of the Company's
share is non-deductible. These increases were partially offset by the
favorable effect from the disposition of the television broadcasting stations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $20,728,000 in fiscal 1995 compared to
an increase in cash of $19,388,000 in fiscal 1994. The difference was
primarily due to the purchase of WSMV. Higher earnings (before the change in
accounting principle which had no cash effect) led to the increase in cash
provided by operations.
The decreases in subscription acquisition costs, deferred income taxes and
retained earnings reflected the recognition of the cumulative effect of the
change in accounting principle as of July 1, 1994. The increase in accounts
receivable in fiscal 1995 was due to higher advertising receivables in magazine
and broadcasting operations, the acquisition of WSMV and increased sales volume
in custom publishing. Inventories and accounts payable increased due to higher
quantities of paper on hand in anticipation of a July 1, 1995, price increase.
Goodwill and other intangibles increased from the purchase of WSMV.
F-15
On January 5, 1995, Meredith Corporation purchased the assets of WSMV, a
television station located in Nashville, Tenn., for $159 million. The
acquisition was financed by cash from short-term investments and lines of
credit and a $100 million term borrowing from a group of four banks led by The
Northern Trust Company as agent. A payment of $10 million was made in fiscal
1995 as required by the loan agreement. An additional $10 million was pre-paid
in August 1995. The loan agreement requires annual and/or semi-annual payments
through December 31, 1998, the term loan maturity date. Operating cash flows
of the Company are expected to provide adequate funds for debt and interest
payments.
At June 30, 1994, Strategic Partners, the cable television subsidiary, owed
$138 million under a loan agreement with a group of ten banks. At September
30, 1994, Strategic Partners failed to meet certain financial ratios related to
operating cash flow as required by its loan agreement. In light of Strategic
Partners' efforts to sell its assets in part or in whole, the banks waived
compliance with the relevant covenants, and their rights and remedies under the
loan agreement as a result of the defaults, for the fiscal first quarter. On
December 29, 1994, Strategic Partners and the banks amended their loan
agreement. Significant amended terms and provisions related to the maturity
date, repayment provisions, required financial tests and capital expenditure
limits (Note 10). The required financial ratio tests, as amended, have since
been met by Strategic Partners. Approximately $44 million of debt outstanding
was repaid upon the sale of the North Dakota system in March 1995. At June 30,
1995, $91 million remains outstanding under Strategic Partners' loan agreement.
All borrowings outstanding under the loan agreement are due on the earlier of
March 31, 1996, or the date of the sale of Strategic Partners' cable television
systems. Strategic Partners currently is exploring the sale of the Minnesota
system. The lenders have indicated they would support a request to extend the
maturity date. Based on Strategic Partners' intent and ability to amend the
loan agreement to extend its maturity date if necessary, the debt has been
classified as long-term. The debt outstanding under the loan agreement is non-
recourse to the Company.
Strategic Partners is prohibited by its loan agreement from making dividend
payments or any distributions to the partners except for specified payments not
causing default and allowed under the loan agreement. The restricted net
assets reflected in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 1995,
totaled approximately $88 million. These restrictions have not had, nor are
they expected to have, any impact on the Company's ability to meet its cash
obligations.
The Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split in the form of a
share dividend payable to shareholders of record on March 1, 1995.
F-16
In fiscal 1995, $3.8 million was spent for the repurchase of 168,000 shares of
Company common stock. This compares with spending of $46.9 million for
2,385,000 shares in the prior year. As of June 30, 1995, approximately 388,000
shares may be repurchased under an existing authorization by the Board of
Directors. The status of the repurchase program is reviewed at each quarterly
Board of Directors' meeting.
On January 30, 1995, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by
11 percent, or one cent per share, to 10 cents per share effective with the
dividend payable on March 15, 1995. On an annual basis, this increase will
result in the payment of approximately $1 million in additional dividends, at
the current number of shares outstanding. Dividends paid in fiscal 1995 were
$10,388,000 (38 cents per share) compared with $9,677,000 (34 cents per share)
in fiscal 1994.
Capital expenditures in fiscal 1995 increased by 19 percent over fiscal 1994
levels. The growth resulted from increased spending at the Company's
television station in Phoenix to facilitate increased news programming and the
upgrade of other equipment related to its CBS affiliation in September 1994.
Other spending in fiscal 1995 included the purchase of equipment for the
recently-acquired television station in Nashville, technical equipment for
other television stations and continued investment in new and upgraded computer
networks throughout Company operations. The Company entered into a lease
agreement for new office space in New York City, which will allow consolidation
of all New York City employees in one location and is expected to reduce future
occupancy costs. This project will result in approximately $11 million in
capital expenditures in fiscal 1996. In addition, the Company plans to spend
approximately $36 million (exclusive of capitalized interest) in fiscal 1996
through 1998 for a new office building and related improvements in Des Moines.
The Company has made no other material commitments for capital expenditures.
At this time, management expects that cash on hand and internally-generated
cash flow will provide funds for capital expenditures, cash dividends,
scheduled debt payments and other operational cash needs for foreseeable
periods (excluding Strategic Partners' scheduled debt payments, which are
expected to be funded by proceeds from the sale of its cable television
systems, or refinanced if necessary). Short-term lines of credit will be used
on an as-needed basis for working capital needs. At June 30, 1995, Meredith
Corporation had three unused committed lines of credit totaling $23 million.
The Company does not expect the need for any long-term source of cash to meet
working capital requirements.
F-17
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share)
Revenues (less returns and allowances):
Advertising $396,732 $335,477 $334,475
Circulation 269,029 257,453 245,693
Consumer books 86,568 86,040 81,390
All other 132,221 120,556 107,290
-------- -------- --------
Total revenues 884,550 799,526 768,848
-------- -------- --------
Operating costs and expenses:
Production, distribution & editorial 360,183 326,727 320,501
Selling, general and administrative 412,211 381,522 375,045
Depreciation and amortization 36,448 34,256 32,393
Non-recurring items -- 7,384 --
-------- -------- --------
Total operating costs and expenses 808,842 749,889 727,939
-------- -------- --------
Income from operations 75,708 49,637 40,909
Gain on dispositions 3,501 11,997 --
Interest income - IRS settlement 8,554 -- --
Interest income 2,939 1,991 2,141
Interest expense (15,073) (11,624) (9,925)
Minority interests 1,434 2,232 1,219
-------- -------- --------
Earnings before income taxes and
cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle 77,063 54,233 34,344
Income taxes 37,218 27,079 15,718
-------- -------- --------
Earnings before cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle 39,845 27,154 18,626
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle (Note 2) (46,160) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net (loss) earnings $ (6,315) $ 27,154 $ 18,626
======== ======== ========
F-18
Net (loss) earnings per share of common stock:
Earnings before cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle $ 1.44 $ 0.96 $ 0.61
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle (Note 2) (1.67) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net (loss) earnings per share $ (0.23) $ 0.96 $ 0.61
======== ======== ========
Average shares outstanding 27,754 28,365 30,532
======== ======== ========
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Note 2 for pro forma effects of change in accounting principle on selected
statements of earnings items.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Assets June 30 1995 1994
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,229 $ 37,957
Marketable securities -- 12,178
Accounts receivable 120,747 93,325
Less allowances for doubtful accounts and returns (17,310) (17,469)
--------- ---------
Net receivables 103,437 75,856
--------- ---------
F-19
Inventories 46,781 34,962
Supplies and prepayments 28,842 25,748
Subscription acquisition costs 65,604 111,567
--------- ---------
Total current assets 261,893 298,268
Property, plant and equipment (at cost) 252,626 231,158
Less accumulated depreciation (120,862) (106,503)
--------- ---------
Net property, plant and equipment 131,764 124,655
Deferred subscription acquisition costs 34,957 70,108
Other assets 25,456 28,436
Goodwill and other intangibles
(at original cost less accumulated amortization of
$81,719,000 in 1995 and $68,042,000 in 1994) 428,230 343,000
--------- ---------
Total assets $882,300 $864,467
========= =========
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets - Continued
