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Watchlist
Account
Tegna
TGNA
#3977
Rank
$3.06 B
Marketcap
๐บ๐ธ
United States
Country
$19.01
Share price
0.48%
Change (1 day)
5.85%
Change (1 year)
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Tegna
Annual Reports (10-K)
Financial Year 2014
Tegna - 10-K annual report 2014
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended
December 28, 2014
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission file number 1-6961
GANNETT CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
16-0442930
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia
22107-0910
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 854-6000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
The New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
x
No
¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
¨
No
x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x
No
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (
§
232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
x
No
¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K (Check box if no delinquent filers).
x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
¨
No
x
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing sales price of the registrant’s Common Stock as reported on The New York Stock Exchange on June 27, 2014, was $6,921,231,774. The registrant has no non-voting common equity.
As of Feb. 1, 2015, 226,851,543 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
April 29, 2015
, is incorporated by reference in Part III to the extent described therein.
INDEX TO GANNETT CO., INC.
2014
FORM 10-K
Item No.
Page
Part I
1
Business
3
1A.
Risk Factors
20
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
21
2
Properties
22
3
Legal Proceedings
22
4
Mine Safety Disclosures
22
Part II
5
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
23
6
Selected Financial Data
24
7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
24
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
43
8
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
44
9
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
82
9A.
Controls and Procedures
82
Part III
10
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
84
11
Executive Compensation
84
12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
84
13
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
84
14
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
84
Part IV
15
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
84
2
PART I
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Overview
Gannett is an international media and marketing solutions company and one of the largest, most geographically diverse local content providers in the U.S. Through a vast network of broadcast, digital, mobile and print products, we inform and engage more than 115 million people every month. Our portfolio of trusted brands offers marketers unmatched local-to-national reach and customizable, innovative marketing solutions. As a digital media leader, we provide access to content on many different platforms; digital marketing services to businesses to help them more effectively use digital technology to engage customers and reach their sales goals; and Internet-based human resource solutions.
Our properties cover a wide range of geographies, demographics and content areas. Our connection to, and understanding of, our communities and local market relationships – many of which have spanned decades – provides us with unparalleled advantages.
We provide consumers with the information and entertainment they seek and connect them to their communities of interest through multiple platforms including television stations, desktop, smartphone, tablet products and print publications. We help businesses grow by providing marketing solutions that reach and engage their customers across diverse platforms.
We are focused on seizing the many opportunities presented by new digital technologies leading to shifting consumer trends while delivering leading-edge news and information and marketing solutions to consumers and advertisers across multimedia platforms. All of our businesses are focused on providing outstanding user experiences throughout their portfolio of products and services.
We are organized along three business segments: Broadcasting, Publishing and Digital. In 2014, we announced plans to create two publicly traded companies: one primarily focused on our Broadcasting and Digital businesses, and the other on our Publishing business and their related digital assets. The expected timetable for achieving that separation is mid-2015.
Within our Broadcasting Segment, we own or service (through shared service agreements or other similar agreements) 46 television stations in 38 markets. Excluding owner-operators, we are the No. 1 NBC affiliate group, No. 1 CBS affiliate group, and the No. 4 ABC affiliate group. These stations cover almost one-third of the U.S. population in markets with more than 35 million households. We are the largest independent station group of major network affiliates in the top 25 markets, with a uniquely diversified portfolio. Each television station has a robust digital presence, including mobile, to reach consumers wherever they are. About 32 million unique visitors access Gannett Broadcasting media organizations every month through desktops, smartphones and tablets, and there have been close to 1.7 million downloads of Broadcasting’s apps on mobile devices as consumer interest in mobile content delivery continues to increase in popularity.
Our Publishing Segment has tremendous national-to-local reach, comprising U.S. Community Publishing’s (USCP) rich portfolio of 81 unmatched, trusted local media organizations, a renowned national brand in USA TODAY, and international scale with our popular Newsquest media properties in the U.K. - along with hundreds of engaging affiliated digital, mobile and non-daily print products. USA TODAY is currently the nation’s number one newspaper in consolidated print and digital circulation, according to the Alliance for Audited Media’s September 2014 Publisher’s Statement. In addition, the inclusion of a unique branded edition of USA TODAY in 35 USCP local print editions provides local readers with even more exceptional local, regional and national news and information – all in one easily accessible package. USA TODAY in
February 2015 announced partnership deals with several non-Gannett news organizations to include the USA TODAY Local Edition as part of their print and digital offering to readers.
