Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended December 29, 2003

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number(s) – 1-11112

 

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC.

(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   59-2094424
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (IRS Employee Identification No.)
1000 American Media Way, Boca Raton, Florida   33464
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (561) 997-7733

 

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 whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

 

As of February 17, 2004 there were 7,507 shares of common stock outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

DECEMBER 29, 2003

 

     Page(s)

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) -

    

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

   4 – 5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

   6 – 7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   8

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   9 – 16

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   17 – 21

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   21 – 22

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   23
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   24

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   24

Signature

   25

 

2


Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in 000’s, except share information)

 

     March 31,
2003


    December 29,
2003


 
ASSETS                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 40,475     $ 21,124  

Receivables, net

     52,553       46,083  

Inventories

     18,422       34,467  

Prepaid expenses and other

     9,601       12,989  
    


 


Total Current Assets

     121,051       114,663  
    


 


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:

                

Land and buildings

     4,104       4,395  

Machinery, fixtures and equipment

     34,564       40,046  

Display racks

     43,427       41,787  
    


 


       82,095       86,228  

Less – accumulated depreciation

     (35,987 )     (41,916 )
    


 


       46,108       44,312  
    


 


LONG TERM NOTE RECEIVABLE, net

     1,415       1,384  
    


 


DEFERRED DEBT COSTS, net

     30,560       26,539  
    


 


GOODWILL, net of accumulated amortization of $74,757

     659,052       661,787  
    


 


OTHER INTANGIBLES, net of accumulated amortization of $93,938 and $104,587 respectively

     642,074       631,492  
    


 


     $ 1,500,260     $ 1,480,177  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Current portion of term loan

   $ 9,813     $ 5,927  

11.625% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2004

             740  

Accounts payable

     30,730       26,837  

Accrued expenses

     79,914       54,502  

Deferred revenues

     47,217       38,705  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     167,674       126,711  
    


 


PAYABLE TO PARENT COMPANY

     2,173       —    
    


 


TERM LOAN AND REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENT, net of current portion

     458,997       455,173  
    


 


SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS:

                

10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009

     400,000       400,000  

Bond Premium on 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009

     633       555  

8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2011

     150,000       150,000  

11.625% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2004

     740       —    
    


 


       551,373       550,555  
    


 


DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     145,123       152,359  
    


 


STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY:

                

Common stock, $.20 par value; 7,507 shares issued and outstanding

     2       2  

Additional paid-in capital

     273,480       281,857  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (314 )     (244 )

Accumulated deficit

     (98,248 )     (86,236 )
    


 


TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

     174,920       195,379  
    


 


     $ 1,500,260     $ 1,480,177  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(IN 000’s)

 

     Three Fiscal
Quarters
Ended
December 23,
2002


    Three Fiscal
Quarters
Ended
December 29,
2003


 

OPERATING REVENUES:

                

Circulation

   $ 224,306     $ 241,362  

Advertising

     29,714       105,344  

Other

     17,565       23,473  
    


 


       271,585       370,179  
    


 


OPERATING EXPENSES:

                

Editorial

     27,715       42,887  

Production

     73,310       98,892  

Distribution, circulation and other cost of sales

     38,032       55,734  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     33,394       62,149  

Loss on insurance settlement

     281       200  

Restructuring expense

     —         2,739  

Depreciation and amortization

     22,448       30,325  
    


 


       195,180       292,926  
    


 


OPERATING INCOME

     76,405       77,253  

INTEREST EXPENSE, net

     (39,931 )     (57,743 )

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net

     224       (123 )
    


 


INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     36,698       19,387  

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     13,745       7,375  
    


 


NET INCOME

   $ 22,953     $ 12,012  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(IN 000’s)

 

     Fiscal Quarter
Ended
December 23,
2002


    Fiscal Quarter
Ended
December 29,
2003


 

OPERATING REVENUES:

                

Circulation

   $ 74,126     $ 81,546  

Advertising

     10,304       29,176  

Other

     6,240       7,610  
    


 


       90,670       118,332  
    


 


OPERATING EXPENSES:

                

Editorial

     9,268       13,780  

Production

     23,858       33,970  

Distribution, circulation and other cost of sales

     13,562       17,057  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     10,482       22,072  

Loss on insurance settlement

     164       —    

Restructuring expense

     —         34  

Depreciation and amortization

     7,302       10,114  
    


 


       64,636       97,027  
    


 


OPERATING INCOME

     26,034       21,305  

INTEREST EXPENSE, net

     (15,085 )     (20,054 )

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net

     121       (63 )
    


 


INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     11,070       1,188  

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     4,155       496  
    


 


NET INCOME

   $ 6,915     $ 692  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN 000’s)

 

     Three Fiscal
Quarters
Ended
Dec. 23,
2002


   Three Fiscal
Quarters
Ended
Dec. 29,
2003


Net income

   $ 22,953    $ 12,012
    

  

Other comprehensive income

             

