UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

or

Commission file number 001-32352

 

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 852-7000

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes  x     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes  x     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  ¨     No  x

As of January 30, 2015, 1,327,614,556 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 798,520,953 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN MILLIONS)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN MILLIONS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, “Twenty-First Century Fox” or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation. Twenty-First Century Fox is a diversified global media and entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in five segments: Cable Network Programming, Television, Filmed Entertainment, Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (“DBS”) and Other, Corporate and Eliminations. The DBS segment consisted entirely of the operations of Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland AG (“Sky Deutschland”). On November 12, 2014, Twenty-First Century Fox completed the previously announced sale of Sky Italia and its 57% interest in Sky Deutschland to British Sky Broadcasting Group plc, which was subsequently renamed Sky plc (“Sky”) (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions). Sky is a pan-European digital television provider, which operates in Italy, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Following the sale of the DBS businesses, the Company continues to report in five segments for comparative purposes, and there is no future activity in the DBS segment.

The accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.

These interim Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 14, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”).

The Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Twenty-First Century Fox. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, including the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees. Investments in and advances to equity or joint ventures in which the Company has significant influence, but less than a controlling voting interest, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company has no significant influence are designated as available-for-sale investments if readily determinable market values are available. If an investment’s fair value is not readily determinable, the Company accounts for its investment at cost.

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain fiscal 2014 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2015 presentation. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements relate to the Company’s continuing operations.

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

Adopted

In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity”, (“ASU 2013-05”). The objective of ASU 2013-05 is to resolve the diversity in practice regarding the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets or a business within a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for the Company for interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2014. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2013-05 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSALS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS

The Company’s acquisitions support the Company’s strategic priority of increasing its brand presence and reach in key domestic and international markets, acquiring greater control of investments that complement its portfolio of businesses, creating new pay-TV sports franchises and leveraging its sports broadcasting rights.

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Fiscal 2015

Acquisitions

San Francisco-Bay Area Television Stations

In October 2014, the Company acquired two San Francisco-Bay area television stations, KTVU-TV FOX 2 and KICU-TV 36, with a fair value of approximately $220 million from Cox Media Group in exchange for the Company’s FOX Broadcasting Company (“FOX”) affiliated stations WHBQ-TV FOX 13 and WFXT-TV FOX 25, located in the Memphis and Boston markets, respectively. The aggregate excess purchase price of $175 million has been preliminarily allocated, based on a provisional valuation of the two San Francisco-Bay area television stations, as follows: approximately $170 million to intangible assets, of which approximately $105 million has been allocated to FCC licenses with indefinite lives and $65 million to amortizable intangible assets, primarily retransmission agreements with useful lives of approximately 8 years; and the balance of the excess representing the goodwill on the transaction.

As the accounting for the business combination is based on provisional amounts and the allocation of the excess purchase price is not final, the amounts allocated to intangibles and goodwill, the estimates of useful lives and the related amortization expense are subject to changes pending the completion of the final valuation of certain assets and liabilities. A change in the purchase price allocation and any estimates of useful lives could result in a change in the value allocated to intangible assets that could impact future amortization expense.

Dispositions

Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland

In January 2011, the Company purchased a convertible bond from Sky Deutschland for approximately $225 million. In October 2014, the Company exercised its right to convert the bonds into 53.9 million Sky Deutschland shares, increasing the Company’s ownership interest to 57%.

On November 12, 2014, the Company sold its 100% and 57% ownership stakes in Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland, respectively, to Sky for approximately $8.8 billion in value comprised of approximately $8.2 billion in cash received, net of $650 million of cash paid to acquire Sky’s 21% interest in NGC Network International LLC and NGC Network Latin America LLC (collectively “NGC International”), increasing the Company’s ownership stake in NGC International to 73%. In connection with this transaction, the Company participated in Sky’s equity offering in July 2014 by purchasing additional shares in Sky for approximately $900 million and maintained the Company’s 39% ownership interest. As a result of the transaction, Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland ceased to be consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. The Company recorded a gain of $5.0 billion on this transaction, which was included in Other, net in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014. The resulting current income tax liability on this transaction will be substantially offset by the utilization of capital loss carryforwards and foreign tax credits (See Note 14 – Additional Financial Information).

The historical operating results of Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland and the gain on their disposal have not been classified as discontinued operations in the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, as the Company has a continuing involvement in Sky.

The following table presents the summarized assets and liabilities of Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland:

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Shine Group

The Company and funds managed by Apollo Global Management, LLC (“Apollo”) formed Endemol Shine Group in December 2014, to which the Company contributed its interests in Shine Group and cash, comprising an aggregate carrying value of approximately $830 million. The joint venture, a global multi-platform content provider, is comprised of Shine Group, Endemol, and CORE Media Group and is jointly managed by the Company and Apollo, with each owning 50%. As a result of the transaction, Shine Group ceased to be a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. The Company recorded a gain of $63 million on this transaction which was included in Other, net in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014. For income tax purposes, this was structured as a tax free transaction. The Company’s investment in the Endemol Shine Group is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

The historical operating results of Shine Group and the gain on its disposal have not been classified as discontinued operations in the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, as the Company has a continuing involvement in Endemol Shine Group.

Fiscal 2014

Acquisitions

Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network

On February 28, 2014, the Company acquired an additional 31% interest in the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network (the “YES Network”), increasing the Company’s ownership interest to 80%, for approximately $680 million, net of cash acquired. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company has consolidated the balance sheet and operating results of the YES Network, including $1.7 billion in debt. The remaining 20% of the YES Network not owned by the Company has been recorded at a fair value of approximately $385 million on the acquisition date based on the Company’s valuation of the YES Network business using a market approach (a Level 3 measurement as defined in Note 7 – Fair Value). The carrying amount of the Company’s previously held equity interest in the YES Network was revalued to its fair value of approximately $860 million as of the acquisition date. The aggregate excess purchase price has been allocated, based on a valuation of 100% of the YES Network, as follows: approximately $1.7 billion to intangible assets consisting of multi-channel video programming distributor (“MVPD”) affiliate agreements and relationships with useful lives of 20 years and advertiser relationships with useful lives of 6 years, and the indefinite-lived YES Network trade name; approximately $1.7 billion to debt; approximately $1.6 billion representing the goodwill on the transaction; and other net assets. The goodwill reflects the synergies and increased market penetration expected from combining the operations of the YES Network and the Company.

NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Separation of News Corp

On June 28, 2013, the Company completed the separation of its business into two independent publicly traded companies (the “Separation”) by distributing to its stockholders all of the outstanding shares of the new News Corporation (“News Corp”). The Company retained its interests in a global portfolio of media and entertainment assets spanning six continents. News Corp holds the Company’s former businesses including newspapers, information services and integrated marketing services, digital real estate services, book publishing, digital education and sports programming and pay-TV distribution in Australia. The Company completed the Separation by distributing to its stockholders one share of News Corp Class A common stock for every four shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) held on June 21, 2013, and one share of News Corp Class B common stock for every four shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) held on June 21, 2013. The Company’s stockholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares. Following the Separation, the Company does not beneficially own any shares of News Corp Class A common stock or News Corp Class B common stock.

Effective June 28, 2013, the Separation qualified for discontinued operations treatment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20, “Discontinued Operations”, and accordingly the Company deconsolidated News Corp’s balance sheet as of June 30, 2013, and presented its results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 as discontinued operations on the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and as discontinued operations on the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Summarized Financial Information

(Loss) income from discontinued operations were as follows:

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from discontinued operations for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $(28) million and $495 million, respectively.

 

NOTE 4. RECEIVABLES, NET

Receivables, net are presented net of an allowance for returns and doubtful accounts, which is an estimate of amounts that may not be collectible.

Receivables, net consist of:

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 5. INVENTORIES, NET

The Company’s inventories were comprised of the following:

 

 

 

NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS

The Company’s investments were comprised of the following:

 

 

Sky

In July 2014, the Company participated in Sky’s equity offering by purchasing approximately $900 million of additional shares in Sky and maintained the Company’s 39% ownership interest (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions). The Company received dividends of approximately $210 million and $195 million from Sky for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Included in Equity earnings of affiliates in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

and six months ended December 31, 2014 were the Company’s proportionate share of approximately $200 million and $480 million, respectively, of Sky’s gains related to the sale of its investments in NGC International and ITV plc.

 

NOTE 7. FAIR VALUE

In accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement”, fair value measurements are required to be disclosed using a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which distinguishes market participant assumptions into the following categories: (i) inputs that are quoted prices in active markets (“Level 1”); (ii) inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities (“Level 2”); and (iii) inputs that require the entity to use its own assumptions about market participant assumptions (“Level 3”). 

The tables below present information about financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and cost method investments, approximates fair value.

Borrowings

 

 

Fair value is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market (a Level 1 measurement).

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts primarily to hedge certain exposures to foreign currency exchange risks associated with the cost of producing or acquiring films and television programming as well as its investment in certain foreign operations.

 

As a result of the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014, the Company no longer has foreign currency forward contracts used as economic hedges (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions).

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

The Company uses interest rate swap contracts to hedge certain exposures to interest rate risks associated with certain borrowings.

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As a result of the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014, the Company no longer has interest rate swap contracts used as cash flow hedges (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions).

 

 

The following table shows the changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and other derivatives:

 

 

The effective changes in the fair values of derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income when the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings. The effective changes in the fair values of derivative contracts designated as net investment hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income when the related foreign subsidiaries are sold and the related cash flows are reported in Proceeds from dispositions, net within Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions). For foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, the Company expects to reclassify the cumulative changes in fair values, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, within the next 12 months. Cash flows from the settlement of derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges offset cash flows from the underlying hedged items and are included in operating activities in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk.

