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MEREDITH’S FISCAL 2015 SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS PER SHARE GROW 30 PERCENT
Local Media Group Delivers Record Revenue and Profit Performance
Digital Advertising and Brand Licensing Produce Record Revenue

DES MOINES, IA (January 28, 2015) - Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP; www.meredith.com), the leading media and marketing company serving more than 100 million American women, today reported fiscal 2015 second quarter earnings per share grew 30 percent to $0.87 compared to $0.67 in the prior-year period. Total revenues rose 13 percent to $399 million, including 25 percent growth in advertising revenues.

Excluding special charges in both periods, fiscal 2015 second quarter earnings per share grew 45 percent to a second quarter record of $1.00, compared to $0.69 in the prior-year period, and operating profit margin increased nearly five percentage points to 20 percent. Fiscal 2015 second quarter results included special charges of $6 million after tax, or $0.13 per share, primarily due to transaction and integration expenses related to recent acquisitions. Special charges in the prior-year period were also primarily due to acquisition-related expenses. (See Tables 1-4 for supplemental disclosures regarding non-GAAP financial measures).

“We continued our strong momentum in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, again delivering higher cash flow and returns to our shareholders,” said Meredith Chairman and CEO Stephen M. Lacy. “Advertising trends strengthened, our recent acquisitions are performing above expectations, and our brands are stronger than ever with consumers across our media platforms and at retail.”

Looking more closely at Meredith’s fiscal 2015 second quarter compared to the prior-year period, excluding special charges:

Local Media Group revenues increased 50 percent to an all-time quarterly record $157 million. Operating profit and EBITDA also set records, growing more than 60 percent each to $60 million and $70 million, respectively. Growth was spurred by the addition of television stations KMOV in St. Louis, KTVK in Phoenix and WGGB in Springfield, Mass.; record political advertising; and higher net retransmission contribution.

National Media Group operating profit grew 7 percent and margin strengthened, driven by increased advertising revenues - including record fiscal second quarter digital advertising performance; improved performance by Meredith Xcelerated Marketing; and a 4 percent decrease in operating expenses.

Total Company digital advertising revenues grew 45 percent to an all-time quarterly record, driven by both recent acquisitions and organic growth. National Media Group digital advertising revenues increased nearly 45 percent, while Local Media Group digital advertising revenues grew more than 50 percent.

Consumer engagement expanded across Meredith’s media platforms. According to the latest Magazine Media 360 Brand Audience Report, Meredith’s national brands grew their multi-channel audience reach 20 percent to more than 230 million consumers on a monthly basis across print, digital, mobile and video. Meredith’s television stations delivered a strong November ratings book. Additionally, traffic to Meredith’s digital and mobile sites averaged nearly 70 million unique visitors per month, according to comScore.

Meredith continued to strategically expand its portfolio, including the acquisitions of television stations in Mobile-Pensacola and Springfield, Mass.; licensing the rights to operate the Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings media properties; and acquiring digital businesses Mywedding.com and Selectable Media. Earlier today, Meredith announced the acquisition of the Shape print and digital brand from American Media Inc. Meredith expects these portfolio additions will be accretive to earnings and cash flow in fiscal 2015, consistent with its Total Shareholder Return strategy.

1



Fiscal 2015 first half earnings per share grew 27 percent to $1.52 compared to $1.20 in the prior-year period. Excluding special charges in both periods, earnings per share rose 35 percent to $1.65 from $1.22 (See Tables 1-4). Total revenues rose 8 percent to $770 million. 

OPERATING GROUP DETAIL


LOCAL MEDIA GROUP

Meredith’s Local Media Group includes 17 owned or operated television stations reaching nearly 11 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, including seven stations in the nation’s Top 25 and 13 in Top 50 markets. Meredith’s stations produce approximately 650 hours of local news and entertainment content each week. Meredith expects to continue to grow its Local Media Group both organically and through strategic acquisitions.

Fiscal 2015 second quarter Local Media Group operating profit was $55 million. Excluding special charges, operating profit grew 64 percent to an all-time quarterly record of $60 million; EBITDA grew to a second quarter record of $70 million; and EBITDA margin was 44 percent. Revenues rose 50 percent to $157 million, also an all-time quarterly record.

