News Releases
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), the leading media and marketing company serving American women, today reported fiscal 2009 first quarter earnings per share of $0.41 and revenues of $370 million, in-line with expectations. This compares to fiscal 2008 first quarter earnings per share of $0.68 and revenues of $404 million.
"The weak economy continues to significantly impact the demand for advertising. However, other fundamentals of our business remain strong," said Stephen M. Lacy, Meredith's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our circulation metrics and news ratings are solid. Our non-advertising related businesses, particularly Meredith Integrated Marketing and brand licensing, are posting strong revenue and profit growth. Additionally, political advertising revenues are meeting expectations."
Lacy noted that Meredith is continuing to execute a performance improvement plan that is focused on gaining market share, growing new revenue streams and practicing aggressive expense control. Meredith's expenses declined approximately 3 percent during the fiscal first quarter compared to the year-ago period, even with a 22 percent increase in paper prices. Excluding acquisitions, total company expenses declined 5 percent.
"We have a solid balance sheet, modest levels of debt at a low cost of funds and adequate liquidity supported by strong free cash flow," Lacy said. "We have maintained this rock-solid financial position for years, and it is even more important in this period of economic uncertainty."
OPERATING RESULTS Publishing
Fiscal 2009 first quarter Publishing operating profit was $33 million and revenues were $300 million, compared to operating profit of $55 million and revenues of $330 million in the year-ago period. Advertising revenues were $148 million, versus $181 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, when Publishing advertising revenues grew 13 percent.
Companies that operate in Meredith's endemic advertising categories -- including food and beverages, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and home -- have been impacted greatly by the current economic downturn. Combined, Meredith magazine advertising revenues in these categories declined over 25 percent in the first quarter, according to Publishers Information Bureau (PIB).
"These categories have consistently outpaced advertising industry growth rates," Lacy said. "We're confident they will serve us well in the long-term."
Meredith has put increased emphasis on diversifying its advertising categories, and that strategy has partially offset year-to-date weakness. For example, Meredith increased advertising revenues and outperformed the industry in several non-core categories in the quarter, including beauty, travel, entertainment and apparel. Combined, Meredith's advertising revenues in these categories increased more than 25 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the prior-year quarter, according to PIB.
"We've taken steps to strengthen our sales organizations and better leverage our scale and the efficiency of our reach," Lacy said. "This has enabled us to increase our share of budgets in more diverse advertising categories as well as grow net advertising revenue per magazine page, which was up approximately 3 percent in the quarter."
Meredith's profit contribution and related margin in its subscription activities increased during the quarter. Total circulation revenues declined, due to softer retail sales and Meredith's plan to publish fewer newsstand-only Special Interest titles in the quarter.
Meredith Integrated Marketing delivered another outstanding quarter, as operating profit rose 30 percent. Results were driven primarily by strong performance in the core custom publishing business, along with increased contributions from acquisitions made over the last two years.
Brand licensing operating profit rose more than 30 percent. During the quarter, more than 550 Better Homes and Gardens-branded home-related products were rolled out at Walmart stores across the country. This initiative -- along with a very successful licensing agreement with Universal Furniture and the launch of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service by Realogy -- helped Better Homes and Gardens take the No. 1 spot on Adweek magazine's 2008 Magazine Brand Leaders list.
Broadcasting
Fiscal 2009 first quarter Broadcasting operating profit was $11 million, compared to $14 million in the year-ago period. Revenues were $70 million, versus $75 million in the prior-year quarter. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were $17 million, compared to $20 million in the prior-year quarter.
Fiscal 2009 first quarter net political revenues were $6 million, as expected, compared to net political revenues of $1 million in the prior-year quarter. The Olympics were not a major factor for Meredith, as its sole NBC station in Nashville generated approximately $1 million in Olympic-related revenues during the quarter.
Ongoing industry-wide weakness in core television advertising categories such as automotive, professional services, restaurants, retail and furnishings impacted Broadcasting performance in the quarter. Combined advertising revenues in these categories declined nearly 20 percent.