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity June 30 1995 1994
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term indebtedness $ 15,000 $ 11,178
Accounts payable 59,771 42,667
Accruals:
Taxes, including taxes on income 9,764 2,611
Compensation and benefits 23,674 27,322
Other 28,386 25,089
--------- ---------
Total accruals 61,824 55,022
F-20
Unearned subscription revenues 150,927 152,952
Deferred income taxes 360 18,560
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 287,882 280,379
Long-term indebtedness 166,079 126,822
Unearned subscription revenues 96,381 95,407
Deferred income taxes 18,492 37,011
Other deferred items 36,356 29,084
--------- ---------
Total liabilities 605,190 568,703
--------- ---------
Minority interests 36,060 38,003
--------- ---------
Stockholders' equity:
Series preferred stock, par value $1 per share
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued -- --
Common stock, par value $1 per share
Authorized 80,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
20,579,565 shares in 1995 (excluding 11,601,465
shares held in treasury) and 10,119,165 shares in
1994 (excluding 5,763,328 shares held in treasury) 20,580 10,119
Class B stock, par value $1 per share, convertible
to common stock
Authorized 15,000,000; issued and outstanding
6,905,062 shares in 1995 and 3,601,932
shares in 1994 6,905 3,602
Additional paid-in capital 873 --
Retained earnings 216,485 246,917
Unearned compensation (3,793) (2,877)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity 241,050 257,761
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $882,300 $864,467
========= =========
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-21
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Series preferred stock $ -- $ -- $ --
-------- -------- --------
Common stock:
Beginning of year 10,119 11,130 11,911
Shares issued (acquired), net 31 (1,116) (912)
Shares converted from class B stock 220 105 131
Two-for-one stock split 10,210 -- --
-------- -------- --------
End of year 20,580 10,119 11,130
-------- -------- --------
Class B stock:
Beginning of year 3,602 3,704 3,830
Shares distributed 4 3 5
Shares converted to common stock (220) (105) (131)
Two-for-one stock split 3,519 -- --
-------- -------- --------
End of year 6,905 3,602 3,704
-------- -------- --------
Additional paid-in capital:
Beginning of year -- -- --
Excess of cost over par value of
shares acquired (3,675) (1,508) (2,011)
Restricted stock awards, excess over par 4,548 1,508 2,011
-------- -------- --------
End of year 873 -- --
-------- -------- --------
Retained earnings:
Beginning of year 246,917 272,090 287,729
Net (loss) earnings (6,315) 27,154 18,626
Two-for-one stock split (13,729) -- --
Dividends paid - 38 cents per share
(34 cents in 1994 and 32 cents in 1993)
Common stock (7,697) (7,194) (7,376)
Class B stock (2,691) (2,483) (2,407)
Cost over par value of shares
acquired -- (42,650) (24,482)
-------- -------- --------
End of year 216,485 246,917 272,090
-------- -------- --------
F-22
Unearned compensation:
Beginning of year (2,877) (2,828) (2,307)
Restricted stock awarded (2,493) (1,277) (1,490)
Amortized to operations 1,577 1,228 969
-------- -------- --------
End of year (3,793) (2,877) (2,828)
-------- -------- --------
Total stockholders' equity $241,050 $257,761 $284,096
======== ======== ========
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Earnings before cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle $ 39,845 $ 27,154 $ 18,626
Less cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (46,160) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Net (loss) earnings (6,315) 27,154 18,626
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) earnings to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 36,448 34,256 32,393
Amortization of film contract rights 18,133 22,274 26,908
Non-recurring items, net of taxes -- 3,987 --
Gain on dispositions, net of taxes (1,101) (8,197) --
(Increase) decrease in receivables (27,838) (3,711) 565
(Increase) in inventories (11,819) (2,579) (6,234)
(Increase) decrease in supplies and prepayments (5,936) (392) 1,855
Decrease in subscription acquisition costs 81,114 758 4,432
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
accruals 22,030 (10,560) (112)
(Decrease) in unearned subscription revenues (1,051) (2,304) (3,514)
(Decrease) increase in deferred income taxes (36,719) 3,717 4,936
Increase (decrease) in other deferred items 6,421 (529) (9,469)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 73,367 63,874 70,386
--------- --------- ---------
F-23
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in cable partnership, less cash
acquired -- -- (32,740)
Redemption of marketable securities 16,189 9,244 20,448
Proceeds from dispositions 49,000 33,000 --
Payment for purchase of business (159,000) -- --
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (24,743) (20,773) (16,083)
Decrease (increase) in other assets 5,861 (1,332) (10,178)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash (used) provided by investing
activities (112,693) 20,139 (38,553)
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Long-term indebtedness incurred 100,000 3,499 --
Long-term indebtedness retired (56,921) -- (4,164)
Payments for film rental contracts (14,085) (14,633) (15,742)
Proceeds from common stock issued 3,751 3,048 3,093
Purchase of Company shares (3,759) (46,862) (29,001)
Dividends paid (10,388) (9,677) (9,783)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 18,598 (64,625) (55,597)
--------- --------- ---------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents (20,728) 19,388 (23,764)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 37,957 18,569 42,333
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 17,229 $ 37,957 $ 18,569
========= ========= =========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid
Interest $13,628 $11,100 $ 7,943
Income taxes $40,438 $17,085 $ 8,326
Non-cash transactions
Film rental costs financed by contracts payable $15,543 $ 9,567 $14,104
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
- The Company received $2 million of preferred stock in Granite Broadcasting
Corporation from the sale of two television broadcasting stations in December
1993.
F-24
- North Central Cable was purchased in fiscal 1993 for approximately $220
million by Strategic Partners, in which the Company has a 70 percent indirect
ownership interest. Significant non-cash investing and financing activities
reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1993, included ($ in millions) the acquisition of intangible assets
of ($171) and net property, plant and equipment of ($61) by incurring long-
term debt of $139, minority interest of $42, contributing a portion of the
North Dakota system of $12 and assuming net liabilities of $6.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-25
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
1. Summary of Accounting Policies
a. Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Meredith
Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries (the "Company"). All
significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. In fiscal 1995,
the accounts of WSMV, a television broadcasting station in Nashville, are
reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of
acquisition, January 5, 1995.
b. Cash and cash equivalents
All cash and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or
less are considered cash and cash equivalents, since they are readily
convertible to cash.
c. Marketable securities
Marketable securities were classified as available for sale. Prior to July 1,
1994, marketable securities were carried at net amortized cost. No marketable
securities were owned at June 30, 1995. Proceeds from sales and maturities of
securities were $16,189,000. Realized gains and losses were not material. The
costs used to compute realized gains and losses were determined by specific
identification. Securities held at June 30, 1994, consisted of municipal
bonds, commercial paper and other short-term investments.
d. Inventories
Inventories of paper are stated at cost, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO)
method, which is not in excess of market value. All other inventories are
stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out or average) or market.
e. Subscription acquisition costs
Subscription acquisition costs primarily represent direct-mail agency
commissions. These costs are deferred and amortized over the related
subscription term, typically one or two years.
F-26
f. Property, plant and equipment
Depreciation expense is provided primarily by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Tax depreciation methods conform with
statutory requirements and may differ from book methods. Costs of replacements
and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to
operations as incurred.
g. Broadcasting film contract rights
Film contract rights and the liabilities for future payments are recorded when
programs become available for broadcast. These rights are valued at the lower
of cost or estimated net realizable value and are charged to operations on an
accelerated basis over the contract period. Amortization of these rights is
included in production, distribution and editorial expenses.
h. Goodwill and other intangibles
Excess costs over values assigned to tangible assets of businesses acquired are
being amortized by the straight-line method over periods not exceeding 40
years. These include goodwill, television network affiliations and government
licenses. Non-competition agreements and programming rights purchased in
conjunction with the Minnesota cable acquisition are being amortized using the
straight-line method over periods of five years and eight years, respectively.
