UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
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 0-16914
THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio | 31-1223339 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(IRS Employer Identification Number) | |
312 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio |
45202 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (513) 977-3000
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: |
New York Stock Exchange | |
Class A Common Shares, $.01 par value |
||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not applicable |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of Class A Common shares of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the $45.69 per share closing price for such stock on June 30, 2007, was approximately $3,973,000,000. All Class A Common shares beneficially held by executives and directors of the registrant and The Edward W. Scripps Trust have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be held by affiliates of the registrant. There is no active market for our common voting shares.
As of January 31, 2008, there were 126,218,917 of the registrants Class A Common shares, $.01 par value per share, outstanding and 36,568,226 of the registrants Common Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share, outstanding.
Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders.
Index to The E. W. Scripps Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Item No. | Page | |||
4 | ||||
4 | ||||
1. | ||||
4 | ||||
6 | ||||
10 | ||||
12 | ||||
13 | ||||
14 | ||||
1a. |
14 | |||
1b. |
18 | |||
2. |
18 | |||
3. |
18 | |||
4. |
19 | |||
5. |
20 | |||
6. |
20 | |||
7. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
20 | ||
7a. |
21 | |||
8. |
21 | |||
9. |
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
21 | ||
9a. |
21 | |||
9b. |
21 | |||
10. |
22 | |||
11. |
22 | |||
12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
22 | ||
13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
22 | ||
14. |
22 | |||
15. |
22 |
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As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms Scripps, we, our or us may, depending on the context, refer to The E. W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole.
Our Company Web site is www.scripps.com. Copies of all of our SEC filings filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge on this Web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our Web site also includes copies of the charters for our Compensation, Nominating & Governance and Audit Committees, our Corporate Governance Principles, our Insider Trading Policy, our Ethics Policy and our Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers. All of these documents are also available to shareholders in print upon request.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements related to our businesses, including the proposed separation plan, that are based on our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in most instances are beyond our control, include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers tastes; newsprint prices; program costs; labor relations; technological developments; competitive pressures; interest rates; regulatory rulings; the risk that the benefits from the separation transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; and reliance on third-party vendors for various products and services. The words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.
Item 1. | Business |
We are a diverse media concern with interests in national television networks (Scripps Networks), newspaper publishing, broadcast television, interactive media and licensing and syndication. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via the Internet.
As previously announced, Scripps is pursuing a plan to separate into two independent publicly traded companies. The proposed separation will create a new company, Scripps Networks Interactive, which will include Scripps national lifestyle media brands (HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network (DIY), Fine Living and Great American Country (GAC) and their category-leading Internet businesses) and online comparison shopping services (Shopzilla and uSwitch and their associated Web sites). The E. W. Scripps Company will continue to include the portfolio of daily and community newspapers, broadcast television stations, character licensing and feature syndication businesses, and the Scripps Media Center in Washington, D. C. The separation will allow the management teams to focus on the respective opportunities for each company and pursue specific growth and development strategies that are based on the distinct characteristics of the two companies' local and national media businesses. The transaction is expected to take the form of a tax-free dividend of Scripps Networks Interactive stock to all Scripps shareholders on a one-for-one basis. The separation, which we expect to be completed in the second quarter of 2008, is contingent upon approval of the final plan by the Board of Directors and holders of Scripps Common Voting Shares, a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on the tax-free nature of the transaction, and the filing and effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Financial information for each of our business segments can be found under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations beginning on page F-5 and Note 18 on page F-48 of this Form 10-K.
Scripps Networks includes five national lifestyle television networks and their affiliated Web sites, HGTV, Food Network, DIY, Fine Living and GAC. We conceived of and launched HGTV, DIY and Fine Living. We acquired a controlling interest in Food Network in 1997, and we acquired GAC in the fourth quarter of 2004. Scripps Networks also includes our 7.25% interest in FOX-BRV Southern Sports Holdings, which comprises the Sports South and Fox Sports Net South regional television networks, and our networks operate internationally through licensing agreements and joint ventures with foreign entities. Scripps Networks produced approximately 47% of our total operating revenues in 2007, up from 42% in 2005.
HGTV began telecasting in 1994 and continues to attract viewers and serve advertisers by airing a full schedule of quality, original programming related to home repair, real estate,
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decorating, design, remodeling, and crafts. HGTV is distributed to about 96 million U.S. households and is one of cables top-rated networks. The networks branded programming also can be seen in 47 other countries. HGTV.com is the nation's leading online home and garden destination that attracts an average of 5 million unique visitors per month.
Food Network, which began telecasting in 1993, is a unique lifestyle network that strives to engage its viewers with likable personalities and the variety of things they do with food. Programming hits such as Iron Chef America and 30-Minute Meals have raised the networks public profile and increased viewer interest and advertiser demand. Food Network is distributed to approximately 96 million U.S. households. Food Network Web sites ranks first among food related Web sites averaging over 13 million Web site users per month.
DIY began telecasting in 1999 and features detailed how-to, step-by-step programming and information on a variety of topics including auto repair, crafts, gardening, hobbies, home building, home improvement and woodworking. DIYs distribution is about 47 million homes and the DIY Web site averages two million unique visitors per month.
Fine Living, which began telecasting in March 2002, features television programming and Web site content designed to appeal to viewers and Internet users looking for information on entertaining, travel, adventure, and financial, all through the lens of doing more with their time and money. Fine Living is about finding value with every dollar and with every minute, whether its finding ways to spend more time with your family or how to get three vacation ideas for one location.
GAC is a country music video network that began telecasting in 1996. GACs programming primarily features country music videos complemented by original programming, special musical performances and live concerts. GAC is available in more than 53 million households.
Our initial focus in launching a network is to gain distribution on cable and satellite television systems. To obtain long-term distribution contracts, we may make cash payments to cable and satellite television systems, provide an initial period in which a systems affiliate fee payments are waived, or both. We also create new and original programming and undertake promotional and marketing campaigns designed to increase viewer awareness.
As the distribution of our networks increases, we make additional investments in the quality and variety of programming and increase the number of original programming hours offered on the network. Such investments are expected to result in increases in viewership, yielding higher advertising revenues.
Once a network is fully distributed, our strategy primarily focuses on optimizing the networks ratings, revenue and profitability. We believe investments in high quality original programming and promotion of that programming are the primary drivers of ratings, revenue and profitability of a fully-distributed network.
HGTV and Food Network are generally distributed on the most widely available programming tiers offered by cable and satellite television systems. Each network reaches substantially all cable and satellite television households.
We continue to build the distribution of DIY, Fine Living and GAC. The distribution for each of these networks in 2007 increased more than 10% as compared with 2006. Distribution on the most widely available basic cable tier is limited and, accordingly, growth in the number of households reached by DIY, Fine Living and GAC is largely dependent on increases in the number of subscribers to the expanded digital programming tiers offered by cable and satellite television systems. We also continue to make investments in programming and promotional campaigns to increase viewer awareness of our developing networks.
Our relationships and agreements with cable and satellite television system operators are critical to our business as they provide us with both affiliate fee revenue and access to an audience which we sell to advertisers. We believe we have good relationships with the cable and satellite television system operators that distribute our networks. We have been a leader in providing video-on-demand and similar programming services those systems use to enhance their digital programming tier offerings to subscribers.
We have also emerged as a leader in providing content specifically formatted for the growing number of video-on-demand and broadband services. We own approximately 95% of our original television programming, which gives us the capability to reformat archived video content for other uses, including the Internet. Our internet strategy is to move our online businesses beyond extensions of our networks to become multi-branded, user-centric applications that create communities of online consumers in the home, food and lifestyle categories.
Advertising provided approximately 80% of Scripps Networks segment operating revenues in 2007. Advertising purchased on our networks usually seeks to promote nationally recognized consumer products and brands. We sell advertising time in both the upfront and scatter markets. The mix between the upfront and scatter markets is based upon a number of factors, including the demand for advertising time, economic conditions and pricing. Due to increased demand in the spring and holiday seasons, the second and fourth quarters normally have higher advertising revenues than our first and third quarters.
Advertising is sold on the basis of audience size and demographics, price and effectiveness. We compete for advertising revenues with other local and national media, including other television networks, television stations, radio stations, newspapers, Internet sites and direct mail. Audience size and demographics are directly related to the number of homes in which our networks can be viewed and our success in producing and promoting programming that is popular with our target audience. In reaching our target audience, we compete for consumers discretionary time with all other information and entertainment media. We believe we are a leader in providing advertisers with solutions to reach a range of audience demographics. Our lifestyle networks reach an audience that is highly interested in the products advertised on our networks. We also provide advertisers sponsorship opportunities and the availability to reach audiences through our broadband programming channels.
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Cable and satellite television systems generally pay a per-subscriber fee in exchange for the right to distribute our programming. Network affiliate fees provided 20% of Scripps Networks segment operating revenues in 2007.
We compete with other national television networks for distribution on cable and satellite television systems. While no assurance can be given regarding renewal of our distribution contracts or our ability to negotiate renewals with similar terms, we have not lost carriage upon expiration in the past and have generally negotiated new agreements that provided an increase in the per-subscriber fee.
Programming accounted for approximately 40% of our networks segment costs and expenses in 2007. We produce original programming and acquire programming from a variety of independent production companies. We also license certain programming that airs on our networks. We believe there are adequate sources of creative and original programming to meet the needs of our networks.
Our networks require traffic systems to schedule programs and to insert advertisements within programs. We transmit our programming to cable and satellite television systems via satellite. Transponder rights are acquired under the terms of long-term contracts with satellite owners.
Employee costs accounted for approximately 25% of segment costs and expenses in 2007.
Multichannel video program distributors (MVPDs) such as cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite operators are subject to varying degrees of regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and these requirements may directly affect the Company. The FCC, for example, requires that MVPDs close caption their programming for the benefit of hearing impaired viewers, and the Company is responsible for complying with this obligation.
New types of program requirements for MVPDs are being actively promoted. For example, some members of Congress have sought to apply the indecency regulations now applicable to broadcast programming to MVPD programming. Others have made efforts to require MVPDs to offer program channels on an a la carte basis or in smaller bundles, arguing that such offerings would give subscribers more choice to reject channels with indecent or otherwise objectionable content. The current FCC chairman continues to encourage MVPDs to offer a la carte programming, and has sought to lead the FCC towards a more active role in regulating cable operators rates and program carriage practices. The FCC recently determined to expand broadcast stations cable carriage rights in connection with the transition to digital television and separately adopted new rules to encourage more commercial leasing of cable system channels by independent programmers. The regulation of programming is subject to the political process, and further changes in law and regulation may be anticipated. There can be no assurance that our business would not be adversely affected by new legislation or FCC regulations affecting MVPDs or their programming.
We operate daily and community newspapers in 17 markets in the United States. Through December 31, 2007, three of our newspapers were operated pursuant to the terms of joint operating agreements (JOAs). We also own and operate the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service, a supplemental wire service covering stories in the capital, other parts of the United States and abroad. All of our newspapers subscribe to the wire service.
Our newspapers contributed approximately 26% of our companys total operating revenues in 2007, down from 34% in 2005.
Newspapers managed solely by us The markets in which we publish and solely manage daily newspapers and the circulation of these daily newspapers is as follows:
(in thousands) (1) Newspaper |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Abilene (TX) Reporter-News |
30 | 31 | 30 | 33 | 33 | |||||
Anderson (SC) Independent-Mail |
34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | |||||
Corpus Christi (TX) Caller-Times |
52 | 52 | 50 | 58 | 61 | |||||
Evansville (IN) Courier & Press |
66 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 69 | |||||
Henderson (KY) Gleaner |
10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |||||
Kitsap (WA) Sun |
29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | |||||
Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel |
116 | 117 | 117 | 120 | 121 | |||||
Memphis (TN) Commercial Appeal |
152 | 156 | 165 | 172 | 173 | |||||
Naples (FL) Daily News |
56 | 58 | 58 | 57 | 57 | |||||
Redding (CA) Record-Searchlight |
32 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 35 | |||||
San Angelo (TX) Standard-Times |
25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |||||
Treasure Coast (FL) News/Press/Tribune |
102 | 102 | 100 | 102 | 100 | |||||
Ventura County (CA) Star |
85 | 86 | 89 | 92 | 93 | |||||
Wichita Falls (TX) Times Record News |
29 | 30 | 30 | 32 | 32 | |||||
Total Daily Circulation |
819 | 831 | 842 | 869 | 878 | |||||
Circulation information for the Sunday edition of our newspapers is as follows:
(in thousands ) (1) Newspaper |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Abilene (TX) Reporter-News |
39 | 39 | 40 | 42 | 42 | |||||
Anderson (SC) Independent-Mail |
38 | 40 | 41 | 43 | 44 | |||||
Corpus Christi (TX) Caller-Times |
71 | 71 | 71 | 76 | 78 | |||||
Evansville (IN) Courier & Press |
87 | 88 | 89 | 92 | 97 | |||||
Henderson (KY) Gleaner |
12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | |||||
Kitsap (WA) Sun |
32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 34 | |||||
Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel |
145 | 147 | 150 | 153 | 155 | |||||
Memphis (TN) Commercial Appeal |
193 | 204 | 216 | 236 | 235 | |||||
Naples (FL) Daily News |
63 | 67 | 70 | 69 | 69 | |||||
Redding (CA) Record-Searchlight |
35 | 37 | 39 | 39 | 40 | |||||
San Angelo (TX) Standard-Times |
29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | |||||
Treasure Coast (FL) News/Press/Tribune (2) |
112 | 113 | 112 | 115 | 113 | |||||
Ventura County (CA) Star |
95 | 99 | 100 | 106 | 107 | |||||
Wichita Falls (TX) Times Record News |
32 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 36 | |||||
Total Sunday Circulation |
984 | 1,014 | 1,036 | 1,083 | 1,093 | |||||
(1) | Based on Audit Bureau of Circulation Publishers Statements (Statements) for the six-month periods ended September 30, except figures for the Naples Daily News and the Treasure Coast News/Press/Tribune, which are from the Statements for the twelve-month periods ended September 30. |
(2) | Represents the combined Sunday circulation of the Stuart News, the Vero Beach Press Journal and the Ft. Pierce Tribune. |
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Our newspaper publishing strategy seeks to create local media franchises anchored by the markets principal daily newspaper. Each newspaper manages its own news coverage, sets its own editorial policies and establishes local business practices. Our corporate staff sets the basic business, accounting and reporting policies, and provides other services and quality control. Additionally, certain centralized functions such as newsprint and paper procurement activities and information technology processes provide support for all of our newspapers.
We believe each of our newspapers has an excellent reputation for journalistic quality and content and that our newspapers are the leading source of local news and information in their markets. This strong brand recognition attracts readers and provides access to an audience which we sell to advertisers.
Over the years we have supplemented our daily newspapers with an array of niche products, including direct-mail advertising, total market coverage publications, zoned editions, youth-oriented specialty publications, and event-based publications. These product offerings allow existing advertisers to reach their target audience in multiple ways, while also giving us an attractive portfolio of products with which to acquire new clients, particularly small and mid-sized advertisers. While we strive to make such publications profitable in their own right, they also help retain advertising in the daily newspaper.
Our newspapers also operate Internet sites, offering users information, comprehensive news, advertising, e-commerce and other services. Online advertising, particularly classified advertising has become one of the fastest growing revenue sources at our newspapers. Together with the mass reach of the daily newspaper, the Internet sites and niche publications enable us to maintain our position as a leading media outlet in each of our newspaper markets.
To protect and enhance our market position we must continually launch new products, offer good, relevant local content, ensure quality service, invest in new technology and cross-brand our newspapers, Internet sites and niche publications. We expect to continue to expand and enhance our online services and to use our local news platform to launch new products, such as streaming video or audio.
Advertising provided approximately 80% of newspaper segment operating revenues in 2007. Newspaper advertising includes Run-of-Press (ROP) advertising, preprinted inserts, advertising on our Internet sites, advertising in niche publications, and direct mail. ROP advertisements, located throughout the newspaper, are classified into one of three categories: local, classified or national. Local ROP refers to any advertising purchased by in-market advertisers that is not included in the papers classified section. Classified ROP includes all auto, real estate and help-wanted advertising and other ads listed together in sequence by the nature of the ads. National ROP refers to any advertising purchased by businesses that operate beyond our local market and who typically procure advertising from numerous newspapers by using advertising agency services. Preprint advertisements are generally printed by advertisers and inserted into the newspaper. Internet advertising ranges from simple static banners and listings appearing on a Web page to more complex, interactive, animated and video advertisements.
Advertising revenues on a given volume of local and national ROP advertisements are generally greater than the revenues earned on the same volume of preprinted and other advertisements. Most of our newspaper markets have experienced a consolidation of retail department stores and the growth of discount retailers. Discount retailers do not traditionally rely on newspaper ROP advertising to deliver their commercial messages. The combination of these trends has resulted in a shift in advertiser demand away from the purchase of local ROP advertising and to the purchase of pre-printed advertising supplements. In response to changing advertising trends, we have launched new products in each of our markets and continually work to upgrade our advertising sales force by providing them with advanced training and innovative sales strategies. These techniques have been effective in generating advertising sales from new customers and replacing some of the lost advertising revenue from our traditional customers.
Advertising is generally sold based upon audience size, demographics, price and effectiveness. Advertising rates and revenues vary among our newspapers depending on circulation, type of advertising, local market conditions and competition. Each of our newspapers operate in highly competitive local media marketplaces, where advertisers and media consumers can choose from a wide range of alternatives, including other newspapers, radio, broadcast and cable television, magazines, Internet sites, outdoor advertising, directories and direct-mail products.
Typically, because it generates the largest circulation and readership, advertising rates and volume are higher on Sundays. Due to increased demand in the spring and holiday seasons, the second and fourth quarters have higher advertising revenues than the first and third quarters.
Circulation provided approximately 18% of newspaper segment operating revenues in 2007. Circulation revenues are produced from selling home-delivery subscriptions of our newspapers and single-copy sales sold at retail outlets and vending machines. Our newspapers seek to provide quality, relevant local news and information to their readers. We compete with other news and information sources, such as television stations, radio stations and other print and Internet publications as a provider of local news and information.
Employee costs accounted for approximately 51% of segment costs and expenses in 2007. Our workforce is comprised of a combination of non-union and union employees. See Employees.
We consumed approximately 115,000 metric tons of newsprint in 2007. Newsprint is a basic commodity and its price is sensitive to changes in the balance of worldwide supply and demand. Mill closures and industry consolidation have decreased overall newsprint production capacity and increased the likelihood of future price increases.
We also operate Media Procurement Services (MPS), a wholly-owned subsidiary company. MPS provides newsprint and other paper procurement services for both our newspapers and other non-affiliated newspapers and printers. By
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combining the purchasing requirements of several companies for newsprint and other services, MPS is able to negotiate more favorable pricing with newsprint producers. MPS purchases newsprint from various suppliers, many of which are Canadian. Based on our expected newsprint consumption, we believe our supply sources are sufficient.
