NEWS CORP - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)
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UNITED STATES
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 March 31, 2016
or
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-35769
NEWS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 46-2950970 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York | 10036 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code (212) 416-3400
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | x | Accelerated filer | ¨ | Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | Smaller reporting company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of April 29, 2016, 380,353,893 shares of Class A Common Stock and 199,630,240 shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding.
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NEWS CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
Page | ||||||||
Part I. Financial Information |
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Item 1. | Financial Statements |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 (unaudited) and June 30, 2015 (audited) |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited) |
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Item 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
33 | ||||||
Item 3. | 55 | |||||||
Item 4. | 56 | |||||||
Item 1. | 57 | |||||||
Item 1A. | 61 | |||||||
Item 2. | 74 | |||||||
Item 3. | 74 | |||||||
Item 4. | 74 | |||||||
Item 5. | 74 | |||||||
Item 6. | 75 | |||||||
76 |
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NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; millions, except per share amounts)
For the three
months ended March 31, |
For the nine
months ended March 31, |
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Notes | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
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Advertising |
$ | 816 | $ | 904 | $ | 2,672 | $ | 2,862 | ||||||||||||
Circulation and Subscription |
615 | 638 | 1,875 | 1,954 | ||||||||||||||||
Consumer |
343 | 385 | 1,164 | 1,223 | ||||||||||||||||
Other |
117 | 114 | 355 | 368 | ||||||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
1,891 | 2,041 | 6,066 | 6,407 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(1,084 | ) | (1,204 | ) | (3,476 | ) | (3,737 | ) | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(649 | ) | (653 | ) | (1,987 | ) | (1,940 | ) | ||||||||||||
NAM Group settlement charge |
10 | (280 | ) | | (280 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(126 | ) | (124 | ) | (370 | ) | (375 | ) | ||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
4 | (24 | ) | (10 | ) | (63 | ) | (31 | ) | |||||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
5 | 2 | 7 | 25 | 48 | |||||||||||||||
Interest, net |
11 | 12 | 34 | 42 | ||||||||||||||||
Other, net |
14 | 33 | 12 | 32 | 70 | |||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) |
(226 | ) | 81 | (19 | ) | 484 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
12 | 98 | (25 | ) | 140 | (137 | ) | |||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations |
(128 | ) | 56 | 121 | 347 | |||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
3 | (2 | ) | (22 | ) | 20 | (62 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income |
(130 | ) | 34 | 141 | 285 | |||||||||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(19 | ) | (11 | ) | (52 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income attributable to News Corporation stockholders |
$ | (149 | ) | $ | 23 | $ | 89 | $ | 231 | |||||||||||
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Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share: |
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(Loss) income from continuing operations available to News Corporation stockholders per share |
$ | (0.26 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.51 | |||||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations available to News Corporation stockholders per share |
| (0.04 | ) | 0.03 | (0.11 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income available to News Corporation stockholders per share |
$ | (0.26 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.40 | |||||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited; millions)
For the three
months ended March 31, |
For the nine
months ended March 31, |
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2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
$ | (130 | ) | $ | 34 | $ | 141 | $ | 285 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
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Foreign currency translation adjustments |
66 | (315 | ) | (290 | ) | (1,245 | ) | |||||||||
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities, net(a) |
14 | 10 | (2 | ) | 15 | |||||||||||
Benefit plan adjustments, net(b) |
16 | 13 | 41 | 44 | ||||||||||||
Share of other comprehensive (loss) income from equity affiliates, net(c) |
(15 | ) | 1 | (13 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
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Other comprehensive income (loss) |
81 | (291 | ) | (264 | ) | (1,187 | ) | |||||||||
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Comprehensive loss |
(49 | ) | (257 | ) | (123 | ) | (902 | ) | ||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(19 | ) | (11 | ) | (52 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||||||
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(3 | ) | (2 | ) | 1 | 23 | ||||||||||
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Comprehensive loss attributable to News Corporation stockholders |
$ | (71 | ) | $ | (270 | ) | $ | (174 | ) | $ | (933 | ) | ||||
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(a) | Net of income tax expense of $7 million and $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and income tax expense of nil and $10 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. |
(b) | Net of income tax expense of $4 million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and income tax expense of $10 million and $11 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. |
(c) | Net of income tax (benefit) of ($7) million and nil for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and income tax (benefit) of ($6) million and ($1) million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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NEWS CORPORATION
(Millions, except share and per share amounts)
Notes |
As
of March 31, 2016 |
As
of June 30, 2015 |
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(unaudited) | (audited) | |||||||||||
Assets: |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1,972 | $ | 1,951 | ||||||||
Receivables, net |
14 | 1,254 | 1,283 | |||||||||
Other current assets |
14 | 679 | 780 | |||||||||
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Total current assets |
3,905 | 4,014 | ||||||||||
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Non-current assets: |
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Investments |
5 | 2,264 | 2,379 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
2,499 | 2,690 | ||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
2,229 | 2,203 | ||||||||||
Goodwill |
3,681 | 3,063 | ||||||||||
Deferred income tax assets |
666 | 219 | ||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
14 | 472 | 467 | |||||||||
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Total assets |
$ | 15,716 | $ | 15,035 | ||||||||
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Liabilities and Equity: |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
$ | 227 | $ | 238 | ||||||||
Accrued expenses |
1,439 | 1,125 | ||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
378 | 346 | ||||||||||
Other current liabilities |
14 | 604 | 401 | |||||||||
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Total current liabilities |
2,648 | 2,110 | ||||||||||
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Non-current liabilities: |
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Borrowings |
6 | 369 | | |||||||||
Retirement benefit obligations |
11 | 281 | 305 | |||||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities |
200 | 166 | ||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
353 | 318 | ||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
10 | |||||||||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
20 | 20 | ||||||||||
Class A common stock(a) |
4 | 4 | ||||||||||
Class B common stock(b) |
2 | 2 | ||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
12,425 | 12,433 | ||||||||||
Retained earnings |
60 | 88 | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(845 | ) | (582 | ) | ||||||||
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Total News Corporation stockholders equity |
11,646 | 11,945 | ||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
199 | 171 | ||||||||||
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Total equity |
7 | 11,845 | 12,116 | |||||||||
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Total liabilities and equity |
$ | 15,716 | $ | 15,035 | ||||||||
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(a) | Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share (Class A Common Stock), 1,500,000,000 shares authorized, 380,286,788 and 381,914,964 shares issued and outstanding, net of 27,368,413 treasury shares at par, at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively. |
(b) | Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share (Class B Common Stock), 750,000,000 shares authorized, 199,630,240 shares issued and outstanding, net of 78,430,424 treasury shares at par, at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; millions)
For the nine months ended March 31, |
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Notes | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||
Operating activities: |
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Net income |
$ | 141 | $ | 285 | ||||||||
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
20 | (62 | ) | |||||||||
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Income from continuing operations: |
121 | 347 | ||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
370 | 375 | ||||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
5 | (25 | ) | (48 | ) | |||||||
Cash distributions received from affiliates |
31 | 69 | ||||||||||
Other, net |
14 | (32 | ) | (70 | ) | |||||||
Deferred income taxes and taxes payable |
12 | (217 | ) | 61 | ||||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |
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Receivables and other assets |
(12 | ) | 51 | |||||||||
Inventories, net |
(37 | ) | (43 | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable and other liabilities |
414 | 102 | ||||||||||
Pension and postretirement benefit plans |
(24 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||||||
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Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations |
589 | 826 | ||||||||||
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Investing activities: |
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Capital expenditures |
(180 | ) | (218 | ) | ||||||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
(486 | ) | (1,188 | ) | ||||||||
Investments in equity affiliates and other |
(62 | ) | (257 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from dispositions |
4 | 134 | ||||||||||
Other |
21 | 16 | ||||||||||
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Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations |
(703 | ) | (1,513 | ) | ||||||||
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Financing activities: |
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Borrowings |
6 | 342 | | |||||||||
Repayment of borrowings acquired in the Move acquisition |
| (129 | ) | |||||||||
Repurchase of shares |
(41 | ) | | |||||||||
Dividends paid |
(88 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||||
Other, net |
(9 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations |
204 | (160 | ) | |||||||||
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations |
90 | (847 | ) | |||||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations |
(51 | ) | (174 | ) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
1,951 | 3,145 | ||||||||||
Exchange movement on opening cash balance |
(18 | ) | (97 | ) | ||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 1,972 | $ | 2,027 | ||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
News Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, News Corporation, News Corp, the Company, we, or us) is a global diversified media and information services company comprised of businesses across a range of media, including: news and information services, book publishing, digital real estate services, cable network programming in Australia and pay-TV distribution in Australia.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, management approved a plan to dispose of the Companys digital education business. As a result of the plan and the discontinuation of further significant business activities in the Digital Education segment, the assets and liabilities of this segment were classified as held for sale and the results of operations have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements relates to the Companys continuing operations. (See Note 3Discontinued Operations).
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are referred to herein as the Financial Statements, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these Financial Statements. Operating results for the interim period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016. The preparation of the Companys Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Intracompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Equity investments in which the Company exercises significant influence but does not exercise control and is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company is not able to exercise significant influence over the investee are designated as available-for-sale if readily determinable fair values are available. If an investments fair value is not readily determinable, the Company accounts for its investment under the cost method.
The consolidated statements of operations are referred to herein as the Statements of Operations. The consolidated balance sheets are referred to herein as the Balance Sheets. The consolidated statements of cash flows are referred to herein as the Statements of Cash Flows.
The accompanying Financial Statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 13, 2015 (the 2015 Form 10-K).
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. The financial results of the Digital Education segment have been recorded as discontinued operations for all periods presented (See Note 3Discontinued Operations).
The Companys fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to June 30. Fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 include 53 and 52 weeks, respectively. All references to the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 relate to the three months ended March 27, 2016 and March 29, 2015, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of March 31.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 removes inconsistencies and differences in existing revenue requirements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will require companies to use more judgment and make more estimates, such as identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, when determining the amount of revenue to recognize. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning July 1, 2018. Once effective, ASU 2014-09 can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption to be utilized as well as the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on its Financial Statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (ASU 2016-08). The amendments in ASU 2016-08 clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. ASU 2016-08 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-08 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, CompensationStock Compensation (Topic 718) (ASU 2014-12). ASU 2014-12 clarifies guidance and eliminates diversity in practice on how to account for share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. That is, the employee would be eligible to vest in the award regardless of whether the employee is rendering service on the date the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning July 1, 2016, however, early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-12 to have a significant impact on its Financial Statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-04, CompensationRetirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employers Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets (ASU 2015-04). ASU 2015-04 allows reporting entities with fiscal year-ends that do not coincide with a month-end to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entitys fiscal year-end and apply this practical expedient consistently from year to year. The practical expedient should be applied consistently to all plans if an entity has more than one plan. ASU 2015-04 is effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2015-04 should be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-04 to have a significant impact on its Financial Statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customers Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (ASU 2015-05). ASU 2015-05 clarifies guidance about whether a customers cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance will not change GAAP for customers accounting for service contracts. In addition, the guidance in this update supersedes paragraph 350-40-25-16. Consequently, all software licenses
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
within the scope of Subtopic 350-40 will be accounted for consistent with other licenses of intangible assets. The amendment can either be adopted prospectively for all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date or retrospectively. ASU 2015-05 is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning July 1, 2016, however, early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-05 to have a significant impact on its Financial Statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (ASU 2015-16). ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. Under the amendment, adjustments that are identified during the measurement period are recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU 2015-16 requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2015-16 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-16 to have a significant impact on its Financial Statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17). ASU 2015-17 amends existing guidance to require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and eliminates the prior guidance which required an entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current and non-current amount in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As permitted by ASU 2015-17, the Company early-adopted this standard and applied it prospectively. The prior periods have not been retroactively adjusted as a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial InstrumentsOverall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01). The amendments in ASU 2016-01 address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-01 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). The amendments in ASU 2016-02 address certain aspects in lease accounting, with the most significant impact for lessees. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 require lessees to recognize all leases on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, and lessor accounting has been updated to align with the new requirements for lessees. The new standard also provides changes to the existing sale-leaseback guidance. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, InvestmentsEquity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting (ASU 2016-07). The amendments in ASU 2016-07 address recognition and measurement of equity investments. The amendments in this update eliminate the requirement to retroactively adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. ASU 2016-07 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2018. As permitted by ASU 2016-07, the Company early-adopted this standard and does not expect it to have a significant impact on its financial statements.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSALS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Fiscal 2016
Checkout 51 Mobile Apps ULC
In July 2015, the Company acquired Checkout 51 Mobile Apps ULC (Checkout 51) for approximately $13 million in cash at closing and up to approximately $28 million in future cash consideration related to payments contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. Checkout 51 is a data-driven digital coupon company that provides News America Marketing with a leading receipt recognition mobile app which enables retailers to reach consumers with highly personalized marketing campaigns. Checkout 51s results are included within the Companys News and Information Services segment.
Unruly Holdings Limited
On September 30, 2015, the Company acquired Unruly Holdings Limited (Unruly) for approximately £60 million (approximately $90 million) in cash and up to £56 million (approximately $86 million) in future cash consideration related to payments primarily contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recognized a liability of approximately $40 million related to the contingent consideration. The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated by applying a probability-weighted income approach. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other (ASC 350), $42 million of the purchase price has been allocated to acquired technology with a weighted-average useful life of 7 years, $25 million has been allocated to customer relationships and tradenames with a weighted-average useful life of 6 years and $67 million has been allocated to goodwill. The values assigned to the acquired assets and liabilities are based on estimates of fair value available as of the date of this filing and will be adjusted upon completion of final valuations of certain assets and liabilities. Any changes in these fair values could potentially result in an adjustment to the goodwill recorded for this transaction. Unruly is a leading global video distribution platform that is focused on delivering branded video advertising across websites and mobile devices. Unrulys results of operations are included within the News and Information Services segment, and it is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Companys annual goodwill impairment review.
DIAKRIT International Limited
In February 2016, the Company acquired a 92% interest in DIAKRIT International Limited (DIAKRIT) for approximately $40 million in cash. The Company also has the option to purchase, and the minority shareholders have the option to sell to the Company, the remaining 8% in two tranches over the next six years at fair value. DIAKRIT is a digital visualization solutions company that helps homeowners see the potential in their future living environment with digital visualization solutions that enable them to plan, furnish and decorate their dream home, while also helping agents and developers generate more buyer inquiries and accelerate their property sale processes. DIAKRITs results are included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment, and it is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Companys annual goodwill impairment review.
iProperty Group Limited
In February 2016, REA Group Limited (REA Group), in which the Company holds a 61.6% interest, increased its investment in iProperty Group Limited (ASX:IPP) (iProperty) from 22.7% to approximately 86.9% for A$482 million in cash (approximately $340 million). The remaining 13.1% not currently owned will become mandatorily redeemable during fiscal 2018. As a result, the Company recognized a liability of approximately $80 million, which reflects the present value of the amount expected to be paid for the remaining interest based on the formula specified in the acquisition agreement. The acquisition was funded primarily with the proceeds from
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
borrowings under an unsecured syndicated revolving loan facility. Refer to Note 6Borrowings for further details of the facility entered into in connection with the acquisition. The acquisition of iProperty extends REA Groups market leading business in Australia to attractive markets throughout Southeast Asia. iProperty is a subsidiary of REA Group, and its results are included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment.
In accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, REA Group recognized a gain of $29 million resulting from the revaluation of its previously held equity interest in iProperty in Other, net in the Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016. In accordance with ASC 350, the excess purchase price, including the revalued previously held investment, was allocated to intangibles assets of approximately $67 million and goodwill of approximately $505 million. The values assigned to the acquired assets and liabilities are based on estimates of fair value available as of the date of this filing and will be adjusted upon completion of final valuations of certain assets and liabilities. Any changes in these fair values could potentially result in an adjustment to the goodwill recorded for this transaction.
Fiscal 2015
Harlequin Enterprises Limited
In August 2014, the Company acquired Harlequin Enterprises Limited (Harlequin) from Torstar Corporation for $414 million in cash, net of $19 million of cash acquired. Harlequin is a leading publisher of womens fiction and extends HarperCollins global platform, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific. Harlequin is a subsidiary of HarperCollins, and its results are included within the Book Publishing segment. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded net tangible assets of approximately $115 million, primarily consisting of accounts receivable, accounts payable, author advances, property, plant and equipment and inventory, at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. In addition, the Company recorded approximately $165 million of intangible assets, comprised of approximately $105 million of imprints which have an indefinite life and $60 million related to finite lived intangible assets with a weighted average life of approximately 5 years, and recorded an associated deferred tax liability of approximately $35 million. In accordance with ASC 350, the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets of approximately $185 million was recorded as goodwill on the transaction.
Move, Inc.
In November 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Move, Inc. (Move), which was a publicly traded company, for $21.00 per share in cash. Move is a leading provider of online real estate services, and the acquisition expanded the Companys digital real estate services business into the U.S., one of the largest real estate markets. Move primarily operates realtor.com®, a premier real estate information and services marketplace. Move also offers a number of professional software and services products, including Top Producer®, TigerLead® and ListHubTM. Moves results of operations are included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment, and it is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Companys annual goodwill impairment review.
The aggregate cash payment at closing to acquire the outstanding shares of Move was approximately $864 million, which was funded with cash on hand. The Company also assumed outstanding Move equity-based compensation awards with a fair value of $67 million, consisting of vested and unvested stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and restricted stock awards. Of the total fair value of the assumed equity-based compensation awards, $28 million was allocated to pre-combination services and included in total consideration transferred and $39 million was allocated to future services and is being expensed over the weighted average
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
remaining service period of 2.5 years. Refer to Note 8Equity Based Compensation for further details on the conversion of Moves equity-based compensation awards. In addition, following the acquisition, the Company utilized approximately $129 million of cash to settle all of Moves outstanding indebtedness that was assumed as part of the transaction. The total transaction value for the Move acquisition is set forth below (in millions):
Cash paid for Move equity |
$ | 864 | ||
Assumed equity-based compensation awardspre-combination services |
28 | |||
|
|
|||
Total consideration transferred |
$ | 892 | ||
Plus: Assumed debt |
129 | |||
Plus: Assumed equity-based compensation awardspost-combination services |
39 | |||
Less: Cash acquired |
(108 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total transaction value |
$ | 952 | ||
|
|
REA Group acquired a 20% interest in Move upon closing of the transaction. In connection with the acquisition, the Company granted REA Group a put option to require the Company to purchase REA Groups interest in Move, which can be exercised at any time beginning two years from the date of acquisition at fair value.
Under the purchase method of accounting, the total consideration transferred is allocated to net tangible and intangible assets based upon the fair value as of the date of completion of the acquisition. The excess of the total consideration transferred over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The allocation is as follows (in millions):
Assets acquired: |
||||
Cash |
$ | 108 | ||
Other current assets |
28 | |||
Intangible assets |
216 | |||
Deferred income taxes |
153 | |||
Goodwill |
552 | |||
Other noncurrent assets |
69 | |||
|
|
|||
Total assets acquired |
$ | 1,126 | ||
|
|
|||
Liabilities assumed: |
||||
Current liabilities |
$ | 50 | ||
Deferred income taxes |
52 | |||
Borrowings |
129 | |||
Other noncurrent liabilities |
3 | |||
|
|
|||
Total liabilities assumed |
234 | |||
|
|
|||
Net assets acquired |
$ | 892 | ||
|
|
The acquired intangible assets relate to the license of the realtor.com® trademark, which has a fair value of approximately $116 million and an indefinite life, and customer relationships, other tradenames and certain multiple listing service agreements with an aggregate fair value of approximately $100 million, which are being amortized over a weighted-average useful life of approximately 15 years. The Company also acquired technology, primarily associated with the realtor.com® website, that has a fair value of approximately $39 million, which is being amortized over 4 years. The acquired technology has been recorded in Property, Plant and Equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2016.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Move had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) of $947 million ($332 million tax-effected) at the date of acquisition. These NOLs are subject to limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The utilization of these NOLs is dependent on generating sufficient U.S. taxable income prior to expiration which begins in varying amounts starting in 2017. Valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits were recorded against these NOLs in the amount of $484 million ($170 million tax-effected) as part of the purchase price allocation. The deferred tax assets established for these NOLs, net of valuation allowance and unrecognized benefits, are included in Deferred income tax assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Based on this, the Company expected approximately $463 million of the NOLs could be utilized, and accordingly, the Company had recorded a net deferred tax asset of $162 million as part of the purchase price allocation. As a result of managements plan to dispose of the digital education business, the Company increased its estimated utilization of the Move NOLs by $167 million ($58 million tax-effected) and released the valuation allowance equal to that amount. As of March 31, 2016, the expected utilization of the Move NOLs is $630 million ($220 million tax-effected).
NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, management approved a plan to dispose of the Companys digital education business. As a result of the plan and the discontinuation of further significant business activities in the Digital Education segment, the assets and liabilities of this segment were classified as held for sale and the results of operations have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented in accordance with ASC 205-20, Discontinued Operations.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recognized a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $76 million reflecting a write down of the digital education business to its fair value less costs to sell. In addition, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $144 million upon reclassification of the Digital Education segment to discontinued operations. These amounts are included in Loss before income tax benefit and Income tax benefit, respectively, in the table below for the nine months ended March 31, 2016.
On September 30, 2015, the Company sold the Amplify Insight and Amplify Learning businesses. Included within Loss before income tax benefit for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 was approximately $17 million in severance and lease termination costs which were incurred in conjunction with the sale.