Interest rate swap adjustment

     359      —  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        70
    

  

Other comprehensive income

     359      70
    

  

Comprehensive income

   $ 23,312    $ 12,082
    

  

 

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN 000’s)

 

     Fiscal
Quarter
Ended
Dec. 23,
2002


   Fiscal
Quarter
Ended
Dec. 29,
2003


Net income

   $ 6,915    $ 692
    

  

Other comprehensive income

             

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        165
    

  

Other comprehensive income

     —        165
    

  

Comprehensive income

   $ 6,915    $ 857
    

  

 

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN 000’s)

 

    

Three Fiscal

Quarters

Ended

December 23,

2002


   

Three Fiscal

Quarters

Ended

December 29,

2003


 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

                

Net income

   $ 22,953     $ 12,012  
    


 


Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities -

                

Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets

     101       (57 )

Bond premium amortization

     (89 )     (78 )

Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets

     22,448       30,325  

Deferred debt cost amortization

     3,523       4,757  

Non-cash compensation charge

     68       66  

Decrease (increase) in -

                

Receivables

     8,725       6,470  

Inventories

     6,622       (16,045 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     (436 )     (3,388 )

Increase (decrease) in -

                

Accounts payable

     (2,939 )     (3,893 )

Accrued expenses

     4,274       (326 )

Accrued interest

     (5,441 )     (6,146 )

Payable to Parent Company

     (21 )     —    

Accrued income taxes

     (526 )     (6,084 )

Deferred revenues

     2,304       (8,512 )
    


 


Total adjustments

     38,613       (2,911 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     61,566       9,101  
    


 


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                

Capital expenditures

     (15,631 )     (18,023 )

Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets

     —         199  

Acquisition of business

     —         (8,421 )

Payment received on long term note receivable

     227       31  

Allocable insurance proceeds for carrying value of Boca facility

     3,785       —    
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (11,619 )     (26,214 )
    


 


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                

Term loan and revolving credit commitment principal repayments

     (17,723 )     (7,710 )

Capital contribution

     —         6,138  

Payment of deferred debt costs

     (1,293 )     (736 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (19,016 )     (2,308 )
    


 


Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

     —         70  
    


 


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     30,931       (19,351 )

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     18,676       40,475  
    


 


Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 49,607     $ 21,124  
    


 


Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

                

Cash paid during the period for -

                

Income taxes

   $ 13,052     $ 6,043  

Interest

     42,259       60,941  

 

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 29, 2003

(000’s omitted in all tables)

(unaudited)

 

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. There has been no material change in the information disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Media Operations, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Media, Inc.) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included herein. Operating results for the fiscal period ended December 29, 2003, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(2) ACQUISITIONS

 

On January 23, 2003, the Company and EMP Group LLC, the owner of 100% of the common stock of American Media, Inc., acquired Weider Publications LLC (the “Weider Acquisition”), a newly formed company to which the magazine business of Weider Publications, Inc. and Weider Interactive Networks, Inc. had been contributed by Weider Health and Fitness LLC and Weider Interactive Networks, Inc. The aggregate purchase price was $357.3 million, which includes a post-closing working capital adjustment of $7.3 million.

 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information gives effect to the Weider acquisition as if it had occurred as of the beginning of the period presented:

 

    

Three Fiscal

Quarters

Ended

December 23,

2002


Operating revenues

   $ 391,993

Net income

   $ 3,735

 

The unaudited pro forma results of operations are presented for informational purposes only and may not necessarily reflect the future results of operations of the Company or what the results of operations would have been had the Company owned and operated the Weider properties as of the beginning of the period presented.

 

(3) REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Substantially all publication sales, except subscriptions, are made through unrelated distributors. Issues, other than special topic issues, are placed on sale approximately one week prior to the issue date; however, circulation revenues and related expenses are recognized for financial statement purposes on an issue date

 

9


Table of Contents

basis (i.e., off sale date). Special topic and monthly issues revenue and related expenses are recognized at the on sale date. On or about the date each issue is placed on sale, the Company receives a percentage of the issue’s estimated sales proceeds for our publications as an advance from the distributors. All of our publications are sold with full return privileges.

 

Revenues from copy sales are net of reserves provided for expected sales returns, which are established in accordance with GAAP, after considering such factors as sales history and available market information. We continually monitor the adequacy of the reserves and make adjustments when necessary. Revenues are also net of product placement costs (“retail display allowances”) paid to the retailers.

 

During the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 2003, the Company executed a barter agreement in which the Company exchanged certain paperback book inventory items for future credits for broadcast advertising. No revenue was recognized in connection with this transaction. The credits can be used as a reduction in the invoiced amount of future advertising.

 

Subscriptions received in advance of the issue date are recognized as income over the term of the subscriptions as served. Advertising revenues are recognized in the period in which the related advertising appears in the publications.