Newspapers operated under JOAs and partnerships Through December 31, 2007, three of our newspapers were operated pursuant to the terms of JOAs. The Newspaper Preservation Act of 1970 provides a limited exemption from anti-trust laws, permitting competing newspapers in a market to combine their sales, production and business operations in order to reduce aggregate expenses and take advantage of economies of scale, thereby allowing the continued operation of both newspapers in that market.
Each newspaper maintains a separate and independent editorial operation.
In the third quarter of 2007, we announced that we were seeking a buyer for The Albuquerque Tribune and intended to close the newspaper if a qualified buyer was not found. In February 2008, we announced that we will close the newspaper and that the Albuquerque Tribune will publish its final edition on February 23, 2008. We also reached an agreement with the Journal Publishing Company, the publisher of the Albuquerque Journal (Journal), to terminate the Albuquerque joint operating agreement between the Journal and our Albuquerque Tribune newspaper following the closure of our newspaper. Under an amended agreement with the Journal Publishing Company, we will continue to own an approximate 40% residual interest in the Albuquerque Publishing Company, G.P. (the Partnership). The Partnership will direct and manage the operations of the continuing Journal newspaper and we will receive a share of the Partnerships profits commensurate with our residual interest.
Gannett Co. Inc. (Gannett) terminated the Cincinnati JOA upon its expiration in December 2007 and we ceased publication of our newspapers that participated in the Cincinnati JOA at the end of the year.
In 2006, we formed a partnership with MediaNews Group, Inc. (MediaNews) that operates certain of both companies newspapers in Colorado, including their editorial operations. We receive a share of the partnerships profits equal to our 50% residual interest.
Information regarding the markets in which we publish a daily newspaper pursuant to the terms of a JOA and the daily circulation of these newspapers are as follows:
(in thousands ) (1) Newspaper |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Albuquerque (NM) Tribune |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | |||||
Cincinnati (OH) Post |
27 | 30 | 34 | 39 | 45 | |||||
Denver (CO) Rocky Mountain News (2) |
225 | 256 | 263 | 275 | 289 | |||||
Total Daily Circulation |
262 | 297 | 310 | 328 | 348 | |||||
Sunday circulation information is as follows:
(in thousands ) (1) Newspaper |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Denver (CO) Rocky Mountain News (2) |
600 | 694 | 725 | 751 | 786 | |||||
(1) | Based on Audit Bureau of Circulation Publishers Statements for the six-month periods ended September 30. |
(2) | The Denver JOA publishes the Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Post Monday through Friday, and a joint newspaper on Saturday and Sunday. Reported daily circulation represents the Monday through Friday circulation of the Rocky Mountain News. |
The JOAs generally provide for automatic renewals unless an advance termination notice ranging from two to five years is given by either party.
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The combined sales, production and business operations of the newspapers are either jointly managed or are solely managed by one of the newspapers. The combined operations of the Denver newspapers are jointly managed by the partners. We have no management responsibilities for the combined operations of the Albuquerque JOA .
The operating profits earned from the combined operations of each newspaper in a JOA are distributed to the partners in accordance with the terms of the joint operating agreement. We receive a 50% share of the Denver JOA profits, a 40% share of the Albuquerque JOA profits, and received about a 20% to 25% share of the Cincinnati JOA profits.
Our share of the operating profits of the combined newspaper operations in each JOA market and our newspaper partnerships is affected by similar operational, economic and competitive factors included in the discussion of newspapers managed solely by us.
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Broadcast television includes six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC-affiliated stations and one independent. Our television stations reach approximately 10% of the nations television households.
Our broadcast television stations provided approximately 13% of our total operating revenues in 2007, down from 15% in 2005.
Information concerning our broadcast television stations, their network affiliations and the markets in which they operate is as follows:
Station |
Market |
Network Affiliation/ DTV Channel |
Affiliation Expires in/ DTV Service Commenced |
FCC License Expires in |
Rank of Mkt (1) |
Stations in Mkt (2) |
Station Rank in Mkt (3) |
Percentage of U.S. Television Households in Mkt (4) |
Average Audience Share (5) | |||||||||||
WXYZ-TV |
Detroit, Ch. 7 | ABC | 2010 | 2005 | (6) | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1.7 | % | 14 | |||||||||
Digital Service Status | 41 | 1998 | ||||||||||||||||||
WFTS-TV |
Tampa, Ch. 28 | ABC | 2010 | 2013 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 1.6 | % | 7 | ||||||||||
Digital Service Status | 29 | 1999 | ||||||||||||||||||
KNXV-TV |
Phoenix, Ch. 15 | ABC | 2010 | 2006 | (6) | 12 | 15 | 4 | 1.6 | % | 7 | |||||||||
Digital Service Status | 56 | 2000 | ||||||||||||||||||
WEWS-TV |
Cleveland, Ch. 5 | ABC | 2010 | 2005 | (6) | 17 | 9 | 1 | 1.4 | % | 11 | |||||||||
Digital Service Status | 15 | 1999 | ||||||||||||||||||
WMAR-TV |
Baltimore, Ch. 2 | ABC | 2010 | 2012 | 24 | 6 | 3 | 1.0 | % | 6 | ||||||||||
Digital Service Status | 52 | 1999 | ||||||||||||||||||
KSHB-TV |
Kansas City, Ch. 41 | NBC | 2010 | 2006 | (6) | 31 | 8 | 4 | 0.8 | % | 7 | |||||||||
Digital Service Status | 42 | 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||
KMCI-TV |
Lawrence, Ch. 38 | Ind. | N/A | 2014 | 31 | 8 | 5 | 0.8 | % | 2 | ||||||||||
Digital Service Status | 36 | 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||
WCPO-TV |
Cincinnati, Ch. 9 | ABC | 2010 | 2005 | (6) | 33 | 7 | 2 | 0.8 | % | 13 | |||||||||
Digital Service Status | 10 | 1998 | ||||||||||||||||||
WPTV-TV |
W. Palm Beach, Ch. 5 | NBC | 2010 | 2005 | (6) | 38 | 9 | 1 | 0.7 | % | 13 | |||||||||
Digital Service Status | 55 | 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||
KJRH-TV |
Tulsa, Ch. 2 | NBC | 2010 | 2006 | (6) | 60 | 10 | 3 | 0.5 | % | 7 | |||||||||
Digital Service Status | 56 | 2002 |
All market and audience data is based on the November Nielsen survey.
(1) | Rank of Market represents the relative size of the television market in the United States. |
(2) | Stations in Market does not include public broadcasting stations, satellite stations, or translators which rebroadcast signals from distant stations. |
(3) | Station Rank in Market is based on Average Audience Share as described in (5). |
(4) | Represents the number of U.S. television households in Designated Market Area as a percentage of total U.S. television households. |
(5) | Represents the number of television households tuned to a specific station from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. each day, as a percentage of total viewing households in the Designated Market Area. |
(6) | Renewal application pending. Under FCC rules, a license automatically is extended pending FCC processing and granting of the renewal application. Historically, we have been successful in renewing our expiring FCC licenses. |
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Our broadcast television strategy is to optimize the ratings, revenue and profit potential of each of our stations. Local news talent and the effective promotion of network and syndicated programs are the primary drivers of the ratings, revenue and profitability of our stations. In addition, we operate Internet sites covering each of our broadcast television markets. Our Internet sites provide supplemental news, weather, and entertainment content. We believe the opportunities afforded by digital media, such as digital multi-casting, streaming video, video-on-demand and podcasts of local news and information programs are important to our future success. We also believe that there is demand for real-time news, particularly traffic and weather, delivered to mobile devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). We devote substantial energy and resources to integrating such media into our business.
National television networks offer a variety of programs to affiliated stations, which have a limited right of first refusal before such programming may be offered to other television stations in the same market. Networks sell most of the advertising within the programs and compensate affiliated stations for carrying network programming. The network affiliation agreements for our nine affiliated stations are not due to expire until 2010.
In addition to network programming, our broadcast television stations produce their own programming and air programming licensed from a number of different independent program producers and syndicators. News is the primary focus of our locally produced programming. To differentiate our programming from that of national networks available on cable and satellite television and other entertainment media, our stations have emphasized and increased hours dedicated to local news and entertainment.
The sale of local, national and political commercial spots accounted for 95% of broadcast television segment operating revenues in 2007. In addition to advertising time, we also offer additional marketing opportunities, including sponsorships, community events, and advertising on our Internet sites.
Advertising revenues are also influenced by various cyclical factors, particularly the political cycle. Advertising revenues dramatically increase during even-numbered years, when congressional and presidential elections occur. Advertising revenues also are affected by whether our stations are affiliated with the national networks broadcasting major events, such as the Olympics or the Super Bowl. Due to increased demand in the spring and holiday seasons, the second and fourth quarters normally have higher advertising revenues than our first and third quarters.
Our television stations compete for advertising revenues primarily with other local media, including other local television stations, radio stations, cable television systems, newspapers, other Internet sites and direct mail. Competition for advertising revenue is based upon audience size and share, demographics, price and effectiveness.
The price of syndicated programming is directly correlated to the programming demands of other television stations within our markets. Syndicated programming costs were 20% of total segment costs and expenses in 2007.
Our broadcast television stations require studios to produce local programming and traffic systems to schedule programs and to insert advertisements within programs. Our stations also require towers upon which broadcasting transmitters and antenna equipment are located.
Employee costs accounted for 53% of segment costs and expenses in 2007.
Federal Regulation of Broadcasting Broadcast television is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act). The Communications Act prohibits the operation of broadcast television stations except in accordance with a license issued by the FCC and empowers the FCC to revoke, modify and renew broadcast television licenses, approve the transfer of control of any entity holding such licenses, determine the location of stations, regulate the equipment used by stations and adopt and enforce necessary regulations. The FCC also exercises limited authority over broadcast programming by, among other things, requiring certain childrens programming and limiting commercial content therein, regulating the sale of political advertising, and restricting indecent programming.
Broadcast television licenses are granted for a term of up to eight years and are renewable upon request, subject to FCC review of the licensees performance. At the present time, seven of our stations applications for license renewal are pending. While there can be no assurance regarding the renewal of our broadcast television licenses, we have never had a license revoked, have never been denied a renewal, and all previous renewals have been for the maximum term.
FCC regulations govern the multiple ownership of television stations and other media. Under the FCCs current rules (as modified by Congress with respect to national audience reach), a license for a television station will generally not be granted or renewed if the grant of the license would result in (i) the applicant owning more than one television station, or in some markets under certain conditions, more than two television stations in the same market, or (ii) the grant of the license would result in the applicants owning, operating, controlling, or having an interest in television stations whose total national audience reach exceeds 39% of all television households. The FCC also has generally prohibited cross ownership of a television station and a daily newspaper in the same community, but the FCC recently completed its Congressionally-mandated periodic review of its ownership rules and determined to relax this cross ownership ban in the largest television markets. Close Congressional and court review of this action is anticipated.
The FCC has adopted a series of orders to implement the ongoing transition from an analog system of broadcast television to a digital transmission system. It granted most television stations a second channel on which to begin offering digital service, and each of our broadcast stations now offer digital as well as analog broadcast service. Congress has set February 17, 2009, as the firm deadline for completing the digital transition and the return of broadcasters analog spectrum.
A significant number of technical, regulatory and market-related issues remain unresolved regarding the transition to
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digital television. These issues include some continuing uncertainty about how the FCC will manage the final stages of the transition; whether the FCC will adopt new rules further affecting broadcasters' use of their digital spectrum; when and how Congress or the FCC will further address cable and satellite carriage of digital broadcast programming; concerns over protecting broadcasters digital signal coverage, including protecting broadcast signals from harmful interference from new users of former broadcast spectrum; protecting digital broadcast signals from illegal copying and distribution; and uncertainty over the level of consumer demand for new digital services. We cannot predict the effect of these uncertainties on our offering of digital service or our business.
Broadcast television stations generally enjoy must-carry rights on any cable television system defined as local with respect to the station. Stations may waive their must-carry rights and instead negotiate retransmission consent agreements with local cable companies. Similarly, satellite carriers, upon request, are required to carry the signal of those television stations that request carriage and that are located in markets in which the satellite carrier chooses to retransmit at least one local station, and satellite carriers cannot carry a broadcast station without its consent. The FCC has recently determined that cable operators will be required to carry both a digital and an analog version of broadcasters signals for three years after the digital transition if necessary to provide all their subscribers with access to broadcasters signals, but the FCC declined to require carriage of the multiple program streams that broadcasters can present with digital technology. This decision is under appeal. The FCC has not yet addressed satellite carriers obligations to carry local stations digital signals except per congressional direction in Hawaii and Alaska.
The Company has generally elected to negotiate long-term retransmission consent agreements with the major cable operators and satellite carriers for our network-affiliated stations, while independent station KMCI relies on its must-carry rights. The FCC is currently examining whether it is appropriate to continue to allow broadcasters to seek the carriage of affiliated program channels in connection with granting retransmission consent. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding or its possible impact on the Company.
During recent years, the FCC has substantially increased its scrutiny of broadcasters programming practices. In particular, it has heightened enforcement of the restrictions on indecent programming. Congress decision to greatly increase the financial penalty for airing such programming has at the same time increased the threat to broadcasters from such enforcement. In addition, the FCC has recently adopted new regulations requiring broadcasters to maintain more detailed records of their public service programming and to make such information more accessible to the public via their web sites. The FCC is also considering imposing more specific obligations with respect to broadcasters programming service to their local communities. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding or its possible impact on the Company.
Interactive media includes our online comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch. Shopzilla, acquired on June 27, 2005, operates a comparison shopping service that helps consumers find products offered for sale on the Web by online retailers. uSwitch, acquired on March 16, 2006, operates an online comparison service that helps consumers compare prices and arrange for the purchase of a range of essential home services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband Internet and personal finance products primarily in the United Kingdom. Interactive media produced 10% of our total operating revenues in 2007.
Shopzilla operates its comparison shopping service on proprietary Web sites, including Shopzilla.com and BizRate.com, in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany. Shopzilla also operates the BizRate consumer feedback network that collects millions of consumer reviews of stores each year. Shopzilla aggregates and organizes information on millions of products from thousands of retailers. Consumers use the information on our site to search for products and then narrow their choices by the specific criteria that match their needs. These criteria include price, brand, product reviews, and other product attributes. Our comparison shopping service enables consumers to find and compare products online conveniently and effectively, reducing the need to visit the Internet sites of multiple online merchants. We provide consumers with a deep link to the Internet site of participating merchants, enabling consumers to quickly purchase products in which they have an interest. Our service enables merchants to generate sales cost-effectively by connecting them with consumers who are actively shopping for their products and services.
Online shopping in the United States continues to increase as consumers become more aware and accepting of its convenience and ease. At the same time, search engines and other online tools that assist consumers are being utilized on an increased basis.
Our service is free to the consumer. Shopzilla earns revenue primarily from referrals provided to participating online merchants and through participation in general search engine sponsored link programs. Lead referrals occur when consumers using our site click through to participating online retailers. Through sponsored link programs, we display listings from search engine advertisers as part of our service and we receive a share of the revenues earned by the search engine when consumers visit the advertisers Web sites. Our operating results are dependent upon our ability to continually attract customers to our Internet site in a cost effective manner and provide relevant product and merchant information to consumers.
The volume of referrals and the average revenue per referral are influenced by factors such as seasonality and merchant mix. The holiday season generally drives an increase in online shopping, and, therefore, our revenues in the fourth quarter are typically higher than in other quarters.
Marketing costs intended to attract traffic to our comparison shopping sites and costs to operate and develop our Internet sites are our primary expenses.
Consumers enter our site directly and come to our site through links from general search engines and other Internet sites. We also purchase performance-based advertising from
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search engines and other Internet sites to expose our brand to consumers who are researching areas in which we provide services. This advertising generally consists of keyword-based purchases, generally pursuant to contracts which we may terminate on 30 days notice. We continually monitor our keyword campaigns and adjust them to achieve better results. We also enter into distribution agreements with companies that wish to feature our comparison shopping content on their Web sites. We either pay these companies a cost-per-click fee, or share the revenues we charge our merchants when consumers link from these distribution partner Web sites to a merchant Web site.
uSwitch is a free, impartial online and phone-based comparison and switching service that helps customers compare prices on a range of services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband providers and personal finance products. Our aim is to help customers take advantage of the best prices and services offered by suppliers. The company has developed a series of calculators that evaluate a number of key factors including price, location, service and payment method, and advises customers on the best deal to suit their needs.
uSwitch has agreements with suppliers across all our services, and we earn revenue by providing suppliers with complete switches or referrals. We earn a commission for each switch or referral based on the terms of the contract with the suppliers. Our commercial relationships are in place to help make the switching process as convenient as possible for our customers, and in some cases we can offer exclusive deals that are not available directly from the supplier. They also enable us to keep this a free service.
uSwitchs revenues continue to be highly concentrated in energy related switches. Approximately 63% of uSwitchs revenues was generated from energy related switches in 2007. Accordingly, uSwitchs operating results are positively impacted during times of rising energy prices in the United Kingdom which generally correlates to increased switching activity. Conversely, uSwitchs operating results are adversely impacted when energy prices in the United Kingdom are falling.
We compete for both consumer and merchant users of our service. We compete for consumers on the basis of brand recognition, coverage of products and merchants, quality of information and ease of use. We compete for merchants on the basis of the quantity of lead referrals, the likelihood that those lead referrals will convert into purchases, our ability to help merchants measure the results of their marketing expenditures on our service, and our ability to help them optimize such expenditures. Any service that helps consumers find, compare or buy products and services is a competitor to us.
Licensing and other media aggregates operating segments that are too small to report separately, and primarily includes syndication and licensing of news features and comics. Under the trade name United Media, we distribute news columns, comics and other features for the newspaper industry. Newspapers typically pay a weekly fee for their use of the features. Included among these features is Peanuts, one of the most successful strips in the history of comic art.
United Media owns and licenses worldwide copyrights relating to Peanuts, Dilbert and other properties for use on numerous products, including plush toys, greeting cards and apparel, for promotional purposes and for exhibit on television and other media. Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, died in February 2000. We continue syndication of previously published Peanuts strips and retain the rights to license the characters. Peanuts provides approximately 94% of our licensing revenues. Licensing of comic characters in Japan provides approximately 42% of our international licensing revenues, which are approximately $50 million annually.
Merchandise, literary and exhibition licensing revenues are generally a negotiated percentage of the licensees sales. We generally negotiate a fixed fee for the use of our copyrighted characters for promotional and advertising purposes. We generally pay a percentage of gross syndication and licensing royalties to the creators of these properties.