Looking more closely at fiscal 2015 second quarter performance compared to the prior-year period:

Total advertising revenues increased 58 percent to $125 million, an all-time quarterly record.

Political advertising revenues were $29 million and totaled $42 million for the first half of fiscal 2015 - both record highs. In addition to contributions from newly acquired stations in St. Louis and Phoenix, Meredith’s existing stations in Phoenix, Hartford and Kansas City generated significant political dollars.

Non-political advertising revenues grew 22 percent to $95 million, benefiting from the recent acquisitions and strong digital advertising revenue performance.

Other revenues and operating expenses increased, due primarily to growth in retransmission revenues from cable and satellite television operators and higher programming fees paid to affiliated networks, along with contributions from recent acquisitions. Most of Meredith’s retransmission agreements with cable and satellite operators are scheduled for renegotiation in the next 24 months. Meanwhile, most of Meredith’s network affiliation agreements are in place into fiscal 2017 and beyond.

On Dec. 19, 2014, Meredith completed the acquisition of WALA, the Fox affiliate in Mobile-Pensacola, for $86 million. On Oct. 31, 2014, Meredith completed the acquisition of WGGB, the ABC affiliate in Springfield, Mass. for $53 million.

“Our television expansion strategy is producing strong revenue and profit growth,” said Meredith Local Media Group President Paul Karpowicz. “We will continue to look for opportunities to strategically add to our broadcasting portfolio, as well as drive growth through increased advertising and retransmission revenues.”

Fiscal 2015 first half Local Media Group operating profit was $91 million. Excluding special charges, operating profit grew 55 percent to $97 million; EBITDA grew 52 percent to $115 million; revenues rose 45 percent to $281 million - all records; and EBITDA margin was 41 percent.


NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP

Meredith’s National Media Group reaches a multi-channel audience of more than 230 million consumers monthly, including 100 million unduplicated women and 60 percent of American millennial women. Meredith is a leader at creating content across media platforms and life stages in key consumer interest areas such as food, home, parenthood and health. It also features robust brand licensing activities and innovative business-to-business marketing services. Meredith expects to continue to grow its National Media Group organically and through strategic acquisitions.

2



Fiscal 2015 second quarter National Media Group operating profit was $26 million. Excluding special charges, operating profit grew 7 percent to $30 million. Revenues were $242 million.

Looking more closely at fiscal 2015 second quarter performance compared to the prior-year period, excluding special charges:

Total advertising revenues grew to $117 million. Digital advertising revenues increased nearly 45 percent to a fiscal second quarter record, and accounted for an all-time high of more than 30 percent of total National Media Group advertising revenues. Growth was driven by strong results at Allrecipes.com, along with the addition of Marthastewart.com and Mywedding.com.

Circulation revenues were $59 million, compared to $68 million, primarily due to the Ladies Home Journal transition, partially offset by the addition of Allrecipes magazine, which increased its rate base to 1.1 million beginning with the February/March 2015 issue, up from 500,000 at launch a year ago.

Digital consumer marketing activities continued to expand, driving approximately one-third of magazine subscription acquisitions over the last 12 months.

Brand Licensing revenues grew to a second quarter record, driven by sales of more than 3,000 SKUs of Better Homes and Gardens licensed products at more than 4,000 Walmart stores nationwide and at Walmart.com.

Operating expenses declined 4 percent due to continued strong expense discipline.

Meredith’s consumer engagement continued to grow in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. According to the most current Magazine Media 360 report, Meredith has two of the three largest brands in the industry: Better Homes and Gardens (No. 2 with a total monthly audience of 53 million) and Allrecipes (No. 3 with a total monthly audience of 52 million).

“We’re pleased to report operating profit growth in the quarter, driven by higher advertising revenues, stronger performance from Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, and disciplined expense control,” said Meredith National Media Group President Tom Harty. “Looking ahead, we are excited about the marketplace response to the addition of the Martha Stewart Living media properties; our agreement to purchase Shape, the leader in the women’s active lifestyle category; and the enhanced digital native and engagement-based advertising capabilities from Selectable Media.”

