UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006
OR
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-16914
THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
312 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (513) 977-3000
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
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 and 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of April 30, 2006 there were 126,966,958 of the Registrant’s Class A Common Shares outstanding and 36,568,226 of the Registrant’s Common Voting Shares outstanding.
INDEX TO THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED March 31, 2006
Item No.
1
2
3
4
1A.
5
6
PART I
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “our,” “us” or “Scripps” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies or to all of them taken as a whole.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, such as defamation actions, employment and employee relations and various governmental and administrative proceedings, none of which is expected to result in material loss.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY AND USE OF PROCEEDS
There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the quarter for which this report is filed.
The following table provides information about Company purchases of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended March 31, 2006:
Period
Total Number
of Shares Purchasedas Part of PubliclyAnnounced Plans
or Programs
1/1/06 - 1/31/06
2/1/06 - 2/28/06
3/1/06 - 3/31/06
Total
Under a share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors on October 28, 2004, we are authorized to repurchase up to 5.0 million Class A Common Shares. There is no expiration date for the program and we are under no commitment or obligation to repurchase any particular amount of Class A Common Shares under the program.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
There were no defaults upon senior securities during the quarter for which this report is filed.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter for which this report is filed.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibits
The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Exhibits at page E-1 of this Form 10-Q.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
/s/ Joseph G. NeCastro
Index to Financial Information
Item
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Shareholders’ Equity
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
Executive Overview
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
Business Segment Results
Scripps Networks
Newspapers
Broadcast Television
Interactive Media
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Controls and Procedures
F-1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
March 31,2006
(Unaudited)
As of
December 31,2005
March 31,2005
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances - $8,600, $8,702, $10,605)
Programs and program licenses
Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Assets of discontinued operations
Miscellaneous
Total current assets
Investments
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Total goodwill and other intangible assets
Other assets:
Programs and program licenses (less current portion)
Unamortized network distribution incentives
Prepaid pension
Total other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-2
(in thousands, except share data)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Customer deposits and unearned revenue
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits
Network distribution incentives
Accrued income taxes
Liabilities of discontinued operations
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt (less current portion)
Other liabilities (less current portion)
Minority interests
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par - authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding
Common stock, $.01 par:
Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 127,085,500, 126,994,386; and 126,735,127 shares
Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 36,568,226, 36,668,226 and 36,668,226 shares
Additional paid-in capital
Stock compensation:
Performance awards and restricted stock units
Unvested restricted stock awards
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale
Pension liability adjustments
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Total shareholders’ equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
F-3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Operating Revenues:
Advertising
Referral fees
Network affiliate fees, net
Circulation
Licensing
Other
Total operating revenues
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits (exclusive of JOA editorial compensation costs)
Marketing and advertising
Newsprint and ink
JOA editorial costs and expenses
Other costs and expenses
Total costs and expenses
Depreciation, Amortization, and Losses (Gains):
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Gain on formation of Colorado newspaper partnership
Losses (gains) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net depreciation, amortization and losses (gains)
Operating income
Interest expense
Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures
Interest and dividend income
Miscellaneous, net
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests
Provision for income taxes
Income from continuing operations before minority interests
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income per basic share of common stock
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:
Net income per diluted share of common stock
F-4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Excess tax benefits of stock compensation plans
Dividends received greater (less) than equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures
Stock and deferred compensation plans
Minority interests in income of subsidiary companies
Affiliate fees billed greater than amounts recognized as revenue
Network launch incentive payments
Payments for programming less (greater) than program cost amortization
Prepaid and accrued pension expense
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operating activities
Net operating activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of subsidiary companies and long-term investments
Proceeds from formation of Colorado newspaper partnership, net of transaction costs
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Decrease (increase) in short-term investments
Sale of long-term investments
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued investing activities
Net investing activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase in long-term debt
Payments on long-term debt
Dividends paid
Dividends paid to minority interests
Repurchase Class A Common shares
Proceeds from employee stock options
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing financing activities
Net cash provided by discontinued financing activities
Net financing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year
End of period
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Interest paid, excluding amounts capitalized
Income taxes paid continuing operations
Income taxes paid (refunds received) discontinued operations
Total income taxes paid
F-5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
AccumulatedOtherComprehensive
Income (Loss)
As of December 31, 2004
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax of $1,651
Adjustment for losses (gains) in income, net of tax of ($347)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
Currency translation, net of tax of $32
Dividends: declared and paid - $.10 per share
Compensation plans, net: 251,201 shares issued; 35,406 shares repurchased; 2,500 shares forfeited
Tax benefits of compensation plans
As of March 31, 2005
As of December 31, 2005
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax of $444
Adjustment for losses (gains) in income, net of tax of $6
Currency translation, net of tax of $20
Adoption of FAS 123-R
Dividends: declared and paid - $.11 per share
Convert 100,000 voting shares to Class A shares
Repurchase 420,000 Class A Common shares
Compensation plans, net: 470,753 shares issued; 57,323 shares repurchased; 2,316 shares forfeited
As of March 31, 2006
F-6
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Aside from information disclosed in this form 10-Q, the information disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, has not changed materially. Financial information as of December 31, 2005, included in these financial statements has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in that report. In management’s opinion all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.
Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.
Nature of Operations - We are a diverse media concern with interests in national television networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television, interactive media, and licensing and syndication. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via the Internet. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Scripps Networks, Newspapers, Broadcast television, and Interactive media.
Scripps Networks includes five national television networks, Home & Garden Television (“HGTV”), Food Network, DIY Network (“DIY”), Fine Living and Great American Country (“GAC”); our online network HGTVPro.com; Scripps Network branded broadband channels; and our 12% interest in FOX Sports Net South, a regional television network. Our networks also operate internationally through licensing agreements and joint ventures with foreign entities. We own approximately 70% of Food Network and approximately 90% of Fine Living. Each of our networks is distributed by cable and satellite television systems. Scripps Networks earns revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time and from affiliate fees from cable and satellite television systems.
Our newspaper business segment includes daily and community newspapers in 18 markets in the U.S. Three of our newspapers are operated pursuant to the terms of joint operating agreements (See Note 7). Each of those newspapers maintains an independent editorial operation and receives a share of the operating profits of the combined newspaper operations. Newspapers earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising space to local and national advertisers and from the sale of newspapers to readers.
Broadcast television includes six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC-affiliated stations and one independent. Each station is located in one of the 61 largest television markets in the U.S. Broadcast television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers.
Interactive media includes our online comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch. Shopzilla, acquired on June 27, 2005, operates a product comparison shopping service that helps consumers find products offered for sale on the Web by online retailers. Shopzilla aggregates and organizes information on millions of products from thousands of retailers. Shopzilla also operates BizRate, a Web-based consumer feedback network which collects millions of consumer reviews of stores and products each year. We acquired uSwitch on March 16, 2006. uSwitch operates an online comparison service that helps consumers compare prices and arrange for the purchase of a range of essential home services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband providers and personal finance products in the United Kingdom. Our interactive media businesses earn revenue primarily from referral fees and commissions paid by participating online retailers and service providers.
Financial information for our business segments is presented in Note 17. Licensing and other media aggregates our operating segments that are too small to report separately, and primarily includes syndication and licensing of news features and comics.
Our operations are geographically dispersed and we have a diverse customer base. We believe bad debt losses resulting from default by a single customer, or defaults by customers in any depressed region or business sector, would not have a material effect on our financial position. Approximately 70% of our operating revenues are derived from advertising. Operating results can be affected by changes in the demand for advertising both nationally and in individual markets.