The following table summarizes the results of operations from the discontinued segment:
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | | $ | 21 | $ | 27 | $ | 85 | ||||||||
Loss before income tax benefit |
(3 | ) | (29 | ) | (154 | ) | (92 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax benefit |
1 | 7 | 174 | 30 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | (2 | ) | $ | (22 | ) | $ | 20 | $ | (62 | ) | |||||
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table summarizes the cash flows from discontinued operations:
For the nine months ended March 31, |
||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
$ | (66 | ) | $ | (124 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
15 | (50 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | (51 | ) | $ | (174 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
Assets and liabilities held for sale related to discontinued operations as of March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015 are included in Other current liabilities and Other current assets, respectively, in the Balance Sheets as follows:
As
of March 31, 2016 |
As
of June 30, 2015 |
|||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 1 | $ | 54 | ||||
Non-current assets |
| 100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 1 | $ | 154 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Current Liabilities |
11 | 46 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities |
| 16 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 11 | $ | 62 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net (liabilities) assets held for sale |
$ | (10 | ) | $ | 92 | |||
|
|
|
|
NOTE 4. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
Fiscal 2016
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $24 million and $63 million, respectively, of which $24 million and $56 million, respectively, related to the News and Information Services segment. The restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2016 were primarily for employee termination benefits.
Fiscal 2015
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $10 million and $31 million, respectively, of which $8 million and $26 million, respectively, related to the News and Information Services segment. The restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2015 were primarily for employee termination benefits.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Changes in restructuring program liabilities were as follows:
For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One
time employee termination benefits |
Facility related costs |
Other costs | Total | One
time employee termination benefits |
Facility related costs |
Other costs | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 27 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 39 | $ | 17 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 29 | ||||||||||||||||
Additions |
24 | | | 24 | 10 | | | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payments |
(17 | ) | | | (17 | ) | (11 | ) | | | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ | 34 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 46 | $ | 16 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 28 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the nine months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One
time employee termination benefits |
Facility related costs |
Other costs | Total | One
time employee termination benefits |
Facility related costs |
Other costs | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 47 | $ | 5 | $ | 6 | $ | 58 | $ | 21 | $ | 7 | $ | | $ | 28 | ||||||||||||||||
Additions |
62 | 1 | | 63 | 24 | | 7 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payments |
(71 | ) | | | (71 | ) | (27 | ) | (1 | ) | | (28 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other |
(4 | ) | | | (4 | ) | (2 | ) | | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ | 34 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 46 | $ | 16 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 28 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2016, restructuring liabilities of approximately $36 million were included in the Balance Sheet in Other current liabilities and $10 million were included in Other non-current liabilities.
NOTE 5. INVESTMENTS
The Companys investments were comprised of the following:
Ownership Percentage as of March 31, 2016 |
As
of March 31, 2016 |
As
of June 30, 2015 |
||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||
Equity method investments: |
||||||||||||
Foxtel(a) |
50 | % | $ | 1,427 | $ | 1,476 | ||||||
Other equity method investments(b) |
various | 107 | 168 | |||||||||
Loan receivable from Foxtel(c) |
N/A | 339 | 345 | |||||||||
Available-for-sale securities(d) |
various | 182 | 185 | |||||||||
Cost method investments(e) |
various | 209 | 205 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Investments |
$ | 2,264 | $ | 2,379 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(a) | The change in the Foxtel investment for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. |
(b) | Other equity method investments as of June 30, 2015 primarily included REA Groups investment in iProperty. In July 2014, REA Group purchased a 17.22% interest in iProperty for total cash consideration of |
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
approximately $100 million. iProperty has online property advertising operations primarily in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore. In December 2014, REA Group sold Squarefoot, its Hong Kong based business, to iProperty in exchange for an additional 2.2% interest in iProperty. As of June 30, 2015, REA Group owned an approximate 19.9% interest in iProperty. In February 2016, REA Group increased its ownership interest in iProperty to approximately 86.9% for A$482 million (approximately $340 million) and its results are now consolidated within the Digital Real Estate Services Segment. Refer to Note 2Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further details regarding the iProperty acquisition. |
(c) | In May 2012, Foxtel purchased Austar United Communications Ltd. The transaction was funded by Foxtel bank debt and pro rata capital contributions made by Foxtel shareholders in the form of subordinated shareholder notes based on their respective ownership interests. The Companys share of the subordinated shareholder notes was approximately A$451 million ($339 million and $345 million as of March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively). The subordinated shareholder notes can be repaid beginning in July 2022 provided that Foxtels senior debt has been repaid. The subordinated shareholder notes have a maturity date of July 15, 2027, with interest of 12% payable on June 30 each year and at maturity. Upon maturity, the principal advanced will be repayable. |
(d) | Available-for-sale securities primarily include the Companys investments in The Rubicon Project, Inc. and APN News and Media Limited (APN). During fiscal 2015, the Company purchased a 14.99% interest in APN for approximately $112 million. APN operates a portfolio of Australian and New Zealand radio and outdoor media assets and small regional print interests. |
(e) | Cost method investments primarily include the Companys investment in SEEKAsia Limited (SEEK Asia) and certain investments in China. In November 2014, SEEK Asia, in which the Company owned a 12.1% interest, acquired the online employment businesses of JobStreet Corporation Berhad (JobStreet), which were combined with JobsDB, Inc., SEEK Asias existing online employment business. The transaction was funded primarily through additional contributions by SEEK Asia shareholders which did not have an impact on the Companys ownership. The Companys share of the funding contribution was approximately $60 million. In June 2015, the Company purchased an additional 0.8% interest in SEEK Asia for approximately $7 million, which increased the Companys investment to approximately 12.9%. |
The Company measures the fair market values of available-for-sale investments as Level 1 financial instruments under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, as such investments have quoted prices in active markets. The cost basis, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and fair market value of available-for-sale investments are set forth below:
As of March 31, 2016 |
As of June 30, 2015 |
|||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Cost basis of available-for-sale investments |
$ | 164 | $ | 164 | ||||
Accumulated gross unrealized gain |
56 | 46 | ||||||
Accumulated gross unrealized loss |
(38 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Fair value of available-for-sale investments |
$ | 182 | $ | 185 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net deferred tax liability |
$ | (11 | ) | $ | (11 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Equity Earnings of Affiliates
The Companys share of the earnings of its equity affiliates was as follows:
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Foxtel(a) |
$ | 4 | $ | 8 | $ | 26 | $ | 48 | ||||||||
Other equity affiliates, net |
(2 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Equity earnings of affiliates |
$ | 2 | $ | 7 | $ | 25 | $ | 48 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) | In accordance with ASC 350, the Company amortized $12 million and $37 million related to excess cost over the Companys proportionate share of its investments underlying net assets allocated to finite-lived intangible assets during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, and $14 million and $44 million in the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015, respectively. Such amortization is reflected in Equity earnings of affiliates in the Statements of Operations. |
Summarized financial information for Foxtel, presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, was as follows:
For the nine months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 1,763 | $ | 2,028 | ||||
Operating income(a) |
269 | 343 | ||||||
Net income |
126 | 184 |
(a) | Includes Depreciation and amortization of $170 million and $243 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Operating income before depreciation and amortization was $439 million and $586 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. |
For the nine months ended March 31, 2016, Foxtels revenues decreased $265 million, or 13%, as a result of the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, which more than offset higher revenues in local currency. Operating income decreased primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, a planned increase in programming costs to support subscriber growth, increased costs associated with higher sales volumes, the public launch of Triple Play and continued investment in Presto, partially offset by lower depreciation expense resulting from Foxtels reassessment of the useful lives of cable and satellite installations. Net income decreased as a result of the lower operating income noted above, partially offset by lower income tax expense.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 6. BORROWINGS
The Companys total borrowings consist of the following:
As
of March 31, 2016 |
As
of June 30, 2015 |
|||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Facility due December 2017 |
$ | 90 | $ | | ||||
Facility due December 2018 |
90 | | ||||||
Facility due December 2019 |
179 | | ||||||
Other obligations |
10 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total debt |
369 | | ||||||
Less: Current portion |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total long-term debt |
$ | 369 | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
REA Group Unsecured Revolving Loan Facility
REA Group entered into a A$480 million unsecured syndicated revolving loan facility agreement in connection with the acquisition of iProperty (the REA Facility). The REA Facility consists of three sub facilities of A$120 million, A$120 million and A$240 million which become due in December 2017, December 2018 and December 2019, respectively. In February 2016, REA Group drew down the full A$480 million (approximately $340 million as of such date) available under the REA Facility, and the proceeds, less lenders fees of $1 million, were used to fund the iProperty acquisition. Borrowings under the REA Facility bear interest at a floating rate of the Australian BBSY plus a margin in the range of 0.85% and 1.45% depending on REA Groups net leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2016, REA Group was paying a margin of between 1.00% and 1.20%. REA Group paid approximately $1 million in interest for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 at a weighted average interest rate of 3.3%. The REA Facility requires REA Group to maintain a net leverage ratio of not more than 3.25 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. As of March 31, 2016, REA Group was in compliance with all of the applicable debt covenants.
Revolving Credit Facility
The Companys Credit Agreement (as amended, the Credit Agreement) provides for an unsecured $650 million revolving credit facility (the Facility) that can be used for general corporate purposes. The Facility has a sublimit of $100 million available for issuances of letters of credit. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may request increases in the amount of the Facility up to a maximum amount of $900 million. Subject to certain conditions stated in the Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow, prepay and reborrow amounts under the Facility during the term of the Credit Agreement.
In October 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement (the Amendment) which, among other things, extended the original term of the Facility by two years and lowered the commitment fee payable by the Company. As a result of the Amendment, amounts under the Credit Agreement are now due on October 23, 2020, unless the commitments are terminated earlier either at the request of the Company or, if an event of default occurs, by the designated agent at the request or with the consent of the lenders (or automatically in the case of certain bankruptcy-related events). The Company may request that the commitments be extended under certain circumstances as set forth in the Credit Agreement for up to two additional one-year periods.
The Credit Agreement contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, with customary exceptions, including limitations on the ability of the Company and the Companys subsidiaries to
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
engage in transactions with affiliates, incur liens, merge into or consolidate with any other entity, incur subsidiary debt or dispose of all or substantially all of its assets or all or substantially all of the stock of its subsidiaries taken as a whole. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain an adjusted operating income leverage ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. If any of the events of default occur and are not cured within applicable grace periods or waived, any unpaid amounts under the Credit Agreement may be declared immediately due and payable. As of March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the applicable debt covenants.
Interest on borrowings under the Facility is based on either (a) a Eurodollar Rate formula or (b) the Base Rate formula, each as set forth in the Credit Agreement. The applicable margin and the commitment fee are based on the pricing grid in the Credit Agreement, which varies based on the Companys adjusted operating income leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2016, the Company was paying a commitment fee of 0.225% on any undrawn balance and an applicable margin of 0.50% for a Base Rate borrowing and 1.50% for a Eurodollar Rate borrowing.
As of the date of this filing, the Company has not borrowed any funds under the Facility.
Total borrowings, excluding other obligations and debt issuance costs, have the following scheduled maturities for each of the next five fiscal years (in millions):
As of March 31, 2016 |
||||
Fiscal 2017 |
$ | | ||
Fiscal 2018 |
90 | |||
Fiscal 2019 |
90 | |||
Fiscal 2020 |
180 | |||
Fiscal 2021 |
| |||
Thereafter |
|
NOTE 7. EQUITY
The following table summarizes changes in equity:
For the nine months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
News Corporation stockholders |
Noncontrolling Interests |
Total Equity |
News Corporation stockholders |
Noncontrolling Interests |
Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 11,945 | $ | 171 | $ | 12,116 | $ | 13,243 | $ | 156 | $ | 13,399 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
89 | 52 | 141 | 231 | 54 | 285 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
(263 | ) | (1 | ) | (264 | ) | (1,164 | ) | (23 | ) | (1,187 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends |
(118 | ) | (28 | ) | (146 | ) | (1 | ) | (28 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||||||||
Stock repurchases |
(39 | ) | | (39 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Other |
32 | 5 | 37 | 60 | (2 | ) | 58 | |||||||||||||||||
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Balance, end of period |
$ | 11,646 | $ | 199 | $ | 11,845 | $ | 12,369 | $ | 157 | $ | 12,526 | ||||||||||||
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Stock Repurchases
In May 2013, the Companys Board of Directors (the Board of Directors) authorized the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of $500 million of its Class A Common Stock. On May 10, 2015, the Company announced it had begun repurchasing shares of Class A Common Stock under the stock repurchase program.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Through April 29, 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 5.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $71 million. The remaining authorized amount under the stock repurchase program as of April 29, 2016 was approximately $429 million. All decisions regarding any future stock repurchases are at the sole discretion of a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors and management. The committees decisions regarding future stock repurchases will be evaluated from time to time in light of many factors, including the Companys financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as well as legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the committee may deem relevant. The stock repurchase authorization may be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors cannot provide any assurances that any additional shares will be repurchased.
Dividends
In February 2016, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.10 per share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. This dividend was paid on April 13, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2016. In August 2015, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.10 per share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. This dividend was paid on October 21, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 16, 2015. The timing, declaration, amount and payment of future dividends to stockholders, if any, is within the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors decisions regarding the payment of future dividends will depend on many factors, including the Companys financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as well as legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant.
NOTE 8. EQUITY BASED COMPENSATION
Employees of the Company participate in the News Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2013 LTIP) under which equity-based compensation, including stock options, performance stock units (PSUs), restricted stock awards, RSUs and other types of awards can be granted. The Company has the ability to award up to 30 million shares of Class A Common Stock under the terms of the 2013 LTIP.
In connection with the acquisition of Move, the Company assumed Moves equity incentive plans and substantially all of the awards outstanding under such plans. The stock options, RSUs and restricted stock awards that were assumed continue to have the same terms and conditions that applied to those awards immediately prior to the acquisition, except that such assumed awards were converted into awards with the right to be settled in, or by reference to, the Companys Class A Common Stock in accordance with the acquisition agreement, using a formula designed to preserve the value of the awards based on the price per share paid in the acquisition. The Company assumed and converted approximately 4.3 million stock options and approximately 2.5 million RSUs and restricted stock awards in connection with the transaction. During the nine months ended March 31, 2016, approximately 0.3 million of the assumed options were exercised. Approximately 0.3 million and 0.4 million of the assumed RSUs and restricted stock awards vested during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively.
The Company recognized $12 million and $43 million of equity-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, and $23 million and $44 million for the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015, respectively.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Performance Stock Units
Fiscal 2016
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company granted approximately 0.2 million and 4.2 million PSUs, respectively, at target, of which approximately 0.1 million and 3.0 million, respectively, will be settled in Class A Common Stock with the remaining, having been granted to executive directors and to employees in certain foreign locations, being settled in cash. Cash settled awards are marked-to-market each reporting period.
During the nine months ended March 31, 2016, approximately 1.2 million PSUs vested, of which approximately 1.0 million were settled in shares of Class A Common Stock before statutory tax withholdings. The remaining 0.2 million PSUs settled during the nine months ended March 31, 2016 were settled in cash for approximately $3.3 million before statutory tax withholdings.
Fiscal 2015
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted approximately 0.2 million and 3.3 million PSUs, respectively, at target, of which 0.2 million and 2.2 million, respectively, will be settled in Class A Common Stock with the remaining, having been granted to executive directors and to employees in certain foreign locations, being settled in cash. Cash settled awards are marked-to-market each reporting period.
During the nine months ended March 31, 2015, approximately 2.0 million PSUs vested, of which approximately 1.5 million were settled in shares of Class A Common Stock before statutory tax withholdings. The remaining 0.5 million PSUs settled during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were settled in cash for approximately $8.2 million before statutory tax withholdings.
Restricted Stock Units
Fiscal 2016
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company granted approximately 0.1 million and 0.3 million RSUs, respectively, all of which will be settled in Class A Common Stock.
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, approximately 0.2 million and 0.3 million RSUs vested, respectively, all of which were settled in shares of Class A Common Stock.
Fiscal 2015
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted 0.5 million RSUs, all of which will be settled in Class A Common Stock.
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, approximately 0.8 million and 1.2 million RSUs vested, respectively, of which approximately 0.8 million and 1.1 million, respectively, were settled in shares of Class A Common Stock before statutory tax withholdings. The remaining 0.1 million RSUs settled during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were settled in cash for approximately $0.9 million before statutory tax withholdings.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under ASC 260, Earnings per Share:
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from continuing operations |
$ | (128 | ) | $ | 56 | $ | 121 | $ | 347 | |||||||
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(19 | ) | (11 | ) | (52 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||||||
Less: Redeemable preferred stock dividends(a) |
| | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations available to News Corporation stockholders |
(147 | ) | 45 | 68 | 292 | |||||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, available to News Corporation stockholders |
(2 | ) | (22 | ) | 20 | (62 | ) | |||||||||
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Net (loss) income available to News Corporation stockholders |
$ | (149 | ) | $ | 23 | $ | 88 | $ | 230 | |||||||
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Weighted-average number of shares of common stock |
580.2 | 581.8 | 580.8 | 580.5 | ||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of equity awards(b) |
| 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.4 | ||||||||||||
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Weighted-average number of shares of common stock |
580.2 | 583.2 | 582.5 | 581.9 | ||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations available to News Corporation stockholders per sharebasic and diluted |
$ | (0.26 | ) | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.51 | |||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations available to News Corporation stockholders per sharebasic and diluted |
$ | | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | 0.03 | $ | (0.11 | ) | ||||||
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Net (loss) income available to News Corporation stockholders per sharebasic and diluted |
$ | (0.26 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.40 | |||||||
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(a) | In connection with the Separation, as defined in Note 10, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (21st Century Fox) sold 4,000 shares of cumulative redeemable preferred stock with a par value of $5,000 per share of a newly formed U.S. subsidiary of the Company. The preferred stock pays dividends at a rate of 9.5% per annum, payable quarterly. The preferred stock is callable by the Company at any time after the fifth year and is puttable at the option of the holder after 10 years. |
(b) | The dilutive impact of the Companys PSUs, RSUs and stock options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 because their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect on the net loss per share. |
NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (firm commitments) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. Except as noted below, the Companys commitments as of March 31, 2016 have not changed significantly from the disclosures included in the 2015 Form 10-K.
In November 2015, the Company entered into a sports programming rights agreement with the National Rugby League to license certain media rights for a five year period from 2018 to 2022 for approximately $775 million (A$1.1 billion).
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In August 2015, the Company entered into a sports programming rights agreement with the Australian Football League to license certain media rights for a six year period from 2017 to 2022 for approximately $850 million (A$1.2 billion).
Contingencies
The Company routinely is involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inspections or investigations, including those discussed below. The outcome of these matters and claims is subject to significant uncertainty, and the Company often cannot predict what the eventual outcome of pending matters will be or the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters. Fees, expenses, fines, penalties, judgments or settlement costs which might be incurred by the Company in connection with the various proceedings could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
The Company establishes an accrued liability for legal claims when it determines that a loss is both probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Once established, accruals are adjusted from time to time, as appropriate, in light of additional information. The amount of any loss ultimately incurred in relation to matters for which an accrual has been established may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued for such matters. Legal fees associated with litigation and similar proceedings are expensed as incurred. Except as otherwise provided below, for the contingencies disclosed for which there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred, the Company was unable to estimate the amount of loss or range of loss.
U.K. Newspaper Matters and Related Investigations and Litigation
On July 19, 2011, a purported class action lawsuit captioned Wilder v. News Corp., et al. was filed on behalf of all purchasers of 21st Century Foxs common stock between March 3, 2011 and July 11, 2011, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the Wilder Litigation). The plaintiff brought claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, alleging that false and misleading statements were issued regarding alleged acts of voicemail interception at The News of the World. The suit named as defendants 21st Century Fox, Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks, and sought compensatory damages, rescission for damages sustained and costs.
On June 5, 2012, the District Court issued an order appointing the Avon Pension Fund (Avon) as lead plaintiff and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd as lead counsel. Avon filed an amended consolidated complaint on July 31, 2012, which among other things, added as defendants the Companys subsidiary, NI Group Limited (now known as News Corp UK & Ireland Limited), and Les Hinton, and expanded the class period to comprise February 15, 2011 to July 18, 2011. Defendants filed motions to dismiss the litigation, which were granted by the District Court on March 31, 2014. Plaintiffs were allowed to amend their complaint, and on April 30, 2014, plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint, which generally repeated the allegations of the amended consolidated complaint and also expanded the class period to comprise July 8, 2009 to July 18, 2011. Defendants moved to dismiss the second amended consolidated complaint, and on September 30, 2015, the District Court granted defendants motions in their entirety and dismissed all of plaintiffs claims. In its memorandum, opinion and order relating to the dismissal, the District Court gave plaintiffs until November 6, 2015 to file a motion for leave to amend their complaint. On October 21, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration of the District Courts memorandum, opinion and order, which defendants have opposed. The Companys management believes these claims are entirely without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action. As described below, the Company will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox for certain payments made by the Company that relate to, or arise from, the U.K. Newspaper Matters (as defined below), including all payments in connection with the Wilder Litigation.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In addition, civil claims have been brought against the Company with respect to, among other things, voicemail interception and inappropriate payments to public officials at the Companys former publication, The News of the World, and at The Sun, and related matters (the U.K. Newspaper Matters). The Company has admitted liability in many civil cases and has settled a number of cases. The Company has also settled a number of claims through a private compensation scheme established by the Company under which parties could pursue claims against it. While additional civil lawsuits may be filed, no additional civil claims may be brought under the compensation scheme after April 8, 2013.
In connection with the Companys separation of its businesses (the Separation) from 21st Century Fox on June 28, 2013 (the Distribution Date), the Company and 21st Century Fox agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that 21st Century Fox will indemnify the Company for payments made after the Distribution Date arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters as well as legal and professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the previously concluded criminal matters, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees (i) who are not directors, officers or certain designated employees or (ii) with respect to civil matters, who are not co-defendants with the Company or 21st Century Fox. 21st Century Foxs indemnification obligations with respect to these matters will be settled on an after-tax basis.