Amortization of these programming rights is included in production,
distribution and editorial costs. The values of goodwill and other intangibles
have been determined by independent appraisals. The Company periodically
evaluates the carrying value of intangibles (including goodwill) to determine
if impairment has occurred. This evaluation primarily consists of comparison
to estimated future undiscounted cash flows and long-term business strategies
of the underlying business.
i. Revenues
Advertising revenues are recognized when the advertisements are published or
aired. Revenues from magazine subscriptions are deferred and recognized
proportionately as products are delivered to subscribers. Revenues from
newsstand magazines and books are recognized at shipment, net of provisions for
returns.
j. Computation of earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock is computed by dividing the weighted-
average number of shares of common stock, class B stock and common stock
equivalents outstanding during each year into applicable earnings or loss.
Common stock equivalents include dilutive stock options issued under Company
stock option plans.
F-27
k. Other
On July 1, 1994, the Company adopted, on a prospective basis, Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." This adoption did not have a
material impact on the Company's fiscal 1995 financial statements.
In the first quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No. 119,
"Disclosure About Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial
Instruments" (Note 5).
On March 1, 1995, the Company effected a two-for-one stock split on common and
class B stock outstanding. All share and per-share information in the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes has accordingly been restated.
Certain prior-year financial information has been reclassified or restated to
conform to the fiscal 1995 financial statement presentation.
2. Change in Accounting Policy for Subscription Acquisition Costs
In December 1993, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position ("SOP")
93-7, "Reporting on Advertising Costs." The Company adopted SOP 93-7 in fiscal
1994 and believed its policy of capitalizing most magazine subscription
acquisition costs and recognizing expense pro rata with the delivery of
magazines was materially in compliance with the requirements of SOP 93-7. The
statement specifies that direct-response advertising costs should be
capitalized if the direct-response advertising can be shown to both (1) result
in specific sales and (2) result in probable future benefits (defined as
probable future revenues in excess of future costs incurred to attain those
revenues). The Company has two revenue streams related to the sale of magazine
subscriptions: subscriber and advertising revenues. The Company believed both
types of revenue were related to its direct-response advertising efforts.
In December 1994, the Financial Accounting Standards Board approved the
issuance of Practice Bulletin 13, "Direct-Response Advertising and Probable
Future Benefits." Practice Bulletin 13 interpreted SOP 93-7 to specify that
only "primary revenues" (those revenues from sales to customers receiving and
responding to direct-response advertising efforts) could be used in determining
probable future revenues and benefits as defined by SOP 93-7. Therefore, in
accordance with the requirements of Practice Bulletin 13, the Company now
expenses most direct-response subscription acquisition costs as incurred since
the primary revenue stream does not support the capitalization of those costs.
F-28
The effect of adopting Practice Bulletin 13 on fiscal 1995 earnings before the
cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle was additional post-tax
expense of $3,071,000, or 11 cents per share. The effect on net earnings
(including a non-cash, post-tax charge of $46,160,000, or $1.67 per share, for
the cumulative effect as of July 1, 1994) was $49,231,000, or $1.78 per share.
The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle, as of July 1,
1994, on the Company's balance sheet was to reduce subscription acquisition
costs by $76.9 million, deferred income tax liabilities by $30.7 million and
retained earnings by $46.2 million.
Total advertising expenses included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings
for fiscal 1995 were $173,047,000 (including the cumulative effect of the
accounting change). Deferred advertising costs included in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1995, were not material.
Pro forma amounts (unaudited), assuming the new accounting principle was
applied during all periods presented, follow with comparisons to actual
results.
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands, except per share)
Earnings before cumulative
effect of change in
accounting principle:
As reported $39,845 $27,154 $18,626
Pro forma $39,845 $29,548 $23,155
Net (loss) earnings:
As reported $(6,315) $27,154 $18,626
Pro forma $39,845 $29,548 $23,155
Earnings per share before
cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle:
As reported $1.44 $ .96 $ .61
Pro forma $1.44 $1.04 $ .76
Net (loss) earnings per share:
As reported $(.23) $ .96 $ .61
Pro forma $1.44 $1.04 $ .76
F-29
3. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Settlement
The Company recognized interest income in the first quarter of fiscal 1995 of
$8,554,000 (pre-tax) related to the settlement of its 1986 through 1990 income
tax years. Federal income tax deficiency notices from the IRS related to those
tax years were contested by the Company in United States Tax Court in fiscal
1993. These tax deficiency notices were primarily related to the Company's
acquisition of Ladies' Home Journal magazine in January 1986. In March 1994,
the Company received a favorable decision from the Tax Court. The appeal
period available with respect to this decision expired on September 16, 1994.
The Company also recognized a benefit of a $9 million reduction in goodwill
related to the Ladies' Home Journal acquisition. The benefit of this reduction
is being realized over the remaining life of the goodwill.
4. Non-recurring Items
In the second quarter of fiscal 1994, a non-recurring pre-tax charge of $4.8
million was recorded to establish a reserve for taxes on disposed properties.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1994, $3 million of this reserve was reversed
based on the resolution of a reserved assessment at no tax cost to the Company.
The Company believes the remaining reserve is sufficient to cover any potential
liability related to these properties.
Also in the fiscal 1994 fourth quarter, a pre-tax charge of $5,584,000 was
recorded for the write-down of film assets at KPHO, the Phoenix television
station, due to reaching an affiliation agreement with CBS effective September
1994.
5. Disclosures about the Fair Value of Financial Instruments
a. Marketable securities
There were no marketable securities held by the Company at June 30, 1995. At
June 30, 1994, the fair value of marketable securities was approximately
$12,200,000 (net amortized cost of $12,178,000). The fair value of marketable
securities was determined based on quoted market prices, where available, or
through a bond pricing matrix, using securities with similar yields and
maturities.
F-30
b. Broadcasting film contracts rights
The Company has commitments for the purchase of broadcasting film contract
rights. The fair value of commitments for currently-available film rights is
the present value of future payments totaling approximately $11,900,000 at June
30, 1995 ($10,300,000 at June 30, 1994). Liabilities for film rights reflected
in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were $12,259,000 at June 30, 1995
($10,801,000 at June 30, 1994). In addition, commitments for unavailable film
rights had fair values of $36,200,000 and $17,500,000 at June 30, 1995 and
1994, respectively (Note 14).
c. Long-term indebtedness
At June 30, 1995, $90 million of long-term debt on the Company's Consolidated
Balance Sheet relates to the term loan incurred to purchase WSMV in January
1995. The carrying amounts of this debt and the related interest payable
approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of the interest periods
available under the term loan agreement.
The fair value of long-term debt incurred by Meredith/New Heritage Strategic
Partners, L.P., ("Strategic Partners") was determined by discounting cash flows
through maturity using rates currently available to the partnership for
borrowing and swap agreements with similar terms and maturities. That value
was approximately $91,000,000 at June 30, 1995 ($140,000,000 at June 30, 1994).
Carrying values in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1995 and 1994,
respectively, were $91,079,000 and $138,000,000.
d. Other
The carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30,
1995 and 1994, for all other assets and liabilities (and all other liabilities
not appearing on the Consolidated Balance Sheets per Note 14) subject to SFAS
No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments," approximate
their respective fair values. Fair value estimates are made at a specific
point in time based on relevant market and financial instrument information.
These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters
of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.
6. Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of paper stock and books. Of net inventory
values shown, approximate portions determined using the LIFO method were: 1995
- 55 percent, 1994 - 32 percent, 1993 - 42 percent and 1992 - 29 percent. The
increase in raw materials in 1995 is related to the purchase of paper in the
Publishing segment prior to a July 1, 1995, price increase.