Fiscal 2015 first half National Media Group operating profit was $55 million. Excluding special charges, operating profit grew 5 percent to $59 million, and operating margin grew to 12 percent. Revenues were $489 million, compared to $517 million in the prior-year period.


OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Consistent with its Total Shareholder Return (TSR) strategy, Meredith repurchased 362,000 shares of its stock in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, and $98 million remained under the current repurchase authorization. Total debt was $859 million and the weighted average interest rate was 2.4 percent, with $400 million effectively at a fixed rate. Meredith’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio for the trailing 12 months was 2.9 to 1. All metrics are as of December 31, 2014.

Key elements of Meredith’s TSR strategy are (1) An annual dividend of $1.73 per share (yielding approximately 3.5 percent), which reflects a 6 percent increase in the annual dividend over the prior year and a 70 percent increase since Meredith launched its TSR strategy in October 2011; (2) A share repurchase program with $98 million remaining under current authorizations; and (3) Ongoing investments to scale the business and increase shareholder value.

All earnings per share figures in the text of this release are diluted. Both basic and diluted earnings per share can be found in the attached Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. All fiscal 2015 second quarter and first half comparisons are against the comparable prior-year period unless otherwise stated.

3





OUTLOOK

Meredith expects full year fiscal 2015 earnings per share before special charges to range from $3.25 to $3.35, an increase from the previous range established on July 31, 2014.

The new and higher range reflects expected accretion of between $0.10 to $0.15 from the addition of the Martha Stewart media properties and the Shape brand to Meredith’s National Media Group; and WALA in Mobile-Pensacola to Meredith’s Local Media Group.

Looking more closely at the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the year-ago period:

Total Company revenues are expected to be up high-single digits.

Total Local Media Group revenues are expected to be up 25 to 30 percent.

Total National Media Group revenues are expected to be up low-single digits.

Meredith expects fiscal 2015 third quarter earnings per share to range from $0.66 to $0.71. While Meredith expects the addition of the Shape brand to be accretive to earnings for full fiscal 2015, Meredith expects it will be $0.04 dilutive to earnings per share in its third fiscal quarter. This is due to the timing of certain expenses occurring prior to the generation of revenue.

A number of uncertainties remain that may affect Meredith’s outlook as stated in this press release for the third quarter and full year fiscal 2015. These and other uncertainties are referenced below under “Safe Harbor” and in certain filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


CONFERENCE CALL WEBCAST

Meredith will host a conference call on January 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. EST to discuss fiscal 2015 second quarter results. A live webcast will be accessible to the public on the Company’s website, www.meredith.com, and a replay will be available for two weeks. A transcript will be available within 48 hours of the call at www.meredith.com.


RATIONALE FOR USE AND ACCESS TO NON-GAAP RESULTS

Management uses and presents GAAP and non-GAAP results to evaluate and communicate its performance. Non-GAAP measures should not be construed as alternatives to GAAP measures. EBITDA and EBITDA margin are common supplemental measures of performance used by investors and financial analysts. Management believes that EBITDA provides an additional analytical tool to clarify the Company’s results from core operations and delineate underlying trends. Management does not use EBITDA as a measure of liquidity or funds available for management’s discretionary use because it includes certain contractual and non-discretionary expenditures.

Results excluding special charges are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. While these adjusted results are not a substitute for reported results under GAAP, management believes this information is useful as an aid in better understanding Meredith’s current performance, performance trends and financial condition.  Reconciliations of non-GAAP to GAAP measures are attached to this press release and available at www.meredith.com.



4



SAFE HARBOR

This release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on management’s current knowledge and estimates of factors affecting the Company and its operations. Statements in this release that are forward-looking include, but are not limited to, the Company’s revenue and earnings per share outlook for third quarter and full year fiscal 2015.

Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could adversely affect future results include, but are not limited to, downturns in national and/or local economies; a softening of the domestic advertising market; world, national or local events that could disrupt broadcast television; increased consolidation among major advertisers or other events depressing the level of advertising spending; the unexpected loss or insolvency of one or more major clients or vendors; the integration of acquired businesses; changes in consumer reading, purchasing and/or television viewing patterns; increases in paper, postage, printing, syndicated programming or other costs; changes in television network affiliation agreements; technological developments affecting products or methods of distribution; changes in government regulations affecting the Company’s industries; increases in interest rates; and the consequences of acquisitions and/or dispositions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


ABOUT MEREDITH CORPORATION

Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com) has been committed to service journalism for more than 110 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms - including broadcast television, print, digital, mobile, tablets and video - to provide consumers with content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners.

Meredith’s Local Media Group includes 17 owned or operated television stations reaching 11 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25 - including Atlanta, Phoenix and Portland - and 13 in Top 50 markets. Meredith’s stations produce approximately 650 hours of local news and entertainment content each week, and operate leading local digital destinations.

Meredith’s National Media Group reaches a multi-channel audience of more than 230 million consumers monthly, including 100 million unduplicated women and 60 percent of American millennial women. Meredith is the leader in creating content across media platforms in key consumer interest areas such as food, home, parenthood and health through well-known brands such as Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Allrecipes. The National Media Group features robust brand licensing activities, including more than 3,000 SKUs of branded products at 4,000 Walmart stores across the U.S. Meredith Xcelerated Marketing is a leader at developing and delivering custom content and customer relationship marketing programs for many of the world’s top brands, including Kraft, Lowe’s and Chrysler.

Meredith’s balanced portfolio consistently generates substantial free cash flow, and the Company is committed to growing Total Shareholder Return through dividend payments, share repurchases and strategic business investments. Meredith’s current annualized dividend of $1.73 per share yields approximately 3.5 percent. Meredith has paid a dividend for 67 straight years and increased it for 21 consecutive years.


-- # # # # --

Shareholder/Financial Analyst Contact:
 
Media Contact:
Mike Lovell
 
Art Slusark
Director of Investor Relations
 
Chief Communications Officer
Phone: (515) 284-3622
 
Phone: (515) 284-3404
E-mail: Mike.Lovell@meredith.com
 
E-mail: Art.Slusark@meredith.com


5



Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

 
Three Months
 
Six Months
Periods ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
(In thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
241,422

 
$
193,531

 
$
459,453

 
$
392,078

Circulation
59,468

 
67,733

 
125,353

 
143,467

All other
98,015

 
92,784

 
185,283

 
174,955

Total revenues
398,905

 
354,048

 
770,089

 
710,500

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production, distribution, and editorial
140,283

 
132,216

 
282,170

 
272,993

Selling, general, and administrative
175,452

 
158,341

 
339,128

 
319,413

Depreciation and amortization
14,308

 
11,590

 
27,077

 
23,385

Total operating expenses
330,043

 
302,147

 
648,375

 
615,791

Income from operations
68,862

 
51,901

 
121,714

 
94,709

Interest expense, net
(4,785
)
 
(2,555
)
 
(9,027
)
 
(5,268
)
Earnings before income taxes
64,077

 
49,346

 
112,687

 
89,441

Income taxes
(24,486
)
 
(18,777
)
 
(43,731
)
 
(34,831
)
Net earnings
$
39,591

 
$
30,569

 
$
68,956

 
$
54,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.89

 
$
0.68

 
$
1.55

 
$
1.22

Basic average shares outstanding
44,483

 
44,696

 
44,471

 
44,672

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.87

 
$
0.67

 
$
1.52

 
$
1.20

Diluted average shares outstanding
45,268

 
45,619

 
45,224

 
45,499

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid per share
$
0.4325

 
$
0.4075

 
$
0.8650

 
$
0.8150




6



Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Segment Information (Unaudited)

 
Three Months
 
Six Months
Periods ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
116,774

 
$
114,543

 
$
242,006

 
$
248,227

Circulation
59,468

 
67,733

 
125,353

 
143,467

Other revenues
66,139

 
67,418

 
121,348

 
124,899

Total national media
242,381

 
249,694

 
488,707

 
516,593

Local media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-political advertising
95,326