The Company incurred gross legal and professional fees related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters and costs for civil settlements totaling approximately $9 million and $24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and approximately $32 million and $75 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Companys Statements of Operations. With respect to the fees and costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has been or will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox for $6 million, net of tax, and $9 million, net of tax, respectively, pursuant to the indemnification arrangements described above. With respect to the fees and costs incurred during the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has been or will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox for $17 million, net of tax, and $33 million, net of tax, respectively, pursuant to the indemnification arrangements described above. Accordingly, the Company recorded a contra expense in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the after-tax costs that were or will be indemnified of $6 million and $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $17 million and $33 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and recorded a corresponding receivable from 21st Century Fox. Therefore, the net impact on Selling, general and administrative expenses was $3 million and $15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $15 million and $42 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Refer to the table below for the net impact of the U.K. Newspaper Matters on Selling, general and administrative expenses recorded in the Statements of Operations:
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Gross legal and professional fees related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters |
$ | 9 | $ | 24 | $ | 32 | $ | 75 | ||||||||
Indemnification from 21st Century Fox |
(6 | ) | (9 | ) | (17 | ) | (33 | ) | ||||||||
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Net impact on Selling, general and administrative expenses |
$ | 3 | $ | 15 | $ | 15 | $ | 42 | ||||||||
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As of March 31, 2016, the Company has provided for its best estimate of the liability for the claims that have been filed and costs incurred, including liabilities associated with employment taxes, and has accrued
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
approximately $108 million, of which approximately $59 million will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox, and a corresponding receivable was recorded in Other current assets on the Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2016. It is not possible to estimate the liability or corresponding receivable for any additional claims that may be filed given the information that is currently available to the Company. If more claims are filed and additional information becomes available, the Company will update the liability provision and corresponding receivable for such matters.
The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the civil claims. It is possible that these proceedings and any adverse resolution thereof could damage its reputation, impair its ability to conduct its business and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
HarperCollins
In 2011 and 2012, various civil lawsuits and governmental investigations were commenced against certain publishers, including the Companys subsidiary, HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C. (HarperCollins), relating to alleged violations of antitrust and unfair competition laws arising out of the decisions by those publishers to sell their e-books pursuant to an agency relationship.
The publishers, including HarperCollins, entered into various settlement agreements to resolve these matters. These included a settlement with the DOJ, which, among other things, required that HarperCollins terminate its agreements with certain e-book retailers and placed certain restrictions on any agreements subsequently entered into with such retailers. Additional information about this settlement can be found on the DOJs website. The publishers, including HarperCollins, also entered into substantially similar settlements with the European Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB). The settlements with the DOJ and the European Commission received final approval in September and December 2012, respectively. The consent agreement with respect to the settlement with the CCB was registered with the Competition Tribunal on February 7, 2014. However, on February 21, 2014, Kobo Inc. (Kobo) filed an application to rescind or vary the consent agreement with the Competition Tribunal, and, on March 18, 2014, the Competition Tribunal issued an order staying the registration of the consent agreement. The stay will remain in effect pending further order of the Competition Tribunal or final disposition of Kobos application.
The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the unresolved HarperCollins matter described above. The legal and professional fees and settlement costs incurred in connection with the other settlements referred to above were not material.
News America Marketing
In-Store Marketing and FSI Purchasers
On April 8, 2014, in connection with a pending action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in which The Dial Corporation, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., H.J. Heinz Company, H.J. Heinz Company, L.P., Foster Poultry Farms, Smithfield Foods, Inc., HP Hood LLC and BEF Foods, Inc. (collectively, the Named Plaintiffs) alleged various claims under federal and state antitrust law against News Corporation, News America Incorporated (NAI), News America Marketing FSI L.L.C. (NAM FSI) and News America Marketing In-Store Services L.L.C. (NAM In-Store Services and, together with News Corporation, NAI and NAM FSI, the NAM Group), the Named Plaintiffs filed a fourth amended complaint on consent of the parties. The fourth amended complaint asserted federal and state antitrust claims both individually and on behalf of two putative classes in connection with the purchase of in-store marketing services and free-standing insert coupons. The complaint sought treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On August 11, 2014, the Named Plaintiffs filed a motion seeking certification of a class of all persons residing in the United States who purchased in-store marketing services on or after April 5, 2008 and did not purchase those services pursuant to contracts with mandatory arbitration clauses. On June 18, 2015, the District Court granted the Named Plaintiffs motion, although it subsequently amended the start date of the claim period to April 26, 2009.
On September 10, 2015, the District Court granted a stipulation dismissing with prejudice the Named Plaintiffs claims relating to free-standing insert coupons. Trial began on February 29, 2016, and on such date, the parties agreed to settle the litigation. Under the terms of the settlement, which remains subject to District Court approval, the NAM Group agreed, among other things, to pay the plaintiffs and their attorneys approximately $250 million, and the parties agreed to dismiss the litigation with prejudice. The District Court has scheduled a preliminary settlement approval hearing for June 1, 2016. The NAM Group has also settled related claims for approximately $30 million. The Company recorded $280 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 in NAM Group settlement charge in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Valassis Communications, Inc.
On November 8, 2013, Valassis Communications, Inc. (Valassis) initiated legal proceedings against certain of the Companys subsidiaries alleging violations of various antitrust laws. These proceedings are described in further detail below.
| Valassis previously initiated an action against NAI, NAM FSI and NAM In-Store Services (collectively, the NAM Parties), captioned Valassis Communications, Inc. v. News America Incorporated, et al., No. 2:06-cv-10240 (E.D. Mich.) (Valassis I), alleging violations of federal antitrust laws, which was settled in February 2010. On November 8, 2013, Valassis filed a motion for expedited discovery in the previously settled case based on its belief that defendants had engaged in activities prohibited under an order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in connection with the parties settlement. |
On February 4, 2014, the magistrate judge granted Valassiss motion for expedited discovery. The NAM Parties objected to the magistrate judges ruling before the District Court and filed a motion to enforce the parties settlement agreement that sought an order that certain of Valassiss claims, if they are allowed to proceed, must be considered by a panel of antitrust experts (the Antitrust Expert Panel). On May 20, 2014, the District Court overruled the NAM Parties objections to the magistrate judges ruling and terminated the motion to enforce the parties settlement agreement as the issues raised in the motion would be addressed in connection with the NAM Groups motion to dismiss Valassiss newly filed complaint in Valassis II, described below.
On October 7, 2014, the NAM Parties filed a motion for an order requiring Valassis to show cause why its allegations that the NAM Parties engaged in unlawful bundling and tying of in-store marketing services and free-standing insert coupons should not be referred to the Antitrust Expert Panel for resolution pursuant to the parties settlement. On November 19, 2014, the magistrate judge denied the NAM Parties motion for an order to show cause. The NAM Parties objected to the magistrate judges order, and Valassis opposed those objections. On January 20, 2015, the NAM Parties filed a motion for expedited discovery in the previously settled case, which was granted by the magistrate judge on April 14, 2015.
On February 3, 2015, Valassis filed a Notice of Violation of an order issued by the District Court in the previously settled case. The Notice contains allegations that are substantially similar to the allegations Valassis made in the new complaint, described below, and seeks treble damages, injunctive relief and
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
attorneys fees. The Notice also re-asserts claims of unlawful bundling and tying which the magistrate judge had previously recommended be dismissed from Valassis II on the grounds that such claims could only be brought before the Antitrust Expert Panel. On March 2, 2015, the NAM Parties filed a motion to refer the Notice to the Antitrust Expert Panel or, in the alternative, strike the Notice. The District Court granted the NAM Parties motion in part on March 30, 2016 and ordered that the Notice be referred to the Antitrust Expert Panel. The District Court further ordered that the case be administratively closed and that it may be re-opened following proceedings before the Antitrust Expert Panel.
| On November 8, 2013, Valassis also filed a new complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against the NAM Group alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws and common law business torts (Valassis II). The complaint seeks treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees and costs. On December 19, 2013, the NAM Group filed a motion to dismiss the newly filed complaint. |
The District Court referred the NAM Groups motion to dismiss to the magistrate judge for determination, and on July 16, 2014, the magistrate judge recommended that the District Court grant the NAM Groups motion in part with respect to certain claims regarding alleged bundling and tying conduct and stay the remainder of the action. On March 30, 2016, the District Court adopted in part the magistrate judges recommendation. The District Court ordered that Valassiss bundling and tying claims be dismissed without prejudice to Valassiss rights to pursue relief for those claims in Valassis I. The District Court sustained Valassiss objection to the stay of Valassis II, but further ordered that all remaining claims in the NAM Groups motion to dismiss be referred to the Antitrust Expert Panel. The District Court further ordered that the case be administratively closed and that it may be re-opened following proceedings before the Antitrust Expert Panel.
The Court has scheduled a status conference for May 17, 2016 to discuss the referral to the Antitrust Expert Panel in both Valassis I and Valassis II. While it is not possible at this time to predict with any degree of certainty the ultimate outcome of these actions, the NAM Group believes it has been compliant with applicable laws and intends to defend itself vigorously in both actions.
Other
The Companys operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, it is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity. As subsidiaries of 21st Century Fox prior to the Separation, the Company and each of its domestic subsidiaries have joint and several liability with 21st Century Fox for the consolidated U.S. federal income taxes of the 21st Century Fox consolidated group relating to any taxable periods during which the Company or any of the Companys domestic subsidiaries were a member of the 21st Century Fox consolidated group. Consequently, the Company could be liable in the event any such liability is incurred, and not discharged, by any other member of the 21st Century Fox consolidated group. In conjunction with the Separation, the Company entered into the Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement with 21st Century Fox, which requires 21st Century Fox to indemnify the Company for any such liability. Disputes or assessments could arise during future audits by the IRS or other taxing authorities in amounts that the Company cannot quantify.
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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company provides pension, postretirement health care, defined contribution and medical benefits primarily in the U.S., U.K. and Australia to the Companys eligible employees and retirees. The Company funds amounts, at a minimum, in accordance with statutory requirements for all plans. Plan assets consist principally of common stocks, marketable bonds and government securities.
The amortization of amounts related to unrecognized prior service (credits) and deferred losses were reclassified out of other comprehensive income as a component of net periodic benefit costs. The components of net periodic benefits costs were as follows:
Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Domestic | Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost benefits earned during the period |
$ | | $ | 1 | $ | 2 | $ | 3 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||
Interest costs on projected benefit obligations |
4 | 4 | 10 | 11 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(4 | ) | (5 | ) | (15 | ) | (17 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred losses |
1 | | 4 | 3 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (credits) |
| | | | (2 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements, curtailments and other |
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Net periodic benefits costs |
$ | 1 | $ | | $ | 1 | $ | | $ | | $ | (2 | ) | |||||||||||
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Pension benefits | Postretirement benefits |
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Domestic | Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost benefits earned during the period |
$ | | $ | 1 | $ | 7 | $ | 9 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||
Interest costs on projected benefit obligations |
12 | 12 | 33 | 37 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(14 | ) | (16 | ) | (47 | ) | (54 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred losses |
3 | 2 | 11 | 9 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (credits) |
| | | | (5 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements, curtailments and other |
| | (1 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||
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Net periodic benefits costs |
$ | 1 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 3 | $ | 1 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | |||||||||
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During the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company contributed approximately $27 million and $13 million, respectively, to its various pension and postretirement plans, of which $9 million and $4 million, were contributed in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES
At the end of each interim period, the Company estimates the annual effective income tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary quarterly earnings. The tax expense or benefit related to significant, unusual or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect and are individually computed are recognized in the interim period in which those items occur. In addition, the effects of changes in enacted tax laws or rates or tax status are recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the three months ended March 31, 2016 the Company recorded a tax benefit of $98 million on a pre-tax loss of $226 million resulting in an effective tax rate that was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate. The higher tax rate was primarily due to the $29 million non-taxable gain resulting from the revaluation of REA Groups previously held equity interest in iProperty (See Note 2Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions), as well as a tax benefit of $107 million in connection with the settlement of certain litigation and related claims at the NAM Group (See Note 10Commitments and Contingencies).
For the nine months ended March 31, 2016 the Company recorded a tax benefit of $140 million on a pre-tax loss of $19 million resulting in an effective tax rate that was higher than the U.S. statutory tax. In addition to the third quarter impacts discussed above, the higher tax rate was primarily due to a tax benefit of approximately $106 million related to the release of previously established valuation allowances related to certain U.S. federal net operating losses and state deferred tax assets. This benefit was recognized in conjunction with managements plan to dispose of the Companys digital education business in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as the Company now expects to generate sufficient U.S. taxable income to utilize these deferred tax assets prior to expiration.
In addition, the Company recognized a tax benefit of approximately $144 million upon reclassification of the Digital Education segment to discontinued operations in (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Statement of Operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2016. In addition, a tax benefit of $30 million related to the current year operations of the Digital Education Segment was reclassified to discontinued operations in (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Statement of Operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2016.
The Companys effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate, primarily due to the impact from foreign operations which are subject to lower tax rates, partially offset by the impact of nondeductible items and changes in our accrued liabilities for uncertain tax positions.
The Companys tax returns are subject to on-going review and examination by various tax authorities. Tax authorities may not agree with the treatment of items reported in its tax returns, and therefore the outcome of tax reviews and examinations can be unpredictable. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of uncertain tax matters and believes such liabilities represent a reasonable provision for taxes ultimately expected to be paid, however, these liabilities may need to be adjusted as new information becomes known and as tax examinations continue to progress.
The Company paid gross income taxes of $78 million and $81 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and received income tax refunds of $1 million and $5 million, respectively.
NOTE 13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manages and reports its businesses in the following five segments:
| News and Information ServicesThe News and Information Services segment includes the global print and digital product offerings of The Wall Street Journal and Barrons publications, MarketWatch, and the Companys suite of professional information products, including Factiva, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, Dow Jones Newswires, Dow Jones Private Markets and DJX. |
The Company also owns, among other publications, The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun and The Courier Mail in Australia, The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun and The Sun on Sunday in the U.K. and the New York Post in the U.S. This segment also includes both News America Marketing, a leading provider of free-standing inserts, in-store marketing products and services and digital marketing solutions, including Checkout 51s mobile application, as well as Unruly, a leading global video advertising distribution platform.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Book PublishingThe Book Publishing segment consists of HarperCollins, the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 18 countries and particular strengths in general fiction, nonfiction, childrens and religious publishing. HarperCollins includes over 120 branded publishing imprints, including Avon, Harper, HarperCollins Childrens Books, William Morrow, Harlequin and Christian publishers Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, and publishes works by well-known authors such as Harper Lee, Mitch Albom, Veronica Roth, Rick Warren and Agatha Christie and popular titles such as The Hobbit, Goodnight Moon, To Kill a Mockingbird and the Divergent series. |
| Digital Real Estate ServicesThe Digital Real Estate Services segment consists primarily of the Companys interests in REA Group and Move. REA Group is a publicly traded company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) (ASX: REA) that is a leading multinational digital advertising business specializing in property. REA Group operates Australias leading residential and commercial property websites, realestate.com.au and realcommercial.com.au, as well as property sites in Europe and Asia. The Company holds a 61.6% interest in REA Group. |
Move, acquired in November 2014, is a leading provider of online real estate services in the U.S. and primarily operates realtor.com®, a premier real estate information and services marketplace. Move also offers a number of professional software and services products, including Top Producer®, TigerLead® and ListHubTM. The Company owns an 80% interest in Move, with the remaining 20% being held by REA Group.
| Cable Network ProgrammingThe Cable Network Programming segment consists of FOX SPORTS Australia, the leading sports programming provider in Australia, with seven high definition television channels distributed via cable, satellite and IP, several interactive viewing applications and broadcast rights to live sporting events in Australia including: National Rugby League, the domestic football league, English Premier League, international cricket and Australian Rugby Union. |
| OtherThe Other segment consists primarily of general corporate overhead expenses, the corporate Strategy and Creative Group and costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The Companys corporate Strategy and Creative Group was formed to identify new products and services across its businesses to increase revenues and profitability and to target and assess potential acquisitions and investments. |
The Company has determined its operating segments in accordance with its internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities, and has aggregated its newspaper and information services business with its integrated marketing services business into one reportable segment due to their similarities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is Segment EBITDA.
Segment EBITDA is defined as revenues less operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses and the NAM Group settlement charge. Segment EBITDA does not include: Depreciation and amortization; impairment and restructuring charges; equity earnings of affiliates; interest, net; other, net; income tax benefit (expense) and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company believes that information about Segment EBITDA assists all users of its Financial Statements by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Companys portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net (loss) income, thus providing insight into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results.
Total Segment EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net (loss) income, cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. In addition, this measure does not reflect cash available to fund requirements and excludes items, such as depreciation and amortization and impairment and restructuring charges, which are significant components in assessing the Companys financial performance.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management believes that Segment EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Companys business. Segment EBITDA provides management, investors and equity analysts with a measure to analyze operating performance of the Companys business and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors data, although historical results, including Segment EBITDA, may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors, including customer tastes and preferences). The following table reconciles Total Segment EBITDA to (Loss) income from continuing operations.
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
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2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
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News and Information Services |
$ | 1,231 | $ | 1,353 | $ | 3,921 | $ | 4,327 | ||||||||
Book Publishing |
358 | 402 | 1,213 | 1,277 | ||||||||||||
Digital Real Estate Services |
194 | 170 | 593 | 436 | ||||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
107 | 116 | 337 | 367 | ||||||||||||
Other |
1 | | 2 | | ||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
1,891 | 2,041 | 6,066 | 6,407 | ||||||||||||
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Segment EBITDA: |
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News and Information Services |
$ | (187 | ) | $ | 113 | $ | 54 | $ | 434 | |||||||
Book Publishing |
36 | 56 | 135 | 188 | ||||||||||||
Digital Real Estate Services |
39 | 42 | 169 | 156 | ||||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
34 | 27 | 101 | 113 | ||||||||||||
Other |
(44 | ) | (54 | ) | (136 | ) | (161 | ) | ||||||||
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Total Segment EBITDA |
(122 | ) | 184 | 323 | 730 | |||||||||||
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Depreciation and amortization |
(126 | ) | (124 | ) | (370 | ) | (375 | ) | ||||||||
Restructuring charges |
(24 | ) | (10 | ) | (63 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
2 | 7 | 25 | 48 | ||||||||||||
Interest, net |
11 | 12 | 34 | 42 | ||||||||||||
Other, net |
33 | 12 | 32 | 70 | ||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) |
(226 | ) | 81 | (19 | ) | 484 | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
98 | (25 | ) | 140 | (137 | ) | ||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations |
$ | (128 | ) | $ | 56 | $ | 121 | $ | 347 | |||||||
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of March 31, 2016 |
As of June 30, 2015 |
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(in millions) | ||||||||
Total assets: |
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News and Information Services |
$ | 6,682 | $ | 6,749 | ||||
Book Publishing |
1,971 | 2,022 | ||||||
Digital Real Estate Services |
1,965 | 1,278 | ||||||
Cable Network Programming |
1,227 | 1,163 | ||||||
Other(a) |
1,607 | 1,352 | ||||||
Investments |
2,264 | 2,379 | ||||||
Assets held for sale |
| 92 | ||||||
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Total assets |
$ | 15,716 | $ | 15,035 | ||||
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(a) | The Other segment primarily includes Cash and cash equivalents. |
As of March 31, 2016 |
As of June 30, 2015 |
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(in millions) | ||||||||
Goodwill and intangible assets, net: |
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News and Information Services |
$ | 2,670 | $ | 2,593 | ||||
Book Publishing |
849 | 896 | ||||||
Digital Real Estate Services |
1,482 | 835 | ||||||
Cable Network Programming |
905 | 938 | ||||||
Other |
4 | 4 | ||||||
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Total goodwill and intangible assets, net |
$ | 5,910 | $ | 5,266 | ||||
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NOTE 14. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Receivables, net
Receivables are presented net of an allowance for returns and doubtful accounts, which is an estimate of amounts that may not be collectible. In determining the allowance for returns, management analyzes historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer demand and acceptance of the Companys products. Based on this information, management reserves a certain portion of revenues that provide the customer with the right of return. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical experience, receivable aging, current economic trends and specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being collected.
Receivables, net consist of:
As of March 31, 2016 |
As of June 30, 2015 |
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(in millions) | ||||||||
Receivables |
$ | 1,467 | $ | 1,503 | ||||
Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts |
(213 | ) | (220 | ) | ||||
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Receivables, net |
$ | 1,254 | $ | 1,283 | ||||
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The Companys receivables did not contain significant concentrations of credit risk as of March 31, 2016 or June 30, 2015 due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Companys products and services are sold.
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Other Current Assets
The following table sets forth the components of Other current assets:
As of March 31, 2016 |
As of June 30, 2015 |
|||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Inventory(a) |
$ | 367 | $ | 299 | ||||
Deferred tax assets |
| 63 | ||||||
Assets held for sale |
| 92 | ||||||
Amounts due from 21st Century Fox(b) |
59 | 63 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
253 | 263 | ||||||
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Total Other current assets |
$ | 679 | $ | 780 | ||||
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(a) | Inventory at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015 was primarily comprised of books, newsprint, printing ink and programming rights. |
(b) | Relates to costs incurred in connection with the U.K. Newspaper Matters which will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox. |
Other Non-Current Assets
The following table sets forth the components of Other non-current assets:
As of March 31, 2016 |
As of June 30, 2015 |
|||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Royalty advances to authors |
$ | 305 | $ | 304 | ||||
Notes receivable(a) |
35 | 39 | ||||||
Other |
132 | 124 | ||||||
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Total Other non-current assets |
$ | 472 | $ | 467 | ||||
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(a) | Notes receivable relates to the Companys sale of its former U.K. newspaper division headquarters. |
Other Current Liabilities
The following table sets forth the components of Other current liabilities:
As of March 31, 2016 |
As of June 30, 2015 |
|||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Current tax payable |
$ | 26 | $ | 27 | ||||
Royalties and commissions payable |
212 | 163 | ||||||
Other |
366 | 211 | ||||||
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Total Other current liabilities |
$ | 604 | $ | 401 | ||||
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NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Other, net
The following table sets forth the components of Other, net:
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Gain on iProperty transaction(a) |
$ | 29 | $ | | $ | 29 | $ | | ||||||||
Gain on sale of marketable securities(b) |
| | | 29 | ||||||||||||
Dividends received from cost method investments |
| | | 20 | ||||||||||||
Gain on sale of cost method investment |
| 14 | | 14 | ||||||||||||
Other, net |
4 | (2 | ) | 3 | 7 | |||||||||||
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|
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|
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Total Other, net |
$ | 33 | $ | 12 | $ | 32 | $ | 70 | ||||||||
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|
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(a) | The Company recorded a $29 million gain resulting from the revaluation of REA Groups previously held equity interest in iProperty. See Note 2Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions. |
(b) | In August 2014, REA Group completed the sale of a minority interest held in marketable securities for total cash consideration of $104 million. As a result of the sale, REA Group recognized a pre-tax gain of $29 million, which was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and included in Other, net in the Statement of Operations. |
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ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
This document, including the following discussion and analysis, contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words expect, estimate, anticipate, predict, believe and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this discussion and analysis and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting the Companys financial condition or results of operations and the outcome of contingencies such as litigation and investigations. Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is set forth under the heading Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company does not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review this document and the other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). This section should be read together with the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation and related notes set forth elsewhere herein and News Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the SEC on August 13, 2015 (the 2015 Form 10-K).