The Company’s receivables did not represent significant concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2014 or June 30, 2014 due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Company’s products and services are sold.

The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions which are counterparties to its financial instruments. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by any of the counterparties.

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 8. GOODWILL

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by segment, are as follows:

 

The decrease in the carrying value of the Television, Filmed Entertainment and DBS segments goodwill, during the six months ended December 31, 2014, was primarily due to the dispositions of the FOX affiliated stations, Shine Group and Sky Deutschland, respectively (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions).

 

NOTE 9. BORROWINGS

Borrowings include bank loans, public debt and other borrowings.

Senior Notes Issued

In September 2014, 21st Century Fox America, Inc. (“21CFA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $600 million of 3.70% Senior Notes due 2024 and $600 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2044. The net proceeds of approximately $1.19 billion were used for general corporate purposes.

Senior Notes Due

In December 2014, the Company retired $750 million of 5.30% Senior Notes.

Bank loans

Included in Borrowings within Non-current liabilities as of June 30, 2014 was €225 million ($308 million) outstanding under the Sky Deutschland credit agreement. In November 2014, Sky Deutschland ceased to be a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, and as a result, this credit agreement is no longer an obligation of the Company (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions).

In November 2014, the YES Network amended its credit agreement to increase the total size of its credit facility to $1.765 billion, comprised of a secured revolving credit facility, a term loan facility and a delayed draw term loan facility, and to extend the maturity date of the credit agreement to December 2019. As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance on the term loan facility and secured revolving credit facility was $900 million and $173 million, respectively. The total amount available under the secured revolving credit facility is $305 million. The total amount available under the delayed draw term loan facility is $560 million and will be used to retire the YES Network’s Senior Subordinated Notes. If YES Network does not draw and utilize the funds on the delayed draw term loan facility by July 2015, it will be withdrawn.

Current borrowings

Included in Borrowings within Current liabilities as of December 31, 2014 was 7.60% Senior Notes of $200 million that are due in October 2015 and principal payments on the YES Network term loan facility of $27 million that are due in the next 12 months.

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The following tables summarize changes in equity:

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is reported in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and consists of Net income and other gains and losses, including foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized holding gains and losses on securities, and benefit plan adjustments, which affect stockholders’ equity, and under GAAP, are excluded from Net income.

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following tables summarize the activity within Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Earnings Per Share Data  

The following table sets forth the Company’s computation of Income from continuing operations attributable to Twenty-First Century Fox stockholders:

 

 

Stock Repurchase Program

The Board has authorized a stock repurchase program, under which the Company is currently authorized to acquire Class A Common Stock. The remaining authorized amount under the Company’s stock repurchase program as of June 30, 2014, excluding commissions, was approximately $0.6 billion. In August 2014, the Company announced that the Board approved an additional $6 billion authorization, excluding commissions, to the Company’s stock repurchase program for the repurchase of Class A Common Stock. The Company intends to complete this stock repurchase program by August 2015.

The remaining authorized amount under the Company’s stock repurchase program as of December 31, 2014, excluding commissions, was approximately $3.8 billion.

The program may be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time.

Dividends

The following table summarizes the dividends declared per share on both the Company’s Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock:

 

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company announced a 20% increase to its dividend, declaring a semi-annual dividend of $0.15 per Class A and Class B share, resulting in a prospective annual dividend of $0.30 per share. The dividend declared is payable on April 15, 2015 with a record date for determining dividend entitlements of March 11, 2015.

Temporary Suspension of Voting Rights Affecting Non-U.S. Stockholders

On April 18, 2012, the Company announced that it suspended 50% of the voting rights of the Class B Common Stock held by stockholders who are not U.S. citizens (“Non-U.S. Stockholders”) in order to maintain compliance with U.S. law which states that no broadcast station licensee may be owned by a corporation if more than 25% of that corporation’s stock was owned or voted by Non-U.S. Stockholders, their representatives, or by any other corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country. The Company owns broadcast station licensees in connection with its ownership and operation of U.S. television stations. The suspension of voting rights of shares of Class B Common Stock held by Non-U.S. Stockholders is currently at 10%. This suspension of voting rights will remain in place for as long as the Company deems it necessary to maintain compliance with applicable U.S. law, and may be adjusted by the Audit Committee as it deems appropriate.

Voting Agreement with the Murdoch Family Interests

On April 18, 2012, the Murdoch Family Trust and K. Rupert Murdoch (together the “Murdoch Family Interests”) entered into an agreement with the Company, whereby the Murdoch Family Interests agreed to limit their voting rights during the voting rights suspension period. Under this agreement, the Murdoch Family Interests will not vote or provide voting instructions with respect to a portion of their shares of Class B Common Stock to the extent that doing so would increase their percentage of voting power from what it was prior to the suspension of voting rights. Currently, as a result of the suspension of voting rights, the aggregate percentage

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

vote of the Murdoch Family Interests is at 39.1% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock not subject to the suspension of voting rights, and the percentage vote may be adjusted as provided in the agreement with the Company.

 

NOTE 11. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

In August 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the conversion of approximately 2.1 million outstanding cash-settled equity awards granted to certain named executive officers for the fiscal 2013-2015 and fiscal 2014-2016 performance periods from cash-settled to stock-settled awards. As a result, all currently outstanding equity awards granted to the Company’s named executive officers are stock-settled and the remaining cash-settled awards outstanding are not material.

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity-based compensation transactions:

 

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s total compensation cost related to equity-based awards, not yet recognized, was approximately $165 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period between one and two years. Compensation expense on all equity-based awards is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award. However, certain performance based awards are recognized on an accelerated basis.

As of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, the liability for cash-settled awards was approximately $15 million and $165 million, respectively. Cash-settled awards are marked-to-market at each reporting period.

Performance Stock Units

The Company’s stock based awards are granted in Class A Common Stock. During the six months ended December 31, 2014, approximately 4.1 million performance stock units (“PSUs”) were granted and approximately 6.9 million PSUs vested. Approximately 1.7 million units of the awards that vested were settled in cash.

During the six months ended December 31, 2013, approximately 4.9 million PSUs were granted and approximately 2.8 million PSUs vested. Approximately 2.1 million units of the awards that vested were settled in cash.

 

NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (“firm commitments”) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal operations. The total firm commitments and future debt payments as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 were $76 billion and $87 billion, respectively. The decrease from June 30, 2014 was primarily due to the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014 (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions), partially offset by commitments under a new contract with the International Cricket Council (“ICC”).

Guarantees

The Company’s guarantees as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 were $807 million and $724 million, respectively. The increase from June 30, 2014 was primarily due to the Company obtaining a bank guarantee covering its programming rights obligation in connection with the agreement with the ICC.

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Contingencies  

Shareholder Litigation

Southern District of New York

On July 19, 2011, a purported class action lawsuit captioned Wilder v. News Corp., et al. (“Wilder Litigation”), was filed on behalf of all purchasers of the Company’s common stock between March 3, 2011 and July 11, 2011, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff brought claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, alleging that false and misleading statements were issued regarding the alleged acts of voicemail interception at The News of the World. The suit names as defendants the Company, Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks, and seeks compensatory damages, rescission for damages sustained, and costs. On June 5, 2012, the court issued an order appointing the Avon Pension Fund (“Avon”) as lead plaintiff and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd as lead counsel. Thereafter, on July 3, 2012, the court issued an order providing that an amended consolidated complaint shall be filed by July 31, 2012. Avon filed an amended consolidated complaint on July 31, 2012, which among other things, added as defendants NI Group Limited (now known as News Corp UK & Ireland Limited) and Les Hinton, and expanded the class period to include February 15, 2011 to July 18, 2011. The defendants filed motions to dismiss the litigation, which were granted by the court on March 31, 2014. Plaintiffs were allowed to amend their complaint, and on April 30, 2014, plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint, which generally repeats the allegations of the amended consolidated complaint and also expands the class period to July 8, 2009 to July 18, 2011. On August 11, 2014, defendants filed motions to dismiss the second amended consolidated complaint, and on October 24, 2014, plaintiffs opposed those motions. On November 21, 2014, defendants filed their replies to plaintiffs’ opposition. The Company’s management believes the claims in the Wilder Litigation are entirely without merit, and intends to vigorously defend those claims.

U.K. Newspaper Matters and Related Investigations and Litigation

In 2011, U.S. regulators and governmental authorities initiated investigations with respect to phone hacking, illegal data access and inappropriate payments to public officials that occurred at subsidiaries of News Corp (the “U.K. Newspaper Matters”). On January 28, 2015, the Company was notified by the United States Department of Justice that it has completed its investigation relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters, and is declining to prosecute the Company.

In connection with the Separation, the Company and News Corp agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that the Company will indemnify News Corp, on an after-tax basis, for payments made after the Separation arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters, as well as legal and professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the related criminal matters, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees who are not (i) directors, officers or certain designated employees or (ii) with respect to civil matters, co-defendants with News Corp (the “Indemnity”). As of June 30, 2014, the Company recognized approximately $80 million as its obligation under the Indemnity, of which approximately $65 million related to the amounts payable to News Corp and approximately $15 million for the remaining unamortized fair value of expected future payments to be made under the Indemnity. Pursuant to ASC 460, “Guarantees”, the amount provided for future payments is being amortized in a systematic pattern that reflects the release from the underlying risks and is included in (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has recognized approximately $60 million as its obligation under the Indemnity, of which approximately $55 million relates to amounts payable to News Corp and approximately $5 million for the remaining unamortized fair value of expected future payments to be made under the Indemnity. Pursuant to the Indemnity, the Company made payments of $28 million to News Corp during the six months ended December 31, 2014. If additional information becomes available and as payments are made, the Company will update the liability provision for the Indemnity. Any changes to the liability provision for the Indemnity in the future will impact the results of operations for that period. The liability provision for the Indemnity was estimated by probability weighting expected payments to be made to News Corp under such Agreement and discounting probability-weighted expected payments to the valuation date, using a discount rate based on the Company’s cost of debt.