 

Deferred revenues are comprised of the following:

 

    

March 31,

2003


  

Dec. 29,

2003


Single Copy

   $ 7,971    $ 4,725

Subscriptions

     38,376      33,296

Advertising

     870      684
    

  

     $ 47,217    $ 38,705
    

  

 

Other revenues, primarily from marketing services performed for third parties by Distribution Services, Inc. (“DSI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, are recognized when the service is performed.

 

(4) INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method of valuation. Inventories are comprised of the following:

 

    

March 31,

2003


  

Dec. 29,

2003


Raw materials – paper

   $ 11,154    $ 27,095

Finished product – paper, production and distribution costs of future issues

     7,268      7,372
    

  

     $ 18,422    $ 34,467
    

  

 

(5) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Other intangibles, net, consists of the following:

 

    

March 31,

2003


   

Dec. 29,

2003


 

Tradenames – indefinite-lived

   $ 629,441     $ 629,441  

Covenants not to compete

     22,500       22,500  

Subscriber lists

     66,171       66,238  

Advertising relationships

     7,750       7,750  

Non-subscriber customer relationships

     10,150       10,150  
    


 


       736,012       736,079  

Less: accumulated amortization

     (93,938 )     (104,587 )
    


 


     $ 642,074     $ 631,492  
    


 


 

10


Table of Contents

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003 can be summarized as follows:

 

    

Dec. 29,

2003


Balance, beginning of period

   $ 659,052

Acquisition of Weider

     2,735
    

Balance, end of period

   $ 661,787
    

 

The increase in goodwill for the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003 primarily relates to the recognition of deferred tax liabilities related to the Weider acquisition and additional employee termination costs incurred in connection with the Weider acquisition. These termination costs are a result of the relocation of certain operations from the Company’s Woodland Hills, California and Boston offices to New York.

 

Goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives will be tested for impairment annually or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. The Company uses the beginning of its fiscal fourth quarter as the date for its annual impairment tests. The Company performed its annual impairment test for fiscal 2003 as of the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 and found no impairment.

 

Amortization expense of other intangible assets for the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003 was $10.6 million. Based on the carrying value of identified intangible assets recorded at December 29, 2003, and assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets, annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is expected to be as follows:

 

Fiscal Year


    

2004

   $ 14,204

2005

     14,204

2006

     12,122

2007

     8,269

2008

     8,165

 

(6) INCOME TAXES

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. The provision for income taxes includes deferred income taxes resulting from items reported in different periods for income tax and financial statement purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the expected future tax consequences of the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The effects of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

(7) CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

The Company’s bank credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which was comprised of a $340 million term loan commitment, was amended on November 1, 1999 in connection with an acquisition to increase the term loan amount to $430 million and provide a $60 million revolving credit commitment. We also amended the Credit Agreement on February 14, 2002, in connection with the issuance of subordinated notes. The amendment included changes to the interest rates discussed below, as well as changes to certain financial covenants. The Company amended the Credit Agreement on May 22, 2002. This amendment restructured the marginal interest rate on the Company’s term loans. The Company amended the Credit Agreement on January 23, 2003,

 

11


Table of Contents

in connection with the Weider Acquisition to increase the term loan amount by $140 million. Additionally, the Company amended the Credit Agreement on February 17, 2004, which provided for an increase in the leverage ratio from 6.25 to 6.50 for the fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003 and March 29, 2004.

 

(a) Borrowings under the term loan commitments are payable in varying quarterly installments from July 2001 through April 2007. We are required to make Excess Cash Flow payments (as defined), which will be applied ratably to the then outstanding term loans. Included in the current portion of the term loan in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2003, is $3,274,000 of required Excess Cash Flow relating to fiscal 2003.

 

(b) Revolving Credit Commitment — The Credit Agreement also provides for additional borrowings up to a maximum of $60 million. This commitment, which expires in April 2006, allows funds to be borrowed and repaid from time to time with permanent reductions in the revolving credit commitment permitted at our option. As of December 29, 2003, no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

 

(c) Commitment Fees — We are required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 3/8% to 1/2% of the unused portion of the revolving commitment.

 

(d) Guarantees, Collateral and Financial Covenants — Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries. The obligations and such guarantees are secured by (i) a pledge by the Company of all of the capital stock of its subsidiaries, (ii) a pledge of all of the capital stock of the Company and (iii) a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company’s subsidiaries.

 

In addition to the above, the Credit Agreement also contains certain covenants that, among others, prohibit paying cash dividends, incurring additional indebtedness, entering into certain mergers or consolidations, making capital expenditures and selling or otherwise disposing of assets. We are also required to satisfy certain financial tests relating to operating cash flow and debt coverage ratios.

 

The effective interest rate under the Credit Agreement, including amounts borrowed under the term loan commitments and revolving credit commitment, as of December 29, 2003, was 3.97% and the weighted average effective interest rates for the three fiscal quarters ended December 23, 2002 and December 29, 2003, were 5.31% and 4.05%, respectively.