 
78,270

 
175,162

 
142,622

Political advertising
29,322

 
718

 
42,285

 
1,229

Other revenues
31,876

 
25,366

 
63,935

 
50,056

Total local media
156,524

 
104,354

 
281,382

 
193,907

Total revenues
$
398,905

 
$
354,048

 
$
770,089

 
$
710,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
26,107

 
$
28,070

 
$
55,002

 
$
56,146

Local media
54,986

 
35,225

 
91,298

 
60,901

Unallocated corporate
(12,231
)
 
(11,394
)
 
(24,586
)
 
(22,338
)
Income from operations
$
68,862

 
$
51,901

 
$
121,714

 
$
94,709

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
3,487

 
$
4,783

 
$
7,112

 
$
9,733

Local media
10,395

 
6,399

 
19,110

 
12,832

Unallocated corporate
426

 
408

 
855

 
820

Total depreciation and amortization
$
14,308

 
$
11,590

 
$
27,077

 
$
23,385

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
29,594

 
$
32,853

 
$
62,114

 
$
65,879

Local media
65,381

 
41,624

 
110,408

 
73,733

Unallocated corporate
(11,805
)
 
(10,986
)
 
(23,731
)
 
(21,518
)
Total EBITDA 1
$
83,170

 
$
63,491

 
$
148,791

 
$
118,094


1 EBITDA is net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.


7



Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

Assets
December 31,
2014
 
June 30,
2014
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
18,123

 
$
36,587

Accounts receivable, net
 
289,658

 
257,644

Inventories
 
26,213

 
24,008

Current portion of subscription acquisition costs
 
97,609

 
96,893

Current portion of broadcast rights
 
12,083

 
4,551

Assets held for sale
 
54,610

 
32,900

Other current assets
 
24,381

 
17,429

Total current assets
 
522,677

 
470,012

Property, plant, and equipment
 
524,803

 
501,216

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(312,274
)
 
(296,168
)
Net property, plant, and equipment
 
212,529

 
205,048

Subscription acquisition costs
 
105,808

 
101,533

Broadcast rights
 
2,809

 
3,114

Other assets
 
87,419

 
86,935

Intangible assets, net
 
930,090

 
835,531

Goodwill
 
941,237

 
841,627

Total assets
 
$
2,802,569

 
$
2,543,800

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
62,500

 
$
87,500

Current portion of long-term broadcast rights payable
 
12,137

 
4,511

Accounts payable
 
76,308

 
81,402

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
149,186

 
136,047

Current portion of unearned subscription revenues
 
184,282

 
173,643

Total current liabilities
 
484,413

 
483,103

Long-term debt
 
796,250

 
627,500

Long-term broadcast rights payable
 
4,223

 
4,327

Unearned subscription revenues
 
166,464

 
151,533

Deferred income taxes
 
287,509

 
277,477

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
140,604

 
108,208

Total liabilities
 
1,879,463

 
1,652,148

Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
37,247

 
36,776

Class B stock
 
7,288

 
7,700

Additional paid-in capital
 
43,555

 
41,884

Retained earnings
 
844,189

 
814,050

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(9,173
)
 
(8,758
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
923,106

 
891,652

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
2,802,569

 
$
2,543,800




8



Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Six months ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
74,369

 
$
60,687

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisitions of and investments in businesses
(183,944
)
 
(879
)
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
(11,855
)
 
(11,272
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(195,799
)
 
(12,151
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
285,000

 
106,000

Repayments of long-term debt
(141,250
)
 
(116,000
)
Dividends paid
(38,817
)
 
(36,628
)
Purchases of Company stock
(36,177
)
 
(58,198
)
Proceeds from common stock issued
28,389

 
50,633

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
6,035

 
3,866

Other
(214
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
102,966

 
(50,327
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(18,464
)
 
(1,791
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
36,587

 
27,674

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
18,123

 
$
25,883




9



Table 1
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Special Items - The following table shows results of operations excluding special items and as reported with the difference being the special items. Results of operations excluding special items are non-GAAP measures. Management’s rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release.
Periods Ended December 31, 2014
Three Months
 