We also represent the owners of other copyrights and trademarks, including Raggedy Ann and Precious Moments, in the U.S. and international markets. Services offered include negotiation and enforcement of licensing agreements and collection of royalties. We typically retain a percentage of the licensing royalties.
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As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 8,500 full-time equivalent employees, of whom approximately 4,800 were with newspapers, 1,300 with Scripps Networks, 1,600 with broadcast television, 500 with Interactive media and 100 with licensing and other media. Various labor unions represent approximately 1,100 employees, primarily in newspapers. We have not experienced any work stoppages at our current operations since 1985. We consider our relationships with our employees to be generally satisfactory.
Item 1a. | Risk Factors |
For an enterprise as large and complex as ours, a wide range of factors could materially affect future developments and performance. In addition to the factors affecting specific business operations, identified elsewhere in this report, the most significant factors affecting our operations include the following:
The planned separation of the E.W. Scripps Company is contingent upon the satisfaction of a number of conditions, may require significant time and attention of management, and may not achieve the intended results.
On October 16, 2007, Scripps announced that its Board of Directors unanimously authorized management to pursue a plan to separate into two publicly traded companies. The separation is contingent upon approval of the final plan by the Board of Directors and holders of Scripps Common Voting Shares, a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on the tax-free nature of the transaction, the filing and effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other customary conditions. For these and other reasons, we cannot assure that the separation will be completed. Additionally, execution of the proposed separation will more than likely require significant time and attention of our management, which could distract management from the operation of our business and the execution of our other strategic initiatives. Further, if the separation is completed, it may not achieve the intended goal of creating value for our shareholders over the long term.
Changes in economic conditions in the United States, the regional economies in which we operate or in specific economic sectors could adversely affect the profitability of our businesses.
Approximately 80% of our revenues in 2007 were derived from marketing and advertising spending by businesses operating in the United States. Advertising and marketing spending is sensitive to economic conditions, and tends to decline in recessionary periods. A decline in economic conditions could reduce advertising prices and volume, resulting in a decrease in our advertising revenues. A decline in economic conditions could also impact consumer discretionary spending. Such a reduction in consumer spending may impact the volume of online shopping, which could adversely affect our comparison shopping business.
Advertising and marketing spending by our customers is subject to seasonal and cyclical variations.
Due to increased demand in the spring and holiday seasons, the second and fourth quarters normally have higher advertising revenues than our first and third quarters. Referral fee revenues are highest in the fourth quarter due in part to increased online shopping during the holiday season. In addition, advertising revenues in even-numbered years benefit from political advertising. If a short-term negative impact on our business was to occur during a time of high seasonal demand, there could be a disproportionate effect on the operating results of that business for the year.
We face significant competition for advertising and marketing revenues.
All of our marketing service businesses are subject to competition for advertising and marketing revenues. We compete for advertising revenues with other local and national media, including television networks, television stations, radio stations, newspapers, Internet sites and direct mail. Advertising is sold on the basis of audience size and demographics, price and effectiveness. Audience size and demographics are generally related to our success in creating news and entertainment content whose success depends substantially on consumer tastes and preferences that change in often unpredictable ways. The success of our businesses depends on our ability to consistently create content and programming that meets these changing preferences. If our product offerings do not achieve sufficient consumer acceptance, our audience share may be adversely affected. Declines in such audience shares could result in a reduction in advertising revenue.
Our interactive media businesses compete for marketing service revenues with other comparison shopping services, general search engines, and other providers of information on shopping and essential home services. Our ability to maintain our relationship with participating retailers and service providers is largely dependent on our ability to provide them a cost effective means of attracting customers.
In order to maintain the confidence of participating retailers, our online comparison shopping services must monitor and detect click fraud by persons seeking to increase the fees paid by participating retailers rather than to view the merchandise. If we are unable to detect and stop it, click fraud could damage our brand and could result in the return of referral fees to participating retailers.
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Our traditional media businesses face substantial competition for advertising revenues with non-traditional digital media.
Competition for advertising revenue is increasingly intense with digital media platforms. The popularity of the Internet and low barriers to entry have led to a wide variety of alternatives available to advertisers and consumers. As media audiences fragment, advertisers are increasing the portion of their advertising budgets allocated to non-traditional media, such as Internet sites and search engines. Internet sites and search engines can offer more measurable returns than traditional media advertising through pay-for-performance and keyword-targeted advertising. We also compete with companies that sell products and services online because these companies are trying to attract users to their Internet sites directly to search for information about their products and services.
In recent years, Internet sites dedicated to help-wanted, real estate and automotive have become significant competitors for classified advertising. Entities with a large Internet presence are entering the classified market, heightening the risk of continued erosion. Although the amount of advertising on our Internet sites has been increasing, we may experience a decline in advertising revenues if we are unable to attract advertising to our Internet sites in sufficient volume or at rates comparable to that of our traditional media businesses.
Decreases, or slow growth, in circulation adversely affects our circulation revenues and also our advertising revenues.
In recent years the newspaper industry has experienced decreases in circulation volume and revenues. The declines are due, in part, to competition from other forms of media, particularly the Internet. Regular newspaper buying has declined, particularly among young people who increasingly rely on the Internet and other non-traditional media for news. The increased use of such non-traditional media, which is often available at no cost, challenges the traditional media model, in which quality journalism and content is primarily supported by advertising revenues.
A prolonged decline in circulation copies could have an effect on the rate and volume of advertising, which are dependent on the size and demographics of the audience we provide to our advertisers.
Television viewing audiences have fragmented, and further fragmentation could adversely affect our advertising revenues.
The broad distribution of cable and satellite television has greatly increased the options available to the viewing public. In addition, technological advancements in the video, telecommunications and data services industry are occurring rapidly. Advances in technologies such as personal video recorders, video-on-demand and streaming video on broadband Internet connections enable viewers to time-shift programming or to skip commercial messages. These changes have subjected Scripps Networks and our broadcast television stations to increased competition and to new types of competition for both viewers and advertising revenues.
Continued fragmentation of the television audience and technological developments could affect the viewership levels of our television businesses. Reductions in viewership levels could result in decreases in advertising revenues. Our ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in technology and consumer tastes on a timely basis and exploit new sources of revenue from these changes is critical to our ability to increase our advertising revenues and remain competitive.
We purchase keyword advertising on general search engines to attract consumers to our interactive media Web sites.
We attract traffic to our interactive media Web sites through search results displayed by Google, Yahoo! and other popular general search engines. Search engines typically provide two types of search results, algorithmic listings and sponsored listings. We rely on both algorithmic and sponsored listings to attract consumers to our comparison shopping Internet sites.
Algorithmic listings cannot be purchased, and instead are determined and displayed solely by a set of formulas designed by the search engine. Search engines revise their algorithms from time to time in an attempt to optimize their search result listings. Modification of such algorithms may result in fewer consumers clicking through to our Internet sites.
We also rely on purchased listings to attract consumers to our Web sites. Many general search engines also operate Internet shopping services. Modification or termination of our contractual relationships with general search engines to purchase keyword advertising could result in fewer consumers clicking through to our Internet site. We may incur additional expenses to replace this traffic.
Approximately 40% of our referral fee revenues in 2007 were with a general search engine and a change in this relationship could harm our business.
We are currently operating under an agreement with a general search engine to participate in its sponsored links program. Under the agreement, which expires in October 2008, we display listings from the search engines advertisers as a part of our service and we receive a share of the revenues earned by the search engine when consumers visit the advertisers Web sites. Our revenues could be affected if this agreement is not renewed upon expiration or if the agreement is not renewed on similar terms.
Our interactive media businesses are subject to online security risks, including security breaches and identity theft.
Our interactive media businesses transmit confidential information over public networks. A significant number of participating retailers authorize us to bill their credit cards directly for referrals provided to the retailer. Consumers switching essential home services provide sensitive personal data when completing contracts with the service providers. We rely upon encryptions and authentication technology provided by third parties to secure transmission of such confidential information.
Our Web site infrastructure is vulnerable to computer viruses and similar disruptions, and we may be subject to denial-of-service attacks that might make our Web sites unavailable for periods of time.
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Scripps Networks is dependent upon the maintenance of distribution agreements with cable and satellite distributors on acceptable terms.
We enter into long-term contracts for the distribution of our networks on cable and satellite television systems. Our long-term distribution arrangements enable us to reach a large percentage of cable and direct broadcast satellite households across the United States. As these contracts expire, we must renew or renegotiate them. If we are unable to renew them on acceptable terms, we may lose distribution rights.
The loss of a significant number of affiliation arrangements on basic programming tiers could reduce the distribution of our national television networks, thereby adversely affecting affiliate fee revenue, and potentially impacting our ability to sell advertising or the rates we charge for such advertising.
Our networks that are carried on digital tiers are dependent upon the continued upgrade of cable systems to digital capability and the publics continuing acceptance of, and willingness to pay for upgrades to digital cable as well as our ability to negotiate favorable carriage agreements on widely accepted digital tiers.
Consolidation among cable television system operators has given the largest cable and satellite television systems considerable leverage in their relationship with programmers. In 1996, the two largest cable television system operators provided service to approximately 22% of households receiving cable or satellite television service. They provide service to approximately 43% of these households today, with the two largest satellite television operators providing service to an additional 31% of such households.
Continued consolidation within the industry could reduce the number of distributors available to carry our programming, subject our affiliate fee revenue to greater volume discounts, and further increase the negotiating leverage of the cable and satellite television system operators.
The loss of affiliation agreements could adversely affect our broadcast television stations results of operations.
Our broadcast television station business owns and operates ten television stations. Six of the stations are affiliated with ABC and three are affiliated with NBC. These television networks produce and distribute programming in exchange for each of our stations commitment to air the programming at specified times and for commercial announcement time during the programming.
The non-renewal or termination of any of our network affiliation agreements, all of which expire in 2010, would prevent us from being able to carry programming of the relevant network. This loss of programming would require us to obtain replacement programming, which may involve higher costs and which may not be as attractive to our target audiences, resulting in reduced revenues.
We continue to develop new products and services for evolving markets. There can be no assurance of the success of these efforts due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control.
There are substantial uncertainties associated with our efforts to develop new products and services for evolving markets, and substantial investments may be required. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new products or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as the development of competitive alternatives, rapid technological change, regulatory changes and shifting market preferences, may cause new markets to move in unanticipated directions.
We cannot be certain that we will be successful in integrating businesses we may acquire with our existing businesses.
We may grow through acquisitions in certain markets, and we may also consider the acquisition of businesses that fall outside our traditional lines of business. For example, in recent years we have acquired GAC, but have also acquired Shopzilla and uSwitch which are outside our traditional lines of business. Acquisitions involve risks, including difficulties in integrating acquired operations, diversions of management resources, debt incurred in financing such acquisitions and other unanticipated problems and liabilities. If we are unable to mitigate these risks, the integration and operations of an acquired business could be adversely impacted.
Macro economic factors may impede access to or increase the cost of financing our operations and investments.
Changes in U.S. and global financial and equity markets, including market disruptions and significant interest rate fluctuations, may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing for our operations or investments or increase the cost of obtaining financing. In addition, our borrowing costs can be affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies which are based, in significant part, on our performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these ratings could increase our cost of borrowing or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing.
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Sustained increases in costs of pension and employee health and welfare benefits may reduce our profitability.
Employee compensation and benefits account for approximately 40% of our total operating expenses. In recent years, we have experienced significant increases in these costs as a result of macro economic factors beyond our control, including increases in health care costs, declines in investment returns on plan assets and changes in discount rates used to calculate pension and related liabilities. At least some of these macro economic factors may continue to put upward pressure on the cost of providing pension and medical benefits. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the profitability of our businesses.
We may not be able to protect intellectual property rights upon which our business relies, and if we lose intellectual property protection, we may lose valuable assets.
Our business depends on our intellectual property, including internally developed technology, data resources, brand identification and journalistic reputation. We attempt to protect these intellectual property rights through a combination of copyright, trade secret, patent and trademark law and contractual restrictions, such as confidentiality agreements. We also depend on our trade names and domain names. We file applications for patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property registrations, but we may not be granted such intellectual property protections. In addition, even if such registrations are issued, they may not fully protect all important aspects of our business and there is no guarantee that our business does not or will not infringe upon intellectual property rights of others. Furthermore, intellectual property laws vary from country to country, and it may be more difficult to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights in some foreign jurisdictions. In the future, we may need to litigate in the United States or elsewhere to enforce our intellectual property rights or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. This litigation could potentially be expensive and possibly divert the attention of our management.
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our service, technology and other intellectual property, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent any misappropriation or confusion among consumers and merchants, or unauthorized use of these rights. If we are unable to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, then we may not realize the full value of these assets, and our business may suffer.
We Could Suffer Losses Due to Asset Impairment Charges
We test our goodwill and intangible assets, including FCC licenses, for impairment during the fourth quarter of every year, and on an interim date should factors or indicators become apparent that would require an interim test, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. If the fair value of a reporting unit or an intangible asset is revised downward due to declines in business performance, impairment under SFAS 142 could result and a non-cash charge could be required. This could materially affect our reported net earnings.
Our Common Voting shares are principally held by The Edward W. Scripps Trust, and this control could create conflicts of interest or inhibit potential changes of control.
We have two classes of stock: Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. Holders of Class A Common shares are entitled to elect one-third of the Board of Directors, but are not permitted to vote on any other matters except as required by Ohio law. Holders of Common Voting shares are entitled to elect the remainder of the Board and to vote on all other matters. Our Common Voting shares are principally held by The Edward W. Scripps Trust, which holds 88% of the Common Voting shares. As a result, the trust has the ability to elect two-thirds of the Board of Directors and to direct the outcome of any matter that does not require a vote of the Class A Common shares. Because this concentrated control could discourage others from initiating any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction that may otherwise be beneficial to our businesses, the market price of our Class A Common shares could be adversely affected.
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Item 1b. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None
Item 2. | Properties |
Scripps Networks operates from an owned production and office facility in Knoxville. We also operate from a leased office facility in Knoxville and leased facilities in New York and Nashville. Substantially all equipment is owned by Scripps Networks.
We own substantially all of the facilities and equipment used in our newspaper operations.
We own substantially all of the facilities and equipment used by our broadcast television stations. We own, or co-own with other broadcast television stations, the towers used to transmit our television signal.
Interactive media operates from leased facilities in Los Angeles and London, as well as separate leased co-location facilities in Los Angeles and Houston. Substantially all of our equipment is owned by our interactive media businesses.
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings |
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, such as defamation actions and various governmental and administrative proceedings primarily relating to renewal of broadcast licenses, none of which is expected to result in material loss.
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Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2007.
Executive Officers of the Company - Executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Name |
Age | Position | ||
Kenneth W. Lowe |
57 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (since October 2000) | ||
Richard A. Boehne |
51 | Chief Operating Officer (since March 2006), Executive Vice President (since 1999) | ||
Anatolio B. Cruz III |
49 | Executive Vice President and General Counsel (since July 2007); Senior Vice President and General Counsel (2004 to 2007); Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, BET Holdings, Inc. (1999 to 2004) | ||
Joseph G. NeCastro |
51 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since March 2006); Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2002 to 2006) | ||
Mark G. Contreras |
46 | Senior Vice President /Newspapers (since March 2006); Vice President/Newspaper Operations (2005 to 2006); Senior Vice President, Pulitzer, Inc. (1999 to 2004) | ||
Mark S. Hale |
49 | Senior Vice President/Technology Operations (since August 2006); Vice President/Technology Operations (2005 to 2006); Executive Vice President of Scripps Networks, LLC (1998 to 2005) | ||
John F. Lansing |
50 | Senior Vice President/Scripps Networks (since February 2006), President, Scripps Networks, LLC (since January 2005); Executive Vice President, Scripps Networks, LLC (January 2004 to January 2005); Senior Vice President/Television (2002 to 2005) | ||
William B. Peterson |
64 | Senior Vice President/Television Station Group (since May 2004); Vice President/Station Operations (January 2004 to May 2004); Vice President/General Manager, WPTV-TV (2001 to 2004) | ||
Jennifer L. Weber |
41 | Senior Vice President/Human Resources (since September 2005); Principal, Towers Perrin (2001 to 2005) |
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Item 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Our Class A Common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol SSP. As of December 31, 2007, there were approximately 50,000 owners of our Class A Common shares, based on security position listings, and 19 owners of our Common Voting shares (which do not have a public market). We have declared cash dividends in every year since our incorporation in 1922. Future dividends are, however, subject to our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements.
The range of market prices of our Class A Common shares, which represents the high and low sales prices for each full quarterly period, and quarterly cash dividends are as follows:
Quarter |
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total | ||||||||||
2007 |
|||||||||||||||
Market price of common stock: |
|||||||||||||||
High |
$ | 53.39 | $ | 47.22 | $ | 47.60 | $ | 46.35 | |||||||
Low |
42.56 | 41.50 | 37.89 | 41.17 | |||||||||||
Cash dividends per share of common stock |
$ | 0.12 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.54 | |||||
2006 |
|||||||||||||||
Market price of common stock: |
|||||||||||||||
High |
$ | 50.63 | $ | 47.43 | $ | 48.02 | $ | 51.09 | |||||||
Low |
44.36 | 42.91 | 40.86 | 47.34 | |||||||||||
Cash dividends per share of common stock |
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.47 |
Under a share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors on October 24, 2004, we are authorized to repurchase up to 5.0 million Class A Common shares. We did not repurchase any Class A Common shares during the fourth quarter of 2007. During the first three quarters of 2007, a total of 1.3 million shares were repurchased at prices ranging from $38 to $53 per share. As of December 31, 2007, we are authorized to repurchase 1.6 million additional shares. Due to the pending proposed separation of the Company, the repurchase of shares was suspended in the first quarter of 2008. There is no expiration date for the program and we are under no commitment or obligation to repurchase any particular amount of Class A Common shares under the program.
There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the quarter for which this report is filed.
Performance Graph Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative return on the Companys Class A Common shares, assuming an initial investment of $100 as of December 31, 2002, and based on the market prices at the end of each year and assuming dividend reinvestment, with the cumulative return of the Standard & Poors Composite-500 Stock Index and an Index based on a peer group of media companies.
We continually evaluate and revise our peer group index as necessary so that it is reflective of our Companys portfolio of businesses. As a result of our recent acquisitions of the online comparison shopping businesses, Shopzilla and uSwitch, and the continued growth of our national television networks, we revised our peer group index in 2006. The companies that comprise the new peer group are Belo Corporation, Discovery Holding Company, Gannett Co. Inc., IAC/Interactive Corporation, Media General, Inc., News Corporation, Viacom, Inc., and the Washington Post Company.
The peer group index is weighted based on market capitalization.