The Meredith Broadcasting Group is also putting increased emphasis on growing non-core advertising categories in this period of economic weakness. For example, combined advertising revenues increased more than 15 percent in categories such as entertainment, electronics, travel and utilities during the quarter.
In the July 2008 book, five Meredith stations grew ratings in adults 25-54 in their evening and late newscasts, including Phoenix, Nashville and Kansas City. "Our top priorities are growing news ratings and strengthening our local brands, which will help drive higher advertising revenues over time," Lacy said.
The Better show, which features content inspired by Meredith's publishing brands and is produced by Meredith Video Solutions, debuted in 30 additional markets this fall, increasing its national distribution to more than 40 markets. Earlier this month, Meredith reached agreements to distribute Better to stations in three Top 20 markets -- San Francisco (#5), Cleveland (#17) and Denver (#18). Content from the Better show is also available online at http://www.better.tv/ and http://www.parents.tv/, Meredith's broadband video channels.
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Meredith's total debt was $465 million and its weighted average interest rate was approximately 4.5 percent as of September 30, 2008. Meredith's debt- to-EBITDA ratio was a conservative 1.6 to 1. The company has repurchased approximately 750,000 shares in fiscal 2009, leaving 1.6 million shares remaining under current share repurchase authorizations.
"We are well-positioned to weather the current softness in advertising and the turbulence in the financial markets, as well as make acquisitions and investments when opportunities arise," Lacy said. "We have a strong balance sheet with a low level of debt, and are exercising prudent cash management."
All earnings per share figures in the text of this release are diluted. Both basic and diluted earnings per share can be found in the attached condensed consolidated statements of earnings.
OUTLOOK
Many of Meredith's largest advertisers continue to face a challenging economic environment. The resulting advertising weakness, partially offset by political advertising at Meredith's television stations, will impact the company's revenue performance at least through the second quarter of fiscal 2009. In addition, operating results will continue to be impacted by significantly higher paper prices.
Currently, fiscal 2009 second quarter Publishing advertising revenues are down in the high teens, compared to 8 percent growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Broadcasting non-political advertising pacings are currently down in the high 20s, compared to 6 percent growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Meredith expects approximately $15 million in political advertising revenues at its television stations in the second fiscal quarter, in-line with expectations.
Meredith expects paper prices in the fiscal second quarter of 2009 will average approximately 20 percent higher than in the year-ago period. Meredith's average tax rate is expected to be approximately 41.8 percent in the second quarter, and 39.5 percent for full fiscal 2009.
Currently, Meredith expects full year earnings per share of $2.50 to $2.85. Second quarter earnings per share are expected to range from approximately $0.47 to $0.52.
A number of uncertainties remain that may affect our outlook as stated in this press release for results in the second quarter and full fiscal year. These include the duration and severity of the current economic downturn and its impact on calendar 2009 advertising budgets; the performance of the Company's retail businesses; and paper prices. These and other uncertainties are referenced below under "Safe Harbor" and in certain of the Company's SEC filings.
CONFERENCE CALL WEBCAST
Meredith will host a conference call on Oct. 29, 2008, at 11 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT) to discuss fiscal first quarter results. A live webcast will be accessible to the public on the Company's web site, http://www.meredith.com/, and a replay will be available for one week after the call. A transcript will be available within 48 hours following the conference call on http://www.meredith.com/.
RATIONALE FOR USE AND ACCESS TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
Management uses and presents GAAP and non-GAAP results to evaluate and communicate the performance of the Company. Non-GAAP measures should not be construed as alternatives to GAAP measures. EBITDA and free cash flow are common supplemental measures of performance used by investors and financial analysts. Management believes that EBITDA and free cash flow provide additional analytical tools to clarify the Company's results from core operations and delineate underlying trends. Meredith does not use EBITDA or free cash flow as a measure of liquidity or funds available for management's discretionary use because they include certain contractual and non- discretionary expenditures.
Reconciliations of non-GAAP to GAAP measures are included in the attached tables. The attached consolidated financial statements and reconciliation tables will be made available on the Company's web site, http://www.meredith.com/. Please click on "Non-GAAP/GAAP Reconciliation."