F-31
June 30 1995 1994 1993 1992
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(in thousands)
Raw materials..................... $32,320 $15,366 $17,894 $11,192
Work in process................... 13,801 13,132 11,793 10,762
Finished goods.................... 13,059 15,086 11,978 13,117
------- ------- ------- -------
59,180 43,584 41,665 35,071
Reserve for LIFO cost valuation... (12,399) (8,622) ( 9,282) (8,922)
------- ------- ------- -------
Inventories.................... $46,781 $34,962 $32,383 $26,149
======= ======= ======= =======
7. Property, Plant and Equipment
June 30 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Land and improvements ................... $ 5,304 $ 4,897 $ 6,239
Buildings and improvements .............. 51,082 49,038 53,473
Machinery and equipment.................. 100,485 82,633 95,604
Cable distribution system ............... 85,280 87,063 76,116
Leasehold improvements................... 4,514 4,517 4,741
Construction in progress................. 5,961 3,010 2,506
-------- -------- --------
Total (at cost)........................ 252,626 231,158 238,679
Less accumulated depreciation............ (120,862) (106,503) (107,792)
-------- -------- --------
Net property, plant and equipment...... $131,764 $124,655 $130,887
======== ======== ========
Depreciation expense for the year........ $ 19,219 $ 18,137 $ 16,014
======== ======== ========
Depreciable Life
----------------
Buildings and improvements............... 5 to 45 years
Machinery and equipment.................. 3 to 20 years
Cable distribution system................ 5 to 15 years
Leasehold improvements................... 4 to 15 years
F-32
8. Acquisitions
On January 5, 1995, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
WSMV, an NBC network affiliated television station in Nashville, Tenn., from
Cook Inlet Television Partners for $159 million. Cash from short-term
investments and lines of credit and a $100 million term borrowing from a group
of banks were used to purchase WSMV.
The acquisition of WSMV has been accounted for by the purchase method. The
cost of this acquisition was allocated to assets and liabilities based on their
fair market appraised values. Goodwill and other intangibles, related to the
station's NBC affiliation and FCC license, were recognized as a result of the
purchase.
The operating results of WSMV have been included in the Company's consolidated
financial statements from the date of acquisition. Pro forma disclosure, as if
the transaction occurred at the beginning of the Company's fiscal year, of
unaudited results of operations for the years ended June 30, 1995 and 1994, is
as follows:
Years ended June 30 1995 1994
------------------- -------- --------
(in thousands, except per share)
Revenues $901,040 $825,869
======== ========
Earnings before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle $ 40,122 $ 27,072
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (46,160) --
-------- --------
Net (loss) earnings $ (6,038) $ 27,072
======== ========
Net (loss) earnings per share:
Earnings before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle $ 1.45 $ .95
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (1.67) --
-------- --------
Net (loss) earnings per share $ (.22) $ .95
======== ========
F-33
The acquisition of North Central Cable Communications Corporation ("North
Central"), a corporation operating cable television systems in the
Minneapolis/St. Paul area, by Strategic Partners, a limited partnership between
Meredith/New Heritage Partnership and Continental Cablevision of Minnesota,
Inc., for approximately $220 million occurred on September 1, 1992. Meredith
Corporation has a 70 percent indirect ownership in Strategic Partners through
its wholly owned subsidiary, Meredith Cable, Inc. A cable television system
serving Bismarck/Mandan, N. D., and owned by Meredith/New Heritage Partnership
was contributed to Strategic Partners at the time of the North Central
acquisition. This reduced the Company's indirect ownership interest in the
North Dakota system to 70 percent. Long-term debt of approximately $139
million was incurred by Strategic Partners in connection with the acquisition
of North Central.
The acquisition of North Central was accounted for by the purchase method. The
acquisition cost was allocated to assets and liabilities based on their fair
market appraised values. Recognition of goodwill and non-competition
agreements as intangible assets resulted from this purchase.
The operating results of North Central have been included in the Company's
consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Pro forma
operating results for the year ended June 30, 1993, had this acquisition
occurred on July 1, 1992, are as follows: net revenues of $775,814,000, net
earnings of $17,235,000 and net earnings per share of 56 cents.
9. Sale of Properties
On March 9, 1995, Strategic Partners sold the net assets of its Bismarck/
Mandan, N. D., cable television operations for a pre-tax gain of $3,501,000
($1,101,000 post-tax).
On December 26, 1993, the Company sold the net assets of WTVH, a television
station operating in Syracuse, N. Y., and the common stock of a Company
subsidiary that owned KSEE, a television station operating in Fresno, Calif.,
for a pre-tax gain of $11,997,000 ($8,197,000 post-tax).
The Company sold Metropolitan Home magazine to Hachette Publications, Inc. in
November 1992.
The gains/losses on these sales are included in net (loss) earnings for their
respective year. If these sales had occurred on July 1 of the respective
fiscal year, the impacts on the Company's consolidated revenues and net (loss)
earnings would not have been significant.
F-34
10. Long-Term Indebtedness and Restricted Assets
Long-term debt consists of the following:
June 30 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Loan agreement - Meredith Corporation $ 90,000 $ ---
Loan agreement - Strategic Partners 91,079 138,000
-------- --------
Total long-term debt $181,079 $138,000
======== ========
In connection with the purchase of WSMV in January 1995, the Company entered
into a term loan agreement for $100 million with a group of banks. As of June
30, 1995, $90 million was outstanding under this agreement. Interest is
payable based on short-term Eurodollar and/or prime rates of interest, at the
option of the Company. At June 30, 1995, the weighted-average rate of interest
was 7.76 percent. This loan agreement contains certain covenants including
cash flow coverage requirements. The Company was in compliance with these
covenants at June 30, 1995. The term loan requires repayments through December
31, 1998, the final payment date. The aggregate annual maturities of the term
loan in future fiscal years are: $15 million in 1996, $15 million in 1997, $35
million in 1998 and $25 million in 1999.
Long-term debt was incurred by Strategic Partners in connection with the
purchase of North Central in September 1992. As of June 30, 1995, $91 million
was owed under a loan agreement Strategic Partners has with ten banks. On June
30, 1994, this loan converted to a term loan with a final maturity date of
March 31, 2001. On December 29, 1994, Strategic Partners entered into an
amendment of the loan agreement with the banks changing the maturity date,
repayment provisions, required financial tests and capital expenditure limits.
The maturity date was accelerated to the earlier of March 31, 1996, or the date
of the sale of Strategic Partners' cable television systems. The requirement
for regularly-scheduled quarterly payments was discontinued. Amended repayment
provisions required that upon the earlier of June 30, 1995, or the sale of the
cable television system in North Dakota, Strategic Partners pay the banks
approximately $44 million. On March 10, 1995, Strategic Partners paid the
banks $44.3 million from the proceeds received from the sale of its North
Dakota systems on March 9, 1995. Strategic Partners met the required financial
tests and capital expenditure limits at June 30, 1995.
F-35
Strategic Partners currently is exploring the sale of North Central and has
entered into an agreement with a cable television broker for the purpose of
identifying and seeking purchasers. Borrowings under the loan agreement at
June 30, 1995, have been classified as long-term as the banks have indicated
they would support a request to extend the current maturity date of March 31,
1996. Management of Strategic Partners intends and believes it will be able to
execute an amendment to the loan agreement extending the maturity date of the
loan if necessary, as in December 1994.