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data |
The Selected Financial Data required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
20
Item 7a. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
The market risk information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
The Financial Statements and Supplementary Data required by this item are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
Item 9a. | Controls and Procedures |
The Controls and Procedures required by this item are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9b. | Other Information |
None.
21
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).
Information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K relating to directors is incorporated by reference to the material captioned Election of Directors in our definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Proxy Statement). Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance is incorporated by reference to the material captioned Report on Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance in the Proxy Statement.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, officers and directors of Scripps. We also have a code of ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers. This code of ethics meets the requirements defined by Item 406 of Regulation S-K and the requirement of a code of business conduct and ethics under NYSE listing standards. Copies of our codes of ethics are posted on our Web site at www.scripps.com.
Information regarding our audit committee financial expert is incorporated by reference to the material captioned Corporate Governance in the Proxy Statement.
The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 11. | Executive Compensation |
The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the material captioned Compensation Discussion and Analysis and Compensation Tables in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the material captioned Report on the Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Report on the Security Ownership of Management and Equity Compensation Plan Information in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the materials captioned Corporate Governance and Report on Related Party Transactions in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services |
The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the material captioned Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors in the Proxy Statement.
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedule
(a) | The consolidated financial statements of Scripps are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1. |
The reports of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated February 29, 2008, are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1.
(b) | The Companys consolidated supplemental schedules are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules at page S-1. |
Exhibits
The information required by this item appears at page E-1 of this Form 10-K.
22
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY | ||||
Dated: February 29, 2008 | By: | /s/ Kenneth W. Lowe | ||
Kenneth W. Lowe | ||||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated, on February 29, 2008.
Signature |
Title | |||
/s/ Kenneth W. Lowe Kenneth W. Lowe |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
/s/ Joseph G. NeCastro Joseph G. NeCastro |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||
/s/ William R. Burleigh William R. Burleigh |
Chairman of the Board of Directors | |||
/s/ John H. Burlingame John H. Burlingame |
Director | |||
/s/ David A. Galloway David A. Galloway |
Director | |||
/s/ David M. Moffett David M. Moffett |
Director | |||
/s/ Jarl Mohn Jarl Mohn |
Director | |||
/s/ Nicholas B. Paumgarten Nicholas B. Paumgarten |
Director | |||
/s/ Jeffrey Sagansky Jeffrey Sagansky |
Director | |||
/s/ Nackey E. Scagliotti Nackey E. Scagliotti |
Director | |||
/s/ Paul K. Scripps Paul K. Scripps |
Director | |||
/s/ Ronald W. Tysoe Ronald W. Tysoe |
Director | |||
/s/ Julie A. Wrigley Julie A. Wrigley |
Director |
23
The E. W. Scripps Company
Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information
Item No. | Page | |||
1. | F-2 | |||
2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
|||
F-5 | ||||
F-5 | ||||
F-6 | ||||
F-8 | ||||
F-9 | ||||
F-10 | ||||
F-10 | ||||
F-10 | ||||
F-11 | ||||
F-13 | ||||
F-14 | ||||
F-16 | ||||
F-17 | ||||
F-18 | ||||
3. | F-21 | |||
4. | F-23 | |||
5. | F-25 | |||
6. | F-27 | |||
7. | F-28 | |||
8. | F-29 | |||
9. | Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Shareholders Equity |
F-30 | ||
10. | F-31 |
F-1
Eleven-Year Financial Highlights
(in millions, except per share data)
2007 (1) | 2006 (1) | 2005 (1) | 2004 (1) | 2003 (1) | 2002 (1) | 2001 (1) | 2000 (1) | 1999 (1) | 1998 (1) | 1997 (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summary of Operations (12) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scripps Networks |
$ | 1,185 | $ | 1,052 | $ | 903 | $ | 724 | $ | 535 | $ | 415 | $ | 337 | $ | 296 | $ | 213 | $ | 133 | $ | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Newspapers |
659 | 716 | 701 | 676 | 664 | 655 | 649 | 653 | 622 | 593 | 473 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadcast television |
326 | 364 | 318 | 342 | 304 | 305 | 278 | 343 | 312 | 331 | 331 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Media |
256 | 271 | 99 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Licensing and other media |
92 | 95 | 106 | 104 | 105 | 90 | 89 | 97 | 93 | 89 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate |
2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
(3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total segment operating revenues |
2,517 | 2,496 | 2,127 | 1,846 | 1,609 | 1,466 | 1,352 | 1,389 | 1,240 | 1,145 | 942 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested operating units (1) |
11 | 23 | 25 | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMN pre-JOA operating revenues (2) |
12 | 221 | 210 | 200 | 197 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boulder prior to formation of Colorado newspaper partnership (3) |
2 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 34 | 32 | 30 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues |
$ | 2,517 | $ | 2,498 | $ | 2,155 | $ | 1,874 | $ | 1,636 | $ | 1,493 | $ | 1,392 | $ | 1,654 | $ | 1,505 | $ | 1,401 | $ | 1,193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment profit (loss): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scripps Networks |
$ | 603 | $ | 517 | $ | 414 | $ | 304 | $ | 204 | $ | 125 | $ | 76 | $ | 69 | $ | 34 | $ | 6 | ($ | 9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Newspapers managed solely by us |
136 | 189 | 204 | 201 | 222 | 227 | 218 | 228 | 233 | 220 | 184 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JOAs and newspaper partnerships (10) |
11 | 7 | 15 | 36 | 37 | 34 | 12 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boulder prior to formation of Colorado newspaper partnership (3) |
4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total newspapers |
146 | 196 | 223 | 241 | 264 | 267 | 234 | 266 | 271 | 255 | 213 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadcast television |
84 | 121 | 88 | 108 | 85 | 98 | 80 | 129 | 96 | 118 | 128 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Media |
40 | 68 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Licensing and other media |
11 | 13 | 19 | 17 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate |
(67 | ) | (60 | ) | (42 | ) | (38 | ) | (32 | ) | (28 | ) | (19 | ) | (20 | ) | (18 | ) | (16 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divested operating units (1) |
1 | 1 | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation of PP&E |
(83 | ) | (71 | ) | (63 | ) | (56 | ) | (56 | ) | (56 | ) | (54 | ) | (68 | ) | (65 | ) | (64 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of other intangible assets |
(49 | ) | (44 | ) | (20 | ) | (2 | ) | (3 | ) | (4 | ) | (5 | ) | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | (5 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on formation of Colorado newspaper partnership |
4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) on disposals of PP&E |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives (4) |
(38 | ) | (36 | ) | (35 | ) | (35 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Write-down of goodwill and intangible assets (5) |
(411 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of production facility (6) |
11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring charges, including share of JOA restructurings (7) |
(2 | ) | 4 | (16 | ) | (10 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(38 | ) | (56 | ) | (39 | ) | (31 | ) | (32 | ) | (28 | ) | (39 | ) | (52 | ) | (45 | ) | (47 | ) | (19 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other investment results, net of expenses (8) |
15 | (3 | ) | (86 | ) | 5 | (25 | ) | 1 | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains on divested operations (1) |
6 | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous, net (9) |
19 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes (11) |
(177 | ) | (219 | ) | (217 | ) | (205 | ) | (146 | ) | (114 | ) | (99 | ) | (106 | ) | (103 | ) | (91 | ) | (116 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
(83 | ) | (74 | ) | (58 | ) | (43 | ) | (16 | ) | (7 | ) | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | (6 | ) | $ | 397 | $ | 339 | $ | 323 | $ | 286 | $ | 188 | $ | 136 | $ | 162 | $ | 143 | $ | 129 | $ | 155 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Per Share Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | (.03 | ) | $ | 2.41 | $ | 2.05 | $ | 1.96 | $ | 1.75 | $ | 1.16 | $ | .85 | $ | 1.02 | $ | .91 | $ | .79 | $ | .95 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends |
.54 | .47 | .43 | .39 | .30 | .30 | .30 | .28 | .28 | .27 | .26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Market Value of Common Shares at December 31 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Per share |
$ | 45.01 | $ | 49.94 | $ | 48.02 | $ | 48.28 | $ | 47.07 | $ | 38.48 | $ | 33.00 | $ | 31.44 | $ | 22.41 | $ | 24.88 | $ | 24.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
7,336 | 8,167 | 7,859 | 7,879 | 7,622 | 6,159 | 5,227 | 4,951 | 3,502 | 3,908 | 3,906 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Certain amounts may not foot since each is rounded independently.
As a result of the two-for-one stock split authorized and distributed in the third quarter 2004, all share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split for all periods presented.
F-2
Notes to Selected Financial Data
Eleven-Year Financial Highlights
(in millions)
2007 (1) | 2006 (1) | 2005 (1) | 2004 (1) | 2003 (1) | 2002 (1) | 2001 (1) | 2000 (1) | 1999 (1) | 1998 (1) | 1997 (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow Statement Data (12) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by continuing operations |
$ | 612 | $ | 584 | $ | 428 | $ | 396 | $ | 347 | $ | 215 | $ | 204 | $ | 254 | $ | 191 | $ | 236 | $ | 190 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investing activity of continuing operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(128 | ) | (103 | ) | (62 | ) | (70 | ) | (86 | ) | (87 | ) | (68 | ) | (75 | ) | (80 | ) | (67 | ) | (57 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Business acquisitions and investments |
(33 | ) | (398 | ) | (547 | ) | (140 | ) | (5 | ) | (17 | ) | (102 | ) | (139 | ) | (70 | ) | (29 | ) | (745 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from formation of Colorado newspaper partnership, net |
20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (investing)/ divesting activity, net |
(24 | ) | 19 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 15 | 16 | 62 | 33 | 10 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financing activity of continuing operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in long-term debt, net |
(261 | ) | (61 | ) | 294 | 24 | (216 | ) | 1 | 9 | (54 | ) | (1 | ) | (4 | ) | 651 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
(152 | ) | (117 | ) | (111 | ) | (65 | ) | (50 | ) | (51 | ) | (51 | ) | (47 | ) | (47 | ) | (47 | ) | (46 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock retired |
(58 | ) | (65 | ) | (37 | ) | (22 | ) | (5 | ) | (35 | ) | (108 | ) | (26 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other financing activity |
1 | 39 | 20 | 42 | 31 | 29 | 16 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (12) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
4,005 | 4,283 | 3,802 | 3,090 | 2,923 | 2,727 | 2,641 | 2,587 | 2,535 | 2,375 | 2,304 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion) |
505 | 766 | 826 | 533 | 509 | 725 | 724 | 715 | 769 | 771 | 773 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity |
2,450 | 2,581 | 2,287 | 2,096 | 1,823 | 1,515 | 1,352 | 1,278 | 1,164 | 1,070 | 1,050 |
Note: Certain amounts may not foot since each is rounded independently.
As used herein and in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the terms Scripps, we, our, or us may, depending on the context, refer to The E. W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole.
The income statement and cash flow data for the eleven years ended December 31, 2007, and the balance sheet data as of the same dates have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis. The eleven-year financial data should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
Operating revenues and segment profit (loss) represent the revenues and the profitability measures used to evaluate the operating performance of our business segments in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard No. (FAS) 131. See page F-11.
(1) | In the periods presented we acquired and divested the following: |
Acquisitions
2007- Recipezaar.com, a user-generated recipe and community site. Pickle.com, a Web site that enables users to easily organize and share photos and videos from any camera or mobile phone device. Newspaper publications in Tennessee.
2006- uSwitch, a Web-based comparison shopping service that helps consumers compare prices and arrange for the purchase of a range of essential home services and personal finance products. Additional 4% interest in our Memphis newspaper and 2% interest in our Evansville newspaper. Newspaper publications in Texas and Florida.
2005- Shopzilla, a Web-based product comparison shopping service. Newspapers and other publications in Tennessee, California and Colorado.
2004- The Great American Country network.
2003- An additional interest of less than one percent in our Memphis newspaper.
2002- Additional 1.0% interest in Food Network and an additional interest of less than one percent in our Evansville newspaper.
2001- Additional 4.0% interest in Food Network and an additional interest of less than one percent in our Evansville newspaper.
2000- Daily newspapers in Ft. Pierce, Florida (in exchange for our newspaper in Destin, Florida, and cash) and Henderson, Kentucky; weekly newspaper in Marco Island, Florida; and television station KMCI in Lawrence, Kansas.
1999- Additional 7.0% interest in Food Network.
1998- Independent telephone directories in Memphis, Tennessee; Kansas City, Missouri; North Palm Beach, Florida; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Additional 1.0% interest in Food Network.
1997- Daily newspapers in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Plano, San Angelo and Wichita Falls, Texas; Anderson, South Carolina; and Boulder, Colorado (in exchange for our daily newspapers in Monterey and San Luis Obispo, California); community newspapers in the Dallas, Texas, market and an approximate 56% controlling interest in Food Network.
Divestitures
2000- Destin, Florida, newspaper (in exchange for Ft. Pierce, Florida, newspaper) and the independent telephone directories. The divestitures resulted in net pre-tax gains of $6.2 million, increasing income from continuing operations by $4.0 million, $.03 per share.
1998- Dallas community newspapers, including the Plano daily, and Scripps Howard Productions, our television program production operation based in Los Angeles, California. No material gain or loss was realized as proceeds approximated the book value of net assets sold.
1997- Monterey and San Luis Obispo, California, daily newspapers (in exchange for Boulder, Colorado, daily newspaper). Terminated joint operating agreement (JOA) and ceased operations of El Paso, Texas, daily newspaper. The JOA termination and the newspaper trade resulted in pre-tax gains totaling $47.6 million, increasing income from continuing operations by $26.2 million, $.16 per share.
(2) | The Denver JOA commenced operations on January 22, 2001. Our 50% share of the operating profit (loss) of the Denver JOA is reported as Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures in our financial statements. The related editorial costs and expenses associated with the Rocky Mountain News (RMN) are included in JOA editorial costs and expenses. Our financial statements do not include the advertising and other operating revenues of the Denver JOA, the costs to produce, distribute and market the newspapers or related depreciation. To enhance comparability of year-over-year operating results, we have removed the operating revenues of the RMN prior to the formation of the Denver JOA from our newspaper operating revenues and separately reported those revenues. |
(3) | In February 2006, we formed a partnership with MediaNews Group, Inc. (MediaNews) that operates certain of both companies newspapers in Colorado. We contributed the assets of our Boulder Daily Camera, Colorado Daily, and Bloomfield newspapers for a 50% interest in the partnership. Our share of the operating profit (loss) of the partnership is recorded as Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures in our financial statements. To enhance comparability of year-over-year operating results, the operating revenues and segment results of the contributed publications prior to the formation of the partnership are reported separately. |
F-3
Notes to Selected Financial Data (continued)
(4) | We adopted FAS 142Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets effective January 1, 2002. Recorded goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with FAS 144. |
(5) | 2007- A non-cash charge of $411 million, including $312 million of nondeductible goodwill, was recorded to reduce the carrying value of our uSwitch business goodwill and intangible assets to their fair values. The charge decreased income from continuing operations by $382 million, $2.32 per share. |
(6) | 2004- An $11.1 million gain on the sale of our Cincinnati television stations production facility to the City of Cincinnati increased income from continuing operations by $7.0 million, $.04 per share. |
(7) | Restructuring charges include our proportionate share of JOA restructuring activities. Our proportionate share of JOA restructuring activities is included in Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures in our financial statements. Restructuring charges consisted of the following: |
2003- A $1.8 million charge for estimated severance costs to Cincinnati Post union- represented editorial employees was recorded as a result of Gannett notifying us that the Cincinnati JOA will not be renewed when it expires on December 31, 2007. The charge reduced income from continuing operations $1.2 million, $.01 per share.
2002- The Denver JOA consolidated its office space and sold its excess real estate. The $3.9 million gain on the sale increased income from continuing operations by $2.4 million, $.01 per share.
2001- Costs of $16.1 million associated with workforce reductions, including our $5.9 million share of such costs at the Denver JOA, reduced income from continuing operations by $10.1 million, $.06 per share.
2000- Expenses of $9.5 million associated with formation of the Denver JOA reduced income from continuing operations by $6.2 million, $.04 per share.
1999- Severance payments of $1.2 million to certain television station employees and $0.8 million of costs incurred to move Food Networks operations to a different location in Manhattan reduced income from continuing operations by $1.2 million, $.01 per share.
(8) | Other investment results include i) gains and losses from the sale or write-down of investments and ii) accrued incentive compensation and other expenses associated with the management of the Scripps Ventures investment portfolios. Investment results include the following: |
2004- Net realized gains of $14.7 million. Net investment results increased in come from continuing operations by $9.5 million, $.06 per share.
2003- Net realized losses of $3.2 million. Net investment results decreased income from continuing operations by $2.1 million, $.01 per share.
2002- Net realized losses of $79.7 million. Charges associated with winding down the Scripps Ventures investment funds were $3.6 million. Net investment results decreased income from continuing operations by $55.6 million, $.34 per share.
2001- Net realized losses of $2.9 million. Accrued incentive compensation was decreased $11.5 million, to zero, in connection with the decline in value of the Scripps Ventures I investment portfolio. Net investment results in creased income from continuing operations by $3.8 million, $.02 per share.
2000- Net realized losses of $17.5 million. Accrued incentive compensation was increased $4.5 million, to $11.5 million. Net investment results reduced income from continuing operations by $15.8 million, $.10 per share.
1999- Net realized gains of $8.6 million. Accrued incentive compensation was increased $7.0 million, to $7.0 million. Net investment results increased income from continuing operations by $0.4 million, $.00 per share.
1997- Net realized losses of $2.7 million. Net investment results reduced income from continuing operations by $1.7 million, $.01 per share.
(9) | 2007- Miscellaneous, net includes realized gains of $9.2 million from the sale of certain investments. Income from continuing operations was increased by $5.9 million, $.04 per share. |
(10) | The consolidation of the Denver JOAs production facilities resulted in certain assets of the existing facilities being retired earlier than previously estimated. The reduction in these assets estimated useful lives increased depreciation expense and decreased our equity in earnings from JOAs by $4.0 million in 2007, $12.2 million in 2006 and $20.4 million in 2005. Income from continuing operations was decreased by $2.4 million, $.02 per share in 2007, $7.6 million, $.05 per share in 2006 and $12.6 million, $.08 per share in 2005. |
(11) | The provision for income taxes includes the following items which affect the comparability of the year-over-year effective income tax rate: |
2006- Modified filing positions in certain state and local tax jurisdictions, including filing amended returns for prior periods, and changed estimates for unrealizable state operating loss carryforwards. These items reduced the tax provision, increasing income from continuing operations by $13.0 million, $.08 per share.
2003- Changes in the estimated tax liability for prior years and our estimate of unrealizable state net operating loss carryforwards reduced the tax provision, increasing income from continuing operations by $27.1 million, $.17 per share.
2002- A change in the estimated tax liability for prior years reduced the tax provision, increasing income from continuing operations by $9.8 million, $.06 per share.