INTRODUCTION
News Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, News Corporation, News Corp, the Company, we, or us) is a global diversified media and information services company comprised of businesses across a range of media, including: news and information services, book publishing, digital real estate services, cable network programming in Australia and pay-TV distribution in Australia.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, management approved a plan to dispose of the Companys digital education business. As a result of the plan and the discontinuation of further significant business activities in the Digital Education segment, the assets and liabilities of this segment were classified as held for sale and the results of operations have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements relates to the Companys continuing operations. (See Note 3Discontinued Operations in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).
The unaudited consolidated financial statements are referred to herein as the Financial Statements. The consolidated statements of operations are referred to herein as the Statements of Operations. The consolidated balance sheets are referred to herein as the Balance Sheets. The consolidated statements of cash flows are referred to herein as the Statements of Cash Flows. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP).
Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to help provide an understanding of the Companys financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. This discussion is organized as follows:
| Overview of the Companys BusinessThis section provides a general description of the Companys businesses, as well as developments that occurred to date during fiscal 2016 and in the nine months ended March 31, 2015 that the Company believes are important in understanding its financial condition and results of operations or to disclose known trends. |
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| Results of OperationsThis section provides an analysis of the Companys results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. This analysis is presented on both a consolidated basis and a segment basis. In addition, a brief description is provided of significant transactions and events that have an impact on the comparability of the results being analyzed. |
| Liquidity and Capital ResourcesThis section provides an analysis of the Companys cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 as well as a discussion of the Companys financial arrangements and outstanding commitments, both firm and contingent, that existed during fiscal 2016. |
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANYS BUSINESSES
The Company manages and reports its businesses in the following five segments:
| News and Information ServicesThe News and Information Services segment includes the global print and digital product offerings of The Wall Street Journal and Barrons publications, MarketWatch, and the Companys suite of professional information products, including Factiva, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, Dow Jones Newswires, Dow Jones Private Markets and DJX. |
The Company also owns, among other publications, The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun and The Courier Mail in Australia, The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun and The Sun on Sunday in the U.K. and the New York Post in the U.S. This segment also includes both News America Marketing, a leading provider of free-standing inserts, in-store marketing products and services and digital marketing solutions, including Checkout 51s mobile application, as well as Unruly, a leading global video advertising distribution platform.
| Book PublishingThe Book Publishing segment consists of HarperCollins, the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 18 countries and particular strengths in general fiction, nonfiction, childrens and religious publishing. HarperCollins includes over 120 branded publishing imprints, including Avon, Harper, HarperCollins Childrens Books, William Morrow, Harlequin and Christian publishers Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, and publishes works by well-known authors such as Harper Lee, Mitch Albom, Veronica Roth, Rick Warren and Agatha Christie and popular titles such as The Hobbit, Goodnight Moon, To Kill a Mockingbird and the Divergent series. |
| Digital Real Estate ServicesThe Digital Real Estate Services segment consists primarily of the Companys interests in REA Group Limited (REA Group) and Move, Inc. (Move). REA Group is a publicly traded company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) (ASX: REA) that is a leading multinational digital advertising business specializing in property. REA Group operates Australias leading residential and commercial property websites, realestate.com.au and realcommercial.com.au, as well as property sites in Europe and Asia. The Company holds a 61.6% interest in REA Group. |
Move, acquired in November 2014, is a leading provider of online real estate services in the U.S. and primarily operates realtor.com®, a premier real estate information and services marketplace. Move also offers a number of professional software and services products, including Top Producer®, TigerLead® and ListHubTM. The Company owns an 80% interest in Move, with the remaining 20% being held by REA Group.
| Cable Network ProgrammingThe Cable Network Programming segment consists of FOX SPORTS Australia, the leading sports programming provider in Australia, with seven high definition television channels distributed via cable, satellite and IP, several interactive viewing applications and broadcast rights to live sporting events in Australia including: National Rugby League, the domestic football league, English Premier League, international cricket and Australian Rugby Union. |
| OtherThe Other segment consists primarily of general corporate overhead expenses, the corporate Strategy and Creative Group and costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters (as defined in Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings). The Companys corporate Strategy and Creative Group was formed to identify new products and services across its businesses to increase revenues and profitability and to target and assess potential acquisitions and investments. |
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Table of Contents
News and Information Services
Revenue at the News and Information Services segment is derived from the sale of advertising, circulation and subscriptions, as well as licensing. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising continue to affect revenues. Advertising revenues at the News and Information Services segment are also subject to seasonality, with revenues typically being highest in the Companys second fiscal quarter due to the end-of-year holiday season in its main operating geographies. Circulation and subscription revenues can be greatly affected by changes in the prices of the Companys and/or competitors products, as well as by promotional activities.
Operating expenses include costs related to paper, production, distribution, third party printing, editorial and commissions. Selling, general and administrative expenses include promotional expenses, salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
The News and Information Services segments advertising volume, circulation and the price of paper are the key variables whose fluctuations can have a material effect on the Companys operating results and cash flow. The Company has to anticipate the level of advertising volume, circulation and paper prices in managing its businesses to maximize operating profit during expanding and contracting economic cycles. The Company continues to be exposed to risks associated with paper used for printing. Paper is a basic commodity and its price is sensitive to the balance of supply and demand. The Companys expenses are affected by the cyclical increases and decreases in the price of paper. The News and Information Services segments products compete for readership and advertising with local and national competitors and also compete with other media alternatives in their respective markets. Competition for circulation and subscriptions is based on the content of the products provided, pricing and, from time to time, various promotions. The success of these products also depends upon advertisers judgments as to the most effective use of their advertising budgets. Competition for advertising is based upon the reach of the products, advertising rates and advertiser results. Such judgments are based on factors such as cost, availability of alternative media, distribution and quality of readership demographics.
Like other newspaper groups, the Company faces challenges to its traditional print business model from new media formats and shifting consumer preferences. The Company is also exposed to the impact of long-term structural movements in advertising spending, in particular, the move in classified advertising from print to digital. These new media formats could impact the Companys overall performance, positively or negatively.
As a multi-platform news provider, the Company recognizes the importance of maximizing revenues from new media, both in terms of paid-for content and in new advertising models, and continues to invest in its digital products. Technologies such as smartphones, tablets and similar devices and their related applications provide continued opportunities for the Company to make its journalism available to a new audience of readers, introduce new or different pricing schemes, develop its products to continue to attract advertisers and/or affect the relationship between publisher and consumer. The Company continues to develop and implement strategies to exploit its content in new media channels, including the implementation of digital subscriptions.
Book Publishing
The Book Publishing segment derives revenues from the sale of general fiction, nonfiction, childrens and religious books in the U.S. and internationally. The revenues and operating results of the Book Publishing segment are significantly affected by the timing of releases and the number of its books in the marketplace. The book publishing marketplace is subject to increased periods of demand during the end-of-year holiday season in its main operating geographies. This marketplace continues to change due to technical innovations, electronic book devices and other factors. Each book is a separate and distinct product, and its financial success depends upon many factors, including public acceptance.
Major new title releases represent a significant portion of the Book Publishing segments sales throughout the fiscal year. Print-based consumer books are generally sold on a fully returnable basis, resulting in the return of unsold books. In the domestic and international markets, the Book Publishing segment is subject to global trends and local economic conditions.
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Operating expenses for the Book Publishing segment include costs related to paper, printing, authors royalties, editorial, promotional, art and design expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
Digital Real Estate Services
The Digital Real Estate Services segment sells online advertising services on its residential real estate and commercial property sites and also licenses certain professional software products on a subscription basis. Significant expenses associated with these sites and software solutions include development costs, advertising and promotional expenses, hosting and support services, salaries, employee benefits and other routine overhead expenses.
Consumers are increasingly turning to the Internet and mobile devices for real estate information. The Digital Real Estate Services segments success depends on its continued innovation to provide products and services that make its websites and mobile applications useful for consumers and real estate and mortgage professionals and attractive to its advertisers.
Cable Network Programming
The Cable Network Programming segment consists of FOX SPORTS Australia, which offers the following seven channels in high definition: FOX SPORTS 1, FOX SPORTS 2, FOX SPORTS 3, FOX SPORTS 4, FOX SPORTS 5, FOX FOOTY and FOX SPORTS NEWS. Revenue is primarily derived from monthly affiliate fees received from pay-tv providers (mainly Foxtel) based on the number of subscribers.
FOX SPORTS Australia competes primarily with ESPN, beIN SPORTS, the Free-To-Air (FTA) channels and certain telecommunications companies in Australia.
The most significant operating expenses of the Cable Network Programming segment are the acquisition and production expenses related to programming and the expenses related to operating the technical facilities of the broadcast operations. The expenses associated with licensing programming rights are recognized during the applicable season or event, which can cause results at the Cable Network Programming Segment to fluctuate based on the timing and mix of the Companys local and international sports programming. Other expenses include marketing and promotional expenses related to improving the market visibility and awareness of the channels and their programming. Additional expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead expenses.
Other
The Other segment primarily consists of general corporate overhead expenses, the corporate Strategy and Creative Group and costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The Companys corporate Strategy and Creative Group was formed to identify new products and services across the Companys businesses to increase revenues and profitability and to target and assess potential acquisitions and investments.
OTHER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
In February 2016, the Company acquired a 92% interest in DIAKRIT International Limited (DIAKRIT) for approximately $40 million in cash. The Company has the option to purchase, and the minority shareholders have the option to sell to the Company, the remaining 8% in two tranches over the next six years at fair value. DIAKRIT is a digital visualization solutions company that helps homeowners see the potential in their future living environment with digital visualization solutions that enable them to plan, furnish and decorate their dream home, while also helping agents and developers to generate more buyer inquiries and accelerate their property sale processes. DIAKRITs results are included within the Companys Digital Real Estate Services segment, and it is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Companys annual goodwill impairment review.
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In February 2016, REA Group increased its investment in iProperty Group Limited (ASX:IPP) (iProperty) from 22.7% to approximately 86.9% for A$482 million in cash (approximately $340 million). The remaining 13.1% not currently owned will become mandatorily redeemable during fiscal 2018, and as a result, the Company recognized a liability of approximately $80 million. The acquisition was funded primarily with the proceeds from borrowings under an unsecured syndicated revolving loan facility. Refer to Note 6Borrowings in the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of the facility entered into in connection with the acquisition. The acquisition of iProperty extends REA Groups market leading business in Australia to attractive markets throughout Southeast Asia. iProperty is a subsidiary of REA Group, and its results are included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, REA Group recognized a gain of $29 million related to the revaluation of its previously held equity interest in iProperty in Other, net in the Statements of Operations.
On September 30, 2015, the Company acquired Unruly Holdings Limited (Unruly) for approximately £60 million (approximately $90 million) in cash and up to £56 million (approximately $86 million) in future cash consideration related to payments primarily contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. Unruly is a leading global video distribution platform that is focused on delivering branded video advertising across websites and mobile devices. Unrulys results of operations are included within the News and Information Services segment, and it is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Companys annual goodwill impairment review.
In July 2015, the Company acquired Checkout 51 Mobile Apps ULC (Checkout 51) for approximately $13 million in cash at closing and up to approximately $28 million in future cash consideration related to payments contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. Checkout 51 is a data-driven digital coupon company that provides News America Marketing with a leading receipt recognition mobile app which enables retailers to reach consumers with highly personalized marketing campaigns. Checkout 51s results are included within the News and Information Services segment.
In March 2015, the Company agreed to increase its 4.8% interest in APN News and Media Limited (APN) to 14.99% for a purchase price of approximately $70 million. APN operates a portfolio of Australian and New Zealand radio and outdoor media assets and small regional print interests.
In November 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Move, a leading provider of online real estate services. The acquisition expanded the Companys digital real estate services business into the U.S., one of the largest real estate markets. The aggregate cash payment at closing to acquire the outstanding shares of Move was approximately $864 million, which was funded with cash on hand. The Company also assumed equity-based compensation awards with a fair value of $67 million, of which $28 million was allocated to pre-combination services and included in total consideration transferred for Move. The remaining $39 million was allocated to future services and is being expensed over the weighted average remaining service period of 2.5 years. In addition, the Company assumed Moves outstanding indebtedness of approximately $129 million, which the Company settled following the acquisition, and acquired approximately $108 million of cash.
The total transaction value for the Move acquisition is set forth below (in millions):
Cash paid for Move equity |
$ | 864 | ||
Assumed equity-based compensation awardspre-combination services |
28 | |||
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Total consideration transferred |
$ | 892 | ||
Plus: Assumed debt |
129 | |||
Plus: Assumed equity-based compensation awardspost-combination services |
39 | |||
Less: Cash acquired |
(108 | ) | ||
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Total transaction value |
$ | 952 | ||
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Moves results of operations are included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment, and it is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Companys annual goodwill impairment review.
In November 2014, SEEKAsia Limited (SEEK Asia), in which the Company owned a 12.1% interest, acquired the online employment businesses of JobStreet Corporation Berhad (JobStreet), which were combined with JobsDB, Inc., SEEK Asias existing online employment business. The transaction was funded primarily through additional contributions by SEEK Asia shareholders which did not have an impact on the Companys ownership. The Companys share of the funding contribution was approximately $60 million. In June 2015, the Company purchased an additional 0.8% interest in SEEK Asia for approximately $7 million, which increased the Companys investment to approximately 12.9%.
In August 2014, the Company acquired Harlequin Enterprises Limited (Harlequin) from Torstar Corporation for $414 million in cash, net of $19 million of cash acquired. Harlequin is a leading publisher of womens fiction and extends HarperCollins global platform, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific. Harlequin is a subsidiary of HarperCollins, and its results are included within the Book Publishing segment.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of OperationsFor the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 versus the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015
The following table sets forth the Companys operating results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015.
For the three months
ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
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Advertising |
$ | 816 | $ | 904 | $ | (88 | ) | (10)% | $ | 2,672 | $ | 2,862 | $ | (190 | ) | (7)% | ||||||||||||||||
Circulation and Subscription |
615 | 638 | (23 | ) | (4)% | 1,875 | 1,954 | (79 | ) | (4)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Consumer |
343 | 385 | (42 | ) | (11)% | 1,164 | 1,223 | (59 | ) | (5)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
117 | 114 | 3 | 3 % | 355 | 368 | (13 | ) | (4)% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
1,891 | 2,041 | (150 | ) | (7)% | 6,066 | 6,407 | (341 | ) | (5)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(1,084 | ) | (1,204 | ) | 120 | 10 % | (3,476 | ) | (3,737 | ) | 261 | 7 % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(649 | ) | (653 | ) | 4 | 1 % | (1,987 | ) | (1,940 | ) | (47 | ) | (2)% | |||||||||||||||||||
NAM Group settlement charge |
(280 | ) | | (280 | ) | ** | (280 | ) | | (280 | ) | ** | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(126 | ) | (124 | ) | (2 | ) | (2)% | (370 | ) | (375 | ) | 5 | 1 % | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
(24 | ) | (10 | ) | (14 | ) | ** | (63 | ) | (31 | ) | (32 | ) | ** | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
2 | 7 | (5 | ) | (71)% | 25 | 48 | (23 | ) | (48)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest, net |
11 | 12 | (1 | ) | (8)% | 34 | 42 | (8 | ) | (19)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other, net |
33 | 12 | 21 | ** | 32 | 70 | (38 | ) | (54)% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) |
(226 | ) | 81 | (307 | ) | ** | (19 | ) | 484 | (503 | ) | ** | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
98 | (25 | ) | 123 | ** | 140 | (137 | ) | 277 | ** | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations |
(128 | ) | 56 | (184 | ) | ** | 121 | 347 | (226 | ) | (65)% | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
(2 | ) | (22 | ) | 20 | 91 % | 20 | (62 | ) | 82 | ** | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income |
(130 | ) | 34 | (164 | ) | ** | 141 | 285 | (144 | ) | (51)% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(19 | ) | (11 | ) | (8 | ) | (73)% | (52 | ) | (54 | ) | 2 | 4 % | |||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income attributable to News Corporation |
$ | (149 | ) | $ | 23 | $ | (172 | ) | ** | $ | 89 | $ | 231 | $ | (142 | ) | (61)% | |||||||||||||||
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** | not meaningful |
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RevenuesRevenues decreased $150 million, or 7%, and $341 million, or 5%, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015.
The revenue decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was mainly due to a decrease in revenues at the News and Information Services segment of $122 million, primarily resulting from lower free-standing insert product revenues at News America Marketing, the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and weakness in the print advertising market and at the Book Publishing segment of $44 million primarily due to higher sales of American Sniper by Chris Kyle and the Divergent series by Veronica Roth in the prior year and an industry-wide decline in e-book sales. This decrease was offset in part by increased revenues at the Digital Real Estate Services segment of $24 million, due to higher revenues at both Move and REA Group.
The revenue decrease for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in revenues at the News and Information Services segment of $406 million, primarily resulting from the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, weakness in the print advertising market and lower free-standing insert product revenues at News America Marketing, and decreased revenues at the Book Publishing segment of $64 million, primarily due to higher sales of American Sniper by Chris Kyle and the Divergent series by Veronica Roth in the prior year and an industry-wide decline in e-book sales. The revenue decreases were partially offset by an increase in revenues at the Digital Real Estate Services segment of $157 million, primarily as a result of the acquisition of Move in November 2014 and increased revenues at REA Group.
Operating ExpensesOperating expenses decreased $120 million, or 10%, and $261 million, or 7%, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015.
The decrease in Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was mainly due to a decrease in operating expenses at the News and Information Services segment of $98 million, primarily as a result of lower newsprint, production and distribution costs and the impact of cost savings initiatives. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in an Operating expense decrease of $32 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
The decrease in Operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 was mainly due to a decrease in operating expenses at the News and Information Services segment of $291 million, primarily as a result of the positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations, lower newsprint, production and distribution costs, and the impact of cost savings initiatives. The decrease in Operating expenses was partially offset by higher operating expenses at the Digital Real Estate Services segment due to the acquisition of Move in November 2014. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in an operating expense decrease of $176 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses decreased $4 million, or 1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and increased $47 million, or 2% for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015.
The decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to the positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar and lower expenses at the Book Publishing segment due to the impact of cost savings initiatives, partially offset by higher expenses at the Digital Real Estate Services segment primarily due to higher legal costs at Move and higher costs at REA Group resulting from higher revenues. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a Selling, general and administrative expense decrease of $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to higher expenses at the Digital Real Estate Services segment as a result of the acquisition of
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Move in November 2014 and increased brand marketing and promotional expenses in the News and Information Services segment. These increases were partially offset by the positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a Selling, general and administrative expense decrease of $162 million for nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
NAM Group settlement chargeDuring the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recognized one-time costs of approximately $280 million in connection with the settlement of certain litigation and related claims at News America Marketing. Refer to Note 10Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization expense increased $2 million, or 2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $5 million or 1% for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 due to the positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations, partially offset by increased depreciation and amortization expense at the Digital Real Estate Services segment due to the acquisition of Move in November 2014. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a depreciation and amortization expense decrease of $5 million and $25 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015.
Restructuring chargesDuring the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $24 million and $63 million, respectively, of which $24 million and $56 million, respectively, related to the News and Information Services segment. The restructuring charges recorded in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 were primarily for employee termination benefits.
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $10 million and $31 million, respectively, of which $8 million and $26 million, respectively, related to the News and Information Services segment. The restructuring charges recorded in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 were primarily for employee termination benefits.
Equity earnings of affiliatesEquity earnings of affiliates decreased $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as a result of lower net income at Foxtel due to increased subscriber acquisition costs related to higher gross adds in the quarter, increases in programming costs, continued investment in Presto and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, partially offset by lower depreciation expense resulting from Foxtels reassessment of the useful lives of cable and satellite installations and lower tax expense. Equity earnings of affiliates decreased $23 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 as a result of lower net income at Foxtel, primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, a planned increase in programming costs to support subscriber growth, increased costs associated with higher sales volumes, the public launch of Triple Play, and continued investment in Presto, partially offset by lower depreciation expense resulting from Foxtels reassessment of the useful lives of cable and satellite installations and lower tax expense.