Borrowings under the loan agreement are secured by the assets of Strategic
Partners totaling $226 million at June 30, 1995. Interest is payable at prime,
Eurodollar or certificate of deposit rates. At June 30, 1995, borrowings bore
interest under interest rate swap agreements expiring on September 1, 1995:
$80 million at 7.05 percent and $10 million at 7.18 percent (before an
applicable margin of 1.25 percent). The purpose of the swap agreements is to
reduce interest rate risk on the debt outstanding; and thus were entered into
for purposes other than trading. The swap agreements enable Strategic Partners
to receive payment based on the six-month LIBOR interest rate, reset semi-
annually, and make payments at the fixed interest rate of 7.06 percent (before
the 1.25 percent margin). A payment of $288,000 on September 1, 1995, remains
related to the swap agreements. The value of that payment, as of June 30,
1995, approximates the market value. Therefore, Strategic Partners' management
believes there is no market or significant credit risk associated with the swap
agreements. The weighted-average rate of interest on the total debt
outstanding at June 30, 1995, was 8.31 percent (including the 1.25 percent
margin). This rate is being accrued and charged to interest expense over the
term of the swap agreement.
The loan agreement has provisions which restrict additional debt and
investments and prohibit payment of dividends or distributions except for
specified payments under certain conditions not causing a default under the
loan agreement. Restricted net assets of Strategic Partners included in the
Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 1995, totaled $88 million
including $5 million in cash.
At June 30, 1995, Meredith Corporation had unused committed lines of credit
totaling $23 million through June 30, 1998. Commitment fees paid were not
material.
11. Income Taxes
On July 1, 1993, the Company adopted SFAS No. 109, "Accounting For Income
Taxes." (The Company previously complied with the provisions of SFAS No. 96.)
The effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 109 was not material to the financial
statements. Financial statements for the periods prior to fiscal 1994, the
year of adoption, have not been restated.
F-36
Per SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities using current tax laws and rates. Recognition of valuation
allowances is required, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts
that are likely to be realized based on management's judgment.
Income tax expense for the year ended June 30, 1995, was allocated as follows:
Year ended June 30 1995
------------------- --------
(in thousands)
Earnings before income taxes and
cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle $37,218
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (30,773)
-------
Total $ 6,445
=======
Income tax expense attributable to earnings before income taxes and cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle consists of:
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
-------------------- ------- ------- -------
Continuing operations:
Currently payable: (in thousands)
Federal................................ $34,909 $20,368 $ 8,577
State.................................. 8,255 3,431 2,205
------- ------- -------
43,164 23,799 10,782
------- ------- -------
Deferred:
Federal................................ $(4,757) $ 2,650 $ 3,978
State.................................. (1,189) 630 958
------- ------- -------
(5,946) 3,280 4,936
------- ------- -------
Total............................... $37,218 $27,079 $15,718
======= ======= =======
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred income
tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
F-37
June 30 1995 1994
-------- ------- -------
Deferred tax assets: (in thousands)
Allowances for doubtful accounts
and return reserves $14,530 $10,944
Compensation and benefits 13,463 13,444
Expenses deductible for taxes in
different years than accrued 10,911 12,374
All other assets 2,463 699
------- -------
Total deferred tax assets $41,367 $37,461
------- -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Subscription acquisition costs $29,133 $61,977
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 13,569 12,730
Gains on sale of assets 9,318 8,484
Expenses deductible for taxes in
different years than accrued 7,530 8,025
All other liabilities 669 1,816
------- -------
Total deferred tax liabilities $60,219 $93,032
------- -------
Net deferred tax liability $18,852 $55,571
======= =======
No valuation allowance has been recorded for deferred tax assets as management
believes it is more likely than not those assets will be realized.
The differences between the effective tax rates and the basic U.S. federal
income tax rate are as follows:
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
-------------------- ------ ------ ------
Expected income tax (basic rate) ............ 35.0% 35.0% 34.0%
Impact of basic rate increase................ -- 2.5 --
State income taxes,
less federal income tax benefits............ 6.0 4.9 6.1
Goodwill amortization........................ 2.3 3.2 5.2
Non-deductible equity loss - cable operations 2.6 3.5 2.9
Sale of television properties................ -- (1.8) --
Other........................................ 2.4 2.6 (2.4)
----- ----- -----
Effective income tax rate ................. 48.3% 49.9% 45.8%
===== ===== =====
F-38
In connection with the fiscal 1994 sale of two television stations, the Federal
Communications Commission granted the Company a tax certificate allowing the
Company to defer income taxes resulting from the gain recognized on that sale
over a future number of years. This deferral is accomplished through a
reduction in the tax bases of certain assets acquired in the purchase of WSMV
in Nashville in January 1995.
12. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
Pension Plans
-------------
The Company has noncontributory pension plans covering substantially all
employees. The Company's funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum
amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are
intended to provide not only benefits attributed to service to date but also
for those expected to be earned in the future. Assets held in the plans are a
mix of equity and debt securities. Benefits for non-bargained plans are
determined based on length of service and compensation rates at retirement.
For bargained plans, benefits are determined based on negotiated accruals.
Net periodic pension cost includes the following components:
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
-------------------- ------ ------ ------
(in thousands)
Service cost - benefits earned during
the period.................................. $3,035 $3,033 $2,988
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation. 4,196 3,854 3,973
Actual return on assets....................... (3,730) (3,749) (5,883)
Net amortization and deferral................. 1,203 1,546 4,073
------ ------ ------
Net periodic pension cost................... $4,704 $4,684 $5,151
====== ====== ======
The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and amounts recognized
in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Overfunded plans are those in
which the fair value of plan assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.
F-39
1995 1994
------------------ ------------------
Over- Under- Over- Under-
funded funded funded funded
June 30 Plans Plans Plans Plans
-------- --------- ------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested benefit obligation........$(40,194) $(6,056) $(1,801) $(43,119)
======= ======= ======== ========
Accumulated benefit obligation...$(41,742) $(6,509) $(1,892) $(45,029)
======= ======= ======== ========
Projected benefit obligation.....$(46,641) $(9,756) $(1,892) $(53,720)
Plan assets at fair value.......... 42,316 102 2,205 39,044
------- ------- -------- --------
Projected benefit obligation (in
excess of) less than plan assets.. (4,325) (9,654) 313 (14,676)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss....... (550) 502 (87) 2,387
Unrecognized net obligation........ 854 2,171 (255) 3,656
Unrecognized prior service cost.... 1,338 1,568 (2) 3,288
Adjustment required to recognize
minimum liability................. -- (1,506) -- (1,533)
------- ------- -------- --------
Pension liability recognized in
the balance sheet................ $(2,683) $(6,919) $ (31) $ (6,878)
======= ======= ======== ========
The weighted-average assumed discount rates used in determining the projected
benefit obligation at June 30, 1995, were 8 percent before retirement and 6.25
percent after retirement. (At June 30, 1994, assumed discount rates were 7.5
percent before retirement and 6.25 percent after retirement.) The rate of
increase used for future compensation levels at June 30, 1995 and 1994, was 6
percent. The weighted-average expected long-term rates of return on assets
were 8.5 percent for both fiscal 1995 and 1994.
Postretirement Benefit Plans
----------------------------
The Company sponsors a defined health care plan and a defined life insurance
plan which provide benefits to eligible retirees. The health plan is
contributory with retiree contributions adjusted annually. A portion of the
Company's contribution is a fixed dollar amount based on age and years of
service at retirement. The health insurance plan contains the cost-sharing
features of coinsurance and/or deductibles. The life plan is paid for by the
Company. Benefits under both plans are based on eligible status for retirement
and length of service. Substantially all of the Company's employees may become
eligible for these benefits upon reaching age 55 and having worked for the
Company at least 10 years.
F-40
Cash payments related to retiree health and life benefits were $970,000 in
fiscal 1995 ($899,000 and $1,185,000 in 1994 and 1993, respectively). The
Company funds its postretirement benefits through a 401(h) account. All assets
are held in equity securities.