 

Effective March 26, 2002, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements, which effectively converted a portion of our fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt. The first agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2004, had a notional amount of $125 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and were to pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 5.265%. The second agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2005, had a notional amount of $25 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and we were to pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 4.885%. On June 29, 2002, we received $3,277,000 to terminate these two interest rate swap agreements. This amount received was recognized as a reduction of interest expense for the quarter ended June 24, 2002.

 

Additionally, effective June 28, 2002, we entered into two new interest rate swap agreements, which effectively converted a portion of fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt. The first agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2004, had a notional amount of $125 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 6.49%. The second agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2005, had a notional amount of $25 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 5.99%. On October 8, 2002, we received $3,978,000 to terminate these two interest rate swap agreements, which was recognized as a reduction of interest expense for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.

 

12


Table of Contents

Effective August 20, 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively converted a portion of our fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt. The agreement is scheduled to expire in January 2007 and has a notional amount of $150 million. Under this agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 8.875% and pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 5.38% subject to a collar adjustment. As of December 29, 2003, the fair value of this swap was $1,748,000. This amount has been recognized as a reduction of interest expense for the three quarters ended December 29, 2003. On January 15, 2004, we received $1,635,000 in connection with the interim settlement of this swap agreement. The next reset date for this swap agreement is July 15, 2004.

 

(8) FRONTLINE MARKETING

 

On November 27, 2000, the Company sold its 80% owned subsidiary, FMI, to the minority shareholder for a $2.5 million note receivable (the “FMI Note”). The FMI Note initially had a short-term component of $500,000, which amount has been paid in full, and a long-term component of $2,000,000 which is payable to us based on defined cash flow of FMI. The FMI Note bears interest at 9%. Due to the uncertainty of FMI’s ability to generate defined cash flow for the repayment of the FMI Note, we initially reserved $1.6 million of the FMI Note. No gain or loss was initially recognized on this transaction. As of December 29, 2003, the FMI Note’s balance is $1.4 million due to payments received from FMI.

 

(9) ANTHRAX INCIDENT

 

The Company’s Boca Raton headquarters, which housed substantially all of the Company’s operations (including its photo, clipping and research libraries), executive offices and certain administrative functions, was closed on October 7, 2001, by the Palm Beach County Department of Health when traces of anthrax were found on a computer keyboard following the death of a photo editor of the Sun from inhalation anthrax. The Company entered into a two-year lease for a 53,000 square foot facility two blocks from its current Boca Raton headquarters. In February 2002, the Palm Beach County of Health quarantined the building for an additional 18 months.

 

In May 2002, the Company and its insurance carrier reached a final compromise regarding the Company’s insurance claim and the Company received a compromised payment. The insurance proceeds resulted in a net gain on the insurance settlement of $7,613,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, the Company incurred costs for maintaining the Boca facility such as security and utilities, which were netted against the gain on insurance settlement. The Company expensed these costs as incurred.

 

On April 17, 2003, the Company sold its anthrax-contaminated headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida to 5401 Broken Sound LLC. As a result of the sale, the Company renewed its two-year lease in the 53,000 square foot facility described above. 5401 Broken Sound LLC paid $40,000 as consideration for the transfer of ownership. During the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003, compensation expense totaling $200,000 was paid in connection with the sale of this facility and was recorded as loss on insurance settlement in the consolidated statement of income.

 

(10) LITIGATION

 

Various suits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been instituted against us. We have insurance policies available to recover potential legal costs. We periodically evaluate and assess the risks and uncertainties associated with litigation independent from those associated with our potential claim for recovery from third party insurance carriers. In the opinion of management, none of the suits and claims currently pending will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

13


Table of Contents

(11) DEFERRED DEBT COSTS

 

Certain costs incurred in connection with the issuance of our long-term debt have been deferred and are amortized using the effective interest rate method as part of interest expense over periods from 7 to 10 years.

 

In connection with the Company’s issuance of $150 million of 10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 on February 14, 2002, $7.0 million of issuance costs were deferred and are being amortized as part of interest expense over the life of the notes.

 

In connection with our issuance of $150 million of 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 on January 23, 2003, $8.4 million of issuance costs were deferred and are being amortized as part of interest expense over the life of the notes. Additionally, in connection with our increase in the Credit Agreement of $140 million on January 23, 2003, $3.5 million of financing costs were deferred and are being amortized as part of interest expense over the life of the Credit Agreement.

 

(12) SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS

 

On May 7, 1999, the Company issued $250,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes, which mature on May 1, 2009. Interest on these notes is payable in semi-annual installments on May 1st and November 1st of each year. These notes are redeemable at our option at prices ranging from 105.125% to 100% of their face amount after April 2004. The indenture under which the notes were issued includes certain restrictive covenants that prohibit payment of dividends and limit, among other things, our ability to incur indebtedness, give guarantees, make investments, sell assets and merge or consolidate.