Other

Equity purchase arrangements that are exercisable by the counter-party to the agreement, and that are outside the sole control of the Company, are accounted for in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A. Accordingly, the fair values of such equity purchase arrangements are classified in Redeemable noncontrolling interests. Other than the arrangements classified in Redeemable noncontrolling interests, the Company is party to several other purchase and sale arrangements which become exercisable at various points in time. However these arrangements are currently either not exercisable in the next twelve months or are not material.

The Company’s operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

The Company establishes an accrued liability for legal claims when the Company determines that a loss is both probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Once established, accruals are adjusted from time to time, as appropriate, in light of additional information. The amount of any loss ultimately incurred in relation to matters for which an accrual has been established may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued for such matters. Any fees, expenses, fines, penalties, judgments or settlements which might be incurred by the Company in connection with the various proceedings could affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. For the contingencies disclosed above for which there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred, other than the accrual provided, the Company was unable to estimate the amount of loss or range of loss.

 

NOTE 13. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company is a diversified global media and entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in the following five segments:

The Company’s operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Company’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is Segment OIBDA. Due to the integrated nature of these operating segments, estimates and judgments are made in allocating certain assets, revenues and expenses.

Segment OIBDA is defined as Revenues less Operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses. Segment OIBDA does not include: Amortization of cable distribution investments, Depreciation and amortization, Impairment charges, Equity earnings of affiliates, Interest expense, net, Interest income, Other, net, Income tax expense and Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Management believes that Segment OIBDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company’s business segments because it is the primary measure used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources within the Company’s businesses.

Management believes that information about Total Segment OIBDA assists all users of the Company’s Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income, thus providing insight into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results. Total Segment OIBDA provides management, investors and equity analysts a measure to analyze the operating performance of the Company’s business and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors’ data, although historical results, including Segment OIBDA and Total Segment OIBDA, may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors, including customer tastes and preferences).

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Total Segment OIBDA is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. In addition, this measure does not reflect cash available to fund requirements and excludes items, such as depreciation and amortization and impairment charges, which are significant components in assessing the Company’s financial performance.

 

 

Intersegment revenues, generated by the Filmed Entertainment segment, of $285 million and $362 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and of $560 million and $611 million for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have been eliminated within the Other, Corporate and Eliminations segment.

 

22

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 include the amortization of definite lived intangible assets of $81 million and $79 million, respectively, and $183 million and $218 million for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

 

 

Revenues by Component

 

 

 

NOTE 14. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Supplemental Cash Flows Information

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Other, net

The following table sets forth the components of Other, net included in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

 

Income Taxes

The following table illustrates the overall changes in the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities for the six months ended December 31, 2014:

 

 

The Company had deferred tax assets of $60 million and $61 million as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The Company had current deferred tax liabilities of $80 million and nil as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

The Company also had non-current deferred tax liabilities of $1,782 million and $2,729 million as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

The primary reason for change in the net deferred tax liabilities is due to the sale of the DBS businesses. This allowed for the utilization of capital loss carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards to offset the current income tax liability attributable to the sale. Previously, these tax assets had a full valuation allowance recorded. As a result of the transaction, the associated valuation allowance was reversed. The Company also reversed the valuation allowance associated with the Company’s remaining foreign tax credit carryforwards as it separately determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will utilize these foreign tax credit carryforwards prior to their expiration.

 

 

NOTE 15. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION

In May 2012, 21CFA entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among 21CFA as Borrower, the Company as Parent Guarantor, the lenders named therein, the initial issuing banks named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan

24

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Chase”) and Citibank, N.A. as Co-Administrative Agents, JPMorgan Chase as Designated Agent and Bank of America, N.A. as Syndication Agent. The Credit Agreement provides a $2 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a sub-limit of $400 million (or its equivalent in Euros) available for the issuance of letters of credit and a maturity date of May 2017. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may request an increase in the amount of the credit facility up to a maximum amount of $2.5 billion and the Company may request that the maturity date be extended for up to two additional one-year periods. Borrowings are issuable in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. dollars or Euros. The material terms of the agreement include the requirement that the Company maintain specific leverage ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. Fees under the Credit Agreement will be based on the Company’s long-term senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt ratings. Given the current debt ratings, 21CFA pays a facility fee of 0.125% and an initial drawn cost of LIBOR plus 1.125%.

The Parent Guarantor presently guarantees the senior public indebtedness of 21CFA and the guarantee is full and unconditional. The supplemental condensed consolidating financial information of the Parent Guarantor should be read in conjunction with these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

In accordance with rules and regulations of the SEC, the Company uses the equity method to account for the results of all of the non-guarantor subsidiaries, representing substantially all of the Company’s consolidated results of operations, excluding certain intercompany eliminations.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of 21CFA, the Company and the subsidiaries of the Company and the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.

With respect to the six months ended December 31, 2014, we identified certain adjustments, which the Company determined were not material, related to the presentation of Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities for the three and six months ended December 31, 2013 and for the year ended June 30, 2014 and Intragroup investments as of June 30, 2014. These revisions had no impact on any consolidated totals of the condensed consolidating financial statements. These revisions impacted the amounts presented in the 21CFA column (increasing the amounts presented as Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities, Income tax (expense) benefit and Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Twenty-First Century Fox stockholders) and in the Reclassifications and Eliminations column in the Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2013 and for the year ended June 30, 2014 and the amounts presented in the 21CFA column (increasing the Intragroup investments and Equity) and in the Reclassifications and Eliminations column in the Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014. These adjustments were not reflected in the previously filed Supplemental Guarantor Information filed with our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 7, 2014 and with our 2014 Form 10-K.

Accordingly, the Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2013 and for the year ended June 30, 2014 and Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 have been revised to reflect the immaterial adjustments described above. Fiscal 2015 amounts have been prepared to conform to this presentation. Future filings will also reflect increased 21CFA and reclassification/elimination amounts of Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities, Income tax (expense) benefit, Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Twenty-First Century Fox stockholders, Intragroup investments and Equity for prior periods.

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended December 31, 2014

(in millions)

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended December 31, 2013

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the six months ended December 31, 2014

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the six months ended December 31, 2013

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the year ended June 30, 2014

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2014

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2014

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended December 31, 2014

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended December 31, 2013

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

 

 

 

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TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FOX, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to Supplemental Guarantor Information

 

 

 

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This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “believe” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this document and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.’s financial condition or results of operations. The readers of this document are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors is set forth under the heading Part II “Other Information,” Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this report. Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. does not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review this document and the other documents filed by Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This section should be read together with the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. and related notes set forth elsewhere herein and Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 as filed with the SEC on August 14, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”).

INTRODUCTION

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to help provide an understanding of Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (together, “Twenty-First Century Fox” or the “Company”) financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. This discussion is organized as follows:

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS

The Company is a diversified global media and entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in the following five segments:

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Cable Network Programming and Television

The Company’s cable networks, which target various demographics, derive a majority of their revenues from monthly affiliate fees received from multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) based on the number of their subscribers. Affiliate fee revenues are net of the amortization of cable distribution investments (capitalized fees paid to U.S. MVPDs to typically facilitate the carriage of a domestic cable network). The Company defers the cable distribution investments and amortizes the amounts on a straight-line basis over the contract period. Cable television and direct broadcast satellite are currently the predominant means of distribution of the Company’s program services in the U.S. Internationally, distribution technology varies region by region.

The television operations derive revenues primarily from the sale of advertising, and to a lesser extent, retransmission consent revenue. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising may affect revenues.

U.S. law governing retransmission consent revenue provides a mechanism for the television stations owned by the Company to seek and obtain payment from MVPDs who carry the Company’s broadcast signals. Retransmission consent revenue consists of per subscriber-based compensatory fees paid to the Company by MVPDs that distribute the signals of the Company’s owned and operated television stations. The Company also receives compensation from independently-owned television stations that are affiliated with FOX and receive retransmission consent fees from MVPDs for their signals.

The most significant operating expenses of the Cable Network Programming segment and the Television segment are the acquisition and production expenses related to programming, marketing and promotional expenses and the expenses related to operating the technical facilities of the cable network or broadcaster. Marketing and promotional expenses relate to improving the market visibility and awareness of the cable network or broadcaster and its programming. Additional expenses include sales commissions paid to the in-house advertising sales force, as well as salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead expenses.

Filmed Entertainment

The Filmed Entertainment segment derives revenue from the production and distribution of live-action and animated motion pictures and television series. In general, motion pictures produced or acquired for distribution by the Company are exhibited in U.S. and foreign theaters, followed by home entertainment, including sale and rental of DVDs and Blu-rays, licensing through digital distribution platforms, premium subscription television, network television and basic cable and syndicated television exploitation. Television series initially produced for the networks and first-run syndication are generally licensed to domestic and international markets concurrently and subsequently released in seasonal DVD and Blu-ray box sets and made available via digital distribution platforms. More successful series are later syndicated in domestic markets. The length of the revenue cycle for television series will vary depending on the number of seasons a series remains in active production and, therefore, may cause fluctuations in operating results. License fees received for television exhibition (including international and U.S. premium television and basic cable television) are recorded as revenue in the period that licensed films or programs are available for such exhibition, which may cause substantial fluctuations in operating results.

The revenues and operating results of the Filmed Entertainment segment are significantly affected by the timing of the Company’s theatrical and home entertainment releases, the number of its original and returning television series that are aired by television networks and cable channels and the number of its television series in off-network syndication. Theatrical and home entertainment release dates are determined by several factors, including timing of vacation and holiday periods and competition in the marketplace. The distribution windows for the release of motion pictures theatrically and in various home entertainment products and services (including subscription rentals, rental kiosks and digital distribution platforms), have been compressing and may continue to change in the future. A further reduction in timing between theatrical and home entertainment releases could adversely affect the revenues and operating results of this segment.

The Company enters into arrangements with third parties to co-produce many of its theatrical productions. These arrangements, which are referred to as co-financing arrangements, take various forms. The parties to these arrangements include studio and non-studio entities, both domestic and foreign. In several of these agreements, other parties control certain distribution rights. The Filmed Entertainment segment records the amounts received for the sale of an economic interest as a reduction of the cost of the film, as the investor assumes full risk for that portion of the film asset acquired in these transactions. The substance of these arrangements is that the third-party investors own an interest in the film and, therefore, receive a participation based on the respective third-party investor’s interest in the profits or losses incurred on the film. Consistent with the requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board

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(“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 926, “Entertainment—Films” (“ASC 926”), the estimate of a third-party investor’s interest in profits or losses on the film is based on total estimated ultimate revenues.

Operating costs incurred by the Filmed Entertainment segment include: exploitation costs, primarily theatrical prints and advertising and home entertainment marketing and manufacturing costs; amortization of capitalized production, overhead and interest costs; and participations and talent residuals. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead expenses.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

The DBS segment derives revenues principally from subscriber fees. The Company believes that the quality and variety of programming, audio and interactive programming including personal video recorders, quality of picture including high definition channels, access to services, customer service and price are the key elements for gaining and maintaining market share.

The DBS segment’s most significant operating expenses are those related to the acquisition of entertainment, movie and sports programming and subscribers and the expenses related to operating the technical facilities. Operating expenses related to sports programming are generally recognized over the course of the related sport season, which may cause fluctuations in the operating results of this segment.

Other, Corporate and Eliminations

The Other, Corporate and Eliminations segment consists primarily of corporate overhead and eliminations and other businesses.

Other Business Developments

Television

In October 2014, the Company acquired two San Francisco-Bay area television stations, KTVU-TV FOX 2 and KICU-TV 36, with a fair value of approximately $220 million from Cox Media Group in exchange for the Company’s FOX affiliated stations WHBQ-TV FOX 13 and WFXT-TV FOX 25, located in the Memphis and Boston markets, respectively.

Filmed Entertainment

The Company and funds managed by Apollo Global Management, LLC (“Apollo”) formed Endemol Shine Group in December 2014 to which the Company contributed its interests in Shine Group and cash, comprising an aggregate carrying value of approximately $830 million. The joint venture, a global multi-platform content provider, is comprised of Shine Group, Endemol, and CORE Media Group and is jointly managed by the Company and Apollo, with each owning 50%. As a result of the transaction, Shine Group ceased to be a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. The Company recorded a gain of $63 million on this transaction which was included in Other, net in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014. The Company’s investment in the Endemol Shine Group is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

In January 2011, the Company purchased a convertible bond from Sky Deutschland for approximately $225 million. In October 2014, the Company exercised its right to convert the bonds into 53.9 million Sky Deutschland shares, increasing the Company’s ownership interest to 57%.

On November 12, 2014, the Company sold its 100% and 57% ownership stakes in Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland, respectively, to Sky for approximately $8.8 billion in value comprised of approximately $8.2 billion in cash received, net of $650 million of cash paid to acquire Sky’s 21% interest in NGC Network International LLC and NGC Network Latin America LLC (collectively “NGC International”), increasing the Company’s ownership stake in NGC International to 73%. In connection with this transaction, the Company participated in Sky’s equity offering in July 2014 by purchasing additional shares in Sky for approximately $900 million and maintained the Company’s 39% ownership interest. As a result of the transaction, Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland ceased to be consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. The Company recorded a gain of $5.0 billion on this transaction, which was included in Other, net in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations—For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 versus the three and six months ended December 31, 2013

The following tables set forth the Company’s operating results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the three and six months ended December 31, 2013, including presentation of Revenues by component excluding the DBS segment and related intersegment eliminations.

 

 

 

 

Overview – The Company’s revenues decreased 1% for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, and the Company’s revenues increased 5% for the six months ended December 31, 2014, as

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compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014. The changes in revenues were impacted by the effect of the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014. Excluding the activity of the DBS businesses, the Company’s revenues increased 10% and 12% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, due to higher affiliate fees and content revenues. The increase in affiliate fee revenues was primarily attributable to higher average rates per subscriber across most channels and the acquisition of the majority interest in the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network (the “YES Network”) in February 2014. The increase in content revenues was primarily due to higher worldwide theatrical revenues of motion picture productions and digital distribution revenues from the licensing of motion picture and television productions partially offset by lower network and syndication revenues from the licensing of domestic and international television productions. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of approximately $215 million and $240 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014.

Operating expenses decreased 3% for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014. This decrease was partially offset by higher sports rights fees, primarily due to new Major League Baseball (“MLB”) and National Football League (“NFL”) contracts, entertainment programming costs, motion picture production amortization and theatrical marketing costs. As a result of these increases, operating expenses at the Cable Network Programming and Filmed Entertainment segments increased by approximately $300 million and $275 million, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014. Operating expenses increased 4% for the six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, primarily due to increased operating expenses at the Cable Network Programming and Filmed Entertainment segments of approximately $630 million and $475 million, respectively, partially offset by the effect of the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014. The increases at the Cable Network Programming segment were primarily due to higher programming costs related to the continued investment in new sports channels, led by Fox Sports 1’s (“FS1”) broadcast of MLB games, continued investment in new shows at the suite of FX Networks, and the effect of the acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014. The increases at the Filmed Entertainment segment was primarily due to higher motion picture production amortization, participations and theatrical marketing costs partially offset by lower amortization related to television productions.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 9% and 2% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, as a result of the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014. Partially offsetting this decrease was higher costs at the Cable Network Programming segment primarily due to the continued investment in new channels and the effect of the acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014.

Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of acquired identifiable intangible assets, decreased 23% and 17% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower depreciation and amortization as a result of the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014. These decreases were partially offset by the amortization of acquired identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014.

Equity earnings of affiliates – Equity earnings of affiliates increased $82 million and $369 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. The increase was due to higher results at Sky which included the Company’s proportionate share of approximately $200 million and $480 million during the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, of Sky’s gains related to the sale of its investments in NGC International and ITV plc.

 

 

Interest expense, net – Interest expense, net increased $36 million and $69 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher average debt outstanding due to the debt consolidated in connection with the acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014, and subsequently modified in November 2014. Also contributing to the increase was the issuance in September 2014 of $600 million of 3.70% Senior Notes due 2024 and $600 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2044.

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Other, net –

 

 

Income tax expense – The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 was 3% and 9%, respectively, as compared to the statutory rate of 35%. This was primarily driven by the income tax benefits associated with the reversal of previously recorded valuation allowances related to capital loss carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards, which will be utilized to offset the income tax liability from the disposition of the DBS businesses. The reversal of the valuation allowance yielded an aggregate income tax benefit of 27% for the quarter. The Company also recognized a benefit of approximately $250 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014 associated with the recognition of various tax benefits. These benefits primarily relate to the reversal of valuation allowances related to its foreign tax credit carryforwards as the Company has separately determined, that it is more likely than not that the Company will utilize these credits before they expire. These items were also the primary drivers of the difference between the effective and statutory rate for the six months ended December 31, 2014.

The Company's effective income tax rate for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2013 was 27%. For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the rate was lower than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a 4% rate reduction from the Company’s foreign operations due to tax credits and deductions arising from a corporate restructuring and a 4% rate reduction primarily as a result of the Phoenix sale due to movements in related valuation allowances. These factors also reduced the rate to 27% for the six months ended December 31, 2013.  

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax – For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $16 million and $23 million, respectively, as compared to income of $225 million and $712 million, respectively, in the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. The change was primarily due to the recognition, in the three and six months ended December 31, 2013, of a tax refund paid to News Corp and then transferred to the Company in accordance with the tax sharing and indemnification agreement entered into at the time of the Separation (See Note 3 – Discontinued Operations to the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements). Prior to the Separation, a subsidiary of News Corp had filed for refunds to claim certain losses in a foreign jurisdiction.

Net income – Net income increased for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the gain on the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – The change in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, was primarily due to the improved performance at Sky Deutschland and the inclusion of the YES Network noncontrolling interest as a result of its consolidation beginning February 2014. In November 2014, the Company sold its interests in Sky Deutschland.

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Segment Analysis

The Company’s operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Company’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measure is Segment OIBDA. Due to the integrated nature of these operating segments, estimates and judgments are made in allocating certain assets, revenues and expenses.

Segment OIBDA is defined as Revenues less Operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses. Segment OIBDA does not include: Amortization of cable distribution investments, Depreciation and amortization, Impairment charges, Equity earnings of affiliates, Interest expense, net, Interest income, Other, net, Income tax expense and Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Management believes that Segment OIBDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company’s business segments because it is the primary measure used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources within the Company’s businesses.

Management believes that information about Total Segment OIBDA assists all users of the Company’s Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income, thus providing insight into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results. Total Segment OIBDA provides management, investors and equity analysts a measure to analyze the operating performance of the Company’s business and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors’ data, although historical results, including Segment OIBDA and Total Segment OIBDA, may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors, including customer tastes and preferences).

Total Segment OIBDA is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In addition, this measure does not reflect cash available to fund requirements and excludes items, such as depreciation and amortization and impairment charges, which are significant components in assessing the Company’s financial performance.

The following tables reconcile Total Segment OIBDA to Income from continuing operations before income tax expense for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the three and six months ended December 31, 2013.

 

 

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The following tables set forth the Company’s Revenues and Segment OIBDA for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the three and six months ended December 31, 2013 including presentation of Revenues excluding the DBS segment and related intersegment eliminations (“Adjusted Total Revenues”).

 

 

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Cable Network Programming (41% and 38% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively)

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, revenues at the Cable Network Programming segment increased $420 million, or 14%, and $841 million, or 15%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher affiliate and advertising revenues as shown below:

 

These revenue increases are net of decreases of approximately $100 million and $150 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against local currencies.

Domestic affiliate fee revenues increased 19% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. Over half of the increase in domestic affiliate fee revenue was due to higher average rates per subscriber across most channels led by FS1, the Regional Sports Networks (“RSNs”), Fox News Channel (“Fox News”) and the FX Networks suite of channels. The balance of the growth was primarily attributable to the effect of the acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014. Domestic advertising revenues increased 11% and 10% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to strong advertising growth led by FX Networks and FS1 as a result of the launch of FXX and the inaugural broadcast of MLB League Championship playoff games at FS1. The acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014 also contributed to the increase in advertising revenues.

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, international affiliate fee revenues increased 7%, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. The increase in international affiliate fee revenues was substantially led by local currency growth, primarily at Fox International Channels, as a result of additional subscribers and higher rates in Latin America and additional subscribers in Europe and Asia. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, international advertising revenues increased 5% and 9%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. The increase in international advertising revenue was primarily driven by increased ratings and pricing at STAR’s entertainment channels. The international affiliate fee and advertising revenue increases in local currencies, for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2014, were partially offset by the adverse impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against local currencies, primarily in Latin America.

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For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, Segment OIBDA at the Cable Network Programming segment increased $121 million, or 12%, and $168 million, or 8%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by higher expenses of $299 million, or 16%, and $673 million, or 18%, respectively. Operating expenses increased by approximately $300 million and $630 million for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher programming costs as a result of the continued investment in new sports channels, led by FS1’s broadcast of MLB games, and in new shows at FX Networks, combined with the effect of the acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses remained constant for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and increased by $45 million for the six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the effect of the acquisition of the majority interest in the YES Network in February 2014. The increase in Segment OIBDA for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, was net of decreases of approximately $65 million and $110 million, respectively, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against local currencies.

Television (17% and 18% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively)

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, revenues at the Television segment remained constant, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher affiliate fee revenues being offset by lower advertising revenues. Affiliate fee revenues increased as a result of higher pricing for retransmission consent revenues for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. Advertising revenues decreased 3% and 4% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower general entertainment primetime ratings and the effect of a majority of the MLB League Championship playoff games being broadcast on FS1 instead of FOX. Partially offsetting these decreases were higher political advertising related to the 2014 mid-term elections and higher rates for the broadcast of the NFL regular season.

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, Segment OIBDA at the Television segment increased $72 million, or 33%, and $15 million, or 3%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower expenses of $79 million, or 6%, and $22 million, or 1%, respectively.  Operating expenses decreased by approximately $70 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to lower sports rights fees, as a result of a majority of the MLB League Championship playoff games being broadcast on FS1 instead of FOX partially offset by the effect of the new NFL broadcast agreement, and a reduction in primetime programming costs at FOX, as a result of the absence of both the X-Factor and Glee. Operating expenses decreased by approximately $20 million for the six months ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to lower sports rights fees as noted above partially offset by higher primetime programming costs at FOX as a result of the investment in additional hours of original scripted content.

Filmed Entertainment (33% and 30% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively)

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, revenues at the Filmed Entertainment segment increased $276 million, or 11%, and $632 million, or 14%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. These revenue increases were primarily due to higher worldwide theatrical revenues of motion picture productions and digital distribution revenues from the licensing of motion picture and television productions. Partially offsetting these increases were lower network and syndication revenues from the licensing of domestic and international television productions, including the effects of the absence of How I Met Your Mother, the series finale of White Collar and the timing of delivery of new episodes of Glee. The three and six months ended December 31, 2014 included the worldwide theatrical success of Gone Girl and The Maze Runner and worldwide home entertainment success of How to Train Your Dragon 2, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, which included the worldwide home entertainment success of The Croods. The six months ended December 31, 2014 also included the worldwide theatrical and home entertainment success of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, which included the worldwide theatrical and home entertainment success of The Wolverine, Turbo and The Heat.

For the three months ended December 31, 2014, Segment OIBDA at the Filmed Entertainment segment remained constant, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014. For the six months ended December 31, 2014, Segment OIBDA at the Filmed Entertainment segment increased $129 million, or 19%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above partially offset by higher expenses of $503 million, or 13%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014. Operating expenses increased by approximately $275 million and $475 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, primarily due to higher motion picture production amortization, participations and theatrical marketing costs partially offset by lower amortization related to television productions.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (13% and 19% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively)

In November 2014, the Company sold its interests in Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland.

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For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, revenues at the DBS segment decreased $854 million, or 56%, and $795 million, or 27%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, Segment OIBDA at the DBS segment decreased $3 million, or 10%. For the six months ended December 31, 2014, Segment OIBDA increased $14 million, or 6%.

Other, Corporate and Eliminations ((4)% and (5)% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively)

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, the change in revenues at the Other, Corporate and Eliminations segment, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2014, was primarily due to corporate eliminations.

For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the decrease in Segment OIBDA results at the Other, Corporate and Eliminations segment, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, was primarily due to higher compensation expenses. For the six months ended December 31, 2014, the change in Segment OIBDA results at the Other, Corporate and Eliminations segment, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, was primarily due to corporate eliminations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Current Financial Condition

The Company’s principal source of liquidity is internally generated funds. The Company also has a five-year unused $2 billion revolving credit facility, which expires in May 2017, and has access to various film co-production alternatives to supplement its cash flows. In addition, the Company has access to the worldwide capital markets, subject to market conditions. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the revolving credit facility, and it does not anticipate any violation of such covenants. The Company’s internally generated funds are highly dependent upon the state of the advertising markets and public acceptance of its film and television productions.

The principal uses of cash that affect the Company’s liquidity position include the following: investments in the production and distribution of new motion pictures and television programs; the acquisition of and payments under programming rights for entertainment and sports programming; operational expenditures including employee costs; capital expenditures; interest expenses; income tax payments; investments in associated entities; dividends; acquisitions; debt repayments; and stock repurchases.

In addition to the acquisitions, sales and possible acquisitions disclosed elsewhere, the Company has evaluated, and expects to continue to evaluate, possible acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses. Such transactions may be material and may involve cash, the Company’s securities or the assumption of additional indebtedness.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in millions):

 

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, primarily reflects lower tax payments and, at the Filmed Entertainment segment, higher worldwide theatrical receipts and lower production spending. These improvements were partially offset by an increase in rights payments, primarily for sports, at the Television and Cable Network Programming segments and the absence of cash flows due to the sale of the of the DBS businesses. 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in millions):

 

The increase in net cash provided by (used in) investing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, was primarily due to the cash proceeds from the sale of the DBS businesses in November 2014 partially offset by the Company’s participation in Sky’s equity offering in July 2014.

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Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in millions):

 

The increase in net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2014, was primarily due to additional cash used for share repurchases and for repayments on net borrowings. Also contributing to this increase was cash used in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Sky’s 21% noncontrolling interest in NGC International.

In August 2014, the Company announced that the Board approved an additional $6 billion authorization, excluding commissions, to the Company’s stock repurchase program for the repurchase of Class A Common Stock. The Company intends to complete this stock repurchase program by August 2015.

Debt Instruments

The following table summarizes cash from borrowings and cash used in repayment of borrowings for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

 

Ratings of the public debt

The table below summarizes the Company’s credit ratings as of December 31, 2014.

 

Revolving Credit Agreement

In May 2012, 21st Century Fox America, Inc. (“21CFA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among 21CFA as Borrower, the Company as Parent Guarantor, the lenders named therein, the initial issuing banks named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan Chase”) and Citibank, N.A. as Co-Administrative Agents, JPMorgan Chase as Designated Agent and Bank of America, N.A. as Syndication Agent. The Credit Agreement provides a $2 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a sub-limit of $400 million (or its equivalent in Euros) available for the issuance of letters of credit and a maturity date of May 2017. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may request an increase in the amount of the credit facility up to a maximum amount of $2.5 billion and the Company may request that the maturity date be extended for up to two additional one-year periods. Borrowings are issuable in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. dollars or Euros. The material terms of the agreement include the requirement that the Company maintain specific leverage ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. Fees under the Credit Agreement will be based on the Company’s long-term senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt ratings. Given the current debt ratings, 21CFA pays a facility fee of 0.125% and an initial drawn cost of LIBOR plus 1.125%.

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Commitments

The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (“firm commitments”) to make future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. The following table summarizes the Company’s material firm commitments as of December 31, 2014.

 

 

Operating leases

Operating leases primarily include leases for office facilities, equipment, transponder service agreements and microwave transmitters used to carry broadcast signals. These leases, which are classified as operating leases, expire at certain dates through fiscal 2050. Included in the total amounts committed of $1.5 billion, are approximately $295 million for office facilities that have been sub-leased to News Corp.

Sport programming rights

Under the Company’s contract with the NFL, remaining future minimum payments for program rights to broadcast certain football games are payable over the remaining term of the contract through 2022.

The Company’s contract with the MLB gives the Company rights to broadcast certain regular season and post-season games, as well as exclusive rights to broadcast MLB’s World Series and All-Star Game through the 2021 MLB season.

The Company’s contracts with the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing give the Company rights to broadcast certain races and ancillary content through calendar year 2024.

Under the Company’s contracts with certain collegiate conferences, remaining future minimum payments for program rights to broadcast certain sporting events are payable over the remaining terms of the contracts.

Under the Company’s contract with the International Cricket Council (“ICC”), remaining future minimum payments for programming rights to broadcast international and domestic cricket matches and series are payable over the remaining term of the contract through 2023. In connection with the agreement with the ICC, the Company was required to obtain a bank guarantee covering its programming rights obligation.

Under the Company’s contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (“BCCI”), remaining future minimum payments for program rights to broadcast international and domestic cricket matches and series are payable over the remaining term of the contract through 2018. In connection with the agreement with the BCCI, the Company was required to obtain a bank guarantee covering its programming rights obligation.

In addition, the Company has certain other local sports broadcasting rights including the right to broadcast the New York Yankees pre-season and regular season games through the 2042 MLB season.

Other commitments and contractual obligations

Primarily includes obligations relating to distribution agreements, deferred and contingent consideration, marketing agreements and television rating services.

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Guarantees

The Company’s guarantees as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 were $807 million and $724 million, respectively. The increase from June 30, 2014 was primarily due to the Company obtaining a bank guarantee covering its programming rights obligation in connection with the agreement with the ICC.

Contingencies

Equity purchase arrangements that are exercisable by the counter-party to the agreement, and that are outside the sole control of the Company, are accounted for in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Accordingly, the fair values of such equity purchase arrangements are classified in Redeemable noncontrolling interests. Other than the arrangements classified in Redeemable noncontrolling interests, the Company is party to several other purchase and sale arrangements which become exercisable at various points in time. However these arrangements are currently either not exercisable in the next twelve months or are not material.

In connection with the Separation, the Company and News Corp agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that the Company will indemnify News Corp, on an after-tax basis, for payments made after the Separation arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters, as well as legal and professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the related criminal matters, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees who are not (i) directors, officers or certain designated employees or (ii) with respect to civil matters, co-defendants with News Corp (the “Indemnity”) (See Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements). If additional information becomes available and as payments are made, the Company will update the liability provision for the Indemnity. Any changes to the liability provision for the Indemnity in the future will impact the results of operations for that period.

The Company establishes an accrued liability for legal claims when the Company determines that a loss is both probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Once established, accruals are adjusted from time to time, as appropriate, in light of additional information. The amount of any loss ultimately incurred in relation to matters for which an accrual has been established may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued for such matters. It is possible that these proceedings and any adverse resolution thereof, including any fees, expenses, fines, penalties, judgments or settlements which might be incurred by the Company in connection with the various proceedings could damage the Company’s reputation, impair its ability to conduct its business and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 – Basis of Presentation to the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

 

 

 

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The Company has exposure to several types of market risk: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and stock prices. The Company neither holds nor issues financial instruments for trading purposes.

The following sections provide quantitative information on the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and stock price risk. The Company makes use of sensitivity analyses that are inherently limited in estimating actual losses in fair value that can occur from changes in market conditions.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Historically, the Company conducted its operations in two principal currencies: the U.S. dollar and the Euro. The operations of Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland both utilized the Euro as their functional currency and constituted a significant portion of the Company’s European operations. In November 2014, the Company sold its ownership interests in Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions to the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further information). The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company’s U.S. operations and continues to be the principal currency in which the Company conducts its operations. For operations outside the U.S., the respective local currency is generally the functional currency. In most regions where the Company operates, the net earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries are reinvested locally and working capital requirements are met from existing liquid funds. To the extent such funds are not sufficient to meet working capital requirements, draw downs in the appropriate local currency are available from intercompany borrowings. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts primarily to hedge certain exposures to foreign currency exchange rate risks associated with the cost of producing or acquiring films and television programming. Information on the derivative financial instruments with exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk is presented below:

 

 

Interest Rates

The Company's current financing arrangements and facilities include $17.5 billion of outstanding fixed-rate debt and approximately $1.6 billion of outstanding variable and fixed-rate bank debt (see Note 9 – Borrowings to the accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company also entered into interest rate swap contracts during fiscal 2014.  As of December 31, 2014, the notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding was $266 million, and the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts outstanding was nil.

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Fixed and variable rate debts are impacted differently by changes in interest rates. A change in the interest rate or yield of fixed rate debt will only impact the fair market value of such debt, while a change in the interest rate of variable debt will impact interest expense, as well as the amount of cash required to service such debt. As of December 31, 2014, all of the Company's financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk were denominated in U.S. dollars. Information on financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk is presented below:

 

 

Stock Prices

The Company has common stock investments in several publicly traded companies that are subject to market price volatility. These investments principally represent the Company’s equity method affiliates. Information on the Company’s investments with exposure to stock price risk is presented below:

 

 

Credit Risk

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk.

The Company’s receivables did not represent significant concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2014 or June 30, 2014 due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Company’s products and services are sold.

The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions which are counterparties to its financial instruments. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by any of the counterparties.

 

 

 

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The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

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PART II

 

Shareholder Litigation

Southern District of New York

On July 19, 2011, a purported class action lawsuit captioned Wilder v. News Corp., et al. (“Wilder Litigation”), was filed on behalf of all purchasers of the Company’s common stock between March 3, 2011 and July 11, 2011, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff brought claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, alleging that false and misleading statements were issued regarding the alleged acts of voicemail interception at The News of the World. The suit names as defendants the Company, Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks, and seeks compensatory damages, rescission for damages sustained, and costs. On June 5, 2012, the court issued an order appointing the Avon Pension Fund (“Avon”) as lead plaintiff and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd as lead counsel. Thereafter, on July 3, 2012, the court issued an order providing that an amended consolidated complaint shall be filed by July 31, 2012. Avon filed an amended consolidated complaint on July 31, 2012, which among other things, added as defendants NI Group Limited (now known as News Corp UK & Ireland Limited) and Les Hinton, and expanded the class period to include February 15, 2011 to July 18, 2011. The defendants filed motions to dismiss the litigation, which were granted by the court on March 31, 2014. Plaintiffs were allowed to amend their complaint, and on April 30, 2014, plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint, which generally repeats the allegations of the amended consolidated complaint and also expands the class period to July 8, 2009 to July 18, 2011. On August 11, 2014, defendants filed motions to dismiss the second amended consolidated complaint, and on October 24, 2014, plaintiffs opposed those motions. On November 21, 2014, defendants filed their replies to plaintiffs’ opposition. The Company’s management believes the claims in the Wilder Litigation are entirely without merit, and intends to vigorously defend those claims.

U.K. Newspaper Matters and Related Investigations and Litigation

In 2011, U.S. regulators and governmental authorities initiated investigations with respect to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. On January 28, 2015, the Company was notified by the United States Department of Justice that it has completed its investigation relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters, and is declining to prosecute the Company.

In connection with the Separation, the Company and News Corp agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that the Company will indemnify News Corp, on an after-tax basis, for payments made after the Separation arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters, as well as legal and professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the related criminal matters, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees who are not (i) directors, officers or certain designated employees or (ii) with respect to civil matters, co-defendants with News Corp.

Other

The Company’s operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

 

 

 

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Prospective investors should consider carefully the risk factors set forth below before making an investment in the Company’s securities.

A Decline in Advertising Expenditures Could Cause the Company’s Revenues and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.

The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising on or in its television stations, broadcast and cable networks and direct broadcast satellite services. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions, as well as budgeting and buying patterns. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy in general could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities. Demand for the Company’s products is also a factor in determining advertising rates. For example, ratings points for the Company’s television stations and broadcast and cable networks are factors that are weighed when determining advertising rates, and with respect to the Company’s television stations and broadcast and television networks, when determining the affiliate rates received by the Company. In addition, newer technologies, including new video formats, streaming and downloading capabilities via the Internet, video-on-demand, personal video recorders and other devices and technologies are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences. Some of these devices and technologies allow users to view television or motion pictures from a remote location or on a time-delayed basis and provide users the ability to fast-forward, rewind, pause and skip programming and advertisements. These technological developments which are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences could negatively impact not only consumer demand for our content and services but also could affect the attractiveness of the Company’s offerings to viewers, advertisers and/or distributors. Failure to effectively anticipate or adapt to emerging technologies or changes in consumer behavior could have an adverse effect on our business. Further, a decrease in advertising expenditures, reduced demand for the Company’s offerings or the inability to obtain market ratings that adequately measure demand for the Company’s content on personal video recorders and mobile devices could lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and assets.

The Company is exposed to risks associated with weak domestic and global economic conditions and increased volatility and disruption in the financial markets.

The Company’s businesses, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by weak domestic and global economic conditions. Factors that affect economic conditions include the rate of unemployment, the level of consumer confidence and changes in consumer spending habits. The Company also faces risks, including currency volatility and the stability of global local economies, associated with the impact of weak domestic and global economic conditions on advertisers, affiliates, suppliers, wholesale distributors, retailers, insurers, theater operators and others with which it does business.

Increased volatility and disruptions in the financial markets could make it more difficult and more expensive for the Company to refinance outstanding indebtedness and obtain new financing. Disruptions in the financial markets can also adversely affect the Company’s lenders, insurers, customers and counterparties, including vendors, retailers and film co-financing partners. For instance, the inability of the Company’s counterparties to obtain capital on acceptable terms could impair their ability to perform under their agreements with the Company and lead to negative effects on the Company, including business disruptions, decreased revenues and increases in bad debt expenses.

Acceptance of the Company’s Films and Television Programming by the Public is Difficult to Predict, Which Could Lead to Fluctuations in Revenues.