2000- A change in the estimated tax liability for prior years reduced the tax provision, increasing income from continuing operations by $7.2 million, $.05 per share.
(12) | The eleven-year summary of operations excludes the operating results of the following entities and the gains (losses) on their divestiture as they are accounted for as discontinued operations: |
2006- Divested our Shop At Home television network. We received cash consideration of approximately $17 million for the sale of certain assets to Jewelry Television. Jewelry Television also assumed a number of Shop At Homes television affiliation agreements. We also reached agreement on the sale of the five Shop At Home-affiliated broadcast television stations for cash consideration of $170 million. Shop At Homes results in 2006 include $30.1 million of costs associated with employee termination benefits, the termination of long-term agreements and charges to write-down assets. Shop At Homes results also include $10.4 million in net losses from the sale of property and other assets to Jewelry Television, and the completed sale of three of the Shop At Home affiliated television stations.
2005- Terminated Birmingham joint operating agreement and ceased operation of our Birmingham Post-Herald newspaper. We received cash consideration of approximately $40.8 million from the termination of the JOA and sale of certain of the Birmingham newspapers assets.
Recurring operating losses and a longer than expected path to profitability at Shop At Home resulted in a $103.1 million write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets.
F-4
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. You should read this discussion in conjunction with those financial statements.
This discussion and the information contained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements contain certain forward-looking statements related to our businesses, including the proposed separation plan, that are based on our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in most instances are beyond our control, include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers tastes; newsprint prices; program costs; labor relations; technological developments; competitive pressures; interest rates; regulatory rulings; and reliance on third-party vendors for various products and services. The words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.
The E. W. Scripps Company (Scripps) is a diverse media company with interests in national television networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television stations, interactive media and licensing and syndication. The companys portfolio of media properties includes: Scripps Networks, with such brands as HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network (DIY), Fine Living and Great American Country (GAC); daily and community newspapers in 17 markets and the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service; 10 broadcast television stations, including six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC affiliates and one independent; online comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch; and United Media, a leading worldwide licensing and syndication company that is the home of PEANUTS, DILBERT and approximately 150 other features and comics.
On October 16, 2007, Scripps announced that its Board of Directors unanimously authorized management to pursue a plan to separate into two publicly traded companies. The proposed separation will create a new company, Scripps Networks Interactive, which will include Scripps national lifestyle media brands (HGTV, Food Network, DIY, Fine Living and GAC and their category-leading Internet businesses) and online comparison shopping services (Shopzilla and uSwitch and their associated Web sites). The E. W. Scripps Company will continue to include the portfolio of daily and community newspapers, broadcast television stations, character licensing and feature syndication businesses, and the Scripps Media Center in Washington, D. C. The separation will allow the management teams to focus on the respective opportunities for each company and pursue specific growth and development strategies that are based on the distinct characteristics of the two companies local and national media businesses. The transaction is expected to take the form of a tax-free dividend of Scripps Networks Interactive stock to all Scripps shareholders on a one-for-one basis. The separation, which we expect to be completed in the second quarter of 2008, is contingent upon approval of the final plan by the Board of Directors and holders of Scripps Common Voting Shares, a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on the tax-free nature of the transaction, and the filing and effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Companys top priorities are to complete the above-mentioned transaction while continuing to focus on its business strategies. The key strategies consist of expanding Scripps Networks brands, developing our comparison shopping services by improving the customer experience, continuing to build our online presence in our newspaper and television markets while operating our local media businesses as efficiently as possible.
Scripps Networks continues to demonstrate industry-leading growth. Revenues were up 13 percent year-over-year, led by the continuing success of our flagship networks, HGTV and Food Network, but also helped by double-digit revenue growth at our three emerging networks. Ratings at HGTV in 2007 were the highest ever as programming like House Hunters and Designed to Sell continue to draw viewers, and the network continues to attract audiences across key demographics. At Food Network, ratings strengthened in the latter part of 2007 as programming targeted at younger viewers, such as Ace of Cakes and Dinner Impossible, attracted a growing audience. Our newer networks are also demonstrating success as they continue to broaden their distribution. DIY Network and Fine Living are pushing the 50-million subscriber mark and GAC surpassed that mark during 2007.
Our branded Web sites are also helping us build a leading presence on the Internet. FoodNetwork.com attracted a record 13 million unique visitors in December 2007, making it the top Web site in the food and cooking category. We continue to take steps to broaden our Internet presence, such as the acquisition of Recipezaar and the launch of frontdoor.com during the fourth quarter of 2007. Scripps Networks continues to focus on driving ratings growth at HGTV and Food Network through popular programming, expanding the distribution of our emerging networks, broadening our Internet-based offerings, and identifying opportunities to extend our nationally recognized brands to create new revenue streams.
F-5
In our Interactive Media division, we continue to adapt to a changing competitive landscape that affected results throughout 2007. Falling energy prices in the United Kingdom resulted in less switching activity and lower revenue at uSwitch during 2007 compared with previous years. While we have made efforts to grow other service categories at uSwitch, including personal finance and insurance products, our revenue remains concentrated in the energy market. This concentration, combined with the changes in the energy markets in the United Kingdom, led to lowered future cash flow expectations for uSwitch, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $411 million in the fourth quarter. See Managements Discussion and Analysis for additional information related to the charge. At Shopzilla, we began to see improvement in the latter half of 2007, with revenue improving in the fourth quarter in comparison with the same period a year ago. We are continuing our efforts to become more efficient at acquiring paid traffic and attracting free traffic to the site. During December 2007, we topped 26 million visitors to the Shopzilla sites for the first time. To enhance the customer experience at Shopzilla and drive traffic to the site, we continue to focus on expanding the amount and relevance of product information on the site. At uSwitch, we have aligned costs with the current business conditions to reduce the financial impact of the lower switching activity experienced in recent periods.
Our newspaper businesses continue to operate in a difficult economic environment. Lower local and classified advertising sales, including particularly weak real estate and employment advertising in the Companys Florida and California markets, contributed to the decline in total newspaper revenue. We continue to focus on operational efficiencies, and made some progress in controlling costs during the year as newspaper expenses declined 1.1% compared with the prior year. Expenses at our newspapers were favorably impacted by 10% reductions in both the average price of newsprint and newsprint consumption during 2007 compared with 2006. These reductions in newsprint expenses were partially offset by a charge recorded in the second quarter of 2007 related to voluntary separation plan offers that were accepted by 137 newspaper division employees. We also continue to focus on the Web sites associated with our newspapers, and have seen positive results in online revenue from newspapers.
At our broadcast television stations, revenue declined compared with the prior year, as anticipated, due to the relative absence of political advertising and difficult comparisons with the prior year, when we had the benefit of ABCs broadcast of the Super Bowl and NBCs broadcast of the Winter Olympics. We continue to emphasize local news, focus on obtaining non-traditional television advertisers and build our online presence within the broadcast division.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires us to make a variety of decisions which affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including the selection of appropriate accounting principles and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions. We are committed to incorporating accounting principles, assumptions and estimates that promote the representational faithfulness, verifiability, neutrality and transparency of the accounting information included in the financial statements.
Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies we have selected for use in the preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures. We believe the following to be the most critical accounting policies, estimates and assumptions affecting our reported amounts and related disclosures.
Network Affiliate Fees Cable and satellite television systems generally pay a per-subscriber fee (network affiliate fees) for the right to distribute our programming under the terms of long-term distribution contracts. Network affiliate fees are reported net of volume discounts earned by cable and satellite television system operators and net of incentive costs offered to system operators in exchange for initial long-term distribution contracts. Such incentives may include an initial period in which the payment of network affiliate fees by the system is waived (free period), cash payments (network launch incentives), or both. We recognize network affiliate fees as revenue over the terms of the contracts, including any free periods. Network launch incentives are capitalized as assets upon launch of our programming on the cable or satellite television system and are then amortized against network affiliate fees based upon the ratio of each periods revenue to expected total revenue over the terms of the contracts.
Reported network affiliate fee revenues are based upon our estimate of the number of subscribers receiving our programming, which determines the amount of volume-based discounts each cable and satellite television provider is entitled to receive. The subscriber estimate for each cable and satellite television system is based on the actual number of subscribers reported in the most recent data received, which is generally within the previous three months. While network affiliate fee revenues are adjusted once actual subscriber data is received, adjustments for these estimates have not been significant in the past.
In addition, cable television systems acquired by a multiple system operator (MSO) may carry our programming under contracts with different rates, discounts or other terms than the MSO. The MSO may have the right to continue to apply the contract terms of the acquired system, to apply its contract term to the acquired system, or to apply the contract terms of the acquired systems to all of its systems. Agreements with cable television systems also typically permit the system to carry our programming while we negotiate volume discounts, rebates or other incentives, requiring us to estimate such amounts. We adjust the recorded amounts and our estimate of any remaining unreported periods based upon the actual amounts of network affiliate fees received.
F-6
Acquisitions Financial Accounting Standards No. (FAS) 141 Business Combinations requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination to be recorded at fair value. With the assistance of independent appraisals, we generally determine fair values using comparisons to market transactions and discounted cash flow analyses. The use of a discounted cash flow analysis requires significant judgment to estimate the future cash flows derived from the asset and the expected period of time over which those cash flows will occur and to determine an appropriate discount rate. Changes in such estimates could affect the amounts allocated to individual identifiable assets. While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, if different assumptions were made, the amount allocated to intangible assets could differ substantially from the reported amounts.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets FAS 142Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires that goodwill for each reporting unit be tested for impairment on an annual basis or when events occur or circumstances change that would indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value. For purposes of performing the impairment test for goodwill, our reporting units are Scripps Networks, newspapers, broadcast television, Shopzilla and uSwitch. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value.
FAS 142 also requires us to compare the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets, we generally use market data, appraised values and discounted cash flow analyses. The use of a discounted cash flow analysis requires significant judgment to estimate the future cash flows derived from the asset or business and the period of time over which those cash flows will occur and to determine an appropriate discount rate. While we believe the estimates and judgments used in determining the fair values of our reporting units were appropriate, different assumptions with respect to future cash flows, long-term growth rates and discount rates could produce a different estimate of fair value.
Upon completing our impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2007, we determined that the carrying value of our uSwitch business exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, our 2007 results include a write-down of goodwill totaling $312 million. The write-down is primarily attributed to lower energy switching activity at uSwitch. Due to our high concentration in the energy market, the decline in switching activity adversely impacts our forecast of uSwitchs future results.
For our other reporting units with goodwill and intangible assets, no impairments of assets were identified.
Income Taxes We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. As such, we are required to make many assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax positions and the likelihood whether such tax positions would be sustained if challenged. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. As such, changes in our assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
We have deferred tax assets primarily related to state net operating loss carryforwards and capital loss carryforwards. We record a tax valuation allowance to reduce such deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We consider ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. In the event we determine the deferred tax asset we would realize would be greater or less than the net amount recorded, an adjustment would be made to the tax provision in that period.
In 2007, we changed our estimate of the realizable value of certain uSwitch deferred tax assets. Our tax provision was increased $9.5 million. Modifications to our state tax filing positions in certain jurisdictions and changes in our estimates of unrealizable state operating loss carryforwards reduced the tax provision $13.0 million in 2006.
Pension Plans We sponsor various noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all full-time employees. Pension expense for those plans was $18.0 million in 2007, $22.0 million in 2006, and $18.5 million in 2005.
The measurement of our pension obligations and related expense is dependent on a variety of estimates, including: discount rates; expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; expected increase in compensation levels; and employee turnover, mortality and retirement ages. We review these assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the effects of these modifications are recorded currently or amortized over future periods. We consider the most critical of our pension estimates to be our discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.
F-7
The discount rate used to determine our future pension obligations is based upon a dedicated bond portfolio approach that includes securities rated Aa or better with maturities matching our expected benefit payments from the plans. The rate is determined each year at the plan measurement date and affects the succeeding years pension cost. At December 31, 2007, the discount rate was 6.25% as compared with 6.0% at December 31, 2006. Discount rates can change from year to year based on economic conditions that impact corporate bond yields. A decrease in the discount rate increases pension expense. A 0.5% change in the discount rate as of December 31, 2007, to either 5.75% or 6.75%, would increase or decrease our pension obligations as of December 31, 2007, by approximately $40 million and increase or decrease 2007 pension expense up to $6.5 million.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based primarily upon the target asset allocation for plan assets and capital markets forecasts for each asset class employed. Our expected rate of return on plan assets also considers our historical compound rate of return on plan assets for 10 and 15 year periods. At December 31, 2007, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.25%. For the ten year period ended December 31, 2007, our actual compounded rate of return was 8.0%. A decrease in the expected rate of return on plan assets increases pension expense. A 0.5% change in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, to either 7.75% or 8.75%, would increase or decrease our 2007 pension expense by approximately $2.2 million.
We had cumulative unrecognized actuarial losses for our pension plans of $84.3 million at December 31, 2007. Unrealized actuarial gains and losses result from deferred recognition of differences between our actuarial assumptions and actual results. In 2007, we had an actuarial loss of $10.2 million, primarily due to the change in the discount rate. The cumulative unrecognized net loss is primarily due to declines in corporate bond yields and the unfavorable performance of the equity markets between 2000 and 2002. Amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses may result in an increase in our pension expense in future periods. Based on our current assumptions, we anticipate that 2008 pension expense will include $3.8 million in amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses.
New Accounting Pronouncements
As more fully described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we adopted FAS 158 effective December 31, 2006 and FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. FAS 158 required companies to recognize the over- or under-funded status of pension and postretirement plans in their balance sheet. Unrecognized prior service costs and credits and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income within shareholders equity. FIN 48 addresses the accounting and disclosure of uncertain tax positions.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of FAS 157 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. We do not expect a material impact to our statement of financial position, earnings or cash flows upon adoption.
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (FAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of FAS 159 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. We do not expect a material impact to our statement of financial position, earnings or cash flows upon adoption.
In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF 06-11, Accounting for the Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (EITF 06-11). EITF 06-11 provides that tax benefits associated with dividends on share-based payment awards be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital. EITF 06-11 is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We do not expect a material impact to our statement of financial position, earnings or cash flows upon adoption.
In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS 141(R), Business Combinations (FAS 141(R)), and FAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (FAS 160). FAS 141(R) provides guidance relating to recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. FAS 160 provides guidance related to accounting for noncontrolling (minority) interests as equity in the consolidated financial statements at fair value. FAS 141(R) and FAS 160 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of these standards on our financial statements.
The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance and future prospects differ for each of our business segments. Accordingly, we believe the following discussion of our consolidated results of operations should be read in conjunction with the discussion of the operating performance of our business segments that follows on pages F-11 through F-17.
F-8
Consolidated Results of Operations Consolidated results of operations were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) |
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | |||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 2,517,140 | 0.8 | % | $ | 2,498,077 | 15.9 | % | $ | 2,154,634 | ||||||||
Costs and expenses |
(1,763,828 | ) | 3.7 | % | (1,701,059 | ) | 14.3 | % | (1,487,730 | ) | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles |
(131,550 | ) | 14.3 | % | (115,099 | ) | 39.7 | % | (82,378 | ) | ||||||||
Write-down of uSwitch goodwill and intangible assets |
(411,006 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Gain on formation of Colorado newspaper partnership |
3,535 | |||||||||||||||||
Losses on disposal of PP&E |
(632 | ) | (43.8 | )% | (1,124 | ) | 86.7 | % | (602 | ) | ||||||||
Hurricane recoveries (losses), net |
1,900 | 93.3 | % | 983 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income |
210,124 | (69.4 | )% | 686,230 | 17.3 | % | 584,907 | |||||||||||
Interest expense |
(37,982 | ) | (32.1 | )% | (55,965 | ) | 44.3 | % | (38,791 | ) | ||||||||
Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures |
63,221 | 14.5 | % | 55,196 | (10.9 | )% | 61,926 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous, net |
19,284 | 4,743 | (17.6 | )% | 5,756 | |||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests |
254,647 | (63.1 | )% | 690,204 | 12.4 | % | 613,798 | |||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(177,265 | ) | (19.2 | )% | (219,261 | ) | 1.1 | % | (216,815 | ) | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations before minority interests |
77,382 | (83.6 | )% | 470,943 | 18.6 | % | 396,983 | |||||||||||
Minority interests |
(82,981 | ) | 12.5 | % | (73,766 | ) | 26.2 | % | (58,467 | ) | ||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
(5,599 | ) | 397,177 | 17.3 | % | 338,516 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
3,978 | (43,957 | ) | (50.8 | )% | (89,363 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (1,621 | ) | $ | 353,220 | 41.8 | % | $ | 249,153 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock: |
||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | (.03 | ) | $ | 2.41 | $ | 2.05 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
.02 | (.27 | ) | (.54 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock |
$ | (.01 | ) | $ | 2.14 | $ | 1.51 | |||||||||||
Net income per share amounts may not foot since each is calculated independently.
Discontinued Operations Discontinued operations include Shop At Home and our newspaper operations in Birmingham (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In accordance with the provisions of FAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the results of businesses held for sale or that have ceased operations are presented as discontinued operations.
Operating results for our discontinued operations were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Operating revenues: |
||||||||||||
Shop At Home |
$ | 1,323 | $ | 168,183 | $ | 359,256 | ||||||
Birmingham-Post Herald |
31 | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues |
$ | 1,323 | $ | 168,183 | $ | 359,287 | ||||||
Equity in earnings of JOA, including termination fee |
$ | 45,423 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations: |
||||||||||||
Shop At Home: |
||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
$ | 1,146 | $ | (57,376 | ) | $ | (141,427 | ) | ||||
Loss on divestitures, net |
(255 | ) | (10,431 | ) | ||||||||
Total Shop At Home |
891 | (67,807 | ) | (141,427 | ) | |||||||
Birmingham-Post Herald |
(2 | ) | 42,726 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax |
891 | (67,809 | ) | (98,701 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes (benefit) |
(3,087 | ) | (23,852 | ) | (9,338 | ) | ||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
$ | 3,978 | $ | (43,957 | ) | $ | (89,363 | ) | ||||
We sold the Shop At Home television network to Jewelry Television in the second quarter of 2006. In the third quarter of 2005, we terminated the Birmingham joint operating agreement and ceased operation of our Birmingham Post-Herald newspaper. These transactions impact the year-over-year comparability of our discontinued operations results.
Operating results of our discontinued operations in 2005 include a non-cash charge of $103 million to write-down Shop At
Homes goodwill and certain intangible assets. We also received cash consideration of approximately $40.8 million as a result of the transactions to terminate the Birmingham joint operating agreement and sell certain assets of the Birmingham-Post Herald newspaper.