 

On February 14, 2002, the Company issued $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.25% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 through a private placement. The gross proceeds from the offering were $150,750,000 including a premium on the notes of $750,000. The Company used the gross proceeds of the offering (a) to make a $75,375,000 distribution to EMP Group LLC, (b) to prepay $68,375,000 of the term loans under the Credit Agreement and (c) to pay transaction costs. The notes are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to all our existing and future senior indebtedness. The notes rank equally with all our existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness. The notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by all our current subsidiaries.

 

On January 23, 2003, the Company issued $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 through a private placement. The net proceeds from the offering were $145,875,000, including a discount on the notes of $4,125,000. We used the net proceeds of the offering to (a) fund the acquisition of Weider Publications LLC, and (b) pay the transaction costs. These notes are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to all our existing and future senior indebtedness. The notes rank equally with all our existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness. The notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by all our current subsidiaries.

 

(13) RECAPITALIZATION OF EQUITY

 

On April 17, 2003, the Company completed a series of transactions whereby principals and affiliates of Evercore Partners LLP (“Evercore”) and Thomas H. Lee Company (“T.H. Lee”), David J. Pecker, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, other members of management and certain other investors contributed approximately $434.6 million in cash and existing ownership interests, valued at approximately $73.3 million, of EMP Group LLC, our ultimate parent, to a merger entity which was then merged with and into EMP Group LLC in exchange for newly issued ownership interests of EMP Group LLC.

 

Upon completion of the merger, EMP Group LLC’s existing limited liability company agreement was amended and restated in its entirety. Under the new agreement, the board of managers of EMP Group LLC

 

14


Table of Contents

consists of three designees of Evercore, three designees of T.H. Lee, one of whom is subject to Evercore’s prior approval, and the Chief Executive Officer of American Media, Inc., who is subject to the approval of Evercore and T.H. Lee. While Evercore and T.H. Lee jointly control EMP Group LLC, the new limited liability company agreement requires that certain significant actions of EMP Group LLC be approved by David J. Pecker and a majority of the other investors of EMP Group LLC.

 

In addition, in connection with the merger, David J. Pecker and American Media, Inc. entered into a new employment agreement, which governs the terms of David J. Pecker’s employment as Chief Executive Officer of American Media, Inc. for a term of five years. Also, American Media, Inc., THL Managers V, L.L.C., an affiliate of T.H. Lee, and Evercore Advisors L.P., an affiliate of Evercore, have entered into a Management Agreement pursuant to which THL Managers V, L.L.C. and Evercore Advisors L.P. will provide certain management and advisory services to American Media, Inc. for an annual fee of $1.0 million each. The fee of this Management Agreement is amortized to expense by the Company over the annual period. Additionally, $2.3 million of management bonuses were granted as part of the recapitalization. These bonuses were charged to expense by the Company during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2003. Additionally, the intercompany payable to American Media, Inc. was eliminated as a result of the recapitalization.

 

(14) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

 

During the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2003, the Company initiated a plan to relocate the Star and Mira! publications to New York City. The Company’s relocation plan involved the termination of 93 employees. This activity resulted in a charge of $2,600,000 for termination benefits and $139,000 for costs associated with the relocation of existing employees. Through December 29, 2003, the Company has paid termination benefits to 93 employees totaling $1,503,000 and paid $139,000 of costs associated with the relocation of existing employees. The Company has an accrual at December 29, 2003, of $1,097,000 for the remaining termination benefits associated with this action. These severance benefits will be paid out through October 2004. The Company has completed its restructuring plan.

 

The following summarizes the activity in the Company’s reserve related to this activity for the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003 (in thousands):

 

    

Restructuring

Expense


   Cash
Payments


   

Balance

Dec. 29,
2003


Accrued liabilities:

                     

Severance

   $ 2,600    $ (1,503 )   $ 1,097

Relocation

     139      (139 )     —  
    

  


 

     $ 2,739    $ (1,642 )   $ 1,097
    

  


 

 

In connection with the relocation of Star Magazine, the Company entered into an agreement to lease an additional 33,000 square feet in its One Park Avenue building in New York City. The lease term for this additional space is from November 2003 to March 2010. The annual base rent for this additional space is approximately $940,000.

 

(15) NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. SFAS No. 146 superceded EITF Consensus No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. SFAS No. 146 affects the timing of the recognition of costs associated with an exit or disposal plan by requiring them to be recognized when incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after

 

15


Table of Contents

December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others”. This Interpretation expands the disclosures to be made by a guarantor about its obligations under certain guarantees and requires that, at the inception of a guarantee, a guarantor recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of this Interpretation are effective for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this Interpretation did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). This Interpretation, which was revised in December 2003, requires variable interest entities (commonly referred to as SPEs) to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if certain criteria are met. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2003. The adoption of this Interpretation did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. This Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 30, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

16


Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Please note that on January 23, 2003, we acquired Weider Publications, LLC. Accordingly, the three and nine months ended December 29, 2003, includes the results of the Weider publications from that date forward.