For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foxtel(a) |
$ | 4 | $ | 8 | $ | (4 | ) | (50)% | $ | 26 | $ | 48 | $ | (22 | ) | (46)% | ||||||||||||||||
Other equity affiliates, net |
(2 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (100)% | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | ** | |||||||||||||||||||
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Total Equity earnings of affiliates |
$ | 2 | $ | 7 | $ | (5 | ) | (71)% | $ | 25 | $ | 48 | $ | (23 | ) | (48)% | ||||||||||||||||
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** | not meaningful |
40
Table of Contents
(a) | In accordance with ASC 350, the Company amortized $12 million and $37 million related to excess cost over the Companys proportionate share of its investments underlying net assets allocated to finite-lived intangible assets during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, as compared to $14 million and $44 million in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, respectively. Such amortization is reflected in Equity earnings of affiliates in the Statements of Operations. |
Interest, netInterest, net decreased $1 million and $8 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015, primarily due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
Other, net
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
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(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||
Gain on iProperty transaction(a) |
$ | 29 | $ | | $ | 29 | $ | | ||||||||
Gain on sale of marketable securities(b) |
| | | 29 | ||||||||||||
Dividends received from cost method investments |
| | | 20 | ||||||||||||
Gain on sale of cost method investment |
| 14 | | 14 | ||||||||||||
Other, net |
4 | (2 | ) | 3 | 7 | |||||||||||
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Total Other, net |
$ | 33 | $ | 12 | $ | 32 | $ | 70 | ||||||||
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(a) | The Company recorded a $29 million gain resulting from the revaluation of REA Groups previously held equity interest in iProperty. (See Note 2Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions in the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements). |
(b) | In August 2014, REA Group completed the sale of a minority interest held in marketable securities for total cash consideration of $104 million. As a result of the sale, REA Group recognized a pre-tax gain of $29 million, which was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and included in Other, net in the Statement of Operations. |
Income tax benefit (expense)For the three months ended March 31, 2016 the Company recorded a tax benefit of $98 million on a pre-tax loss of $226 million resulting in an effective tax rate that was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate. The higher tax rate was primarily due to the $29 million non-taxable gain resulting from the revaluation of REA Groups previously held equity interest in iProperty (See Note 2Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions), as well as a tax benefit of $107 million in connection with the settlement of certain litigation and related claims at the NAM Group (See Note 10Commitments and Contingencies).
For the nine months ended March 31, 2016 the Company recorded a tax benefit of $140 million on a pre-tax loss of $19 million resulting in an effective tax rate that was higher than the U.S. statutory tax. In addition to the third quarter impacts discussed above, the higher tax rate was primarily due to a tax benefit of approximately $106 million related to the release of previously established valuation allowances related to certain U.S. federal net operating losses and state deferred tax assets. This benefit was recognized in conjunction with managements plan to dispose of the Companys digital education business in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as the Company now expects to generate sufficient U.S. taxable income to utilize these deferred tax assets prior to expiration.
The Companys effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate, primarily due to the impact from foreign operations which are subject to lower tax rates, partially offset by the impact of nondeductible items and changes in our accrued liabilities for uncertain tax positions.
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(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxFor the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $2 million as compared to a loss of $22 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 reflecting the continued operations of the Digital Education segment subsequent to the sale of Amplify Insight and Amplify Learning. For the nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $20 million, as compared to a loss of $62 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The change was primarily due to the impact of a $144 million tax benefit recognized upon reclassification of the Digital Education segment to discontinued operations, a tax benefit of $30 million related to the current year operations and lower operating losses as a result of the sale of Amplify Insight and Amplify Learning, which more than offset the pre-tax non-cash impairment charge recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 of $76 million and $17 million in severance and lease termination charges recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. (See Note 3Discontinued Operations in the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).
Net (loss) incomeNet (loss) income decreased $164 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 primarily due to one-time costs of approximately $280 million recognized in connection with the settlement of certain litigation and related claims at News America Marketing.
Net income for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $144 million as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015, primarily due to one-time costs of approximately $280 million recognized in connection with the settlement of certain litigation and related claims at News America Marketing, lower contribution from Other, net and lower equity earnings from Foxtel, partially offset by the tax benefit and income from discontinued operations discussed above.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased by $8 million and decreased by $2 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015 due to higher results at REA Group, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
Segment Analysis
Segment EBITDA is defined as revenues less operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses and the NAM Group settlement charge. Segment EBITDA does not include: Depreciation and amortization, impairment and restructuring charges, equity earnings of affiliates, interest, net, other, net, income tax benefit (expense) and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Management believes that Segment EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Companys business segments because it is the primary measure used by the Companys chief operating decision maker to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources within the Companys businesses. Segment EBITDA provides management, investors and equity analysts with a measure to analyze the operating performance of each of the Companys business segments and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors data, although historical results may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors, including customer tastes and preferences).
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Total Segment EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net (loss) income, cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. In addition, this measure does not reflect cash available to fund requirements and excludes items, such as depreciation and amortization and impairment and restructuring charges, which are significant components in assessing the Companys financial performance. The following table reconciles Total Segment EBITDA to (Loss) income from continuing operations.
For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 1,891 | $ | 2,041 | $ | (150 | ) | (7 | )% | $ | 6,066 | $ | 6,407 | $ | (341 | ) | (5 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(1,084 | ) | (1,204 | ) | 120 | 10 | % | (3,476 | ) | (3,737 | ) | 261 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(649 | ) | (653 | ) | 4 | 1 | % | (1,987 | ) | (1,940 | ) | (47 | ) | (2 | )% | |||||||||||||||||
NAM Group settlement charge |
(280 | ) | | (280 | ) | * | * | (280 | ) | | (280 | ) | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
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Total Segment EBITDA |
(122 | ) | 184 | (306 | ) | * | * | 323 | 730 | (407 | ) | (56 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(126 | ) | (124 | ) | (2 | ) | (2 | )% | (370 | ) | (375 | ) | 5 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Restructuring charges |
(24 | ) | (10 | ) | (14 | ) | * | * | (63 | ) | (31 | ) | (32 | ) | * | * | ||||||||||||||||
Equity earnings of affiliates |
2 | 7 | (5 | ) | (71 | )% | 25 | 48 | (23 | ) | (48 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest, net |
11 | 12 | (1 | ) | (8 | )% | 34 | 42 | (8 | ) | (19 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other, net |
33 | 12 | 21 | * | * | 32 | 70 | (38 | ) | (54 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) |
(226 | ) | 81 | (307 | ) | * | * | (19 | ) | 484 | (503 | ) | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
98 | (25 | ) | 123 | * | * | 140 | (137 | ) | 277 | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations |
$ | (128 | ) | $ | 56 | $ | (184 | ) | * | * | $ | 121 | $ | 347 | $ | (226 | ) | (65 | )% | |||||||||||||
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2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Revenues | Segment EBITDA |
Revenues | Segment EBITDA |
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(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
News and Information Services |
$ | 1,231 | $ | (187 | ) | $ | 1,353 | $ | 113 | |||||||
Book Publishing |
358 | 36 | 402 | 56 | ||||||||||||
Digital Real Estate Services |
194 | 39 | 170 | 42 | ||||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
107 | 34 | 116 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Other |
1 | (44 | ) | | (54 | ) | ||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 1,891 | $ | (122 | ) | $ | 2,041 | $ | 184 | |||||||
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For the nine months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Revenues | Segment EBITDA |
Revenues | Segment EBITDA |
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(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
News and Information Services |
$ | 3,921 | $ | 54 | $ | 4,327 | $ | 434 | ||||||||
Book Publishing |
1,213 | 135 | 1,277 | 188 | ||||||||||||
Digital Real Estate Services |
593 | 169 | 436 | 156 | ||||||||||||
Cable Network Programming |
337 | 101 | 367 | 113 | ||||||||||||
Other |
2 | (136 | ) | | (161 | ) | ||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 6,066 | $ | 323 | $ | 6,407 | $ | 730 | ||||||||
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News and Information Services (65% and 67% of the Companys consolidated revenues in the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)
For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
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Advertising |
$ | 624 | $ | 731 | $ | (107 | ) | (15 | )% | $ | 2,074 | $ | 2,391 | $ | (317 | ) | (13 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Circulation and Subscription |
507 | 527 | (20 | ) | (4 | )% | 1,546 | 1,626 | (80 | ) | (5 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
100 | 95 | 5 | 5 | % | 301 | 310 | (9 | ) | (3 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
1,231 | 1,353 | (122 | ) | (9 | )% | 3,921 | 4,327 | (406 | ) | (9 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(739 | ) | (837 | ) | 98 | 12 | % | (2,333 | ) | (2,624 | ) | 291 | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(399 | ) | (403 | ) | 4 | 1 | % | (1,254 | ) | (1,269 | ) | 15 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
NAM Group settlement charge |
(280 | ) | | (280 | ) | * | * | (280 | ) | | (280 | ) | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
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Segment EBITDA |
$ | (187 | ) | $ | 113 | $ | (300 | ) | * | * | $ | 54 | $ | 434 | $ | (380 | ) | (88 | )% | |||||||||||||
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Revenues at the News and Information Services segment decreased $122 million, or 9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The revenue decrease was primarily due to lower advertising revenues of $107 million as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015, primarily resulting from lower free-standing insert product revenues at News America Marketing, weakness in the print advertising market and $23 million from the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Circulation and subscription revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $20 million as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 as a result of $19 million from the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in other revenues of $5 million, primarily due to the acquisition of Unruly, which contributed $11 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, partially offset by lower other revenues at the U.K. newspapers and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
Segment EBITDA at the News and Information Services segment decreased $300 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to one-time costs of approximately $280 million recognized in connection with the settlement of certain litigation and related claims and lower revenues at News America Marketing. The decrease was partially offset by increases at Dow Jones and the Australian newspapers resulting from the impact of lower newsprint, production and distribution costs, lower brand marketing spend and cost savings initiatives.
Revenues at the News and Information Services segment decreased $406 million, or 9%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The revenue decrease was primarily due to lower advertising revenues of $317 million as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015, primarily resulting from the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, weakness in the print advertising market and lower free-standing insert product revenues at News America Marketing. Circulation and
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subscription revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $80 million as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, which more than offset higher paid circulation and subscription revenues at Dow Jones and the Australian newspapers from price increases and digital subscriber growth. Other revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $9 million, primarily due to lower other revenues at the U.K. newspapers and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, which more than offset the $29 million contribution from Unruly.
Segment EBITDA at the News and Information Services segment decreased $380 million, or 88%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to one-time costs of approximately $280 million recognized in connection with the settlement of certain litigation and related claims and lower free-standing insert product revenues at News America Marketing and a decrease of $39 million at the Australian newspapers, primarily resulting from the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and lower advertising revenues, which more than offset the impact of lower newsprint, production and distribution costs. Segment EBITDA was also impacted by a decrease at the U.K. newspapers of $27 million, primarily due to lower revenues and higher promotion and marketing costs.
News Corp Australia
Revenues at the Australian newspapers for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased 12% compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015, with the impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar resulting in a revenue decrease of $28 million, or 8%. Advertising revenues decreased $32 million, primarily as a result of the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and weakness in the print advertising market in Australia. Circulation and subscription revenues decreased $10 million due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, as price increases and digital subscriber growth largely offset print volume declines.
Revenues at the Australian newspapers for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 decreased 20% compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015, with the impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar resulting in a revenue decrease of $179 million, or 15%. Advertising revenues declined $189 million, primarily as a result of the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and weakness in the print advertising market in Australia. Circulation and subscription revenues declined $47 million due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, as price increases and digital subscriber growth more than offset volume declines.
News UK
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, revenues at the U.K. newspapers decreased 13% as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Advertising revenues decreased $22 million, primarily due to print market declines and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Circulation and subscription revenues decreased $16 million, primarily due to the change in the digital strategy at The Sun, single-copy volume declines and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. These decreases were partially offset by cover price increases at The Sun. Other revenues decreased $6 million due to a reduction in newsprint sales to third parties. The impact of the revenue decrease was offset in large part by lower operating expenses. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the British pound resulted in a revenue decrease of $17 million, or 5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
For the nine months ended March 31, 2016, revenues at the U.K newspapers decreased 11% as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Advertising revenues decreased $49 million, primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and print market declines. Circulation and subscription revenues decreased $42 million, primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, single-copy volume declines, primarily at The Sun, as well as the change in the digital strategy at The Sun. These decreases were
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partially offset by cover price increases at The Sun and higher subscriptions at The Times and The Sunday Times. Other revenues decreased $32 million due to a reduction in newsprint sales to third parties. The impact of this revenue decrease was offset in large part by lower operating expenses. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the British pound resulted in a revenue decrease of $58 million, or 5%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Dow Jones
Revenues at Dow Jones decreased slightly for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Advertising revenues decreased $5 million, as weakness in the print advertising market was partially offset by higher digital advertising revenues. Circulation and subscription revenues increased as a result of growth in circulation revenues at The Wall Street Journal, primarily due to price increases and digital volume growth, as revenues at the professional information business were stable. This increase was partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Revenues at Dow Jones decreased modestly for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Advertising revenues decreased $15 million, as lower print advertising was partially offset by higher digital advertising revenues. This decrease was partially offset by higher circulation and subscription revenues, primarily due to price increases and digital volume growth at The Wall Street Journal and modest growth in subscription revenues in the professional information business, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $10 million, or 1%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
News America Marketing
Revenues at News America Marketing decreased 17% and 9% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015, primarily due to decreased revenues for free-standing insert products of $50 million and $75 million, respectively.
Book Publishing (20% of the Companys consolidated revenues in the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015)
For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consumer |
$ | 343 | $ | 385 | $ | (42 | ) | (11)% | $ | 1,164 | $ | 1,223 | $ | (59 | ) | (5)% | ||||||||||||||||
Other |
15 | 17 | (2 | ) | (12)% | 49 | 54 | (5 | ) | (9)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
358 | 402 | (44 | ) | (11)% | 1,213 | 1,277 | (64 | ) | (5)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(251 | ) | (260 | ) | 9 | 3 % | (848 | ) | (837 | ) | (11 | ) | (1)% | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(71 | ) | (86 | ) | 15 | 17 % | (230 | ) | (252 | ) | 22 | 9 % | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Segment EBITDA |
$ | 36 | $ | 56 | $ | (20 | ) | (36)% | $ | 135 | $ | 188 | $ | (53 | ) | (28)% | ||||||||||||||||
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Revenues at the Book Publishing segment decreased $44 million, or 11%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily the result of $29 million in higher sales of American Sniper by Chris Kyle and the Divergent series by Veronica Roth in the prior year, an industry-wide decline in e-book sales and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
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The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $6 million, or 2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Digital sales, which consist of revenues generated through the sale of e-books and digital audio books, represented 21% of Consumer revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2016. Digital sales decreased 23% as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 due to an industry-wide decline in e-book sales and the lower contribution from American Sniper and the Divergent series.
Segment EBITDA at the Book Publishing segment decreased $20 million, or 36%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower contribution from American Sniper and the Divergent series and an industry-wide decline in e-book sales partially offset by cost saving initiatives.
Revenues at the Book Publishing segment decreased $64 million, or 5%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily the result of $64 million in higher sales of the Divergent series by Veronica Roth and American Sniper by Chris Kyle in the prior year, an industry-wide decline in e-book sales and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. These decreases were partially offset by higher print book sales, primarily related to sales of Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee of $40 million and $23 million related to the acquisition of Harlequin in August 2014. The Company sold two million net units of the Divergent series in the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to 7.5 million net units in the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $33 million, or 3%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Digital sales represented 19% of Consumer revenues during the nine months ended March 31, 2016. Digital sales decreased 18% as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015 due to an industry-wide decline in e-book sales and the lower contribution from the Divergent series. During the nine months ended March 31, 2016, HarperCollins had 170 titles on The New York Times Bestseller List, with 22 titles reaching the number one position.
Segment EBITDA at the Book Publishing segment decreased $53 million, or 28%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the industry-wide decline in e-book sales and lower contribution from the Divergent series and American Sniper, partially offset by cost saving initiatives and the contribution of Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.
Digital Real Estate Services (10% and 7% of the Companys consolidated revenues in the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)
For the three months ended March 31, |
For the nine months ended March 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
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Advertising |
$ | 177 | $ | 156 | $ | 21 | 13 % | $ | 545 | $ | 415 | $ | 130 | 31 % | ||||||||||||||||||
Circulation and Subscription |
16 | 14 | 2 | 14 % | 47 | 21 | 26 | ** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
1 | | 1 | ** | 1 | | 1 | ** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
194 | 170 | 24 | 14 % | 593 | 436 | 157 | 36 % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(25 | ) | (23 | ) | (2 | ) | (9)% | (72 | ) | (33 | ) | (39 | ) | ** | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(130 | ) | (105 | ) | (25 | ) | (24)% | (352 | ) | (247 | ) | (105 | ) | (43)% | ||||||||||||||||||
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Segment EBITDA |
$ | 39 | $ | 42 | $ | (3 | ) | (7)% | $ | 169 | $ | 156 | $ | 13 | 8 % | |||||||||||||||||
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** | not meaningful |
Revenues at the Digital Real Estate Services segment increased $24 million, or 14%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Revenues at Move increased 20%
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primarily due to an $11 million increase in ConnectionSM for Co-brokerage product revenues and to a lesser extent, non-listing media revenues. At REA Group, revenues increased 9% from greater residential listing depth product penetration, partially offset by an 11% negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and the timing of the Easter holiday. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $10 million, or 6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Segment EBITDA at the Digital Real Estate Services segment decreased $3 million, or 7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to increased legal costs at Move of $11 million, $7 million in one-time transaction costs related to the acquisition of iProperty and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations which more than offset the higher revenues at REA Group and Move. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a Segment EBITDA decrease of $5 million, or 12%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Revenues at the Digital Real Estate Services segment increased $157 million, or 36%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015, due to the acquisition of Move in November 2014, which contributed $152 million. At REA Group, higher revenues from greater residential listing depth product penetration and higher developer and display advertising revenues were largely offset by the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $61 million, or 14%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Segment EBITDA at the Digital Real Estate Services segment increased $13 million, or 8%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. This was due to an increase at Move resulting from the absence of one-time transaction costs of $19 million which did not recur in the current year period and higher revenues, partially offset by increased legal costs of $20 million. Segment EBITDA was also impacted by higher revenues at REA Group which were partially offset by the negative impact of currency fluctuations. These increases were partially offset by $7 million in one-time transaction costs related to the acquisition of iProperty. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a Segment EBITDA decrease of $35 million, or 23%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Cable Network Programming (5% and 6% of the Companys consolidated revenues in the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)
For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising |
$ | 14 | $ | 17 | $ | (3 | ) | (18 | )% | $ | 52 | $ | 56 | $ | (4 | ) | (7 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Circulation and Subscription |
92 | 97 | (5 | ) | (5 | )% | 282 | 307 | (25 | ) | (8 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
1 | 2 | (1 | ) | (50 | )% | 3 | 4 | (1 | ) | (25 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
107 | 116 | (9 | ) | (8 | )% | 337 | 367 | (30 | ) | (8 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(68 | ) | (82 | ) | 14 | 17 | % | (220 | ) | (237 | ) | 17 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(5 | ) | (7 | ) | 2 | 29 | % | (16 | ) | (17 | ) | 1 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
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Segment EBITDA |
$ | 34 | $ | 27 | $ | 7 | 26 | % | $ | 101 | $ | 113 | $ | (12 | ) | (11 | )% | |||||||||||||||
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For the three months ended March 31, 2016, revenues at the Cable Network Programming segment decreased $9 million, or 8%, and Segment EBITDA increased $7 million, or 26%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The revenue decrease was due to the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, which more
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than offset higher affiliate revenues. The increase in Segment EBITDA was primarily the result of the absence of costs associated with the Cricket World Cup and Asian Cup which occurred during fiscal 2015, partially offset by higher production costs for other sports programming. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar resulted in a revenue decrease of $9 million, or 8%, and a Segment EBITDA decrease of $2 million, or 7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
For the nine months ended March 31, 2016, revenues and Segment EBITDA at the Cable Network Programming segment decreased $30 million, or 8%, and $12 million, or 11%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The revenue decrease was primarily due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations, which more than offset higher affiliate and advertising revenues. The decrease in Segment EBITDA was primarily the result of higher programming rights and production costs related to the Rugby World Cup, higher production costs for other sports programming and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, partially offset by the absence of costs associated with the Cricket World Cup and Asian Cup which occurred during fiscal 2015 and the higher affiliate and advertising revenues noted above. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar resulted in a revenue decrease of $55 million, or 15%, and a Segment EBITDA decrease of $12 million, or 11%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Other (0% of the Companys consolidated revenues in the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015)
For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except %) | Better/(Worse) | Better/(Worse) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
1 | | 1 | ** | 2 | | 2 | ** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
(1 | ) | (2 | ) | 1 | 50% | (3 | ) | (6 | ) | 3 | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(44 | ) | (52 | ) | 8 | 15% | (135 | ) | (155 | ) | 20 | 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Segment EBITDA |
$ | (44 | ) | $ | (54 | ) | $ | 10 | 19% | $ | (136 | ) | $ | (161 | ) | $ | 25 | 16% | ||||||||||||||
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** | not meaningful |
Segment EBITDA at the Other segment increased $10 million, or 19%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Segment EBITDA increased primarily due to lower costs associated with the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The net expense related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters included in Selling, general and administrative expenses was $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $15 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
Segment EBITDA at the Other segment increased $25 million, or 16%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. Segment EBITDA increased primarily due to lower costs associated with the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The net expense related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters included in Selling, general and administrative expenses was $15 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $42 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2015.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Current Financial Condition
The Companys principal source of liquidity is internally generated funds and cash and cash equivalents on hand. In October 2013, the Company established a revolving credit facility of $650 million. Under the credit agreement, the Company may request increases in the amount of the facility up to a maximum amount of $900 million. In addition, the Company expects to have access to the worldwide capital markets, subject to market conditions, in order to issue debt if needed or desired. Although the Company believes that its cash on hand and
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future cash from operations, together with its access to the capital markets, will provide adequate resources to fund its operating and financing needs, its access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms in the future will be affected by many factors, including: (i) the Companys performance, (ii) its credit rating or absence of a credit rating, (iii) the liquidity of the overall capital markets and (iv) the current state of the economy. There can be no assurances that the Company will continue to have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms. See Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion.