In the U.K, through our Newsquest group, we produce 18 daily paid-for publications and more than 125 weekly publications, magazines and trade publications. In late 2014, Newsquest launched a new daily paid-for title focused on the community supporting independence for Scotland from the rest of the U.K.
Publishing has a significant digital presence: Every month approximately 73.5 million unique visitors access USA TODAY content and approximately 30 million unique visitors seek out USCP digital media through desktops, smartphones and tablets. In addition, there have been more than 21 million downloads of USA TODAY’s award-winning app on mobile devices and 2 million downloads of USCP apps. Newsquest’s network of web sites attracts nearly 20 million unique visitors every month. Collectively, print products reach approximately 9.7 million dedicated U.S. readers every weekday, approximately 10.5 million every Sunday, and, in the U.K., Newsquest has a total average readership of approximately 6 million every week.
We own and operate a number of stand-alone digital subsidiaries, which are included in our Digital Segment, including two digital leaders, Cars.com and CareerBuilder, as well as several other well-positioned online companies.
Cars.com, which Gannett acquired full ownership of in October 2014, is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible information from consumers and experts to help car buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions, majority-owned by Gannett, provides services ranging from labor market intelligence to talent management software and other recruitment tools. It is the largest online job site in the U.S., measured both by traffic and revenue, has a presence in more than 60 markets worldwide and focuses on technology solutions and niche sites. Having served the market for almost twenty years, CareerBuilder continues to benefit from a history of building customer relationships, having gained market share each of the last nine years. Together, Cars.com and CareerBuilder provide our advertising partners with access to two very important categories – automotive and human capital solutions.
We generate revenues within our Broadcasting Segment through advertising, fees paid for retransmission of our television signals on satellite and cable networks and payments for other services, such as producing advertising content. Advertising includes local advertising focused on the immediate geographic area of the stations, national advertising, and advertising on the stations’ desktop, smartphone and tablet products. We generate revenue within our Publishing Segment through advertising and subscriptions to our print and digital publications. Our advertising teams sell retail, classified and national advertising across multiple platforms including print, online, mobile and tablet as well as niche publications. Across both Broadcasting and Publishing Segments, we generate revenue by providing digital marketing products and services, ranging from search to social media to web site development. CareerBuilder, the largest company in the Digital Segment, generates revenues both through its own sales force by providing talent and compensation intelligence, human resource related consulting services and recruitment solutions and through sales of employment advertising placed by affiliated media organizations. Cars.com generates revenues through online automotive advertising targeting car dealerships and national advertisers through its own direct sales force as well as its affiliate sales channels.
3
We have made substantial progress in our digital transformation, which has fundamentally changed the way we interact with our audiences and advertisers. In step with changes in the media landscape, we have used new technology to meet evolving consumer demands and create valuable new revenue streams. We generate digital revenues through online content subscription fees and advertising on various digital platforms including more than 120 domestic web sites affiliated with our publishing and television markets. In December, Gannett’s consolidated domestic Internet audience was 115 million unique visitors reaching 46% of the Internet audience, according to comScore Media Metrix Multi-platform.
Our digital offerings are deeply integrated with publishing and broadcasting product offerings, supported by shared infrastructure. Many digital offerings are reported within the operating results of our Publishing and Broadcasting Segments. As more fully described under “Strategy,” and “Strategic Acquisitions,” we have a number of initiatives underway supporting our digital transformation.
Strategy
In 2014, we made major strides toward achieving our transformation goals, while remaining focused on successfully executing our strategic growth initiatives, ensuring our continued evolution within the ever-changing media landscape.
We are following an ambitious business strategy integrated with a comprehensive capital allocation plan, which is designed to leverage our strong brands, deep community ties and financial strength. The strategy is centered on three themes:
•
Enhance local core news and marketing operations to make local franchises stronger and ties with the communities even deeper, thereby growing Publishing and the higher growth, higher margin Broadcasting and Digital businesses;
•
Leverage hometown and brand advantages to accelerate growth by entering into or expanding high potential businesses
;
and
•
Optimize assets on an ongoing basis to maintain a strong financial profile to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and drive increased shareholder value.