The six largest cable television systems and the two largest satellite television systems provide service to more than 95% of homes receiving HGTV and Food Network. The loss of distribution by any of these cable and satellite television systems could adversely affect our business. While no assurance can be given regarding renewal of our distribution contracts, we have not lost carriage upon the expiration of our distribution contracts with any of these cable and satellite television systems.
F-7
One customer accounts for approximately 30% of Interactive Media’s annual operating revenues. Our Interactive Media business could be adversely affected upon the loss of this customer.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.
Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the recognition of certain revenues; rebates due to customers; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of such long-lived assets; income taxes payable; estimates for uncollectible accounts receivable; and self-insured risks.
While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.
Revenue Recognition - Our primary sources of revenue are from:
The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Newspaper Joint Operating Agreements (“JOA”) - We include our share of JOA earnings in “Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures” in our Consolidated Statements of Income. The related editorial costs and expenses are included in “JOA editorial costs and expenses.” Our residual interest in the net assets of the Denver and Albuquerque JOAs is classified as an investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We do not have a residual interest in the net assets of the Cincinnati JOA.
F-8
Stock-Based Compensation – We have a stock-based compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 18 to this Form 10-Q.
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Financial Accounting Standard No. 123-R - Share Based Payment (“FAS 123-R”). In accordance with FAS 123-R, share based compensation is based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting period. However, under the provisions of our plan, awards generally vest upon retirement. As a result, grants to retiree-eligible employees are generally expensed immediately upon grant.
Prior to fiscal 2006, we applied the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” in accounting for stock-based compensation. Under APB 25 we recognized compensation costs equal to the intrinsic value of the award on the date of grant over the vesting period, including grants to retiree-eligible employees. Any unrecognized compensation expense was recognized upon retirement of the employee. Compensation expense included in our financial statements and in our pro forma disclosures was attributed to each period based upon how each tranche of an award vested.
We adopted FAS 123-R using the modified prospective application method. Under this transition method we will apply the provisions of FAS 123-R to new and modified awards after the date of adoption and to the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of January 1, 2006. Prior period reported amounts have not been restated to apply the provisions of FAS 123-R. The effect of applying the standard to periods prior to adoption will continue to be disclosed on a pro forma basis only.
Prior to the adoption of FAS 123-R, tax benefits of stock compensation were presented as operating in the statement of cash flows. Upon the adoption of FAS 123-R, tax benefits related to stock compensation expensed in our statement of income is presented as operating cash flows, while tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation recognized in our statements of income are classified as financing cash flows. In addition, prior to adoption of FAS 123-R, shareholders’ equity was increased by the intrinsic value of the award on the date of grant. The unvested portion of the award as of each balance sheet date was presented as a reduction in stockholders’ equity as of that date. Upon adoption of FAS 123-R, stockholders’ equity is increased as the fair value of the award is recognized as compensation expense in our statements of income.
Options to purchase Class A Common shares are granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the fair value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. Options generally vest over a three year period, conditioned upon the individual’s continued employment through that period.
Performance awards represent the right to receive a grant of restricted shares if certain performance measures are met. Each award specifies a target number of shares to be issued and the specific performance criteria that must be met. The number of shares that an employee receives may be less or more than the target number of shares depending on the extent to which the specified performance measures are met or exceeded. We estimate total compensation expense based upon the number of shares that we expect to be issued and the fair value of the underlying shares at the date of grant. The awards generally vest over a three year period from the date of grant of the performance award.
Awards of Class A Common shares (“restricted stock”) and restricted stock units (“RSU”) generally require no payment by the employee. Restricted stock and RSUs generally vest over a one to three-year incentive period conditioned upon the individual’s continued employment through that period. The vesting of certain awards may be accelerated if certain financial targets are met. If it is expected those targets will be met, the awards are amortized over the accelerated vesting period.
F-9
Net Income Per Share - The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
Three months
ended
March 31,
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
Effect of dilutive securities:
Unvested restricted stock held by employees
Stock options held by employees and directors
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
Stock options to purchase 5,276,547 common shares were anti-dilutive as of March 31, 2006 and are therefore not included in the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding.
2. ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Aside from the impacts of adopting FAS 123-R that are discussed in Note 1, there have been no material changes to the recent pronouncements as previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
3. ACQUISITIONS
F-10
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the dates of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities of the uSwitch acquisition is based upon preliminary appraisals and estimates and is therefore subject to change.
Accounts receivable
Current assets
Amortizable intangible assets
Other assets
Net operating loss carryforwards
Total assets acquired
Current liabilities
Other long-term obligations
Minority interest
Net purchase price
Pro forma results of operations of Scripps, assuming the uSwitch and Shopzilla acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of each respective period, are included in the following table. The pro forma information includes adjustments for interest expense that would have been incurred to finance the acquisition, additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired and excludes transaction related expenses incurred by the acquired companies. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed at the beginning of the period. Pro forma results are not presented for the other acquisitions completed during 2005 and 2006 because the combined results of operations would not be significantly different from reported amounts.
Operating revenues
Income from continuing operations per share of common stock:
Basic
Diluted
F-11
4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During the first quarter of 2006, the board of directors authorized management to pursue the sale of our Shop At Home business segment. The Shop At Home business segment is classified as held for sale in accordance with the provisions of FAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.
In the third quarter of 2005, we reached an agreement with Advance Publications, Inc., the publisher of the Birmingham News (“News”), to terminate the Birmingham joint operating agreement between the News and our Birmingham Post-Herald newspaper. During the third quarter of 2005, we also ceased publication of our Birmingham Post-Herald newspaper and sold certain assets to the News.
In accordance with the provisions of FAS 144 the results of businesses held for sale or that have ceased operations are presented as discontinued operations within our results of operations. Accordingly, these businesses have also been excluded from segment results for all periods presented.
Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows:
Operating revenues:
Shop At Home
Birmingham-Post Herald
Share of earnings of JOA
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax:
Income taxes (benefit)
Assets and liabilities of our discontinued operations consisted of the following:
Assets:
Intangible assets
Liabilities:
Customer deposits and unearned income
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
Other liabilities
F-12
5. GAIN ON FORMATION OF COLORADO NEWSPAPER PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER ITEMS
Gain on formation of Colorado newspaper partnership - In February of 2006, we completed the formation of a newspaper partnership with MediaNews Group, Inc. (“MediaNews”) that will operate certain of both companies’ newspapers in Colorado. We contributed the assets of our Boulder Daily Camera, Colorado Daily and Bloomfield Enterprise newspapers for a 50% interest in the partnership. MediaNews contributed the assets of publications they operate in Colorado. In addition, MediaNews also paid us cash consideration of $20.4 million. We recognized a pre-tax gain of $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2006 upon completion of the transaction. Net income was increased by $2.1 million.
Denver newspaper production facilities - In the third quarter of 2005, the management committee of the Denver Newspaper Agency (“DNA”) approved plans to consolidate DNA’s newspaper production facilities. As a result, assets used in certain of the existing facilities will be retired earlier than previously estimated. The reduction in these assets’ estimated useful lives increased DNA’s depreciation expense. The increased depreciation resulted in a $3.2 million decrease in our equity in earnings from JOAs in the first quarter of 2006. Net income was decreased by $2.0 million. The increased depreciation is expected to decrease equity in earnings from JOAs approximately $3.0 million in each remaining quarter until the second quarter of 2007.