Six Months
 
Excluding Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
 
Excluding
Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
(In thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
241,422

 
$

 
$
241,422

 
$
459,453

 
$

 
$
459,453

Circulation
59,468

 

 
59,468

 
125,353

 

 
125,353

All other
98,015

 

 
98,015

 
185,283

 

 
185,283

Total revenues
398,905

 

 
398,905

 
770,089

 

 
770,089

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production, distribution, and editorial
140,283

 

 
140,283

 
282,170

 

 
282,170

Selling, general, and administrative
167,254

 
8,198

(a)
175,452

 
330,930

 
8,198

(a)
339,128

Depreciation and amortization
13,049

 
1,259

(b)
14,308

 
25,818

 
1,259

(b)
27,077

Total operating expenses
320,586

 
9,457

 
330,043

 
638,918

 
9,457

 
648,375

Income from operations
78,319

 
(9,457
)
 
68,862

 
131,171

 
(9,457
)
 
121,714

Interest expense, net
(4,785
)
 

 
(4,785
)
 
(9,027
)
 

 
(9,027
)
Earnings before income taxes
73,534

 
(9,457
)
 
64,077

 
122,144

 
(9,457
)
 
112,687

Income taxes
(28,127
)
 
3,641

 
(24,486
)
 
(47,372
)
 
3,641

 
(43,731
)
Net earnings
$
45,407

 
$
(5,816
)
 
$
39,591

 
$
74,772

 
$
(5,816
)
 
$
68,956

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
1.02

 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
0.89

 
$
1.68

 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
1.55

Basic average shares outstanding
44,483

 
44,483

 
44,483

 
44,471

 
44,471

 
44,471

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.00

 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
0.87

 
$
1.65

 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
1.52

Diluted average shares outstanding
45,268

 
45,268

 
45,268

 
45,224

 
45,224

 
45,224

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Severance costs of $5.3 million, acquisition and disposal transaction costs of $2.7 million, and other write-downs and accruals of $0.2 million
(b) Write-down video production fixed assets


10



Table 2
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Special Items - The following table shows results of operations excluding special items and as reported with the difference being the special items. Results of operations excluding special items are non-GAAP measures. Management’s rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release.
Periods Ended December 31, 2014
Three Months
 
Six Months
 
Excluding Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
 
Excluding
Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
116,774

 
$

 
$
116,774

 
$
242,006

 
$

 
$
242,006

Circulation
59,468

 

 
59,468

 
125,353

 

 
125,353

Other revenues
66,139

 

 
66,139

 
121,348

 

 
121,348

Total national media
242,381

 

 
242,381

 
488,707

 

 
488,707

Local media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-political advertising
95,326

 

 
95,326

 
175,162

 

 
175,162

Political advertising
29,322

 

 
29,322

 
42,285

 

 
42,285

Other revenues
31,876

 

 
31,876

 
63,935

 

 
63,935

Total local media
156,524

 

 
156,524

 
281,382

 

 
281,382

Total revenues
$
398,905

 
$

 
$
398,905

 
$
770,089

 
$

 
$
770,089

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
30,175

 
$
(4,068
)
(a)
$
26,107

 
$
59,070

 
$
(4,068
)
(a)
$
55,002

Local media
60,375

 
(5,389
)
(b)
54,986

 
96,687

 
(5,389
)
(b)
91,298

Unallocated corporate
(12,231
)
 

 
(12,231
)
 
(24,586
)
 
 
 
(24,586
)
Income from operations
$
78,319

 
$
(9,457
)
 
$
68,862

 
$
131,171

 
$
(9,457
)
 
$
121,714

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
3,487

 
$

 
$
3,487

 
$
7,112

 
$

 
$
7,112

Local media
9,136

 
1,259

(c)
10,395

 
17,851

 
1,259

(c)
19,110

Unallocated corporate
426

 

 
426

 
855

 

 
855

Total depreciation and amortization
$
13,049

 
$
1,259

 
$
14,308

 
$
25,818

 
$
1,259

 
$
27,077

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
33,662

 
$
(4,068
)
 
$
29,594

 
$
66,182

 
$
(4,068
)
 
$
62,114

Local media
69,511

 
(4,130
)
 
65,381

 
114,538

 
(4,130
)
 
110,408

Unallocated corporate
(11,805
)
 

 
(11,805
)
 
(23,731
)
 

 
(23,731
)
Total EBITDA1
$
91,368

 
$
(8,198
)
 
$
83,170

 
$
156,989

 
$
(8,198
)
 
$
148,791

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Local media EBITDA1 margin
44.4
%
 
 
 
41.8
%
 
40.7
%
 
 
 
39.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 EBITDA is net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Severance costs of $3.6 million and acquisition transaction costs of $0.5 million
(b) Acquisition and disposal transaction costs of $2.3 million, severance costs of $1.6 million, write-down of video production fixed assets of $1.3 million,
     and other write-downs and accruals of $0.2 million
(c) Write-down of video production fixed assets

11



Table 3
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Special items - The following table shows results of operations excluding special items and as reported with the difference being the special items. Results of operations excluding special items are non-GAAP measures. Management’s rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release.
Periods Ended December 31, 2013
Three Months
 
Six Months
 
Excluding Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
 
Excluding
Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
(In thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
193,531

 
$

 
$
193,531

 
$
392,078

 
$

 
$
392,078

Circulation
67,733

 

 
67,733

 
143,467

 

 
143,467

All other
92,784

 

 
92,784

 
174,955

 

 
174,955

Total revenues
354,048

 

 
354,048

 
710,500

 

 
710,500

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production, distribution, and editorial
132,216

 

 
132,216

 
272,993

 

 
272,993

Selling, general, and administrative
156,776

 
1,565

(a)
158,341

 
317,848

 
1,565

(a)
319,413

Depreciation and amortization
11,590

 

 
11,590

 
23,385

 

 
23,385

Total operating expenses
300,582

 
1,565

 
302,147

 
614,226

 
1,565

 
615,791

Income from operations
53,466

 
(1,565
)
 
51,901

 
96,274

 
(1,565
)
 
94,709

Interest expense, net
(2,555
)
 

 
(2,555
)
 
(5,268
)
 

 
(5,268
)
Earnings before income taxes
50,911

 
(1,565
)
 
49,346

 
91,006

 
(1,565
)
 
89,441

Income taxes
(19,380
)
 
603

 
(18,777
)
 
(35,434
)
 
603

 
(34,831
)
Net earnings
$
31,531

 
$
(962
)
 
$
30,569

 
$
55,572

 
$
(962
)
 
$
54,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.70

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.68

 
$
1.24

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
1.22

Basic average shares outstanding
44,696

 
44,696

 
44,696

 
44,672

 
44,672

 
44,672

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.69

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.67

 
$
1.22

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
1.20

Diluted average shares outstanding
45,619

 
45,619

 
45,619

 
45,499

 
45,499

 
45,499

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Acquisition transaction costs

12



Table 4
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Special Items - The following table shows results of operations excluding special items and as reported with the difference being the special items. Results of operations excluding special items are non-GAAP measures. Management’s rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release.

Periods Ended December 31, 2013
Three Months
 
Six Months
 
Excluding Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
 
Excluding
Special Items
 
Special Items
 
As Reported
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
114,543

 
$

 
$
114,543

 
$
248,227

 
$

 
$
248,227

Circulation
67,733

 

 
67,733

 
143,467

 

 
143,467

Other revenues
67,418

 

 
67,418

 
124,899

 

 
124,899

Total national media
249,694

 

 
249,694

 
516,593

 

 
516,593

Local media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-political advertising
78,270

 

 
78,270

 
142,622

 

 
142,622

Political advertising
718

 

 
718

 
1,229

 

 
1,229

Other revenues
25,366

 

 
25,366

 
50,056

 

 
50,056

Total local media
104,354

 

 
104,354

 
193,907

 

 
193,907

Total revenues
$
354,048

 
$

 
$
354,048

 
$
710,500

 
$

 
$
710,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
28,070

 
$

 
$
28,070

 
$
56,146

 
$

 
$
56,146

Local media
36,790

 
(1,565
)
(a)
35,225

 
62,466

 
(1,565
)
(a)
60,901

Unallocated corporate
(11,394
)
 

 
(11,394
)
 
(22,338
)
 

 
(22,338
)
Income from operations
$
53,466

 
$
(1,565
)
 
$
51,901

 
$
96,274

 
$
(1,565
)
 
$
94,709

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
4,783

 
$

 
$
4,783

 
$
9,733

 
$

 
$
9,733

Local media
6,399

 

 
6,399

 
12,832

 

 
12,832

Unallocated corporate
408

 

 
408

 
820

 

 
820

Total depreciation and amortization
$
11,590

 
$

 
$
11,590

 
$
23,385

 
$

 
$
23,385

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
32,853

 
$

 
$
32,853

 
$
65,879

 
$

 
$
65,879

Local media
43,189

 
(1,565
)
(a)
41,624

 
75,298

 
(1,565
)
(a)
73,733

Unallocated corporate
(10,986
)
 

 
(10,986
)
 
(21,518
)
 

 
(21,518
)
Total EBITDA1
$
65,056

 
$
(1,565
)
 
$
63,491

 
$
119,659

 
$
(1,565
)
 
$
118,094

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Local media EBITDA1 margin
41.4
%
 
 
 
39.9
%
 
38.8
%
 
 
 
38.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 EBITDA is net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Acquisition transaction costs

13



Table 5
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA
Consolidated EBITDA, which is reconciled to net earnings in the following tables, is defined as net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
Segment EBITDA is a measure of segment earnings before depreciation and amortization.
Segment EBITDA margin is defined as segment EBITDA divided by segment revenues.

 
Three months ended December 31, 2014
 
National Media
 
Local
Media
 
Unallocated Corporate
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
242,381

 
$
156,524

 
$

 
$
398,905

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
$
26,107

 
$
54,986

 
$
(12,231
)
 
$
68,862

Depreciation and amortization
3,487

 
10,395

 
426

 
14,308

EBITDA
$
29,594

 
$
65,381

 
$
(11,805
)
 
83,170

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14,308
)
Net interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,785
)
Income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
(24,486
)
Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
39,591

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA margin
12.2
%
 
41.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended December 31, 2013
 
National Media
 
Local
Media
 
Unallocated Corporate
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
249,694

 
$
104,354

 
$

 
$
354,048

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
$
28,070

 
$
35,225

 
$
(11,394
)
 
$
51,901

Depreciation and amortization
4,783

 
6,399

 
408

 
11,590

EBITDA
$
32,853

 
$
41,624

 
$
(10,986
)
 
63,491

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
(11,590
)
Net interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,555
)
Income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
(18,777
)
Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
30,569

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA margin
13.2
%
 
39.9
%
 
 
 
 


14



 
Six months ended December 31, 2014
 
National Media
 
Local
Media
 
Unallocated Corporate
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
488,707

 
$
281,382

 
$

 
$
770,089

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
$
55,002

 
$
91,298

 
$
(24,586
)
 
$
121,714

Depreciation and amortization
7,112

 
19,110

 
855

 
27,077

EBITDA
$
62,114

 
$
110,408

 
$
(23,731
)
 
148,791

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
(27,077
)
Net interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,027
)
Income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
(43,731
)
Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
68,956

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA margin
12.7
%
 
39.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended December 31, 2013
 
National Media
 
Local
Media
 
Unallocated Corporate
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
516,593

 
$
193,907

 
$

 
$
710,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
$
56,146

 
$
60,901

 
$
(22,338
)
 
$
94,709

Depreciation and amortization
9,733

 
12,832

 
820

 
23,385

EBITDA
$
65,879

 
$
73,733

 
$
(21,518
)
 
118,094

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
(23,385
)
Net interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5,268
)
Income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
(34,831
)
Net earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
54,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA margin
12.8
%
 
38.0
%
 
 
 
 


15