 

Results of Operations

 

Fiscal Quarter Ended December 29, 2003 vs. Fiscal Quarter Ended December 23, 2002

 

Total operating revenues were $118,332,000 for the current fiscal quarter. Operating revenues increased by $27,662,000, or 30.5%, from the prior year’s comparable fiscal quarter. This increase is primarily due to the Weider acquisition. Circulation revenue increased $7.4 million, primarily due to the Weider acquisition partially offset by decreased single copy sales from our tabloids. Advertising revenues increased 183.2%, from $10.3 million to $29.2 million, primarily due to the Weider acquisition.

 

Circulation revenues (which include all single copy and subscription sales) were $81,546,000 for the current fiscal quarter. Circulation revenues increased by $7,420,000, or 10.0%, when compared to the prior year’s comparable fiscal quarter. This circulation increase was primarily related to the Weider acquisition partially offset by a 9.7% decrease in unit sales for the tabloids from the prior year’s quarter. The overall newsstand circulation in terms of units for all checkout titles in the industry is down approximately 13% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 compared to the prior year’s period.

 

Advertising revenues were $29,176,000 for the current fiscal quarter. Advertising revenues increased by $18,872,000, or 183.2%, when compared to the prior year’s comparable fiscal quarter. This increase was due to the Weider acquisition which contributed $20.1 million.

 

Total operating expenses for the current fiscal quarter increased by $32,391,000, or 50.1%, when compared to the prior year’s comparable fiscal quarter. This increase was primarily due to the Weider acquisition.

 

Interest expense increased for the current fiscal quarter by $4,969,000 to $20,054,000 compared to the prior year’s comparable fiscal quarter. This increase in interest expense relates to a higher amount of debt outstanding for the current fiscal quarter due to the Weider acquisition offset by a lower average effective interest rate. Additionally, we recognized a reduction of interest expense of $213,000 for the current fiscal quarter related to our interest rate swap agreement entered into during the current fiscal year.

 

Three Fiscal Quarters Ended December 29, 2003 vs. Three Fiscal Quarters Ended December 23, 2002

 

Total operating revenues were $370,179,000 for the three current fiscal quarters. Operating revenues increased by $98,594,000, or 36.3%, from the prior year’s comparable three fiscal quarters. This increase was primarily related to the Weider acquisition. Circulation revenue increased $17.1 million, or 7.6%, when compared to the three prior year’s comparable fiscal quarters. The circulation increase was primarily related to the Weider acquisition partially offset by a 13.8% decrease in unit sales for the tabloids from the three prior year’s comparable fiscal quarters. The overall newsstand circulation in terms of units for all checkout titles in the industry is down approximately 13% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 compared to the prior year’s period.

 

Advertising revenues were $105,344,000 for the three current fiscal quarters. Advertising revenues increased by $75,630,000, or 254.5%, when compared to the three prior year’s comparable fiscal quarters. This increase was due to the Weider acquisition which contributed $75.7 million. For the twelve months ended December 2003, the National Enquirer and Star are up 4.3% in pages, while the industry is flat.

 

17


Table of Contents

Total operating expenses for the three current fiscal quarters increased by $97,746,000, or 50.1%, when compared to the three prior year’s comparable fiscal quarters. This increase was primarily due to the Weider acquisition.

 

Interest expense increased for the three current fiscal quarters by $17,812,000 to $57,743,000 compared to the prior year’s comparable fiscal quarters. This increase in interest expense relates to a higher amount of debt outstanding for the three current fiscal quarters due to the Weider acquisition offset by lower average effective interest rates. On June 29, 2002 and October 8, 2002, we received $3,277,000 and $3,978,000, respectively, to terminate our interest rate swap agreements. The $3,277,000 and $3,978,000 were recognized as a reduction to interest expense for the three prior year’s comparable fiscal quarters. Additionally, we recognized a reduction of interest expense of $1,748,000 for the three current fiscal quarters related to our interest rate swap agreement entered into during the current fiscal year.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

We have substantially increased our indebtedness in connection with the Weider acquisition. Our liquidity requirements have been significantly increased, primarily due to increased interest and principal payment obligations under the Credit Agreement and our subordinated notes. We believe that the net cash generated from operating activities and amounts available under the $60.0 million revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our debt service requirements under the Credit Agreement and the subordinated notes, to make capital expenditures and to cover working capital requirements. As of December 29, 2003, there were no amounts outstanding on the revolving credit facility. We believe, however, that based upon our current level of operations and anticipated growth, it will be necessary to refinance the subordinated notes upon their maturity. To the extent we make future acquisitions, we may require new sources of funding, including additional debt, equity financing or some combination thereof. There can be no assurances that such additional sources of funding will be available to us on acceptable terms.

 

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal and interest under the Credit Agreement and the subordinated notes, as well as our other obligations and liabilities, is subject to our future operating performance which is dependent upon general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors beyond our control.