Feature film and television production and distribution are speculative businesses since the revenues derived from the production and distribution of a feature film or television series depend primarily upon its acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. The commercial success of a feature film or television series also depends upon the quality and acceptance of other competing films and television series released into the marketplace at or near the same time, the availability of a growing number of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions and their effects on consumer spending and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. Further, the theatrical success of a feature film and the audience ratings for a television series are generally key factors in generating revenues from other distribution channels, such as home entertainment and premium pay television, with respect to feature films, and syndication, with respect to television series.

The Company Could Suffer Losses Due to Asset Impairment Charges for Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Programming.

In accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles, the Company performs an annual impairment assessment of its recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including FCC licenses, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The Company also continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as the prevailing conditions in the capital markets, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of those assets, as well as other investments and other

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long-lived assets. Any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenue and/or the expected popularity of the programming for which the Company has acquired rights could lead to a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units. A downward revision in the fair value of a reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, investments or long-lived assets could result in an impairment and a non-cash charge would be required. Any such charge could be material to the Company’s reported net earnings.

Fluctuations in Foreign Exchange Rates Could Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Results of Operations.

The Company has significant operations in a number of foreign jurisdictions and certain of the Company operations are conducted in foreign currencies. The value of these currencies fluctuates relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the Company is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations, which could have an adverse effect on its results of operations in a given period or in specific markets. Even though the Company uses foreign currency derivative instruments to hedge certain exposures to foreign currency exchange rate risks, the use of such derivative instruments may not be effective in reducing the adverse financial effects of unfavorable movements in foreign exchange rates.

For example, our business activities in Venezuela operate in a highly inflationary economy. During fiscal 2014, there were significant changes to the foreign currency exchange rate environment in Venezuela governing the conversion of Venezuelan Bolivars (“Bolivars”) to U.S. dollars. Companies generally have used the official exchange rate controlled by Venezuela’s Commission for the Administration of Foreign Exchange (“CADIVI”), which is 6.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar unless they had transactions or were among the entities the Venezuelan government had specifically authorized to use the Supplementary Foreign Currency Administration System (“SICAD”) auction rate. In January 2014, the Venezuelan government significantly expanded the use of the SICAD rate and, more recently, in March 2014,  the Venezuelan government created a third currency exchange mechanism called SICAD 2 and said it may be used by all entities for all transactions. Until March 31, 2014, our Bolivar denominated net monetary assets were translated at the official exchange rate of 6.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we were able to use the SICAD 2 mechanism to convert a portion of our Bolivar denominated cash to U.S. dollars. Accordingly, we remeasured all our Bolivar denominated net monetary assets at the SICAD 2 exchange rate resulting in a devaluation loss of approximately $100 million for fiscal 2014. The Venezuelan government may issue more regulations or take other steps that might introduce significant uncertainty regarding the exchange rate that we can access to convert our Venezuelan Bolivar denominated monetary assets to U.S. dollars. Such measures can also affect our decision on which exchange rate(s) to use for financial reporting purposes. In addition, other countries where we have operations, including in Latin America, may be determined in the future to be highly inflationary economies, requiring special accounting and financial reporting treatment for such operations.

The Loss of Carriage Agreements Could Cause the Company’s Revenue and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.

The Company’s broadcast stations and cable networks maintain affiliation and carriage arrangements that enable them to reach a large percentage of cable and direct broadcast satellite households across the United States. The loss of a significant number of these arrangements or the loss of carriage on basic programming tiers could reduce the distribution of the Company’s broadcast stations and cable networks, which may adversely affect those networks’ revenues from subscriber fees and their ability to sell national and local advertising time. The Company is dependent upon the maintenance of affiliation agreements with third party owned television stations and there can be no assurance that these affiliation agreements will be renewed in the future on terms acceptable to the Company. The loss of a significant number of these affiliation arrangements could reduce the distribution of FOX and MyNetworkTV and adversely affect the Company’s ability to sell national advertising time.

The Inability to Renew Sports Programming Rights Could Cause the Company’s Affiliate and Advertising Revenue to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.

The sports rights contracts between the Company, on the one hand, and various professional sports leagues and teams, on the other, have varying duration and renewal terms. As these contracts expire, renewals on favorable terms may be sought; however, third parties may outbid the current rights holders for the rights contracts. In addition, professional sports leagues or teams may create their own networks or the renewal costs could substantially exceed the original contract cost. The loss of rights could impact the extent of the sports coverage offered by the Company and its affiliates, as it relates to FOX, and could adversely affect the Company’s advertising and affiliate revenues. Upon renewal, the Company’s results could be adversely affected if escalations in sports programming rights costs are unmatched by increases in advertising rates and, in the case of cable networks, subscriber fees.

The Company Relies on Network and Information Systems and Other Technology Whose Failure or Misuse, Could Cause a Disruption of Services or Improper Disclosure of Personal Data, Business Information, Including Intellectual Property, or Other Confidential Information, Resulting in Increased Costs or Loss of Revenue.

Network and information systems and other technologies, including those related to the Company’s network management, are important to its business activities. Network and information systems-related events, such as computer hackings, computer viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks, malicious social engineering or other

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malicious activities, or any combination of the foregoing, as well as power outages, natural disasters (including extreme weather), terrorist activities or human error that may affect such systems, could result in disruption of our services or improper disclosure of personal data, business information, including intellectual property, or other confidential information.  In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of sophisticated cyber attacks on network and information systems, and as a result, the risks associated with such an event continue to increase. The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to be subject to, cybersecurity threats and incidents, none of which has been material to the Company to date.  While we continue to develop, implement and maintain security measures seeking to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of our network and information systems, such efforts may not be successful in preventing these events from occurring given that the techniques used to access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently. The development and maintenance of these measures is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated.  Significant security breaches, such as misappropriation, misuse, leakage, falsification, accidental release, or otherwise improper disclosure of information maintained in the Company’s information systems and networks or those of our vendors, including financial, personal, confidential and proprietary information relating to personnel, customers, vendors and our business, including our intellectual property, could result in a disruption of our operations, customer or advertiser dissatisfaction, damage to our reputation or brands, regulatory investigations, lawsuits or  loss of customers or revenue.  In addition the Company may be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and laws and regulations protecting personal data and privacy, and require us to expend significant resources to remedy any such security breach.  

Technological Developments May Increase the Threat of Content Piracy and Signal Theft and Limit the Company’s Ability to Protect Its Intellectual Property Rights.

Content piracy and signal theft present a threat to the Company’s revenues from products and services, including, but not limited to, films, television shows, cable and other programming. The Company seeks to limit the threat of content piracy and direct broadcast satellite programming signal theft; however, policing unauthorized use of the Company’s products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken by the Company may not in every case prevent the infringement by unauthorized third parties. Developments in technology, including digital copying, file compressing and the growing penetration of high-bandwidth Internet connections, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to duplicate and widely distribute high-quality pirated material. In addition, developments in software or devices that circumvent encryption technology and the falling prices of devices incorporating such technologies increase the threat of unauthorized use and distribution of direct broadcast satellite programming signals and the proliferation of user-generated content sites and live and stored video streaming sites, which deliver unauthorized copies of copyrighted content, including those emanating from other countries in various languages, may adversely impact the Company’s businesses. The proliferation of unauthorized distribution and use of the Company’s content could have an adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and profitability because it reduces the revenue that the Company could potentially receive from the legitimate sale and distribution of its products and services.

The Company has taken, and will continue to take, a variety of actions to combat piracy and signal theft, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry associations. However, protection of the Company’s intellectual property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of the Company’s rights as defined by applicable laws in the United States and abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of the Company’s rights, or if existing laws are changed, the Company’s ability to generate revenue from intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and enforcing our rights may increase. There can be no assurance that the Company’s efforts to enforce its rights and protect its products, services and intellectual property will be successful in preventing content piracy or signal theft. Further, while piracy and technology tools continue to escalate, if any U.S. or international laws intended to combat piracy and protect intellectual property are repealed or weakened or not adequately enforced, or if the legal system fails to evolve and adapt to new technologies that facilitate piracy, we may be unable to effectively protect our rights and the value of our intellectual property may be negatively impacted and our costs of enforcing our rights could increase.

The Company Must Respond to Changes in Consumer Behavior as a Result of New Technologies in Order to Remain Competitive.

Technology, particularly digital technology used in the entertainment industry, continues to evolve rapidly, leading to alternative methods for the delivery and storage of digital content. These technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior and have empowered consumers to seek more control over when, where and how they consume digital content. Content owners are increasingly delivering their content directly to consumers over the Internet, often without charge, and innovations in distribution platforms have enabled consumers to view such Internet-delivered content on televisions and portable devices. There is a risk that the Company’s responses to these changes and strategies to remain competitive, including distribution of its content on a “pay” basis, may not be adopted by consumers. In addition, enhanced Internet capabilities and other new media may reduce television viewership, the demand for DVDs and Blu-rays and the desire to see motion pictures in theaters, which could negatively affect the Company’s revenues. The Company’s failure to protect and exploit the value of its content, while responding to and developing new technology and business models to take advantage of advancements in technology and the latest consumer preferences, could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s businesses, asset values and results of operations.

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Labor Disputes May Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business.

In a variety of the Company’s businesses, the Company and its partners engage the services of writers, directors, actors and other talent, trade employees and others who are subject to collective bargaining agreements, including employees of the Company’s film and television studio operations. If the Company or its partners are unable to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements, it is possible that the affected unions could take action in the form of strikes or work stoppages. Such actions, as well as higher costs in connection with these collective bargaining agreements or a significant labor dispute, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business by causing delays in production or by reducing profit margins.