We acquired Belo Corp. in December 2013, and Cars.com in October 2014. The addition of these two businesses created a dramatically more diversified, higher-margin and higher growth multimedia business. The Belo acquisition added deep connections in new markets, predominantly in Texas and the Northwest, and provided us with even greater geographic and network diversification. Cars.com is a leading independent research site for car shoppers and its acquisition doubled the size of our Digital Segment. The Digital and Broadcasting Segments on a combined basis now generate more than two-thirds of our Adjusted EBITDA and position us for sustainable growth and success in the digital age.
In addition to integrating these major acquisitions, during 2014 we continued to pursue and make significant progress on a number of specific strategic initiatives which are integrated across all three of our business segments: Broadcasting, Publishing and Digital. Progress on these strategic initiatives, capital allocation plan, and strategic acquisitions and dispositions follows:
All Access Content Subscription Model:
In 2014,
USCP continued to successfully enhance the All Access Content Subscription Model for its local media across the U.S. All subscriptions include full web, mobile, e-Edition and tablet access, with subscription prices that vary according to the frequency of print home delivery. In 2014, USCP engaged more than 1.6 million digitally activated subscribers and saw an increase of more than 27% in digital-only subscribers as well.
In some markets, particularly those with younger demographics, digital-only subscribers are approaching 10% of all accounts - and growing. In 2011, before the launch of the All Access Model, circulation revenues accounted for 29% of the division’s total revenue. In 2014, circulation revenues accounted for 36% of USCP total revenue.
The success of the All Access Content Subscription Model led us to create a USCP and USA TODAY pilot at four local Gannett media organizations. The project provided local consumers with an enhanced news product that leverages our unique ability to generate and distribute national content while enhancing its ever-important local hometown coverage. In addition to the local units enhancing their publications with more unique and robust local content, a local edition of USA TODAY is being included inside the print edition and e-Edition of each local publication. The initiative leverages our outstanding national content to further complement local reporting and creates new revenue streams for content we are already producing, creating added value. The added USA TODAY edition includes national News, Money and lifestyle content seven days a week. USA TODAY’s Sports coverage is integrated into local sports sections and a Life edition is included every Sunday. Readers get an average of approximately 70 pages of additional content per week in print and e-Editions as a result of these integration efforts. Following the success of the initiative in the pilot markets, we rolled out the project to an additional 31 local daily publications across the country in the first half of 2014. As a result of research, we know consumer reaction to the additional content has been very positive
,
which enhances the appeal of the local publications as preferred information sources for readers and makes them attractive platforms for advertisers looking to reach readers on both a local and national scale.
Digital Relaunch & Mobile:
In 2014, the Digital Relaunch initiative was completed, providing all of Gannett’s Publishing and Broadcast properties (excluding certain former Belo stations) with a full suite of new products, including a proprietary content management system, a new database storage tier, programming tools, application frameworks and market-leading desktop sites, mobile web sites and mobile apps. This collection of products and services, known as the Gannett Digital Platform (the “GDP”), consists of three major components: (i) authoring and classification tools; (ii) a centralized data store managing over 25,000 new assets such as articles, videos, photos or interactive features per day as well as structured content and user data (including subscription management); and (iii) programming tools and frameworks for advertising and user experience that drive more than 600 digital products.
The migration of all Publishing and Broadcast sites onto the GDP has provided immediate benefits by enabling the sharing of content and information quickly and efficiently, and driving editorial and advertising innovation across applications. In 2014, new, innovative, high-end advertising products were deployed across our digital sites and applications, helping to drive digital advertising revenue growth and increasing the average price paid for our desktop advertising impressions. The launch of the new sites and applications has also resulted in a significant increase in both users and engagement across all platforms. Multi-platform unique visitors rose 23% year-over-year in December 2014 across divisions, according to comScore Media Metrix. In fact, at the end of 2014, we ranked No. 3 in the News and Information category, up from No. 5 in 2013. Cross-platform video plays have increased 51% year-over-year and for USCP, minutes spent per visitor have set all-time records, up 41% in December 2014.
4
In 2014, the Gannett Digital team also began preparing the groundwork for the next evolution of the GDP. This next generation platform will focus on the ability to create personalized experiences by connecting users’ preferences and behaviors with our large store of centralized content assets and advertising products.
USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
USA TODAY Sports Media Group covers sports from the local high school level through college and professional teams and continues to build upon USA TODAY’s 30-year relationship with American sports fans. Its goal is to be the leading sports content provider by leveraging its national and local content, investing in original content, and acquiring additional distribution and content. In 2014, USA TODAY Sports Media Group continued to build upon the growth of 2013, expanding its digital presence to more than 42 million unique visitors each month. The efforts resulted in a 27% increase in comScore cross-platform unique visitor traffic year-over-year, with significant mobile audience growth of 60% versus 2013. Group highlights included:
•
Significant growth of “For The Win,” our social media sports news and entertainment site, growing page views by 24% year-over-year.
•
Development of the College Football Fan Index, the only digital index that combines social media activity and fan voting to determine the ultimate college football fanbase.
•
Launch of a new Fantasy section that includes information related to managing fantasy teams as well as opportunities to play in contests through Fantasy Score, a Weekly and Daily Fantasy League.
•
Launch of the new USA TODAY Sports App in February 2015. The app includes trending sports news, scores, notifications and a quick and entertaining take on sports stories. The app is available for free of charge in the iOS App Store and Google Play for Android phones.
USA TODAY Travel Media Group:
The Travel Media Group worked collaboratively with USCP markets to continue the roll-out of local travel sections and now is part of nearly 30 local digital sites as a new travel section. It provides local markets with USA TODAY’s premium travel and lifestyle content, driving new opportunities with incremental traffic and advertising inventory. The Travel Media Group also completed the mobile-web roll-out for all eight Experience web sites, which supported a 9% increase in mobile web traffic in the fourth quarter 2014, vs. the third quarter 2014. Experience America reported record high, cross-platform page views of 13.8 million in October.
G/O Digital (Digital Marketing Services):
G/O Digital offers a wide array of leading-edge digital marketing solutions that enable marketers and advertisers to better connect with local consumers online through products that drive results. For local businesses, G/O Digital offers an integrated digital marketing suite
of products/services from search to social media to website development. For national brands and agencies, G/O Digital delivers local digital activation at national scale powered by G/O Digital brands: Shoplocal, BLiNQ Media and Key Ring.
G/O Digital partners with the nation’s top brands and retailers, including P&G, Target, Walmart and Walgreens, and leads digital marketing campaigns for thousands of local businesses across more than 110 local markets. Driven by the strong partnership with USCP and Broadcasting sales forces, G/O Digital again saw strong revenue traction year-over-year from small to medium-sized business (SMB) customers, with revenues from local advertisers up 66% over 2013, led by increases across key product solutions, including search, email and social marketing products.
Reinforcing its commitment to simplifying digital marketing and helping small and medium-sized businesses to grow their businesses, G/O Digital was recognized by Yahoo! as a Strategic Local Ambassador, which is the highest Yahoo! partnership tier and adds to its already strong search foundation as G/O Digital had previously been named a Google Premier SMB Partner. In addition, G/O Digital was ranked No. 2 nationwide by localseocompanies.com as the “Best Local SEO Company.” In 2014, G/O Digital also launched its “Leaders in Local” video series to highlight the value and benefits G/O Digital delivers to local businesses across the country. The launch was promoted via television and digital ads across Gannett broadcast markets, as well as a native advertising campaign within USATODAY.com.
Signaling its innovation and collaboration with national brands, retailers, agencies and publishers, G/O Digital has been named a finalist in the category of “Best In-Stream Video” at the 2015 Digiday Video Awards for its digital video advertising campaign for Lowe’s Home Improvement. This accomplishment reinforces G/O Digital’s mission to reshape the industry’s understanding and expectations of content marketing to deliver dynamic, personalized experiences and local store sales.
BLiNQ Media launched a first-to-market social marketing product, AutoLiFT, to enable auto brands, agencies and dealers to target in-market car shoppers with dynamic, localized incentives on Facebook. The solution’s public launch marks a milestone in automotive advertising.
Key Ring launched its latest features enhancement, known as Key Ring Express. As a result, users now receive notifications triggered by beacons and geo-fence targeting within 100 meters of store locations. Signaling its top position as the go-to mobile shopping app, Key Ring also was selected as the winner in the category of “Best Mobile App for E-Commerce & Retail” at the 2014 Digiday Mobi Awards.