F-13
6. INCOME TAXES
We file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate state income tax returns for each subsidiary company. Included in our federal and state income tax returns is our proportionate share of the taxable income or loss of partnerships and incorporated limited liability companies that have elected to be treated as partnerships for tax purposes (“pass-through entities”). Our financial statements do not include any provision (benefit) for income taxes on the income (loss) of pass-through entities attributed to the non-controlling interests.
Food Network is operated under the terms of a general partnership agreement. Fine Living is a limited liability company (“LLC”) and is treated as a partnership for tax purposes. As a result, federal and state income taxes for these pass-through entities accrue to the individual partners.
Consolidated income before income tax consisted of the following:
Income allocated to Scripps
Income of pass-through entities allocated to non-controlling interests
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
The income tax provision for interim periods is determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate for the full year period we must estimate both the total income before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income before income tax is greater or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed.
Information regarding our expected effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the full year of 2006 and the actual effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the full year of 2005 is as follows:
Statutory rate
Effect of:
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
Section 199 - Production Activities Deduction
Effective income tax rate
F-14
7. JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENTS AND NEWSPAPER PARTNERSHIPS
Three of our newspapers are operated pursuant to the terms of joint operating agreements (“JOAs”). The Newspaper Preservation Act of 1970 provides a limited exemption from anti-trust laws, permitting competing newspapers in a market to combine their sales, production and business operations in order to reduce aggregate expenses and take advantage of economies of scale, thereby allowing the continuing operation of both newspapers in that market. Each newspaper in a JOA maintains a separate and independent editorial operation.
The table below provides certain information about our JOAs.
Newspaper
The Albuquerque Tribune
The Cincinnati Post
Denver Rocky Mountain News
The JOAs generally provide for renewals unless an advance termination notice ranging from two to five years is given to either party. Gannett Newspapers has notified us of its intent to terminate the Cincinnati JOA upon its expiration in 2007.
The combined sales, production and business operations of the newspapers are either jointly managed or are solely managed by one of the newspapers. The sales, production and business operations of the Denver newspapers are operated by the Denver Newspaper Agency, a limited liability partnership (the “Denver JOA”). Each newspaper owns 50% of the Denver JOA and shares management of the combined newspaper operations. We have no management responsibilities for the combined operations of the other two JOAs.
The operating profits earned from the combined operations of the two newspapers are distributed to the partners in accordance with the terms of the joint operating agreement. We receive a 50% share of the Denver JOA profits, a 40% share of the Albuquerque JOA profits, and approximately 20% to 25% of the Cincinnati JOA profits.
In February of 2006, we formed a newspaper partnership with MediaNews Group, Inc. (“MediaNews”) that will operate certain of both companies’ newspapers in Colorado, including their editorial operations. We have a 50% interest in the partnership.
Our share of the operating profit (loss) of JOAs and newspaper partnerships are reported as “Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures” in our financial statements.
F-15
8. INVESTMENTS
Investments consisted of the following:
Securities available for sale (at market value):
Time Warner (common shares - 2006, 2,011,000; 2005, 2,017,000)
Other available-for-sale securities
Total available-for-sale securities
Denver JOA
Colorado newspaper partnership
FOX Sports Net South and other joint ventures
Other equity securities
Total investments
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
Investments available for sale represent securities of publicly-traded companies. Investments available for sale are recorded at fair value based upon the closing price of the security on the reporting date. As of March 31, 2006, there were no significant unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities.
Other equity securities include securities that do not trade in public markets, so they do not have readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair values of the other securities approximate their carrying values at March 31, 2006. There can be no assurance we would realize the carrying values of these securities upon their sale.
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
Land and improvements
Buildings and improvements
Equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Net property, plant and equipment
F-16
10. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following:
Other intangible assets:
Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Acquired network distribution
Broadcast television network affiliation relationships
Customer lists
Copyrights and other trade names
Total carrying amount
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization
Net amortizable intangible assets
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets:
FCC licenses
Total other indefinite-lived intangible assets
Total other intangible assets
F-17
Activity related to goodwill and other intangible assets by business segment was as follows:
Goodwill:
Balance as of December 31, 2004
Adjustment to purchase price allocation
Balance as of March 31, 2005
Balance as of December 31, 2005
Business acquisitions
Formation of Colorado newspaper partnership
Balance as of March 31, 2006
Amortization
Balance for all respective periods presented
We expect that $3.3 million of the goodwill acquired in the Shopzilla acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill acquired in the uSwitch and Newspaper acquisitions are not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
Amortizable intangible assets acquired in the Shopzilla and uSwitch acquisitions include customer lists, technology, trade names and patents. The customer lists intangible assets are estimated to have useful lives of 2 to 20 years. The other acquired intangibles are estimated to have useful lives of 4 to 9 years. The allocation of the purchase price for the uSwitch acquisition is based upon preliminary appraisals and estimates, and is therefore subject to change.
Amortizable intangible assets acquired in the Newspaper acquisitions were customer lists. The customer intangible assets are estimated to have useful lives of 10 to 20 years.
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is expected to be $38.3 million for the remainder of 2006, $40.6 million in 2007, $37.5 million in 2008, $36.7 million in 2009, $31.5 million in 2010, $28.9 million in 2011 and $90.8 million in later years.
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11. PROGRAMS AND PROGRAM LICENSES
Programs and program licenses consisted of the following:
Cost of programs available for broadcast
Accumulated amortization
Progress payments on programs not yet available for broadcast
Total programs and program licenses
In addition to the programs owned or licensed by us included in the table above, we have commitments to license certain programming that is not yet available for broadcast, including first-run syndicated programming. Such program licenses are recorded as assets when the programming is delivered to us and is available for broadcast. First-run syndicated programming is generally produced and delivered at or near its broadcast date. Such contracts may require progress payments or deposits prior to the program becoming available for broadcast. Remaining obligations under contracts to purchase or license programs not yet available for broadcast totaled approximately $300 million at March 31, 2006. If the programs are not produced, our obligations would generally expire without obligation.
Progress payments on programs not yet available for broadcast and the cost of programs and program licenses capitalized totaled $61.6 million in 2006 and $43.8 million in 2005.
Estimated amortization of recorded program assets and program commitments for each of the next five years is as follows:
Remainder of 2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Later years
Actual amortization in each of the next five years will exceed the amounts presented above as our broadcast television stations and our national television networks will continue to produce and license additional programs.
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12. UNAMORTIZED NETWORK DISTRIBUTION INCENTIVES
Unamortized network distribution incentives consisted of the following:
Network launch incentives
Net book value
Unbilled affiliate fees
Total unamortized network distribution incentives
Amortization recorded as a reduction to affiliate fee revenue in the consolidated financial statements, and estimated amortization of recorded network launch incentives for each of the next five years, is presented below.
Three months ended
Amortization of network launch incentives
Actual amortization will be greater than the above amounts as additional incentive payments will be capitalized as we expand distribution of Scripps Networks.
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13. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
Variable-rate credit facilities, including commercial paper
$100 million, 6.625% notes, due in 2007
$50 million, 3.75% notes, due in 2008
$100 million, 4.25% notes, due in 2009
$150 million, 4.30% notes, due in 2010
$200 million, 5.75% notes, due in 2012
Other notes
Total face value of long-term debt less discounts
Fair market value of interest rate swap
Total long-term debt
We have Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facilities (the “Revolver”) and a commercial paper program that collectively permit aggregate borrowings up to $550 million (the “Variable-Rate Credit Facilities”). The Revolver consists of two facilities, one permitting $450 million in aggregate borrowings expiring in July 2009 and the second a $100 million facility expiring in March 2007. Borrowings under the Revolver are available on a committed revolving credit basis at our choice of three short-term rates or through an auction procedure at the time of each borrowing. The Revolver is primarily used as credit support for our commercial paper program in lieu of direct borrowings under the Revolver. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings under the Variable-Rate Credit Facilities was 4.7% at March 31, 2006, 4.3% at December 31, 2005, and 2.7% at March 31, 2005.