SAFE HARBOR
This release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on management's current knowledge and estimates of factors affecting Meredith's operations. Statements in this announcement that are forward-looking include, but are not limited to, the statements regarding broadcasting pacings and publishing advertising revenues, along with Meredith's earnings per share outlook. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could adversely affect future results include, but are not limited to, downturns in national and/or local economies; a softening of the domestic advertising market; world, national or local events that could disrupt broadcast television; increased consolidation among major advertisers or other events depressing the level of advertising spending; the unexpected loss or insolvency of one or more major clients; the integration of acquired businesses; changes in consumer reading, purchasing and/or television viewing patterns; increases in paper, postage, printing or syndicated programming expenses; changes in television network affiliation agreements; technological developments affecting products or methods of distribution; changes in government regulations affecting Meredith's industries; unexpected changes in interest rates; and the consequences of acquisitions and/or dispositions. Meredith undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ABOUT MEREDITH CORPORATION
Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP:)(NYSE: http://www.meredith.com) is the leading media and marketing company serving American women. Meredith combines well- known national brands -- including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Ladies' Home Journal, Family Circle, American Baby, Fitness and More -- with local television brands in fast growing markets. Meredith is the industry leader in creating content in key consumer interest areas such as home, family, health and wellness and self-development. Meredith then uses multiple distribution platforms -- including print, television, online, mobile and video -- to give consumers content they desire and to deliver the messages of its marketing partners. Additionally, Meredith uses its many assets to create powerful custom marketing solutions for many of the nation's top brands and companies. The goals of these programs are to increase consumer loyalty and produce repeated consumer interaction. In the last two years, Meredith has significantly added to its capabilities in this area through the acquisition of cutting-edge companies in areas such as online, word-of-mouth and database marketing. Meredith employs more than 3,000 people throughout the United States. Meredith's fiscal 2008 revenues were $1.6 billion.
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 2007
(In thousands except per share data)
Revenues
Advertising $215,536 $254,335
Circulation 74,022 80,286
All other 80,880 69,452
Total revenues 370,438 404,073
Operating expenses
Production, distribution, and editorial 173,212 175,708
Selling, general, and administrative 148,923 155,570
Depreciation and amortization 10,858 12,118
Total operating expenses 332,993 343,396
Income from operations 37,445 60,677
Interest income 120 352
Interest expense (5,434) (6,163)
Earnings from continuing operations
before income taxes 32,131 54,866
Income taxes 13,494 21,398
Earnings from continuing operations 18,637 33,468
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of taxes - (98)
Net earnings $18,637 $33,370
Basic earnings per share
Earnings from continuing operations $0.41 $0.70
Discontinued operations - -
Basic earnings per share $0.41 $0.70
Basic average shares outstanding 45,241 47,795
Diluted earnings per share
Earnings from continuing operations $0.41 $0.68
Discontinued operations - -
Diluted earnings per share $0.41 $0.68
Diluted average shares outstanding 45,368 48,828
Dividends paid per share $0.215 $0.185
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Segment Information (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 2007
(In thousands)
Revenues
Publishing $300,035 $329,522
Broadcasting
Non-political advertising 61,648 72,492
Political advertising 5,871 1,072
Other revenues 2,884 987
Total broadcasting 70,403 74,551
Total revenues $370,438 $404,073
Operating profit
Publishing $33,184 $55,433
Broadcasting 10,696 13,577
Unallocated corporate (6,435) (8,333)
Income from operations $37,445 $60,677
Depreciation and amortization
Publishing $3,828 $5,200
Broadcasting 6,069 6,378
Unallocated corporate 961 540
Total depreciation and amortization $10,858 $12,118
EBITDA(1)
Publishing $37,012 $60,633
Broadcasting 16,765 19,955
Unallocated corporate (5,474) (7,793)
Total EBITDA(1) $48,303 $72,795
(1) EBITDA is earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization.