As of March 31, 2016, the Companys consolidated assets included $758 million in cash and cash equivalents that was held by its foreign subsidiaries. $76 million of this amount is cash not readily accessible by the Company as it is held by REA Group, a majority owned but separately listed public company. REA Group must declare a dividend in order for the Company to have access to its share of REA Groups cash balance. The Company earns income outside the U.S., which is deemed to be permanently reinvested in certain foreign jurisdictions. The Company does not currently intend to repatriate these funds. Should the Company require more capital in the U.S. than is generated by and/or available to its domestic operations, the Company could elect to transfer funds held in foreign jurisdictions. The transfer of funds from foreign jurisdictions may be cumbersome due to local regulations, foreign exchange control and withholding taxes. Additionally, the transfer of funds from foreign jurisdictions may result in higher effective tax rates and higher cash paid for income taxes for the Company.
The principal uses of cash that affect the Companys liquidity position include the following: operational expenditures including employee costs; paper purchases; capital expenditures; income tax payments; investments in associated entities and acquisitions. In addition to the acquisitions and dispositions disclosed elsewhere, the Company has evaluated, and expects to continue to evaluate, possible future acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses. Such transactions may be material and may involve cash, the issuance of the Companys securities or the assumption of indebtedness.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In May 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of $500 million of its Class A Common Stock. On May 10, 2015, the Company announced it had begun repurchasing shares of Class A Common Stock under the stock repurchase program. Through April 29, 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 5.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $71 million. The remaining authorized amount under the stock repurchase program as of April 29, 2016 was approximately $429 million. All decisions regarding any future stock repurchases are at the sole discretion of a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors and management. The committees decisions regarding future stock repurchases will be evaluated from time to time in light of many factors, including the Companys financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as well as legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the committee may deem relevant. The stock repurchase authorization may be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors cannot provide any assurances that any additional shares will be repurchased.
Dividends
In February 2016, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.10 per share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. This dividend was paid on April 13, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2016.
In August 2015, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.10 per share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. This dividend was paid on October 21, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 16, 2015.
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Sources and Uses of CashFor the nine months ended March 31, 2016 versus the nine months ended March 31, 2015
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (in millions):
For the nine months ended March 31, |
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations |
$ | 589 | $ | 826 |
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $237 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower Total Segment EBITDA, higher restructuring payments of $43 million, lower dividends received of $38 million, including the absence of dividends received from cost method investments of $20 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2015, as well as payments related to the NAM Group settlement charge of approximately $20 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2016.
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (in millions):
For the nine months ended March 31, |
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations |
$ | (703 | ) | $ | (1,513 | ) |
The Company had net cash used in investing activities of $703 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1,513 million for the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. During the nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company used $486 million of cash for acquisitions, primarily for the acquisition of iProperty, Unruly, DIAKRIT and Checkout 51. The Company also had capital expenditures of $180 million. The Company expects its capital expenditures for the year ending June 30, 2016 to be $240 million to $260 million.
During the nine months ended March 31, 2015, the Company used $1,188 million of cash for acquisitions, primarily the acquisitions of Move and Harlequin, and used $257 million of cash for investments, primarily consisting of approximately $100 million for its investment in iProperty and approximately $60 million for its investment in SeekAsia. The Company also had capital expenditures of $218 million which included $49 million related to the relocation of the Companys U.K. operations to a new site in London. The net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was partially offset by proceeds from dispositions of $134 million, primarily resulting from the sale of marketable securities.
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (in millions):
For the nine months ended March 31, |
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations |
$ | 204 | $ | (160 | ) |
The Company had net cash provided by financing activities of $204 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $160 million for the corresponding period of fiscal 2015. During the nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company had proceeds from borrowings under an unsecured syndicated revolving loan facility of approximately $340 million at REA Group. The net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 was partially offset by dividend payments of $58 million to News Corporation stockholders and repurchases of News Corporation shares for $41 million.
The net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily the result of the repayment of debt assumed in the acquisition of Move of approximately $129 million.
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Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow Available to News Corporation
Free cash flow available to News Corporation is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations, less capital expenditures and REA Group free cash flow, plus cash dividends received from REA Group. Free cash flow available to News Corporation excludes cash flows from discontinued operations.
The Company considers free cash flow available to News Corporation to provide useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after capital expenditures which can then be used for strategic opportunities including, among others, investing in the Companys business, strategic acquisitions, strengthening the Companys balance sheet, dividend payouts and repurchasing stock. A limitation of free cash flow available to News Corporation is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the cash balance for the period. Management compensates for the limitation of free cash flow available to News Corporation by also relying on the net change in cash and cash equivalents as presented in the Statements of Cash Flows prepared in accordance with GAAP which incorporate all cash movements during the period.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by continuing operating activities to free cash flow available to News Corporation:
For the nine months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities |
$ | 589 | $ | 826 | ||||
Less: Capital expenditures |
(180 | ) | (218 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
409 | 608 | |||||||
Less: REA Group free cash flow |
(92 | ) | (88 | ) | ||||
Plus: Cash dividends received from REA Group |
45 | 45 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Free cash flow available to News Corporation |
$ | 362 | $ | 565 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Free cash flow available to News Corporation decreased $203 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2016 to $362 million from $565 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2015, primarily due to lower cash provided by operating activities as discussed above, partially offset by lower capital expenditures due to the absence of costs associated with the relocation of the Companys operations to a new site in London in fiscal 2015.
The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a decrease of free cash flow available to News Corporation of approximately $40 million, or 7% for the nine months ended March 31, 2016.
Revolving Credit Agreement
The Companys Credit Agreement (as amended, the Credit Agreement) provides for an unsecured $650 million revolving credit facility (the Facility) that can be used for general corporate purposes. The Facility has a sublimit of $100 million available for issuances of letters of credit. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may request increases in the amount of the Facility up to a maximum amount of $900 million. Subject to certain conditions stated in the Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow, prepay and reborrow amounts under the Facility during the term of the Credit Agreement.
In October 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement (the Amendment) which, among other things, extended the original term of the Facility by two years and lowered the commitment fee payable by the Company. As a result of the Amendment, amounts under the Credit Agreement are now due on
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October 23, 2020, unless the commitments are terminated earlier either at the request of the Company or, if an event of default occurs, by the designated agent at the request or with the consent of the lenders (or automatically in the case of certain bankruptcy-related events). The Company may request that the commitments be extended under certain circumstances as set forth in the Credit Agreement for up to two additional one-year periods.
The Credit Agreement contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, with customary exceptions, including limitations on the ability of the Company and the Companys subsidiaries to engage in transactions with affiliates, incur liens, merge into or consolidate with any other entity, incur subsidiary debt or dispose of all or substantially all of its assets or all or substantially all of the stock of its subsidiaries taken as a whole. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain an adjusted operating income leverage ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. If any of the events of default occur and are not cured within applicable grace periods or waived, any unpaid amounts under the Credit Agreement may be declared immediately due and payable. As of March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the applicable debt covenants.
Interest on borrowings under the Facility is based on either (a) a Eurodollar Rate formula or (b) the Base Rate formula, each as set forth in the Credit Agreement. The applicable margin and the commitment fee are based on the pricing grid in the Credit Agreement, which varies based on the Companys adjusted operating income leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2016, the Company was paying a commitment fee of 0.225% on any undrawn balance and an applicable margin of 0.50% for a Base Rate borrowing and 1.50% for a Eurodollar Rate borrowing.
As of the date of this filing, the Company has not borrowed any funds under the Facility.
REA Group Unsecured Revolving Loan Facility
REA Group entered into a A$480 million unsecured syndicated revolving loan facility agreement in connection with the acquisition of iProperty (the REA Facility). The REA Facility consists of three sub facilities of A$120 million, A$120 million and A$240 million which become due in December 2017, December 2018 and December 2019, respectively. In February 2016, REA Group drew down the full A$480 million (approximately $340 million as of such date) available under the REA Facility, and the proceeds, less lenders fees of $1 million, were used to fund the iProperty acquisition. Borrowings under the REA Facility bear interest at a floating rate of the Australian BBSY plus a margin in the range of 0.85% and 1.45% depending on REA Groups net leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2016, REA Group was paying a margin of between 1.00% and 1.20%. REA Group paid approximately $1 million in interest for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 at a weighted average interest rate of 3.3%. The REA Facility requires REA Group to maintain a net leverage ratio of not more than 3.25 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. As of March 31, 2016, REA Group was in compliance with all of the applicable debt covenants.
Commitments
The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (firm commitments) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. Except as noted below, the Companys commitments as of March 31, 2016 have not changed significantly from the disclosures included in the 2015 Form 10-K.
In November 2015, the Company entered into a sports programming rights agreement with the National Rugby League to license certain media rights for a five year period from 2018 to 2022 for approximately $775 million (A$1.1 billion).
In August 2015, the Company entered into a sports programming rights agreement with the Australian Football League to license certain media rights for a six year period from 2017 to 2022 for approximately $850 million (A$1.2 billion).
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Contingencies
As disclosed in the Financial Statements, civil claims have been brought against the Company with respect to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The Company has admitted liability in many civil cases and has settled a number of cases. The Company has also settled a number of claims through a private compensation scheme established by the Company under which parties could pursue claims against it. While additional civil lawsuits may be filed, no additional civil claims may be brought under the compensation scheme after April 8, 2013.
In connection with the Companys separation of its businesses (the Separation) from 21st Century Fox on June 28, 2013 (the Distribution Date), the Company and 21st Century Fox agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement (the Separation and Distribution Agreement) that 21st Century Fox will indemnify the Company for payments made after the Distribution Date arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters as well as legal and professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the previously concluded criminal matters, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees (i) who are not directors, officers or certain designated employees or (ii) with respect to civil matters, who are not co-defendants with the Company or 21st Century Fox. 21st Century Foxs indemnification obligations with respect to these matters will be settled on an after-tax basis.
As of March 31, 2016, the Company has provided for its best estimate of the liability for the claims that have been filed and costs incurred, including liabilities associated with employment taxes, and has accrued approximately $108 million, of which approximately $59 million will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox, and a corresponding receivable was recorded in Other current assets on the Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2016. It is not possible to estimate the liability or corresponding receivable for any additional claims that may be filed given the information that is currently available to the Company. If more claims are filed and additional information becomes available, the Company will update the liability provision and corresponding receivable for such matters. The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the civil claims. It is possible that these proceedings and any adverse resolution thereof could damage its reputation, impair its ability to conduct its business and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
The Companys operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, it is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity. As subsidiaries of 21st Century Fox prior to the Separation, the Company and each of its domestic subsidiaries have joint and several liability with 21st Century Fox for the consolidated U.S. federal income taxes of the 21st Century Fox consolidated group relating to any taxable periods during which the Company or any of the Companys domestic subsidiaries are or were a member of the 21st Century Fox consolidated group. Consequently, the Company could be liable in the event any such liability is incurred, and not discharged, by any other member of the 21st Century Fox consolidated group. In conjunction with the Separation, the Company entered into the Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement with 21st Century Fox (the Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement), which requires 21st Century Fox to indemnify the Company for any such liability. Disputes or assessments could arise during future audits by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other taxing authorities in amounts that the Company cannot quantify.
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
The Company has exposure to different types of market risk including changes in foreign currency rates, stock prices and credit risk. The Company neither holds nor issues financial instruments for trading purposes.
The following sections provide quantitative information on the Companys exposure to foreign currency rate risk, stock price risk and credit risk. The Company makes use of sensitivity analyses that are inherently limited in estimating actual losses in fair value that can occur from changes in market conditions.
Foreign Currency Rates
The Company conducts operations in three principal currencies: the U.S. dollar; the Australian dollar; and the British pound sterling. These currencies operate primarily as the functional currency for the Companys U.S., Australian and U.K. operations, respectively. Cash is managed centrally within each of the three regions with net earnings reinvested locally and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. To the extent such funds are not sufficient to meet working capital requirements, funding in the appropriate local currencies is made available from intercompany capital. The Company does not hedge its investments in the net assets of its Australian and U.K. foreign operations.
Because of fluctuations in exchange rates, the Company is subject to currency translation exposure on the results of its operations. Foreign currency translation risk is the risk that exchange rate gains or losses arise from translating foreign entities statements of earnings and balance sheets from functional currency to the Companys reporting currency (the U.S. dollar) for consolidation purposes. The Company does not hedge translation risk because it generally generates positive cash flows from its international operations that are typically reinvested locally. Exchange rates with the most significant impact to its translation include the Australian dollar and British pound sterling. As exchange rates fluctuate, translation of its Statements of Operations into U.S. dollars affects the comparability of revenues and operating expenses between years.
The table below details the percentage of revenues and expenses by the three principal currencies for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015:
U.S. Dollars |
Australian Dollars |
British Pound Sterling |
||||||||||
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 |
||||||||||||
Revenues |
44 | % | 30 | % | 21 | % | ||||||
Operating and Selling, general, and administrative expenses |
48 | % | 28 | % | 24 | % |
Based on the year ended June 30, 2015, a one cent change in each of the U.S. dollar/Australian dollar and the U.S. dollar/British pound sterling exchange rates would have impacted revenues by approximately $31 million and $12 million, respectively, for each currency on an annual basis, and would have impacted Total Segment EBITDA by approximately $6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, on an annual basis.
Stock Prices
The Company has common stock investments in publicly traded companies that are subject to market price volatility. These investments had an aggregate fair value of approximately $182 million as of March 31, 2016. A hypothetical decrease in the market price of these investments of 10% would result in a decrease in comprehensive income of approximately $18 million before tax. Any changes in fair value of the Companys common stock investments are not recognized unless deemed other-than-temporary.
Credit Risk
Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk.
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The Companys receivables did not represent significant concentrations of credit risk as of March 31, 2016 or June 30, 2015 due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Companys products and services are sold.
The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions which are counterparties to its financial instruments. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. As of March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by any of the counterparties.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Companys management, with the participation of the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on such evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Companys third quarter of fiscal 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
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ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
The Company routinely is involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inspections or investigations, including those discussed below.
U.K. Newspaper Matters and Related Investigations and Litigation
On July 19, 2011, a purported class action lawsuit captioned Wilder v. News Corp., et al. was filed on behalf of all purchasers of 21st Century Foxs common stock between March 3, 2011 and July 11, 2011, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the Wilder Litigation). The plaintiff brought claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, alleging that false and misleading statements were issued regarding alleged acts of voicemail interception at The News of the World. The suit named as defendants 21st Century Fox, Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks, and sought compensatory damages, rescission for damages sustained and costs.
On June 5, 2012, the District Court issued an order appointing the Avon Pension Fund (Avon) as lead plaintiff and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd as lead counsel. Avon filed an amended consolidated complaint on July 31, 2012, which among other things, added as defendants the Companys subsidiary, NI Group Limited (now known as News Corp UK & Ireland Limited), and Les Hinton, and expanded the class period to comprise February 15, 2011 to July 18, 2011. Defendants filed motions to dismiss the litigation, which were granted by the District Court on March 31, 2014. Plaintiffs were allowed to amend their complaint, and on April 30, 2014, plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint, which generally repeated the allegations of the amended consolidated complaint and also expanded the class period to comprise July 8, 2009 to July 18, 2011. Defendants moved to dismiss the second amended consolidated complaint, and on September 30, 2015, the District Court granted defendants motions in their entirety and dismissed all of plaintiffs claims. In its memorandum, opinion and order relating to the dismissal, the District Court gave plaintiffs until November 6, 2015 to file a motion for leave to amend their complaint. On October 21, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration of the District Courts memorandum, opinion and order, which defendants have opposed. The Companys management believes these claims are entirely without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action. As described below, the Company will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox for certain payments made by the Company that relate to, or arise from, the U.K. Newspaper Matters, including all payments in connection with the Wilder Litigation.
In addition, civil claims have been brought against the Company with respect to, among other things, voicemail interception and inappropriate payments to public officials at the Companys former publication, The News of the World, and at The Sun, and related matters (the U.K. Newspaper Matters). The Company has admitted liability in many civil cases and has settled a number of cases. The Company has also settled a number of claims through a private compensation scheme established by the Company under which parties could pursue claims against it. While additional civil lawsuits may be filed, no additional civil claims may be brought under the compensation scheme after April 8, 2013.
In connection with the Separation, the Company and 21st Century Fox agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that 21st Century Fox will indemnify the Company for payments made after the Distribution Date arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters as well as legal and professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the previously concluded criminal matters, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees (i) who are not directors, officers or certain designated employees or (ii) with respect to civil matters, who are not co-defendants with the Company or 21st Century Fox. 21st Century Foxs indemnification obligations with respect to these matters will be settled on an after-tax basis.
The Company incurred gross legal and professional fees related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters and costs for civil settlements totaling approximately $9 million and $24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016
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and 2015, respectively, and approximately $32 million and $75 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. With respect to the fees and costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has been or will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox for $6 million, net of tax, and $9 million, net of tax, respectively, pursuant to the indemnification arrangements described above. With respect to the fees and costs incurred during the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has been or will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox for $17 million, net of tax, and $33 million, net of tax, respectively, pursuant to the indemnification arrangements described above.
As of March 31, 2016, the Company has provided for its best estimate of the liability for the claims that have been filed and costs incurred, including liabilities associated with employment taxes, and has accrued approximately $108 million, of which approximately $59 million will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox, and a corresponding receivable was recorded in Other current assets on the Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2016. It is not possible to estimate the liability or corresponding receivable for any additional claims that may be filed given the information that is currently available to the Company. If more claims are filed and additional information becomes available, the Company will update the liability provision and corresponding receivable for such matters. The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the civil claims. It is possible that these proceedings and any adverse resolution thereof could damage its reputation, impair its ability to conduct its business and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
HarperCollins
In 2011 and 2012, various civil lawsuits and governmental investigations were commenced against certain publishers, including the Companys subsidiary, HarperCollins, relating to alleged violations of antitrust and unfair competition laws arising out of the decisions by those publishers to sell their e-books pursuant to an agency relationship.
The publishers, including HarperCollins, entered into various settlement agreements to resolve these matters. These included a settlement with the DOJ, which, among other things, required that HarperCollins terminate its agreements with certain e-book retailers and placed certain restrictions on any agreements subsequently entered into with such retailers. Additional information about this settlement can be found on the DOJs website. The publishers, including HarperCollins, also entered into substantially similar settlements with the European Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB). The settlements with the DOJ and the European Commission received final approval in September and December 2012, respectively. The consent agreement with respect to the settlement with the CCB was registered with the Competition Tribunal on February 7, 2014. However, on February 21, 2014, Kobo Inc. (Kobo) filed an application to rescind or vary the consent agreement with the Competition Tribunal, and, on March 18, 2014, the Competition Tribunal issued an order staying the registration of the consent agreement. The stay will remain in effect pending further order of the Competition Tribunal or final disposition of Kobos application.
The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the unresolved HarperCollins matter described above. The legal and professional fees and settlement costs incurred in connection with the other settlements referred to above were not material.
News America Marketing
In-Store Marketing and FSI Purchasers
On April 8, 2014, in connection with a pending action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in which The Dial Corporation, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., H.J. Heinz Company, H.J. Heinz Company, L.P., Foster Poultry Farms, Smithfield Foods, Inc., HP Hood LLC and BEF Foods, Inc. (collectively, the Named Plaintiffs) alleged various claims under federal and state antitrust law against News Corporation, News America Incorporated (NAI), News America Marketing FSI L.L.C. (NAM FSI), and News America Marketing In-Store Services L.L.C. (NAM In-Store Services and, together with News Corporation, NAI and NAM FSI, the
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NAM Group), the Named Plaintiffs filed a fourth amended complaint on consent of the parties. The fourth amended complaint asserted federal and state antitrust claims both individually and on behalf of two putative classes in connection with the purchase of in-store marketing services and free-standing insert coupons. The complaint sought treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees.
On August 11, 2014, the Named Plaintiffs filed a motion seeking certification of a class of all persons residing in the United States who purchased in-store marketing services on or after April 5, 2008 and did not purchase those services pursuant to contracts with mandatory arbitration clauses. On June 18, 2015, the District Court granted the Named Plaintiffs motion, although it subsequently amended the start date of the claim period to April 26, 2009.
On September 10, 2015, the District Court granted a stipulation dismissing with prejudice the Named Plaintiffs claims relating to free-standing insert coupons. Trial began on February 29, 2016, and on such date, the parties agreed to settle the litigation. Under the terms of the settlement, which remains subject to District Court approval, the NAM Group agreed, among other things, to pay the plaintiffs and their attorneys approximately $250 million, and the parties agreed to dismiss the litigation with prejudice. The District Court has scheduled a preliminary settlement approval hearing for June 1, 2016. The NAM Group has also settled related claims for approximately $30 million. The Company recorded $280 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 in NAM Group settlement charge in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Valassis Communications, Inc.
On November 8, 2013, Valassis Communications, Inc. (Valassis) initiated legal proceedings against certain of the Companys subsidiaries alleging violations of various antitrust laws. These proceedings are described in further detail below.
| Valassis previously initiated an action against NAI, NAM FSI and NAM In-Store Services (collectively, the NAM Parties), captioned Valassis Communications, Inc. v. News America Incorporated, et al., No. 2:06-cv-10240 (E.D. Mich.) (Valassis I), alleging violations of federal antitrust laws, which was settled in February 2010. On November 8, 2013, Valassis filed a motion for expedited discovery in the previously settled case based on its belief that defendants had engaged in activities prohibited under an order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in connection with the parties settlement. |
On February 4, 2014, the magistrate judge granted Valassiss motion for expedited discovery. The NAM Parties objected to the magistrate judges ruling before the District Court and filed a motion to enforce the parties settlement agreement that sought an order that certain of Valassiss claims, if they are allowed to proceed, must be considered by a panel of antitrust experts (the Antitrust Expert Panel). On May 20, 2014, the District Court overruled the NAM Parties objections to the magistrate judges ruling and terminated the motion to enforce the parties settlement agreement as the issues raised in the motion would be addressed in connection with the NAM Groups motion to dismiss Valassiss newly filed complaint in Valassis II, described below.