We have a U.S. shelf registration statement which allows us to borrow up to an additional $300 million as of March 31, 2006.
We entered into a receive-fixed, pay-floating interest rate swap to achieve a desired proportion of fixed-rate versus variable-rate debt. The interest rate swap expires upon the maturity of the $50 million, 3.75% notes in 2008, and effectively converts those fixed-rate notes into variable-rate borrowings. The variable interest rate was 5.1% at March 31, 2006, which was based on six-month LIBOR minus a rate spread. The swap agreement was designated as a fair-value hedge of the underlying fixed-rate notes. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement (due to movements in the benchmark interest rate) are recorded as adjustments to the carrying value of long-term debt with an offsetting adjustment to either other assets or other liabilities. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements and the underlying fixed-rate obligation are recorded as equal and offsetting unrealized gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We have structured the interest rate swap to be 100% effective. As a result, there is no current impact to earnings resulting from hedge ineffectiveness.
Certain long-term debt agreements contain maintenance requirements for net worth and coverage of interest expense and restrictions on incurrence of additional indebtedness. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2006.
Current maturities of long-term debt are classified as long-term to the extent they can be refinanced under existing long-term credit commitments.
As of March 31, 2006, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $8.6 million.
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14. OTHER LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTERESTS
Other liabilities – Other liabilities consisted of the following:
Program rights payable
Total other liabilities
Current portion of other liabilities
Minority interests - Non-controlling interests hold an approximate 10% residual interest in Fine Living. The minority owners of Fine Living have the right to require us to repurchase their interests. We have an option to acquire their interests. The minority owners will receive the fair market value for their interests at the time their option is exercised. The put and call options become exercisable at various dates through 2016. Put options on an approximate 6% non-controlling interest in Fine Living are currently exercisable. The remaining put options, comprising an approximate 4% interest in Fine Living, become exercisable in the third quarter of 2006.
Non-controlling interests hold an approximate 30% residual interest in Food Network. The Food Network general partnership agreement is due to expire on December 31, 2012, unless amended or extended prior to that date. In the event of such termination, the assets of the partnership are to be liquidated and distributed to the partners in proportion to their partnership interests.
Minority interests include non-controlling interests of approximately 4% in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Memphis newspaper and approximately 6% in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Evansville newspaper. The capital stock of these companies does not provide for or require the redemption of the non-controlling interests by us.
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15. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net:
Accrued interest
Other accrued liabilities
Other, net
16. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all non-union and certain union-represented employees. Benefits are generally based upon the employee’s compensation and years of service.
We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). The SERP, which is unfunded, provides defined pension benefits in addition to the defined benefit pension plan to eligible executives based on average earnings, years of service and age at retirement.
Substantially all non-union and certain union employees are also covered by a company sponsored defined contribution plan. We match a portion of employee’s voluntary contributions to this plan.
Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.
We use a December 31 measurement date for our retirement plans. Retirement plans expense is based on valuations performed by plan actuaries as of the beginning of each fiscal year. The components of the expense consisted of the following:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses
Net amortization and deferral
Total for defined benefit plans
Multi-employer plans
SERP
Defined contribution plans
We contributed $0.6 million to fund current benefit payments for our non-qualified SERP plan during the first quarter of 2006. We anticipate contributing an additional $1.5 million to fund the SERP’s benefit payments during the remainder of fiscal 2006. We also anticipate contributing $0.2 million to meet minimum funding requirements of our defined benefit plans during the remainder of fiscal 2006.
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17. SEGMENT INFORMATION
We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structure. Our reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer different products and services (See Note 1).
The accounting policies of each of our business segments are those described in Note 1 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Each of our segments may provide advertising, programming or other services to our other business segments. In addition, certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, pensions and other employee benefits, and other shared services, are allocated to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from amounts that would be incurred if such services were purchased separately by the business segment. Corporate assets are primarily cash, cash equivalent and other short-term investments, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes, and deferred income taxes.
Our chief operating decision maker (as defined by FAS 131 – Segment Reporting) evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure we call segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Note 1, we account for our share of the earnings of JOAs and newspaper partnerships using the equity method of accounting. Our equity in earnings of JOAs and newspaper partnerships is included in “Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures” in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Newspaper segment profits include equity in earnings of JOAs and newspaper partnerships. Scripps Networks segment profits include equity in earnings of FOX Sports Net South and certain other joint ventures.
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Information regarding our business segments is as follows:
Segment operating revenues:
Newspapers:
Newspapers managed solely by us
JOAs and newspaper partnerships
Boulder prior to formation of Colorado newspaper partnership
Total newspapers
Broadcast television
Interactive media
Licensing and other media
Corporate/intercompany
Segment profit (loss):
Corporate
Total segment profit
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
Gains (losses) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation:
Total depreciation
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles
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Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment
Business acquisitions and other additions to long-lived assets:
Total assets of continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total assets
No single customer provides more than 10% of our revenue. International revenues are primarily derived from licensing comic characters and HGTV and Food Network programming in international markets. Licensing of comic characters in Japan provides approximately 45% of our international revenues, which are less than $60 million annually.
Other additions to long-lived assets include investments, capitalized intangible assets and Scripps Networks capitalized programs and network launch incentives.
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18. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
Capital Stock – Scripps’ capital structure includes Common Voting Shares and Class A Common Shares. The articles of incorporation provide that the holders of Class A Common Shares, who are not entitled to vote on any other matters except as required by Ohio law, are entitled to elect the greater of three or one-third of the directors.
Under a share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors on October 28, 2004, we are authorized to repurchase up to 5.0 million Class A Common Shares. A total of 1.2 million shares have been repurchased in 2005 and 2006 at prices ranging from $45 to $51 per share. The balance remaining on the authorization is 3.8 million shares. There is no expiration date for the program and we are under no commitment or obligation to repurchase any particular amount of common shares under the program.
Incentive Plans – Scripps’ Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for the award of restricted and unrestricted Class A Common Shares, incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. The Plan expires in 2014, except for options then outstanding.
As summarized in Note 1, we adopted FAS 123-R effective January 1, 2006. FAS 123-R requires that share based compensation be recognized based on the grant-date fair value of awards.
In accordance with FAS 123-R, total stock-based compensation expense was $11.9 million in 2006, $7.5 million after tax. Included in stock compensation costs is $6.2 million of immediately expensed awards granted to retiree-eligible employees. Stock option costs included in total stock-based compensation was $8.4 million, $5.3 million after tax. Stock option costs include $4.0 million of immediately expensed awards granted to retiree-eligible employees. The impact from expensing stock options in 2006 reduced basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $.03.
Prior to fiscal 2006, we applied the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” in accounting for stock-based compensation. Under APB 25 we recognized compensation costs equal to the intrinsic value of the award on the date of grant over the vesting period.
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 - Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by FAS 148 - Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, to all stock-based employee compensation in fiscal year 2005 using the accounting policies described in Note 1.
Net income as reported
Add stock-based compensation included in reported income, net of related income tax effects
Deduct stock-based compensation determined under fair value based method, net of related income tax effects
Pro forma net income
Net income per share of common stock
Basic earnings per share:
As reported
Additional stock-based compensation, net of income tax effects
Pro forma basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share:
Pro forma diluted earnings per share
Net income per share amounts may not foot since each is calculated independently.
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Stock Options – Stock options may be awarded to purchase Class A Common Shares at not less than 100% of the fair market value on the date the option is granted. Stock options will vest over an incentive period, conditioned upon the individual’s continued employment through that period.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a lattice-based binomial model that uses the assumptions in the following table:
Weighted-average fair value of options granted
Assumptions used to determine fair value:
Dividend yield
Risk-free rate of return
Expected life of options (years)
Expected volatility
Dividend yield considers our historical dividend yield paid and expected yield over the life of the options. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected life is an output of the valuation model, and primarily considers historical exercise patterns. Unexercised options for grants included in the historical period are assumed to be exercised at the midpoint of the current date and the full contractual term. Expected volatility is based on implied volatility of traded options, long-term volatility and volatility for the most recent period reflecting the expected life.
The following table presents information about stock options:
Number
of
Shares
Options outstanding at December 31, 2004
Options granted during the period
Options exercised during the period
Options outstanding at March 31, 2005
Options exercisable at March 31, 2005
Options outstanding at December 31, 2005
Options forfeited/canceled during the period
Options outstanding at March 31, 2006
Options exercisable at March 31, 2006
The total intrinsic value (market value on date of exercise less exercise price) of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $4.5 million. As of March 31, 2006, $28.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.
Cash received from option exercises was $7.8 million in the first quarter of 2006 and $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2005. Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with option exercises was $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2006 and $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2005.
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Substantially all options granted prior to 2004 are exercisable. Options generally become exercisable in increments over a three year period. Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant is as follows:
Year of Grant
Options
on SharesExercisable
1997 - expire in 2007
1998 - expire in 2008
1999 - expire in 2009
2000 - expire in 2010
2001 - expire in 2011
2002 - expire in 2012
2003 - expire in 2013
2004 - expire in 2014
2005 - expire in 2013
2006 - expire in 2014
Total options on number of shares
Restricted Stock – Awards of Class A Common Shares vest over an incentive period conditioned upon the individual’s continued employment throughout that period. During the vesting period, shares issued are nontransferable but the shares are entitled to all the rights of an outstanding share.
Information related to awards of Class A Common Shares is presented below:
Weighted
Average
Range of
Prices
Unvested shares at December 31, 2004
Shares vested during the period
Shares forfeited during the period
Unvested shares at March 31, 2005
Unvested shares at December 31, 2005
Shares awarded during the period
Unvested shares at March 31, 2006
Performance based restricted stock with a target of 134,250 Class A Common Shares were contingently issued in 2006. The number of shares ultimately awarded depends upon the extent to which specified performance measures are met. The shares earned vest between 2007 and 2009.
During 2004, 40,000 restricted stock awards were converted to restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The RSUs give the recipient the right to receive shares of our stock upon the lapse of restriction periods. The restrictions lapse in equal installments over a four-year incentive period conditioned upon the employee’s continued employment.
As of March 31, 2006, $10.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards and RSUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.
Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with restricted stock awards was $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2006.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements and the condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements. You should read this discussion in conjunction with those financial statements.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This discussion and the information contained in the condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in most instances are beyond our control, include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers’ taste; newsprint prices; program costs; labor relations; technological developments; competitive pressures; interest rates; regulatory rulings; and reliance on third-party vendors for various products and services. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
The E. W. Scripps company is a diverse and growing media company with interests in national television networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television stations, interactive media and licensing and syndication. The company’s portfolio of media properties includes: Scripps Networks, with such brands as HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living and Great American Country; daily and community newspapers in 18 markets and the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service; 10 broadcast television stations, including six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC affiliates and one independent; Interactive media, our online comparison shopping services comprising our Shopzilla and uSwitch businesses; and United Media, a leading worldwide licensing and syndication company that is the home of PEANUTS, DILBERT and approximately 150 other features and comics.
The company has a long-standing objective of creating shareholder value by following a disciplined strategy of investing in growing media businesses. Starting with newspapers nearly 130 years ago and continuing with our recent acquisitions of Shopzilla and uSwitch, we have stayed ahead of the ongoing migration of consumers and marketing dollars to new media marketplaces. This is evidenced by the dramatic change in our company’s profile during the last ten years. In 1994, the newspaper division contributed 50 percent of the company’s consolidated revenue. In 2006 it is contributing 32 percent. The national television networks, a business that did not exist in 1993, are contributing 40 percent to the company’s revenue in 2006 while Shopzilla and uSwitch, our newly acquired comparison shopping Internet services, are contributing 10 percent.
We expect to continue to increase shareholder value by maximizing and allocating the cash flow generated by our mature media businesses to new or existing businesses. In the past we have used cash generated by our newspapers and broadcast television stations to develop HGTV, DIY and Fine Living and to acquire Food Network, Shop At Home, GAC, Shopzilla and uSwitch. The continued expansion of Scripps Networks, the support and development of our comparison shopping services rapid growth potential, and investment in new and growing media businesses are the company’s top strategic priorities.
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Scripps Networks is in a period of continued growth. We have successfully monetized ratings and viewership gains, especially at its two more established networks HGTV and Food Network. The appeal of our new programming has resonated with viewers and has resulted in an increasing number of younger viewers tuning in to our flagship networks. We are also extending our Scripps Networks brands into new media platforms. In April, we launched our first high definition television network, HGTV-HD. The new network launched with 350 hours of original programming. We expect to launch our second high definition channel, Food Network-HD, in the second quarter. The number of people visiting our network Web sites was up 7 percent for the quarter, demonstrating the appeal of our brands and the success we have had targeting consumers. We also have emerged as a leader in providing content that is specifically formatted for the growing number of video-on-demand and broadband services. In April, we launched our third Internet broadband channel — HGTV Bath Design. We expect to launch similar broadband channels that will dig deep into such lifestyle topics as gardening, healthy eating and crafts. Top priorities at Scripps Networks are the ratings growth at HGTV and Food, the programming and distribution of our emerging networks, developing new revenue streams for our network brands such as product licensing and retail sales, and the growth of interactive revenue.
During the second quarter of 2005, we acquired Shopzilla. Shopzilla operates a product comparison shopping service that helps consumers find products offered for sale by online retailers. In the first quarter of 2006, we acquired uSwitch. uSwitch operates an online comparison service that helps consumers compare prices and arrange for the purchase of a range of essential home services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband providers and personal finance products in the United Kingdom. These acquisitions enable us to capitalize on the rapid growth and rising profitability of specialized Internet search businesses and expand our electronic media platform. On a pro-forma basis, the revenues of these businesses in the first quarter of 2006 have nearly doubled compared with the first quarter of 2005 due in part to the increasing popularity of comparison shopping sites with consumers. We have begun to leverage the cross-promotional power of all of our media businesses to brand our Interactive Media businesses. Specifically, we have used our media businesses to drive traffic to Shopzilla via links on virtually all of our Web sites; our lifestyle networks and TV stations have promoted Shopzilla; our newspapers have run ads and created a Shopzilla-branded, Smart Shopper column.
Our shareholders also continue to benefit from our local media businesses. Our daily and community newspapers and broadcast television stations are the foundation for our successful growth strategy.