Changes in U.S. or Foreign Regulations May Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business.

The Company is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign regulations in the jurisdictions in which its businesses operate. In general, the television broadcasting and multichannel video programming and distribution industries in the United States are highly regulated by federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the FCC. The FCC generally regulates, among other things, the ownership of media, broadcast and multichannel video programming and technical operations of broadcast licensees. Our program services and online properties are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including those relating to issues such as content regulation, user privacy and data protection, and consumer protection, among others. Further, the United States Congress, the FCC and state legislatures currently have under consideration, and may in the future adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters, including technological changes and measures relating to privacy and data security, which could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations and ownership of the Company’s U.S. media properties. Similarly, new laws or regulations or changes in interpretations of law or in regulations imposed by governments in other jurisdictions in which the Company, or entities in which the Company has an interest, operate could require changes in the operations or ownership of these international media properties. In addition, laws in non-U.S. jurisdictions which regulate, among other things, licensing arrangements, local content requirements, carriage requirements regarding pricing and distribution, and limitations on advertising time, may impact the operations and results of our international businesses.

In addition, changes in tax laws, regulations or the interpretations thereof in the U.S. and other jurisdictions in which the Company has operations could affect the Company’s results of operations.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements May Limit Common Stock Ownership and Voting Rights.

The Company owns broadcast station licensees in connection with its ownership and operation of U.S. television stations. Under U.S. law, no broadcast station licensee may be owned by a corporation if more than 25% of its stock is owned or voted by non-U.S. persons, their representatives, or by any other corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country. The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to prevent, cure or mitigate the effect of stock ownership above the applicable foreign ownership threshold by taking any action including: refusing to permit any transfer of common stock to or ownership of common stock by a non-U.S. stockholder; voiding a transfer of common stock to a non-U.S. stockholder; suspending rights of stock ownership if held by a non-U.S. stockholder; or redeeming common stock held by a non-U.S. stockholder. In order to maintain compliance with U.S. law, the suspension of voting rights of the Class B Common Stock held by non-U.S. stockholders is currently at 10%. This suspension will remain in place for as long as the Company deems it necessary to maintain compliance with applicable U.S. law, and may be adjusted by the Audit Committee as it deems appropriate. The Company is not able to predict whether it will need to adjust the suspension or whether additional action pursuant to its Restated Certificate of Incorporation may be necessary. The FCC could review the Company’s compliance with applicable U.S. law in connection with its consideration of the Company’s renewal applications for licenses to operate the broadcast stations the Company owns.

Risks Related to the Separation

If the Separation, Together with Certain Related Transactions, Were Ultimately Determined to be Taxable Transactions for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes, then We Could Be Subject to Significant Tax Liability.

The Company received (i) a private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that, among other things, the distribution of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of News Corp qualifies as tax-free under Sections 368 and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares of News Corp stock and (ii) an opinion from the law firm of Hogan Lovells US LLP confirming the tax-free status of the distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including confirming the satisfaction of the requirements under Section 368 and 355 of the Code not specifically addressed in the IRS private letter ruling. The opinion of Hogan Lovells US LLP will not be binding on the IRS or the courts, and there is no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position.

The private letter ruling and the opinion rely on certain facts and assumptions, and certain representations from the Company and News Corp regarding the past and future conduct of our respective businesses and other matters. Notwithstanding the receipt of the private letter ruling and the opinion, the IRS could determine on audit that the distribution or the internal transactions should be treated as taxable transactions if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings is not correct or has

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been violated, or that the distribution or the internal transactions should be taxable for other reasons, including as a result of a significant change in stock or asset ownership after the distribution. If the distribution ultimately is determined to be taxable, the distribution could be treated as a taxable dividend or capital gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and U.S. stockholders and certain non-U.S. stockholders could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. In addition, if the internal reorganization and/or the distribution is ultimately determined to be taxable, the Company would recognize gains on the internal reorganization and/or recognize gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of shares of the News Corp common stock distributed to our stockholders on the distribution date over our tax basis in such shares of our common stock.

We Could Be Liable for Income Taxes Owed by News Corp.

Each member of our consolidated group, which until June 28, 2013 included News Corp and each of our other subsidiaries, is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated group. Consequently, we could be liable in the event any such liability is incurred, and not discharged, by any other member of our consolidated group. Under the terms of the tax sharing and indemnification agreement that we entered into in connection with the Separation, we will be required to indemnify News Corp for any such liability. Disputes or assessments could arise during future audits by the IRS in amounts that we cannot quantify.

We Might Not Be Able to Engage in Desirable Strategic Transactions and Equity Issuances Because of Certain Restrictions Relating to Requirements for Tax-Free Distributions for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes.

Our ability to engage in significant strategic transactions and equity issuances may be limited or restricted in order to preserve, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax-free nature of the distribution. Even if the distribution otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code, it may result in corporate level taxable gain to us under Section 355(e) of the Code if 50% or more, by vote or value, of shares of our stock or News Corp’s stock are acquired or issued as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the distribution.

To preserve the tax-free treatment of the distribution and the internal transactions in connection with the distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, under the tax sharing and indemnification agreement that we entered into with News Corp, we will be prohibited from taking or failing to take certain actions that may prevent the distribution and related transactions from being tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Further, for the two-year period following the distribution, we may be prohibited from:

These restrictions may limit our ability to pursue strategic transactions or engage in new business or other transactions that may maximize the value of our business.

The Separation and Distribution Agreement May Restrict Us From Acquiring or Owning Certain Types of Assets in the U.S.

The FCC has promulgated certain rules and regulations that limit the ownership of radio and television broadcast stations, television broadcast networks and newspapers (the “Broadcast Ownership Rules”). Under the FCC’s rules for determining ownership of the media assets described above, the Murdoch Family Trust’s ownership interest in both News Corp and the Company following the Separation would generally result in each company’s businesses and assets being attributable to the Murdoch Family Trust for purposes of determining compliance with the Broadcast Ownership Rules. Consequently, our future conduct, including the acquisition of any broadcast networks, or stations or any newspapers, in the same local markets in which News Corp owns or operates newspapers or has acquired television stations, may affect News Corp’s ability to own and operate its newspapers or any television stations it acquires or otherwise comply with the Broadcast Ownership Rules. Therefore, we and News Corp agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that if the Company acquires, after the Separation, newspapers, radio or television broadcast stations or television broadcast networks in the U.S. and such acquisition would impede or be reasonably likely to impede News Corp’s business, then the Company will be required to take certain actions, including divesting assets, in order to permit News Corp to hold its media interests and to comply with such rules. This agreement will effectively limit the activities or strategic business alternatives available to us if such activities or strategic business alternatives implicate the Broadcast Ownership Rules and would impede or be reasonably likely to impede News Corp’s business.

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The Indemnification Arrangements We Entered Into With News Corp in Connection With the Separation May Require Us to Divert Cash to Satisfy Indemnification Obligations to News Corp.

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement and certain other related agreements, the Company agreed to indemnify News Corp for certain liabilities and News Corp agreed to indemnify the Company for certain liabilities. As a result, we could be required, under certain circumstances, to indemnify News Corp against certain liabilities to the extent such liabilities result from an action we or our affiliates take or from any breach of our or our affiliates’ representations, covenants or obligations under the Separation and Distribution Agreement, tax sharing and indemnification agreement or any other agreement entered into in connection with the Separation.

In addition to the indemnification arrangements described above, the Company and News Corp agreed in the Separation and Distribution Agreement that the Company will indemnify News Corp, on an after-tax basis, for payments made after the Separation arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters, as well as legal and professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the related criminal matters, other than fees, expenses and costs relating to employees who are not (i) directors, officers or certain designated employees or (ii) with respect to civil matters, co-defendants with News Corp.

Certain of Our Directors and Officers May Have Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest Because of Their Equity Ownership in News Corp, and Certain of Our Officers and Directors May Have Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest Because They Also Serve as Officers and/or on the Board of Directors of News Corp.

Certain of our directors and executive officers own shares of News Corp’s common stock, and the individual holdings may be significant for some of these individuals compared to their total assets. In addition, certain of our officers and directors also serve as officers and/or as directors of News Corp, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer K. Rupert Murdoch, who serves as News Corp’s Executive Chairman, our Co-Chairman Lachlan K. Murdoch, who serves as News Corp’s Co-Chairman and our Group General Counsel Gerson Zweifach, who serves as News Corp’s General Counsel. This ownership or service to both companies may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when these directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for News Corp and us.

For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute that may arise between News Corp and us regarding the terms of the agreements governing the internal reorganization, the distribution and the relationship thereafter between the companies, including with respect to the indemnification of certain matters. In addition to any other arrangements that the Company and News Corp may agree to implement, the Company and News Corp agreed that officers and directors who serve at both companies will recuse themselves from decisions where conflicts arise due to their positions at both companies.

 

 

 

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The Board has authorized a stock repurchase program, under which the Company is currently authorized to acquire Class A Common Stock. The remaining authorized amount under the Company’s stock repurchase program as of June 30, 2014, excluding commissions, was approximately $0.6 billion. In August 2014, the Company announced that the Board approved an additional $6 billion authorization, excluding commissions, to the Company’s stock repurchase program for the repurchase of Class A Common Stock. The Company intends to complete this stock repurchase program by August 2015.

The remaining authorized amount under the Company’s stock repurchase program as of December 31, 2014, excluding commissions, was approximately $3.8 billion.

The program may be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time.

Below is a summary of the Company’s purchases of its Class A Common Stock during the three months ended December 31, 2014:

 

The Company did not purchase any of its Class B Common Stock during the three months ended December 31, 2014.

 

Not applicable.

 

Not applicable.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: February 5, 2015

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