A summary of the components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs
follows:
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
-------------------- ------ ------ ------
(in thousands)
Service cost - benefits earned during
the period................................... $ 340 $ 610 $ 538
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation. 885 1,182 1,199
Actual return on assets....................... (76) (3) (5)
Net amortization and deferral................. (152) 50 42
------ ------ ------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.... $ 997 $ 1,839 $1,774
====== ====== ======
The following table sets forth the obligations recognized in the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheets regarding postretirement benefits and the plan's
funded status:
June 30 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Retirees.................................... $ (7,457) $ (8,737)
Active employees............................ (3,989) (7,921)
-------- --------
Total..................................... (11,446) (16,658)
Plan assets at fair value..................... 499 283
-------- --------
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of
plan assets.................................. (10,947) (16,375)
Unrecognized prior service cost............... (3,242)* -
Unrecognized net loss ........................ 26 2,159
-------- --------
Postretirement benefit liability recognized
in the balance sheet......................... $(14,163) $(14,216)
======== ========
*On January 1, 1994, the Company implemented a managed care health plan in Iowa
resulting in a decrease in the actuarial present value of benefit obligations.
F-41
The weighted-average assumed discount rate used in determining the actuarial
present value of postretirement benefits was 8 percent at June 30, 1995, and
7.5 percent in 1994. The weighted-average annual assumed rate of increase in
the health care cost trend rate for employees under age 65 was 14 and 15
percent for fiscal years 1995 and 1994, respectively. It is expected to
decrease by 1 percent annually to 6.5 percent in 2002 and remain at that level.
For employees 65 and older, the assumed rate of increase was 11 and 12 percent
for fiscal years 1995 and 1994, respectively. It is expected to decrease by 1
percent annually to 6.5 percent in 1999 and remain at that level. By
increasing the trend rate by one percentage point each year, the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation for retiree health benefits would increase as
of June 30, 1995 and 1994, by $548,000 and $1,069,000, respectively. The net
periodic postretirement health care benefit cost would increase by $78,000 and
$163,000 in fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively. The weighted-average rate of
compensation increase used to determine the accumulated benefit obligation for
life insurance benefits was 6 percent at June 30, 1995 and 1994. The weighted-
average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.5 percent for
both fiscal 1995 and 1994.
13. Common Stock, Stock Awards and Stock Options
Under the Company's Savings and Investment Plan [401(k)], 91,289 common shares
were issued during the year at market prices totaling $2,178,000 (73,798 shares
totaling $1,436,000 in 1994 and 101,334 shares totaling $1,343,000 in 1993). A
total of 8,520,000 shares has been reserved for this plan, of which 7,962,577
were issued at June 30, 1995.
The Company has two plans under which eligible key employees may receive
restricted stock awards and a restricted stock plan for non-employee directors.
These plans have various restriction periods tied to employment, service and/or
future specified financial goals. The market value of shares awarded under the
plans is recorded and amortized over the restriction periods. Common shares
awarded and annual expense under these plans are as follows:
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
------------------- ---- ---- ----
($ in thousands)
Number of restricted shares awarded... 100,472 67,586 133,634
Annual expense........................ $1,577 $1,228 $969
Non-qualified stock options for shares of the Company's common stock also are
granted to eligible key employees under the 1992 Meredith Corporation Stock
Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for granting of options at an
option price per share equal to the market price per share of the Company's
common stock on the date of the grant. Most options are subject to exercise
vesting restrictions that lapse for one-third of each award granted on each of
F-42
the following three annual anniversary dates. For fiscal 1995, 320,000 of the
options awarded to eligible key employees under the plan are subject to
exercise vesting restrictions tied to attainment of future specified Company
financial goals. Exercise rights for awarded options expire on the earlier of
ten years after issuance or after the end of employment.
The Company also has a non-qualified stock option plan for non-employee
directors, adopted in fiscal 1994. Each director is granted options for 2,000
shares of common stock annually. These options vest 40, 30 and 30 percent in
each successive year. No options can be issued under this plan after July 31,
2003, and exercise rights expire on the earlier of ten years after issuance or
after the end of each director's service.
As of June 30, 1995:
Options
Options(a) Options Vested Exercised(b) Options
Award Awarded and Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Able to be Exercise
Date Outstanding 1995 1994 1995 1994 Exercised Price
-------- ----------- --------------- -------------- ---------- ---------
8-12-92 393,700 131,800 132,800 (3,400)(5,000) 256,200 $13.22
8-12-92 150,000 50,000 50,000 - - 100,000 $16.53
8-10-93 276,200 94,200 - (2,000) - 92,200 $17.06
11- 9-93 16,000 7,600 - - - 7,600 $20.44
8-10-94 754,692 - - - - - $23.13
11-14-94 8,400 - - - - - $23.44
11-15-94 18,000 - - - - - $23.81
1-30-95 4,000 - - - - - $23.34
--------- ------- ------- ------ ------ -------
1,620,992 283,600 182,800 (5,400)(5,000) 456,000
========= ======= ======= ====== ====== =======
(a) Net of 21,100 options forfeited.
(b) 5,400 shares were exercised in fiscal 1995 at market prices ranging from
$23.69 to $25.97. 5,000 shares were exercised in fiscal 1994 at market
prices ranging from $17.06 to $20.88.
The maximum number of shares reserved for use in all Company restricted stock
and stock incentive plans totals approximately 3,550,000. The total number of
restricted stock shares and stock options awarded under these plans at June 30,
1995, was 2,574,056.
The Company has two classes of common stock outstanding, common and class B.
Holders of each class of common stock receive equal dividends per share. Class
B stock, which has ten votes per share, is not transferable as class B stock
except to family members of the holder or certain other related entities. At
any time, class B stock is convertible share for share, into common stock with
one vote per share. Class B stock transferred to persons or entities not
F-43
entitled to receive it as class B stock will automatically be converted and
issued as common stock to the transferee.
From time to time, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the
repurchase of shares of the Company's common stock in the open market. During
fiscal 1995, the Company repurchased 168,000 shares of common stock at a cost
of $3,759,000 (2,385,000 shares repurchased in fiscal 1994 for $46,862,000 and
2,100,000 shares repurchased in fiscal 1993 for $29,001,000).
14. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company occupies certain facilities and sales offices and uses certain
equipment under lease agreements. Rental expense for such leases was
$7,885,000 in 1995; $7,727,000 in 1994; and $7,824,000 in 1993. Minimum rental
commitments at June 30, 1995, under all noncancellable operating leases are
payable as follows:
Land and Machinery
Years ended June 30 Buildings and Equipment Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
1996.......................... $ 5,386 $ 127 $ 5,513
1997.......................... 1,943 93 2,036
1998.......................... 2,353 62 2,415
1999.......................... 3,073 30 3,103
2000.......................... 2,263 -- 2,263
Later years................... 33,099 -- 33,099
------- ------- -------
Total....................... $48,117 $ 312 $48,429
======= ======= =======
The Company entered into a lease agreement in January 1995 for office space in
New York City. This agreement is effective from January 1, 1996, through
December 31, 2011, and will provide one consolidated New York office location
instead of the three current locations. The Company plans to move into this
office space during the second and third quarters of fiscal 1996.
In the normal course of business, leases that expire are generally renewed or
replaced by leases on similar property.
Film rental contracts payable are noninterest-bearing, and the amounts due in
future fiscal years are $7,290,000 in 1996; $3,834,000 in 1997; $1,043,000 in
1998; and $92,000 in 1999. The Company also is obligated to make payments
under contracts for programs not currently available for use, and therefore not
included in the consolidated financial statements, in the amount of $40,704,000
at June 30, 1995 ($19,006,000 at June 30, 1994). The portion of these payments
due in succeeding years is $9,480,000 in 1996; $10,573,000 in 1997; $8,907,000
in 1998; $7,685,000 in 1999; and $4,059,000 thereafter.
F-44
The purchase agreement related to the acquisition of North Central by Strategic
Partners provides for contingent payments to the former owners if actual cash
flows exceed certain targeted cash flows. There were no contingent payments
owed for fiscal 1993 through 1995. None is expected to be paid in the near
future (Note 10).
The Company has been advised by Strategic Partners that cable management
believes it has complied in all material respects with the provisions of the
Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 including
rate-setting provisions. However, since Strategic Partners' rates for
regulated services are subject to review, Strategic Partners may be subject to
a customer refund liability. The amounts of refunds, if any, which could be
payable by Strategic Partners in the event that rates are successfully
challenged by franchising authorities are not currently estimable.
Strategic Partners has programming agreements with three cable commissions to
provide local programming. These agreements require annual payments of
approximately $1 million (Note 16).
The Company is involved in certain litigation and claims arising in the normal
course of business. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising
from existing litigation and claims are not considered to be material in
relation to the Company's financial position.
15. Industry Segment Information
See Financial Information about Industry Segments on page F-4 and F-5 of this
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995.
16. Cable Franchise Agreements
The cable television operations have nonexclusive franchise agreements which
expire from 1997 to 2006 with six cable commissions in the Minneapolis/St. Paul
area. These agreements require the payment of fees, generally 5 percent of
operating revenues. Additionally, certain franchise agreements require
Strategic Partners to provide community television programming. Strategic
Partners has entered into programming agreements with three cable television
commissions in Minnesota to provide certain local community cable television
programming. These agreements require annual payments of approximately $1
million (generally adjusted annually by consumer price index-based escalator
clauses) and are effective for the term of the franchise agreements and any
renewals thereof. Cable management believes that its operations are materially
in compliance with the terms of the franchise agreements in each of the
municipalities in which it offers cable television services.
F-45
17. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
First Second Third Fourth
Year ended June 30, 1995 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total
------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands, except per share)
Revenues................. $200,147 $214,884 $230,449 $239,070 $884,550
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Income from operations... $ 13,587 $ 18,944 $ 21,160 $ 22,017 $ 75,708
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings before cumulative
effect of change in
accounting principle.... $ 10,672 $ 8,919 $ 10,179 $ 10,075 $ 39,845
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle. (46,160) -- -- -- (46,160)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net (loss) earnings...... $(35,488) $ 8,919 $ 10,179 $ 10,075 $ (6,315)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net (loss) earnings per share:
Earnings before cumulative
effect of change in
accounting principle.... $ .39 $ .32 $ .37 $ .36 $ 1.44
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle. (1.67) -- -- -- (1.67)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net(loss)earnings per share $(1.28) $ .32 $ .37 $ .36 $( .23)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Fiscal 1995
-----------
First quarter net results include a non-cash, post-tax charge for the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle related to subscription
acquisition costs (Note 2). Effects on income from operations and earnings and
per-share earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
by quarter are as follows:
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands, except per share)
Income from operations $ -- $(2,743) $(2,186) $ (188) $(5,117)
====== ======= ======= ======= =======
F-46
Earnings before cumulative
effect of change in
accounting principle $ -- $(1,586) $(1,372) $ (113) $(3,071)
====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings per share before
cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle $ -- $ (.06) $ (.05) $ -- $ (.11)
====== ======= ======= ======= =======
First quarter net results also include $4,747,000 in post-tax interest income
from the Internal Revenue Service, primarily related to the favorable
resolution of the Ladies' Home Journal magazine tax case (Note 3).
Third quarter net earnings include a post-tax gain of $1,101,000 from the
disposition of a cable television system (Note 9).
Third and fourth quarter financial data reflect the acquisition of WSMV (Note
8).
First Second Third Fourth
Year ended June 30, 1994 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total
------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands, except per share)
Revenues................. $182,291 $204,630 $205,763 $206,842 $799,526
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Income from operations... $ 11,885 $ 9,475 $ 16,758 $ 11,519 $ 49,637
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net earnings............. $ 3,444 $ 11,504 $ 7,216 $ 4,990 $ 27,154
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net earnings per share... $ .12 $ .40 $ .26 $ .18 $ .96
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Fiscal 1994
-----------
First quarter net earnings reflect a charge of $1,356,000 related to the impact
of the federal income tax rate increase on deferred taxes and the prior-year
tax provision (Note 11).
Second quarter net earnings were reduced by a $2,592,000 post-tax charge for a
non-recurring item (Note 4). A post-tax gain of $8,197,000 on the sale of two
television broadcasting properties is also reflected in second quarter net
earnings (Note 9).
Fourth quarter net earnings were reduced by a $1,395,000 post-tax charge for
non-recurring items (Note 4).
F-47
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Meredith Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Meredith
Corporation and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1995 and 1994, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 1995. In connection
with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we
also audited the related financial statement schedules, as listed in Part IV,
Item 14(a)2 herein. These consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Meredith
Corporation and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1995 and 1994, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended June 30, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules,
when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements
taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set
forth therein.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
changed its method of accounting for subscription acquisition costs in fiscal
1995 to adopt the provisions of Practice Bulletin 13, "Direct-Response
Advertising and Probable Future Benefits."
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
August 2, 1995
F-48
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
Meredith management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the
financial information included in this report. The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles appropriate in the circumstances. Accordingly, management has made
informed judgments and estimates necessary to properly reflect current business
activity.
To meet management's responsibility for financial reporting, internal control
systems and accounting procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance
as to the reliability of financial records. In addition, the internal audit
staff monitors and reports on compliance with Company policies, procedures and
internal control systems.
The consolidated financial statements have been audited by independent
auditors. In accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
independent auditors obtained a sufficient understanding of the Company's
internal control structure to plan their audit and determine the nature, timing
and extent of tests to be performed. The Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors meets with the independent auditors, management and internal auditors
to review accounting, auditing and financial reporting matters. To ensure
complete independence, the independent auditors have full and complete access
to the Audit Committee, with or without the presence of management
representatives.
Larry D. Hartsook
Vice President - Finance
F-49
Schedule I
MEREDITH CORPORATION
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Balance Sheets
Assets June 30 1995 1994
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,413 $ 30,758
Marketable securities -- 12,178
Net receivables 95,467 73,525
Inventories 45,698 33,908
Supplies and prepayments 28,113 25,229
Subscription acquisition costs 62,440 102,040
-------- --------
Total current assets 242,131 277,638
-------- --------
Property, plant and equipment (at cost) 162,916 140,776
Less accumulated depreciation (100,929) (91,813)
-------- --------
Net property, plant and equipment 61,987 48,963
-------- --------
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
(other than cable) 28,423 35,970
Investment in cable subsidiary 88,097 90,579
Deferred subscription acquisition costs 32,482 65,276
Other assets 25,486 26,114
Goodwill and other intangibles
(at original cost less accumulated amortization) 245,453 110,641
-------- --------
Total assets $724,059 $655,181
======== ========
See disclosures regarding material contingencies and long-term obligations in
Notes 10 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-50
Balance Sheets continued
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity June 30 1995 1994
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term indebtedness $ 15,000 $ --
Accounts payable 53,684 38,867
Accrued taxes and expenses 56,404 49,015
Unearned subscription revenues 139,709 140,230
Deferred income taxes 140 16,455
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 264,937 244,567
-------- --------
Long-term indebtedness 75,000 --
Unearned subscription revenues 90,080 88,762
Deferred income taxes 17,946 36,191
Other deferred items 35,046 27,900
-------- --------
Total liabilities 483,009 397,420
-------- --------
Stockholders' equity:
Series preferred stock, par value $1 per share -- --
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued
Common stock, par value $1 per share 20,580 10,119
Authorized 80,000,000 shares; issued and outstand-
ing 20,579,565 shares in 1995 and 10,119,165 shares
in 1994 (net of treasury shares, 11,601,465 in 1995
and 5,763,328 in 1994)
Class B stock, par value $1 per share, convertible 6,905 3,602
to common stock; authorized 15,000,000; issued
and outstanding 6,905,062 shares in 1995 and
3,601,932 shares in 1994
Additional paid-in capital 873 --
Retained earnings 216,485 246,917
Unearned compensation (3,793) (2,877)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 241,050 257,761
-------- --------
Commitments and contingent liabilities -- --
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $724,059 $655,181
======== ========
See disclosures regarding material contingencies and long-term obligations in
Notes 10 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-51
Schedule I continued
MEREDITH CORPORATION
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Statements of Earnings
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share)
Revenues (less returns and allowances):
Advertising $381,288 $320,772 $322,982
Circulation 247,301 232,506 217,645
Consumer books 84,889 86,040 81,390
All other 73,175 61,618 55,047
-------- -------- --------
Total revenues 786,653 700,936 677,064
-------- -------- --------
Operating costs and expenses:
Production, distribution and editorial 329,252 297,543 294,194
Selling, general and administrative 368,453 338,585 328,661
Depreciation and amortization 15,340 13,208 13,100
Non-recurring items -- 7,384 -
-------- -------- --------
Total operating costs and expenses 713,045 656,720 635,955
-------- -------- --------
Income from operations 73,608 44,216 41,109
Gain on sale of broadcast stations - 11,997 -
(Loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries (1,805) (4,574) (7,676)
Interest income - IRS settlement 8,554 -- --
Interest income 2,327 1,780 1,846
Interest expense (3,974) (267) (618)
-------- -------- --------
Earnings before income taxes and cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle 78,710 53,152 34,661
Income taxes 38,865 25,998 16,035
-------- -------- --------
Earnings before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle 39,845 27,154 18,626
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (46,160) - -
-------- -------- --------
Net (loss) earnings $ (6,315) $ 27,154 $ 18,626
======== ======== ========
F-52
Net (loss) earnings per share of common stock:
Earnings before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle $1.44 $ .96 $ .61
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (1.67) - -
----- ----- -----
Net (loss) earnings per share $(.23) $ .96 $ .61
===== ===== =====
Average shares outstanding 27,754 28,365 30,532
====== ====== ======
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the pro forma effects
of the change in accounting principle on selected statements of earnings items.