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
September 30, June 30,
Assets 2008 2008
(In thousands)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $28,670 $37,644
Accounts receivable, net 225,647 230,978
Inventories 50,111 44,085
Current portion of subscription
acquisition costs 57,525 59,939
Current portion of broadcast rights 21,845 10,779
Other current assets 20,519 19,665
Total current assets 404,317 403,090
Property, plant, and equipment 454,207 446,935
Less accumulated depreciation (252,538) (247,147)
Net property, plant, and equipment 201,669 199,788
Subscription acquisition costs 62,053 60,958
Broadcast rights 7,781 7,826
Other assets 71,721 74,472
Intangible assets, net 778,532 781,154
Goodwill 532,407 532,332
Total assets $2,058,480 $2,059,620
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt $140,000 $75,000
Current portion of long-term
broadcast rights payable 22,636 11,141
Accounts payable 83,842 79,028
Accrued expenses and other
liabilities 104,612 102,707
Current portion of unearned
subscription revenues 170,509 175,261
Total current liabilities 521,599 443,137
Long-term debt 325,000 410,000
Long-term broadcast rights payable 17,518 17,186
Unearned subscription revenues 157,393 157,872
Deferred income taxes 146,509 139,598
Other noncurrent liabilities 107,606 103,972
Total liabilities 1,275,625 1,271,765
Shareholders' equity
Common stock 35,953 36,295
Class B stock 9,164 9,181
Additional paid-in capital 49,711 52,693
Retained earnings 699,343 701,205
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) (11,316) (11,519)
Total shareholders' equity 782,855 787,855
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity $2,058,480 $2,059,620
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 2007
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities $44,549 $61,806
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of businesses (726) -
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (9,608) (4,273)
Proceeds from dispositions of assets 636 -
Net cash used in investing activities (9,698) (4,273)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 100,000 75,000
Repayments of long-term debt (120,000) (90,000)
Purchases of Company stock (15,791) (49,772)
Dividends paid (9,747) (8,830)
Proceeds from common stock issued 860 2,293
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 853 39
Net cash used in financing activities (43,825) (71,270)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,974) (13,737)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 37,644 39,220
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $28,670 $25,483
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries Tables
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA
Consolidated EBITDA, which is reconciled to earnings from continuing
operations in the following tables, is defined as earnings from continuing
operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
Segment EBITDA is a measure of segment earnings before depreciation and
amortization.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
Publishing Broadcasting Unallocated Total
Corporate
(In thousands)
Revenues $300,035 $70,403 $ - $370,438
Operating profit $33,184 $10,696 $(6,435) $37,445
Depreciation and
amortization 3,828 6,069 961 10,858
EBITDA $37,012 $16,765 $(5,474) 48,303
Less:
Depreciation and
amortization (10,858)
Net interest expense (5,314)
Income taxes (13,494)
Earnings from continuing operations $18,637
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Publishing Broadcasting Unallocated Total
Corporate
(In thousands)
Revenues $329,522 $74,551 $ - $404,073
Operating profit $55,433 $13,577 $(8,333) $60,677
Depreciation and
amortization 5,200 6,378 540 12,118
EBITDA $60,633 $19,955 $(7,793) 72,795
Less:
Depreciation and
amortization (12,118)
Net interest expense (5,811)
Income taxes (21,398)
Earnings from
continuing operations $33,468
FREE CASH FLOW
Free cash flow, which is reconciled to earnings from continuing operations
in the following tables, is defined as earnings from continuing operations
plus depreciation and amortization less capital expenditures.
Three Months
Period Ended September 30, 2008 2007
(In thousands)
Free cash flow $19,887 $41,313
Depreciation and amortization (10,858) (12,118)
Capital expenditures 9,608 4,273
Earnings from continuing operations $18,637 $33,468
SOURCE: Meredith Corporation
CONTACT: Shareholder|Financial Analyst, Mike Lovell, Director of
Investor Relations, +1-515-284-3622, Mike.Lovell@Meredith.com, or Media, Art
Slusark, VP|Corporate Communications, +1-515-284-3404,
Art.Slusark@Meredith.com, both of Meredith Corporation
Web site: http://www.meredith.com/