Gannett Publishing Services:
In 2011, Gannett Publishing Services (GPS) was formed to improve the efficiency of, and reduce the cost associated with, the production and distribution of Gannett’s printed products across all divisions in the U.S. In 2014, GPS completed its third year of directly managing the production and distribution functions for all of Gannett’s domestic publications, including all community newspapers and USA TODAY. GPS provides printing services in 35 U.S. locations and distribution services in all 50 states. Providing an efficient, cost-effective print platform and distribution network has resulted in substantial cost savings and
superior operational performance. GPS continues to generate new revenue opportunities by leveraging its existing assets to provide advertising production, printing and packaging, and distribution services to third parties as an integrated nationwide business.
During 2014, GPS reduced annualized distribution costs and production costs by over $16 million as a result of consolidation, automation and other efficiency efforts.
Sourcing:
The Sourcing initiative focuses on leveraging company-wide spending in key procurement categories and savings from contract renegotiations, increasing the efficiencies of operations as well as system enhancements to realize savings across all divisions. The goal of this initiative is to continually review consumption patterns and find efficient, productive ways to conduct business through centralized sourcing and procurement from negotiated partner agreements. In 2014, these efforts resulted in cost reductions of $69 million in specifically targeted spending categories.
5
Space Consolidation:
The space consolidation initiative continues to proceed as we closed on a number of real estate sales opportunities and consolidated expiring leases. The real estate team focuses continually on portfolio optimization which includes selling older, underutilized buildings, relocating to more efficient, flexible, digitally-oriented office space, reconfiguring spaces to take advantage of leasing and subleasing opportunities, and combining operations where possible. Since the beginning of 2012, we have sold 54 properties consisting of more than 3 million square feet of space and more than 100 acres of excess land for a total of almost $140 million. Recent examples include the Detroit Free Press moving from a 100-year old building of approximately 326,000 square feet to a state-of-the-art, digital media facility in leased office space of 85,000 square feet; and The Indianapolis Star’s move from its 100-year old building of approximately 325,000 square feet to 104,000 square feet of space with a “mission-control” digital news hub.
Capital Allocation:
Our approach to capital allocation is a key source of financial strength in support of current initiatives as well as providing flexibility for future opportunities. We spent $76 million in 2014 to repurchase 2.7 million of our shares, at an average price per share of $28.13. This share repurchase program was temporarily suspended upon the announcement of the Cars.com acquisition, but was re-initiated in February of 2015, well ahead of the timeline we had previously anticipated, as a result of our strong operating performance and the strength of our balance sheet. We have completed more than 50% of our $300 million authorization with 5.6 million shares repurchased at an average price of $27.03 per share.
In addition, dividends of $.80 per share were again distributed in 2014, allowing us to maximize the allocation of capital to provide strong return to shareholders during our growth and expansion efforts.
Strategic Actions, Acquisitions and Dispositions
In August 2014, we announced a plan to create two publicly traded companies: one exclusively focused on the Broadcasting and Digital businesses, and the other on the Publishing business. The transaction will create two focused companies with increased opportunities to grow organically across all businesses as well as pursue strategic acquisitions and is expected to be completed in mid-2015.
Strategic acquisitions continue to be a key component of our effort to grow our higher-margin businesses, and to accelerate growth by entering into or expanding high potential businesses across all of our segments. At the same time we announced the spin-off of our Publishing business, we also announced an agreement to acquire full ownership of Cars.com (formerly known as Classified Ventures, LLC). In October 2014, we acquired the remaining 73% interest in Cars.com, for $1.8 billion. Acquiring full ownership of Cars.com doubled Gannett’s Digital Segment, further accelerated our digital transformation and expanded our leading position in local media and marketing services in the automotive sector, one of the largest and most important categories for local marketing and advertising revenue.
In July 2014, we acquired six of London Broadcasting Company’s television stations in Texas for $215 million in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition included KCEN (NBC) in Waco-Temple-Bryan, KYTX (CBS) in Tyler-Longview, KIII (ABC) in Corpus Christi, KBMT (ABC) and its digital sub-channel KJAC (NBC) in Beaumont-Port Arthur, KXVA (FOX) in Abilene-Sweetwater and KIDY (FOX) in San Angelo. The purchase of these stations further deepened our broadcasting presence in the state of Texas without any overlap of Gannett’s current local broadcast and publishing portfolio.
In June 2014, we, along with Sander Media LLC, completed the previously announced sale of KTVK-TV and KASW-TV in Phoenix, AZ, to Meredith Corporation. As part of the sale, Sander Media conveyed to Meredith substantially all of its assets used in the operation of both KTVK-TV and KASW-TV, which Sander Media acquired upon completion of the Gannett-Belo transaction on December 23, 2013. We also conveyed certain other assets that we used to provide services to both KTVK-TV and KASW-TV, which we acquired from Belo upon close of the Gannett-Belo transaction. At the closing, Meredith simultaneously conveyed KASW-TV to SagamoreHill of Phoenix, LLC, which, through its affiliates, owns and operates two television stations in two markets.
In February 2014, we, along with Sander Media LLC, completed the sale of KMOV-TV in St. Louis, MO, to Meredith Corporation, following the receipt of regulatory approvals. The total sale price of the combined stations (KTVK-TV and KASW-TV in Phoenix and KMOV-TV in St. Louis) was $407.5 million.
We are now the largest independent station group of major network affiliates in the top 25 markets, with 18 stations in those markets. Excluding owner operators, we are now the largest owner of CBS affiliates and expanded our NBC affiliate group, which is already No. 1. We are the No. 4 ABC affiliate group.
In the Digital Segment, CareerBuilder acquired Broadbean, a leader in job distribution, candidate sourcing and big data analytics software, in April 2014. This acquisition was the latest step in CareerBuilder’s evolution as the premiere HR Software as a Service (SaaS) provider and focuses on bring recruiters and HR managers a faster, more convenient and more cost-effective way to acquire talent. Broadbean posts jobs on more than 6,000 job boards and social networks in 183 countries and has more than 60,000 users. Broadbean distributes more than 2 million jobs and generates more than 10 million job applications each month. Broadbean uses one interface to seamlessly search across various resume databases and, like CareerBuilder, offers powerful analytics around sourcing candidates and hires.
After the end of our fiscal year, we sold Gannett Healthcare Group (GHG) on December 29, 2014, to OnCourse Learning, an online education and training provider. GHG is a leading provider of continuing education, certification test preparation, online recruitment, digital media, publications and related services for nurses and other healthcare professionals in the United States.
General Company Information
Gannett was founded by Frank E. Gannett and associates in 1906 and was incorporated in 1923. We listed shares publicly for the first time in 1967 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1972. Our 227 million outstanding shares of common stock are held by approximately 7,200 shareholders of record in all 50 states and several foreign countries. We are headquartered in McLean, VA, near Washington, DC.
Business Segments
We have three principal business segments: Broadcasting, Publishing and Digital. Operating revenues and income from desktop, smartphone and tablet products associated with publishing operations are reported in the Publishing Segment. Operating revenues and income from desktop, smartphone and tablet products associated with broadcasting stations are reported in the Broadcasting Segment.
Financial information for each of our reportable segments can be found under Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
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Broadcasting Segment
Our Broadcasting Segment continues to achieve strategic growth following our acquisition of Belo Corp. on Dec. 23, 2013 and in 2014, six of London Broadcasting Company’s television stations in Texas. The purchase of these stations further deepens our broadcasting presence in the state of Texas without any overlap of our current local broadcast and publishing portfolio.
With the Belo and London transactions, we now have a presence in almost one-third of U.S. television households with a total market reach of more than 35 million households. Our station portfolio has doubled from 23 full-power stations to 46, including stations serviced by Gannett through shared services or other similar arrangements. Today we are more diversified by region and network affiliation and are now a leading company in the industry. Other than the Big Four networks themselves, we are the largest owner of Big Four affiliated stations in the top 25 markets.
Broadcasting Segment revenue in 2014 more than doubled to a new record and was up significantly on a pro forma basis as well. We are ahead of schedule in achieving the synergies we projected at the time we announced the Belo and London transactions, such as achieving higher retransmission consent rates and reducing redundant corporate costs. In addition, we are also increasing revenue share, audience share, and increasing operating efficiencies by applying numerous centralized services to those stations.
Broadcast affiliates and their network partners continue to have the broadest appeal in terms of household viewership, viewing time, and audience reach. The overall reach of events such as the Olympics and NFL Football, along with our extensive local news and non-news programming, continues to surpass the reach in viewership of individual cable channels. Our ratings and reach are driven by the quality of programs we and our network partners produce and by the strong local connections we have to our communities, which gives us a unique position among the numerous program choices viewers have, regardless of platform. Regarding retransmission consent revenues, broadcasters in each market combined represent about a third of all viewing, but only about a sixth of all subscriber fees. The market is continuing to align itself between audience and subscriber fees.