Shop At Homes loss from operations in 2006 includes $30.1 million of costs associated with employee termination benefits, the termination of long-term agreements and charges to write-down certain assets of the network. The loss on divestiture in 2006 includes $12.1 million of losses on the sale of property and other assets to Jewelry Television.
The tax benefit that was recognized in 2007 is primarily attributed to differences that were identified between our prior year tax provision and tax returns.
F-9
Operating revenues were up slightly in 2007 compared with 2006. Increases in revenues at Scripps Networks were partially offset by lower revenues at our newspapers, broadcast television stations and interactive media divisions. Increases in advertising revenues, both on television and the Internet, and higher affiliate fee revenue contributed to the increase in revenues at Scripps Networks. The decline in revenues at our newspapers was attributed to lower local and classified advertising, including particularly weak real estate advertising in the Florida and California markets. Declines in revenue at our broadcast television stations were attributed to the relative absence of political advertising. Additionally, our broadcast television stations generated significant revenues in 2006 from the broadcast of the Super Bowl on ABC and NBCs coverage of the Winter Olympics. Declines in revenues at interactive media were primarily attributed to reduced online energy switching activity at uSwitch and lower referral fee revenue at Shopzilla.
Costs and expenses in 2007 were primarily impacted by the expanded hours of original programming at our national networks, severance costs related to voluntary separation offers that were accepted by 137 employees at our newspapers, costs related to the leadership transition at Shopzilla, and costs incurred related to the proposed separation of the Company.
Depreciation incurred on capitalized software development costs at our interactive media businesses contributed to the increase in depreciation and amortization. Additionally, we wrote down intangible assets $5.2 million as a result of changes to the terms of a distribution agreement at our Shopzilla business in 2007.
In conjunction with impairment tests of goodwill and intangible assets, we determined that the carrying value of our uSwitch business exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, our 2007 results include a write-down of goodwill and intangible assets totaling $411 million.
In 2006, we completed the formation of a newspaper partnership with MediaNews Group, Inc. In conjunction with the transaction, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $3.5 million.
Interest expense includes interest incurred on our outstanding borrowings and deferred compensation and other employment agreements. Interest incurred on our outstanding borrowings decreased in 2007 due to lower average debt levels. The average balance of outstanding borrowings was $649 million at an average rate of 5.0% in 2007 and $946 million at an average rate of 5.1% in 2006.
Additional depreciation incurred by the Denver News Agency reduced equity in earnings of JOAs by $4.0 million in 2007 and $12.2 million in 2006. (See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
The Miscellaneous, net caption in our Consolidated Statements of Income includes realized gains from the sale of certain investments totaling $9.2 million in 2007.
Our effective income tax rate is affected by the growing profitability of Food Network. Food Network is operated pursuant to the terms of a general partnership, in which we own an approximate 70% residual interest. Income taxes on partnership income accrue to the individual partners. While the income before income tax reported in our financial statements includes all of the income before tax of the partnership, our income tax provision does not include income taxes on the portion of Food Network income that is attributable to the non-controlling interest.
Information regarding our effective tax rate, and the impact of the Food Network partnership on our effective income tax rate, is a follows:
(in thousands) |
2007 | 2006 | ||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests as reported |
$ | 254,647 | $ | 690,204 | ||||
Income of pass-through entities allocated to non-controlling interests |
82,683 | 72,904 | ||||||
Income allocated to Scripps |
$ | 171,964 | $ | 617,300 | ||||
Provision for income taxes |
$ | 177,265 | $ | 219,261 | ||||
Effective income tax rate as reported |
69.6 | % | 31.8 | % | ||||
Effective income tax rate on income allocated to Scripps |
103.1 | % | 35.5 | % | ||||
The comparability of our year-over-year effective tax rate is affected by the write-off of uSwitch non-deductible goodwill totaling $312 million. The impact of this write-off increased our effective tax rate by 38.2% in 2007.
Minority interest increased year-over-year primarily due to the increased profitability of the Food Network. Food Networks profits are allocated in proportion to each partners residual interests in the partnership, of which we own approximately 70%.
The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to the continued growth in advertising and network affiliate fee revenues at our national television networks, increases in political advertising revenues at our broadcast television stations, the June 2005 acquisition of Shopzilla, and the March 2006 acquisition of uSwitch. The growth in advertising revenues was primarily driven by increased demand for advertising time and higher advertising rates at our networks. The growth in affiliate fee revenues is attributed to scheduled rate increases and wider distribution of our networks.
Costs and expenses were primarily impacted by the expanded hours of original programming and costs to promote our national networks and the acquisitions of Shopzilla and uSwitch. In addition, we adopted the requirements of FAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment, effective January 1, 2006 and began recording compensation expense on stock options granted to employees. Stock option expense, including the costs of immediately expensed options granted to retirement eligible employees, increased our costs and expenses $20.9 million in 2006.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily as a result of the acquisitions of Shopzilla and uSwitch.
Certain of our Florida operations sustained hurricane damages in 2004 and 2005. Throughout the course of
F-10
2005 and 2006, we reached final settlement agreements with insurance providers and other responsible third parties on property and business interruption claims and recorded insurance recoveries of $1.9 million in 2006 and $2.2 million in 2005. The insurance recoveries recorded in 2005 were partially offset by additional estimated losses of $1.2 million.
Interest expense includes interest incurred on our outstanding borrowings and deferred compensation and other employment agreements. Interest incurred on our outstanding borrowings increased in 2006 due to higher average debt levels attributed to the Shopzilla and uSwitch acquisitions. In connection with the June 2005 acquisition of Shopzilla, we issued $150 million in 5-year notes at a rate of 4.3%. We financed the remainder of the Shopzilla and uSwitch transactions with commercial paper. The average outstanding commercial paper balance in 2006 was $349 million at an average rate of 5.0% compared with $148 million at an average rate of 3.3% in 2005.
Equity in earnings from JOAs was reduced by $12.2 million in 2006 and $20.4 million in 2005 as a result of the additional depreciation expense incurred by the Denver News Agency. Equity in earnings of JOAs was also impacted by lower advertising sales in our JOA markets.
The effective tax rate was 31.8% in 2006 and 35.3% in 2005. The effective tax rate is affected by the growing profitability of Food Network and the portion of Food Network income that is attributed to the non-controlling interest. Income before income tax attributed to the non-controlling interest in Food Network was $72.9 million in 2006 and $54.4 million in 2005.
During 2006, we changed our estimates for unrealizable state operating loss carryforwards and modified our filing positions in certain tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Total changes in estimates on valuation allowances related to operating loss carryforwards reduced our tax provision $4.4 million.
The modifications to our filing positions reduced our state tax rates on our 2006 taxable income. In addition, we filed refund claims for prior tax years. The impact of these modifications reduced our tax provision $8.6 million.
Minority interest increased year-over-year primarily due to the increased profitability of the Food Network.
Business Segment Results As discussed in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, our chief operating decision maker (as defined by FAS 131 Segment Reporting) evaluates the operating performance of our business segments using a measure we call segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Items excluded from segment profit generally result from decisions made in prior periods or from decisions made by corporate executives rather than the managers of the business segments. Depreciation and amortization charges are the result of decisions made in prior periods regarding the allocation of resources and are therefore excluded from the measure. Financing, tax structure and divestiture decisions are generally made by corporate executives. Excluding these items from our business segment performance measure enables us to evaluate business segment operating performance based upon current economic conditions and decisions made by the managers of those business segments in the current period.
In 2006, we formed a newspaper partnership with MediaNews that operates certain of both companies newspapers in Colorado. (See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Our share of the operating profit (loss) of the partnership is recorded as Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures in our financial statements. To enhance comparability of year-over-year results, the results of the contributed publications prior to the formation of the partnership are reported separately in our segment results.
F-11
Information regarding the operating performance of our business segments determined in accordance with FAS 131 and a reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | |||||||||||||
Segment operating revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||
Scripps Networks |
$ | 1,184,901 | 12.6 | % | $ | 1,052,403 | 16.5 | % | $ | 903,014 | ||||||||
Newspapers: |
||||||||||||||||||
Newspapers managed solely by us |
658,327 | (8.1 | )% | 716,086 | 2.3 | % | 699,981 | |||||||||||
JOAs and newspaper partnerships |
230 | 10.6 | % | 208 | (61.3 | )% | 538 | |||||||||||
Total |
658,557 | (8.1 | )% | 716,294 | 2.3 | % | 700,519 | |||||||||||
Boulder prior to formation of Colorado newspaper partnership |
2,189 | (92.3 | )% | 28,392 | ||||||||||||||
Total newspapers |
658,557 | (8.3 | )% | 718,483 | (1.4 | )% | 728,911 | |||||||||||
Broadcast television |
325,841 | (10.4 | )% | 363,506 | 14.4 | % | 317,659 | |||||||||||
Interactive media |
256,364 | (5.4 | )% | 271,066 | 99,447 | |||||||||||||
Licensing and other media |
91,838 | (3.0 | )% | 94,639 | (10.5 | )% | 105,692 | |||||||||||
Corporate |
2,306 | 77.8 | % | 1,297 | 332 | |||||||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
(2,667 | ) | (19.6 | )% | (3,317 | ) | (421 | ) | ||||||||||
Total operating revenues |
$ | 2,517,140 | 0.8 | % | $ | 2,498,077 | 15.9 | % | $ | 2,154,634 | ||||||||
Segment profit (loss): |
||||||||||||||||||
Scripps Networks |
$ | 603,493 | 16.6 | % | $ | 517,425 | 25.0 | % | $ | 414,095 | ||||||||
Newspapers: |
||||||||||||||||||
Newspapers managed solely by us |
135,870 | (28.2 | )% | 189,223 | (7.4 | )% | 204,448 | |||||||||||
JOAs and newspaper partnerships |
10,516 | 61.5 | % | 6,510 | (55.2 | )% | 14,519 | |||||||||||
Total |
146,386 | (25.2 | )% | 195,733 | (10.6 | )% | 218,967 | |||||||||||
Boulder prior to formation of Colorado newspaper partnership |
(125 | ) | 3,736 | |||||||||||||||
Total newspapers |
146,386 | (25.2 | )% | 195,608 | (12.2 | )% | 222,703 | |||||||||||
Broadcast television |
83,860 | (30.5 | )% | 120,706 | 37.2 | % | 87,954 | |||||||||||
Interactive media |
39,692 | (41.4 | )% | 67,684 | 27,980 | |||||||||||||
Licensing and other media |
10,659 | (16.0 | )% | 12,682 | (33.2 | )% | 18,998 | |||||||||||
Corporate |
(67,382 | ) | 12.9 | % | (59,698 | ) | 42.4 | % | (41,917 | ) | ||||||||
Intersegment eliminations |
(175 | ) | (40.3 | )% | (293 | ) | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles |
(131,550 | ) | 14.3 | % | (115,099 | ) | 39.7 | % | (82,378 | ) | ||||||||
Write-down of uSwitch goodwill and intangible assets |
(411,006 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Gain on formation of Colorado newspaper partnership |
3,535 | |||||||||||||||||
Losses on disposal of PP&E |
(632 | ) | (43.8 | )% | (1,124 | ) | 86.7 | % | (602 | ) | ||||||||
Interest expense |
(37,982 | ) | (32.1 | )% | (55,965 | ) | 44.3 | % | (38,791 | ) | ||||||||
Miscellaneous, net |
19,284 | 4,743 | (17.6 | )% | 5,756 | |||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests |
$ | 254,647 | (63.1 | )% | $ | 690,204 | 12.4 | % | $ | 613,798 | ||||||||
Discussions of the operating performance of each of our reportable business segments begin on page F-13.
Costs incurred related to the proposed separation of the Company increased corporate expenses $3.9 million in 2007. The impact of expensing stock options effective with the January 1, 2006 adoption of FAS 123(R) increased corporate expenses $8.5 million in 2007 and 2006 as compared with 2005. Corporate expenses are expected to be approximately $20 million in the first quarter of 2008, excluding costs related to the proposed separation of the company.
Segment profit includes our share of the earnings of JOAs and certain other investments included in our consolidated operating results using the equity method of accounting. A reconciliation of our equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures included in segment profit to the amounts reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | |||||||||
(in thousands) |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Scripps Networks: |
|||||||||
Equity in earnings of joint ventures |
$ | 17,603 | $ | 13,378 | $ | 11,120 | |||
Newspapers: |
|||||||||
Equity in earnings of JOAs and newspaper partnerships |
45,618 | 41,818 | 50,806 | ||||||
Total equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures |
$ | 63,221 | $ | 55,196 | $ | 61,926 | |||
Certain items required to reconcile segment profitability to consolidated results of operations determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are attributed to particular business segments. Significant reconciling items attributable to each business segment are as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization: |
||||||||||||
Scripps Networks |
$ | 23,191 | $ | 19,993 | $ | 17,370 | ||||||
Newspapers: |
||||||||||||
Newspapers managed solely by us |
24,235 | 22,697 | 20,339 | |||||||||
JOAs and newspaper partnerships |
1,332 | 1,299 | 1,495 | |||||||||
Total |
25,567 | 23,996 | 21,834 | |||||||||
Boulder prior to formation of Colorado newspaper partnership |
132 | 1,382 | ||||||||||
Total newspapers |
25,567 | 24,128 | 23,216 | |||||||||
Broadcast television |
18,068 | 18,830 | 19,906 | |||||||||
Interactive media |
62,499 | 49,601 | 18,651 | |||||||||
Licensing and other media |
475 | 559 | 1,035 | |||||||||
Corporate |
1,750 | 1,988 | 2,200 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 131,550 | $ | 115,099 | $ | 82,378 | ||||||
Gains (losses) on disposal of PP&E: |
||||||||||||
Scripps Networks |
$ | (146 | ) | $ | (539 | ) | $ | (34 | ) | |||
Newspapers: |
||||||||||||
Newspapers managed solely by us |
(145 | ) | (327 | ) | (255 | ) | ||||||
JOAs and newspaper partnerships |
(1 | ) | 32 | |||||||||
Total newspapers |
(146 | ) | (295 | ) | (255 | ) | ||||||
Broadcast television |
225 | (243 | ) | (293 | ) | |||||||
Interactive media |
(510 | ) | ||||||||||
Licensing and other media |
(3 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate |
(55 | ) | (44 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||||
Gains (losses) on disposal of PP&E |
$ | (632 | ) | $ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (602 | ) | |||
Write-down of uSwitch goodwill and intangible assets |
$ | 411,006 | ||||||||||
Gain on formation of Colorado newspaper partnership |
$ | 3,535 | ||||||||||
F-12
Scripps Networks Scripps Networks includes five national television networks and their affiliated Websites, HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network (DIY), Fine Living, and Great American Country (GAC); and our 7.25% interest in FOX-BRV Southern Sports Holdings, LLC which comprises the Sports South and Fox Sports Net South regional television networks. Our networks also operate internationally through licensing agreements and joint ventures with foreign entities.
Advertising and network affiliate fees provide substantially all of each networks operating revenues and employee costs and programming costs are the primary expenses. The demand for national television advertising is the primary economic factor that impacts the operating performance of our networks.
Operating results for Scripps Networks were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | |||||||||||
Segment operating revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Advertising |
$ | 928,221 | 11.1 | % | $ | 835,848 | 15.0 | % | $ | 726,602 | ||||||
Network affiliate fees, net |
235,248 | 20.8 | % | 194,662 | 16.6 | % | 167,012 | |||||||||
Other |
21,432 | (2.1 | )% | 21,893 | 9,400 | |||||||||||
Total segment operating revenues |
1,184,901 | 12.6 | % | 1,052,403 | 16.5 | % | 903,014 | |||||||||
Segment costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Employee compensation and benefits |
146,576 | 15.0 | % | 127,510 | 11.5 | % | 114,389 | |||||||||
Programs and program licenses |
239,343 | 22.1 | % | 196,052 | 12.8 | % | 173,823 | |||||||||
Production and distribution |
53,730 | (0.2 | )% | 53,844 | 12.4 | % | 47,906 | |||||||||
Other segment costs and expenses |
159,362 | (6.8 | )% | 170,950 | 4.5 | % | 163,648 | |||||||||
Total segment costs and expenses |
599,011 | 9.2 | % | 548,356 | 9.7 | % | 499,766 | |||||||||
Hurricane recoveries (losses), net |
(273 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Segment profit before joint ventures |
585,890 | 16.2 | % | 504,047 | 25.1 | % | 402,975 | |||||||||
Equity in income of joint ventures |
17,603 | 31.6 | % | 13,378 | 20.3 | % | 11,120 | |||||||||
Segment profit |
$ | 603,493 | 16.6 | % | $ | 517,425 | 25.0 | % | $ | 414,095 | ||||||
Supplemental Information: |
||||||||||||||||
Billed network affiliate fees |
$ | 255,875 | $ | 211,579 | $ | 187,528 | ||||||||||
Program payments |
291,622 | 282,731 | 216,814 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
23,191 | 19,993 | 17,370 | |||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
36,046 | 18,968 | 22,635 | |||||||||||||
Business acquisitions and other additions to long-lived assets, primarily program assets |
321,475 | 286,299 | 209,335 | |||||||||||||
Advertising revenues increased primarily due to an increased demand for advertising time and higher advertising rates at our networks. Improved ratings and viewership, particularly at HGTV, and strong pricing in the scatter advertising market contributed to the increases in advertising revenues.
Distribution agreements with cable and satellite television systems currently in force require the payment of affiliate fees over the terms of the agreements. The increase in network affiliate fees over each of the last three years reflects both scheduled rate increases and wider distribution of the networks.
On December 31, 2006, HGTVs affiliation agreements with Time Warner and Comcast expired. During 2007, we entered into new long-term affiliation agreements with both of these providers which secured distribution to approximately 42% of HGTVs subscribers.
We continue to successfully develop our network brands on the Internet and through merchandise sales. Online advertising revenues were $74.0 million in 2007, $57.0 million in 2006, and $36.0 million in 2005. In the third quarter of 2007, Kohls began selling a Food Network branded line of home goods.
We expect total operating revenues at Scripps Networks to increase approximately 10% to 12% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2008.
Employee compensation and benefits increased primarily due to the hiring of additional employees to support the growth of Scripps Networks. In addition, the impact of beginning to expense stock options in 2006 increased employee compensation and benefits $4.0 million in 2007 and $3.5 million in 2006 as compared with 2005.
Programs and program licenses increased due to the improved quality and variety of programming, and expanded programming hours.
Our continued investment in building consumer awareness and expanding distribution of our network and lifestyle brands is expected to increase total segment expenses approximately 12% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2008.
Capital expenditures in 2007 and 2006 include the costs related to the expansion of the Scripps Networks headquarters in Knoxville. Capital expenditures in 2005 include the costs of upgrading our broadcast operations.