F-53
Schedule I continued
MEREDITH CORPORATION
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended June 30 1995 1994 1993
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Earnings before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle $ 39,845 $ 27,154 $ 18,626
Less cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (46,160) - -
-------- -------- --------
Net (loss) earnings (6,315) 27,154 18,626
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) earnings to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 15,340 13,208 13,100
Amortization of film contract rights 18,133 22,274 26,908
Non-recurring items, net of taxes - 3,987 -
Gain on sale of broadcast stations,
net of taxes - (8,197) -
(Increase) decrease in receivables (21,942) (5,173) 1,726
(Increase) in inventories (11,790) (2,663) (7,791)
(Increase) decrease in supplies and prepayments(5,726) (384) 1,783
Decrease in subscription acquisition costs 72,394 508 4,231
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
and accruals 24,801 (8,596) 4,512
Increase (decrease) in unearned sub revenues 797 (568) (3,104)
(Decrease) increase in deferred income taxes (34,997) 3,069 4,499
Increase (decrease) in other deferred items 6,295 (433) (10,749)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 56,990 44,186 53,741
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Redemption of marketable securities 16,189 9,244 20,448
Proceeds from dispositions - 33,000 -
Payment for purchase of business (159,000) - -
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 1,511 1,518 3,508
Investment in cable subsidiary 4,046 5,096 (32,740)
Additions to property, plant and equipment (13,275) (9,222) (8,055)
Decrease (increase) in other assets 7,675 405 (11,476)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities(142,854) 40,041 (28,315)
-------- -------- --------
F-54
Statements of Cash Flows continued
Cash flows from financing activities:
Long-term indebtedness incurred 100,000 - -
Long-term indebtedness retired (10,000) - -
Payments for film rental contracts (14,085) (14,633) (15,742)
Proceeds from common stock issued 3,751 3,048 3,093
Purchase of Company shares (3,759) (46,862) (29,001)
Dividends paid (10,388) (9,677) (9,783)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided (used) by financing
activities 65,519 (68,124) (51,433)
-------- -------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents (20,345) 16,103 (26,007)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 30,758 14,655 40,662
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 10,413 $ 30,758 $ 14,655
======== ======== ========
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
The Company received $2 million of preferred stock in Granite Broadcasting
Corporation from the sale of two television broadcasting stations in December
1993.
Per Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, North Central Cable was
purchased in fiscal 1993 for approximately $220 million by Strategic Partners,
in which the Company has a 70 percent indirect ownership interest. Significant
non-cash investing and financing activities reflected in the Consolidated
Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993, included ($ in
millions) the acquisition of intangible assets of ($171) and net property,
plant and equipment of ($61) by incurring long-term debt of $139, minority
interest of $42, contributing a portion of the North Dakota system of $12 and
assuming net liabilities of $6.
Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant:
1. Cash Dividends
The registrant received cash dividends from a consolidated subsidiary of
$1,000,000 in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994. (No dividends were paid by
this subsidiary in fiscal years 1995 or 1993.) In addition, cash dividends
from an investee accounted for by the equity method of $366,000, $960,000 and
$348,000 were received in the fiscal years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.
F-55
2. Long-Term Indebtedness
In connection with the purchase of WSMV in January 1995, the Company entered
into a term loan agreement for $100 million with a group of banks. As of June
30, 1995, $90 million was outstanding under this agreement. Interest is
payable based on short-term Eurodollar and/or prime rates of interest, at the
option of the Company. At June 30, 1995, the weighted-average rate of interest
was 7.76 percent. This loan agreement contains certain covenants including
cash flow coverage requirements. The Company was in compliance with these
covenants at June 30, 1995. The term loan requires repayments through December
31, 1998, the final payment date. The aggregate annual maturities of the term
loan in future fiscal years are: $15 million in 1996, $15 million in 1997, $35
million in 1998 and $25 million in 1999.
Schedule II
MEREDITH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993
(in thousands)
Year ended June 30, 1995
---------------------------------------------------
Additions
-------------------
Balance at Charged to Charged Balance
beginning costs and to other at end of
Description of period expenses accounts Deductions period
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------
Those reserves which are deducted
in the consolidated financial
statements from Receivables:
Reserve for doubtful $10,466 $ 9,804 $ 0 $10,071* $10,199
accounts
Reserve for returns 7,003 26,417 0 26,309** 7,111
------- ------- ---- ------- -------
$17,469 $36,221 $ 0 $36,380 $17,310
======= ======= ==== ======= =======
F-56
Year ended June 30, 1994
---------------------------------------------------
Additions
-------------------
Balance at Charged to Charged Balance
beginning costs and to other at end of
Description of period expenses accounts Deductions period
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------
Those reserves which are deducted
in the consolidated financial
statements from Receivables:
Reserve for doubtful $10,055 $11,740 $ 0 $11,329* $10,466
accounts
Reserve for returns 6,352 38,500 0 37,849** 7,003
------- ------- ---- ------- -------
$16,407 $50,240 $ 0 $49,178 $17,469
======= ======= ==== ======= =======
Year ended June 30, 1993
---------------------------------------------------
Additions
-------------------
Balance at Charged to Charged Balance
beginning costs and to other at end of
Description of period expenses accounts Deductions period
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------
Those reserves which are deducted
in the consolidated financial
statements from Receivables:
Reserve for doubtful $ 9,293 $ 8,865 $ 0 $ 8,103* $10,055
accounts
Reserve for returns 6,678 24,970 0 25,296** 6,352
------- ------- ---- ------- -------
$15,971 $33,835 $ 0 $33,399 $16,407
======= ======= ==== ======= =======
*Bad debts charged to reserve.
**Actual returns charged to reserve.
F-57
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit
Number Item
------- ----------------------------------------------
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation
3.2 Restated Bylaws
10.20 Second Amendment to Employment Contract
11 Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23 Consent of Independent Auditors
27 Financial Data Schedule
E-1