At our newspapers, we are continuing efforts to strengthen the competitive position of our newspapers’ print and online businesses. We plan to grow the print business by expanding into surrounding markets and launching non-traditional and non-daily products within our local markets. We believe our online businesses will generate higher growth rates than our traditional print business and as a result are focusing heavily in this area. These local Web sites place a heavy emphasis on interactive, community-based content as well as live news updates. In the first quarter of 2006, we launched our first video-on-demand newscast in Southwest Florida. The newscast combines the news-gathering power of our newspaper with our growing ability to produce high-quality video specifically for use on the Internet, iPods, and other types of personal video players.
Priorities at our broadcast television stations include concentrating on the branding of our local ABC and NBC affiliates, emphasizing local news and building out non-traditional revenue opportunities that target new advertisers. Improved ratings at ABC in 2005 and the outlook for 2006 bode well not only for revenue at our ABC stations from popular shows, but also for the lead-in they provide to late news. The broadcast of the Super Bowl on ABC and NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics contributed to an increase in broadcast television revenues in the first quarter of 2006. The return of political advertising is expected to further increase our revenues in 2006.
In the first quarter of 2006, we announced our intention to explore strategic alternatives for our Shop At Home business. Our goal at Shop At Home is to maximize the value of the business for the benefit of our shareholders. Subsequently, we reached a strategic decision to pursue the sale of Shop At Home. Accordingly, Shop At Home is presented as discontinued operations in our financial statements for all periods presented.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make a variety of decisions which affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including the selection of appropriate accounting principles and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions. We are committed to preparing financial statements incorporating accounting principles, assumptions and estimates that promote the representational faithfulness, verifiability, neutrality and transparency of the accounting information included in the financial statements.
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Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K describes the significant accounting policies we have selected for use in the preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used or changes in estimates that are likely to occur could materially change the financial statements. We believe the accounting for Network Affiliate Fees, Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Income Taxes and Pension Plans to be our most critical accounting policies and estimates. A detailed description of these accounting policies is included in the Critical Accounting Policies Section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. There have been no significant changes in those accounting policies except for the impacts from adopting FAS 123-R.
The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance and future prospects differ for each of our business segments. Accordingly, we believe the discussion of our consolidated results of operations should be read in conjunction with the discussion of the operating performance of our business segments that follows on pages F-34 through F-45.
Consolidated Results of Continuing Operations - Consolidated results of continuing operations were as follows:
Costs and expenses
Income from continuing operations per diluted share of common stock
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The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to the continued growth in advertising and network affiliate fee revenues at our national television networks and the June 2005 acquisition of Shopzilla. The growth in advertising revenues was primarily driven by increased demand for advertising time and higher advertising rates at our networks. The growth in affiliate fee revenues is attributed to scheduled rate increases and wider distribution of our networks. The broadcast of the Super Bowl on ABC and NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics also contributed to the increase in revenue at our broadcast television stations.
Costs and expenses were impacted by the expanded hours of original programming and costs to promote our national networks, and the June 2005 acquisition of Shopzilla. In addition, we adopted the requirements of FAS 123-R, “Share-Based Payments” effective January 1, 2006 and began recording compensation expense on stock options granted to employees. Stock option expense, including the costs of immediately expensed options granted to retiree eligible employees, increased our costs and expenses $8.4 million in the first quarter of 2006. Based upon stock options issued through the first quarter, we expect stock option expense to increase our costs and expenses by approximately $11.0 million for the remainder of 2006.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily as a result of the acquisitions of Shopzilla and uSwitch.
In the first quarter of 2006, we completed the formation of a newspaper partnership with MediaNews Group, Inc. In conjunction with the transaction, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $3.5 million. Net income was increased by $2.1 million, $.01 per share
Interest expense includes interest incurred on our outstanding borrowings and deferred compensation and other employment agreements. Interest incurred on our outstanding borrowings increased in 2006 due to higher average debt levels attributed to the Shopzilla and uSwitch acquisitions. In connection with the June 2005 acquisition of Shopzilla, we issued $150 million in 5-year notes at a rate of 4.30%. We financed the remainder of the Shopzilla and uSwitch transactions with commercial paper. The average outstanding commercial paper balance in 2006 was $217 million at an average rate of 4.5% compared with $52 million at an average rate of 2.5% in 2005.
In the third quarter of 2005, the management committee of the Denver Newspaper Agency (“DNA”) approved plans to consolidate DNA’s newspaper production facilities. As a result, assets used in certain of the existing facilities will be retired earlier than previously estimated. The reduction in these assets’ estimated useful lives increased DNA’s depreciation expense. The increased depreciation resulted in a $3.2 million decrease in our equity in earnings from JOAs in the first quarter of 2006. Net income was decreased by $2.0 million, $.01 per share. The increased depreciation is expected to decrease equity in earnings from JOAs approximately $3.0 million in each remaining quarter until the second quarter of 2007. The decrease in equity in earnings of JOAs is also attributed to lower advertising sales in all three of our JOA markets.
Information regarding our effective tax rate is a follows:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests as reported
Income allocated to non-controlling interests
Effective income tax rate as reported
Effective income tax rate on income allocated to Scripps
Our effective income tax rate is affected by the growing profitability of Food Network. Food Network is operated pursuant to the terms of a general partnership, in which we own an approximate 70% residual interest. Income taxes on partnership income accrue to the individual partners. While the income before income tax reported in our financial statements includes all of the income before tax of the partnership, our income tax provision does not include income taxes on the portion of Food Network income that is attributable to the non-controlling interest.
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The income tax provision for interim periods is determined by applying the expected effective income tax rate for the full year to year-to-date income before income tax. Tax provisions are separately provided for certain discrete transactions in interim periods. To determine the annual effective income tax rate for the full year period we must estimate both the total income before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income is subject to tax.
Minority interest increased in the first quarter of 2006 primarily due to the increased profitability of the Food Network. Food Network’s profits are allocated in proportion to each partner’s residual interests in the partnership, of which we own approximately 70%.
Business Segment Results - As discussed in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements our chief operating decision maker (as defined by FAS 131 - Segment Reporting) evaluates the operating performance of our business segments using a performance measure we call segment profits. Segment profits excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Items excluded from segment profits generally result from decisions made in prior periods or from decisions made by corporate executives rather than the managers of the business segments. Depreciation and amortization charges are the result of decisions made in prior periods regarding the allocation of resources and are therefore excluded from the measure. Financing, tax structure and divestiture decisions are generally made by corporate executives. Excluding these items from our business segment performance measure enables us to evaluate business segment operating performance for the current period based upon current economic conditions and decisions made by the managers of those business segments in the current period.
In February of 2006, we formed a newspaper partnership with MediaNews Group, Inc. (“MediaNews”) that will operate certain of both companies’ newspapers in Colorado. We contributed the assets of our Boulder Daily Camera, Colorado Daily and Bloomfield Enterprise newspapers for a 50% interest in the partnership. Our share of the operating profit (loss) of the partnership is recorded as “Equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures” in our financial statements. To enhance comparability of year-over-year operating results, the results of the contributed publications prior to the formation of the partnership are reported separately in our segment results.
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Information regarding the operating performance of our business segments determined in accordance with FAS 131 and a reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
Discussions of the operating performance of each of our reportable business segments begin on page F-37.
The impact of expensing stock options beginning on January 1, 2006 increased Corporate expenses $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2006.
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Segment profits include our share of the earnings of JOAs and certain other investments included in our consolidated operating results using the equity method of accounting. Newspaper segment profits include equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures. Scripps Networks segment profits include equity in earnings of FOX Sports Net South and other joint ventures.
A reconciliation of our equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures included in segment profits to the amounts reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows:
Scripps Networks:
Equity in earnings of joint ventures
Equity in earnings of JOAs and newspaper partnerships
Total equity in earnings of JOAs and other joint ventures
Certain items required to reconcile segment profitability to consolidated results of operations determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are attributed to particular business segments. Significant reconciling items attributable to each business segment are as follows:
Depreciation and amortization:
Gains (losses) on disposal of PP&E:
Gains (losses) on disposal of PP&E
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Scripps Networks - Scripps Networks includes five national television networks, Home & Garden Television (“HGTV”), Food Network, DIY Network (“DIY”), Fine Living and Great American Country (“GAC”); our online network HGTVPro.com; Scripps Network branded broadband channels; and our 12% interest in FOX Sports Net South, a regional television network. Our networks also operate internationally through licensing agreements and joint ventures with foreign entities.
We launched HGTV in 1994. Food Network launched in 1993, and we acquired our controlling interest in 1997. We launched DIY in 1999 and Fine Living in the first quarter of 2002. We acquired GAC in 2004. We have used a similar strategy in developing each of our networks. Our initial focus is to gain distribution on cable and satellite television systems. We may offer incentives in the form of cash payments or an initial period in which payment of affiliate fees by the systems is waived in exchange for long-term distribution contracts. We create new and original programming and undertake promotion and marketing campaigns designed to increase viewer awareness. We expect to incur operating losses until network distribution and audience size are sufficient to attract national advertisers. As distribution of the network increases, we make additional investments in the quality and variety of programming and increase the number of hours of original programming offered on the network. Such investments are expected to result in increases in viewership, yielding higher advertising revenues.
While we have employed similar development strategies with each of our networks, there can be no assurance DIY, Fine Living and GAC will achieve operating performances similar to HGTV and Food Network. There has been considerable consolidation among cable and satellite television operators, with the eight largest providing services to approximately 95% of the homes that receive cable and satellite television programming. At the same time, there has been an expansion in the number of programming services seeking distribution on those systems, with the number of networks more than doubling since 1996.
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The networks utilize common facilities and certain sales, operational and support services are shared by the networks. Expenses directly attributable to the operations of a network are charged directly to that network. The costs of shared facilities and services are not allocated to individual networks for segment reporting purposes.
Financial information for Scripps Networks is as follows:
HGTV
Food Network
DIY
Fine Living
GAC
Total segment operating revenues
Contribution to segment profit (loss):
Unallocated costs and other
Homes reached in March (1):
Advertising and network affiliate fees provide substantially all of each network’s operating revenues and employee costs and programming costs are the primary expenses. The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting each of our networks are substantially the same as those affecting all of our networks, primarily the demand for national advertising.
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Operating results for Scripps Networks were as follows:
Segment costs and expenses:
Other segment costs and expenses
Total segment costs and expenses
Segment profit before joint ventures
Equity in income of joint ventures
Segment profit
Supplemental Information:
Billed network affiliate fees
Capital expenditures
Business acquisitions and other additions to long-lived assets, primarily program assets
Advertising revenues increased due primarily to an increased demand for advertising time and higher advertising rates at our networks. The increase in network affiliate fees reflects both scheduled rate increases and wider distribution of the networks.
We expect total operating revenues at Scripps Networks to increase approximately 15% to 18% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2006.
Employee compensation and benefit expenses increased due to the hiring of additional employees to support the growth of Scripps Networks. In addition, employee compensation and benefits include $0.9 million of stock option expense recognized for the first time in 2006.
Programs and program licenses and other costs and expenses increased due to the improved quality and variety of programming, expanded programming hours and continued efforts to promote the programming in order to attract a larger audience. Our continued investment in building consumer awareness and expanding distribution of our network and online lifestyle brands is expected to increase total segment expenses approximately 15% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2006.
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Newspapers - We operate daily and community newspapers in 18 markets in the U.S. Our newspapers earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising space to local and national advertisers and from the sale of newspapers to readers. Three of our newspapers are operated pursuant to the terms of joint operating agreements. Each of those newspapers maintains an independent editorial operation and receives a share of the operating profits of the combined newspaper operations.
Newspapers managed solely by us: The newspapers managed solely by us operate in mid-size markets, focusing on news coverage within their local markets. Advertising and circulation revenues provide substantially all of each newspaper’s operating revenues and employee and newsprint costs are the primary expenses at each newspaper. Declines in circulation of daily newspapers have resulted in a loss of advertising market share throughout the newspaper industry. Further declines in circulation in our newspaper markets could adversely affect our newspapers.
The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance of any of our newspapers are substantially the same as those affecting all of our newspapers. Our newspaper operating performance is most affected by newsprint prices and economic conditions, particularly within the retail, labor, housing and auto markets. While an individual newspaper may perform better or worse than our newspaper group as a whole due to specific conditions at the newspaper or within its local economy, we do not expect such near-term variances to significantly affect the overall long-term operating performance of the newspaper segment.
Operating results for newspapers managed solely by us were as follows:
Local
Classified
National
Preprint and other
Newspaper advertising
Contribution to segment profit
Business acquisitions, including acquisitions of minority interests, and other additions to long-lived assets
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Newspaper advertising revenues increased in 2006 due to increases in classified advertising and preprint and other advertising. The increase in classified advertising was primarily attributed to continued improvement in help wanted and real estate advertising. Increases in these categories help offset declines in automotive advertising.
Increases in preprint and other advertising reflect the continued development of new print and electronic products and services. These products include niche publications such as community newspapers, lifestyle magazines, publications focused upon the classified advertising categories of real estate, employment and auto, and other publications aimed at younger readers. Additionally, our Internet sites had advertising revenues of $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared with $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2005. We expect to continue to expand and enhance our online services and to use our local news platform to launch new products, such as streaming video or audio.
We expect total operating revenues at newspapers to increase approximately 3% to 5% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2006.
Stock option expense of $2.0 million contributed to the increase in employee compensation and benefit expenses in 2006.
Newsprint and ink costs increased due to newsprint prices increasing 14% during the current year.
The increases in other segment costs and expenses is attributed to increased spending in online and print initiatives, primarily in our Florida markets.
We expect total costs and expenses to increase between 5% and 7% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2006.
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Joint Operating Agreements and Newspaper Partnerships: Three of our newspapers are operated pursuant to the terms of joint operating agreements (“JOAs”). The table below provides certain information about our JOAs.
Operating results for our JOAs and newspaper partnerships were as follows:
Equity in earnings of JOAs and newspaper partnerships included in segment profit:
Denver
Cincinnati
Albuquerque
Colorado
Other newspaper partnerships and joint ventures
Total equity in earnings of JOAs included in segment profit
Operating revenues of JOAs
JOA editorial costs and expenses:
Total JOA editorial costs and expenses
JOAs and newspaper partnerships contribution to segment profit:
Total contribution to segment profit
Additional depreciation incurred by the Denver News Agency reduced equity in earnings of JOAs by $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2006 (See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The decrease in equity in earnings of JOAs is also attributed to lower advertising sales in all three of our JOA markets.
Gannett Newspapers has notified us of its intent to terminate the Cincinnati JOA upon its expiration in 2007.
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Broadcast Television – Broadcast television includes six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC-affiliated stations and one independent. Each station is located in one of the 61 largest television markets in the U.S. Our broadcast television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers.
National broadcast television networks offer affiliates a variety of programs and sell the majority of advertising within those programs. We may receive compensation from the network for carrying its programming. In addition to network programs, we broadcast locally produced programs, syndicated programs, sporting events, and other programs of interest in each station’s market. News is the primary focus of our locally-produced programming.
The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance of any of our broadcast television stations are substantially the same as those affecting all of our stations. The operating performance of our broadcast television group is most affected by the health of the economy, particularly conditions within the retail and auto markets, and by the volume of advertising time purchased by campaigns for elective office and for political issues. The demand for political advertising is significantly higher in even-numbered years, when congressional and presidential elections occur, than in odd-numbered years. From time-to-time, individual television stations may perform better or worse than our television station group as a whole due to specific conditions at that station or within its local economy. We do not expect such near-term variances to significantly affect the overall long-term operating performance of the broadcast television segment.
Operating results for broadcast television were as follows:
Political
Network compensation
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The broadcast of the Super Bowl on ABC and NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics contributed to the increase in local and national advertising. Advertising revenue related to the Super Bowl and Olympics broadcasts was approximately $9 million in the first quarter of 2006. We expect total operating revenues at our broadcast television stations to increase approximately 3% to 5% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2006. The increase in broadcast television could be higher depending on the timing of political advertising.
Employee compensation and benefits include $1.3 million of stock option expense recognized for the first time in 2006.
Total broadcast television costs and expenses are expected to increase 5% to 7% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2006.
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Interactive Media - Interactive media includes our online comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch.
We acquired Shopzilla on June 27, 2005. Shopzilla operates a product comparison shopping service that helps consumers find products offered for sale by online retailers. Shopzilla aggregates and organizes information on millions of products from thousands of retailers. Shopzilla also operates BizRate, a Web-based consumer feedback network that collects millions of consumer reviews of stores and products each year. Shopzilla earns revenues primarily from referral fees paid by participating online retailers.
On March 16, 2006, we acquired uSwitch. uSwitch operates an online comparison service that helps consumers compare prices and arrange for the purchase of a range of essential home services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband providers and personal finance products in the United Kingdom. uSwitch earns revenues from commissions paid by participating service providers when a consumer switches services.
Financial information for interactive media is as follows:
Segment operating revenues
Business acquisitions and other additions to long-lived assets
Operating results for uSwitch are included in our results of operations from the March 16, 2006 acquisition date. On a pro-forma basis, assuming we had owned Shopzilla and uSwitch for all of 2006 and 2005, operating revenues would have been $68.9 million in 2006 and $33.4 million in 2005. Segment profits would have been $16.9 million in 2006 and $8.5 million in 2005. An increase in the use of comparison shopping sites by consumers has primarily contributed to the improvement in results.
Interactive media is expected to generate segment profits of about $12 million in the second quarter of 2006.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary source of liquidity is our cash flow from operating activities. Advertising provides approximately 70% of total operating revenues, so cash flow from operating activities is adversely affected during recessionary periods. Information about our use of cash flow from operating activities is presented in the following table:
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
Proceeds from formation of Colorado partnership
Dividends paid, including to minority interests
Employee stock option proceeds
Excess tax benefits on stock awards
Other financing activities, including discontinued operations
Cash flow available for investments, debt repayment and share repurchase
Sources and uses of available cash flow:
Business acquisitions and net investment activity
Capital expenditures, including discontinued operations
Other investing activity
Repurchase Class A Common Shares
Increase (decrease) in long-term debt
Our cash flow has been used primarily to fund acquisitions and investments and to develop new businesses. There are no significant legal or other restrictions on the transfer of funds among our business segments.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased year-over-year due to the improved operating performance of our business segments. We expect cash flow from operating activities in 2006 will provide sufficient liquidity to continue the development of our emerging brands and to fund the capital expenditures necessary to support our businesses.
In March 2006, we acquired 100% of the common stock of uSwitch for approximately $371 million, net of cash and short-term investments acquired. We also acquired minority interests in our Evansville and Memphis newspapers, and acquired certain other publications, for total consideration of approximately $23 million, of which $3.6 million of the consideration was paid in the first quarter. In connection with the acquisitions, we entered into a $100 million 364-day revolving credit facility. The remaining balance of the acquisitions was financed using a combination of cash on hand and additional borrowings on our existing credit facilities.
In 2005, the management committee of the Denver JOA approved plans to consolidate the JOA’s newspaper production facilities and authorized the incurrence of up to $150 million of debt by the JOA to finance the building and equipment costs related to the consolidation. We own a 50% interest in the Denver JOA. Scripps and Media News Group (“MNG”), our Denver JOA partner, are not parties to the arrangement and have not guaranteed any of the Denver JOA’s obligations under the arrangement. However, we expect that our cash distributions received from the Denver JOA will be reduced as the JOA will have additional cash requirements to satisfy debt and lease payments under the agreements.
Pursuant to the terms of the Food Network general partnership agreement, the partnership is required to distribute available cash to the general partners. We expect these cash distributions will approximate $40 million in 2006.
We are authorized to repurchase up to 5 million of our Class A Common shares. We expect to repurchase shares to offset the dilution resulting from our stock compensation programs each year. In 2006, we have re-purchased 420,000 shares at a total cost of $20.2 million. The stock repurchase program can be discontinued at any time.
We have two credit facilities that collectively permit aggregate borrowings up to $550 million. One facility permitting $450 million in aggregate borrowings expires in July 2009 and the second facility permitting $100 million in aggregate borrowings expires in March 2007. Total borrowings under the facilities were $490 million at March 31, 2006.
Our access to commercial paper markets can be affected by macroeconomic factors outside of our control. In addition to macroeconomic factors, our access to commercial paper markets and our borrowing costs are affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies.
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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Earnings and cash flow can be affected by, among other things, economic conditions, interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations and changes in the price of newsprint. We are also exposed to changes in the market value of our investments.
We may use foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge our cash flow exposures that are denominated in foreign currencies and forward contracts to reduce the risk of changes in the price of newsprint on anticipated newsprint purchases. We held no foreign currency or newsprint derivative financial instruments at March 31, 2006.
The following table presents additional information about market-risk-sensitive financial instruments:
Cost
Basis
Fair
Value
Financial instruments subject to interest rate risk:
Total long-term debt including current portion
Interest rate swap
Financial instruments subject to market value risk:
Total investments in publicly-traded companies
Our objectives in managing interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows and to reduce our overall borrowing costs. We manage interest rate risk primarily by maintaining a mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. In February 2003, we issued $50 million of 3.75% notes due in 2008. Concurrently, we entered into a receive-fixed, pay-floating interest rate swap, effectively converting the notes to a variable-rate obligation indexed to LIBOR. We account for the interest rate swap as a fair-value hedge of the underlying fixed-rate notes. As a result, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are offset by changes in the fair value of the swapped notes and no net gain or loss is recognized in earnings.
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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Scripps’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, collusion and the improper overriding of controls by management. Accordingly, even effective internal control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.
The effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was evaluated as of the date of the financial statements. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes to the company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
We acquired Shopzilla, a Web-based product comparison shopping service, on June 27, 2005. We acquired uSwitch, the United Kingdom’s leading provider of online price comparison and switching for essential home services, on March 16, 2006. These businesses, that comprise our interactive media segment, have total assets of approximately $1.0 billion and are expected to have segment profits of $65 to $75 million for the full year of 2006. Each business is a separate control environment. We have excluded these businesses from management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, as permitted by SEC guidance, for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
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Index to Exhibits
Exhibit No.
12
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31(a)
Section 302 Certifications
31(b)
32(a)
Section 906 Certifications
32(b)
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