Supplemental financial information for Scripps Networks is as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | ||||||||||
Operating revenues: |
|||||||||||||||
HGTV |
$ | 580,461 | 12.6 | % | $ | 515,734 | 13.4 | % | $ | 454,629 | |||||
Food Network |
476,483 | 11.5 | % | 427,425 | 19.7 | % | 357,043 | ||||||||
DIY |
55,573 | 13.2 | % | 49,075 | 10.1 | % | 44,577 | ||||||||
Fine Living |
45,844 | 24.0 | % | 36,963 | 37.2 | % | 26,934 | ||||||||
GAC |
25,360 | 25.1 | % | 20,269 | 30.8 | % | 15,502 | ||||||||
Other |
1,180 | (59.8 | )% | 2,937 | (32.2 | )% | 4,329 | ||||||||
Total segment operating revenues |
$ | 1,184,901 | 12.6 | % | $ | 1,052,403 | 16.5 | % | $ | 903,014 | |||||
Homes reached in December (1): |
|||||||||||||||
HGTV |
95,800 | 5.0 | % | 91,200 | 2.6 | % | 88,900 | ||||||||
Food Network |
95,800 | 5.2 | % | 91,100 | 3.5 | % | 88,000 | ||||||||
DIY |
46,900 | 11.1 | % | 42,200 | 22.3 | % | 34,500 | ||||||||
Fine Living |
49,900 | 17.7 | % | 42,400 | 46.2 | % | 29,000 | ||||||||
GAC |
53,100 | 14.9 | % | 46,200 | 17.3 | % | 39,400 | ||||||||
(1) | Approximately 100 million homes in the United States receive cable or satellite television. Homes reached are according to the Nielsen Homevideo Index (Nielsen), with the exception of Fine Living which is not yet rated by Nielsen and represent comparable amounts estimated by us. |
F-13
Newspapers We operate daily and community newspapers in 17 markets in the United States. Our newspapers earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising space to local and national advertisers and from the sale of newspapers to readers. Three of our newspapers are operated pursuant to the terms of joint operating agreements. Each of those newspapers maintains an independent editorial operation and receives a share of the operating profits of the combined newspaper operations.
Newspapers managed solely by us The newspapers managed solely by us operate in mid-size markets, focusing on news coverage within their local markets. Advertising and circulation revenues provide substantially all of each newspapers operating revenues and employee and newsprint costs are the primary expenses at each newspaper. The operating performance of our newspapers is most affected by newsprint prices and economic conditions, particularly within the retail, labor, housing and auto markets.
Operating results for newspapers managed solely by us were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | |||||||||||
Segment operating revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Local |
$ | 142,431 | (12.3 | )% | $ | 162,345 | 0.6 | % | $ | 161,338 | ||||||
Classified |
187,475 | (16.7 | )% | 225,029 | 3.1 | % | 218,345 | |||||||||
National |
34,927 | (4.2 | )% | 36,460 | (10.3 | )% | 40,655 | |||||||||
Preprint, online and other |
156,732 | 2.3 | % | 153,219 | 10.7 | % | 138,377 | |||||||||
Newspaper advertising |
521,565 | (9.6 | )% | 577,053 | 3.3 | % | 558,715 | |||||||||
Circulation |
118,696 | (3.3 | )% | 122,740 | (2.2 | )% | 125,517 | |||||||||
Other |
18,066 | 10.9 | % | 16,293 | 3.5 | % | 15,749 | |||||||||
Total operating revenues |
658,327 | (8.1 | )% | 716,086 | 2.3 | % | 699,981 | |||||||||
Segment costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Employee compensation and benefits |
268,052 | 0.6 | % | 266,539 | 3.1 | % | 258,573 | |||||||||
Production and distribution |
155,910 | (6.9 | )% | 167,421 | 9.6 | % | 152,699 | |||||||||
Other segment costs and expenses |
98,495 | 3.9 | % | 94,803 | 12.9 | % | 83,950 | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
522,457 | (1.2 | )% | 528,763 | 6.8 | % | 495,222 | |||||||||
Hurricane recoveries (losses), net |
1,900 | (311 | ) | |||||||||||||
Contribution to segment profit |
$ | 135,870 | (28.2 | )% | $ | 189,223 | (7.4 | )% | $ | 204,448 | ||||||
Supplemental Information: |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 24,235 | $ | 22,697 | $ | 20,339 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
27,609 | 46,725 | 14,924 | |||||||||||||
Business acquisitions, including acquisitions of minority interests, and other additions to long-lived assets |
1,995 | 25,091 | 958 | |||||||||||||
The decrease in advertising revenues comparing 2007 with 2006 was primarily due to weakness in classified and local advertising in our newspaper markets. Decreases in real estate and employment advertising particularly impacted revenues at our Florida and California newspapers.
The increase in advertising revenues in 2006 compared with 2005 was primarily due to increases in classified advertising and preprint and other advertising, particularly online revenue. The increase in classified advertising was attributed to improved real estate advertising, particularly in our Florida markets. Increases in these categories helped offset declines in automotive advertising. The decrease in national advertising revenues in 2006 compared with 2005 was primarily attributed to significant declines in advertising from companies in the telecommunications and financial services industries.
Increases in preprint, online and other advertising reflect the development of new print and electronic products and services. These products include niche publications such as community newspapers, lifestyle magazines, publications focused on the classified advertising categories of real estate, employment and auto, and other publications aimed at younger readers. Additionally, our Internet sites had advertising revenues of $40 million in 2007 compared with $34.0 million in 2006 and $22.0 million in 2005. Higher advertising rates, resulting from increases in the audience visiting our Web sites, as well as an increase in our online product offerings, contributed to the increase in online revenues. We expect to continue to expand and enhance our online services and to use our local news platform to launch new products, such as streaming video and audio.
Other operating revenues represent revenue earned on ancillary services offered by our newspapers.
We expect total operating revenues at newspapers to decrease approximately 5% to 7% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2008 due primarily to weakness in classified and local advertising.
Employee compensation and benefit costs were increased by an $8.9 million charge recorded in the second quarter of 2007 as a result of voluntary separation offers accepted by eligible employees. In addition, the impact of expensing stock options with the adoption of FAS 123(R), increased employee compensation and benefits $3.5 million in 2007 and $4.7 million in 2006 as compared with 2005.
Production and distribution costs are primarily impacted by fluctuations in newsprint and ink costs. The average price of newsprint year-over-year decreased 10% in 2007 and increased 9% in 2006. The decrease in 2007 production and distribution costs is also due to a 10% decrease in newsprint consumption.
Increases in other segment costs and expenses are attributed to increased spending in online and print initiatives, primarily in our Florida markets.
Total newspaper costs and expenses are expected to decrease 3% to 5% year-over-year in the first quarter.
Capital expenditures include costs totaling $3.6 million in 2007 and $23.2 million in 2006 for the construction of a new production facility at our Naples, Florida newspaper.
F-14
Newspapers operated under Joint Operating Agreements and partnerships
Three of our newspapers as of December 31, 2007 were operated pursuant to the terms of joint operating agreements (JOAs).
The table below provides certain information about our JOAs.
Newspaper / Publisher of Other Newspaper |
Year JOA Entered Into |
Year of JOA Expiration | ||
The Albuquerque Tribune/ Journal Publishing Company |
1933 | 2022 | ||
The Cincinnati Post/ Gannett Co. Inc. |
1977 | 2007 | ||
Denver Rocky Mountain News/ MediaNews Group, Inc. |
2001 | 2051 | ||
Gannett terminated the Cincinnati JOA upon its expiration in December 2007 and we ceased publication of our newspapers that participate in the Cincinnati JOA at the end of the year.
Under the terms of a JOA, operating profits earned from the combined newspaper operations are distributed to the partners in accordance with the terms of the joint operating agreement. We receive a 50% share of the Denver JOA profits, a 40% share of the Albuquerque JOA profits, and received approximately 20% to 25% of the Cincinnati JOA profits.
In the third quarter of 2007, we announced that we were seeking a buyer for The Albuquerque Tribune and intended to close the newspaper if a qualified buyer was not found. In February 2008, we announced that we will close the newspaper and that the Albuquerque Tribune will publish its final edition on February 23, 2008. We also reached an agreement with the Journal Publishing Company, the publisher of the Albuquerque Journal (Journal), to terminate the Albuquerque joint operating agreement between the Journal and our Albuquerque Tribune newspaper following the closure of our newspaper. Under an amended agreement with the Journal Publishing Company, we will continue to own an approximate 40% residual interest in the Albuquerque Publishing Company, G.P. (the Partnership). The Partnership will direct and manage the operations of the continuing Journal newspaper and we will receive a share of the Partnerships profits commensurate with our residual interest.
In 2006, we formed a partnership with MediaNews that operates certain of both companies newspapers in Colorado, including their editorial operations. We have a 50% interest in the partnership.
Our share of the operating profit (loss) of JOAs and newspaper partnerships is reported as Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures in our financial statements.
F-15
Operating results for our JOAs and newspaper partnerships were as follows:
(in thousands) |
For the years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of JOAs and newspaper partnerships included in segment profit: |
||||||||||||||||
Denver |
$ | 19,426 | $ | 8,982 | (43.3 | )% | $ | 15,854 | ||||||||
Cincinnati |
17,930 | (13.6 | )% | 20,751 | (11.8 | )% | 23,532 | |||||||||
Albuquerque |
9,773 | (8.3 | )% | 10,655 | (5.0 | )% | 11,215 | |||||||||
Colorado |
(1,188 | ) | 1,107 | |||||||||||||
Other newspaper partnerships and joint ventures |
(323 | ) | 323 | 57.6 | % | 205 | ||||||||||
Total equity in earnings of JOAs included in segment profit |
45,618 | 9.1 | % | 41,818 | (17.7 | )% | 50,806 | |||||||||
Operating revenues of JOAs |
230 | 10.6 | % | 208 | (61.3 | )% | 538 | |||||||||
Total |
45,848 | 9.1 | % | 42,026 | (18.1 | )% | 51,344 | |||||||||
JOA editorial costs and expenses |
35,332 | (0.5 | )% | 35,516 | (3.6 | )% | 36,825 | |||||||||
Contribution to segment profit |
$ | 10,516 | 61.5 | % | $ | 6,510 | (55.2 | )% | $ | 14,519 | ||||||
Supplemental information: |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 1,332 | $ | 1,299 | $ | 1,495 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
380 | 1,346 | 1,974 | |||||||||||||
Business acquisitions and other additions to long-lived assets |
228 | 210 | 8,380 | |||||||||||||
Additional depreciation incurred by the Denver Newspaper Agency reduced equity in earnings of JOAs by $4.0 million in 2007, $12.2 million in 2006 and $20.4 million in 2005. (See page F-10).
We anticipate JOAs will reduce the total segment profit of the newspaper division by $4 million in the first quarter of 2008.
Broadcast Television Broadcast television includes six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC-affiliated stations and one independent. Our television stations reach approximately 10% of the nations television households. Our broadcast television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers.
National broadcast television networks offer affiliates a variety of programs and sell the majority of advertising within those programs. We receive compensation from the network for carrying its programming. In addition to network programs, we broadcast locally produced programs, syndicated programs, sporting events, and other programs of interest in each stations market. News is the primary focus of our locally-produced programming.
The operating performance of our broadcast television group is most affected by the health of the local economy, particularly conditions within the retail, auto, telecommunications and financial services industries, and by the volume of advertising time purchased by campaigns for elective office and political issues. The demand for political advertising is significantly higher in even-numbered years, when congressional and presidential elections occur, than in odd-numbered years.
Operating results for broadcast television were as follows:
(in thousands) |
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | |||||||||||
Segment operating revenues: |
|||||||||||||||
Local |
$ | 204,791 | 1.3 | % | $ | 202,238 | 2.5 | % | $ | 197,400 | |||||
National |
101,002 | (3.2 | )% | 104,366 | 0.9 | % | 103,436 | ||||||||
Political |
2,735 | (93.8 | )% | 44,260 | 3,973 | ||||||||||
Network compensation |
7,431 | 36.4 | % | 5,446 | 5.2 | % | 5,177 | ||||||||
Other |
9,882 | 37.3 | % | 7,196 | (6.2 | )% | 7,673 | ||||||||
Total segment operating revenues |
325,841 | (10.4 | )% | 363,506 | 14.4 | % | 317,659 | ||||||||
Segment costs and expenses: |
|||||||||||||||
Employee compensation and benefits |
128,647 | 0.1 | % | 128,543 | 5.1 | % | 122,324 | ||||||||
Programs and program licenses |
47,231 | 0.1 | % | 47,183 | (0.3 | )% | 47,343 | ||||||||
Production and distribution |
17,461 | (10.4 | )% | 19,480 | 23.6 | % | 15,764 | ||||||||
Other segment costs and expenses |
48,642 | 2.2 | % | 47,594 | 3.8 | % | 45,841 | ||||||||
Total segment costs and expenses |
241,981 | (0.3 | )% | 242,800 | 5.0 | % | 231,272 | ||||||||
Hurricane recoveries, net |
1,567 | ||||||||||||||
Segment profit |
$ | 83,860 | (30.5 | )% | $ | 120,706 | 37.2 | % | $ | 87,954 | |||||
Supplemental Information: |
|||||||||||||||
Program Payments |
$ | 47,573 | $ | 46,136 | $ | 47,758 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
18,068 | 18,830 | 19,906 | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
19,147 | 11,268 | 13,524 | ||||||||||||
Broadcast television operating results are significantly affected by the political cycle. Advertising revenues dramatically increase during even-numbered years, when congressional and presidential elections occur. Consequently, the number of political advertising spots run often displaces some of the advertising run in our local and national advertising categories. The decline in operating revenues during 2007 compared with 2006 was attributed to the relative absence of political advertising.
The broadcast of the Super Bowl on ABC and NBCs coverage of the Winter Olympics in 2006 contributed to the year-over-year decrease in operating revenues in 2007. Advertising revenue related to the Super Bowl and Olympics broadcasts was approximately $9 million in 2006. Hotly contested political races in our Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Arizona markets contributed to the significant political revenue recognized in 2006.
The network affiliation agreements for our ABC and NBC affiliated stations are not due to expire until 2010. Network compensation in 2008 is expected to approximate the network compensation revenues recognized in 2007.
Depending on the level of political advertising, we expect total operating revenues at broadcast television to be flat to up 4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2008.
The impact of expensing stock options increased employee compensation and benefits $2.0 million in 2007 and $2.7 million in 2006 as compared with 2005.
Other segment costs and expenses reflect spending to promote our stations and research costs to better understand our target audience.
Capital expenditures for each of the years presented reflect the replacement of equipment related to the utilization of high-definition programming and implementation of digital television.
F-16
Interactive Media Interactive media includes our online comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch.
Shopzilla, acquired on June 27, 2005, operates a product comparison shopping service that helps consumers find products offered for sale on the Web by online retailers. Shopzilla aggregates and organizes information on millions of products from thousands of retailers. Shopzilla also operates BizRate, a Web-based consumer feedback network that collects millions of consumer reviews of stores and products each year.
We acquired uSwitch on March 16, 2006. uSwitch operates an online comparison service that helps consumers compare prices and arrange for the purchase of a range of essential home services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband providers and personal finance products primarily in the United Kingdom.
Our interactive media businesses earn revenue primarily from referral fees and commissions paid by participating online retailers and service providers.
Financial information for interactive media is as follows:
(in thousands) |
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | Change | 2006 | Change | 2005 | |||||||||
Segment operating revenues |
$ | 256,364 | (5.4)% | $ | 271,066 | $ | 99,447 | ||||||
Segment profit |
$ | 39,692 | (41.4)% | $ | 67,684 | $ | 27,980 | ||||||
Supplemental Information: |
|||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 62,499 | $ | 49,601 | $ | 18,651 | |||||||
Write-down of uSwitch goodwill and intangible assets |
411,006 | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
35,564 | 21,534 | 5,608 | ||||||||||
Business acquisitions and other additions to long-lived assets |
372,157 | 535,127 | |||||||||||
On a pro forma basis, assuming we had owned Shopzilla and uSwitch for all of 2006 and 2005, operating revenues would have been $281.3 million in 2006 and $180.1 million in 2005. Operating revenues in 2007 were affected by changing market conditions within these businesses. Lower energy prices in the United Kingdom have resulted in lower switching activity and revenue at uSwitch, and competitive changes in comparison shopping has made it more costly to acquire and monetize traffic at Shopzilla.
At uSwitch, we are continuing our efforts to grow revenues from service categories other than energy. Excluding energy related switches, other switching revenues are up nearly 27% in 2007 compared with 2006. Despite these efforts to grow our other service offerings, uSwitchs revenues continue to be highly concentrated in energy related switches. Approximately 63% of uSwitchs revenues were derived from energy related switches in 2007. Due primarily to the general decline in the energy switching activity at uSwitch and the negative impact this decline is expected to have on uSwitchs future results, we recorded a non-cash charge in 2007 of $411 million to write-down uSwitchs goodwill and intangible assets.
Our strategy at uSwitch going forward is to continue to align costs with the current market conditions we are experiencing and continue to diversify the business to reduce its dependence on energy switching.
In the later half of 2007, we began to see improvement at Shopzilla. Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2007 increased slightly compared with the fourth quarter of 2006 primarily due to traffic acquisition efficiencies. In addition, Shopzillas Web sites continue to rank in the top 10 of all U.S. retail Web properties.
Segment profit in 2007 was impacted by $10 million of costs that were incurred in the first quarter to build brand awareness for uSwitch and $7 million of costs incurred related to a management transition at Shopzilla.
Interactive media segment profit is expected to be $13 million in the first quarter.
Capital expenditures in 2007 and 2006 primarily relate to capitalized software development costs.
F-17
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is our cash flow from operating activities. Marketing services, including advertising and referral fees, provide approximately 80% of total operating revenues, so cash flow from operating activities is adversely affected during recessionary periods. Information about our use of cash flow from operating activities is presented in the following table:
(in thousands) |
For the years ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities |
$ | 612,052 | $ | 583,551 | $ | 428,353 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations |
44,243 | 91,921 | 8,255 | |||||||||
Proceeds from formation of Colorado partnership |
20,029 | |||||||||||
Dividends paid, including to minority interests |
(151,685 | ) | (117,101 | ) | (111,177 | ) | ||||||
Employee stock option proceeds |
15,903 | 32,198 | 32,345 | |||||||||
Excess tax benefits on stock awards |
2,375 | 4,393 | ||||||||||
Other financing activities |
(16,869 | ) | 2,884 | (11,951 | ) | |||||||
Cash flow available for acquisitions, investments, debt repayment and share repurchase |
$ | 506,019 | $ | 617,875 | $ | 345,825 | ||||||
Sources and uses of available cash flow: |
||||||||||||
Business acquisitions and net investment activity |
$ | (64,801 | ) | $ | (384,162 | ) | $ | (532,454 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures |
(127,787 | ) | (103,098 | ) | (61,828 | ) | ||||||
Other investing activity |
7,194 | 5,092 | (1,616 | ) | ||||||||
Repurchase Class A Common Shares |
(57,515 | ) | (65,323 | ) | (36,822 | ) | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in long-term debt |
(261,406 | ) | (60,793 | ) | 293,859 | |||||||
Our cash flow has been used primarily to fund acquisitions and investments, develop new businesses, and repay debt. Net cash provided by operating activities has increased year-over-year due to the improved operating performance of our business segments.