 

At December 29, 2003, we had cash and cash equivalents of $21.1 million and a working capital deficiency of $12.0 million. We do not consider our working capital deficiency to be a true measure of our liquidity position as our working capital needs typically are met by cash generated by our business. Our working capital deficiency resulted principally from:

 

  our policy of using available cash to reduce borrowings which are recorded as noncurrent liabilities, thereby reducing current assets without a corresponding reduction in current liabilities;

 

  accounting for deferred revenues as a current liability. Deferred revenues are comprised of deferred subscriptions, advertising and single copy revenues and represent payments received in advance of the period in which the related revenues will be recognized.

 

Historically, our primary sources of liquidity have been cash generated from operations and amounts available under our credit agreements, which have been used to fund shortfalls in available cash.

 

We made capital expenditures in the three fiscal quarters ended December 23, 2002 and December 29, 2003 totaling $15.6 million and $18.0 million, respectively.

 

At December 29, 2003, our outstanding indebtedness totaled $1,012.4 million, of which $461.1 million

 

18


Table of Contents

represented borrowings under the credit agreement and $0.6 million represents unamortized bond premium. At February 17, 2004, our outstanding indebtedness totaled $1,010.9 million, of which $459.6 million represented borrowings under the credit agreement. As of December 29, 2003, the Company’s effective interest rate on borrowings under the credit agreement was 3.97%. The effective rate for borrowings under the credit agreement averaged 4.05% for the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003. The effective rate for borrowings under the credit agreement averaged 5.31% for the three fiscal quarters ended December 23, 2002.

 

American Media Operations, Inc. has no material assets or operations other than the investments in our subsidiaries. The subordinated notes are unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior subordinated basis, by all of our domestic subsidiaries. Each domestic subsidiary that will be organized in the future by us, unless such subsidiary is designated as an unrestricted subsidiary, will jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally guarantee the subordinated notes on a senior subordinated basis. Subordinated note guarantees are joint and several, full and unconditional and general unsecured obligations of the note guarantors. The note guarantors are our subsidiaries. At present, the note guarantors comprise all of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. Note guarantees are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt of the note guarantors, including the credit facility, and are also effectively subordinated to all secured obligations of note guarantors to the extent of the assets securing such obligations, including the credit facility. Furthermore, the subordinated note indentures permit note guarantors to incur additional indebtedness, including senior debt, subject to certain limitations. We have not presented separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning each of the note guarantors, as these disclosures are not applicable under SEC rules and regulations.

 

Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”)

 

The following table and discussion summarizes EBITDA for the three and nine months ended December 23, 2002 and December 29, 2003 (dollars in 000’s):

 

    

Fiscal
Quarter

Ended

Dec. 23,
2002


    Fiscal
Quarter
Ended
Dec. 29,
2003


  

Three Fiscal

Quarters

Ended

Dec. 23,

2002


   

Three Fiscal

Quarters

Ended

Dec. 29,

2003


Net income (1) (2)

   $ 6,915     $ 692    $ 22,953     $ 12,012

Add (deduct) -

                             

Interest expense

     15,085       20,054      39,931       57,743

Income taxes

     4,155       496      13,745       7,375

Depreciation and

Amortization

     7,302       10,114      22,448       30,325

Other (income) expense,

Net

     (121 )     63      (224 )     123
    


 

  


 

EBITDA

   $ 33,336     $ 31,419    $ 98,853     $ 107,578
    


 

  


 

 

(1) As noted in Footnote 13, net income for the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003, includes a $2.3 million bonus as an expense granted to certain members of management as part of the recapitalization. This bonus was funded with cash contributed as part of the recapitalization.

 

(2) As noted in Footnote 14, net income for the three fiscal quarters ended December 29, 2003 includes a $2.7 million restructuring charge.

 

19


Table of Contents

The Company defines EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other income (expense). EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or cash flows from operating activities, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of our operating performance, profitability or liquidity. We believe EBITDA provides useful information regarding our ability to service our debt, and we understand that such information is considered by certain investors to be an additional basis for evaluating a company’s ability to pay interest and repay debt. EBITDA is a widely used performance measure for publishing companies and is provided here as a supplemental measure of operating performance to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. SFAS No. 146 superceded EITF Consensus No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. SFAS No. 146 affects the timing of the recognition of costs associated with an exit or disposal plan by requiring them to be recognized when incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others”. This Interpretation expands the disclosures to be made by a guarantor about its obligations under certain guarantees and requires that, at the inception of a guarantee, a guarantor recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of this Interpretation are effective for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this Interpretation did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). This Interpretation, which was revised in December 2003, requires variable interest entities (commonly referred to as SPEs) to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if certain criteria are met. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2003. The adoption of this Interpretation did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. This Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 30, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

20


Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the information presented in this Form 10-Q constitutes forward-looking statements, including, in particular, the statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We have based these forward-looking statements on our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. We caution you that a variety of factors could cause business conditions and results to differ materially from what is contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, including, among other things:

 

  our high degree of leverage and significant debt service obligations,

 

  our ability to increase circulation and advertising revenues,

 

  market conditions for our publications,

 

  our ability to develop new publications and services,

 

  outcomes of pending and future litigation,

 

  the effects of terrorism, including bio-terrorism, on our business,

 

  increasing competition by domestic and foreign media companies,

 

  lower than expected valuations associated with cash flows and revenues may result in the inability to realize the value of recorded intangibles and goodwill,

 

  changes in the costs of paper used by us,

 

  any future changes in management,

 

  general risks associated with the publishing industry,

 

  declines in spending levels by advertisers and consumers,

 

  the ability in a challenging environment to continue to develop new sources of circulation,

 

  increased costs and business disruption resulting from diminished service levels from our wholesalers, and

 

  the introduction and increased popularity over the long term of alternative technologies for the provision of news and information.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to certain market risks that are inherent in our financial statements. We are subject to interest risk on our credit facilities and any future financing requirements. Our fixed rate debt consists primarily of senior subordinated notes.

 

Effective March 26, 2002, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements, which effectively converted a portion of our fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt. The first agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2004, had a notional amount of $125 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and were to pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 5.265%. The second agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2005, had a notional amount of $25 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and we were to pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 4.885%. On June 29, 2002, we received $3,277,000 to terminate these two interest rate swap agreements. This amount received was recognized as a reduction of interest expense for the quarter ended June 24, 2002.

 

Additionally, effective June 28, 2002, we entered into two new interest rate swap agreements, which effectively converted a portion of fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt. The first agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2004, had a notional amount of $125 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 6.49%. The second agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire in May 2005, had a notional amount of $25 million. Under this agreement, we were to receive a fixed rate of 10.25% and pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of

 

21


Table of Contents

5.99%. On October 8, 2002, we received $3,978,000 to terminate these two interest rate swap agreements, which was recognized as a reduction of interest expense for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.

 

Effective August 20, 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively converted a portion of our fixed-rate debt to variable debt. The agreement is scheduled to expire in January 2007 and has a notional amount of $150 million. Under this agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 8.875% and pay LIBOR in arrears plus a spread of 5.38% subject to a collar adjustment. As of December 29, 2003, the fair value of this swap was $1,748,000. This amount has been recognized as a reduction of interest expense for the three quarters ended December 29, 2003.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table presents the future principal payment obligations and weighted average interest rates (excluding any amounts that may be borrowed under the credit commitment or required to be prepaid under the excess cash flow provision) associated with our existing long-term instruments assuming our actual level of indebtedness (dollars in 000’s):

 

     Fiscal Year Ended

     2004

   2005

   2006

   2007

   Thereafter

   Fair Value

Liabilities:

                                         

$400,000 Fixed Rate (10.25%)

     —        —        —        —      $ 400,000    $ 426,500

$150,000 Fixed Rate (8.875%)

     —        —        —        —      $ 150,000    $ 162,750

$740 Fixed Rate (11.625%)

     —      $ 740      —        —        —      $ 740

Term Loan and Revolving Loan

                                         

Variable Rate (3.97% as of December 29, 2003)

   $ 1,448    $ 5,995    $ 6,269    $ 335,937    $ 111,451    $ 461,100

 

Interest rate changes result in increases or decreases in our income before taxes and cash provided from operating activities. A 1% change in our weighted interest rate on our variable debt would result in a change of $1,528,000 in our interest expense for the three months ended December 29, 2003.

 

Our primary market risk exposures relate to (1) the interest rate risk on long-term and short-term borrowings, (2) our ability to refinance our Senior Subordinated Notes at maturity at market rates, (3) the impact of interest rate movements on our ability to meet interest expense requirements and comply with financial covenants and (4) the impact of interest rate movements on our ability to obtain adequate financing to fund acquisitions. We manage the interest rate risk on our outstanding long-term and short-term debt through our use of fixed and variable rate debt. While we cannot predict or manage our ability to refinance existing debt or the impact interest rate movements will have on our ability to refinance existing debt or the impact interest rate movements will have on our existing debt, we continue to evaluate our financial position on an ongoing basis.

 

22


Table of Contents
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the quarter covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

 

(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on the evaluation, there has been no such change during the period covered by this report.

 

23


Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

See footnote 10 of Part I, Item I.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

a. Exhibits

 

Exhibit 31.1 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13(a) -14(a) or 15(d) – 14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes –Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Exhibit 31.2 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13(a) -14(a) or 15(d) – 14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes –Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Exhibit 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

b. Reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended December 29, 2003

 

None

 

24


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

 

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 by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

 

       

AMERICAN MEDIA OPERATIONS, INC.

Registrant

Date: February 17, 2004       By   /s/    JOHN A. MILEY        
           
           

John A. Miley

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

 

25


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


Exhibit 31.1    Certification Pursuant to Rule 13(a) -14(a) or 15(d) – 14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes –Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2    Certification Pursuant to Rule 13(a) -14(a) or 15(d) – 14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes –Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

26