On October 7, 2014, the NAM Parties filed a motion for an order requiring Valassis to show cause why its allegations that the NAM Parties engaged in unlawful bundling and tying of in-store marketing services and free-standing insert coupons should not be referred to the Antitrust Expert Panel for resolution pursuant to the parties settlement. On November 19, 2014, the magistrate judge denied the NAM Parties motion for an order to show cause. The NAM Parties objected to the magistrate judges order, and Valassis opposed those objections. On January 20, 2015, the NAM Parties filed a motion for expedited discovery in the previously settled case, which was granted by the magistrate judge on April 14, 2015.
On February 3, 2015, Valassis filed a Notice of Violation of an order issued by the District Court in the previously settled case. The Notice contains allegations that are substantially similar to the allegations
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Valassis made in the new complaint, described below, and seeks treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees. The Notice also re-asserts claims of unlawful bundling and tying which the magistrate judge had previously recommended be dismissed from Valassis II on the grounds that such claims could only be brought before the Antitrust Expert Panel. On March 2, 2015, the NAM Parties filed a motion to refer the Notice to the Antitrust Expert Panel or, in the alternative, strike the Notice. The District Court granted the NAM Parties motion in part on March 30, 2016 and ordered that the Notice be referred to the Antitrust Expert Panel. The District Court further ordered that the case be administratively closed and that it may be re-opened following proceedings before the Antitrust Expert Panel.
| On November 8, 2013, Valassis also filed a new complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against the NAM Group alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws and common law business torts (Valassis II). The complaint seeks treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees and costs. On December 19, 2013, the NAM Group filed a motion to dismiss the newly filed complaint. |
The District Court referred the NAM Groups motion to dismiss to the magistrate judge for determination, and on July 16, 2014, the magistrate judge recommended that the District Court grant the NAM Groups motion in part with respect to certain claims regarding alleged bundling and tying conduct and stay the remainder of the action. On March 30, 2016, the District Court adopted in part the magistrate judges recommendation. The District Court ordered that Valassiss bundling and tying claims be dismissed without prejudice to Valassiss rights to pursue relief for those claims in Valassis I. The District Court sustained Valassiss objection to the stay of Valassis II, but further ordered that all remaining claims in the NAM Groups motion to dismiss be referred to the Antitrust Expert Panel. The District Court further ordered that the case be administratively closed and that it may be re-opened following proceedings before the Antitrust Expert Panel.
The Court has scheduled a status conference for May 17, 2016 to discuss the referral to the Antitrust Expert Panel in both Valassis I and Valassis II. While it is not possible at this time to predict with any degree of certainty the ultimate outcome of these actions, the NAM Group believes it has been compliant with applicable laws and intends to defend itself vigorously in both actions.
Other
In addition, the Companys operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.
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ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in evaluating the Company and its common stock. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect the Companys business, results of operations or financial condition, and could, in turn, impact the trading price of the Companys common stock. The risk factors generally have been separated into three groups: risks related to the Companys business, risks related to the Companys Separation from 21st Century Fox and risks related to the Companys common stock.
Risks Related to the Companys Business
A Decline in Customer Advertising Expenditures in the Companys Newspaper and Other Businesses Could Cause its Revenues and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.
The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising through its newspapers, integrated marketing services and digital media properties. The Company and its affiliates also derive revenues from the sale of advertising on their cable channels and pay-TV programming. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions, as well as budgeting and buying patterns. National and local economic conditions, particularly in major metropolitan markets, affect the levels of retail, national and classified newspaper advertising revenue. Changes in gross domestic product, consumer spending, housing sales, auto sales, unemployment rates and job creation all impact demand for advertising. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy in general could alter current or prospective advertisers spending priorities or result in consolidation or closures across various industries, which may also reduce the Companys overall advertising revenue.
The Companys ability to generate advertising revenue is also dependent on demand for the Companys products and services, demographics of the customer base, advertising rates and results observed by advertisers. For example, circulation levels for the Companys newspapers and ratings points for its cable channels are among the factors that are weighed by advertisers when determining the amount of advertising to purchase from the Company as well as advertising rates. For the Companys digital media properties, advertisers use various metrics to evaluate demand such as the number of visits, number of users, user engagement and, for digital real estate services, the number and quality of leads provided. Demand for the Companys products and services depends in turn upon the Companys ability to differentiate and distinguish those products and services and anticipate and adapt to changes in consumer tastes and behaviors in a timely manner. For example, the Companys newspapers, cable channels and pay-TV programming must continue to provide high-quality content that is interesting and relevant to users in order to retain and grow their audiences. Similarly, the success of the Companys digital real estate services business depends in part on providing more comprehensive, current and accurate real estate listing data than its competitors, which the Company generally obtains through short-term arrangements with MLSs, real estate brokers, real estate agents and other third parties that may not be renewed and/or may be terminated with limited or no notice.
In addition, streaming and downloading capabilities via the Internet and other devices and technologies, as well as higher consumer engagement with other forms of digital media such as online and mobile social networking, are increasing the number of media choices and formats available to audiences, resulting in audience fragmentation and increased competition for advertising. New delivery platforms may also lead to loss of distribution and pricing control and loss of a direct relationship with consumers. These technological and other developments may also cause changes in consumer behavior that could affect the attractiveness of the Companys offerings to advertisers. Furthermore, the range of advertising choices across digital products and platforms and the large inventory of available digital advertising space have historically resulted in significantly lower rates for digital advertising than for print advertising. Digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic buying channels that allow advertisers to buy audiences at scale are also playing a more significant role in the advertising marketplace and may cause further downward pricing pressure.
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Evolving standards for the delivery of digital advertising, such as viewability, could also adversely affect digital advertising revenues. Consequently, the Companys digital advertising revenue may not be able to replace print advertising revenue lost as a result of the shift to digital consumption. A decrease in advertising expenditures by the Companys customers, reduced demand for the Companys offerings or a surplus of advertising inventory could lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could have an adverse effect on the Companys businesses and assets.
The Companys Businesses Face Significant Competition from Other Sources of News, Information and Entertainment Content.
The Companys businesses face significant competition from other sources of news, information and entertainment content, including both traditional and new content providers. This competition has intensified as a result of the continued development of new digital and other technologies and platforms, and the Company may be adversely affected if consumers migrate to other media alternatives. For example, advertising and circulation revenues in the Companys News and Information Services segment may continue to decline, reflecting general trends in the newspaper industry, including declining newspaper buying by younger audiences and consumers increasing reliance on the Internet for the delivery of news and information, often without charge. In recent years, Internet sites devoted to recruitment, automobile sales and real estate services have become significant competitors of the Companys newspapers and websites for classified advertising sales. In addition, due to innovations in content distribution platforms, consumers are now more readily able to watch Internet-delivered content on television sets and mobile devices, in some cases also without charge, which could reduce consumer demand for the Company and its affiliates television programming and pay-TV services and adversely affect both its subscription revenue and advertisers willingness to purchase television advertising from the Company. The Companys ability to compete effectively depends on many factors both within and beyond its control, including audience acceptance of its high-quality journalism, book titles, television programming and other products. If the Company is unable to compete successfully against existing or future competitors, its business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
The Company Must Respond to New Technologies and Changes in Consumer Behavior and Continue to Innovate and Provide Useful Products in Order to Remain Competitive.
Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and the resulting changes in consumer behavior and preferences create constant opportunities for new and existing competitors that can quickly render our products and services less valuable. For example, alternative methods for the delivery and storage of digital content, including the distribution of news and other content through social networking tools and on mobile and other devices, digital distribution models for books and Internet and mobile distribution of video content via streaming and downloading, have empowered consumers to seek more control over when, where and how they consume digital content. Content owners are increasingly delivering their content directly to consumers over the Internet, often without charge, and innovations in distribution platforms have enabled consumers to view such Internet-delivered content on portable devices and televisions. Enhanced Internet capabilities and other new media may reduce the demand for newspapers and television viewership, which could negatively affect the Companys revenues.
New digital platforms and technologies, such as user-generated sites and self-publishing tools, have also reduced the effort and expense of producing and distributing content on a wide scale, allowing digital content providers, customers, suppliers and other third parties to compete with us, often at a lower cost. This trend may drive down the price consumers are willing to spend on the Companys products disproportionately to the costs associated with generating content and result in relatively low barriers to entry for competing Internet-based products and services. In addition, new digital distribution channels, such as the Internet and online retailers, may present both challenges and opportunities to the Companys businesses, including its traditional book publishing model, which could affect both sales volume and pricing.
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In order to succeed, the Company must continue to innovate to ensure that its products and services remain relevant and useful for consumers and customers. The Company may be required to incur significant capital expenditures in order to respond to new technologies, new and enhanced offerings from its competitors, and changes in consumer behavior, and there is a risk that its responses and strategies to remain competitive, including distribution of its content on a pay basis, may not be adopted by consumers. The Companys failure to protect and exploit the value of its content, while responding to and developing new technologies, products, services and business models to take advantage of advancements in technology and the latest consumer preferences could cause its customer, audience and/or user base to decline, in some cases precipitously, and could have a significant adverse effect on its businesses, asset values and results of operations.
The Inability to Renew Sports Programming Rights Could Cause the Revenue of Certain of the Companys Australian Operating Businesses to Decline Significantly in any Given Period.
The sports rights contracts between certain of the Companys Australian operating businesses, on the one hand, and various professional sports leagues and teams, on the other, have varying duration and renewal terms. As these contracts expire, renewals on favorable terms may be sought; however, third parties may outbid the current rights holders for the rights contracts. In addition, professional sports leagues or teams may create their own networks or the renewal costs could substantially exceed the original contract cost. The loss of rights could impact the extent of the sports coverage offered by the Company and could adversely affect its revenues. Upon renewal, the Companys results could be adversely affected if escalations in sports programming rights costs are unmatched by increases in subscriber and carriage fees and advertising rates.
Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Have an Adverse Effect on the Companys Results of Operations.
The Company has significant operations in a number of foreign jurisdictions and certain of its operations are conducted in foreign currencies, primarily the Australian dollar and the British pound sterling. Since the Companys financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, a currency translation impact on the Companys earnings, which could, in turn, have an adverse effect on its results of operations in a given period or in specific markets.
Weak Domestic and Global Economic Conditions and Volatility and Disruption in the Financial and Other Markets May Adversely Affect the Companys Business.
The U.S. and global economies have undergone economic uncertainty which resulted in, among other things, a general tightening in the credit markets, limited access to the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of default and bankruptcy, lower consumer and business spending, lower consumer net worth and a dramatic decline in the real estate market. The resulting pressure on the labor and retail markets and the downturn in consumer confidence weakened the economic climate in certain markets in which the Company does business and had an adverse effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, including advertising revenues. Any continued or recurring economic weakness could further impact the Companys business, reduce its advertising and other revenues and negatively impact the performance of its newspapers, books, digital real estate services business, television operations and other consumer products and services. In addition, further volatility and disruption in the financial markets could make it more difficult and expensive for the Company to obtain financing. These conditions could also impair the ability of those with whom the Company does business to satisfy their obligations to the Company, including as a result of their inability to obtain capital on acceptable terms. The Company is particularly exposed to certain Australian business risks, including specific Australian legal and regulatory risks, consumer preferences and competition, because it holds a substantial amount of Australian assets. As a result, the Companys results of operations may be adversely affected by negative developments in the Australian market. Although the Company believes that its
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capitalization, operating cash flow and current access to credit markets, including the Companys revolving credit facility, will give it the ability to meet its financial needs for the foreseeable future, there can be no assurance that any further volatility and disruption in domestic and global capital and credit markets will not impair the Companys liquidity or increase its cost of borrowing.
The Company Has Made and May Continue to Make Strategic Acquisitions That Introduce Significant Risks and Uncertainties.
In order to position its business to take advantage of growth opportunities, the Company has made and may continue to make strategic acquisitions that involve significant risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: (1) the difficulty in integrating newly acquired businesses and operations in an efficient and effective manner, (2) the challenges in achieving strategic objectives, cost savings and other anticipated benefits, (3) the potential loss of key employees of the acquired businesses, (4) the risk of diverting the attention of the Companys senior management from the Companys operations, (5) the risks associated with integrating financial reporting and internal control systems, (6) the difficulties in expanding information technology systems and other business processes to accommodate the acquired businesses, (7) potential future impairments of goodwill associated with the acquired business and (8) in some cases, increased regulation.
If any acquired business fails to operate as anticipated or cannot be successfully integrated with the Companys existing business, the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected, and the Company may be required to record non-cash impairment charges for the write-down of certain acquired assets.
The Company Does Not Have the Right to Manage Foxtel, Which Means It is Not Able to Cause Foxtel to Operate or Make Corporate Decisions in a Manner that is Favorable to the Company.
The Company does not have the right to manage the business or affairs of Foxtel. While the Companys rights include the right to appoint one-half of the board of directors of Foxtel, the Company is not able to cause management or the board of directors to take any specific actions on its behalf, including with regards to declaring and paying dividends.
The Company Relies on Network and Information Systems and Other Technology Whose Failure or Misuse Could Cause a Disruption of Services or Loss or Improper Disclosure of Personal Data, Business Information, Including Intellectual Property, or Other Confidential Information, Resulting in Increased Costs or Loss of Revenue.
Network and information systems and other technologies, including those related to the Companys network management, are important to its business activities. Network and information systems-related events, such as computer hackings, computer viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks, malicious social engineering or other malicious activities, or any combination of the foregoing, as well as power outages, equipment failure, natural disasters (including extreme weather), terrorist activities or human error that may affect such systems, could result in disruption of the Companys services and/or loss or improper disclosure of personal data, business information, including intellectual property, or other confidential information. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of cyberattacks on companies network and information systems, and as a result, the risks associated with such an event continue to increase. The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to be subject to, cybersecurity threats and incidents, none of which have been material to the Company to date.
A significant failure, compromise, breach or interruption of the Companys systems could result in a disruption of its operations, customer or advertiser dissatisfaction, damage to its reputation or brands, regulatory investigations, lawsuits, a loss of customers or revenues and other financial losses. If any such failure, interruption or similar event results in the improper disclosure of information maintained in the Companys
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information systems and networks or those of its vendors, including financial, personal, credit card, confidential and proprietary information relating to personnel, customers, vendors and the Companys business, including its intellectual property, the Company could also be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and laws and regulations protecting personal data and privacy. Efforts by the Company and its vendors to develop, implement and maintain security measures may not be successful in preventing these events from occurring, particularly given that techniques used to access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently, and any network and information systems-related events could require the Company to expend significant resources to remedy such event. Moreover, the development and maintenance of these measures is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated.
The Company Faces Civil Lawsuits Relating to Allegations of Voicemail Interception, Inappropriate Payments to Public Officials and Other Related Matters.
Civil claims have been brought against the Company relating to, among other things, voicemail interception and inappropriate payments to public officials at the Companys former publication, The News of the World, and at The Sun, and related matters. The Company has admitted liability in many of the civil cases and has settled a number of cases. The Company has also settled a number of claims through a private compensation scheme established by the Company under which parties could pursue claims against it. While additional civil lawsuits may be filed, no additional civil claims may be brought under the compensation scheme after April 8, 2013.
In connection with the Separation, the Company and 21st Century Fox agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that 21st Century Fox will indemnify the Company for payments made after the Distribution Date arising out of these civil claims, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees (1) who are not directors, officers or certain designated employees or (2) who are not co-defendants with the Company or 21st Century Fox. 21st Century Foxs indemnification obligations with respect to these matters will be settled on an after-tax basis.
From July 1, 2010 through March 31, 2016, the Company incurred aggregate fees, costs and expenses related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters (inclusive of both civil and criminal matters) of $535 million, net of costs that have been or will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox, which includes $40 million paid to claimants for civil settlements. As of March 31, 2016, the Company accrued $108 million, representing its best estimate of the liability for the claims that have been filed, including liabilities associated with employment taxes, as well as incurred but unpaid legal and professional fees. Certain liabilities recorded by the Company as of March 31, 2016 related to matters that will be indemnified by 21st Century Fox as described above. Amounts due from 21st Century Fox relating to indemnified costs were approximately $59 million as of March 31, 2016.
The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the civil claims. It is possible that these proceedings and any adverse resolution thereof could damage its reputation, impair the Companys ability to conduct its business and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition. See Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company Could Suffer Losses Due to Asset Impairment and Restructuring Charges.
As a result of adverse developments in the Companys industry and challenging economic and market conditions, the Company may recognize impairment charges for write-downs of goodwill and intangible assets, as well as restructuring charges relating to the reorganization of its businesses, which negatively impact the Companys financial results. When the Company acquires a business, it records goodwill in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities, including intangible assets, as of the acquisition date. The Companys management must regularly evaluate goodwill and other acquired intangible assets expected to contribute indefinitely to the Companys cash flows in order to determine whether, based on projected discounted future cash flows, the carrying value for such assets
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exceeds current fair value and the Company should recognize an impairment. In accordance with GAAP, the Company performs an annual impairment assessment of its recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including newspaper mastheads and distribution networks, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The Company also continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as prevailing conditions in the capital markets or the economy generally, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of those assets, as well as other investments and long-lived assets, or require the Company to engage in any additional business restructurings to address these conditions. Any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenue and/or the expected popularity of the programming for which the Company has acquired rights could lead to a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units. Any downward revisions in the fair value of a reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, investments or long-lived assets could result in additional impairments for which non-cash charges would be required. Any such charge could be material to the Companys reported results of operations. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, as part of its long-range planning process the Company changed its strategy and related outlook with respect to its Amplify reporting unit, which resulted in a reduction in expected future cash flows. Consequently, the Company determined that the fair value of the Amplify reporting unit had declined below its carrying value and recorded an impairment charge of $371 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. The Company may also incur additional restructuring charges in the future if it is required to further realign its resources in response to significant shortfalls in revenue or other adverse trends.
The Companys Business Could Be Adversely Impacted by Changes in Governmental Policy and Regulation.
Various aspects of the Companys activities are subject to regulation in numerous jurisdictions around the world, and the introduction of new laws and regulations in countries where the Companys products and services are produced or distributed (and changes in the enforcement of existing laws and regulations in those countries) could have a negative impact on its interests.
For example, the Companys Australian operating businesses may be adversely affected by changes in government policy, regulation or legislation, or the application or enforcement thereof, applying to companies in the Australian media industry or to Australian companies in general. This includes:
| anti-siphoning legislation which currently prevents pay-TV providers such as Foxtel from acquiring rights to televise certain listed events (for example, the Olympic Games and certain Australian Rules football and cricket matches) unless: |
| national and commercial television broadcasters have not obtained these rights 12 weeks before the start of the event; |
| the rights to televise are also held by commercial television licensees who have rights to televise the event to more than 50% of the Australian population; or |
| the rights to televise are also held by one of Australias two major government-funded broadcasters; and |
| other parts of the Broadcasting Services Act that regulate ownership interests and control of Australian media organizations. Such legislation may have an impact on the Companys ownership structure and operations and may restrict its ability to take advantage of acquisition or investment opportunities. For example, current media diversity rules would prevent the Company from exercising control of a commercial television broadcasting license, a commercial radio license and a newspaper in the same license area. |
In addition, the Companys newspaper businesses in the U.K. are subject to greater regulation and oversight as a result of the implementation of recommendations of the Leveson inquiry into the U.K. press, which was established by Prime Minister David Cameron in mid-2011. The inquiry was triggered by allegations of illegal voicemail interception at the Companys former publication, The News of the World. Lord Justice Leveson, Chairman of the Inquiry, concluded the first part of the inquiry and published a report in late November 2012
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containing various recommendations for greater regulation and oversight of the U.K. press. The U.K. Government subsequently published a Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press which established a Recognition Panel responsible for approving and monitoring a new press self-regulatory body. No such regulator has yet been approved by the Recognition Panel, although it is currently considering an application by a newly-formed independent body, IMPRESS. In the meantime, a majority of the U.K. press has established an alternative regulator, the Independent Press Standards Organisation, or IPSO, which began operating in September 2014. IPSO, which has indicated that it does not intend to seek approval by the Recognition Panel, has powers to impose burdens on the print media in the U.K., including the Companys U.K.-based newspaper businesses. These powers, which include the ability to impose fines for breaches of up to £1 million IPSOs Editors Code of Practice, may result in competitive disadvantages versus other forms of media and may increase the costs of compliance.
The Companys business activities are also subject to laws and regulations governing the collection, use, sharing, protection and retention of personal data, which continue to evolve in light of changes in information technology and analytics techniques that have implications for how such data is managed. See Governmental RegulationData Privacy and Security in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. These laws and regulations could be costly to comply with, subject the Company to claims and other remedies and limit or restrict aspects of the Companys business, including, for example, by restricting the use of personal and profiling data to deliver targeted advertisements.
Adverse Results from Litigation or Other Proceedings Could Impact the Companys Business Practices and Operating Results.
From time to time, the Company is party to litigation, as well as to regulatory and other proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies. For example, certain competitors and customers of the Companys NAM business have filed lawsuits against NAM alleging antitrust violations and seeking treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees. On February 29, 2016, the parties in the action brought by customers of the NAM business agreed, subject to District Court approval, that the Company would pay the plaintiffs and their attorneys approximately $250 million and the litigation would be dismissed with prejudice. The Company also settled related claims for approximately $30 million.
The outcome of litigation or other proceedings is subject to significant uncertainty, and it is possible that an adverse resolution of one or more such proceedings could result in reputational harm and/or significant monetary damages, injunctive relief or settlement costs that could adversely affect the Companys results of operations or financial condition as well as the Companys ability to conduct its business as it is presently being conducted. In addition, regardless of merit or outcome, such proceedings can have an adverse impact on the Company as a result of legal costs, diversion of management and other personnel, and other factors. See Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for more information.