In July 2007, we reached agreements to acquire the Web sites Recipezaar.com and Pickle.com for total cash consideration of approximately $30 million.
In 2007, we repurchased $37.1 million principal amount of our 4.30% note due in 2010 for $35.8 million and repurchased $14.6 million principal amount of our 5.75% note due in 2012 for $14.5 million. In 2006, we repurchased $10 million principal amount of our 3.75% note due in 2008 for $9.8 million and repurchased $13.8 million principal amount of our 4.25% notes due in 2009 for $13.3 million.
On April 24, 2007, we closed the sale for the two Shop At Home-affiliated stations located in Lawrence, MA, and Bridgeport, CT, which provided cash consideration of approximately $61 million.
In 2006, we closed the sale for three of the stations located in San Francisco, CA, Canton, OH and Wilson, NC for cash consideration of $109 million.
In 2006, we sold certain assets of our Shop At Home business for cash consideration of approximately $17 million. Cash expenditures associated with the termination of long-term agreements and employee termination benefits at Shop At Home totaled approximately $15 million in 2006.
In March 2006, we acquired 100% of the common stock of uSwitch for approximately $372 million, net of cash and short-term investments acquired. We also acquired minority interests in our Evansville and Memphis newspapers, and acquired certain other newspaper publications, for total consideration of approximately $23 million. In connection with the acquisitions, we entered into a $100 million 364-day revolving credit facility which was subsequently replaced by a new credit facility in the second quarter of 2006. (See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The remainder of the consideration was financed through cash on hand and additional borrowings on our existing credit facilities.
In 2005, we reached agreement with Advance Publications, Inc., the publisher of the Birmingham News (News), to terminate the Birmingham joint operating agreement between the News and our Birmingham Post-Herald newspaper and sold certain assets to the News. We received cash consideration of approximately $40.8 million from these transactions.
In 2005, the management committee of the Denver JOA approved plans to consolidate the JOAs newspaper production facilities and authorized the incurrence of up to $150 million of debt by the JOA to finance the building and equipment costs related to the consolidation. We own a 50% interest in the Denver JOA. Scripps and Media News Group (MNG), our Denver JOA partner, are not parties to the arrangement and have not guaranteed any of the Denver JOAs obligations under the arrangement. However, we expect that our cash distributions received from the Denver JOA will be reduced as the JOA will have additional cash requirements to satisfy debt and lease payments under the agreements.
On June 27, 2005, we acquired 100% ownership of Shopzilla for approximately $570 million in cash. Assets acquired in the transaction included approximately $34.0 million of cash and $12.3 million of short-term investments. The acquisition was financed using a combination of cash on hand and additional borrowings, including the issuance of $150 million of 4.3% notes due in 2010.
Pursuant to the terms of the Food Network general partnership agreement, the partnership is required to distribute available cash to the general partners. Cash distributions to Food Networks non-controlling interests were $63.0 million in 2007, $38.2 million in 2006 and $29.0 million in 2005.
Estimated transaction costs and other activities related to the proposed separation of the Company are expected to result in cash expenditures totaling $60 million to $70 million in 2008.
Under the authorization of a share repurchase program that was approved by the Board of Directors on October 24, 2004, we have been repurchasing our Class A Common shares over the course of the last three years to offset the dilution resulting from our stock compensation programs. Shares were repurchased at a total cost of $57.5 million in 2007, $65.3 million in 2006, and $36.8 million in 2005. Due to the pending proposed separation of the Company, the repurchase of shares was suspended in the first quarter of 2008.
We have a credit facility expiring in 2011 that permits aggregate borrowings up to $750 million. Total borrowings under the facility were $79.6 million at December 31, 2007.
F-18
Our access to commercial paper markets can be affected by macroeconomic factors outside our control. In addition to macroeconomic factors, our access to commercial paper markets and our borrowing costs are affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under which an unspecified amount of public debt or equity securities may be issued, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Proceeds from any takedowns off the shelf will be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, securities repurchase programs, repayment of long-term and short-term debt and the financing of acquisitions.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements include the following four categories: obligations under certain guarantees or contracts; retained or contingent interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangements; obligations under certain derivative arrangements; and obligations under material variable interests.
We may use derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to newsprint prices, interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations. We held no newsprint, interest rate or foreign currency derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2007.
We have not entered into any material arrangements which would fall under any of these four categories and which would be reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
Our contractual obligations under certain contracts are included in the following table.
F-19
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our contractual cash commitments, as of December 31, 2007, is as follows:
(in thousands) |
Less than 1 Year |
Years 2 & 3 |
Years 4 & 5 |
Over 5 Years |
Total | ||||||||||
Long-term debt: |
|||||||||||||||
Principal amounts |
$ | 40,136 | $ | 199,416 | $ | 265,342 | $ | 467 | $ | 505,361 | |||||
Interest on notes |
23,367 | 40,223 | 18,066 | 53 | 81,709 | ||||||||||
Network launch incentives: |
|||||||||||||||
Network launch incentive offers accepted |
4,616 | 6,738 | 11,354 | ||||||||||||
Incentives offered to cable television systems |
2,574 | 6,599 | 1,091 | 10,264 | |||||||||||
Programming: |
|||||||||||||||
Available for broadcast |
18,923 | 2,867 | 251 | 22,041 | |||||||||||
Not yet available for broadcast |
98,079 | 128,371 | 67,539 | 8,473 | 302,462 | ||||||||||
Employee compensation and benefits: |
|||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation and benefits |
5,395 | 9,612 | 9,602 | 22,205 | 46,814 | ||||||||||
Employment and talent contracts |
45,356 | 48,669 | 10,839 | 3,466 | 108,330 | ||||||||||
Operating leases: |
|||||||||||||||
Noncancelable |
20,826 | 40,642 | 33,456 | 72,638 | 167,562 | ||||||||||
Cancelable |
1,224 | 1,070 | 6,674 | 2,228 | 11,196 | ||||||||||
Pension obligations: |
|||||||||||||||
Minimum pension funding |
2,700 | 5,500 | 4,900 | 15,100 | 28,200 | ||||||||||
Other commitments: |
|||||||||||||||
Distribution agreements |
1,573 | 3,289 | 3,420 | 3,049 | 11,331 | ||||||||||
Satellite transmission |
5,460 | 10,380 | 8,160 | 27,880 | 51,880 | ||||||||||
Noncancelable purchase and service commitments |
13,912 | 24,597 | 5,162 | 15,647 | 59,318 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
618 | 20,214 | 20,832 | ||||||||||||
Other purchase and service commitments |
41,557 | 37,983 | 5,507 | 778 | 85,825 | ||||||||||
Total contractual cash obligations |
$ | 326,316 | $ | 586,170 | $ | 440,009 | $ | 171,984 | $ | 1,524,479 | |||||
In the ordinary course of business we enter into long-term contracts to obtain distribution of our networks, to license or produce programming, to secure on-air talent, to lease office space and equipment, to obtain satellite transmission rights, and to purchase other goods and services.
Long-Term Debt Principal payments on long-term debt reflect the repayment of our fixed-rate notes in accordance with their contractual due dates. Principal payments also include the repayment of our outstanding variable rate credit facilities assuming repayment will occur upon the expiration of the facility in June 2011.
Interest payments on our fixed-rate notes are projected based on each notes contractual rate and maturity. Interest payments on our variable-rate credit facilities assume that the outstanding balance on the facilities and the related variable interest rates remain unchanged until the expiration of the facilities in June 2011.
Network Launch Incentives We may offer incentives to cable and satellite television systems in exchange for long-term contracts to distribute our networks. Such incentives may be in the form of cash payments or an initial period in which the payment of affiliate fees is waived. We become obligated for such incentives at the time a cable or satellite television system launches our programming.
Amounts included in the above table for network launch incentive offers accepted by cable and satellite television systems include both amounts due to systems that have launched our networks and estimated incentives due to systems that have agreed to launch our networks in future periods.
We have offered launch incentives to cable and satellite television systems that have not yet agreed to carry our networks. Such offers generally expire if the system does not launch our programming by a specified date. We expect to make additional launch incentive offers to cable and satellite television systems to expand the distribution of our networks.
Programming Program licenses generally require payments over the terms of the licenses. Licensed programming includes both programs that have been delivered and are available for telecast and programs that have not yet been produced. If the programs are not produced, our commitments would generally expire without obligation.
We also enter into contracts with certain independent producers for the production of programming that airs on Scripps Networks. Production contracts generally require us to purchase a specified number of episodes of the program.
We expect to enter into additional program licenses and production contracts to meet our future programming needs.
Talent Contracts We secure on-air talent for Scripps Networks and our broadcast television stations through multi-year talent agreements. Certain agreements may be terminated under certain circumstances or at certain dates prior to expiration. We expect our employment and talent contracts will be renewed or replaced with similar agreements upon their expiration. Amounts due under the contracts, assuming the contracts are not terminated prior to their expiration, are included in the contractual commitments table. Also included in the table are contracts with columnists and artists whose work is syndicated by United Media. Columnists and artists may receive fixed minimum payments plus amounts based upon a percentage of net syndication and licensing revenues resulting from the exploitation of their work. Contingent amounts based upon net revenues are not included in the table of contractual commitments.
F-20
Operating Leases We obtain certain office space under multi-year lease agreements. Leases for office space are generally not cancelable prior to their expiration.
Leases for operating and office equipment are generally cancelable by either party on 30 to 90 day notice. However, we expect such contracts will remain in force throughout the terms of the leases. The amounts included in the table above represent the amounts due under the agreements assuming the agreements are not canceled prior to their expiration.
We expect our operating leases will be renewed or replaced with similar agreements upon their expiration.
Pension Funding We sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all non-union and certain union-represented employees. We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP).
Contractual commitments summarized in the contractual obligations table include payments to meet minimum funding requirements of our defined benefit pension plans in 2006 and estimated benefit payments for our unfunded non-qualified SERP plan. Estimated payments for the SERP plan have been estimated over a ten-year period. Accordingly, the amounts in the over 5 years column include estimated payments for the periods of 2013-2017. While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2017, we believe it is not practicable to estimate payments beyond this period.
Other Compensation Plans We have long-term compensation plans with certain employees. Amounts earned by the employees in each annual valuation period are determined by the increase in value of the business as of the valuation date in excess of base value. The value of the business at each valuation date is measured by applying a prescribed multiple to EBITDA for the prior twelve months. Amounts earned in each valuation period vest over the remaining term of the plan. Unvested amounts are subject to forfeiture in the event the requisite service is not rendered or if the value of the business declines in subsequent periods. Due to the inability to estimate payments to be made under these plans, no amounts are included in the table of contractual commitments.
Income Tax Obligations The Contractual Obligations table does not include any reserves for income taxes recognized under FIN 48 due to the fact that we are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of our reserves for income taxes. As of December 31, 2007, our reserves for income taxes totaled $53.8 million which is reflected as an other long-term liability in our consolidated balance sheets. (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on Income Taxes).
Purchase Commitments We obtain satellite transmission, audience ratings, market research and certain other services under multi-year agreements. These agreements are generally not cancelable prior to expiration of the service agreement. We expect such agreements will be renewed or replaced with similar agreements upon their expiration.
We may also enter into contracts with certain vendors and suppliers, including most of our newsprint vendors. These contracts typically do not require the purchase of fixed or minimum quantities and generally may be terminated at any time without penalty. Included in the table of contractual commitments are purchase orders placed as of December 31, 2007. Purchase orders placed with vendors, including those with whom we maintain contractual relationships, are generally cancelable prior to shipment. While these vendor agreements do not require us to purchase a minimum quantity of goods or services, and we may generally cancel orders prior to shipment, we expect expenditures for goods and services in future periods will approximate those in prior years.
Redemption of Non-controlling Interests in Subsidiary Companies Minority owners of Fine Living have the right to require us to repurchase their interests. Minority owners will receive fair market value for their interest at the time their option is exercised.
The Food Network general partnership agreement is due to expire on December 31, 2012, unless amended or extended prior to that date. In the event of such expiration, the assets of the partnership are to be liquidated and distributed to the partners in proportion to their partnership interests.
The table of contractual commitments does not include amounts for the repurchase of minority interests in Fine Living or Food Network.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Earnings and cash flow can be affected by, among other things, economic conditions, interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations and changes in the price of newsprint. We are also exposed to changes in the market value of our investments.
Our objectives in managing interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows, and to reduce overall borrowing costs. We manage interest rate risk primarily by maintaining a mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt.
Our primary exposure to foreign currencies is the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen, British pound and the Euro. Reported earnings and assets may be reduced in periods in which the U.S. dollar increases in value relative to those currencies. Included in shareholders equity is $55.2 million of foreign currency translation adjustment gains resulting primarily from the devaluation of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound since our acquisition of uSwitch in March 2006.
Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flow. Accordingly, we may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments that change in value as foreign exchange rates change, such as foreign currency forward contracts or foreign currency options. We held no foreign currency derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2007.
We also may use forward contracts to reduce the risk of changes in the price of newsprint on anticipated newsprint purchases. We held no newsprint derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2007.
F-21
The following table presents additional information about market-risk-sensitive financial instruments:
(in thousands, except share data) |
As of December 31, 2007 | As of December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||
Cost | Fair | Cost | Fair | |||||||||||
Basis | Value | Basis | Value | |||||||||||
Financial instruments subject to interest rate risk: |
||||||||||||||
Variable rate credit facilities, including commercial paper |
$ | 79,559 | $ | 79,559 | $ | 190,461 | $ | 190,461 | ||||||
6.625% notes due in 2007 |
99,989 | 100,791 | ||||||||||||
3.75% notes due in 2008 |
39,950 | 39,913 | 39,356 | 39,245 | ||||||||||
4.25% notes due in 2009 |
86,091 | 84,950 | 86,008 | 83,485 | ||||||||||
4.30% notes due in 2010 |
112,840 | 110,592 | 149,832 | 144,571 | ||||||||||
5.75% notes due in 2012 |
184,922 | 185,366 | 199,310 | 200,556 | ||||||||||
Other notes |
1,301 | 1,015 | 1,425 | 1,157 | ||||||||||
Total long-term debt including current portion |
$ | 504,663 | $ | 501,395 | $ | 766,381 | $ | 760,266 | ||||||
Financial instruments subject to market value risk: |
||||||||||||||
Time Warner (common shares- 2007, 2,008,000; 2006, 2,011,000) |
$ | 29,538 | $ | 33,152 | $ | 29,585 | $ | 43,804 | ||||||
Other available-for-sale securities |
55 | 2,832 | 175 | 2,130 | ||||||||||
Total investments in publicly-traded companies |
29,593 | 35,984 | 29,760 | 45,934 | ||||||||||
Other equity securities |
8,064 | (a | ) | 7,430 | (a | ) | ||||||||
(a) | Includes securities that do not trade in public markets so the securities do not have readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair value of these securities approximates their carrying value. There can be no assurance that we would realize the carrying value upon sale of the securities. |
F-22
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was evaluated as of the date of the financial statements. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes to the companys internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting.
F-23
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Scripps management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
1. | pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; |
2. | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the company; and |
3. | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, collusion and the improper overriding of controls by management. Accordingly, even effective internal control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, management assessed the effectiveness of The E. W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. Managements assessment is based on the criteria established in the Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based upon our assessment, management believes that the company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.
The companys independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting and the companys management assessment of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. This report appears on page F-25.
Date: February 29, 2008
BY: |
/s/ Kenneth W. Lowe |
Kenneth W. Lowe |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
/s/ Joseph G. NeCastro |
Joseph G. NeCastro |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
F-24
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders,
The E.W. Scripps Company
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The E.W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 of the Company and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the companys adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accountings Standards (SFAS) Statement No. 109, in 2007, and SFAS No. 123(R) (revised 2004), Share Based Payment, and SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, in 2006.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
February 29, 2008
F-25
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders,
The E.W. Scripps Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The E.W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and comprehensive income and shareholders equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The E.W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Statement No. 109, effective January 1, 2007. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) (revised 2004), Share Based Payment, effective January 1, 2006 and the provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, effective December 31, 2006.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
February 29, 2008
26
(in thousands, except share data ) |
As of December 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 31,632 | $ | 30,450 | ||||
Short-term investments |
44,831 | 2,872 | ||||||
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances - 2007, $8,414; 2006, $15,477) |
562,909 | 535,901 | ||||||
Programs and program licenses |
215,127 | 179,887 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
17,966 | 21,744 | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations |
61,237 | |||||||
Miscellaneous |
54,328 | 43,228 | ||||||
Total current assets |
926,793 | 875,319 | ||||||
Investments |
226,660 | 225,349 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
559,673 | 511,738 | ||||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets: |
||||||||
Goodwill |
1,666,206 | 1,961,051 | ||||||
Other intangible assets |
188,227 | 309,243 | ||||||
Total goodwill and other intangible assets |
1,854,433 | 2,270,294 | ||||||
Other assets: |
||||||||
Programs and program licenses (less current portion) |
265,938 | 249,184 | ||||||
Unamortized network distribution incentives |
135,367 | 155,578 | ||||||
Prepaid pension |
8,975 | 9,130 | ||||||
Miscellaneous |
27,453 | 47,742 | ||||||
Total other assets |
437,733 | 461,634 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 4,005,292 | $ | 4,344,334 | ||||
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 78,935 | $ | 77,945 | ||||
Customer deposits and unearned revenue |
57,174 | 50,524 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities: |
||||||||
Employee compensation and benefits |
79,720 | 76,744 | ||||||
Network distribution incentives |
4,616 | 3,755 | ||||||
Accrued income taxes |
11,347 | 36,798 | ||||||
Accrued marketing and advertising costs |
18,537 | 21,817 | ||||||
Accrued interest |
5,757 | 10,850 | ||||||
Miscellaneous |
70,066 | 66,466 | ||||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations |
19,719 | |||||||
Other current liabilities |
20,650 | 34,650 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
346,802 | 399,268 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
362,234 | 334,223 | ||||||
Long-term debt (less current portion) |
504,663 | 766,381 | ||||||
Other liabilities (less current portion) |
199,302 | 140,598 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19) |
||||||||
Minority interests |
141,930 | 122,429 | ||||||
Shareholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $.01 par - authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding |