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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
{X} ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000
OR
{ } TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-14595
FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 95-4066193
(State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 852-7111
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
------------------- -----------------------------------------
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None
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.
As of September 25, 2000 the aggregate market value of common stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant (based on the closing price on such date as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange - Composite Transactions) was
$3,406,894,498.
As of September 25, 2000, 176,559,834 shares of Class A Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share, and 547,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.'s Notice of 2000 Annual Meeting
and Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are incorporated by reference into Part
III of this report.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Background
Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (together with its direct and indirect
subsidiaries, and their respective predecessors, unless the context otherwise
requires, the "Company") is a multi-faceted entertainment company with
operations in five business segments: (i) Filmed Entertainment; (ii) Television
Stations; (iii) Television Broadcast Network; (iv) Other Television Businesses;
and (v) Cable Network Programming.
In November 1998, the Company sold 124,800,000 shares of its Class A Common
Stock in an initial public offering. The News Corporation Limited ("News
Corporation") is the beneficial owner of 51,759,834 shares of Class A Common
Stock and 547,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, which in the aggregate
represent approximately 82.76% of the equity and 97.8% of the voting power of
the Company.
The address of the Company's principal executive offices is 1211 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10036, and the telephone number is (212) 852-
7111. The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday
nearest to June 30 in each year. At June 30, 2000, the Company had approximately
12,000 full-time and part-time employees.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains statements that constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The
words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," "believe" and similar
expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this document and
include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the
Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things,
trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The
readers of this document are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties,
those risks and uncertainties discussed under the headings "Risk Factors" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," in the Company's Registration Statement Form S-1 (SEC file no.
333-61515) as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 9, 1998, as well as the information set forth below. The Company does
not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and undertakes
no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers
should carefully review the risk factors referred to above and the other
documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This
section should be read in conjunction with the unaudited combined condensed
financial statements of the Company and related notes set forth elsewhere
herein.
Business
Filmed Entertainment
The Company engages in feature film and television production and
distribution principally through the following businesses: Fox Filmed
Entertainment ("FFE"), a leading producer and distributor of feature films;
Twentieth Century Fox Television ("TCFTV"), a leading producer of
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network television programming; and Fox Television Studios ("FtvS"), a producer
and distributor of syndicated programming.
Fox Filmed Entertainment
One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures,
FFE produces, finances, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the
world under a variety of arrangements. During fiscal 1998, 1999 and 2000, FFE
placed 25, 22 and 20 films, respectively, in general release in the United
States. Those motion pictures were produced or acquired by the following units
of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox and Fox 2000, which produce motion pictures for
mainstream audiences; Fox Searchlight Pictures, which produces and acquires
specialized motion pictures; and Twentieth Century Fox Animation, which produces
feature length animated motion pictures. Successful motion pictures produced
and/or distributed by FFE since the beginning of fiscal 1998 include The X-
Files, Dr. Dolittle, There's Something About Mary, Titanic (together with
Paramount Pictures Corporation), Entrapment, Never Been Kissed, Star Wars,
Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, The Beach, Big Momma's House and Me, Myself &
Irene. The Company currently plans to release approximately 24 films in fiscal
2001 including X-Men, Men of Honor, Cast Away (together with Dreamworks SKG),
Black Knight, Moulin Rouge and Dr. Dolittle 2.
In addition, pursuant to an agreement that became effective at the end of
May 1998 with Monarchy Enterprises Holdings B.V. ("MEH"), the parent company of
Regency Entertainment (USA), Inc. ("New Regency"), FFE will distribute certain
New Regency films and all films co-financed by the Company and New Regency
produced over a 15-year term in all media worldwide, excluding certain
international territories with respect to theatrical and home video rights and
most international territories with respect to television rights. The Company
expects to release approximately 2-4 New Regency films during fiscal 2001. In
connection with this distribution arrangement, the Company acquired a 20%
interest in MEH. The parties also agreed to enter into certain motion picture
financing arrangements and formed Regency Television, a 50/50 joint venture to
produce television programming.
Due to increased competition and costs associated with film production,
film studios constantly evaluate the risks and rewards of production. Companies
use various strategies to balance this risk with their capital needs, including,
among other methods, co-production, contingent profit participations,
acquisition of distribution rights only, and insurance. Pursuant to a series of
film rights agreements with an independent third party ("New Millennium"), the
Company has agreed to sell completed feature films released during the period
fiscal 1997 through 2001 to New Millennium at amounts which approximate cost.
The Company is the distributor of these films. Additionally, the Company has the
option to reacquire the films after a period when significantly all of the
ultimate revenues have been earned based on a formula which considers the
remaining projected ultimate revenues, net of cost, as defined at the time of
reacquisition. Through this arrangement, New Millennium provides the Company
with an external source of capital willing to share in the risks of motion
picture production. In cases where the Company fully produces, retains and
distributes motion pictures, the Company has the full risk and reward from such
films. Under the arrangement with New Millennium, it participates in certain of
the risks and rewards from the portfolio of films it has acquired. The Company
is currently exploring similar financing strategies which would be implemented
upon the expiration of the present agreement with New Millennium.
Motion picture companies, such as FFE, typically seek to generate revenues
from various distribution channels. FFE derives its worldwide motion picture
revenues primarily from four basic sources (set forth in general chronology of
exploitation): (i) distribution of motion pictures for theatrical exhibition in
the United States and Canada and markets outside of the United States and Canada
("International" markets); (ii) distribution of motion pictures in various home
media formats;
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(iii) distribution of motion pictures for exhibition on pay-per-view and
premium pay television programming services; and (iv) distribution of motion
pictures for exhibition on free television networks, other broadcast program
services, independent television stations and basic cable programming services,
including certain services which are affiliates of the Company and News
Corporation. The Company does not always have rights in all media of exhibition
to all motion pictures which it releases, and does not necessarily distribute a
given motion picture in all of the foregoing media in all markets.
The Company distributes and markets its films worldwide principally through
its own distribution and marketing companies. The Company believes that the pre-
release marketing of a feature film is an integral part of its motion picture
distribution strategy and generally begins marketing efforts three to six months
in advance of a film's release date in any given territory.
Through Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Inc., the Company
distributes motion pictures and other programming produced by units of FFE, its
affiliates and other producers in the United States, Canada and International
markets in all home media formats including the sale and rental of
videocassettes and DVDs. Approximately 165 produced and acquired titles were
released or re-released to the domestic home entertainment market in fiscal
2000, including 66 titles in DVD format. In International markets, the Company
distributes both directly and through foreign distribution channels and
approximately 400 produced and acquired titles were released for distribution to
the international home entertainment market in fiscal 2000, including 44 new Fox
releases, over 200 catalog titles and approximately 150 television and other
non-theatrical releases. In addition, the Company entered into an agreement to
distribute Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ("MGM") video product in most international
markets in return for certain fees. The Company released over 200 MGM Home
Entertainment theatrical, catalog and television programs internationally in
fiscal 2000.
Units of FFE license motion pictures and other programs in the United
States, Canada and International markets to various third parties and certain
affiliated, subscription pay television services and pay-per-view services. The
license agreements reflecting the subscription pay television arrangements
generally provide for a specified number of exhibitions of the program during a
fixed term in exchange for a license fee which is based on a variety of factors,
including the box office performance of each program and the number of
subscribers to the service or system. The license agreements reflecting the
pay-per-view arrangements generally provide for a minimum number of scheduled
exhibitions of the program during a fixed term in exchange for a license fee
based on a percentage of the licensee's gross receipts from the pay-per-view
exhibition of the program. Among third-party license agreements that units of
FFE have in place in the United States for subscription pay television
exhibition of its motion pictures are exclusive agreements with Home Box Office
("HBO"), providing for the licensing of films initially released for theatrical
exhibition through the year 2009, as well as arrangements with Encore and
American Movie Classics. Units of FFE also license motion pictures in the United
States to direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") pay-per-view services operated by
DirecTV, Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corporation as well as cable pay-per-
view services such as Viewer's Choice. In addition, in International markets,
units of FFE license motion pictures to leading third-party pay television
services and pay-per-view services as well as to programming services operated
by various affiliated entities.
Units of FFE also license motion pictures to broadcast television networks,
including the Fox Broadcasting Company ("FOX"), independent broadcast television
stations and basic cable networks, pursuant to agreements which generally allow
a fixed number of telecasts of a motion picture over a stated period of time in
exchange for a specified license fee.
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Twentieth Century Fox Television
During the past three fiscal years, TCFTV produced television programs for
the FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC as well as WB broadcast television networks and the USA
cable network. TCFTV currently produces or has orders to produce episodes of the
following network television series: Dharma & Greg, Two Guys and a Girl and The
Practice for ABC; Judging Amy and Yes, Dear (each co-produced with CBS
Productions) for CBS; Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Dark Angel, Family Guy,
FreakyLinks, Futurama, Lone Gunmen, King of the Hill, The Simpsons, Titus and
The X-Files for FOX; and Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Roswell (a co-
production with FtvS) for the WB. Generally, a network will license a specified
number of episodes for exhibition on the network during the license period. All
other distribution rights, including international and off-network syndication
rights, are typically retained by TCFTV.
Generally, television programs are produced under contracts that provide
for license fees which may cover only a portion of the anticipated production
costs. As these costs have increased in recent years, the resulting deficit
between production costs and license fees for domestic first-run programming has
also increased. Successful network television series are licensed (i) for
first-run exhibition in International and Canadian markets, (ii) for off-network
exhibition in the United States (including in syndication or to cable
programmers) and (iii) for syndication in International markets. Such additional
licensing is often critical to the financial success of a series since the
license fee paid by a network generally does not fully recover production costs.
Generally, a series must be broadcast for at least three to four television
seasons for there to be a sufficient number of episodes to offer the series in
syndication in the United States or to cable and DBS programmers in the United
States. The decision of a television network to continue a series through an
entire television season or to renew a series for another television season
depends largely on the series' audience ratings.
Fox Television Studios
FtvS was established to create television and video content complementary
to TCFTV's activities. It is organized as a group of smaller, entrepreneurial
production "pods" that share common executive, management and production
infrastructure. In addition to U.S. prime time network series, FtvS also
produces programming in a wide variety of genres for a variety of domestic and
international programming services. FtvS is grouped into six basic lines of
business: (i) network primetime programming through The Greenblatt Janollari
Studio ("TGJS") and Regency Television, (ii) "alternative," cable and low-cost
entertainment programming through FtvS Productions, (iii) movies and mini-series
through Fox TV Pictures, (iv) non-fiction programming through Foxstar and
Natural History New Zealand; (v) international production through Fox World
Productions; and (vi) digital, interactive media through the Fox Foundry. FtvS
produces or has orders to produce a variety of network and cable series
including Malcolm in the Middle for FOX; Son of the Beach for FX; and Roswell (a
co-production with TCFTV) for the WB, as well as television movies, mini-series,
specials, game and talk shows and non-fictional programming for networks
including A&E, Discovery Channel, American Movie Classics, The Learning Channel,
Animal Planet and Sky One.
Motion Picture and Television Libraries
The Company's motion picture and television library (the "Fox Library")
consists of varying rights to over 2,500 previously released films, of which
approximately 300 have been released since 1980, and many well-known television
series. The motion pictures in the Fox Library include many successful, well-
known and well-loved titles, such as The Sound of Music and Miracle on 34th
Street, and four of the top 10 domestic box office grossing films of all time,
including Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, Independence Day, and most recently,
Titanic (together with Paramount Pictures Corporation). The Company earns
significant revenues through the licensing of titles in the
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Fox Library in many media, including television and home entertainment formats,
and through licensing and merchandising of films and characters in films.
In addition, the Fox Library contains varying rights to certain television
series and made-for-television motion pictures. The television library contains
such classic series as Batman, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, M*A*S*H, Hill Street
Blues, Doogie Howser, M.D., L.A. Law, The Wonder Years, Picket Fences, Room 222,
Trapper John, M.D. and Daniel Boone, and such recent hits as The Simpsons, The
X-Files, NYPD Blue, Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal, The Practice and King of the
Hill.
Licensing and Merchandising
Through its licensing and merchandising division, the Company exploits its
motion picture and television properties and characters by entering into
licensing agreements for merchandising, literary publishing and commercial tie-
ins. Programs and films which have experienced success throughout the world in
licensing and merchandising include The Simpsons, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire
Slayer, the Alien series of motion pictures and Titanic.
Fox Interactive
Fox Interactive develops and markets entertainment computer software and
video game titles. By leveraging the name recognition of Company properties such
as Die Hard, The Simpsons, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Alien and Predator
series of motion pictures, Fox Interactive continues to experience significant
growth and has created a strong and diverse line of interactive games. In
addition, Fox Interactive has expanded its line by acquiring original properties
that can be leveraged to other divisions of the Company, such as Croc: The
Legend of Gobbos, a game now being developed for an animated television series.
Fox Music and Music Publishing
Fox Music produces and licenses for distribution through third parties
soundtracks of the Company's film and television productions. The Company's
successful film and television soundtracks include Titanic, Back to Titanic,
Soul Food, Hope Floats, Ally McBeal, The X-Files, Dr. Dolittle and Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. In addition, Fox Music Publishing generally owns the publishing
rights for songs and scores commissioned for the Company's film and television
programming. Fox Music Publishing licenses these rights to third parties for
many uses in different media.
Television Stations
The 23 full power Fox Television Stations are located in nine of the top 10
largest designated market areas ("DMAs"), and all are primary affiliates of FOX
except KDFI in Dallas, Texas, which is a secondary affiliate and only carries
Fox Kids programming. The broadcast coverage of the Fox Television Stations is
among the broadest offered by any television station group in the United States.
Fox Television Stations are located in markets representing, in the aggregate,
over 50% of local television market advertising revenues.
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The following table lists certain information as of September 2000 about
each Fox Television Station.
PERCENTAGE OF U.S. TELEVISION
DMA/RANK STATION CHANNEL/TYPE HOUSEHOLDS REACHED (3)
- ------------------------- ------- ------------ ----------------------
New York, NY 1 WNYW 5 VHF 6.8%
Los Angeles, CA 2 KTTV 11 VHF 5.2%
Chicago, IL 3 WFLD 32 UHF 3.2%
Philadelphia, PA 4 WTXF 29 UHF 2.6%
Boston, MA 6 WFXT 25 UHF 2.2%
Dallas, TX 7 KDFW 4 VHF 2.0%
Dallas, TX 7 KDFI 27 UHF N/A
Washington, DC 8 WTTG 5 VHF 2.0%
Detroit, MI 9 WJBK 2 VHF 1.8%
Atlanta, GA 10 WAGA 5 VHF 1.8%
Houston, TX 11 KRIV 26 UHF 1.7%
Tampa, FL 14 WTVT 13 VHF 1.5%
Cleveland, OH 15 WJW 8 VHF 1.5%
Phoenix, AZ 17 KSAZ 10 VHF 1.4%
Denver, CO(1) 18 KDVR 31 UHF 1.3%
St. Louis, MO 22 KTVI 2 VHF 1.1%
Kansas City, MO 30 WDAF 4 VHF 0.8%
Milwaukee, WI 33 WITI 6 VHF 0.8%
Salt Lake City, UT 36 KSTU 13 VHF 0.7%
Birmingham, AL 39 WBRC 6 VHF 0.7%
Memphis, TN 40 WHBQ 13 VHF 0.6%
Greensboro, NC 47 WGHP 8 VHF 0.6%
Austin, TX(2) 58 KTBC 7 VHF 0.5%
Total: 40.86%
_________________
Source: Nielsen Media Research, September 2000
(1) The Company also owns and operates KFCT, Channel 22, Fort Collins, CO, as a
satellite station of KDVR, Channel 31, Denver, CO.
(2) The Company also owns and operates K13VC, Channel 13, Austin, TX, a LPTV
(low power television) station. K13VC has an affiliation agreement with
United Paramount Network which expires in October 2000 and is also a
secondary FOX affiliate, carrying Fox Kids programming.
(3) VHF stations transmit on Channels 2 through 13 and UHF stations on Channels
14 through 69. UHF television stations in many cases have a weaker signal
and therefore do not achieve the same coverage as VHF stations. To address
this disparity, the Federal Communications Commission's ("FCC") ownership
rule applies a UHF discount (the "UHF Discount") which attributes only 50%
of the television households in a local television market to the audience
reach of a UHF station for purposes of calculating whether that station's
owner complies with the 35% national audience reach cap imposed by FCC
regulations. In addition, the coverage of two commonly owned stations in
the same market is only counted once. The percentages listed do not take
into account the UHF Discount. See "--Regulation."
The Fox Television Stations derive substantially all of their revenues from
national spot and local advertising. Advertising rates are determined by each
Fox Television Station in response to market conditions in the area which it
serves. In addition to cash sales, the Fox Television Stations enter into
customary barter agreements with syndicators, pursuant to which the Fox
Television Stations acquire programming and the rights to sell a specified
amount of advertising time for use in national spot and local advertising
markets in exchange for allowing the syndicator to retain a specified amount of
advertising time for sale in the national advertising market in lieu of cash
consideration.
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In August 2000, News Corporation announced that it had entered into
agreements to acquire, by merger, Chris-Craft Industries, Inc., BHC
Communications, Inc. and United Television, Inc. for approximately $5.35 billion
in the aggregate, comprising a cash payment of $2.13 billion and approximately
73 million American Depositary Receipts (representing 292 million News
Corporation preferred shares). As part of this acquisition, News Corporation
will contribute the acquired assets (less cash) to the Company in exchange for
approximately 122.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company, which
would increase News Corporation's equity interest in the Company from 82.76% to
approximately 85.25%. The closing of this acquisition, which is expected to be
completed by June 30, 2001, is subject to customary conditions including
shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Television Broadcast Network
FOX has 200 affiliated stations, including the 23 full power television
stations that are owned by subsidiaries of the Company (the "Fox Television
Stations"), which reach, during prime time, approximately 99% of all U.S.
television households. Each week, FOX regularly delivers to its affiliates
generally 15 hours of prime time programming and one hour of late-night
programming on Saturday. Through the Fox Kids Network, programmed by Fox Family
Worldwide ("FFW"), FOX regularly delivers to its affiliates 14 hours of
children's daytime programming. FOX's prime time programming features such
series as The Simpsons, The X-Files, Ally McBeal, King of the Hill, Malcolm in
the Middle, Titus and various movies and specials. In addition, a significant
component of FOX's programming consists of Fox Sports programming, with FOX
providing live coverage of the National Football Conference of the National
Football League ("NFL") and Major League Baseball ("MLB") to its affiliates. In
November 1999, the Company acquired the rights to the National Association of
Stock Car Auto Racing ("NASCAR") premier racing series, the Winston Cup and the
Busch Series.
FOX derives its revenues from sales in the national advertising marketplace
of commercial advertising time. FOX's programming line-up is intended to appeal
primarily to target audiences of 18 to 49-year old adults, the demographic group
that advertisers seek to reach most often. During the 1999-2000 broadcast
season, FOX was two share points out of the lead in regularly scheduled prime
time programming based on viewership of adults aged 18-49 (ABC had a 5.3 rating
and 15 share, NBC had a 4.9 rating and 14 share, FOX had a 4.6 rating and 13
share, and CBS had a 3.9 rating and 11 share). The median age of the FOX viewer
is 34 years, as compared to 43 years for ABC, 45 years for NBC and 53 years for
CBS.
The Company obtains programming for FOX from major television studios and
independent television production companies pursuant to license agreements. The
terms of such agreements generally provide the Company with the right to
broadcast a television series for a minimum of four seasons. FOX licenses its
film programming from major film studios and independent film production
companies and licenses made-for-television films from a number of sources.
National sports programming, such as NFL, MLB and NASCAR programming, is
obtained under license agreements with professional sports leagues or
organizations. The Company's current licenses with the NFL and MLB extend until
2006 and 2000, respectively. The Company has entered into a new license with
MLB, which is subject to the approval of MLB's team owners, for the 2001-2006
MLB seasons. The Company's license with NASCAR begins in 2001 and extends until
2009.
FOX provides programming to its television station affiliates in accordance
with affiliation agreements of varying durations, which grant to each affiliate
the right to broadcast network television programming on the affiliated station
(the "Fox Affiliates"). Such agreements typically run for five to ten years and
have staggered expiration dates. These affiliation agreements generally require
FOX's full-time television station affiliates to carry FOX programming in all
time periods in which FOX programming is offered to such affiliates, subject to
certain exceptions stated in affiliation agreements. In 1999, FOX entered into
an arrangement with most of its television station affiliates
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relating to the amount of commercial advertising time in FOX programming that
FOX provides to each affiliate for the affiliate to sell to advertisers ("local
commercial advertising time"). Under that arrangement, which runs until 2002,
the affiliate pays FOX for additional local commercial advertising time.
Other Television Businesses
The Company is also engaged in television programming, production,
distribution and licensing through Twentieth Television. Twentieth Television
produces and distributes television programs and distributes feature motion
pictures for syndication and on cable television in the United States. Twentieth
Television also licenses programming (including feature motion pictures) that
it, TCFTV or third parties have produced and which has been previously exhibited
on network television. Twentieth Television currently produces and distributes
the first-run syndicated program Divorce Court, and launched Power of Attorney
for Fall 2000.
Cable Network Programming
The Company holds interests in cable network programming businesses in the
areas of news, sports, general entertainment, family entertainment and movies.
In fiscal 2000, the Company created the Fox Cable Networks Group, which includes
all of the Company's cable network programming businesses other than the Fox
News Channel.
Fox News Channel ("Fox News")
Fox News is a 24-hour all news cable channel which is currently available
to over 50 million U.S. cable and DBS households.
Fox News also produces a weekend political commentary show, Fox News
Sunday, for broadcast on FOX. Fox News, through its Fox News Edge service,
licenses news feeds to Fox Affiliates and other subscribers to use as part of
local news broadcasts.
Fox Sports Networks
In July 1999, News Corporation acquired from Liberty Media Corporation
("Liberty") substantially all of Liberty's 50 percent interests in Fox/Liberty
Networks, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, "Fox Sports Networks") and
Fox/Liberty Ventures, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, "Fox Sports
Ventures"). News Corporation transferred the acquired interests in Fox Sports
Networks and Fox Sports Ventures to the Company in exchange for $1.425 billion
(51,759,834 shares) of Class A Common Stock. As a result of these transactions
the Company owns substantially all of Fox Sports Networks and Fox Sports
Ventures and has changed the names of these entities to Fox Sports Networks, LLC
and Fox Sports Ventures, LLC.
Fox Sports Networks operates two principal business units: (i) sports
programming operations and (ii) FX Networks, a general entertainment network.
Sports programming operations. Fox Sports Net, LLC ("FSN") is the largest
regional sports network ("RSN") programmer in the United States, focusing on
live professional and major collegiate home team sports events. FSN's sports
programming business consists of equity interests in 21 RSNs (the "Fox Sports
RSNs") and Fox Sports Net, a national sports programming service, which is owned
in a 50/50 partnership between FSN and Rainbow Media Sports Holdings, Inc.
("Rainbow"), an indirect subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation
("Cablevision"). Fox Sports Net provides its
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affiliated RSNs with 24-hour national sports programming featuring live and
replay sporting events and original programming and a national sports news
program, National Sports Report.
FSN owns an equity interest in, or through Fox Sports Net is affiliated
with, 24 RSNs. These RSNs reach approximately 70 million households and,
together with FSN, have rights to telecast live games of 73 professional sports
teams in the MLB, National Basketball Association ("NBA") and National Hockey
League ("NHL") (out of a total of 79 such teams in the United States) and
numerous collegiate sports teams. Because of their home team programming, RSNs
have strong local appeal in their respective markets, generating high prime time
ratings and attractive subscriber fees from cable operators. FSN's strategy is
to utilize its RSNs and Fox Sports Net to build a national cable sports network
under the Fox brand name.
FSN owns a 40% interest in Regional Programming Partners ("RPP"), a
partnership with Rainbow which owns various interests in RSNs (including two in
which FSN owns 50% interests), the New York Knickerbockers NBA franchise, the
New York Rangers NHL franchise, the Madison Square Garden entertainment complex,
and Radio City Music Hall.
FX Networks. Launched in June 1994, FX Networks ("FX") currently reaches
approximately 53 million cable and DBS households. FX is a general entertainment
network that combines original programming with acquired television series and
feature films. Recently, FX launched its first original, scripted comedy series,
Son of the Beach, and its first original motion picture, Deliberate Intent,
starring Timothy Hutton premiered in Summer 2000. In 2001, FX will premiere the
hit TCFTV series The Practice, Ally McBeal and Buffy the Vampire Slayer along
with motion pictures such as The Blair Witch Project.
Fox Sports Ventures
Fox Sports Ventures owns approximately 34% of the Speedvision programming
service, which focuses exclusively on the world of racing, including cars,
motorcycles, airplanes and boats, and the Outdoor Life programming service,
which provides information and entertainment on nature, the environment and
outdoor recreation. Speedvision and Outdoor Life currently reach approximately
27 million and 24 million cable and DBS households, respectively. Fox Sports
Ventures' partners in Speedvision and Outdoor Life are Cox Communications,
Comcast Corporation, Media One, Roger Werner and Daniels Programming.
Fox Sports Ventures owns a 40% interest in an entity that owns and operates
the Staples Center, a new sports and entertainment complex in downtown Los
Angeles, California. Since October 1999, the Staples Center has been the home of
the Los Angeles Kings NHL franchise and the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los
Angeles Clippers NBA franchises.
Fox Sports International
The Company and Liberty/TINTA LLC, a subsidiary of Liberty, each owns a 50%
interest in Fox Sports International ("FSI"). FSI holds interests in the
following programming services: Fox Sports Latin America (a Spanish language
sports network which airs throughout Central and South America), Fox Sports
World (a U.S. sports network featuring 24-hour international sports in the
English language), Fox Sports World Espanol (a Spanish language sports network
featuring international sports which airs in the U.S.) and Fox Sports World-
Middle East (an English-language sports network which airs in the Middle East).
Page 9
Fox Family Worldwide
FFW is owned 49.5% by the Company and 49.5% by Haim Saban and certain
limited partnerships controlled by Mr. Saban.
FFW is an integrated family and children's entertainment company that
develops, acquires, produces, broadcasts and distributes live-action and
animated family and children's television programming on a global basis. FFW's
principal operations are comprised of (i) International Family Entertainment,
Inc. ("IFE"), which operates the Fox Family Channel; (ii) the Fox Kids Network;
(iii) Fox Kids International Networks, including Fox Kids Europe, N.V. ("FKE");
and (iv) Saban Entertainment Inc. ("SEI"), which owns and manages an extensive
and growing library of family and children's programming.
The Fox Family Channel is a basic cable network that currently provides
family oriented programming reaching approximately 93% of all cable and DBS
households in the United States. The Fox Family Channel is the successor to The
Family Channel, which FFW acquired as part of its acquisition of IFE in 1997.
The channel continues to maintain its family image with a marketing campaign and
on-air packaging designed to appeal to the adult 18-49 demographic during
primetime and evenings and to children during the day. The primetime format has
recently been restructured to build its viewership around acquired off-network
programming such as Providence, 7th Heaven, Early Edition and Freaks and Geeks
with an emphasis on fewer, original quality productions. The Fox Family Channel
earns revenue through the sale of advertising time and through subscriber fees.
The Fox Kids Network, one of the leading U.S. children's broadcasting
television networks, broadcasts 14 hours of children's programming each week to
97% of U.S. television households. The Fox Kids Network affords advertisers the
opportunity to reach children in a cost-effective manner, in part by ensuring
consistent nationwide placement of their advertisements by generally
broadcasting its programming at the same local time and on the same day ("day
and date") in each television market.
FFW, through SEI, creates, produces and acquires animated and live-action
children's television programming with brand-name characters and elements which
are either widely known to children, such as the Power Rangers and Digimon, or
which are or have been developed or purchased due to their likelihood of
maturing into popular brands. FFW will produce, finance or co-finance
approximately 600 episodes of children's television programming for the
2000/2001 and 2001/2002 broadcast seasons. FFW generally retains worldwide
rights to its brands and currently has over 300 licensees worldwide. FFW
currently distributes its children's programming in most major television
markets throughout the world.
Fox Kids International Networks continues to aggressively pursue a strategy
of launching Fox Kids branded cable and direct-to-home ("DTH") channels in
Europe through FKE and in Latin America through Fox Kids Latin America ("FKLA").
FKE is a leading pan-European integrated children's entertainment company with
localized television channels, program distribution, consumer products and
Internet businesses. FKE completed its initial public offering of approximately
25% of its shares in November 1999 and is currently listed on the Official
Market of Amsterdam Exchanges N.V.'s stock market. FKE currently broadcasts via
cable and satellite to 35 countries, reaching approximately 18.8 million
households in 13 languages. FKLA reaches approximately 10 million households in
19 countries in two different languages.
SEI is one of the largest producers of children's programs in the world.
Its library of world-renowned kid's franchises includes Power Rangers, Digimon:
Digital Monsters and NASCAR Racers.
Page 10
National Geographic Channel
In May 1999, the Company acquired a 50% interest in National Geographic
Channels Worldwide (the "National Geographic Channel"). National Broadcasting
Company ("NBC") and National Geographic Television ("NGT") each own 25%
interests in the National Geographic Channel. The National Geographic Channel
airs documentary programming on such topics as natural history, adventure,
science, exploration and culture. The National Geographic Channel is currently
shown in approximately 54 countries outside of the United States. In addition,
the Company and NGT intend to launch the National Geographic Channel in the
United States. National Geographic programming is provided in Australia, certain
countries in Europe and Scandinavia by a partnership in which British Sky
Broadcasting Group plc, NBC and NGT are currently partners.
The Golf Channel
The Company owns a 30.9% interest in TGC, Inc., which owns and operates
The Golf Channel. The Golf Channel broadcasts studio shows and has rights to
broadcast certain Professional Golf Association ("PGA") tournaments and other
European PGA, Australian PGA, LPGA and Nike Tour events. The Golf Channel
currently reaches approximately 32 million U.S. cable and DBS households. The
Company's partners in The Golf Channel include Comcast Corporation, Times Mirror
Co. and Arnold Palmer.
Healtheon/WebMD
In January 2000, News Corporation and the Company entered into a series of
integrated transactions with Healtheon/WebMD Corporation ("WebMD"), a leading
internet healthcare company. Pursuant to these transactions, the Company
transferred its 50% interest in The Health Network, a 24-hour cable television
network launched in July 1999, and its ownership of thehealthnetwork.com, a
related Internet site, each exclusively devoted to health and fitness
programming, to WebMD. In the transaction, WebMD issued to the Company preferred
stock which is convertible into approximately 14.4 million shares of WebMD
common stock in three years. Additionally, in consideration for the transfer to
WebMD of the remaining 50% interest in The Health Network, the Company has the
right to receive up to a maximum of 8.3 million additional WebMD common shares
over a five-year period, based upon The Health Network achieving certain
milestones. The Health Network is expected to be re-launched as WebMD Television
by the end of the 2000 calendar year. In the transaction, the Company also
agreed to provide $400 million in media branding services, including advertising
and promotion, over the next ten years. The Company is also obligated to provide
$45 million in funding to the Health Network during the next three years.
Fox Movie Channel
Launched in November 1994 and currently reaching approximately 10 million
U.S. cable and DBS households, Fox Movie Channel ("FMC"), which is wholly-owned
by the Company, is Hollywood's first and only studio-based movie network. FMC
showcases commercial-free contemporary hits and classics from the Fox Library.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Company owns and operates the Los Angeles Dodgers MLB franchise (the
"Dodgers") along with Dodger Stadium and other related real estate including
Dodgertown, the home of the Dodgers' spring training facilities in Vero Beach,
Florida. The Company acquired its interest in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc. in
April 1998. The Dodgers are currently in their 110th year in the National
Page 11
League and in each of the last four seasons have achieved attendance of over
three million fans at Dodger Stadium.
Canal Fox
The Company, through its subsidiary Fox Latin American Channel, Inc.,
operates Canal Fox, a general entertainment cable and satellite service for
Latin America covering Central and South America. Canal Fox broadcasts in the
Portuguese language in Brazil and in the Spanish language in the rest of Central
and South America. The channel's programming line-up consists of movies, series
and music specials.
LAPTV
Fox LAPTV, L.L.C., a subsidiary of the Company, owns a 20.2% equity
interest in LAPTV, a partnership which distributes three premium pay television
channels (Movie City, Cinecanal 1 and its multiplex channel, Cinecanal 2) and
one basic television channel (The Film Zone) in Latin America (excluding
Brazil). Such channels primarily feature theatrical motion pictures of the
Company and three other studio partners in the English language with Spanish
subtitles.
Telecine
The Company, through its subsidiary Fox Latin America, Inc., owns a 12.5%
equity interest in Telecine, a limited liability company which distributes five
premium pay television channels (Telecine Premium, Telecine Action, Telecine
Emotion, Telecine Happy and Telecine Classic) in Brazil. Such channels primarily
feature theatrical motion pictures of the Company and three other studio
partners in the English language with Portuguese subtitles.
Competition
The Company faces competition from companies within the motion picture and
television industry and alternative forms of leisure and entertainment
activities. The entertainment industry is also subject to rapid developments in
technology and shifting consumer tastes.
Filmed Entertainment
Motion picture and television production and distribution are highly
competitive businesses. The Company competes with other film studios,
independent production companies and others for the acquisition of artistic
properties, the services of creative and technical personnel, exhibition outlets
and the public's interest in its products. The number of films released by the
Company's competitors, particularly the other major film studios, in any given
period may create an oversupply of product in the market, and that may reduce
the Company's shares of gross box office admissions and may make it more
difficult for the Company's films to succeed.
The commercial success of the motion pictures produced and/or distributed
by the Company is substantially affected by the public's often unpredictable
response to the motion pictures produced and distributed by it. In addition,
television networks are now producing more programs internally and thus may
reduce such networks' demand for programming from other parties.
Competitive risks affecting the Company's home entertainment business include
competition among home video formats (e.g., DVD) and with other methods of
distribution, such as video-on-demand, as well as risks associated with
controlling copying and unauthorized distribution of the Company's programs.
Page 12
Television Stations, Television Broadcast Network and Other Television
Businesses
The network television broadcasting business is highly competitive. FOX
directly competes for programming and for viewers with ABC, NBC, CBS, and the WB
and UPN networks. ABC, NBC and CBS each broadcasts a significantly greater
number of hours of programming than FOX and accordingly, may be able to
designate or change time periods in which programming is to be broadcast with
greater flexibility than FOX. FOX also competes with other non-network sources
of television service, including cable television and DBS services. Other
sources of competition may include home video exhibition, the Internet and home
computer usage. In addition, future technological developments may affect
competition within the television marketplace.
FOX also competes with other television networks to secure affiliations
with independently owned television stations in markets across the country,
which are necessary to ensure the effective distribution of network programming
to a nationwide audience. In recent years, competition among the networks for
affiliates has intensified.
FOX competes for advertising revenues with the other broadcast networks, as
well as with all other forms of advertising. Each of ABC, NBC and CBS has a
greater number of affiliates with VHF signals, which are generally considered to
have greater reach in their markets and, therefore, more appealing to
advertisers. ABC, NBC and CBS also realize greater advertising revenues than FOX
for most of their programming in various time periods.
In addition, each of the Fox Television Stations competes for audiences and
advertising revenues with radio and television stations and cable systems in its
market area and with other advertising media such as newspapers, magazines,
outdoor advertising, direct mail and Internet websites. All of the Fox
Television Stations are located in highly competitive markets. Additional
elements which are material to the competitive position of television stations
include management experience, authorized power and assigned frequency.
Competition for sales of broadcast advertising time is based primarily on the
anticipated and actually delivered size and demographic characteristics of
audiences as determined by various rating services, price, the time of day when
the advertising is to be broadcast, competition from the other broadcast
networks, cable television systems, DBS services and other media and general
economic conditions. Competition for audiences is based primarily on the
selection of programming, the acceptance of which is dependent on the reaction
of the viewing public which is often difficult to predict.
Cable Network Programming
General
- -------
The cable network programming business is another highly competitive field.
Cable programming services compete for distribution and, when distribution is
obtained, compete for viewers and advertisers with over-the-air broadcast
television, radio, print media, motion picture theaters, videocassettes and
other sources of information and entertainment. Important competitive factors
are the prices charged for programming, the quantity, quality and variety of
programming offered and the effectiveness of marketing efforts. More generally,
the Company's cable networks compete with various other leisure-time activities
such as home videos, movie theaters, personal computers and other alternative
sources of entertainment and information.
Page 13
Sports Programming
- ------------------
A number of basic and pay television programming services (such as ESPN) as
well as free over-the-air stations and broadcast networks provide programming
that targets the Fox Sports RSNs' audience. FSN is currently the only
programming service distributing a full range of sports programming on both a
national and regional level. On a national level, FSN's primary competitor is
ESPN.
In addition, the Fox Sports RSNs and Fox Sports Net compete, to varying
degrees, for sports programming rights. The Fox Sports RSNs compete for local
and regional rights with local broadcast television stations, other local and
regional sports networks and the owners of distribution outlets such as cable
television systems. Fox Sport Net competes for national rights principally with
the national broadcast television networks, a number of national cable services
that specialize in or carry sports programming, and television "superstations,"
which distribute sports and other programming to cable television systems by
satellite, and with independent syndicators that acquire and resell such rights
nationally, regionally and locally. The owners of distribution outlets such as
cable television systems may also contract directly with the sports teams in
their service area for the right to distribute a number of such teams' games on
their systems. The owners of teams may also launch their own regional sports
network and contract with cable television systems for carriage.
FX
- --
A number of basic and pay television programming services (such as USA
Network and Turner Network Television) as well as free over-the-air
broadcast networks provide programming that targets the same viewing audience as
FX. FX faces competition in the acquisition of distribution rights to
programming.
Fox Family Worldwide
- --------------------
FFW currently competes and expects to continue to compete, through the Fox
Kids Network and the Fox Family Channel, with the other broadcast television
networks, public television and cable television channels, such as Cartoon
Network, Kids WB, the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon for market acceptance of
its programming and for viewership ratings and advertising revenues. To the
extent that FFW produces original programming for distribution outlets it does
not own, it competes with other producers of children's programming.
Internationally, FFW competes with a large number of U.S. based and
international distributors of children's programming, including The Walt Disney
Company, Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon, in the development or acquisition of
programming expected to appeal to international audiences. Such programming
often must comply with foreign broadcast rules and regulations, which may
stipulate certain minimum local content requirements.
Regulation
Filmed Entertainment
FFE is subject to the provisions of so-called "trade practice laws" in
effect in 25 states relating to theatrical distribution of motion pictures.
These laws substantially restrict the licensing of motion pictures unless
theater owners are first invited to attend a screening of such motion pictures
and, in certain instances, also prohibit payment of advances and guarantees to
motion picture distributors by
Page 14
exhibitors. Further, pursuant to various consent judgments, FFE and certain
other motion picture companies are subject to certain restrictions on their
trade practices in the U.S., including a requirement to offer motion pictures
for exhibition to theaters on a theater-by-theater basis and, in some cases, a
prohibition against the ownership of theaters.
Television Stations, Television Broadcast Network & Other Television Businesses
In general, the television broadcast industry in the U.S. is highly
regulated by Federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various
Federal agencies, including the FCC. The FCC regulates television broadcast
stations pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Communications Act"). The Communications Act permits the operation of
television broadcast stations only in accordance with a license issued by the
FCC upon a finding that grant of the license would serve the public interest,
convenience and necessity. The FCC grants television broadcast station licenses
for specific periods of time and, upon application, may renew the licenses for
additional terms. Under the Communications Act, television broadcast licenses
may be granted for a maximum permitted term of eight years. Generally, the FCC
renews broadcast licenses upon finding that (i) the television station has
served the public interest, convenience and necessity, (ii) there have been no
serious violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or FCC rules and
regulations; and (iii) there have been no other violations by the licensee of
the Communications Act or FCC rules and regulations which, taken together,
indicate a pattern of abuse. After considering these factors, the FCC may grant
the license renewal application with or without conditions, including renewal
for a term lesser than the maximum otherwise permitted, or hold an evidentiary
hearing.
In February 1998, the FCC adopted a final table of digital channel
allotments and rules for the implementation of digital television ("DTV")
service (including high-definition television) in the United States. The digital
table of allotments provides each existing full power television station
licensee or permittee, including the 23 Fox Television Stations, with a second
broadcast channel in order to facilitate a transition from analog to digital
transmission, conditioned upon the surrender of one of the channels at the end
of the DTV transition period. Fifteen of the Fox Television Stations have
launched digital facilities. The FCC will require completion of digital
facilities in the remaining eight Fox Television Stations by May 1, 2002. Under
FCC rules, television stations may use their second channel to broadcast either
one or two streams of "high definition" digital programming or to "multicast"
several streams of standard definition digital programming or mixture of both.
Broadcasters may also deliver data over these channels, provided that such
supplemental services do not derogate the mandated, free over-the-air program
service. The Company is currently formulating plans for use of its digital
channels. It is difficult to assess how digital television will affect the
Company's broadcast business with respect to other broadcasters and video
program providers.
Under the Communications Act, a broadcast license may not be granted to or
held by any corporation that has more than one-fifth of its capital stock owned
or voted by non-U.S. citizens or entities or their representatives, by foreign
governments or their representatives, or by non-U.S. corporations. The
Communications Act further provides that no FCC broadcast license may be granted
to any corporation directly or indirectly controlled by any other corporation of
which more than one-fourth of its capital stock is owned of record or voted by
non-U.S. citizens if the FCC finds the public interest will be served by the
refusal of such license. In 1995, the FCC acknowledged that News Corporation
owns the vast preponderance of equity of the corporate parent of the Fox
Television Stations. The FCC also concluded that Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch, Chairman
and Chief Executive of News Corporation, a U.S. citizen, controls the corporate
licensee and thus found the level of alien equity to be consistent with the
public interest. Mr. Murdoch has 76% voting control of the corporate parent of
the Fox Television Stations and News Corporation will continue to hold
indirectly stock representing the majority of equity of the corporate licensee.
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Fox Television Holdings, Inc.
provides that the voting capital stock of the company
Page 15
shall only be owned by persons who are citizens of, or incorporated entities
formed in, the United States, or would not otherwise disqualify such company or
any subsidiary of such company from being issued a television broadcast license
by the FCC.
On August 6, 1999 the FCC amended the rules that determine what constitutes
a "cognizable interest" in applying its media cross-ownership restrictions (the
"Attribution Rules"), as well as the rules that govern the ownership of two
television stations, or a television station and a radio station, located in the
same market (the "Local Restriction"). Under the new Attribution Rules, a party
will be deemed to have a cognizable interest in a television or radio station,
cable system or daily newspaper ("Media Outlet") that triggers the FCC's cross-
ownership restrictions if (i) it owns 5% or more of the voting stock in the
Media Outlet; (ii) its interest exceeds 33% of the total asset value (equity
plus debt) of the Media Outlet and it either (x) supplies at least 15% of a
station's weekly broadcast hours or (y) has a cognizable interest in another
Media Outlet in the same market. Under the new Attribution Rules, Local
Marketing Agreements ("LMAs") are cognizable interests if the brokering station
provides more than 15% of the brokered station's broadcast hours per week. The
FCC also eliminated its "cross interest" policy, which had prohibited common
ownership of a cognizable interest in one Media Outlet and a "meaningful" non-
cognizable interest in another Media Outlet serving essentially the same market.
The FCC relaxed the Local Restriction to (i) permit the ownership of two
television stations with overlapping coverage areas if the stations are in
separate markets ("DMAs"); (ii) permit common ownership of two stations in the
same DMA if their Grade B coverage areas do not overlap or if eight
independently owned full power television stations will remain after the
stations which had been independently owned become commonly owned (which is
referred to by the FCC as a "merger"), and one of the stations is not among the
top four-ranked stations in the market, based on audience share. The remaining
Local Restriction can be waived if one of the stations is "failed" or "failing,"
or where the merger would result in the construction and operation of an
"unbuilt" station. The FCC also relaxed its radio-television cross-ownership
rule to permit some degree of same-market radio and television joint ownership.
It is difficult to assess how these changes in the FCC ownership restrictions
will affect the Company's broadcast business.
FCC rules permit a party to have a cognizable interest in an unlimited
number of television stations nationally so long as the audience reach of such
stations does not exceed, in the aggregate and after application of the UHF
Discount, 35% of U.S. television households (the "National Restriction").
Pursuant to Congressional directive, the FCC conducted a formal review of all
its broadcast ownership rules and on June 20, 2000, released a decision in which
it refused to modify the National Restriction, retained the UHF Discount and
commenced proceedings to further review and modify the dual network and
newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule. Fox Television Stations has appealed
the FCC's decision to retain the National Restriction. It is not possible to
predict whether the appeal will be successful or the timing or effect of other
changes in FCC rules or policies pursuant to the 1996 Telecom Act or pending FCC
proceedings.
The FCC has adopted rules requiring closed captioning of most broadcast and
cable programming on a phased-in basis, beginning in the year 2000. The
broadcast and cable industries have adopted, and the FCC has approved, a
voluntary content ratings system which, when used in conjunction with so-called
"V-Chip" technology, will permit the blocking of programs with a common rating.
The FCC has directed that all television receiver models with picture screens 13
inches or greater be equipped with "V-Chip" technology under a phased
implementation which began July 1, 1999. On July 21, 2000, the FCC adopted a
rule requiring broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors
("MVPDs") to supply "video descriptions" of their programming. Video
descriptions, which are transmitted on a separate audio channel and are
accessible through a decoding device attached to TV sets, are narrative
descriptions of a program's visual aspects and are
Page 16
intended for the visually impaired. The FCC's rules require stations located in
the Top 25 Markets and affiliated with one of the major television networks,
including FOX, to provide video descriptions for at least 50 hours of prime time
and/or children's programming per calendar quarter commencing April 1, 2002. The
rules also require MVPDs with 50,000 or more subscribers to provide 50 hours per
calendar quarter of prime time and/or children's programming with video
descriptions on each of the top five national non-broadcast networks they carry
commencing April 1, 2002.
FCC regulations implementing the 1992 Cable Act require each television
broadcaster to elect, at three-year intervals beginning June 17, 1993, either to
(i) require carriage of its signal by cable systems in the station's market
("must carry") or (ii) negotiate the terms on which such broadcast station would
permit transmission of its signal by the cable systems within its market
("retransmission consent"). The constitutionality of the analog must-carry
provisions was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The FCC has initiated a
rulemaking proceeding to determine carriage requirements for digital broadcast
television systems on cable systems, including carriage during the period of
transition from analog to digital signals.
Legislation enacted in 1990 limits the amount of commercial matter that may
be broadcast during programming designed for children 12 years of age and
younger. In addition, under FCC license renewal processing guidelines,
television stations are generally required to broadcast a minimum of three hours
per week of programming, which, among other requirements, must have, as a
"significant purpose," the educational and informational needs of children 16
years of age and under. A television station found not to have complied with the
programming requirements or commercial limitations could face sanctions,
including monetary fines and the possible non-renewal of its license. The FCC
has indicated its intent to enforce its children's television rules strictly.
The FCC continues to enforce strictly its regulations concerning
"indecent" programming, political advertising, environmental concerns,
technical operating matters and antenna tower maintenance. The FCC also has
traditionally enforced its equal employment opportunity rules vigorously with
respect to recruitment efforts and recordkeeping requirements. In addition, FCC
regulations governing network affiliation agreements mandate that television
broadcast station licensees retain the right to reject or refuse network
programming in certain circumstances or to substitute programming that the
licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance.
Violation of FCC regulations can result in substantial monetary forfeitures,
periodic reporting conditions, short-term license renewals and, in egregious
cases, denial of license renewal or revocation of license.
Cable Network Programming
FCC regulations adopted pursuant to the 1992 Cable Act prevent a cable
operator that has an attributable interest (including voting or non-voting stock
ownership of 5% or more or limited partnership equity interests of 5% or more)
in a programming vendor from exercising undue or improper influence over the
vendor in its dealings with competitors to cable. The regulations also prohibit
a cable programmer in which a cable operator has an attributable interest from
entering into exclusive contracts with any cable operator or from discriminating
among competing multichannel program distributors in the price, terms and
conditions of sale or delivery of programming. With respect to cable systems
having channel capacity of less than 76 channels, the FCC's regulations limit to
40% the number of programming channels that may be occupied by video programming
services in which the cable operator has an attributable interest. As a result
of Liberty's ownership interest in News Corporation, the Fox Family Channel,
cable networks owned by Fox Cable Networks Group, Fox News Channel and The
Health Network are subject to these requirements. Similarly, Cablevision is
deemed to have an attributable interest in RPP. The FCC's program access and
non-discrimination regulations therefore restrict the ability of these cable
Page 17
programming services to enter into exclusive contracts. The rules also permit
multichannel video programming distributors (such as multi-channel multi-point
distribution services ("MMDS"), satellite master antenna televisions ("SMATV"),
DBS and DTH operators) to bring complaints against the Company to the FCC
charging they are unable to obtain the affected programming networks on
nondiscriminatory terms. While cable systems are expanding their capacity, there
may be instances in which an AT&T BIS cable system or a Cablevision system with
75 channels or less will not be able to carry one or more of the Company's cable
channels (or in the case of Cablevision, an RPP channel) or will have to remove
another affiliated channel.
The FCC's regulations concerning the commercial limits in children's
programs and political advertising also apply to certain cable television
programming services carried by cable system operators. The Company must provide
program ratings information and increased closed captioning of its cable
programming services to comply with FCC regulations, and may have to provide
video descriptions on some of its services, which could increase its operating
expenses.
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") prohibits web sites
from collecting personally identifiable information online from children under
age 13 without prior parental consent. Online services provided by the Company
may be subject to COPPA requirements. Congress and individual states may also
consider online privacy legislation that would apply to personal information
collected from teens and adults.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company maintains executive offices and certain of its operations, as
well as the Fox News studios at 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York.
These offices cover approximately 284,000 square feet and are provided by News
Corporation, which maintains executive offices at such location.
The Company owns the Fox Studios Lot at 10201 West Pico Boulevard, Los
Angeles, California, which consists of approximately 54 acres containing 15
sound stages, production facilities, administrative, technical and dressing room
structures, screening theaters and machinery equipment facilities and three
restaurants. The Company also leases approximately 320,000 square feet of office
space at Fox Plaza, located adjacent to the Fox Studios Lot. The Company owns a
studio facility in Rosarito, Mexico, which consists of approximately 37 acres
containing office space, production facilities and the largest fresh and
saltwater tanks used in motion picture production in the world. Fox Studios
Australia, a 50/50 joint venture between the Company and Lend Lease Corporation,
has entered into a 40-year lease, with a 10-year renewal option, with respect to
integrated film and television production and public entertainment facilities in
Sydney, Australia, which consists of approximately 60 acres.
The Company owns Dodger Stadium which is situated on approximately 275
acres of property in Los Angeles and Dodgertown, the Dodger's spring training
facility, which is located on 467 acres of property in Vero Beach, Florida.
The Company also owns and leases office space, broadcast and production
facilities and other ancillary support properties in various cities in the
United States and several countries around the world for its businesses. The
Company considers its properties adequate for its present needs.
Page 18
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its
business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results
of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Company
Set forth below is certain information concerning the executive officers of
the Company as of September 1, 2000, which information is hereby included in
Part I of this report.
The Executive Officers of the Company are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
- --------------------- --- ----------------------------------------
K. Rupert Murdoch 69 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Peter Chernin 49 President, Chief Operating Officer
Chase Carey 46 Co-Chief Operating Officer
David F. DeVoe 53 Senior Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer
Arthur M. Siskind 61 Senior Executive Vice President, General
Counsel
All of the Executive Officers of the Company are also executive officers of
News Corporation. As executive officers of News Corporation, the Executive
Officers of the Company continue to render services to News Corporation.
The Senior Executives of the Company (in addition to persons identified as
Executive Officers above) are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
- ------------------------- --- -------------------------------------------
James N. Gianopulos 48 Chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment
David Hill 54 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox
Sports Television Group
Thomas E. Rothman 45 Chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment
Mitchell Stern 46 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Fox Television Stations
Page 19
Backgrounds of Executive Officers and Senior Executives
- -------------------------------------------------------
K. Rupert Murdoch has been a Director of the Company since 1985,
Chairman since 1992 and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1995. Mr.
Murdoch has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of News Corporation since
1991, and Director and Chief Executive of News Corporation since its formation
in 1979. Mr. Murdoch has served as a Director of News Limited, News
Corporation's principal subsidiary in Australia, since 1953, a Director of News
International plc, News Corporation's principal subsidiary in the United
Kingdom, since 1969, and a Director of News America Incorporated, News
Corporation's principal subsidiary in the United States ("NAI"), since 1973. Mr.
Murdoch has served as a Director of STAR TV since 1993 and as Chairman from 1993
to 1998, as a Director of BSkyB since 1990 and Chairman since June 1999, as a
Director of Sky Global Networks, Inc. ("SGN") since 1998 and Chairman since June
2000, and as a Director of FFW since 1996. Mr. Murdoch is also a member of the
board of directors of Philip Morris Companies, Inc.
Peter Chernin has been a Director and President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company since 1998. Mr. Chernin has been a Director, President
and Chief Operating Officer of News Corporation and a Director, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of NAI, since 1996. Mr. Chernin was Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of FFE from 1994 until 1996, Chairman of Twentieth Century Fox
Film Corporation from 1992 until 1994 and President of FOX from 1989 until 1992.
Mr. Chernin served as a Director of TV Guide, Inc. from 1999 until July 2000 and
has been a Director of SGN since June 2000. Mr. Chernin has served on the
Advisory Board of PUMA AG since 1999, as a Director of Tickets.com, Inc. since
1999, and as a Director of E*TRADE Group, Inc. since 1999.
Chase Carey has been a Director of the Company since 1992 and Co-Chief
Operating Officer of the Company since 1998. Mr. Carey has served as the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Television since 1994. Mr. Carey has
been a Director and Co-Chief Operating Officer of News Corporation since 1996, a
Director of NAI since 1996, President and Chief Operating Officer of NAI since
1998 and Executive Vice President of NAI from 1996 to 1998. Mr. Carey has been
a Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of SGN since June 2000. Mr.
Carey was President of the Company from 1995 to 1998, Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer from 1991 to 1995 and Senior Vice President from
1988 to 1991. Mr. Carey served as a Director of TV Guide, Inc. from 1999 to
July 2000 and has served as a Director of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
since July 2000. Mr. Carey has been a Director of STAR TV since 1993, a Director
of NDS Group plc since 1998 and a Director of FFW since 1996. Mr. Carey also
serves on the board of directors of Gateway 2000 and Colgate University.
David F. DeVoe has been a Director of the Company since 1991 and
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since
1998. Mr. DeVoe has been a Director, Chief Financial Officer and Finance
Director of News Corporation since 1990 and Senior Executive Vice President of
News Corporation since 1996. Mr. DeVoe was an Executive Vice President of News
Corporation from 1990 until 1996. Mr. DeVoe has been a Director of NAI since
1991 and a Senior Executive Vice President since January 1998. Mr. DeVoe served
as Executive Vice President of NAI from 1991 to 1998. Mr. DeVoe has been a
Director of SGN since 1998, NDS Group plc since 1996, STAR TV since 1993 and
BSkyB since 1994.
Arthur M. Siskind has been a Director and Senior Executive Vice
President and General Counsel of the Company since 1998. Mr. Siskind has been a
Director and Group General Counsel of News Corporation since 1991 and a Senior
Executive Vice President of News Corporation since 1996. Mr. Siskind served as
Executive Vice President of News Corporation from 1991 until 1996. Mr. Siskind
has been a Director of NAI since 1991 and a Senior Executive Vice President
since 1998. Mr. Siskind served as an Executive Vice President of NAI from 1991
to 1998. Mr. Siskind has been a
Page 20
Director of SGN since 1998, NDS Group plc since 1996, STAR TV since 1993 and
BSkyB since 1992. Mr. Siskind has been a member of the Bar of the State of New
York since 1962.
James N. Gianopulos has been Chairman of FFE since July 2000. He
shares the position with Thomas E. Rothman. Mr. Gianopulos was President of
Twentieth Century Fox International from 1994 until July 2000 overseeing both
the Theatrical and the Home Entertainment units. Mr. Gianopulos was President of
International and Pay Television for Twentieth Century Fox from 1992 to 1994.
Mr. Gianopulos serves on the Board of the USC Entertainment Technology
Committee.
David Hill has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox
Sports Television Group since 1999. Mr. Hill served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of FOX from 1997 until 1999 and served as President of Fox
Sports, a division of Fox Television, from 1993 to 1999. From 1996 until 1997,
Mr. Hill served as Chief Operating Officer of Fox Television. In addition, Mr.
Hill has served as Chairman of Fox Sports Networks since 1996. From 1996 through
1997, Mr. Hill also served as Fox Sports Networks' Chief Executive Officer.
Thomas E. Rothman has been Chairman of FFE since July 2000. He shares
the position with James N. Gianopulos. Mr. Rothman previously served as
President of Twentieth Century Fox Film Group from January to August 2000, and
was President of Twentieth Century Fox Production from 1995 to 2000. In 1994, he
was the founder and first President of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Mr. Rothman
also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Sundance Institute.
Mitchell Stern has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox
Television Stations since 1998. Mr. Stern was President and Chief Operating
Officer of Fox Television Stations, Inc. from 1993 to 1998.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Class A Common Stock is listed and traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FOX". Public trading of the Class A
Common Stock commenced on November 11, 1998. Prior to that, there was no public
market for the Company's Common Stock. As of September 1, 2000, there were
approximately 815 holders of record of the Company's Class A Common Stock.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high
and low closing sale prices per share of the Company's Class A Common Stock.
Fiscal 1999 High Low
- ----------- ---- ---
Second Quarter (from November 11, 1998) $ 25 3/16 $ 19 11/16
Third Quarter $ 29 11/16 $ 22 1/2
Fourth Quarter $ 29 5/8 $ 24 1/2
Fiscal 2000 High Low
- ----------- ---- ---
First Quarter $ 26 3/16 $ 21 1/8
Second Quarter $ 26 3/16 $ 20 7/16
Third Quarter $ 29 13/16 $ 22 1/4
Fourth Quarter $ 33 5/16 $ 23 7/16
Page 21
Fiscal 2001 High Low
----------- ---- ---
First Quarter (through September 1, 2000) $ 34 $ 28 5/16
The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its Class A Common
Stock and it is the Company's present intention to retain earnings to finance
the expansion of its business.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical consolidated financial data of the Company presented
below for the years ended June 30, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and at June
30, 2000, 1999, 1998 and 1997 have been derived from, and are qualified by
reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company
included elsewhere herein. The selected historical consolidated financial data
of the Company presented below at June 30, 1996 has been derived from unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company. The financial statements prior
to November 11, 1998 were presented on a combined basis. The financial
statements presented subsequent to November 11, 1998 are consolidated to reflect
the Reorganization (as defined in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included elsewhere herein). For reporting purposes, the financial
statements for all periods are collectively referred to as Consolidated
Financial Statements. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the
related Notes thereto and the other financial information included elsewhere
herein.
The historical financial information may not be indicative of the Company's
future performance and does not necessarily reflect what the financial position
and results of operations of the Company would have been had the Company
operated as a separate, stand-alone entity during the periods covered.
FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
-------------------------------------------------------
2000(1) 1999 1998 1997(2) 1996(3)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(Dollars in Millions, except for Per Share Data)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total revenues $8,589 $8,057 $7,023 $5,847 $4,548
Operating income $ 656 $ 716 $ 663 $ 320 $ 481
Net income $ 145 $ 205 $ 176 $ 30 $ 411
Basic and diluted earnings per share $0.20 $0.33 $0.32 $0.05 $0.75
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS DATA:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities $ (253) $ 753 $ 306 $ 117 $ 321
Net cash used in investing activities $ (536) $ (615) $ (876) $ (278) $ (838)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ (118) $ 415 $ 362 $ 548
$ 782
AT JUNE 30,
-----------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
(Dollars in Millions)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 114 $ 121 $ 101 $ 256 $ 55
Total assets 17,930 13,163 12,630 11,697 6,207
Due to intercompany affiliates 2,739 1,389 3,702 2,581 2,587
Borrowings 974 53 375 1,065 141
Shareholders' equity 8,246 6,668 3,941 3,767 1,358
FOOTNOTES:
(1) Fiscal 2000 includes the operating results of the Fox Sports Networks LLC,
which was fully acquired in July 1999 (the "Fox Sports Networks
Acquisition").
(2) Fiscal 1997 includes the operating results of the ten television stations
acquired as part of the January 1997 acquisition of New World
Communications Group, Inc.
(3) The Company sold its television stations in Dallas and Atlanta in July and
December 1995, respectively, resulting in a $183 million gain in fiscal
1996.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
General
The following discussion and analysis of the Fox Entertainment Group's (the
"Company") financial condition and results of operations should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes
thereto included elsewhere herein.
The Company manages and reports its businesses in five segments: Filmed
Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of
live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all
formats in all entertainment media worldwide and the production of original
television programming; Television Stations, which principally consists of the
operation of broadcast television stations; Television Broadcast Network, which
principally consists of
Page 22
the broadcasting of network programming; Other Television Businesses, which
represents other broadcast television related activities; and Cable Network
Programming, which principally consists of the production and licensing of
programming distributed through cable television systems and direct broadcast
satellite ("DBS") operators and professional sports team ownership. The
Company's equity interests in certain cable network programming and related
ventures, including Fox Sports Networks, LLC ("Fox Sports Networks") prior to
the Company's acquisition of substantially all of the 50% interest it did not
previously own in July 1999, Fox Family Worldwide, Inc. ("FFW"), Fox/Liberty
Ventures, LLC, Regional Programming Partners ("RPP"), Regency Television and
International Sports Programming LLC ("Fox Sports International"), are included
in equity in losses of affiliates and, accordingly, are not reported in the
segments set forth above.
Sources of Revenue
Filmed Entertainment. The Filmed Entertainment segment derives revenue from
theatrical distribution, home video sales, and distribution through pay-per-
view, pay television services, broadcast and cable television. The revenues and
operating results of the Filmed Entertainment segment are significantly affected
by the timing of the Company's theatrical and home video releases, the number of
its original and returning television series that are aired by television
networks ("Networks") and the number of its television series licensed in off-
network syndication. Theatrical release dates are determined by several factors,
including timing of vacation and holiday periods and competition in the
marketplace. Each motion picture is a separate and distinct product with its
financial success dependent upon many factors, including audience acceptance.
Television Stations, Television Broadcast Network and Other Television
Businesses. The three reportable television segments derive their revenues
principally from the sale of advertising time. Generally, advertising time is
sold to national advertisers by Fox Broadcasting Company ("FOX") and to national
"spot" and local advertisers by the Company's group of 23 owned and operated
television broadcast stations (the "Fox Television Stations") in their
respective markets. The sale of advertising time is affected by viewer
demographics, program ratings and market conditions. Adverse changes in general
market conditions for advertising may also affect revenues.
Cable Network Programming. The Cable Network Programming segment derives
revenues from monthly subscriber fees as well as from the sale of advertising
time. Monthly subscriber fees are dependent on maintenance of carriage
arrangements with cable television systems and DBS operators. The sale of
advertising time is affected by viewer demographics, program ratings and general
market conditions.
Components of Expenses
Filmed Entertainment. Operating costs incurred by the Filmed Entertainment
segment include production; certain exploitation costs, primarily including
prints and advertising; capitalized overhead and interest costs; participations
and talent residuals. Selling, general and administrative expenses include
salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
Television Stations, Television Broadcast Network, Other Television Businesses
and Cable Network Programming Segments. Expenses of the three Television
segments and the Cable Network Programming segment include operating expenses
related to acquiring programming and rights to programming, as well as selling,
general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses typically include
production and technical expenses related to operating the technical facilities
of the broadcaster or cable network. Selling, general and administrative
expenses include all promotional expenses related to improving the market
visibility and awareness of the broadcaster or cable network and sales
commissions paid to the in-house sales force involved in the sale of
advertising.
Page 23
Industry Accounting Practices
Revenue Recognition. Revenues from theatrical distribution of feature films are
recognized on the dates of exhibition. Revenues from home video distribution,
together with related costs, are recognized in the period in which the product
is made widely available for sale by retailers. Revenues from television
distribution are recognized when the motion picture or television program is
available to the licensee for broadcast. Television advertising revenue is
recognized as the commercials are aired. Subscriber fees received from cable
systems and DBS operators are recognized as revenue when services are provided.
Revenues from professional team ownership are recognized on a game by game
basis.
Filmed Entertainment and Television Programming Costs. In accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and industry practice, the
Company amortizes filmed entertainment and television programming costs using
the individual-film-forecast method under which such costs are amortized for
each film or television program in the ratio that revenue earned in the current
period for such title bears to management's estimate of the total revenues or
operating profits to be realized from all media and markets for such title. The
costs of sports contracts are charged to expense based on the ratio of each
period's operating profit to estimated total operating profit of the contract.
Program rights for entertainment programs and sporting contracts are amortized
over the license period. Management regularly reviews, and revises when
necessary, its total revenue estimates on a title-by-title and contract basis,
which may result in a change in the rate of amortization and/or a write-down of
the film or television asset to net realizable value.
The Company plans to adopt a new accounting standard, Statement of Position
00-2, "Accounting by Producers and Distributors of Films" ("SOP 00-2") in fiscal
2001. SOP 00-2 establishes new accounting standards for, among other things,
marketing and development costs. This SOP is effective for financial statements
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2000. The Company plans to adopt
SOP 00-2 during the first quarter of fiscal 2001, at which time, it expects to
record a one-time, non-cash, pre-tax charge of approximately $750 million as a
cumulative effect of an accounting change.
Use of Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization
Management believes that an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating
performance of the Company's business segments is Operating Income Before
Depreciation and Amortization. Operating Income Before Depreciation and
Amortization provides a basis to measure liquidity and operating performance of
each business segment. Although historical results, including Operating Income
Before Depreciation and Amortization, may not be indicative of future results
(as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors including
consumer tastes and preferences), Operating Income Before Depreciation and
Amortization provides management a measure to analyze operating performance
against historical and competitors' data. Operating Income Before Depreciation
and Amortization eliminates the uneven effect across business segments of
considerable amounts of depreciation and amortization primarily resulting from
the value of intangible assets acquired in business combinations accounted for
by the purchase method of accounting, including the Company's January 1997
acquisition (the "New World Acquisition") of New World Communications Group,
Inc. ("New World") and the Company's July 1999 acquisition of Fox Sports
Networks. The exclusion of amortization charges is consistent with management's
belief that the Company's intangible assets, such as broadcast television
licenses, film and television libraries, franchises and the goodwill associated
with its brands, are generally increasing in value as the Company implements its
business strategies of creating, extending and distributing recognizable brands
and copyrights throughout the world. As such, the following comparative
discussion of the
Page 24
results of operations of the Company includes, among other factors, an analysis
of changes in business segment Operating Income Before Depreciation and
Amortization. However, Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization
should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income,
net income and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance
with GAAP.
Years Ended June 30,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Millions)
Other Data:
Revenues Operating Income Operating Income Before
Deprecation and Amortization (2)
---------------------------------
2000 1999(1) 1998(1) 2000 1999(1) 1998(1) 2000 1999(1) 1998(1)
------ ------- ------ ----- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Filmed Entertainment $3,856 $ 4,416 $3,876 $ 128 $ 355 $ 266 $ 179 $ 396 $ 292
Television Stations 1,635 1,469 1,393 585 557 539 774 731 699
Television Broadcast Network 1,751 1,743 1,459 29 (32) 21 47 (16) 31
Other Television Businesses 97 118 139 (11) (7) 2 (11) (3) 2
Cable Network Programming 1,250 311 156 (75) (157) (148) 107 (77) (101)
------ ------- ------ ----- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------
8,589 8,057 7,023 656 716 680 1,096 1,031 923
Other Charges - - - - - (17) - - (17)
------ ------- ------ ----- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Total $8,589 $ 8,057 $7,023 $ 656 $ 716 $ 663 $1,096 $ 1,031 $ 906
====== ======= ====== ===== ======= ======= ====== ======= =======
(1) Both fiscal 1999 and 1998 presentations have been reclassified to
conform to the fiscal 2000 segment presentation.
(2) Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization is defined as
operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization. While
Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization is considered to be
an important measure of comparative performance by many in the financial
community, it should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute
for, operating income, net income, cash flow and other measures of
financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and presented in the audited consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this filing.
Results of Operations - Fiscal 2000 vs. Fiscal 1999
The following table sets forth the Company's operating results, by segment, for
fiscal 2000 as compared to fiscal 1999:
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------
(Dollars in Millions)
2000 1999 (1) Change
------ -------- -----
Revenues:
Filmed Entertainment $3,856 $ 4,416 $(560)
Television Stations 1,635 1,469 166
Television Broadcast Network 1,751 1,743 8
Other Television Businesses 97 118 (21)
Cable Network Programming 1,250 311 939
------ -------- -----
Total revenues $8,589 $ 8,057 $ 532
====== ======== =====
Operating income (loss):
Filmed Entertainment $ 128 $ 355 $(227)
Television Stations 585 557 28
Television Broadcast Network 29 (32) 61
Other Television Businesses (11) (7) (4)
Cable Network Programming (75) (157) 82
------ -------- -----
Total operating income 656 716 (60)
Interest expense, net (297) (223) (74)
Minority interest (4) - (4)
Equity in losses of affiliates (90) (146) 56
------ -------- -----
Income before income taxes 265 347 (82)
Income tax expense (120) (142) 22
------ -------- -----
Net income $ 145 $ 205 $ (60)
====== ======== =====
Page 25
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------
2000 1999 (1) Change
------ -------- -----
Other Data:
Operating Income (Loss) Before Depreciation and Amortization(2)
Filmed Entertainment $ 179 $ 396 $(217)
Television Stations 774 731 43
Television Broadcast Network 47 (16) 63
Other Television Businesses (11) (3) (8)
Cable Network Programming 107 (77) 184
------ -------- -----
Total operating income before
depreciation and amortization $1,096 $ 1,031 $ 65
====== ======== =====
Depreciation and Amortization:
Filmed Entertainment $ 51 $ 41 $ 10
Television Stations 189 174 15
Television Broadcast Network 18 16 2
Other Television Businesses - 4 (4)
Cable Network Programming 182 80 102
------ -------- -----
Total depreciation and amortization $ 440 $ 315 $ 125
====== ======== =====
(1) The fiscal 1999 presentation has been reclassified to conform to the fiscal
2000 segment presentation.
(2) Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization is defined as
operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization. While
Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization is considered to be
an important measure of comparative performance by many in the financial
community, it should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute
for, operating income, net income, cash flow and other measures of
financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and presented in the audited consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this filing.
Overview of Company Results. Fiscal year 2000 revenues of $8.6 billion were 7%
above the $8.1 billion reported a year ago. The Company reported operating
income of $656 million for fiscal 2000, an 8% decrease from the $716 million
reported in the prior year. Operating Income Before Depreciation and
Amortization of $1,096 million increased 6% over the $1,031 million reported in
the prior year. These results reflect increased operating income and Operating
Income Before Depreciation and Amortization at the Company's Television Stations
and Cable Network Programming businesses which were partially offset by lower
Filmed Entertainment operating income and Operating Income Before Depreciation
and Amortization.
Equity in losses of affiliates of $90 million improved $56 million over the
prior year. This improvement was primarily due to the $60 million gain related
to Fox Kids Europe N.V.'s initial public offering ("IPO") in November 1999,
which was partially offset by a $39 million write down relating to the Company's
investment in Fox Studios Australia.
Net income was $145 million ($0.20 per share) as compared to prior year results
of $205 million ($0.33 per share). The weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the year of 722 million reflects the full weighting of the
shares issued in connection with the Company's IPO in November 1998 and the
issuance of 51.8 million shares to News Corporation in connection with the July
1999 acquisition of substantially all of Liberty Media Corporation's 50%
interest in Fox Sports Networks.
Filmed Entertainment. For the year, Filmed Entertainment reported revenues of
$3.9 billion, which is a decline of $560 million from the prior year. During
fiscal 2000, the Company released 20 new feature films as compared to 22 films
released during fiscal 1999. The prior year included the contributions from the
foreign theatrical and domestic video sales of Titanic, one of the most
successful films of all time, and the strong theatrical performances of There's
Something About Mary and Dr. Dolittle. The current year contained disappointing
results from the domestic theatrical releases of Anna and the King, Brokedown
Palace and Titan A.E. Partially offsetting these
Page 26
disappointing results were contributions from domestic and international pay
television and free television licensing agreements covering available film and
television series and the domestic theatrical performance of Big Momma's House.
For fiscal 2000, operating expenses increased primarily as a result of the
increase in the amortization of film costs and in the number of full season
series produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television ("TCFTV") and related
entities for the Networks. In addition, operating expenses increased due to
renegotiated participation agreements.
For fiscal 2000, operating income decreased approximately 64% to $128 million.
Operating losses from Titan A.E., Anna and the King and Brokedown Palace and
direct costs of $12 million relating to the shut-down of the Twentieth Century
Fox Animation Studios facility in Phoenix, Arizona contributed to these
unfavorable results. Partially offsetting these unfavorable results were the
strong performance of the domestic DVD release of Independence Day and improved
contributions from the domestic and international pay television agreements
covering available films and television series, as mentioned above.
For fiscal 2000, Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization decreased
approximately 55% to $179 million representing a decrease in operating
performance as a result of the factors described above. The increase in
depreciation and amortization of $10 million relates to depreciation on new
facilities at the Fox Studios Lot in Los Angeles, California.
Television Segments. For fiscal 2000, combined revenues of the television
related segments increased 5% from prior year, operating income increased 16%
and Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization increased 14%. In the
Television Stations segment, strong revenue increases from a robust advertising
market and growth in market share contributed to these gains, which were
achieved despite the absence of the World Series and the Super Bowl, both of
which were broadcast on the Fox Television Stations during the prior fiscal
year. The Fox Television Stations experienced continued revenue growth of 11%
due to increases in market share of 0.2 percentage points to 19.6%, and
increases in gross advertising expenditures in the stations' market for fiscal
2000. Operating expenses of the Fox Television Stations increased primarily as
a result of higher program costs for newly acquired series, as well as the
broadcast of additional Major League Baseball games in New York and Boston
resulting in increased operating income of 5% to $585 million. In the Television
Broadcast Network segment, higher prime time advertising sales combined with
revenue from FOX's new economic arrangement with its affiliates, were partially
offset by the effect of weaker ratings and by higher prime time programming
costs reflecting series cancellations. The increase in operating income
primarily relates to the absence of the National Hockey League broadcasts and
the World Series, which generated losses in the prior year and higher prime time
net advertising sales due to increases in pricing. Partially offsetting these
improvements were higher abandonment costs from cancelled shows and higher
license fees from returning series.
Cable Network Programming. In connection with the acquisition of the remaining
50% of Fox Sports Networks, the Company changed the composition of this segment.
This segment now includes the Fox Sports Networks (including 12 owned and
operated Regional Sports Networks ("RSNs") and the FX Channel) and Fox News
Channel ("FNC"), as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers and other cable-related
properties, which were previously included in the Other Television Businesses
segment. Prior year amounts reflect the new segment composition. The revenues
reported during fiscal 2000 reflect an increase of approximately $939 million,
an increase in operating income of $82 million and a $184 million increase in
Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization compared to fiscal 1999.
These significant increases relate primarily to the first time inclusion of the
consolidated results of Fox Sports Networks, as well as narrowing losses at FNC.
At Fox Sports Networks, increased subscriber rates from recently completed
affiliation agreements, combined with a growing subscriber base, drove
Page 27
affiliate revenues higher across all RSNs and at the FX Channel. These increased
revenues were partially offset by increased costs associated with new original
programming and launching regional sports news shows. At FNC, improved results
were driven by significant gains in advertising revenues from increased national
advertising sales volume and pricing, as well as growth in subscribers. FNC
continues to expand its distribution and currently has approximately 51 million
subscribers, up from 41 million in the prior year.
Interest Expense. For fiscal 2000, interest expense increased approximately 33%
to $297 million from $223 million in fiscal 1999, which was primarily due to the
interest related to the debt assumed with the purchase of substantially all of
Liberty's 50% interest in Fox Sports Networks.
Equity in Losses of Affiliates. For fiscal 2000, equity in losses of affiliates
improved approximately 38% to $90 million as compared to equity in losses of
affiliates of $146 million in fiscal 1999. These reduced losses resulted
primarily from the $60 million gain related to Fox Kids Europe N.V.'s IPO in
November 1999. Additionally, losses declined at Fox Sports International
primarily due to the increased distribution of the channels. These improvements
were partially offset by a $39 million write-down at Fox Studios Australia and
losses at The Health Network and National Geographic International channel, both
of which were launched during fiscal 2000.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense consists of federal, state and foreign
taxes on earnings. For fiscal 2000, income tax expense decreased to $120 million
from $142 million primarily reflecting the decrease in income before income
taxes. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2000 was 45% compared with 41%
in the prior year. The higher effective tax rate is primarily due to an increase
in non-deductible intangible amortization related to the Fox Sports Networks
acquisition.
Results of Operations - Fiscal 1999 vs. Fiscal 1998
The following table sets forth the Company's operating results, by segment, for
fiscal 1999 as compared to fiscal 1998:
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------
(Dollars in Millions)
1999 (1) 1998 (1) Change
------- ------- -------
Revenues:
Filmed Entertainment $ 4,416 $ 3,876 $ 540
Television Stations 1,469 1,393 76
Television Broadcast Network 1,743 1,459 284
Other Television Businesses 118 139 (21)
Cable Network Programming 311 156 155
------- ------- -------
Total revenues $ 8,057 $ 7,023 $ 1,034
======= ======= =======
Operating income (loss):
Filmed Entertainment $ 355 $ 266 $ 89
Television Stations 557 539 18
Television Broadcast Network (32) 21 (53)
Other Television Businesses (7) 2 (9)
Cable Network Programming (157) (148) (9)
------- ------- -------
716 680 36
Other charges -- (17) 17
------- ------- -------
Total operating income 716 663 53
Interest expense, net (223) (271) 48
Equity in losses of affiliates (146) (81) (65)
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes 347 311 36
Income tax expense (142) (135) (7)
------- ------- -------
Net income $ 205 $ 176 $ 29
======= ======= =======
Other Data:
Page 28
Operating Income (Loss) Before Depreciation and Amortization(2)
Filmed Entertainment $ 396 $ 292 $ 104
Television Stations 731 699 32
Television Broadcast Network (16) 31 (47)
Other Television Businesses (3) 2 (5)
Cable Network Programming (77) (101) 24
------- ------- -------
1,031 923 108
------- ------- -------
Other charges -- (17) 17
------- ------- -------
Total operating income before
depreciation and amortization $ 1,031 $ 906 $ 125
======= ======= =======
Depreciation and Amortization:
Filmed Entertainment $ 41 $ 26 $ 15
Television Stations 174 160 14
Television Broadcast Network 16 10 6
Other Television Businesses 4 -- 4
Cable Network Programming 80 47 33
------- ------- -------
Total depreciation and amortization $ 315 $ 243 $ 72
======= ======= =======
(1) Both fiscal 1999 and 1998 presentations have been reclassified to conform
to the fiscal 2000 segment presentation.
(2) Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization is defined as
operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization. While
Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization is considered to be
an important measure of comparative performance by many in the financial
community, it should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute
for, operating income, net income, cash flow and other measures of
financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and presented in the audited consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this filing.
Filmed Entertainment. For fiscal 1999, revenues increased approximately 14% to
$4.4 billion. During fiscal 1999, the Company released 22 new feature films as
compared to 25 films released during fiscal 1998. The increase in revenues can
be attributed to the strong theatrical releases of Never Been Kissed, Entrapment
and the much anticipated Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which, with
its accumulated domestic box office receipts of $416 million, ranks as the third
highest grossing film in history behind two other releases of the Company,
Titanic and the original Star Wars. Also contributing were the worldwide
theatrical and video releases of the highly successful There's Something About
Mary and Dr. Dolittle as well as Titanic's worldwide video release.
For fiscal 1999, operating expenses increased primarily as a result of the
increase in the amortization of film costs and in the number of full season
series produced by TCFTV and related entities for the Networks.
For fiscal 1999, operating income increased approximately 34% to $355 million.
Operating results from the successful films mentioned above were partially
offset by the lower than expected results of The Siege, The Thin Red Line,
Ravenous, Office Space and Pushing Tin, for which ultimate losses were
recognized during fiscal 1999. TCFTV also contributed to the increase in
operating income as a result of its syndication of network series to cable
networks. Partially offsetting these factors was the increase in production
costs of three new dramas as compared to two in the prior fiscal year.
For fiscal 1999, Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization increased
approximately 36% to $396 million representing significantly improved operating
performance primarily as a result of the factors described above.
Television Segments. For fiscal 1999, combined revenues from all television
related segments increased approximately 11%, operating income decreased 8% and
Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization decreased 3%. The Fox
Television Stations experienced continued revenue growth due to increases in
market share, up 1.1 percentage points to 19.4%, and advertising
Page 29
sales, up 4.7%. For fiscal 1999, operating expenses of the Fox Television
Stations increased primarily as a result of the costs associated with the
investment in local programming and news expansion. At the Fox Television
Stations, operating income increased in fiscal 1999 approximately 3% to $557
million. At the Television Broadcast Network, increased programming costs
related to FOX's National Football League ("NFL") contract, including the costs
of Super Bowl XXXIII, combined with a loss on FOX's Major League Baseball
contract due to the New York Yankees' four game sweep of the 1998 World Series,
resulting in a higher average cost per game, also contributed to the rise in
operating expenses. FOX recently implemented a new agreement with its affiliate
stations to increase FOX's share of future advertising revenue. At FOX, base
revenue was positively affected by its programming lineup, resulting in strong
ratings in the key targeted audience, adults aged 18-49 years old. As a result
of FOX's ratings, advertising revenues increased as FOX was able to obtain
higher rates for advertising targeted at adults aged 18-49 years old.
Additionally, revenues increased in fiscal 1999 from the broadcast of Super Bowl
XXXIII; the Super Bowl was not broadcast by FOX in fiscal 1998. Operating income
for FOX decreased to a $32 million loss from $21 million in income in the prior
year.
Cable Network Programming. For fiscal 1999, this segment's revenues increased to
$311 million, primarily due to the addition of 9 million new subscribers to the
FNC and a 200% increase in ratings from the prior fiscal year yielding higher
affiliate and advertising revenues. Operating losses increased 6% which is
principally related to the inclusion of the full year results of operations of
the Los Angeles Dodgers as compared to the prior year which only included
results of operations from the April 1998 acquisition.
For fiscal 1999, operating expenses increased as a result of increased
marketing, newsgathering and launch support expenses.
For fiscal 1999, operating losses increased approximately 6%, or $9 million, to
a loss of $157 million from a loss of $148 million in fiscal 1998. FNC continues
to experience losses but has increased subscriber revenues as a result of its
strengthened distribution base.
For fiscal 1999, Operating Loss Before Depreciation and Amortization narrowed by
approximately 25%, or $24 million, to a loss of $77 million from a loss of $101
million in fiscal 1998. These results represent an improvement in operating
performance as described above.
Interest Expense. For fiscal 1999, interest expense decreased approximately 18%
to $223 million from $271 million in fiscal 1998, principally reflecting the
repayment of external debt and the decrease in average balances due to The News
Corporation Limited and its affiliates ("News Corporation").
Equity in Losses of Affiliates. For fiscal 1999, equity in losses of affiliates
increased approximately 80% to $146 million as compared to equity in losses of
affiliates of $81 million in fiscal 1998. These losses resulted primarily from
additional interest expense related to a full year of financing costs incurred
by equity affiliates associated with Fox Sports Networks' acquisition of RPP and
Fox Kids Worldwide's acquisition of International Family Entertainment, Inc.
("IFE").
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense consists of federal, state and foreign
taxes on earnings before income taxes. The increase in income tax expense is
attributable to the increase in income before income taxes. The effective income
tax rate for fiscal 1999 was 41% compared with 43% in the prior year. The lower
effective tax rate resulted primarily from reduced state and local taxes
provided partially offset by higher non-deductible amortization and expense
compared to fiscal 1998.
Page 30
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's principal sources of cash flow are from internally generated
funds and borrowings from News Corporation.
Net cash flows used in operating activities in fiscal 2000 decreased to
$253 million from net cash provided by operating activities of $753 million in
fiscal 1999. This decrease was primarily attributable to sports rights
payments, primarily for NFL programming, increased inventory growth related to
theatrical films and increased receivables associated with domestic and
international video sales.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $536 million and $615
million in fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively. Capital expenditures during this
period were principally for construction of facilities and renovations at the
Company's Fox Studios Lot, digital technology equipment, new building
construction at Fox Television Stations and renovations at Dodger Stadium.
During fiscal 2000, the Company's major investments included investments in
Southwest Sports Group (one of Fox Sports Networks' RSNs), FFW and certain of
Fox Sports Networks' equity affiliates.
Net cash flows provided by financing activities increased to $782 million
in fiscal 2000 from net cash used in financing activities of $118 million in
fiscal 1999. The increase was primarily due to advances from News Corporation
used to fund operating and investing activities for the period. In connection
with the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Fox Sports Networks,
borrowings of approximately $1.5 billion were assumed by the Company. There are
certain covenants related to outstanding indebtedness that, among other things,
limit distributions by Fox Sports Networks to the Company. These covenants had
no material impact on the Company in fiscal 2000. During the year ended June
30, 2000, approximately $784 million of borrowings were repaid.
In July 1999, News Corporation acquired substantially all of Liberty
Media's 50% interest in Fox Sports Networks. In exchange for its interest,
Liberty received approximately 51.8 million News Corporation American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") (representing 207.1 million preferred limited voting ordinary
shares of News Corporation) valued at $1.425 billion. Upon consummation of this
transaction, News Corporation transferred the acquired interests to the Company
in exchange for 51,759,834 shares of the Company's Class A Common shares valued
at $1.425 billion. This transfer to the Company increased News Corporation's
equity interest to 82.76% from 81.44% while its voting interest remained at
97.8%. Concurrent with this transaction, the Company repaid approximately $678
million of Fox Sports Network's bank debt. The repayment of this bank debt was
funded through additional advances from News Corporation.
In January 2000, the Company completed a series of integrated transactions
with Healtheon/WebMD Corporation ("WebMD") to exchange media branding services
and a 50% interest in The Health Network for a cost basis preferred stock
interest in WebMD. Pursuant to these transactions, WebMD issued to the Company
Series A preferred stock subject to a three-year lockup, independently valued at
approximately $500 million, which will convert to approximately 14.4 million
shares of WebMD common stock in three years. On a pro forma basis, if the
Company were able to convert its Series A preferred stock into common stock, the
market value of such common stock would be $213.3 million as of June 30, 2000.
The Company has evaluated the carrying value of the WebMD Series A preferred
stock and has determined that current events or circumstances do not indicate a
permanent decline in the carrying value of the preferred stock at this time. In
consideration for the transfer to WebMD of the remaining 50% interest in The
Health Network, the Company can receive up to a maximum of 8.3 million
additional WebMD common shares over a five-year period, based upon The Health
Network achieving certain milestones. The Company is obligated to provide $45
million in funding to The Health Network during the next three years, which is
reflected in
Page 31
accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company
agreed to provide media branding services, including advertising and promotion
with a market value of approximately $400 million, over ten years. Through June
2000, the Company has provided approximately $15 million of media services to
WebMD under this agreement. The carrying value of the obligations for future
media branding services were approximately $300 million at June 30, 2000 (market
value of approximately $380 million), which is reflected in deferred revenue in
the accompanying balance sheet.
On August 14, 2000 the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Chris-
Craft Industries, Inc., BHC Communications, Inc. and United Television, Inc. In
the transaction, News Corporation will pay approximately $5.35 billion,
comprised of a cash payment of approximately $2.13 billion and approximately 73
million ADRs representing 292 million News Corporation preferred shares. Upon
consummation of the acquisition, News Corporation will transfer the assets,
excluding approximately $1.7 billion in cash, to the Company, which will own and
operate the acquired stations in exchange for the issuance to News Corporation
of approximately 122.2 million shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock,
increasing News Corporation's ownership percentage in the Company from 82.76% to
approximately 85.25%. The closing of the acquisition is subject to customary
conditions including shareholder and regulatory approval.
Due to increased competition and costs associated with film production,
film studios constantly evaluate the risks and rewards of production. Companies
use various strategies to balance this risk with their capital needs, including,
among other methods, co-production, contingent profit participations,
acquisition of distribution rights only, and insurance.
Pursuant to a series of film rights agreements with New Millennium, the
Company has agreed to sell completed feature films produced over the period 1997
through 2001 to New Millennium at amounts which approximate cost. The Company is
the distributor of these films. Additionally, the Company has the option to
reacquire the films after a period when significantly all of the ultimate
revenues have been earned based on a formula which considers the remaining
projected ultimate revenues, net of cost, as defined at the time of
reacquisition. Through this arrangement, New Millennium provides the Company
with an external source of capital willing to share in the risks of motion
picture production. In cases where the Company fully produces, retains and
distributes motion pictures, the Company has the full risk and reward from such
films. Under the arrangement with New Millennium, it participates in certain of
the risks and rewards from the portfolio of films it has acquired. Although
following the expiration of the New Millennium arrangement in 2001, the Company
expects to be able to extend the existing arrangements or enter into alternative
arrangements, there can be no assurance that such extension or alternative
arrangements will be effected or, if effected, will be effected on similar terms
to the existing arrangements. Unless this arrangement is extended or an
alternate arrangement is entered into prior to the expiration of the film rights
agreements in 2001, the Company expects that the funding of its film production
activities will be met through internally generated funds or from other external
sources of funds, which could include funds made available to the Company from
News Corporation or its affiliates. The Company is currently exploring similar
financing strategies which would be implemented upon the expiration of the
present agreement with New Millennium.
The Company does not record any revenue or expense from the sale of the
films, at cost, to New Millennium. Thereafter, the Company accrues
participations due to New Millennium in the same manner that the Company has
historically amortized film costs under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 53, "Financial Reporting by Producers and Distributors of
Motion Picture Films". As the participation payments due to New Millennium are
payable over a two-to-three year period, amounts included in interest expense
primarily reflect the direct pass through
Page 32
cost that New Millennium charges the Company for interest and related costs on
its credit facility. Cumulatively, through June 30, 2000 and 1999, 78 and 63
films had been sold, respectively. No films have been reacquired as of June 30,
2000. As of June 30, 2000 and 1999, $251 million and $432 million of amounts due
under these agreements were included in participations, residuals and royalties
payable, respectively.
The Company is funded primarily by loans from other subsidiaries and
affiliates of News Corporation. The Company used the entire net proceeds from
its IPO to repay a portion of the amounts due to intercompany affiliates.
Immediately following consummation of the IPO and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom, the aggregate amount outstanding due to intercompany
affiliates was approximately $1.8 billion. From November 11, 1998, interest on
outstanding intercompany balances has been charged at commercial market rates
not to exceed News Corporation's average cost of borrowing as set forth in the
Master Intercompany Agreement between the Company and News Corporation. At June
30, 2000, the intercompany interest rate approximated 8%. The Company
anticipates that cash from future operations will be sufficient to meet its
working capital requirements.
Future minimum payments under the Company's eight year contract for program
rights to broadcast certain NFL games aggregated approximately $3.8 billion at
June 30, 2000, and are payable over the remaining six year term. The Company's
minimum commitments and guarantees under certain programming, production,
licensing, artists, athletes and other agreements aggregated approximately $5.0
billion at June 30, 2000, which are payable principally over a five year period.
The NFL contract's impact on the Company's results over the remaining contract
term is dependent upon a number of factors, including strength of advertising
markets, effectiveness of marketing efforts and the size of viewer audience.
The Company's eight year contract with the National Association of Stock
Car Auto Racing ("NASCAR"), for a total value of $1.742 billion, gives the
Company rights to broadcast certain NASCAR races. This agreement begins in
February 2001 with the Daytona 500.
The Company and Liberty/TINTA LLC, a subsidiary of Liberty, each owns 50%
of Fox Sports International. In conjunction with the Company's July 1999
acquisition of substantially all of the remaining 50% of Fox Sports Networks,
Liberty has an option to cause News Corporation to acquire and News Corporation
has the option to cause Liberty/TINTA to sell the 50% interest in Fox Sports
International held by Liberty/TINTA in exchange for an aggregate 3,633,866 ADRs
representing 14,535,464 preferred shares. Such options may be exercised at any
time during the 60 days following July 15, 2001. If such options are exercised,
News Corporation will transfer the acquired interest in Fox Sports International
to the Company for approximately 3,632,000 shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock.
In connection with the formation of FFW and pursuant to a Stock Ownership
Agreement dated December 22, 1995 and Strategic Stockholders Agreement dated as
of August 1, 1997, as amended, the Saban Stockholders were granted an option to
sell to the Company, upon the occurrence of certain events, all of the Class B
Common Stock then held by them, and any of their transferees. The exercise of
the option may be triggered (i) by the death of Haim Saban, if he dies prior to
December 22, 2012, in which case the option is exercisable for a period of up to
one year from the time of his death; (ii) upon a change of control of FOX; (iii)
on January 31, 2001 or (iv) any time after December 22, 2002. The purchase
price formula under the option is based on the fair market value of FFW.
Page 33
New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2000, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position
00-2, "Accounting by Producers and Distributors of Films" ("SOP 00-2"), which
established new accounting standards for producers and distributors of films and
supersedes SFAS No. 53. SOP 00-2 establishes new accounting standards for, among
other things, marketing and development costs. This SOP is effective for
financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2000. The
Company plans to adopt SOP 00-2 during the first quarter of fiscal 2001, at
which time, it expects to record a one-time, non-cash, pre-tax charge of
approximately $750 million as a cumulative effect of an accounting change.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133 (as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and
138), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This
statement establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value. The statement also requires that changes
in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless
specific hedge accounting criteria are met. SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company believes the impact of adopting
SFAS No. 133 will not be material. However, the statement could increase
volatility in earnings and other comprehensive income.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC
Report of Independent Public
Accountants ..................................................................................... 36
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2000 and 1999 ......................................... 37
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
June 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998 ................................................................. 38
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
June 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998 ................................................................. 39
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the
years ended June 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998 ..................................................... 40
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ....................................................... 41
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
Report of Independent Public Accountants.......................................................... 58
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1999 and 2000.......................................... 59
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years
in the period ended June 30, 2000................................................................. 60
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2000.................................... 61
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years
in the period ended June 30, 2000................................................................. 62
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................................................ 64
Page 34
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC. (cont'd.)
Financial Statement Schedules:
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................. 90
Schedule I: Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant........... 91
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves............. 95
Page 35
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fox
Entertainment Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Subsidiaries (the
"Company"), as of June 30, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders' equity for each of the
three years in the period ended June 30, 2000. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fox Entertainment
Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2000 and 1999, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended June 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
August 16, 2000
Page 36
FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JUNE 30,
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
2000 1999
------- -------
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 114 $ 121
Accounts receivable, net 2,191 1,756
Filmed entertainment and television
programming costs, net 3,438 2,621
Investments in equity affiliates 1,510 785
Property and equipment, net 1,478 1,321
Intangible assets, net 7,836 5,818
Other assets and investments 1,363 741
------- -------
Total assets $17,930 $13,163
======= =======
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,946 $ 1,682
Participations, residuals and royalties payable 1,209 1,321
Television programming rights payable 903 566
Deferred revenue 688 293
Borrowings 974 53
Deferred income taxes 1,058 975
Other liabilities 147 215
------- -------
6,925 5,105
Due to intercompany affiliates 2,739 1,389
------- -------
Total liabilities 9,664 6,494
Minority interest in subsidiaries 20 1
Commitments and contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share;
100,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued
and outstanding at June 30, 2000 and 1999 -- --
Class A Common stock, $.01 par value
per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized;
176,559,834 and 124,800,000 shares issued and
outstanding at June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively 2 1
Class B Common stock, $.01 par value per
share; 650,000,000 shares authorized;
547,500,000 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2000 and 1999 6 6
Paid-in capital 8,023 6,599
Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income
215 62
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity 8,246 6,668
------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $17,930 $13,163
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
Page 37
FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
2000 1999 1998
------ ------ ------
Revenues $8,589 $8,057 $7,023
Expenses:
Operating 6,482 6,220 5,332
Selling, general and administrative 1,011 806 768
Depreciation and amortization 440 315 243
Other charges -- -- 17
------ ------ ------
Operating income 656 716 663
Other expenses:
Interest expense, net (297) (223) (271)
Minority interest (4) -- --
Equity in losses of affiliates (90) (146) (81)
------ ------ ------
Income before income taxes 265 347 311
Income tax expense (120) (142) (135)
------ ------ ------
Net income $ 145 $ 205 $ 176
====== ====== ======
Basic and diluted earnings per share $0.20 $0.33 $0.32
====== ====== ======
Basic and diluted weighted average
number of common equivalent shares
outstanding (in millions) 722 626 548
====== ====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements
Page 38
FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
2000 1999 1998
------ ------- ------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 145 $ 205 $ 176
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 440 315 243
Equity in losses of affiliates 90 146 81
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and other assets (310) 161 (458)
Filmed entertainment and television programming costs (786) (513) (30)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 100 252 236
Participations, residuals and royalties payables 68 187 58
------ ------- ------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (253) 753 306
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 63 -- (328)
Investments in equity affiliates (174) (140) (141)
Other investments (178) (168) (199)
Purchases of property and equipment (247) (307) (208)
------ ------- ------
Net cash used in investing activities (536) (615) (876)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings 197 110 282
Repayment of borrowings (784) (432) (972)
Proceeds from Initial Public Offering -- 2,689 --
(Repayments to) advances from affiliates, net 1,369 (2,485) 1,105
------ ------- ------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 782 (118) 415
Net (decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents (7) 20 (155)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 121 101 256
------ ------- ------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 114 $ 121 $ 101
====== ======= ======
Supplemental information on non-cash investing and financing activities:
Fair value of assets acquired $3,313
Cash acquired 63
Less: Liabilities assumed 1,951
------
Fair value of stock consideration $1,425
======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
Page 39
FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
ACCUMULATED OTHER
PREFERRED COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS (LOSS) TOTAL
----- ----- ------- -------- ------ -----
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1997 $ 1 $- $3,132 $ 636 $(2) $3,767
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income -- -- -- 176 -- 176
Foreign currency
translation adjustments -- -- -- -- (2) (2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- -- 176 (2) 174
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1998 1 -- 3,132 812 (4) 3,941
Redemption of preferred (1) -- -- -- -- (1)
stock in connection with
reorganization
Issuance of Class A Common -- 1 2,688 -- -- 2,689
Stock
Conversion of Class B Common -- 6 (6) -- -- --
Stock in connection with
Recapitalization
Elimination of certain -- -- 785 (948) -- (163)
Intercompany debt and
payment of dividends
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income -- -- -- 205 -- 205
Foreign currency -- -- -- -- (3) (3)
Translation adjustments
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- -- 205 (3) 202
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1999 -- 7 6,599 69 (7) 6,668
Issuance of Class A Common Stock -- 1 1,424 -- -- 1,425
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income -- -- -- 145 -- 145
Foreign currency
translation adjustments -- -- -- -- 8 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- -- 145 8 153
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2000 $ -- $ 8 $8,023 $ 214 $ 1 $8,246
=============================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
Page 40
FOX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is a
diversified entertainment company with operations in five business segments.
These business segments are: Filmed Entertainment, which principally consists of
the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for
distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide
and the production of original television programming; Television Stations,
which principally consists of the operation of broadcast television stations;
Television Broadcast Network, which principally consists of the broadcasting of
network programming; Other Television Businesses, which represents other
broadcast television related activities; and Cable Network Programming, which
principally consists of the production and licensing of programming distributed
through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite ("DBS")
operators and professional sports team ownership. The Company was incorporated
in Delaware in May 1985 as Twentieth Holdings Corporation. In 1998, the Company
changed its corporate name to Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.
Prior to the transactions referred to in Note 3, The News Corporation Limited
and its subsidiaries ("News Corporation") effected a reorganization (the
"Reorganization") by contributing to the Company, at book value, certain of its
assets and subsidiaries engaged in the production and distribution of feature
films and television programming. Included in this contribution were Twentieth
Century Fox Film Corporation, which was acquired by News Corporation in 1985,
News Corporation's interest in Fox Family Worldwide, Inc. and Fox/Liberty
Networks, LLC, International Sports Programming Partners, Fox/Liberty Ventures,
LLC and other cable network programming and related interests.
In connection with the Reorganization in fiscal 1999, the outstanding voting
preferred stock of the Company was acquired from an executive of the Company for
its par value of $760,000 plus accrued dividends. Contemporaneous with this
transaction, the executive acquired the voting preferred stock of a subsidiary
of the Company, Fox Television Holdings, Inc. ("FTH") for the identical par
value and dividend rate (see Note 2). The voting preferred stock of the Company
had been acquired by the executive in accordance with a 1985 order of the
Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") in connection with the Company's
acquisition of television stations.
The financial statements prior to November 11, 1998 were presented on a combined
basis. The financial statements presented subsequent to November 11, 1998 are
consolidated to reflect the Reorganization. For reporting purposes, the
financial statements for all periods are collectively referred to as
consolidated financial statements.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
consolidated with the accounts of its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries
(See Note 1). For financial reporting purposes, control generally means
ownership of a majority interest in an entity but may, in certain instances,
result from other considerations, including a company's capacity to dominate
decision
Page 41
making in relation to the financial and operating policies of the consolidated
entity. FTH, a subsidiary of the Company, has 7,600 shares of voting preferred
stock issued and outstanding with a liquidation value of $760,000 and cumulative
dividends at the rate of 12% per annum. Such shares are held by an executive of
the Company and represent 76% of the voting power of FTH.
FTH is included in these consolidated financial statements because the Company
is deemed to control FTH for financial reporting purposes. Among the reasons why
the Company has a controlling financial interest in FTH are (i) the Company has
the ability to redeem the voting preferred stock, at any time, at the
liquidation value of $760,000 plus accrued dividends, (ii) the dividends on, and
amounts to be paid on redemption of, the voting preferred stock are fixed, and
not related to the performance of FTH, and, (iii) senior management of FTH,
including its Board of Directors, consists solely of persons employed by the
Company. As a result, the controlling financial interest in FTH rests with the
Company through its common stock ownership of FTH.
The Company uses the equity basis of accounting for investments in affiliates
where it exercises significant influence but not control.
All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the
consolidated financial statements of the Company.
The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to
June 30. Fiscal years 1999 and 1998 comprise 52-week periods, while fiscal year
2000 comprises a 53-week period.
BALANCE SHEET PRESENTATION
As an entertainment company which complies with the provisions of the Financial
Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 53, "Financial Reporting by Producers and Distributors of
Motion Picture Films", the Company has elected to present unclassified balance
sheets.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with
original maturities of three months or less.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Filmed Entertainment
In accordance with SFAS No. 53, revenues from the theatrical distribution of
motion pictures are recognized when motion pictures are exhibited. Revenues from
home video sales, net of a reserve for returns, are recognized on the date that
video units are made widely available for sale by retailers. Revenues from the
licensing of feature films and television programming are recorded when the
material is available for telecasting by the licensee and when certain other
conditions are met.
License agreements for the telecast of theatrical and television product in the
broadcast network, syndicated television and cable television markets are
routinely entered into in advance of their available date for telecast. Cash
received in connection with such contractual rights for which revenue is not yet
recognizable is classified as deferred revenue. Because deferred revenue
generally relates to contracts for the licensing of theatrical and television
product which have already been produced, the recognition of revenue for such
completed product is principally only dependent upon the commencement of the
availability period for telecast under the terms of the related licensing
Page 42
agreement.
Television Stations, Television Broadcast Network, Other Television Businesses
and Cable Network Programming
In accordance with SFAS No. 63, "Financial Reporting by Broadcasters",
television advertising revenue is recognized as the commercials are aired.
Subscriber fees received from cable system and DBS operators are recognized as
revenue when services are provided. Revenues from professional team ownership
are recognized on a game by game basis.
FILMED ENTERTAINMENT AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMING COSTS
Filmed Entertainment Costs
In accordance with SFAS No. 53, filmed entertainment costs include production,
certain exploitation costs expected to benefit future periods and capitalized
overhead and interest costs, net of any allocated amounts received from outside
investors. These costs, as well as participations and talent residuals, are
charged as operating expenses on an individual film basis in the ratio that the
current year's gross revenues bear to management's estimate of total ultimate
gross revenues from all sources.
Film costs are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net
realizable value on an individual film or television series basis. Revenue
forecasts for both motion picture and television products are continually
reviewed by management and revised when warranted by changing conditions. When
estimates of total revenues indicate that a motion picture or television
production will result in an ultimate loss, additional amortization is provided
to currently recognize such loss.
Pursuant to a series of film rights agreements with an independent third party,
the Company has agreed to sell completed feature films produced over the period
1997-2001 to the third party at amounts which approximate cost. The Company is
the distributor of these films. Additionally, the Company has the option to re-
acquire the films after a period when significantly all of the ultimate revenues
have been earned, based on a formula which considers the remaining projected
ultimate revenues net of costs, as defined, at the time of re-acquisition.
Cumulatively, through June 30, 2000 and 1999, seventy-eight and sixty-three
films had been sold, respectively. No films have been re-acquired as of June 30,
2000. As a distributor, the Company has recorded, in its statements of
operations, the revenues received from and operating expenses related to the
exploitation of the films in all markets, and, in interest expense, net, certain
other costs relating to the agreements of $51 million and $64 million in 2000
and 1999, respectively. As of June 30, 2000 and 1999, $251 million and $432
million, respectively, of amounts due under these agreements were included in
participations, residuals and royalties payable.
Television Programming Costs
In accordance with SFAS No. 63, program rights for entertainment programs and
sporting events are amortized over their license periods. The Company has single
and multi-year contracts for broadcast rights of programs and sporting events.
At the inception of these contracts and periodically thereafter, the Company
evaluates the recoverability of the costs associated therewith against the
revenues directly associated with the program material and related expenses.
Where an evaluation indicates that a programming contract will result in an
ultimate loss, additional amortization is provided to currently recognize that
loss. The costs of sports contracts are charged to expense based on the ratio of
each period's operating profits to estimated total operating profit of the
contract. Estimates of total operating profit can change significantly and
accordingly, are reviewed periodically and amortization
Page 43
is adjusted as necessary.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is
provided using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of three
to forty years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line
method over the shorter of their useful lives or the life of the lease. Costs
associated with the repair and maintenance of property are expensed as incurred.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
As a creator and distributor of branded information and entertainment
copyrights, the Company has a significant and growing amount of intangible
assets, including goodwill, free and cable television networks and stations,
film and television libraries, sports franchises, entertainment franchises, and
other copyright products and trademarks. In accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, the Company does not record the fair value of these
internally generated intangible assets. However, intangible assets acquired in
business combinations are recorded at their fair market value. Goodwill is
recorded as the difference between the cost of acquiring entities and amounts
assigned to their tangible net assets. Such intangible assets are amortized
using the straight-line method over the following lives: goodwill (40 years);
FCC licenses (40 years); franchises and other (4 - 40 years).
The Company periodically reviews the propriety of the carrying amount of long-
lived assets and the related intangible assets as well as the related
amortization period to determine whether current events or circumstances warrant
adjustments to the carrying value and/or the estimates of useful lives. This
evaluation consists of the Company's projection of undiscounted operating income
before depreciation, amortization and interest over the remaining lives of the
intangible assets, in accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of."
Based on its review, the Company believes that no significant impairment of its
long-lived assets or related intangible assets has occurred.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The fair value of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents,
investments and long-term borrowings, is generally determined by reference to
market values resulting from trading on national securities exchanges. In cases
where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates
using present value or other valuation techniques.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes using SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes". SFAS No. 109 requires an asset and liability approach for financial
accounting and reporting for income taxes and allows recognition and measurement
of deferred tax assets based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits
in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are
provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the
amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes have not been provided on
the cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries since amounts are
expected to be reinvested indefinitely.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates and assumptions
Page 44
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. The Company uses significant estimates in determining the
amortization of film costs and programming contracts. Because of the use of
estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, especially for
entertainment companies, actual results could differ from those estimates. These
differences could be material.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with fiscal 2000
presentation.
3. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
On November 11, 1998, the Company consummated an initial public offering ("IPO")
through the issuance and sale of 124,800,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. The
newly issued shares of Class A Common Stock represented approximately 18.6% of
the Company's outstanding common stock. The net proceeds from the IPO were
approximately $2.7 billion and were used to reduce intercompany indebtedness.
Prior to the IPO, News Corporation effected a Reorganization and a
recapitalization that gave effect to the following transactions: (i)
contributing to the Company, at book value, certain of its assets and
subsidiaries engaged in the production and distribution of feature films,
television programming and cable network programming, (ii) the elimination of
certain outstanding intercompany debt against paid-in capital, (iii) the
concurrent payment of dividends to a subsidiary of News Corporation (which
reduced retained earnings and paid-in capital) such that after (ii) and (iii),
$4.5 billion of intercompany debt was outstanding, (iv) the authorization of the
new Class A and Class B Common Stock and the conversion of the Company's
outstanding common stock into 547,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, and
(v) the adjustment to increase the interest rate from 5% to 8% under the terms
of the intercompany indebtedness that was outstanding after the Reorganization.
For the year ended June 30, 1999, after giving effect to the IPO, Reorganization
and recapitalization, as if they had occurred on July 1, 1998 rather than on
November 11, 1998, the pro forma net income and earnings per share would have
been $246 million and $0.37, respectively, as a result of a decrease in
intercompany interest expense of $69 million, an increase in income taxes of $28
million and an increase of 46 million shares in the weighted average number of
shares outstanding.
In November 1998, for purposes of governing certain on-going relationships
between the Company and News Corporation and to facilitate the Reorganization,
the Company and News Corporation entered into a Master Intercompany Agreement
which includes various agreements relating to cash management and financing,
executive officer services, the provision of services of certain Company
employees to News Corporation and its subsidiaries, facility arrangements,
employee matters, insurance, administrative services, trademarks and indemnities
by the Company and News Corporation. The Company and a subsidiary of News
Corporation also entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement (See Note 9). These
agreements were negotiated in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship
and, therefore, are not the result of arms length negotiations between
independent parties. There can be no assurance, therefore, that each of such
agreements, or the transactions provided for therein, or any amendments thereof,
will be effected on terms at least as favorable to the Company as could have
been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
4. ACQUISITION
In July 1999, News Corporation acquired substantially all of Liberty Media
Corporation's ("Liberty") 50% interest in Fox/Liberty Networks, LLC and
Fox/Liberty Ventures, LLC. In exchange for its interest, Liberty received
approximately 51.8 million News Corporation American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") (representing 207.1 million preferred limited voting ordinary shares of
News Corporation)
Page 45
valued at $1.425 billion.
Upon consummation of this transaction, News Corporation transferred the acquired
interests to the Company in exchange for 51,759,834 shares of the Company's
Class A common shares valued at $1.425 billion. This transfer to the Company
increased News Corporation's equity interest to 82.76% from 81.44% while its
voting interest remained at 97.8%. Concurrent with this transaction, the
Company repaid approximately $678 million of Fox/Liberty Network, LLC's
outstanding bank debt. The repayment of this bank debt was funded through
additional advances from its affiliates. Fox/Liberty Networks, LLC was
subsequently named Fox Sports Networks, LLC ("Fox Sports Networks"). The
acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase business combination. The
results of Fox Sports Network have been included in the Company's results of
operations since July 1999.
5. FILMED ENTERTAINMENT AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMING COSTS
Filmed entertainment and television programming costs consisted of the following
at June 30:
2000 1999
------ ------
Filmed entertainment costs:
Released, less accumulated amortization ............................................... $1,226 $1,030
Completed, not released ............................................................... 142 169
In process ............................................................................ 872 696
Television programming costs, less accumulated amortization ................................ 1,198 726
------ ------
$3,438 $2,621
====== ======
As of June 30, 2000, the Company estimated that approximately 88% of released
unamortized filmed entertainment costs will be amortized within the next three
years.
6. INVESTMENTS
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
In November 1995, the Company and Saban Entertainment Inc. ("Saban") formed a
joint venture, Fox Kids Worldwide, LLC, to jointly develop and acquire appealing
family programming that can be commercially exploited worldwide. In connection
with the acquisition of International Family Entertainment, Inc., in August
1997, this venture was reorganized pursuant to which it became a wholly owned
subsidiary of Fox Family Worldwide, Inc. ("FFW"). The Company has a 49.5%
interest in this venture.
In connection with the formation of FFW and pursuant to a Stock Ownership
Agreement dated December 22, 1995 and Strategic Stockholders Agreement dated as
of August 1, 1997, as amended, the Saban Stockholders were granted an option to
sell to the Company, upon the occurrence of certain events, all of the Class B
Common Stock then held by them, and any of their transferees. The exercise of
the option may be triggered (i) by the death of Haim Saban, if he dies prior to
December 22, 2012, in which case the option is exercisable for a period of up to
one year from the time of his death; (ii) upon a change of control of Fox
Broadcasting Company ("FOX"); (iii) on January 31, 2001 or (iv) any time after
December 22, 2002. The price purchase formula under the option is based on the
fair market value of FFW.
In November 1999, Fox Kids Europe N.V. ("FKE"), a subsidiary of 49.5% owned
equity affiliate FFW, completed an IPO of 24% of FKE ordinary shares. The
resulting gain for FFW included in the Company's equity in losses of affiliates
and net income was approximately $61 million and $39 million, respectively.
Page 46
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS PROGRAMMING PARTNERS
The Company and Liberty/TINTA LLC, a subsidiary of Liberty, each owns 50% of Fox
Sports International. In conjunction with the Company's July 1999 acquisition of
substantially all of the remaining 50% of Fox Sports Networks, Liberty has an
option to cause News Corporation to acquire and News Corporation has the option
to cause Liberty/TINTA to sell the 50% interest in Fox Sports International held
by Liberty/TINTA in exchange for an aggregate 3,633,866 ADRs representing
14,535,464 preferred shares. Such options may be exercised at any time during
the 60 days following July 15, 2001. If such options are exercised, News
Corporation will transfer the acquired interest in Fox Sports International to
the Company for approximately 3,632,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.
OTHER
In January 2000, the Company completed a series of integrated transactions with
Healtheon/WebMD Corporation ("WebMD") to exchange media branding services and a
50% interest in The Health Network for a cost basis preferred stock interest in
WebMD. Pursuant to these transactions, WebMD issued to the Company Series A
preferred stock subject to a three-year lockup, independently valued at
approximately $500 million, which will convert to approximately 14.4 million
shares of WebMD common stock in three years. On a pro forma basis, if the
Company were able to convert its Series A preferred stock into common stock, the
market value of such common stock would be $213.3 million as of June 30, 2000.
The Company has evaluated the carrying value of the WebMD Series A preferred
stock and has determined that current events or circumstances do not indicate a
permanent decline in the carrying value of the preferred stock at this time. In
consideration for the transfer to WebMD of the remaining 50% interest in The
Health Network, the Company can receive up to a maximum of 8.3 million
additional WebMD common shares over a five-year period, based upon The Health
Network achieving certain milestones. The Company is obligated to provide $45
million funding to The Health Network during the next three years, which is
reflected in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
The Company agreed to provide media branding services, including advertising and
promotion with a market value of approximately $400 million, over ten years.
Through June 2000, the Company has provided approximately $15 million of media
services to WebMD under this agreement. The carrying value of the obligations
for future media branding services were approximately $300 million at June 30,
2000 (market value of approximately $380 million), which is reflected in
deferred revenue in the accompanying balance sheet.
During 2000, included in equity losses of affiliates, the Company wrote down $39
million relating to its 50% investment in Fox Studios Australia due to lower
than expected attendance.
In addition, the Company has investments in nine Regional Sports Networks
("RSNs"), National Sports Partners, Regency Television, National Geographic
International Channel, Outdoor Life Channel, The Golf Channel and Speedvision
Channel.
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL DATA
Summarized financial data for equity affiliates at June 30 is presented below:
2000 1999 1998
------ ------ ------
Total assets........................................ $5,103 $4,641 n/a
Total liabilities................................... 3,337 4,324 n/a
Revenues............................................ 1,752 1,404 1,317
Operating income ................................... 145 38 63
Net income (loss)................................... $ 24 $ (291) $ (162)
Page 47
7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following at June 30:
2000 1999
------ ------
Machinery and equipment................................. $ 885 $ 718
Buildings and leaseholds................................ 919 821
Land.................................................... 175 168
------ ------
1,979 1,707
Less accumulated depreciation........................... (501) (386)
------ ------
$1,478 $1,321
====== ======
Included in buildings and leaseholds were capital expenditures for construction
in progress of approximately $36 million and $171 million, as of June 30, 2000
and 1999, respectively, principally relating to the construction of new office
buildings and improvements at the Company's Fox Studios Lot in Los Angeles,
California.
8. BORROWINGS
Borrowings consisted of the following at June 30:
2000 1999
----- -----
Film production financing(a).................................................. $ 143 $ 53
$500 million 8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2007(b) ................................... 500 --
$405 million 9 3/4% Senior Discount Notes due 2007(b) ...................... 331 --
----- -----
$ 974 $ 53
===== =====
(a) The Company has various single-film productions financing arrangements,
which are secured by the film assets and bear interest at approximately 7% in
each of the fiscal years presented. The film production financing is due to
mature in fiscal 2001.
(b) In conjunction with the Company's July 1999 acquisition of substantially all
of the remaining 50% of Fox Sports Networks, the Company assumed the 8 7/8%
Senior Notes and the 9 3/4% Senior Discount Notes (together, the "Notes").
Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. Interest payments on the
Senior Discount Notes commence in February 2003. The indentures pursuant to
which the Notes were issued include certain covenants regarding, among other
things, limitations on the incurrence of debt by Fox Sports Networks and
distributions to its partners.
In connection with the purchase of Fox Sports Networks, the Company assumed its
bank debt of approximately $678 million, which was immediately repaid by the
Company.
External interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, was $85 million, $60 million
and $100 million for the years ended June 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
The Company capitalizes interest on filmed entertainment and television
programming in process. The total interest capitalized was $37 million, $19
million and $26 million for the years ended June 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
9. INCOME TAXES
Although, during the periods presented, the Company and certain of its
subsidiaries filed a separate tax return and other subsidiaries of the Company
were included in the consolidated tax returns of another News Corporation
entity, the Company has provided for income taxes as if it were a stand-alone
taxpayer, in accordance with SFAS No. 109.
Page 48
Income before income taxes was attributable to the following jurisdictions for
the years ended June 30:
2000 1999 1998
----- ----- -----
United States (including exports)............................. $ 201 $ 271 $ 225
Foreign....................................................... 64 76 86
----- ----- -----
$ 265 $ 347 $ 311
===== ===== =====
Components of income tax expense for the years ended June 30 were as follows:
2000 1999 1998
----- ----- -----
Current -
Federal - pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement................... $ 70 $ 60 $ --
Foreign........................................................... 19 22 11
----- ----- -----
$ 89 $ 82 $ 11
===== ===== =====
Deferred -
Federal........................................................... $ 26 $ 56 $ 100
State and local................................................... 5 4 18
Foreign........................................................... -- -- 6
$ 31 $ 60 $ 124
----- ----- -----
Total income tax expense $ 120 $ 142 $ 135
===== ===== =====
A reconciliation of the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate to the Company's
effective tax rate on income before income taxes for the years ended June 30 is
summarized as follows:
2000 1999 1998
----- ----- -----
U.S. Federal income tax rate..................................... 35% 35% 35%
State and local taxes (net of federal tax benefit)............... 1 1 5
Effect of foreign operations..................................... (1) (1) 1
Non-deductible amortization and expenses......................... 10 4 2
Other............................................................ -- 2 --
----- ----- -----
Effective tax rate............................................... 45% 41% 43%
===== ===== =====
The following is a summary of the components of the deferred tax accounts at
June 30:
2000 1999
------- -------
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Amortization and basis difference on intangible assets.................. $(1,605) $(1,575)
Revenue recognition..................................................... 165 163
Accrued liabilities..................................................... 201 201
Other................................................................... (164) (98)
Net operating loss carryforwards........................................ 423 402
------- -------
Net deferred tax liability.............................................. (980) (907)
Income tax payable...................................................... (78) (68)
------- -------
$(1,058) $ (975)
======= =======
As of June 30, 2000, the Company had approximately $1.2 billion of combined
unused tax net operating loss carryforwards, expiring between 2001 and 2021.
Realization of these net operating losses is dependent on generating sufficient
taxable income prior to the expiration of the loss carryforwards, subject to any
limitations on their use. Although realization is not assured, management
believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets relating to
these loss carryforwards will be realized; accordingly, no valuation allowance
has been provided. The amount of the deferred tax assets could be reduced
through a charge to income, however, if estimates of future taxable income
during the carryforward period are reduced.
As noted above, certain subsidiaries of the Company are included in the
consolidated group of News Publishing Australia Limited ("NPAL"), the principal
U.S. subsidiary of News Corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (the
"Consolidated Group") as well as in certain consolidated, combined or unitary
groups which include NPAL and/or certain of its subsidiaries (the "Combined
Group") for state and local income tax purposes. The Company and NPAL have
entered into a tax sharing agreement (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"). Pursuant to
the Tax Sharing Agreement (see Note 3), the Company and NPAL generally will make
payments between them such that, with respect to tax
Page 49
returns for any taxable period in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
are included in the Consolidated Group or any Combined Group, the amount of such
consolidated or combined taxes to be paid by the Company will be determined,
subject to certain adjustments, as if the Company and each of its subsidiaries
included in the Consolidated Group or Combined Group filed their own
consolidated, combined or unitary tax return. Net operating losses and other
future tax benefits actually availed of to reduce the tax liabilities of the
Consolidated Group or Combined Group and any taxes actually paid by the
Company's subsidiaries included in such groups will be taken into account for
this purpose. The Company will be responsible for any taxes with respect to tax
returns that include only the Company and its subsidiaries.
Income taxes paid for the years ended June 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were not
significant.
10. SHARE OPTION PLAN
The Company does not have a share option plan.
Certain of the Company's employees have been granted News Corporation stock
options under News Corporation's Share Option Plan (the "Plan"). The price of
options granted under the Plan is the weighted average market price of the
shares sold on the Australian Stock Exchange during the five trading days
immediately prior to the date of the option being granted. Stock options are
exercisable at a ratio of four options per ADR.
Options issued under the Plan have a term of ten years, but are exercisable only
after they have been vested in the option holder. The options granted vest and
become exercisable as to one quarter on each anniversary of the grant until all
options have vested.
In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation," which requires certain disclosures for those companies that will
continue to use an intrinsic value based method for measuring compensation cost
in connection with employee stock compensation plans in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board ("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees". The Company will continue to use such method, under which no
compensation cost has been recognized.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model, with the following assumptions used for
grants in fiscal years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively: risk free interest
rates in the range from 4.81% to 8.44%; expected dividend yields of
approximately 1.5%; expected lives of 7 years; expected volatility in the range
from 24% to 35%.
On a pro forma basis, compensation cost determined in accordance with SFAS No.
123 would have reduced net income by approximately $16 million, $10 million and
$6 million for the years ended June 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, with
a decrease of $0.02, $0.02 and $0.01 in basic and diluted earnings per share for
the years ended June 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
A summary of the option scheme activity for the years ended June 30, was as
follows (in thousands of shares and Australian dollars):
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
WTD. WTD. WTD.
OPTIONS AVG. EX. PRICE OPTIONS AVG. EX. PRICE OPTIONS AVG. EX. PRICE
------- -------------- ------- -------------- ------- --------------
Outstanding at beginning of year 42,278 A$6.32 31,481 A$5.22 15,627 A$5.63
Granted................................ 16,851 A$10.52 14,567 A$8.28 16,915 A$4.79
Exercised.............................. (8,120) A$6.47 (2,849) A$5.62 (529) A$5.31
Cancelled.............................. (4,590) A$7.04 (921) A$4.96 (532) A$5.02
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 50
Outstanding at the end of the year..... 46,419 A$7.75 42,278 A$6.32 31,481 A$5.22
=========================================================================================
Exercisable at end of year............. 14,207 11,204 5,494
Weighted average fair value of options
granted............................... A$4.52 A$3.25 A$1.99
At June 30, 2000, 18,082 of the outstanding options have exercise prices between
A$2.31 and A$7.19, a weighted average exercise price of A$4.95 and a weighted
average remaining contractual life of 3.59 years. Of these, 10,764 are
exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of A$5.00. The remaining
outstanding options, 28,337 have exercise prices between A$7.22 and A$10.97,
with a weighted average exercise price of A$9.53 and a weighted average
remaining contractual life of 8.76 years. Of these, 3,443 are exercisable, with
a weighted average exercise price of A$8.32.
11. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
PENSION PLANS
The Company has non-contributory pension plans covering specific groups of
employees. The benefits for these plans are based primarily on an employee's
years of service and pay near retirement. Participant employees are vested in
the plans after five years of service. The Company's policy for all pension
plans is to fund amounts in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974. Plan assets consist principally of common stocks,
marketable bonds and government securities.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and
Other Postretirement Benefits - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 and
106" during fiscal 1999.
Accumulated plan benefits and plan net assets for the Company's defined benefit
plans as of June 30, 2000 are as follows (in millions):
Assets Exceed Projected Benefits
Projected Benefits Exceed Assets Total
------------------ ------------- -----
Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit obligations:
Vested ................................................................... $ 13 $ 230 $ 243
Nonvested ................................................................ -- -- --
----- ----- -----
Accumulated benefit obligation .............................................. $ 13 $ 230 $ 243
Effect of projected future salary increases .............................. 1 9 10
----- ----- -----
Total projected benefit obligations ......................................... 14 239 253
Plan assets at fair value ................................................... 19 213 232
----- ----- -----
Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit obligations .......... $ 5 $ (26) $ (21)
===== ===== =====
The components of net periodic pension costs for the years ended June 30, were
as follows:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Service cost-benefits earned during the period ............................ $ 16 $ 15 $ 10
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation ............................. 17 16 14
Expected return on plan assets ............................................ (21) (20) (18)
Net amortization and deferral ............................................. -- -- --
---- ---- ----
Net periodic pension cost ................................................. $ 12 $ 11 $ 6
==== ==== ====
The following assumptions were used in accounting for the pension plans for the
years ended June 30:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Discount rate .......................................................... 7.25% 7.25% 7.25%
Expected return on plan assets ......................................... 10% 10% 10%
Rate of increase in future compensation ................................ 4%-6% 4%-6% 6%
The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation for the
Company's benefit plans for the years ended June 30:
2000 1999
---- ----
Benefit obligation, beginning of year .................................... $ 242 $ 222
Service cost ............................................................. 16 15
Interest cost ............................................................ 17 16
Benefits paid ............................................................ (9) (8)
Actuarial gain ........................................................... (13) (3)
----- -----
Benefit obligation, end of year .......................................... $ 253 $ 242
===== =====
Page 51
The following table sets forth the change in the fair value of plan assets for
the Company's benefit plans for the years ended June 30:
2000 1999
---- ----
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year ........................... $ 221 $ 204
Actual return on plan assets ........................................... 17 24
Employer contributions ................................................. 3 1
Benefits paid .......................................................... (9) (8)
----- -----
Fair value of plan assets, end of year ................................. $ 232 $ 221
===== =====
The funded status of the pension plans as of June 30 was as follows:
2000 1999
---- ----
Funded status ............................................................ $(21) $(21)
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss ............................................. (7) 3
Unrecognized prior service cost .......................................... (3) (4)
---- ----
Accrued pension liability at year end .................................... $(31) $(22)
==== ====
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As a subsidiary of News Corporation, the Company has used and expects that it
will continue to use, pursuant to the Master Intercompany Agreement with News
Corporation (see Note 3), various cash management, financial, tax, legal and
other services provided by News Corporation or its subsidiaries. All costs
relating to direct intercompany services have been reflected in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.
The Company and its subsidiaries sell broadcast rights to certain of its filmed
entertainment products to other subsidiaries of News Corporation. Management
believes that the pricing of these transactions results from arms length
negotiations between the parties and are reflective of the market value for
these rights. The revenues associated with these sales were not significant in
the periods presented.
The Company is funded primarily by loans from other subsidiaries and affiliates
of News Corporation. Intercompany interest expense of $211 million, $164 million
and $174 million for the years ended June 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively,
is included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of
operations and reflects the net interest expense associated with the aggregate
borrowings from subsidiaries or affiliates of News Corporation. From November
11, 1998, interest on outstanding intercompany balances has been charged at
commercial market rates not to exceed News Corporation's average cost of
borrowings as set forth in the Master Intercompany Agreement. At June 30, 2000,
the intercompany interest rate approximated 8%.
As of June 30, 2000, the Company has two fully subordinated note receivables
from FFW, which aggregate $40 million. Both of these Notes have interest rates
of 20% and mature between June and September 2009.
The Company, through the normal course of business, is involved in transactions
with its equity affiliates that have not been significant in any of the periods
presented.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases transponders, office facilities, equipment and microwave
channels used to carry
Page 52
its broadcast signals. These leases, which are classified as operating leases,
expire at various dates through 2006. Future minimum payments under
non-cancelable long-term operating leases aggregate $384 million, of which $177
million is payable over the next five years.
Total operating lease expense was approximately $77 million, $67 million and $54
million for the years ended June 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Under the Company's eight year contract with the National Football League, which
contains certain termination clauses, future minimum payments for program rights
to broadcast certain football games aggregated approximately $3.8 billion at
June 30, 2000, and are payable over the remaining six year term.
The Company's minimum commitments and guarantees under certain other
programming, production, licensing, artists, athletes and other agreements
aggregated approximately $5.0 billion at June 30, 2000, which are payable
principally over a five year period.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has become involved in disputes
or litigation. While the result of such disputes cannot be predicted with
certainty, in management's opinion, based in part on the advice of counsel, the
ultimate resolution of these disputes will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial position or the results of its operations.
The Company's eight year contract with the National Association of Stock Car
Auto Racing ("NASCAR"), for a total value of $1.742 billion, gives the Company
rights to broadcast certain NASCAR races. This agreement begins in February 2001
with the Daytona 500.
The Company has entered into a twelve year license agreement which gives the
Company exclusive NASCAR content rights as well as the NASCAR brand to be
exploited in connection with a new NASCAR cable channel or the existing
Speedvision Channel. This agreement begins January 1, 2001.
See Note 6 for commitments related to FFW and Fox Sports International.
GUARANTEES OF NEWS CORPORATION DEBT
News Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries, including certain subsidiaries
of the Company (the "Fox Guarantors") are guarantors of various debt obligations
of News Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries. The principal amount of
indebtedness outstanding under such debt instruments at June 30, 2000 was
approximately $9.9 billion. The debt instruments limit the ability of News
Corporation and the Fox Guarantors, to subject their properties to liens, and
certain of the debt instruments impose limitations on the ability of News
Corporation and its subsidiaries, including the Fox Guarantors, to incur
indebtedness in certain circumstances. Such debt instruments mature at various
times between 2000 and 2096, with a weighted average maturity of over 20 years.
Additional subsidiaries of the Company may from time to time be required to
become guarantors of certain debt obligations.
In the case of any event of default under such debt obligations, the Fox
Guarantors will be directly liable to the creditors or debtholders. News
Corporation has agreed to indemnify the Fox Guarantors from and against any
obligations they may incur by reason of their guarantees of such debt
obligations.
Page 53
14. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information". SFAS No. 131 established revised standards
for public companies relating to the reporting of financial and descriptive
information about their operating segments in financial statements.
The Company manages and reports its activities in five business segments: Filmed
Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of
live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all
formats in entertainment media, primarily in the United States, Canada and
Europe, and the production of original television programming, in the United
States and Canada; Television Stations, which principally consists of the
operation of broadcast television stations; Television Broadcast Network, which
principally consists of the broadcasting of network programming; Other
Television Businesses, which represents other broadcast television related
activities; and Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the
production and licensing of programming distributed through cable television
systems and DBS operators in the United States and Canada and professional
sports team ownership. The television related segments operate primarily in the
United States and Canada.
The previously reported television segment has been revised to reflect three
separate reportable segments as follows: 1) Television Stations; 2) Television
Broadcast Network; and 3) Other Television Businesses. This presentation more
closely reflects the Company's internal management structure. The comparative
segment information for the periods presented has been revised.
The Company's reportable operating segments have been determined in accordance
with the Company's internal management structure, which is organized based on
operating activities. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the
same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see
Note 2). The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which
the primary financial measure is segment operating income.
Years Ended June 30,
---------------------------------------------
BUSINESS SEGMENTS 2000 1999 1998
------- ------- -------
REVENUES
Filmed Entertainment ................................................. $ 3,856 $ 4,416 $ 3,876
Television Stations .................................................. 1,635 1,469 1,393
Television Broadcast Network ......................................... 1,751 1,743 1,459
Other Television Businesses .......................................... 97 118 138
Cable Network Programming ............................................ 1,250 311 157
------- ------- -------
$ 8,589 $ 8,057 $ 7,023
======= ======= =======
OPERATING INCOME AND RECONCILIATION TO INCOME BEFORE
INCOME TAXES
Filmed Entertainment ................................................. $ 128 $ 355 $ 266
Television Stations .................................................. 585 557 539
Television Broadcast Network ......................................... 29 (32) 21
Other Television Businesses .......................................... (11) (7) 2
Cable Network Programming ............................................ (75) (157) (148)
------- ------- -------
656 716 680
Other charges ........................................................ -- -- (17)
------- ------- -------
Total operating income .......................................... 656 716 663
Interest expense, net ................................................ (297) (223) (271)
Minority interest .................................................... (4) -- --
Equity in losses of affiliates ....................................... (90) (146) (81)
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes ...................................... $ 265 $ 347 $ 311
======= ======= =======
Page 54
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Filmed Entertainment ................................................. $ 52 $ 41 $ 26
Television Stations .................................................. 189 174 160
Television Broadcast Network ......................................... 18 16 10
Other Television Businesses .......................................... -- 4 --
Cable Network Programming ............................................ 181 80 47
------- ------- -------
$ 440 $ 315 $ 243
======= ======= =======
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Filmed Entertainment ................................................. $ 72 $ 116 $ 120
Television Stations .................................................. 85 133 33
Television Broadcast Network ......................................... 12 49 44
Other Television Businesses .......................................... -- -- --
Cable Network Programming ............................................ 78 9 11
------- ------- -------
$ 247 $ 307 $ 208
======= ======= =======
TOTAL ASSETS As of June 30,
-----------------------
2000 1999
------- -------
Filmed Entertainment ........................................................ $ 4,620 $ 4,233
Television Stations ......................................................... 6,213 6,267
Television Broadcast Network ................................................ 1,382 934
Other Television Businesses ................................................. 364 520
Cable Network Programming ................................................... 3,841 424
Investments in equity affiliates ............................................ 1,510 785
------- -------
$17,930 $13,163
======= =======
INTANGIBLES, NET
Filmed Entertainment ........................................................ $ 469 $ 479
Television Stations ......................................................... 4,918 5,055
Television Broadcast Network ................................................ -- --
Other Television Businesses ................................................. -- --
Cable Network Programming ................................................... 2,449 284
------- -------
$ 7,836 $ 5,818
======= =======
Equity in losses of affiliates are principally Cable Network Programming
entities. Other expenses and income tax expense are not allocated to segments as
they are not under the control of the segment management.
GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTS 2000 1999 1998
------- ------- ------
REVENUES
United States and Canada ................................. $ 6,660 $ 6,150 $ 5,657
Europe ................................................... 1,175 1,173 830
Other .................................................... 754 734 536
------- ------- -------
$ 8,589 $ 8,057 $ 7,023
======= ======= =======
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
United States and Canada ................................. $14,507 $10,488
Europe ................................................... 16 13
Other .................................................... 56 187
------- -------
$14,579 $10,688
======= =======
Revenues are attributed to geographic segment based on the origin of the sale.
There is no material reliance on any single customer. Revenues from any
individual foreign country were not material in the periods presented.
15. DETAIL OF OTHER FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTS
Years ended June 30,
--------------------
2000 1999 1998
----- ----- -----
ALLOWANCE FOR RETURNS AND DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Beginning balance .................................................... $ 125 $ 204 $ 106
Charged to costs and expenses ........................................ 194 185 243
Actual returns/write-offs/recoveries/other ........................... (152) (264) (145)
----- ----- -----
$ 167 $ 125 $ 204
===== ===== =====
Page 55
At June 30,
-----------
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
2000 1999 1998
------- ------- -------
Goodwill .............................................. $ 3,252 $ 1,011 $ 961
FCC licenses .......................................... 5,506 5,505 5,503
Franchises & other .................................... 212 212 212
------- ------- -------
8,970 6,728 6,676
Accumulated amortization ................................... (1,134) (910) (735)
------- ------- -------
$ 7,836 $ 5,818 $ 5,941
======= ======= =======
16. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended,
September 30 December 31 March 31 June 30
------------ ----------- -------- --------
Fiscal 2000
- -----------
Revenues $ 1,801 $ 2,436 $ 1,884 $ 2,468
Operating income $ 174 $ 212 $ 151 $ 119
Net income $ 43 $ 94 $ 19 $ (11)
Basic and diluted earnings per share $ 0.06 $ 0.13 $ 0.03 $ (0.02)
Fiscal 1999
- -----------
Revenues $ 1,802 $ 2,555 $ 1,733 $ 1,967
Operating income $ 202 $ 258 $ 100 $ 156
Net income $ 57 $ 105 $ 8 $ 35
Basic and diluted earnings per share $ 0.10 $ 0.17 $ 0.01 $ 0.05
17. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 2000, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 00-2,
"Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films" ("SOP 00-2"), which
established new accounting standards for producers and distributors of films and
supersedes SFAS No. 53. SOP 00-2 establishes new accounting standards for, among
other things, marketing and development costs. This SOP is effective for
financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2000. The
Company plans to adopt SOP 00-2 during the first quarter of fiscal 2001, at
which time, it expects to record a one-time, non-cash, pre-tax charge of
approximately $750 million as a cumulative effect of an accounting change.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133 (as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and
138), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This
statement establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value. The statement also requires that changes
in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless
specific hedge accounting criteria are met. SFAS No. 133 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company believes the impact of
adopting SFAS No. 133 will not be material. However, the statement could
increase volatility in earnings and other comprehensive income.
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In August 2000, News Corporation announced its intention to acquire Chris-Craft
Industries, Inc., BHC Communications, Inc. and United Television, Inc. In the
transaction, News Corporation will pay approximately $5.35 billion, comprised of
a cash payment of approximately $2.13 billion and
Page 56
approximately 73 million ADRs representing 292 million News Corporation
preferred shares. Upon consummation of the acquisition, News Corporation will
transfer the assets, excluding approximately $1.7 billion in cash, to the
Company, which will own and operate the acquired stations in exchange for the
issuance to News Corporation of approximately 122.2 million shares of the
Company's Class A Common Stock, increasing News Corporation's ownership
percentage in the Company from 82.76% to approximately 85.25%. The closing of
the acquisition is subject to customary conditions including shareholder and
regulatory approval.
Page 57
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Fox Family Worldwide, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fox Family
Worldwide, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 1999 and 2000, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit)
and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three years in
period ended June 30, 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fox Family
Worldwide, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 1999 and 2000, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended June 30, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Los Angeles, California
September 18, 2000
58
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
June 30, June 30,
1999 2000
---------- ----------
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $ 46,858 $ 89,674
Restricted cash........................................ 8,204 8,215
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $2,493 and $4,688 at June 30, 1999 and
2000, respectively.................................... 145,050 146,103
Amounts receivable from related parties, net........... 14,000 56,753
Programming costs, net................................. 538,219 658,712
Property and equipment, net............................ 58,096 51,874
Deferred income taxes.................................. 38,829 --
Intangible assets, net................................. 1,539,852 1,481,189
Other assets, net...................................... 77,684 51,297
---------- ----------
Total assets.......................................... $2,466,792 $2,543,817
========== ==========
Liabilities and stockholders' deficit:
Accounts payable....................................... $ 43,034 $ 65,023
Accrued liabilities.................................... 185,889 236,324
Deferred revenues...................................... 59,314 40,811
Accrued participations................................. 38,860 46,501
Deferred income taxes.................................. 20,748 14,888
Bank and other debt.................................... 1,726,315 1,744,134
Amounts payable to related parties, net................ 115,375 21,243
---------- ----------
Total liabilities..................................... 2,189,535 2,168,924
---------- ----------
Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.001
par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 345,000 shares
issued and outstanding at June 30, 1999 and 2000,
respectively ($1,000 per share liquidation value)..... 345,000 345,000
---------- ----------
Minority interest...................................... -- 54,236
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares
authorized, of which 500,000 shares are designated as
Series A Preferred Stock; no shares issued or
outstanding.......................................... -- --
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000
shares authorized, 160,000 shares issued and
outstanding at June 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively.. -- --
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 16,000,000
shares authorized, 15,840,000 shares issued and
outstanding at June 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively.. 16 16
Contributed capital................................... 60,731 78,671
Accumulated other comprehensive loss.................. (1,893) (6,683)
Accumulated deficit................................... (126,597) (96,347)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' deficit........................... (67,743) (24,343)
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit........... $2,466,792 $2,543,817
========== ==========
See accompanying notes.
59
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
Years Ended June 30,
----------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Revenues.................. $664,458 $635,273 $641,876
-------- -------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Production and
programming............ 345,574 302,232 270,549
Selling, general and
administrative......... 152,484 173,245 209,477
Depreciation............ 9,370 10,083 10,883
Amortization of
intangibles............ 37,557 40,434 40,522
-------- -------- --------
544,985 525,994 531,431
-------- -------- --------
Operating income.......... 119,473 109,279 110,445
Equity in loss of
affiliates............... 6,790 5,088 1,609
Minority interest share of
earnings (losses)........ 140 (444) (2,184)
Other income, net......... (132) (62) --
Interest expense, net..... 134,002 169,107 168,415
Gain on issuance of
subsidiary stock:
Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 51 gain... -- -- 117,316
Gain on issuance of
subsidiary stock....... -- -- 78,623
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
provision for income
taxes.................... (21,327) (64,410) 138,544
Provision for income
taxes.................... 3,446 1,989 77,159
-------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)......... $(24,773) $(66,399) $ 61,385
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes.
60
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
Preferred Class A Accumulated
Members Interest Common Stock Other Retained
-------------------- -------------- Contributed Comprehensive Earnings Comprehensive
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Loss (Deficit) Total Income (Loss)
-------- ----------- ------ ------ ----------- ------------- --------- -------- -------------
Balance at June 30,
1997................... -- $ 50,000 2 $ 1 $59,454 $ (803) $ 24,035 $132,687
Transactions related to
reorganization:
Exchange of Preferred
Class A Members
Interest.............. -- (50,000) -- -- -- -- -- (50,000)
Issuance of Class A
Common Stock.......... -- -- 160 -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of Class B
Common Stock.......... -- -- 15,840 16 (5) -- -- 11
Exchange of Common
Stock................. -- -- (2) (1) -- -- -- (1)
Capital contributions... -- -- -- -- 1,282 -- -- 1,282
Dividends on Series A
Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Stock........ -- -- -- -- -- -- (28,412) (28,412)
Exchange loss on
translation of foreign
subsidiaries' financial
statements............. -- -- -- -- -- (398) -- (398) $ (398)
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- -- -- (24,773) (24,773) (24,773)
------ ----------- ------ --- ------- ------- --------- -------- --------
Balance at June 30,
1998................... -- -- 16,000 16 60,731 (1,201) (29,150) 30,396 $(25,171)
========
Dividends on Series A
Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Stock........ -- -- -- -- -- -- (31,048) (31,048)
Exchange loss on
translation of foreign
subsidiaries' financial
statements............. -- -- -- -- -- (692) -- (692) $ (692)
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- -- -- (66,399) (66,399) (66,399)
------ ----------- ------ --- ------- ------- --------- -------- --------
Balance at June 30,
1999................... -- -- 16,000 16 60,731 (1,893) (126,597) (67,743) $(67,091)
========
Dividends on Series A
Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Stock........ -- -- -- -- -- -- (31,135) (31,135)
Capital contribution by
related party in
formation of an
unconsolidated
affiliate.............. -- -- -- -- 17,940 -- -- 17,940
Exchange loss on
translation of foreign
subsidiaries' financial
statements............. -- -- -- -- -- (4,790) -- (4,790) $ (4,790)
Net income.............. -- -- -- -- -- -- 61,385 61,385 61,385
------ ----------- ------ --- ------- ------- --------- -------- --------
Balance at June 30,
2000................... -- $ -- 16,000 $16 $78,671 $(6,683) $ (96,347) $(24,343) $ 56,595
====== =========== ====== === ======= ======= ========= ======== ========
See accompanying notes.
61
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Years Ended June 30,
---------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
----------- --------- ---------
Operating activities:
Net income (loss).......................... $ (24,773) $ (66,399) $ 61,385
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Amortization of programming costs......... 291,878 277,808 223,060
Depreciation.............................. 9,370 10,083 10,883
Amortization of intangibles............... 37,557 40,434 40,522
Amortization of debt issuance costs....... 2,453 3,253 3,250
Reduction in goodwill due to realization
of tax benefits.......................... -- -- 18,141
Equity in loss of unconsolidated
affiliates............................... 6,790 5,088 1,609
Minority interest in share of earnings
(losses)................................. 140 (444) (2,184)
Non-cash interest expense................. 50,410 66,746 79,983
Gain on issuance of subsidiary stock...... -- -- (195,939)
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities:
Restricted cash......................... -- (204) (11)
Accounts receivable..................... 61,957 (12,997) (1,053)
Amounts receivable from related
parties................................ (29,836) 44,043 (22,753)
Other assets............................ (59,144) 5,143 16,425
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities............................ (40,807) (13,424) 70,905
Accrued participations.................. (11,442) (13,741) 7,641
Deferred revenues....................... 13,309 (15,204) (18,503)
Deferred income taxes................... 7,977 -- 32,969
----------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating
activities........................... 315,839 330,185 326,330
----------- --------- ---------
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment......... (10,515) (11,394) (8,256)
Proceeds from sale of property and
equipment and assets held for sale, net... 3,376 -- --
Additions to production and programming
costs..................................... (326,092) (358,399) (339,958)
Acquisition of International Family
Entertainment, Inc........................ (1,370,076) -- --
Intangible assets.......................... -- 14,000 --
Cash acquired in acquisitions.............. 19,296 -- --
Sale of marketable securities.............. 61,396 -- --
Other...................................... (4,390) (4,279) (1,747)
----------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing
activities........................... (1,627,005) (360,072) (349,961)
----------- --------- ---------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from bank borrowings.............. 1,282,063 25,622 36,073
Payments on bank borrowings................ (837,924) (137,296) (112,969)
Dividends on Preferred Stock............... (28,412) (31,048) (31,135)
Proceeds on Fox Kids Europe N.V. public
offering, net............................. -- -- 152,963
Cost accrued for Fox Kids Europe N.V.
public offering........................... -- -- 915
Proceeds from NAI Bridge loan.............. 345,514 -- --
Paydown on NAI Bridge loan................. (250,886) (267) (268)
Proceeds from Fox Subordinated Debt........ -- 25,000 15,000
Issuance of Senior Notes................... 475,000 -- --
Issuance of Senior Discount Notes.......... 375,001 -- --
Issuance of Common Stock................... 10 -- --
Advances from related parties.............. 4,236 112,421 5,868
----------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities................. 1,364,602 (5,568) 66,447
----------- --------- ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents............................... 53,436 (35,455) 42,816
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year...................................... 28,877 82,313 46,858
----------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year... $ 82,313 $ 46,858 $ 89,674
=========== ========= =========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)..... $ 65,860 $ 86,874 $ 80,646
=========== ========= =========
Income taxes.............................. $ 2,202 $ 2,296 $ 2,178
=========== ========= =========
See accompanying notes.
62
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(Continued)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities
Year ended June 30, 1998
Amounts payable to a related party of $1,282,000 were forgiven and recorded
to contributed capital.
The Company issued a subordinated note to the Fox Broadcasting Company in
the amount of $108,672,000 in exchange for the Fox Broadcasting Company's
$50,000,000 Preferred Class A Members Interest in Fox Kids Worldwide, L.L.C.,
its $50,000,000 contingent note receivable and certain other Company
obligations.
Preferred Stock in the amount of $345,000,000 was issued in connection with
the acquisition of International Family Entertainment, Inc.
Certain assets held for sale were sold by the Company. In connection with
the sales, the Company agreed to assume a $10,000,000 bank loan, the Company's
$6,720,000 note payable to an outside party was forgiven and marketable
securities of $1,737,000 were transferred to the Company.
Year ended June 30, 2000
A related party contributed non-cash capital in the amount of $17,940,000
in connection with the formation of an unconsolidated affiliate. Additionally,
the unconsolidated affiliate assumed payables of $20,000,000.
Shares of subsidiary ordinary shares were issued as settlement of a
$100,000,000 subscription advance.
See accompanying notes.
63
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2000
1. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation and Organization
On November 1, 1995 (the "Effective Date"), FCN Holding, Inc. ("FCN
Holding") and Saban Entertainment, Inc. ("Saban") formed a joint venture, Fox
Kids Worldwide, L.L.C. (the "LLC"), a limited liability company, for the
purpose of jointly expanding the worldwide children's businesses of FCN
Holding and Saban. On August 1, 1997, a reorganization referred to below was
effected pursuant to which Saban, FCN Holding and the LLC became wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Fox Family Worldwide, Inc. (formerly Fox Kids Worldwide, Inc.)
("Fox Family Worldwide" or the "Company"). As a result of the formation of the
joint venture and the common management of the joint venture businesses, the
respective assets, liabilities and operations of Saban, FCN Holding and the
LLC have been combined at historical cost from and after the Effective Date.
The Company is an integrated global family and children's entertainment
company that produces, broadcasts and distributes live-action and animated
family and children's television programming. The Company's principal
operations comprise (i) International Family Entertainment, Inc. ("IFE"),
which operates the Fox Family Channel, one of the top 10 most widely
distributed cable television networks in the United States and one which
provides family-oriented entertainment programming reaching approximately 95%
of all cable and satellite television households, (ii) the Fox Kids Network,
one of the leading children's (ages 2-11) oriented broadcast television
networks in the United States, and (iii) the Fox Kids International Networks,
including Fox Kids Europe, N.V. ("FKE") and Fox Kids Latin America, Inc.
("FKLA"), a growing portfolio of Fox Kids branded cable and direct-to-home
("DTH") satellite channels reaching approximately 31 million households
operating in approximately 57 countries and 13 languages worldwide. The
Company's production and distribution operations include Saban and
subsidiaries, whose library of approximately 6,200 half-hours of completed and
in-production children's programming is among the largest in the world (the
"Fox Family Kids Library"), and certain other subsidiaries. By combining a
widely distributed cable platform, a top-rated broadcast network, one of the
world's largest children's programming libraries, and the Fox Kids branded
international channels, the Company has the ability to manage family and
children's properties and brands from their creation through production,
distribution and the merchandising of related consumer products.
Television production, distribution and broadcast are speculative and
inherently risky. There can be no assurance of the economic success of
television programming since the revenues derived from the production,
distribution and broadcast (which do not necessarily bear a direct correlation
to the production or distribution costs incurred) depend primarily upon its
acceptance by the public, which cannot be predicted. The commercial success of
programming also depends upon the quality and acceptance of other competing
programming released into the marketplace at or near the same time, the
availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time
activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible
factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. The
success of the Company's television programming also may be impacted by
prevailing advertising rates, which are subject to fluctuation. Therefore,
there is a risk that not all of the Company's television projects will be
commercially successful, resulting in costs not being recouped or anticipated
profits not being realized.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the
years ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000 reflect the consolidated financial
statements of Fox Family Worldwide and subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Reorganization
The Company was incorporated in August 1996 under Delaware law. Between
August 1996 and August 1997, the Company conducted no business or operations.
On August 1, 1997, in connection with the Company's
64
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
acquisition of IFE (see Note 3), (i) a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Fox
Broadcasting Company ("Fox Broadcasting"), exchanged its capital stock in FCN
Holding, which indirectly owns Fox Children's Network, Inc. ("FCN") for
7,920,000 shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company, (ii) the other
stockholder of FCN Holding exchanged its capital stock in FCN Holding for an
aggregate of 160,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company, (iii) Haim
Saban and the other former stockholders of Saban (together, the "Saban
Stockholders") exchanged their capital stock of Saban for an aggregate of
7,920,000 shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company, and (iv) all
outstanding management options to purchase Saban capital stock became options
to purchase an aggregate of 646,548 shares of Class A Common Stock of the
Company (together, the "Reorganization"). In addition, Fox Broadcasting
exchanged its preferred, non-voting interest in the LLC and its $50 million
contingent note receivable from the LLC for a new subordinated pay-in-kind
note (the "Fox Subordinated Note") from the Company, which accrues interest at
the rate of 10.427%.
In connection with the acquisition of IFE, the Company issued the NAI
Bridge Note to News America Incorporated ("NAI") upon substantially the same
terms and conditions as the Fox Subordinated Note. In addition, the Company
issued to Liberty IFE, Inc. ("Liberty IFE") $345,000,000 of Series A
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock.
As part of the formation of the LLC, Saban, the Saban Stockholders, Fox
Broadcasting, FCN Holding and one of its subsidiaries entered into a Strategic
Stockholders Agreement dated December 22, 1995, which provided, among other
things, for restrictions on transfer of the stock held by the parties, certain
voting rights between them, as well as the terms of the Reorganization. The
parties to the Strategic Stockholders Agreement also agreed to provide Haim
Saban and the Saban Stockholders and Fox Broadcasting certain registration
rights. On August 1, 1997, the Strategic Stockholders Agreement was amended
and restated (the "Amended and Restated Strategic Stockholders Agreement") to
add provisions regarding voting between Fox Broadcasting and the former Saban
Stockholders.
As part of the Amended and Restated Strategic Stockholders Agreement, Haim
Saban agreed with Fox Broadcasting Sub, Inc. ("FBSI"), a wholly owned indirect
subsidiary of Fox Broadcasting, as follows: if the Company is unable to meet
its obligations (i) to pay any dividend under the terms of the Series A
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock or to redeem the Series A Mandatorily
Redeemable Preferred Stock, (ii) under its lease of 10960 Wilshire Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California, or any obligation guaranteed by News Corp., or (iii)
under the Funding Agreement among The News Corporation Limited ("News Corp"),
News Publishing Australia Limited ("NPAL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of News
Corp., and the Company (the "Funding Agreement"), and either News Corp. or
NPAL provides funds to the Company, the advance will be treated as a loan, or
if Citibank, in its sole discretion as administrative agent under the Amended
Credit Facility, determines it is unacceptable to treat the advance as a loan,
the advance will be treated as preferred stock. To the extent the advance is
treated as a loan and the amount exceeds $50,000,000, if the advance is not
repaid after 18 months (or 12 months for all advances after the third
anniversary of the agreement), all or any portion of the advance in excess of
$50,000,000 may be converted into shares of Class B Common Stock. If FBSI
elects to convert any portion of the advance into Class B Common Stock, Haim
Saban will have the right to purchase from Fox Broadcasting up to 50% of the
number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued pursuant to the conversion. If
instead, the advance is treated as preferred stock, the first $50,000,000 of
the advance shall be applied to the issuance of shares of Series B Preferred
Stock, and the remainder of the advance shall be applied to the issuance of
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, which is convertible into Class B Common
Stock at the election of the holder. Each of the Series B and Series C
Preferred Stock will have a liquidation preference equal to its issue price of
$100,000 per share. The Series B and Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled
to dividends at an annual rate of 11.7% of its liquidation value. If Fox
Broadcasting elects to convert the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock into
Class B Common Stock, Haim Saban will have the right to purchase up to 50% of
the number of
65
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
shares of Class B Common Stock issued pursuant to the conversion.
Notwithstanding the agreements, News Corp. has no obligation to make any
advances, and the Company has no obligation to accept any amounts from News
Corp.
In connection with the formation of the LLC and pursuant to a Stock
Ownership Agreement dated December 22, 1995, the LLC was granted an option to
purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, all of the Class B Common
Stock held by the Saban Stockholders, and any of their transferees. The option
may be exercised as follows: (i) for a period of one year following the death
of Haim Saban, if he dies prior to December 22, 2012; (ii) upon delivery of
written notice by FBSI at any time on or after December 22, 2002, or before
December 22, 2012; or (iii) upon receipt by FBSI of written notice (but not
generally before January 31, 2001) from Haim Saban of his desire to cause FBSI
to purchase all of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Saban
Stockholders. The purchase price formula under the option is based on the fair
market value of the Company. In September 1996 the LLC distributed the Stock
Ownership Agreement to FCN Holding, which immediately distributed that
agreement to FBSI.
In addition, under the terms of the original Amended and Restated Strategic
Stockholders Agreement, Haim Saban has the right and option to cause Fox
Broadcasting to purchase all of the Class B Common Stock held by the Saban
Stockholders, which option may be exercised by Haim Saban as follows: (i) for
a period of one year following the death of Haim Saban, if he dies prior to
December 22, 2012; (ii) upon a change in control of Fox Broadcasting; (iii) on
December 22, 2000 provided that Haim Saban gives notice to Fox Broadcasting no
later than 180 calendar days before December 22, 2000; and (iv) upon delivery
of written notice by Haim Saban at any time on or after December 22, 2002 and
on or before December 22, 2012. As of June 26, 2000, subsection (iii) of the
preceding sentence was amended to change December 22, 2000 to January 31, 2001
and to provide that notice must be given not later than December 31, 2000. In
connection with the "Change of Control" provisions of the Indentures that
govern the Company Notes, and the "Change of Control" provisions of the
Amended Credit Facility, the exercise of FBSI's option to purchase the Class B
Common Stock held by the Saban Stockholders, or the exercise by Haim Saban of
his option to cause Fox Broadcasting to purchase all of the Class B Common
Stock held by the Saban Stockholders, would not constitute a "Change of
Control."
Pursuant to the Funding Agreement, each of News Corp. and NPAL, jointly and
severally, agreed to provide the Company with the funds necessary to redeem in
full or pay the liquidation distribution on all other amounts owing in respect
of the Series A Preferred Stock in the event of an event of default under the
provisions governing the Series A Preferred Stock contained in the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation or a liquidation, dissolution or similar event of
the Company. In addition, pursuant to an Exchange Agreement among NPAL,
Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty IFE, each holder of the Series A
Preferred Stock has the right, in the event of an event of default under the
provisions governing the Series A Preferred Stock contained in the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation or a liquidation, dissolution or similar event of
the Company, to exchange its shares for an equivalent number of shares of
preferred stock of NPAL.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements for the years ended June 30, 1998,
1999 and 2000 include the accounts of FCN Holding, Fox Kids Worldwide LLC,
Saban, IFE and all of their majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The
Company's investments in related companies which represent a 20% to 50%
ownership interest over which the Company has significant influence but not
control are accounted for using the equity method. All significant
intercompany balances have been eliminated.
66
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
As permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
53, "Financial Reporting by Producers and Distributors of Motion Pictures,"
the Company has presented an unclassified consolidated balance sheet.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from television, music, and merchandising lease agreements, which
provide for the receipt by the Company of nonrefundable guaranteed amounts, is
recognized when the lease period begins, collectibility is reasonably assured
and the product is available pursuant to the terms of the lease agreement.
Amounts in excess of minimum guarantees under these lease agreements are
recognized when earned. Amounts received in advance of recognition of revenue
are recorded as deferred revenues which are generally recognized within one
year. Advertising revenue is recognized as earned in the period in which the
advertising commercials are telecast. The Company generally provides
advertisers with guaranteed ratings in connection with its domestic network
broadcasts. Revenue is recorded net of estimated shortfalls, which are settled
either by additional advertising time ("make goods") or cash refunds to the
advertiser. Subscriber revenue is recognized based upon the reported level of
subscribers. Barter revenues, representing the exchange of programming for
advertising time on a television station, are recognized upon the airing of an
advertisement during such advertising time.
Production and Programming Costs
Programming costs, consisting of direct production costs, acquisition of
story rights, costs to acquire distribution rights, allocable production
overhead, interest and exploitation costs which are expected to benefit future
periods are capitalized as incurred. The individual film forecast method is
used to amortize programming costs in which the Company owns or controls
distribution rights. Under such method, costs accumulated in the production of
a program are amortized in the proportion that gross revenues realized bear to
management's estimate of the total gross revenues expected to be received.
Estimated liabilities for residuals and participations are accrued and
expensed in the same manner as programming costs are amortized.
For programs in which the Company acquires only broadcast rights, the
Company amortizes such programming costs over the estimated number of
telecasts. The Company evaluates its programming rights for possible changes
in the estimated number of telecasts or the possibility of impairment.
Revenue estimates on a program-by-program basis are reviewed periodically
by management and are revised, if warranted, based upon management's appraisal
of current market conditions. Based on this review, if estimated future gross
revenues from a program are not sufficient to recover the unamortized costs,
the unamortized programming cost will be written down to net realizable value.
Production and programming costs also include the use of satellite
transponders and costs associated with engineering and technical support
services.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentration of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments
and accounts receivables. The Company places its temporary cash investments
with high credit quality financial institutions or in a mutual fund which
invests in government securities and therefore are subject to reduced risk.
The Company has not incurred any losses relating to these investments.
The Company leases its product to distributors and broadcasters and sells
advertising time throughout the world. The Company performs periodic credit
evaluations of its customers' condition and generally does not
67
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
require collateral. Generally, payment is received in full or in part prior to
the Company's release of product to such distributors and broadcasters. At
June 30, 1999 and June 30, 2000, substantially all of the Company's trade
receivables were from customers in the entertainment or broadcast industries
or from advertising agencies. Receivables generally are due within 30 days.
Credit losses relating to customers in the entertainment and broadcast
industries or advertising agencies consistently have been within management's
expectations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments that are
both readily convertible into cash and have maturities when purchased of three
months or less.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily represents amounts held by financial institutions
as collateral on outstanding debt.
Financial Instruments
Financial instruments are carried at historical cost which approximate fair
value.
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Property and equipment acquired
as part of the acquisition of IFE is stated at estimated fair market value at
the date of purchase. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed under
the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of applicable assets,
ranging from three to eight years. Leasehold improvements are amortized under
the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the
assets or the terms of the related leases. When property is sold or otherwise
disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation is removed from the
accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in income. The costs of
normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when
incurred.
Intangible Assets, net
The intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of IFE are amortized
over an estimated useful life of 40 years using the straight-line method.
Management continuously monitors and evaluates the realizability of existing
assets, to determine whether their carrying values have been impaired. In
evaluating the value and future benefits of existing assets, their carrying
value is compared to management's best estimate of undiscounted future cash
flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual
disposition. Management also considers events or changes in circumstances,
such as changes in the number of subscribers, which indicates that assets may
not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the
impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying
value of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. Estimated
fair value will be based on either reliably determined third-party valuations,
if available, or discounted cash flows. When discounting cash flows a discount
rate will be selected which will be commensurate with the risk involved as it
relates to IFE. As of June 30, 2000, there are no indications of impairment as
it relates to the intangible assets.
Accumulated amortization of intangibles as of June 30, 1999 and 2000 was
$77,991,000 and $118,513,000, respectively. For the year ended June 30, 1999,
intangible assets related to the IFE acquisition were reduced by $14,000,000,
due to the favorable resolution of certain pre-acquisition tax contingencies.
For the year ended June 30, 2000, intangible assets related to the IFE
acquisition were reduced by $18,141,000 due to the utilization of certain tax
assets not benefited at the acquisition date.
68
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Debt Issuance Costs
Included within other assets, net are debt issuance costs and deferred loan
fees incurred in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Senior
Discount Notes and the Amended Credit Facility (see Note 6). Such costs and
fees are being amortized over the term of the debt using the straight-line
method. Accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs and deferred loan fees
was $5,706,000 and $8,956,000 as of June 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation and Cumulative Adjustment
Saban International N.V. (SINV), which after the Effective Date is deemed
to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, uses the U.S. dollar as its
functional currency. All other foreign subsidiaries of the Company use local
currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated
into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are
translated into U.S. dollars based generally on the average rates prevailing
during the period.
Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are included in
determining net income (loss) for the period. The aggregate transaction losses
for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000, were $1,442,000, $1,596,000,
and $5,575,000, respectively.
The cumulative translation adjustment included in accumulated other
comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity (deficit) represents the Company's
net unrealized exchange losses on the translation of foreign subsidiaries'
financial statements.
Income Taxes
In accordance with SFAS No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes," deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized with respect to the tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying values
and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. Further, the effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of changes in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
included the enactment date.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes including amortization of programming costs.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management periodically
reviews and revises its estimates of future airings and revenues, as
necessary, which may result in revised amortization of its programming costs.
Results of operations may be significantly affected by the periodic
adjustments in such amortization.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock compensation arrangements under the
provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees." As such, compensation expense would be recorded on
the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock
exceeded the exercise price.
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," requires entities
to recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-
based awards on the date of grant or allows entities to continue to
69
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
apply the provisions of APB No. 25 and provide pro forma disclosures for
employee stock option grants as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS
No. 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply the
provisions of APB No. 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of
SFAS No. 123 (see Note 12).
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial
statements to conform with fiscal 2000 presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" was issued. SFAS No. 133 was subsequently amended by SFAS
No. 137, which had the effect of deferring the date of its effectiveness. In
March 2000, SFAS No. 133 was also amended by SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for
Certain Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--An Amendment to FASB
Statement No. 133," which amends the accounting and reporting standards of
SFAS No. 133 for certain derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS
No. 133 and 138 establish accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and for hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 and 138 are effective for
fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company is currently
evaluating the possible effects of SFAS No. 133 and 138 on its consolidated
financial statements. This statement could increase volatility in earnings and
other comprehensive income.
In June 2000, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee ("AcSEC") of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of
Position 00-2, "Accounting by Producers and Distributors of Films" ("SOP 00-
2"), which established new accounting standards for producers and distributors
of films and supersedes SFAS No. 53. SOP 00-2 requires that advertising and
other exploitation costs for theatrical and television product be expensed as
incurred. This compares to the Company's existing policy of capitalizing and
then expensing advertising cost for theatrical and television product over the
related revenue streams, as prescribed under SFAS No. 53. In addition, SOP 00-
2 requires development cost for abandoned projects after three years and
certain indirect overhead costs to be charged directly to expense, instead of
those costs being capitalized to programming costs, which currently is
required under the existing accounting standard. SOP 00-2 is effective for
financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2000,
however, earlier application is encouraged. The Company plans to adopt SOP 00-
2 during the first quarter of fiscal 2002, at which time it expects to record
a one-time, non-cash, pre-tax charge as a cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principles, the amount of which has not yet been determined.
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements"
("SAB 101"). SAB 101 clarifies certain existing accounting principles for the
recognition and classification of revenues in financial statements. The new
rules are expected to result in some changes as to how the filmed
entertainment industry classifies its revenue, particularly relating to
distribution arrangements for third-party and co-financed joint ventures
product, but it is not expected to result in any changes to net income. The
Company is required to adopt SAB 101 during the first quarter of fiscal 2001.
Earlier application is acceptable. As a result, the Company is in the process
of evaluating the overall impact of SAB 101 on its consolidated financial
statements.
In January 2000, Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 99-17, "Accounting for
Advertising Barter Transactions" was issued. EITF 99-17 requires that revenues
and expenses related to advertising barter transactions be recognized at fair
value only if the fair value of the advertising surrendered in the transaction
is
70
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
determinable based on the entity's own historical practice of receiving cash,
marketable securities, or other consideration that is readily convertible to a
known amount of cash for similar advertising from buyers unrelated to the
counterparty in the barter transaction. This EITF is not expected to result in
any change to the financial position or operating results of the Company.
3. Acquisition of International Family Entertainment, Inc.
On August 1, 1997, the Company acquired a 50.7% interest in IFE through the
purchase for $35 per share of the stock owned by M.G. "Pat" Robertson, Tim
Robertson and certain trusts of which they are trustees, The Christian
Broadcasting Network, Inc. ("CBN") and Regent University (together, the
"Privately Owned Shares") and the exchange by Liberty IFE of all of the IFE
stock owned by it and $23,000,000 principal amount of 6% Convertible Secured
Notes due 2004 of IFE (the "Convertible Notes") (which have since been
retired) for shares of Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock of the
Company (the "IFE Acquisition"). On September 4, 1997, the Company consummated
a merger to acquire the remaining shares of IFE from the public shareholders.
Total consideration for the IFE Acquisition was approximately $1.9 billion
including assumption of liabilities. The Company paid approximately
$545,000,000 for the Privately Owned Shares and issued $345,000,000 of its
Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock to Liberty IFE as payment for
the IFE stock and the Convertible Notes. The balance of the consideration was
paid to acquire the publicly traded shares through the merger, to cash out
existing options to acquire shares of IFE stock held by IFE senior executives
and employees, and to assume IFE's existing bank debt, which has since been
retired.
When IFE was acquired, the Company had plans to relocate IFE to California
and consolidate certain other operations of IFE and therefore recorded
severance and related reserves of $36,500,000 of which $5,064,000 remains as
of June 30, 2000. The Company made severance and related payments of
$19,850,000 from the date of acquisition to June 30, 1998, $8,873,000 for the
year ended June 30, 1999 and $2,713,000 for the year ended June 30, 2000.
Severance amounts are being paid monthly to certain former employees of IFE
through fiscal 2006. The Company also recorded litigation and other related
accruals of $4,800,000, of which $2,775,000 remains as of June 30, 2000. The
Company made litigation and other related payments of $886,000 and $1,139,000
in the years ended June 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
The results of operations of IFE since the purchase date of August 1, 1997
have been included with the Company's results of operations.
The following unaudited pro forma information for the year ended June 30,
1998 reflects the results of the Company's consolidated operations as if the
acquisition and related financing occurred at the beginning of the period
presented. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial results are not
necessarily indicative of the actual results that would have occurred had the
acquisition occurred at the beginning of the period presented (in thousands):
Year Ended
June 30,
1998
----------
Revenues.......................................................... $ 688,943
Operating income.................................................. 123,798
Net loss.......................................................... (45,610)
71
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
4. Programming Costs, net
Programming costs, net of accumulated amortization, are comprised of the
following as of June 30, (in thousands):
1999
-----------------------------------
Net
Accumulated Programming
Cost Amortization Costs
---------- ------------ -----------
Children's programming................. $1,289,026 $1,064,308 $224,718
Family programming, movies and mini-
series................................ 579,045 345,032 234,013
Projects in production................. 72,172 -- 72,172
Development............................ 7,316 -- 7,316
---------- ---------- --------
$1,947,559 $1,409,340 $538,219
========== ========== ========
2000
-----------------------------------
Net
Accumulated Programming
Cost Amortization Costs
---------- ------------ -----------
Children's programming................. $1,446,229 $1,177,591 $268,638
Family programming, movies and mini-
series................................ 792,347 454,809 337,538
Projects in production................. 44,818 -- 44,818
Development............................ 7,718 -- 7,718
---------- ---------- --------
$2,291,112 $1,632,400 $658,712
========== ========== ========
Future estimated program commitments at June 30, 2000 are approximately
$389,000,000.
As of June 30, 2000 the Company estimates that approximately 73% of
released unamortized programming costs will be amortized within the next three
years. Interest amounting to $3,160,000, $3,128,000 and $2,253,000 was
capitalized to programming costs for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and
2000, respectively. Capitalized depreciation expense for the years ended June
30, 1998, 1999 and 2000 amounted to $2,459,000, $4,020,000 and $3,595,000,
respectively.
5. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment is comprised of the following as of June 30, (in
thousands):
1999 2000
-------- --------
Studio and other equipment............................... $ 25,424 $ 28,595
Satellite transponders................................... 39,596 39,596
Office furniture and fixtures............................ 16,119 18,474
Leasehold improvements................................... 7,869 9,536
Other.................................................... 2,478 2,460
-------- --------
91,486 98,661
Less accumulated depreciation............................ (33,390) (46,787)
-------- --------
$ 58,096 $ 51,874
======== ========
72
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
6. Bank and Other Debt
Bank and other debt is comprised of the following as of June 30, (in
thousands):
1999 2000
---------- ----------
Senior Notes............................................. $ 475,000 $ 475,000
Senior Discount Notes, net of unamortized discount of
$174,935 and $130,242 at June 30, 1999 and 2000,
respectively............................................ 443,735 488,428
NAI Bridge Note.......................................... 119,056 131,784
Fox Subordinated Notes................................... 157,399 194,693
Citicorp USA, secured revolving line of credit; interest
at prime rate (9.5% at June 30, 2000) or six month LIBOR
(6.94% at June 30, 2000) plus 0.75%; maximum borrowings
of $355,000............................................. 305,000 325,000
Citicorp USA; secured term loan facility; interest at
prime rate (9.5% at June 30, 2000) or six month LIBOR
(6.94% at June 30, 2000) plus 0.75%; maximum borrowings
of $120,000............................................. 215,000 120,000
Secured lines of credit with varying due dates between
December 12, 2000 and April 18, 2002; maximum borrowing
availability $10,844,000 at June 30, 2000; varying
interest rates between 4.80% and 6.59%.................. 10,249 9,229
Other.................................................... 876 --
---------- ----------
$1,726,315 $1,744,134
========== ==========
Payments of bank and other debt in future periods are as follows (in
thousands):
Year ending June 30,
--------------------
2001......................................................... $ 14,996
2002......................................................... 62,763
2003......................................................... 87,197
2004......................................................... 215,565
2005......................................................... 73,708
Thereafter................................................... 1,289,905
----------
$1,744,134
==========
In August 1997, the Company, FCN Holding, Saban and IFE entered into a
credit facility ("Old Credit Facility") with a group of banks led by Citicorp
in the amount of $1.25 billion. The Old Credit Facility comprised a
$602,000,000 seven-year secured reducing revolving credit facility, a
$298,000,000 seven-year secured reducing revolving credit facility and a
$350,000,000 nine-year secured term loan facility.
The proceeds of the loans under the Old Credit Facility were used to
finance, in part, the IFE Acquisition and to repay certain obligations of
subsidiaries of the Company.
In October 1997, upon consummation of the Company's Offering, the Old
Credit Facility was amended (the "Amended Credit Facility") to provide a
$355,000,000 seven-year term loan, subsequently reduced to $120,000,0000 as of
June 30, 2000, and a $355,000,000 seven-year reducing revolving credit
facility. The Company is not a borrower under the Amended Credit Facility but
is a guarantor. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Fox Kids Holdings,
LLC was created by the Company to hold the equity interests of FCN Holding,
Saban and IFE (which will remain borrowers) and guarantee the Amended Credit
Facility.
73
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The collateral for the Amended Credit Facility is limited to the equity
interests of Fox Kids Holdings, LLC, the borrowers and their subsidiaries
(subject to certain limitations for foreign and less than wholly owned
subsidiaries) and certain intercompany indebtedness of subsidiaries of Fox
Kids Holdings, LLC. Scheduled payments on the term loan will begin December
30, 2000, with 10% of the term loan being reduced in year 3 of the loan, 20%
in each of years 4 and 5 and 25% in each of years 6 and 7. Scheduled quarterly
reductions to the revolving credit commitment will begin December 28, 2001,
with 15% of the commitment being reduced in each of years 5 and 6 and 70% in
year 7.
The borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at the
Company's option at a rate per annum equal to either LIBOR or a base rate
plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin. In addition, the
Company pays a commitment fee on the unused and available amounts under the
Amended Credit Facility.
The Amended Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants
that, among other things, limit the ability of the co-borrowers and their
respective subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, create liens and
other encumbrances, prepay indebtedness, sell assets, make certain payments
and investments, make distributions to owners and repurchase debt and equity.
In addition, the Amended Credit Facility requires the maintenance of certain
specified financial and operating covenants, including, without limitation,
capital expenditure limitations and ratios of earnings before interest
expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets ("EBITDA")
to fixed charges, total debt to EBITDA and EBITDA to interest expense. The
Amended Credit Facility also contains representations, warranties, covenants,
conditions and events of default customary for senior credit facilities of
similar size and nature.
On October 28, 1997, the Company issued $475,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of 9 1/4% Senior Notes Due 2007 ("Senior Notes") and $618,670,000
aggregate principal amount at maturity of 10 1/4% Senior Discount Notes Due
2007 ("Senior Discount Notes" and collectively the "Notes") in a transaction
not registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon an exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act. Gross proceeds from the
offering amounted to $850,000,000. The discount on the Senior Discount Notes
is being accreted under the effective interest method.
Cash interest on the Senior Notes are payable semi-annually in arrears on
each May 1 and November 1, commencing May 1, 1998. Cash interest will not
accrue or be payable on the Senior Discount Notes prior to November 1, 2002.
Thereafter, cash interest on the Senior Discount Notes will be payable
semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1,
2003. However, at any time prior to November 1, 2002, the Company may elect
(the "Cash Interest Election") on any interest payment date (the date of such
Cash Interest Election, the "Cash Interest Election Date") to commence the
accrual of cash interest from and after the Cash Interest Election Date, in
which case the principal amount at maturity of each Senior Discount Note will
on such interest payment date be reduced to the accreted value of such Senior
Discount Note as of such interest payment date, and cash interest (accruing at
a rate of 10 1/4% per annum from the Cash Interest Election Date) shall be
payable with respect to such Senior Discount Note on each interest payment
date thereafter.
74
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The Senior Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole
or in part, at any time on or after November 1, 2002, at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, if redeemed during the
12-month period beginning on November 1 of the years indicated below:
Redemption
Year Price
---- ----------
2002.......................................................... 104.63%
2003.......................................................... 103.08%
2004.......................................................... 101.54%
2005 and thereafter........................................... 100.00%
In addition, at any time, or from time to time, on or prior to November 1,
2000, the Company may, at its option, use the net cash proceeds of (i) one or
more public equity offerings or (ii) sales of qualified equity interests to
strategic equity investors resulting in gross cash proceeds to the Company of
at least $100,000,000 to redeem, on a pro rata basis, up to an aggregate of
35% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes originally issued, at a
redemption price equal to 109.25% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date; provided that at least
65% of the originally issued principal amount of Senior Notes remains
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption.
The Senior Discount Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company,
in whole or in part, at any time on or after November 1, 2002, at the
redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount at maturity)
set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the
redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on November
1 of the years indicated below:
Redemption
Year Price
---- ----------
2002.......................................................... 105.13%
2003.......................................................... 103.42%
2004.......................................................... 101.71%
2005 and thereafter........................................... 100.00%
In addition, prior to November 1, 2000, the Company may redeem up to 35% of
the originally issued principal amount at maturity of the Senior Discount
Notes at a redemption price equal to 110.25% of the accreted value of the
Senior Discount Notes so redeemed at the redemption date or, if a Cash
Interest Election has been made, 110.25% of the principal amount at maturity
of the Senior Discount Notes so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of (i) one
or more public equity offerings or (ii) sales of qualified equity interests of
the Company to one or more strategic equity investors resulting in gross cash
proceeds to the Company of at least $100,000,000 in the aggregate; provided,
however, that at least 65% of the originally issued principal amount at
maturity of the Senior Discount Notes would remain outstanding immediately
after giving effect to any such redemption.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control, the Company shall be obligated
to make an offer to purchase (a "Change of Control Offer"), on a business day
(the "Change of Control Purchase Date") not more than 60 nor less than 30 days
following the occurrence of the change of control, all of the then outstanding
Notes tendered at a purchase price in cash (the "Change of Control Purchase
Price") equal to (x) with respect to the Senior Notes, 101% of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Change of
Control Purchase Date and (y) with respect to the Senior Discount Notes, 101%
of the accreted value on the Change of Control Purchase Date, unless the
Change of Control Purchase Date is on or after the earlier to occur of
November 1, 2002 and the Cash Interest Election Date, in which case such
Change of Control Purchase Price
75
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
shall be equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity thereof,
plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the Change of Control
Purchase Date. The Company shall be required to purchase all Notes tendered
into the Change of Control Offer and not withdrawn. The Change of Control
Offer is required to remain open for at least 20 business days and until the
close of business on the Change of Control Purchase Date.
The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank
senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness of the
Company. Claims of the holders of the Notes will effectively be subordinated
to the claims of creditors of the Company's subsidiaries, including the banks
under the Bank Facility.
The Company is subject to certain covenants in connection with the issuance
of the Notes which include for example limitation on indebtedness, restricted
payments, liens, dividends, transactions with affiliates and disposition of
assets.
The initial Fox Subordinated Note was restated on May 19, 1998 and accretes
interest at the rate of 10.427% and is due on May 1, 2008. Two additional Fox
Subordinated Notes in the amounts of $25,000,000 and $15,000,000 were issued
in June 1999 and September 1999, respectively, and accrete interest at the
rate of 20% and are due on June 28, 2009 and September 27, 2009, respectively.
The payment of principal and interest under the Fox Subordinated Notes are
subordinated in right to the obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries
under the Amended Credit Facility and the Indentures.
On August 29, 1997, in connection with the acquisition of IFE, the Company
issued the NAI Bridge Note to NAI upon substantially the same terms and
conditions as the Fox Subordinated Note, except that the NAI Bridge Note has a
principal amount of $345,500,000. The NAI Bridge Note was restated on May 19,
1998 to reflect a change in the interest rate, effective as of the date of
issuance. As restated, the NAI Bridge Note accretes interest at a rate of
approximately 10.427% per annum. The Company may repay the NAI Bridge Note in
whole or in part, subject to the terms of the Amended Credit Facility and the
Indentures. The payment of principal and interest under the NAI Bridge Note
will be subordinated in right to the obligations of the Company under the
Amended Credit Facility and the Indentures. In October 1997, a $215,000,000
paydown was made to the NAI Bridge Note in connection with the issuance of the
Senior Notes and Senior Discount Notes.
76
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
7. Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components
of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows as of June
30, (in thousands):
1999 2000
-------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accounts receivable.................................. $ 927 $ 127
Property and equipment............................... 9,497 5,108
Contract discount.................................... 2,184 1,042
State taxes.......................................... 103 --
Other................................................ 8,037 8,611
-------- ---------
Total deferred tax liabilities......................... 20,748 14,888
-------- ---------
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenues.................................... 1,926 1,550
Programming costs.................................... 20,362 10,160
Accrued liabilities.................................. 20,693 19,487
Loss carryforwards................................... 75,329 123,467
Other................................................ 4,688 2,483
-------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets.............................. 122,998 157,147
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets............ (84,169) (157,147)
-------- ---------
Deferred tax assets.................................... 38,829 --
-------- ---------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities).................. $ 18,081 $ (14,888)
======== =========
The Company currently has approximately $181,000,000 of operating loss
carryforwards which will expire at various dates through June 30, 2020.
Approximately $2,100,000 of the operating loss carryforwards are separate
return year losses. As such federal and state income tax law and regulations
might limit utilization.
Management has determined that as of June 30, 2000, $157,147,000 of
deferred tax assets do not satisfy the recognition criteria set forth in SFAS
No. 109. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded for this amount.
Approximately $35,000,000 of the prior year valuation allowance relates to
deferred tax assets acquired in the IFE acquisition. (See Note 3). In the
current year, the Company realized the benefit of $18,140,000 of these
deferred tax assets for which the benefit was recorded as a reduction to
goodwill. As of June 30, 2000, approximately $16,860,000 of the valuation
allowance relates to the remaining deferred tax assets acquired in the IFE
transaction. Accordingly, goodwill will be reduced at such time as these
deferred tax assets are realized.
For financial reporting purposes, income before income taxes includes the
following components (in thousands):
Years Ended June 30,
----------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Pretax income (loss):
United States................................. $(45,733) $(86,202) $121,879
Foreign....................................... 24,406 21,792 16,665
-------- -------- --------
$(21,327) $(64,410) $138,544
======== ======== ========
77
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in
thousands):
Years Ended June 30,
---------------------
1998 1999 2000
------ ------ -------
Current:
Federal.............................................. $ -- $ -- $21,281
State................................................ -- 500 2,090
Foreign.............................................. 1,766 1,489 2,678
------ ------ -------
1,766 1,989 26,049
Deferred:
Federal.............................................. 1,470 -- 48,284
State................................................ 210 -- 2,826
Foreign.............................................. -- -- --
------ ------ -------
1,680 -- 51,110
------ ------ -------
$3,446 $1,989 $77,159
====== ====== =======
The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax
rates to the provision for income taxes:
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------ ------ ------
Tax at U.S. statutory rates................ (35)% (35)% 35 %
State taxes, net of federal benefit........ (5) (4) 2
Foreign income/transactions................ (38) (10) (8)
U.S. operating loss for which no federal
and state benefit was derived............. 23 26 --
Change in valuation allowance.............. -- -- 16
Non-deductible amortization of
intangibles............................... 71 24 10
Other...................................... -- 2 1
------ ------ ------
16 % 3 % 56 %
====== ====== ======
Undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries amounted to
approximately $159,652,000 at June 30, 2000. Those earnings are considered to
be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and
state income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those
earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject
to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits)
and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination
of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not
practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical
calculation; however, unrecognized foreign tax credit carryforwards would be
available to reduce some portion of the U.S. liability. It is possible that
the Internal Revenue Service could under certain theories attempt to tax the
foreign subsidiaries' income. Currently, management of the Company believe
that any such theories would be without merit.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
In July 1995, the Company entered into a ten-year lease commencing on April
1, 1996 for office space in Los Angeles, California subject to two separate
five year extension options. The lease provides for early
78
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
termination at the end of the sixth and eighth years upon payment of a
termination fee. The lease calls for monthly payments plus maintenance and
property tax payments. The Company also leases other facilities throughout the
world on an as needed basis expiring at various dates.
Noncancellable future minimum payments for the remainder of the initial,
noncancellable lease periods are as follows (in thousands):
Years ending June 30,
---------------------
2001............................................................. $11,339
2002............................................................. 11,347
2003............................................................. 10,214
2004............................................................. 9,633
2005............................................................. 9,689
Thereafter....................................................... 12,670
-------
$64,892
=======
Rent expense for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000, net of
amounts capitalized, was approximately $5,098,000, $6,392,000 and $7,119,000,
respectively.
Legal Matters
The Company is involved in various lawsuits, both as a plaintiff and
defendant, in the ordinary course of its business. Based on an evaluation
which included consultation with counsel concerning legal and factual issues
involved, management is of the opinion that the foregoing claims and lawsuits
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain key members
of management. Such agreements are for terms originally ranging from one to
six and one-half years and generally include bonus provisions. Future minimum
payments under these agreements approximate $49,510,000, of which $27,176,000
is due in 2001, $16,122,000 is due in 2002, $4,969,000 is due in 2003 and
$1,243,000 is due in 2004.
9. Profit Sharing Plan
The Company has a qualified tax deferred profit sharing plan (the "Plan")
for all of its eligible employees. Under the Plan, employees become eligible
on the first January 1 following such employees' completion of six months of
service with the Company. Each participant is permitted to make voluntary
contributions, not to exceed 15% of his or her respective compensation and the
applicable statutory limitations, which are immediately vested. The Company,
at the discretion of the Board of Directors, may make matching contributions
to the Plan. Related expense for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000,
was approximately $122,000, $448,000 and $343,000, respectively.
IFE had a 401(k) retirement savings plan (the "401(k) Plan") which covered
the majority of its employees. Subject to certain limitations, employees were
permitted to contribute up to 15% of their compensation to the 401(k) Plan.
IFE's contribution to the 401(k) Plan was discretionary as determined annually
by IFE's Board of Directors. IFE contributed $349,000 to the 401(k) Plan for
the year ended June 30, 1998. As of January 1, 1999, the 401(k) Plan was
terminated and the participating employee contributions were transferred to
the Company's Plan.
79
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
10. Other Related Party Transactions
The following amounts are included within the consolidated statements of
operations and balance sheets in relation to related party transactions (in
thousands):
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues......................................... $131,980 $106,205 $104,373
Production and programming costs(1).............. 6,456 7,179 10,588
Selling, general and administrative expenses..... 5,328 9,090 12,632
Interest expense, net............................ 23,871 24,642 39,263
At June 30,
-----------------
1999 2000
-------- --------
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Amounts receivable from related parties, net.............. $ 14,000 $ 56,753
Accounts payable.......................................... 1,833 3,664
Deferred revenues......................................... 6,185 2,218
NAI Bridge Note........................................... 119,056 131,784
Fox Subordinated Notes.................................... 157,399 194,693
Amounts payable to related parties, net................... 115,375 21,243
- --------
(1) Includes satellite transponder, engineering and technical support costs.
Amounts receivable from related parties include advances of $4,023,000 and
$5,631,000 at June 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively, to certain non-stockholder
officers and directors of the Company.
The Company and Fox Broadcasting were parties to a Barter Syndication
Agreement dated as of January 5, 1996, pursuant to which the Company engaged
Fox Broadcasting to provide barter advertising sales for the 1997-1998
broadcast season for the Company's syndicated programming. In consideration
for the services rendered by Fox Broadcasting to the Company, the Company
agreed to pay Fox Broadcasting a barter advertising sales fee of $840,000 for
the 1997-1998 broadcast season.
Related companies of Fox Broadcasting have funded certain of the operations
of the Company from its inception through loans to the Company and have
collected funds related to the Company's advertising sales receivables.
Amounts due to the related companies of Fox Broadcasting in connection
therewith, including interest, totaled $15,375,000 at June 30, 1999. Amounts
due from related companies of Fox Broadcasting totaled $17,038,000 at June 30,
2000.
The Company broadcasts Fox Kids U.K., a cable and satellite channel via
analogue and digital transponders. The channel is distributed as part of
British Sky Broadcasting, Group plc's ("BSkyB") Sky Multichannels DTH package.
News Corp. holds an approximately 37% interest in BSkyB, a public company. As
part of its agreement with BSkyB, the Company acquired for approximately
$3,100,000, certain of BSkyB's United Kingdom license rights to children's
programming which had been previously acquired by BSkyB. Additionally, the
Company entered into an analog transponder sublease agreement with BSkyB
through February 1, 2001 subject to extension in certain circumstances
requiring a financial commitment of approximately $28,000,000 and a five-year
digital transponder and uplink sublease agreement, commencing in late 1998,
requiring a financial commitment of approximately $5,400,000, subject to
annual cost of living increases. In addition, BSkyB provides support services
for the Company for a fee equal to 15% of net revenue, as defined in the
agreement.
80
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The Company broadcasts FKLA, a Fox Kids branded pan-regional Latin American
channel. The Company has entered into a cost sharing arrangement for employees
and service support in connection with the operation of the channel with Canal
Fox, a related party. The Company believes that such arrangement for employees
and service support are at rates which approximate fair market value.
Foxtel, an Australian-based cable and satellite television service, has
carried a Fox Kids Network children's channel segment since 1994 under a
license agreement between Foxtel and an affiliate of Fox Broadcasting. This
license was assigned to the Company. Foxtel is is owned and operated by News
Corp.; Telstra, the Australian telephone company; and Publishing and
Broadcasting Limited.
In connection with Haim Saban's employment agreement, the Company agreed to
reimburse Haim Saban for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses for domestic and
international travel, including private air charter which may include aircraft
owned directly or indirectly by Haim Saban. The Company has entered into a
contract with 5161 Corporation ("5161"), a corporation wholly owned by Haim
Saban, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, for a minimum of fifty
charter hours during a twelve month period. For the twelve months ended
June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000, the Company has paid approximately $730,000,
$722,000 and $552,000, respectively, for such costs.
The Company is party to a music services agreement (the "Music Agreement")
with 5161. Under the terms of the Music Agreement, the Company acquires
substantially all of the original theme music, underscores, cues and songs it
uses in programming produced by the Company from 5161. In addition, the
Company has the royalty-free right to use the compositions in articles of
merchandise such as home video units, video games and interactive toys and has
been granted the non-exclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to use the
music to (i) synchronize and perform compositions in theatrical motion
pictures and (ii) synchronize compositions in all other forms of programming.
The Company leases its entertainment properties (e.g., motion pictures,
television programs, merchandising and licensing rights) in Israel through
Duveen Trading Ltd. (Distributor), a corporation wholly-owned by Haim Saban's
brother. The term of the agreement extends through December 31, 2000. At June
30, 1999 and 2000, the Company was due $500,000 under this agreement.
The Company creates and owns all rights, titles and interests in master
recordings of compositions for use in the Company's programming, and the
Company owns the proceeds derived from all forms of exploitation thereof. In
consideration for providing the compositions to the Company, 5161 is entitled
to receive all publishing income derived from the exploitation of all music
compositions. 5161 reimburses the Company for certain costs associated with
the creation of the compositions, which amounted to $451,000, $301,000 and
$397,000, respectively, for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000. At
June 30, 1999 and 2000, approximately $126,000 and $316,000, respectively, was
owed to 5161 by the Company in connection with royalties collected by the
Company on behalf of 5161.
The Company utilizes the legal services of Matthew Krane, a director of the
Company since January 2000. Mr. Krane was paid approximately $268,000 for such
services for the year ended June 30, 2000.
The Company is party to a distribution agreement with Fox Family Films,
Inc. ("Distributor") for "Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie," which was released
theatrically in the United States in Spring 1997 and in home video in late
Summer 1997. Distributor holds in perpetuity worldwide theatrical, non-
theatrical, home video, and television rights in the movie (except for the
territories of Japan and certain Asian territories and Israel). The Company
holds the copyright as well as certain rights including merchandising,
television series, stage, publication, radio, theme park and touring, music
publishing and soundtrack. Commercial tie-in rights are
81
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
mutually controlled by the Company and Distributor. The Company will receive
100% of gross receipts after certain distribution fees and expenses are
deducted, based upon a formula set forth in the agreement.
In April 1998, the Company sold its ownership interest in Fit TV and
certain other assets to Fox/Liberty Networks, LLC, a joint venture between
News Corp. and Liberty Media Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tele-
Communications, Inc. for $15,000,000. The Company acquired Fit TV in August
1997 as part of the IFE Acquisition.
In January 1997, the Company obtained from Fox Television ("Fox
Television"), a division of Fox, Inc., distribution rights to the New World
Communications Group, Inc. ("New World") animation library of children's
programming, which Fox Television acquired as part of its purchase of New
World. In July 1998, the Company acquired the New World animation library from
Fox Television for approximately $14,100,000.
The Company entered into a long-term license agreement effective October 1,
1997 with Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. ("Twentieth Century Fox"), pursuant
to which Twentieth Century Fox will distribute certain products in the
Company's programming library.
Pursuant to a Guaranty of Lease entered into on August 1, 1997 and amended
as of July 26, 2000 (the "Guaranty"), News Corp. and NPAL have guaranteed
certain of the Company's obligations under the lease of its corporate
headquarters. Under the Guaranty, News Corp. and NPAL are liable, jointly and
severally, for any amounts not paid by the Company. News Corp.'s and NPAL's
aggregate liability under the Guaranty is limited to approximately $6.6
million, to be reduced annually over two years on a straight-line basis.
In May 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Fox Video (the "Fox
Video Agreement") for the production and distribution of a live-action feature
film for the home video market based upon the animated character of Casper
(the "Film") which was released by Fox Video in the United States on September
9, 1997. The Company and Fox Video each contributed one-half of the production
costs of the Film subject to the rights of both parties to recoup certain of
these costs. The Company and Fox Video will share the television net income
55% and 45%, respectively, and the home video net income 45% and 55%,
respectively, subject to the participation rights of the Harvey Entertainment
Company ("Harvey"), which holds the copyright to Casper.
The Company entered into an agreement in principle with Fox Video for the
production and distribution of, a second live-action feature film (Casper
Meets Wendy) for the home video market released in fiscal 1999. Saban and Fox
Video each contributed one-half of the production costs subject to the rights
of both parties to recoup certain of these costs. The Company and Fox Video
will share the combined television, non-theatrical, airline, and home video
receipts equally, subject to the participation rights of Harvey.
In August 1996, Fox Video and the Company entered into a Home Video Rights
Acquisition Agreement pursuant to which the Company granted to Fox Video the
exclusive home video rights to distribute English and Spanish language
versions throughout the United States and to distribute English language
versions throughout Canada of certain of its programs, all television programs
produced for children and owned or controlled by the Company or FCN, all
television programs produced or to be produced pursuant to an agreement with
Marvel and all television programs which are owned or controlled first by
Marvel and subsequently by the Company. In consideration for the grant of the
distribution rights, Fox Video has agreed to pay the Company 50% of gross
receipts from these home videos, after deduction of certain expenses. In
connection with this Agreement the Company has received $8,273,000 through
June 30, 2000.
Effective August 1, 1998, as part of a joint venture with a subsidiary of
News Corp., a subsidiary of the Company, Fox Kids Europe Holdings, Inc.
("FKEH"), contributed its 100% interest in a cable network in The Netherlands,
TV10 BV, to a U.S. limited liability company (the "TV10 LLC") in exchange for
a 50% equity
82
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
interest in the TV10 LLC. The subsidiary of News Corp. contributed $20,000,000
in cash to the TV10 LLC in exchange for its 50% equity interest in the TV10
LLC. In accordance with the operating agreement between the parties, an
affiliate of the Company is responsible for procuring the supply of
programming during the hours of 6:00a.m. and 6:00p.m. and an affiliate of News
Corp. is responsible for the hours of 6:00p.m. to 1:00a.m. The parties retain
the revenues and are responsible for costs and expenses related to their
respective programming hours (or "day parts"). Costs that are not directly
related to specific day parts are shared on the basis of a formula that
ensures that News Corp.'s share will not exceed two-thirds of total indirect
costs. No gain or loss was recorded by the Company related to this
transaction. At June 30, 2000, amounts receivable from related parties
included approximately $22,719,000 owed to the Company by TV10 LLC, and
amounts payable to related parties included approximately $21,243,000 owed by
the Company to TV10 LLC.
In June 1999, FKEH, a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a
subscription agreement (the "Subscription Agreement") with Fox Broadcasting
pursuant to the terms of which Fox Broadcasting paid FKEH $100,000,000 in
exchange for a subscription (the "Subscription Rights") for shares of FKEH's
non-voting Class B Common Stock (the "Stock"). In addition, in June 1999, Fox
entered into an exchange agreement with the Company pursuant to which Fox
Broadcasting was granted the right, but not the obligation, to require the
Company to acquire its Subscription Rights in exchange for a deeply
subordinated note with an interest rate of 20% per annum to be issued by the
Company. Upon exercise of the conversion rights, interest begins to accrete as
of the earlier of the exercise date or January 1, 2000. At June 30, 1999, the
amount paid by Fox Broadcasting was included in amounts payable to related
parties. In November 1999, a subsidiary of the Company caused to be
transferred 7,507,591 shares of FKE to Fox Broadcasting as settlement of the
$100,000,000 Subscription Agreement.
In June 1999, the Company issued a deeply subordinated note in the
principal amount of $25,000,000 to Fox Broadcasting payable on June 28, 2009
with interest accreting at a rate of 20% per annum. In September 1999, the
Company issued an additional deeply subordinated note in the principal amount
of $15,000,000 to Fox Broadcasting payable September 27, 2009 with interest
accreting at a rate of 20% per annum.
11. Business Segment Reporting
The Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," for its fiscal year ended June 30, 1999,
which changed the way the Company reports information about its operating
segments. The Company's business units have been aggregated into two
reportable operating segments: production and distribution and broadcasting.
The "other" column includes corporate related items and income (including SAB
No. 51 and subsidiary stock gains) and expenses not allocated to reportable
segments. The Company's reportable operating segments have been determined in
accordance with the Company's internal management structure, which is
organized based on operating activities. The accounting policies of the
operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies (see Note 2). The Company evaluates
performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure
is segment income (loss) before income taxes, interest, depreciation and
amortization of intangibles.
83
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable
segments is shown in the following tables (in thousands):
Production
and
Broadcasting Distribution Other Total
------------ ------------ -------- ----------
Year Ended June 30, 2000:
Revenues...................... $ 434,392 $202,086 $ 5,398 $ 641,876
Income before income taxes,
interest, depreciation and
amortization of intangibles.. 109,109 61,871 187,384 358,364
Identifiable assets........... 583,261 385,946 93,421 1,062,628
Intangible assets, net........ 1,481,189 -- -- 1,481,189
Capital expenditures.......... 7,266 844 146 8,256
Depreciation expense.......... 10,104 726 53 10,883
Year Ended June 30, 1999:
Revenues...................... $ 429,610 $204,321 $ 1,342 $ 635,273
Income (loss) before income
taxes, interest, depreciation
and amortization of
intangibles.................. 112,921 54,314 (12,021) 155,214
Identifiable assets........... 299,598 587,672 39,670 926,940
Intangible assets, net........ 1,539,852 -- -- 1,539,852
Capital expenditures.......... 2,790 7,957 647 11,394
Depreciation expense.......... 8,432 1,491 160 10,083
Year Ended June 30, 1998:
Revenues...................... $ 423,060 $240,538 $ 860 $ 664,458
Income (loss) before income
taxes, interest, depreciation
and amortization of
intangibles.................. 117,825 57,737 (15,960) 159,602
Identifiable assets........... 293,117 573,143 55,478 921,738
Intangible assets, net........ 1,594,286 -- -- 1,594,286
Capital expenditures.......... 1,782 7,667 1,066 10,515
Depreciation expense.......... 8,234 1,047 89 9,370
The following table reconciles segment income (loss) before income taxes,
interest, depreciation and amortization of intangibles to the Company's
consolidated net income (loss) (in thousands):
Years Ended June 30,
-------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes, interest,
depreciation and amortization of
intangibles............................. $ 159,602 $ 155,214 $ 358,364
Amortization of intangibles.............. (37,557) (40,434) (40,522)
Interest expense, net.................... (134,002) (169,107) (168,415)
Depreciation............................. (9,370) (10,083) (10,883)
Provision for income taxes............... (3,446) (1,989) (77,159)
--------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss)........................ $ (24,773) $ (66,399) $ 61,385
========= ========= =========
84
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Geographic Segments
Revenues are attributed to geographic segments based upon origin of sale.
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Revenues
United States.................................... $524,076 $474,629 $466,293
Europe........................................... 131,145 151,995 163,666
Central and South America........................ 9,237 8,649 11,917
-------- -------- --------
$664,458 $635,273 $641,876
======== ======== ========
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
(in thousands)
Identifiable and Intangible Assets
United States.............................. $2,213,103 $2,071,161 $2,088,337
Europe..................................... 301,288 394,696 454,729
Central and South America.................. 1,633 935 751
---------- ---------- ----------
$2,516,024 $2,466,792 $2,543,817
========== ========== ==========
The Company had no significant customers or significant properties for the
years ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
12. Capital Stock
Common Stock
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 2,000,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock, 16,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock and 2,000,000
shares of Preferred Stock, of which 500,000 shares have been designated as
Series A Preferred Stock. As of June 30, 1999 and 2000, 160,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock and 15,840,000 shares of Class B Common Stock were
outstanding.
The holders of Class A Common Stock (the "Class A Stockholders") are
entitled to one vote per share and the holders of Class B Common Stock (the
"Class B Stockholders") are entitled to ten votes per share. Both classes vote
together as a single class. A majority vote (or any other greater percentage)
for stockholder action requires a majority of the aggregate number of votes
entitled to be cast as such vote. The Company's Corrected Restated Certificate
of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting rights.
Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred
Stock, the Class A and Class B Stockholders are to receive like dividends and
other similar distributions of the Company. In the case of any split,
subdivision, combination or reclassification of shares of Class A or Class B
Common Stock, an equivalent split, subdivision, combination or
reclassification must be made to the shares of Class B or Class A Common
Stock, as the case may be.
The Class A and Class B Stockholders have equivalent rights to
distributions in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up
(either voluntary or involuntary) of the Company, in proportion to the number
of shares held by them without regard to class.
85
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
In the event of any corporate merger, consolidating purchase or
acquisition, the Class A and Class B Stockholders are to receive the same
consideration on a per share basis, and if the consideration in such
transaction consists in any part of voting securities, the Class B
Stockholders are to receive, on a per share basis, voting securities with ten
times the number of votes per share as those voting securities to be received
by the Class A Stockholders.
The shares of Class A Common Stock are freely transferable, but the shares
of Class B Common Stock are subject to transfer restrictions as set forth more
fully in the Company's charter and in the Amended and Restated Strategic
Stockholders Agreement. The Class B Stockholders may only transfer their
shares to a "Permitted Transferee" and any unauthorized transfer will cause an
automatic conversion of such shares into shares of Class A Common Stock.
Regardless of the transfer restriction on the Class B Common Stock, any Class
B Stockholder may pledge its shares as collateral security for any
indebtedness or other obligation.
Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible, at the option of its
holder, at any time into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable
share of Class A Common Stock.
Stock Options
Effective June 1994, the Company issued stock options to three employees.
In connection with the Reorganization as described in Note 1, the options
became options to purchase an aggregate of 484,911 shares of Class A Common
Stock, all of which were exercisable at June 30, 2000. These options are
exercisable at prices ranging from $12.37 to $34.02 per share. No options have
been exercised at June 30, 2000. With respect to termination for any reason,
so long as the Company is not public, the Company will purchase from the
employee and the employee will sell to the Company any and all option shares
owned by the employee and the option granted to the employee for an amount
equal to the fair market value of the option shares owned by the employee plus
the fair market value of the option shares with respect to which the
employee's option has vested but not exercised less the exercise price.
In May 1998, the Company provided two employees compensation of $2,000,000
each and in April 1999, the Company provided the two employees additional
compensation of $1,500,000 each in the form of an advance (together the
"Advances"). The Advances were included in the employees' taxable income and
bear no interest. Further, if the two employees exercise any stock options to
acquire shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, the two employees shall
concurrently repay the Advances through an increase in the purchase price in
connection with the exercise.
Included in accrued liabilities at June 30, 1999, and 2000 is $13,040,000
related to compensation recorded in connection with these options.
As of June 30, 2000, 646,548 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved
for future issuance related to options.
In connection with FKE's initial public offering (see Note 13), FKE
approved a stock incentive plan under which FKE may grant options to personnel
at exercise prices equal to or exceeding the market price at the date of
grant. Options become exercisable over a four year period from the date of
grant and expire ten years after the date of grant. Shares available for
future option grants at June 30, 2000 totaled 5,276,901.
86
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The following tables summarize information about FKE stock options
outstanding and transactions as of and for the year ended June 30, 2000:
Weighted
average
exercise
Shares price
--------- --------
Outstanding at beginning of year....................... -- $ --
Awards granted......................................... 2,975,030 12.71
Awards cancelled....................................... (24,250) 12.60
--------- ------
Outstanding at June 30, 2000........................... 2,950,780 $12.71
========= ======
Outstanding Exercisable
----------------------------------- ------------------
Weighted Weighted
Weighted average average average
Range of remaining exercise exercise
Exercise Number of years of price Number of price
Prices ($) Options contractual life ($) Options ($)
---------- --------- ---------------- -------- --------- --------
12.60.............. 2,891,365 9.5 12.60 -- --
17.73.............. 15,983 9.5 17.73 -- --
18.48.............. 43,432 9.5 18.48 -- --
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock
In connection with the acquisition of IFE, the Company issued 345,000
shares of Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock to Liberty IFE. The
holders of the Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock will receive
cash dividends of 9% per annum in arrears, paid quarterly. Any accrued or
unpaid dividends will be added to the liquidation price and until such accrued
and unpaid dividends are paid in full, the dividend rate will increase to
11.5% of the liquidation price. The liquidation price is $1,000 per share plus
any accrued and unpaid dividends.
Pursuant to the Funding Agreement among News Corp., NPAL, and the Company,
each of News Corp. and NPAL has unconditionally agreed that, upon the
occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under the
provisions governing the Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock in
the Company's Corrected Restated Certificate of Incorporation or liquidation,
dissolution, winding up or other similar event of the Company, News Corp. or
NPAL, as the case may be, will provide the Company with the funds necessary to
redeem in full, or pay the liquidation distribution on all of the outstanding
Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock and to pay any other amounts
owing in respect of such shares. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated
Strategic Stockholders Agreement (as defined), such funds will be, except
under certain circumstances, in the form of an advance or loan to the Company.
The following constitute events of default with respect to the Series A
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock under the Corrected Restated
Certificate of Incorporation: (i) the failure of the Company to mandatorily
redeem Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock at the redemption dates
indicated below; (ii) a breach for thirty days of any of the covenants
contained in the provisions governing the Series A Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Stock; and (iii) an event of default under the terms of the
preferred stock of NPAL, if any shares of which are outstanding. In addition,
pursuant to the Exchange Agreement among NPAL, Liberty Media Corporation
("Liberty Media") and Liberty IFE (the "Exchange Agreement"), each of the
holders of the Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock has the right,
upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under
the Corrected Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the liquidation,
winding up or other similar event of the Company, to exchange their shares for
an equivalent number of shares of preferred stock of NPAL.
87
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock issued to Liberty IFE
will rank senior as to dividend, redemption and liquidation rights to all
other classes and series of capital stock of the Company authorized on the
date of issuance, or to any other class or series of capital stock issued
while any shares of the Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock remain
outstanding. The Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock does not
generally have voting rights, except for certain approval rights set forth in
the Corrected Restated Certificate of Incorporation and as required by law.
Stockholders of Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock do not have
preemptive rights over any stock or securities that may be issued by the
Company.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company and its subsidiary, FKE, have elected to follow APB Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations in
accounting for their employee stock options.
Pro forma information regarding net income as required by SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," has been determined as if the
Company and FKE had accounted for their employee stock options under the fair
value method of that statement. The fair value for options issued by the
Company was estimated at the date of grant in January 1996 to be $2,623,000
using the minimum value method with the following weighted-average
assumptions, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 5.86%; dividend yields
of 0%; and a weighted-average expected life of the option of 5 years. The
remaining contractual life of options granted by the Company is 6.5 years. The
fair value for options issued by FKE was estimated at the date of grant in
November 1999 to be $13,827,000 using the fair value method with the following
weighted-average assumptions, respectively: risk-free interest rate 5.5%;
dividend yield of 0%; expected stock volatility 60%; and a weighted average
expected life of the options of 2 years.
The minimum value valuation method used by the Company was developed for
use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, valuation models require
the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in
the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily
provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of employee stock options
issued by the Company.
The pro forma net income (loss) determined as if the Company and its
subsidiaries had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value
method would be $(25,298,000), $(66,924,000) and $58,387,000 for the years
ended June 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
These pro forma valuations may not be representative of future disclosures
since the estimated fair value of stock options is amortized to expense over
the vesting period, and additional options may be granted in future years.
13. Issuance of Subsidiary Ordinary Shares
In November 1999, net assets of certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of
the Company were contributed to FKE, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the
Company at the time the assets were contributed. Net assets contributed mainly
represent the Fox Kids cable channels broadcasting in the European markets and
the distribution rights of children's programming in those markets owned by
SINV, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Company. In November 1999, FKE
issued 12,519,307 previously unissued ordinary shares (or 15.2 percent) for
gross proceeds of $175,518,000 ($14.02 per share) in an initial public
offering ("IPO") on the Official Market for Amsterdam Exchanges. Offering
costs for the IPO totaled $22,550,000 and consisted mainly
88
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
of underwriter and professional fees plus certain capital taxes. The Company
has accounted for the offering in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin
("SAB") No. 51, "Accounting by the parent in consolidation for sale of stock
by subsidiary." Accordingly, a pre-tax gain of $117,316,000 was recorded in
the year ended June 30, 2000. The gain recorded represents the Company's
portion of the excess net offering price per share of FKE's ordinary shares
compared to the book carrying amount per share.
In November 1999, in connection with the IPO, a subsidiary of the Company
caused to be transferred 7,507,591 ordinary shares of FKE (or 9.1 percent), to
Fox Broadcasting as settlement of a $100,000,000 subscription advance payable.
These shares were issued to the public on behalf of Fox Broadcasting in the
IPO for gross proceeds of $105,256,000 ($14.02 per share). The gross proceeds
from these shares, less underwriter fees and capital taxes of $5,256,000, were
retained by Fox Broadcasting. A pre-tax gain of $78,623,000 was recorded on
this transaction in the year ended June 30, 2000.
89
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Fox Family Worldwide, Inc.:
We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States, the consolidated financial statements of Fox Family
Worldwide, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of and for the years ended June 30,
1998, 1999 and 2000 included in this Report on Form 10-K and have issued our
report thereon dated September 18, 2000. Our audits were made for the purpose
of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The
schedules listed in the index are the responsibility of the Company's management
and are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commissions rules and are not part of the basic financial statements. These
schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of
the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material
respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the
basic financial statements taken as a whole.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Los Angeles, California
September 18, 2000
90
SCHEDULE 1 -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
(PARENT ONLY)
BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
June 30, 1999 June 30, 2000
------------- -------------
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 37 $ 1,207
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries....... 1,455,476 1,615,842
Other assets, net................................. 25,314 23,909
---------- ----------
Total assets..................................... $1,480,827 $1,640,958
========== ==========
Liabilities and stockholders' deficit:
Accounts payable.................................. $ 443 $ 154
Accrued liabilities............................... 7,937 8,999
NAI Bridge Note................................... 119,056 131,784
Fox Subordinated Notes............................ 157,399 194,693
Senior Notes...................................... 475,000 475,000
Senior Discount Notes, net of unamortized discount
of $174,935 and $130,242 at June 30, 1999 and
2000, respectively............................... 443,735 488,428
Amounts payable to related parties................ -- 21,243
---------- ----------
Total liabilities................................ 1,203,570 1,320,301
---------- ----------
Series A Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock,
$0.001 par value; 500,000 shares authorized;
345,000 shares issued and outstanding at June 30,
1999 and 2000, respectively ($1,000 per share
liquidation value)............................... 345,000 345,000
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000
shares authorized, of which 500,000 shares are
designated as Series A Preferred Stock; no shares
issued and outstanding........................... -- --
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000
shares authorized, 160,000 shares issued and
outstanding at June 30, 1999 and 2000,
respectively..................................... -- --
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 16,000,000
shares authorized, 15,840,000 shares issued and
outstanding at June 30, 1999 and 2000,
respectively..................................... 16 16
Contributed capital............................... 60,731 78,671
Accumulated other comprehensive loss.............. (1,893) (6,683)
Accumulated deficit............................... (126,597) (96,347)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' deficit...................... (67,743) (24,343)
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit...... $1,480,827 $1,640,958
========== ==========
See accompanying notes.
91
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
(PARENT ONLY)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
Years Ended June 30,
----------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Revenues:
Equity in income of subsidiaries................ $ 86,382 $ 55,700 $277,366
Other........................................... 861 135 103
-------- -------- --------
Total revenue................................. 87,243 55,835 277,469
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative............. 8,470 6,172 9,755
Depreciation.................................... 157 133 24
Interest expense, net........................... 99,943 113,940 129,146
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes... (21,327) (64,410) 138,544
Provision for income taxes........................ 3,446 1,989 77,159
-------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)................................. $(24,773) $(66,399) $ 61,385
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes.
92
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
(PARENT ONLY)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Years Ended June 30,
--------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
----------- -------- ---------
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)........................... $ (24,773) $(66,399) $ 61,385
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity gains on investments............... (86,382) (55,700) (277,366)
Amortization of debt issuance costs....... 2,453 3,253 3,250
Depreciation expense...................... 157 133 24
Non-cash interest expense................. 50,410 66,746 79,983
Increase in other assets.................. (30,691) (1,069) (1,845)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
and accrued liabilities.................. 11,036 (2,656) 773
----------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities... (77,790) (55,692) (133,796)
----------- -------- ---------
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment.......... (868) (410) --
Acquisition of International Family
Entertainment, Inc. ....................... (1,370,076) -- --
Cash acquired in acquisition................ 19,296 -- --
----------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities... (1,351,648) (410) --
----------- -------- ---------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from NAI Bridge Loan............... 345,514 -- --
Paydown of NAI Bridge Loan.................. (250,886) (267) (268)
Issuance of Senior Notes.................... 475,000 -- --
Issuance of Senior Discount Notes........... 375,001 -- --
Proceeds from Fox Subordinated Note......... -- 25,000 15,000
Issuance of Common Stock.................... 10 -- --
Dividends on Preferred Stock................ (28,412) (31,048) (31,135)
Net intercompany advances................... 520,150 55,515 151,369
----------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing
activities............................. 1,436,377 49,200 134,966
----------- -------- ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents................................ 6,939 (6,902) 1,170
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
year....................................... -- 6,939 37
----------- -------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year...... $ 6,939 $ 37 $ 1,207
=========== ======== =========
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash flow investment activities (in thousands):
Year ended June 30, 1998
The Company issued a subordinated note to Fox Broadcasting Company in the
amount of $108,672 in exchange for Fox Broadcasting Company's $50,000 Preferred
Class A Members Interest in the LLC, its $50,000 contingent note receivable and
certain other Company obligations. Preferred Stock in the amount of $345,000
was issued in connection with the acquisition of International Family
Entertainment, Inc.
Year ended June 30, 1999
Property and equipment with a book value of $638 was transferred to a
subsidiary.
Year ended June 30, 2000
Property and equipment with a book value of $350 was transferred to a
subsidiary.
See accompanying notes.
93
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
(PARENT ONLY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Fox Family
Worldwide, Inc. (the "Company") presented on a separate company (parent only)
basis. The Company is a Delaware corporation formed in August 1996 as a
holding company. Between August 1996 and August 1997, the Company conducted no
business or operations. On August 1, 1997 the Company underwent a
reorganization in connection with its acquisition of International Family
Entertainment, Inc. This reorganization is more fully explained in Note 1 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2. Debt
Information relating to the NAI Bridge Note, Fox Subordinated Notes, Senior
Notes and Senior Discount Notes is contained in Note 6 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. Payments of principal in future periods are all due
subsequent to June 30, 2003. The Company is a guarantor under the Amended
Credit Facility, as described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
3. Issuance of Subsidiary Ordinary Shares
Information relating to the issuance of ordinary shares of FKE, a wholly
owned indirect subsidiary of the company, in an initial public offering of its
shares and the resulting SAB No. 51 pre-tax gain of $117,316,000 and pre-tax
gain on issuance of subsidiary stock of $78,623,000 is contained in Note 13 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
94
FOX FAMILY WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Additions
----------------------
Acquired or
Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance
Beginning Costs and Other at end
Description of Year Expenses Accounts Deductions of Year
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -------
(in thousands)
Year ended June 30, 1998
Allowance for doubtful
accounts............... $ 1,410 $ (27) $ 211 $ -- $ 1,594
Reserve for severance
and related costs under
acquisition............ -- -- 36,500 (19,850) 16,650
Accruals for litigation
and other related costs
under acquisition...... -- -- 4,800 -- 4,800
Year ended June 30, 1999
Allowance for doubtful
accounts............... 1,594 990 -- (91) 2,493
Reserve for severance
and related costs under
acquisition............ 16,650 -- -- (8,873) 7,777
Accruals for litigation
and other related costs
under acquisition...... 4,800 -- -- (886) 3,914
Year ended June 30, 2000
Allowance for doubtful
accounts............... 2,493 2,011 436 (252) 4,688
Reserve for severance
and related costs under
acquisition............ 7,777 -- -- (2,713) 5,064
Accruals for litigation
and other related costs
under acquisition...... 3,914 -- -- (1,139) 2,775
95
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The information contained in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2000
Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2000 Proxy Statement") under the captions
"Election of Directors" and "Executive Officers of the Company" is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information contained in the 2000 Proxy Statement under the captions
"Executive Officers of the Company" and "Committees of the Board--Board
Meetings" is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information contained in the 2000 Proxy Statement under the caption
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information contained in the 2000 Proxy Statement under the caption
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" is incorporated herein by
reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) and (d) Financial Statements and Schedules (see Index on Pages 34 & 35)
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
(c) Exhibits (see Exhibit Index)
Page 96
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, thereto duly authorized.
By /s/ K. RUPERT MURDOCH
------------------------------------
K. Rupert Murdoch,
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By /s/ DAVID F. DeVOE
-----------------------------------
David F. DeVoe,
Senior Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Date: September 28, 2000
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Page 97
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ K. RUPERT MURDOCH Director September 28, 2000
- -----------------------------------
K. Rupert Murdoch
/s/ DAVID DeVOE Director September 28, 2000
- -----------------------------------
David F. DeVoe
/s/ ARTHUR M. SISKIND Director September 28, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Arthur M. Siskind
/s/ PETER CHERNIN Director September 28, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Peter Chernin
/s/ CHASE CAREY Director September 28, 2000
- -----------------------------------
Chase Carey
- ----------------------------------- Director September __, 2000
Christos M. Cotsakos
- ----------------------------------- Director September __, 2000
Laura D'Andrea Tyson
Page 98
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO.
IN DOCUMENT
EXHIBIT INCORPORATED
NO. DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE
- ------- --------------------- --------------------
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2000, among
Chris-Craft Industries, Inc., The News Corporation Limited, News
Publishing Australia Limited and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. 2.1(/1/)
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2000, among BHC
Communications, Inc., The News Corporation Limited, News Publishing
Australia Limited and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. 2.1(/2/)
2.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2000, among
United Television, Inc., The News Corporation Limited, News Publishing
Australia Limited and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. 2.1(/3/)
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company 3.1(/4/)
3.2 Form of By-Laws of the Company 3.2(/4/)
4.1 Specimen Certificate for Shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company 4.1(/5/)
10.1 Indenture, dated as of January 28, 1993, by and among News America
Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and State Street
Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First National Bank of
Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities 2(/6/)
10.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First
National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 2(/7/)
10.3 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 8, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First
National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 3(/7/)
10.4 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First
National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.7(/8/)
10.5 Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 28, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First
National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.8(/8/)
Page 99
EXHIBIT NO.
IN DOCUMENT
EXHIBIT INCORPORATED
NO. DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE
- ------- --------------------- --------------------
10.6 Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 21, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First
National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.6(/9/)
10.7 Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 25, 1994, by
and among News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named
therein and State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The
First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior
debt securities 4.7(/10/)
10.8 Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 4, 1994,
by and among News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named
therein and State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The
First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior
debt securities 4.8(/11/)
10.9 Form of Eight Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 12, 1994, by and
among News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein
and State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First
National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.9(/11/)
10.11 Form of Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 27, 1995 by and
among News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein
and State Street Bank and Trust Company (as successor to The First
National Bank of Boston), as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.10(/12/)
10.12 Form of Indenture, dated as of March 11, 1993 by and among News
America Holdings Incorporated, the Guarantors named therein and The
Bank of New York, as Trustee with respect to the Liquid Yield
Option(TM) Notes ("LYONs") due March 11, 2013 4.1(/13/)
10.13 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1993, among News
America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and The
Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the LYONs 4.2(/14/)
Page 100
EXHIBIT NO.
IN DOCUMENT
EXHIBIT INCORPORATED
NO. DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE
- ------- ----------- --------------------
10.14 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 21, 1993, among News
America Holdings, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New
York, as Trustee, with respect to the LYONs 4.3(/14/)
10.15 Form of Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, by
and among News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named
therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior
debt securities 4.1(/15/)
10.16 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.2(/8/)
10.17 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 28, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.3(/8/)
10.18 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 21, 1993, by and among
News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt
securities 4.14(/16/)
10.19 Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 20, 1995, by and
among News America Holdings Incorporated, the guarantors named therein
and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the senior debt
securities 4.15(/16/)
10.20 Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 8, 1998, by and
among News America Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and
The Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to the senior debt
securities 4.6(/17/)
10.21 Composite Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 1993 (in-
cluding amendments dated August 9, 1993, September 14, 1993, May 12,
1994, March 30, 1995, February 29, 1996 and December 20, 1996) among
News America Incorporated et al, several agents, managers and banks 10.21(/5/)
10.22 Indenture for the 5% Subordinated Discount Debentures, dated as of No-
vember 12, 1996, among News America Holdings Incorporated, The News
Corporation Limited, each of the Sub-sidiary Guarantors named
therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee 4(i)(/18/)
Page 101
EXHIBIT NO.
IN DOCUMENT
EXHIBIT INCORPORATED
NO. DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE
- ------- --------------------- --------------------
10.23 Funding Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997 by and among The News
Corporation Limited, News Publishing Australia Limited and Fox Kids
Worldwide, Inc. 10.33(/19/)
10.24(a) Amended and Restated Strategic Stockholders Agreement, dated as of
August 1, 1997, by and among Haim Saban, certain entities listed on
Schedule A thereto, Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Broadcasting Sub,
Inc. and Allen & Company Incorporated 10.1(/19/)
10.24(b) Amendment to Amended and Restated Strategic Stockholders Agreement,
dated as of June 26, 2000 10.2(/20/)
10.25 Form of Master Intercompany Agreement between the Company and The News
Corporation Limited 10.29(/5/)
10.26(a) Form of Intercompany Note of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation to
FEG Holdings, Inc. 10.30(a)(/21/)
10.26(b) Form of Intercompany Note of the Company to News America Incorporated 10.30(b)(/21/)
10.26(c) Form of Intercompany Note of Fox Television Stations, Inc. to News
America Incorporated 10.30(c)(/21/)
10.27 Form of Tax Sharing Agreement between the Company and News Publishing
Australia Limited 10.31(/5/)
10.28 Amendment No. 7, dated as of June 8, 1998, to the Revolving Credit
Agreement dated as of May 19, 1993 (as amended on August 9, 1993,
September 14, 1993, May 12, 1994, March 30, 1995, February 29, 1996
and December 20, 1996) among News America Incorporated et al, several
agents, managers and banks 10.32(/5/)
10.29 Amended and Restated Indenture, as amended and restated as of
September 30, 1994, between NWCG Holdings Corporation and Nationsbank
of Georgia, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
Senior Secured Discount Notes Due 1999 4.1A(/22/)
10.30 Form of Transfer Agreement among The News Corporation Limited, News
Publishing Australia Limited, FEG Holdings, Inc. and Fox Entertainment
Group, Inc. 10.5(/23/)
21.1 List of Principal Subsidiaries of the Company
27 Financial Data Schedule
- ------------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 8-K of Chris-Craft
Industries, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 23, 2000 .
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 8-K of BHC
Communications, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on August 23, 2000.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 8-K of United
Television, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 23, 2000.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 10-Q of Fox
Entertainment Group, Inc., dated December 22, 1998.
Page 102
(5) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 4 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (Registration
No. 333-61515) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 4, 1998.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 6-K of The News
Corporation Limited, dated January 28, 1993.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 6-K of The News
Corporation Limited, dated April 26, 1993.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of
News America Holdings Incorporated (Registration No. 33-63604) and
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
F-3 of the News America Holdings Incorporated (Registration No.
33-59688) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28,
1993.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of
News America Holdings Incorporated (Registration No. 33-74574) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 1994.
(10) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form F-3 of News America Holdings Incorporated
(Registration No. 33-74574) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 4, 1994.
(11) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form F-3 of News America Holdings Incorporated
(Registration No. 33-79334) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 14, 1994.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of
News America Holdings Incorporated (Registration No. 33-94868) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 1995.
(13) Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form F-3 of News America Holdings
Incorporated (Registration No. 33-62008) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on August 18, 1993.
(14) Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form F-3 of News America Holdings
Incorporated (Registration No. 33-62008) and Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of News America
Holdings Incorporated (Registration No. 33-81272) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 1994.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of The News
Corporation Limited on Form F-3 (Registration No. 33-67008) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 1993.
(16) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement of News America Holdings Incorporated on Form F-3
(Registration No. 33-98238) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 23, 1995.
(17) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of News
America Incorporated on Form F-4 (Registration No. 333-8744) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 1998.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of
The News Corporation Limited (Registration No. 333-6896) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 1998.
(19) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 of Fox Kids Worldwide, Inc. (Registration No.
333-12995) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 26, 1998.
(20) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 10-K of Fox Family
Worldwide, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
September 28, 2000.
(21) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 5 to the Registration
Statement of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form S-1 (Registration
No. 333-61515) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 9, 1998.
(22) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement of NWCG Holdings Corporation on Form S-1 (Registration No.
33-82274) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October
18, 1994.
(23) Incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 8-K of Fox
Entertainment Group, Inc., dated August 13, 2000 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 23, 2000.
Page 103