Newsprint Prices May Continue to Be Volatile and Difficult to Predict and Control.
Newsprint is one of the largest expenses of the Companys newspaper publishing units. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Companys average cost per ton of newsprint was approximately 16% lower than its historical average annual cost per ton over the past five fiscal years on a constant currency basis. The price of newsprint has historically been volatile and the consolidation of newsprint mills over the years has reduced the number of suppliers, which has led to increases in newsprint prices. Failure to maintain the Companys current consumption levels, further supplier consolidation or the inability to maintain the Companys existing relationships with its newsprint suppliers could adversely impact newsprint prices in the future.
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The Companys International Operations Expose it to Additional Risks that Could Adversely Affect its Business, Operating Results and Financial Condition.
In its fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, approximately 56% of the Companys revenues were derived outside the U.S., and the Company is focused on expanding the international scope of its operations. There are risks inherent in doing business internationally, including (1) issues related to managing international operations; (2) economic uncertainty and volatility in local markets and political or social instability; (3) potentially adverse changes in tax laws and regulations; (4) complying with international laws and regulations, including foreign ownership restrictions; (5) complying with anti-corruption laws and regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act; (6) restrictions on repatriation of funds and foreign currency exchange; and (7) complying with local labor laws and regulations. Events or developments related to these and other risks associated with the Companys international operations could result in reputational harm and have an adverse impact on the Companys business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. Challenges associated with operating globally may increase as the Company continues to expand into geographic areas that it believes represent the highest growth opportunities.
There Can Be No Assurance That the Company Will Have Access to the Capital Markets on Terms Acceptable to It.
From time to time the Company may need or desire to access the long-term and short-term capital markets to obtain financing. Although the Company believes that the sources of capital currently in place, including the Companys revolving credit facility, will permit the Company to finance its operations for the foreseeable future on acceptable terms and conditions, the Companys access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors, including, but not limited to: (1) the Companys financial performance, (2) the Companys credit ratings or absence of a credit rating, (3) the liquidity of the overall capital markets and (4) the state of the economy. There can be no assurance, particularly as a company that currently has no credit rating, that the Company will continue to have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to it.
Technological Developments May Increase the Threat of Content Piracy and Limit the Companys Ability to Protect Its Intellectual Property Rights.
The Company seeks to limit the threat of content piracy; however, policing unauthorized use of its products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken by the Company may not in every case prevent infringement by unauthorized third parties. Developments in technology increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to duplicate and widely distribute pirated material. The Company has taken, and will continue to take, a variety of actions to combat piracy, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry associations. However, protection of the Companys intellectual property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of its rights as defined by applicable laws in the U.S. and abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of the Companys rights, or if existing laws are changed, the Companys ability to generate revenue from its intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and maintaining rights may increase. There can be no assurance that the Companys efforts to enforce its rights and protect its products, services and intellectual property will be successful in preventing content piracy.
The Companys Business Relies on Certain Intellectual Property and Brands.
The Companys businesses rely on a combination of trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and other proprietary rights, as well as contractual arrangements, including licenses, to establish and protect their intellectual property and brand names. The Company believes its proprietary trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights are important to its continued success and its competitive position. However, the Company cannot ensure that these intellectual property rights will be upheld if challenged or that these rights will protect the Company against infringement claims by third parties. Any
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failure by the Company to effectively protect its intellectual property or brands could adversely impact the Companys results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the Company may be contractually required to indemnify other parties against liabilities arising out of any third party infringement claims.
The Companys Relationship with NAR is an Important Part of its Digital Real Estate Services Business in the U.S. and this Business Could be Harmed if it were to Lose the Benefits of this Relationship.
Move, the Companys digital real estate services business in the U.S., licenses the realtor.com® trademark and website address, as well as the REALTOR® trademark, from NAR pursuant to a trademark license agreement (the NAR License). Move also operates the realtor.com® website under an agreement with NAR that is perpetual in duration. However, NAR may terminate the operating agreement for certain contractually-specified reasons upon expiration of applicable cure periods. If the operating agreement with NAR is terminated, the NAR License would also terminate, and Move would be required to transfer a copy of the software that operates the realtor.com® website to NAR and provide NAR with copies of its agreements with advertisers and data content providers. NAR would then be able to operate a realtor.com® website, either by itself or with another third party.
In addition to the contractual limitations and risks described above, any adverse developments in Moves business relationship with NAR as a result of existing or new areas of conflict or potential conflict between Moves interests and NARs interests, changes in the real estate industry or other causes could also adversely affect Moves business, particularly as many of its customers and data providers are members of, have interests that are closely aligned with, or are otherwise influenced by, NAR.
Labor Disputes May Have an Adverse Effect on the Companys Business.
In a variety of the Companys businesses, it engages the services of employees who are subject to collective bargaining agreements. If the Company is unable to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements, it is possible that the affected unions could take action in the form of strikes or work stoppages. Such actions, as well as higher costs in connection with these collective bargaining agreements or a significant labor dispute, could have an adverse effect on the Companys business by causing delays in production or by reducing profit margins.
Risks Related to the Companys Separation from 21st Century Fox
If the Separation, Together with Certain Related Transactions, Were Ultimately Determined to be Taxable Transactions for U.S. Federal and/or Other Jurisdictions Income Tax Purposes, then the Company, 21st Century Fox and Its Stockholders Could Be Subject to Significant Tax Liability, and the Company may be Required to Indemnify 21st Century Fox for Tax-Related Liabilities Incurred by 21st Century Fox.
In connection with the Separation, 21st Century Fox received a private letter ruling from the IRS to the effect that, among other things, the distribution of the Companys Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock qualified as tax-free under Sections 368 and 355 of the Code except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. In addition, 21st Century Fox received an opinion from its tax counsel confirming the tax-free status of the Separation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including the satisfaction of the requirements under Sections 368 and 355 of the Code not specifically addressed in the IRS private letter ruling. The opinion of 21st Century Foxs tax counsel is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there is no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position.
The private letter ruling and the opinion relied on certain facts and assumptions, and certain representations from the Company and 21st Century Fox regarding the past and future conduct of their respective businesses and other matters. Notwithstanding the receipt of the private letter ruling and the opinion, the IRS and/or other tax authorities could determine on audit that the distribution or the related internal reorganization transactions should be treated as taxable transactions if any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings is not correct or has been violated, or that the distribution or the internal transactions should be taxable for other reasons. If the
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distribution ultimately is determined to be taxable, the distribution could be treated as a taxable dividend or capital gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and U.S. stockholders and certain non-U.S. stockholders could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. In addition, if the internal reorganization and/or the distribution is ultimately determined to be taxable, 21st Century Fox and/or the Company would recognize gains on the internal reorganization and 21st Century Fox would recognize gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of shares of the Companys common stock distributed to 21st Century Foxs stockholders on the Distribution Date over 21st Century Foxs tax basis in such shares. As described below, the Company may in certain circumstances be required to indemnify 21st Century Fox for liabilities arising out of the foregoing.
Under the terms of the Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement that the Company and 21st Century Fox entered into in connection with the Separation, the Company will, in certain circumstances, be responsible for all taxes, including interest and penalties, and tax-related liabilities incurred by 21st Century Fox as a result of actions taken by the Company or any of its subsidiaries after the Separation. Specifically, in the event that the distribution or the internal transactions intended not to be subject to tax were determined to be subject to tax and such determination was the result of certain actions taken, or omitted to be taken, after the Separation by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and such actions (1) were inconsistent with any representation or covenant made in connection with the private letter ruling or opinion of 21st Century Foxs tax counsel, (2) violated any representation or covenant made in the Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, or (3) the Company or any of its subsidiaries knew or reasonably should have expected, after consultation with its advisors, could result in any such determination, the Company will be responsible for any tax-related liabilities incurred by 21st Century Fox as a result of such determination.
The Company Could Be Liable for Income Taxes Owed by 21st Century Fox.
Each member of the 21st Century Fox consolidated group, which, prior to the Separation, included 21st Century Fox, the Company and 21st Century Foxs other subsidiaries, is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated group for periods prior to and including the Separation. Consequently, the Company could be liable in the event any such liability is incurred, and not discharged, by any member of 21st Century Foxs consolidated group. The Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement requires 21st Century Fox to indemnify the Company for any such liability. Disputes or assessments could arise during future audits by the IRS in amounts that the Company cannot quantify.
The Separation and Distribution Agreement May Restrict the Company From Acquiring or Owning Certain Types of Assets in the U.S.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has promulgated certain rules and regulations that limit the ownership of radio and television broadcast stations, television broadcast networks and newspapers (the Broadcast Ownership Rules) and place commercial restrictions on a cable network programmer in which a cable television operator holds an ownership interest (the Program Access Rules). Under the FCCs rules for determining ownership of the media assets described above, the Murdoch Family Trusts ownership interest in both the Company and 21st Century Fox following the Separation would generally result in each companys businesses and assets being attributable to the Murdoch Family Trust for purposes of determining compliance with the Broadcast Ownership Rules and the Program Access Rules. Consequently, the Companys future conduct, including its acquisition of any newspapers in the same local markets in which 21st Century Fox owns or operates television stations or the Companys acquisition of an ownership interest in a cable operator, may affect 21st Century Foxs ability to own and operate its television stations or otherwise comply with the Broadcast Ownership Rules, or may subject 21st Century Fox to the Program Access Rules. Therefore, the Company and 21st Century Fox agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that if the Company acquires, after the Distribution Date, newspapers, radio or television broadcast stations or television broadcast networks in the U.S. and such acquisition would impede or be reasonably likely to impede 21st Century Foxs business, then the Company will be required to take certain actions, including divesting assets, in order to permit 21st Century Fox to hold its media interests and to comply with such rules. In addition, the Company will be
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prohibited from acquiring an interest in a multichannel video programming distributor, including a cable television operator, if such acquisition would subject 21st Century Fox to the Program Access Rules to which it is not then subject. This agreement effectively limits the activities or strategic business alternatives available to the Company if such activities or strategic business alternatives implicate the Broadcast Ownership Rules or Program Access Rules and would impede or be reasonably likely to impede 21st Century Foxs business.
The Indemnification Arrangements the Company Entered Into With 21st Century Fox in Connection With the Separation May Require the Company to Divert Cash to Satisfy Indemnification Obligations to 21st Century Fox.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement and certain other related agreements, 21st Century Fox agreed to indemnify the Company for certain liabilities, and the Company agreed to indemnify 21st Century Fox for certain liabilities. As a result, the Company could be required, under certain circumstances, to indemnify 21st Century Fox and its affiliates against certain liabilities to the extent such liabilities result from an action the Company or its affiliates take or from any breach of the Company or its affiliates representations, covenants or obligations under the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement or any other agreement the Company entered into in connection with the Separation. The diversion of cash that may occur if the Company is required to indemnify 21st Century Fox under these agreements could limit the Companys ability to grow its businesses or capitalize on acquisition opportunities.
Certain Agreements That the Company Entered Into With 21st Century Fox in Connection With the Separation May Limit Its Ability to Take Certain Actions With Respect to the Civil U.K. Newspaper Matters.
Under the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, in consideration for 21st Century Foxs agreement to certain indemnification arrangements, the Company agreed that 21st Century Fox would have the right to control the Companys defense of civil claims relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. In exercising its rights to control the defense of the civil claims relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters, 21st Century Fox may be guided by interests that are different than or adverse to the Companys interests and the interests of its stockholders and advocate strategies that the Companys management would not otherwise adopt. Furthermore, if the Company fails to comply with these control arrangements or does not consent to settlements with respect to such matters proposed by 21st Century Fox, the Company has agreed with 21st Century Fox that it will, at 21st Century Foxs discretion, forego any indemnification with regard to such or all of these matters. The Companys inability to take actions with respect to these civil matters without 21st Century Foxs consent or the Companys adoption of strategies advocated by 21st Century Fox could damage the Companys reputation or impair the Companys ability to conduct its business while the taking of any such action by the Company without 21st Century Foxs consent in breach of the Companys agreements could increase its liability exposure with regard to such matters and adversely affect the Companys results of operations and financial condition. See Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company Has a Limited Operating History as an Independent, Publicly-Traded Company, and Its Historical Financial Statements for Certain Reporting Periods Are Not Necessarily Representative of the Results It Would Have Achieved as an Independent, Publicly-Traded Company, Do Not Reflect Any Subsequent Changes in Its Cost Structure and May Not Be Reliable Indicators of Its Future Results.
Certain of the Companys historical financial statements do not necessarily reflect the results of operations, cash flows and financial condition that it would have achieved as an independent, publicly-traded company during the applicable period or those that it will achieve in the future. Prior to the Separation, the Companys business was operated by 21st Century Fox as part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as an independent company. During those periods, 21st Century Fox performed various corporate functions for the Company, including, but not limited to, tax administration, treasury activities, accounting, legal, ethics and compliance program administration, investor and public relations, certain governance functions (including internal audit) and external reporting. Certain of the Companys historical financial statements reflect allocations of corporate expenses from 21st Century Fox for these and similar functions. However, these allocations may be more or less
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than the comparable expenses that the Company would have incurred had it operated as an independent, publicly traded company during those periods. In addition, changes have occurred and may continue to occur in the Companys cost structure, management, financing, business operations, personnel needs, tax and structure as a result of its operation as a public company separate from 21st Century Fox, including the incurrence of costs for compliance with requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC regulations and NASDAQ and ASX listing rules and potential increased costs associated with reduced economies of scale. Prior to the Separation, the Company benefited from 21st Century Foxs operating diversity, size, purchasing power and access to capital for investments, and it may not continue to realize such benefits in the future. As a result, there is a risk that the Company may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than it would have otherwise been while it was still a part of 21st Century Fox. Additionally, in connection with the Separation, the Company entered into certain transactions with 21st Century Fox that did not exist prior to the Separation.
Certain of the Companys Directors and Officers May Have Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest Because of Their Equity Ownership in 21st Century Fox, and Certain of the Companys Officers and Directors May Have Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest Because They Also Serve as Officers and/or on the Board of Directors of 21st Century Fox, Which May Result in the Diversion of Corporate Opportunities to 21st Century Fox.
Certain of the Companys directors and executive officers own shares of 21st Century Foxs common stock, and the individual holdings may be significant for some of these individuals compared to their total assets. In addition, certain of the Companys officers and directors also serve as officers and/or as directors of 21st Century Fox, including K. Rupert Murdoch, who serves as the Companys Executive Chairman and Executive Chairman of 21st Century Fox, and Lachlan K. Murdoch, who serves as the Companys Co-Chairman and Executive Chairman of 21st Century Fox. This ownership or service to both companies may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when these directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for the Company and 21st Century Fox. For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute that may arise between the Company and 21st Century Fox regarding the terms of the agreements governing the internal reorganization, the Separation and the relationship thereafter between the companies, including with respect to the indemnification of certain matters. In addition to any other arrangements that the Company and 21st Century Fox may agree to implement, the Company and 21st Century Fox have agreed that officers and directors who serve at both companies will recuse themselves from decisions where conflicts arise due to their positions at both companies.
The Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation acknowledges that the Companys directors and officers, as well as certain of its stockholders, including K. Rupert Murdoch, certain members of his family and certain family trusts (so long as such persons continue to own, in the aggregate, 10% or more of the voting stock of each of the Company and 21st Century Fox), each of which is referred to as a covered stockholder, are or may become stockholders, directors, officers, employees or agents of 21st Century Fox and certain of its affiliates. The Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that any such overlapping person will not be liable to the Company, or to any of its stockholders, for breach of any fiduciary duty that would otherwise exist because such individual directs a corporate opportunity (other than certain limited types of restricted business opportunities set forth in the Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation) to 21st Century Fox instead of the Company. As 21st Century Fox does not have a similar provision regarding corporate opportunities in its certificate of incorporation, the provisions in the Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation could result in an overlapping person submitting any corporate opportunities other than restricted business opportunities to 21st Century Fox instead of the Company.
Risks Related to the Companys Common Stock
The Market Price of the Companys Stock May Fluctuate Significantly.
The Company cannot predict the prices at which its common stock may trade. The market price of the Companys common stock may fluctuate significantly, depending upon many factors, some of which may be beyond its control, including: (1) the Companys quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in its
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industry; (2) actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Companys operating results; (3) success or failure of the Companys business strategy; (4) the Companys ability to obtain financing as needed; (5) changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; (6) changes in laws and regulations affecting the Companys business; (7) announcements by the Company or its competitors of significant new business developments or customers; (8) announcements by the Company or its competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions; (9) changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or the Companys ability to meet its earnings guidance, if any; (10) the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies; (11) results from material litigation or governmental investigations; (12) changes in capital gains taxes and taxes on dividends affecting stockholders; and (13) overall market fluctuations and general economic conditions.
Certain Provisions of the Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-laws, Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, Separation and Distribution Agreement and Delaware Law, the Companys Second Amended and Restated Stockholder Rights Agreement and the Ownership of the Companys Common Stock by the Murdoch Family Trust May Discourage Takeovers and the Concentration of Ownership Will Affect the Voting Results of Matters Submitted for Stockholder Approval.
The Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws contain certain anti-takeover provisions that may make more difficult or expensive a tender offer, change in control, or takeover attempt that is opposed by the Companys Board of Directors or certain stockholders holding a significant percentage of the voting power of the Companys outstanding voting stock. In particular, the Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws provide for, among other things:
| a dual class common equity capital structure; |
| a prohibition on stockholders taking any action by written consent without a meeting; |
| special stockholders meeting to be called only by the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors, or the holders of not less than 20% of the voting power of the Companys outstanding voting stock; |
| the requirement that stockholders give the Company advance notice to nominate candidates for election to the Board of Directors or to make stockholder proposals at a stockholders meeting; |
| the requirement of an affirmative vote of at least 65% of the voting power of the Companys outstanding voting stock to amend or repeal its by-laws; |
| certain restrictions on the transfer of the Companys shares; and |
| the Board of Directors to issue, without stockholder approval, Preferred Stock and Series Common Stock with such terms as the Board of Directors may determine. |
These provisions could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company, even in the case where a majority of the stockholders may consider such proposals, if effective, desirable.
In addition, in connection with the Separation, the Companys Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights agreement, which it extended in June 2014 and again in June 2015. Pursuant to the second amended and restated stockholder rights agreement, each outstanding share of the Companys common stock has attached to it a right entitling its holder to purchase from the Company additional shares of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock in the event that a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the then-outstanding Class B Common Stock without approval of the Companys Board of Directors, subject to exceptions for persons beneficially owning 15% or more of the Companys Class B Common Stock immediately following the Separation. The stockholder rights agreement could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire the Companys voting common stock without the approval of its Board of Directors. The rights expire on June 18, 2018, except as otherwise provided in the rights agreement. Further, as a result of his ability to appoint certain members of the board of directors of the corporate trustee of the Murdoch Family Trust, which beneficially owns less than one percent of the Companys outstanding Class A Common Stock and approximately 38.4% of the Companys Class B Common Stock as of April 29, 2016, K. Rupert Murdoch may
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be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares beneficially owned by the Murdoch Family Trust. K. Rupert Murdoch, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of these shares. Also, K. Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns or may be deemed to beneficially own an additional one percent of the Companys Class B Common Stock and less than one percent of the Companys Class A Common Stock as of April 29, 2016. Thus, K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate less than one percent of the Companys Class A Common Stock and approximately 39.4% of the Companys Class B Common Stock as of April 29, 2016. This concentration of voting power could discourage third parties from making proposals involving an acquisition of the Company. Additionally, the ownership concentration of Class B Common Stock by the Murdoch Family Trust increases the likelihood that proposals submitted for stockholder approval that are supported by the Murdoch Family Trust will be adopted and proposals that the Murdoch Family Trust does not support will not be adopted, whether or not such proposals to stockholders are also supported by the other holders of Class B Common Stock. Furthermore, the adoption of the second amended and restated stockholder rights agreement will prevent, unless the Companys Board of Directors otherwise determines at the time, other potential stockholders from acquiring a similar ownership position in the Companys Class B Common Stock and, accordingly, could prevent a meaningful challenge to the Murdoch Family Trusts influence over matters submitted for stockholder approval.
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
The Companys Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of $500 million of its Class A Common Stock. Through April 29, 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 5.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $71 million. The remaining authorized amount under the stock repurchase program as of April 29, 2016 was approximately $429 million. All decisions regarding any future stock repurchases are at the sole discretion of a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors and management. The committees decisions regarding future stock repurchases will be evaluated from time to time in light of many factors, including the Companys financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as well as legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the committee may deem relevant. The stock repurchase authorization may be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors cannot provide any assurances that any additional shares will be repurchased.
The following table is a summary of the Companys purchases of its Class A Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Total Number of Shares Repurchased |
Average Price Paid per Share |
Total Cost of Purchase |
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(in thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||
Q3 Fiscal 2016 repurchases: |
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January |
958 | $ | 12.30 | $ | 11,788 | |||||||
February |
964 | 11.42 | 11,007 | |||||||||
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Total Q3 Fiscal 2016 |
1,922 | $ | 11.86 | $ | 22,795 | |||||||
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ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION |
Not applicable.
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ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
(a) Exhibits.
10.1 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 9, 2016, among News Corporation, NC Transaction, Inc. and Robert Thomson. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2016.) | |||
10.2 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 9, 2016, among News Corporation, NC Transaction, Inc. and Bedi Ajay Singh. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2016.) | |||
31.1 | Chief Executive Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.* | |||
31.2 | Chief Financial Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.* | |||
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.** | |||
101 | The following financial information from the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited); (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited); (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2016 (unaudited) and June 30, 2015 (audited); (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited); and (v) Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.* |
* | Filed herewith. |
** | Furnished herewith. |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
NEWS CORPORATION (Registrant) | ||
By: | /s/ Bedi Ajay Singh | |
Bedi Ajay Singh Chief Financial Officer |
Date: May 6, 2016
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