The primary sources of our broadcasting revenues are: 1) core advertising which includes local and national non-political advertising; 2) political advertising revenues which are driven by elections and peak in even years (e.g. 2014, 2012) and particularly in the second half of those years; 3) retransmission revenues representing fees paid by satellite and cable networks and telecommunications companies to carry our television signals on their network; 4) digital revenues which encompass digital marketing services and advertising on the stations’ website, tablet and mobile products; and 5) payments by advertisers to television stations for other services, such as production of programming from third parties and production of advertising material.
The advertising revenues generated by a station’s local news programs make up a significant part of its total revenues. Advertising rates are influenced by the demand for advertising time. This demand is influenced by a variety of factors, including the size and demographics of the local population, the concentrations of retail stores, local economic conditions in general, and the popularity of the station’s programming. As the market fluctuates with supply and demand, so does the station’s pricing. Almost all national advertising is placed through independent advertising representatives. Local advertising time is sold by each station’s own sales force.
Generally, a network provides programs to its affiliated television stations and sells on its own behalf commercial advertising for certain of the available advertising spots within the network programs. Our television stations produce local programming such as news, sports, and entertainment.
Retransmission consent and affiliation agreements:
Pursuant to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, every three years a local television station must elect to either (1) require cable and/or direct broadcasting satellite operators to carry the station’s signal or (2) enter into retransmission consent negotiations for carriage. At present, we have retransmission consent agreements with the majority of cable operators and the primary satellite providers for carriage of our television stations. We also have retransmission agreements with several major telecommunications companies.
Revenue from television retransmission fees has increased steadily in the last several years, better reflecting the value of the content that our Broadcasting Segment provides. While core advertising still represents a majority of broadcasting revenues, the contribution from retransmission revenues continues to grow.
In 2014, we completed retransmission negotiations with more than 300 providers. These are multi-year agreements that provide us with significant and steady revenue streams. Retransmission revenues are expected to grow significantly in 2015 and beyond.
On the affiliation agreement side, our ABC affiliation agreement was just renewed through 2018, a deal that includes those stations acquired from Belo and London Broadcasting as well as our original Gannett stations. Other affiliation agreements with CBS and NBC are staggered as a result of those recent acquisitions.
Programming and production:
The costs of locally produced and purchased syndicated programming are a significant portion of television operating expenses. Syndicated programming costs are determined based upon largely uncontrollable market factors, including demand from the independent and affiliated stations within the market. In recent years, our television stations have emphasized our locally produced news and entertainment programming in an effort to provide programs that distinguish the stations from the competition, to increase locally responsible programming, and to be more cost effective.
Our television stations led the way in covering major news events during 2014. We also lead our communities by rallying and engaging people to participate in making our communities stronger, better places to work and live. For example, we leveraged our broad footprint for our coverage of the Ferguson, MO, civil unrest in 2014, with our coverage spanning more than four months and including journalists from across Gannett Broadcasting and USA TODAY. However, we also focused on finding solutions and affecting positive change through our #STL Together campaign, which created a pathway for dialog. #STL Together brought community leaders together to urge calm and promote unity. From the Ferguson police shooting and rioting, to the school shooting outside of Seattle, WA, to our nationwide Ebola coverage, Broadcasting provided strong community leadership on the issues as well as outstanding in-depth news coverage on-air, online and through our mobile devices.
Gannett television stations also led the way on the ratings side for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Gannett NBC-affiliated stations, including those we service, took the top four spots in prime time and the top three spots in every Olympic day part among major market NBC stations within the most important demographic, adults 25 to 54. In prime time, KARE in Minneapolis-St. Paul was No. 1; KUSA in Denver, No. 2; KGW in Portland, OR, No. 3; and KING in Seattle was No. 4. We also saw extremely strong carry-over from prime time to late night news. Throughout the year, the division continued working closely with USA TODAY and USCP to develop and enhance content for consumers.
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Stations collectively made a difference in their local communities by participating in our national Make A Difference Day. NBC joined the initiative this year, bringing more national attention to the effort, which was fully supported by our Broadcasting stations. Efforts ranged from 13,000 kids in Portland, OR, receiving school supplies, thanks to KGW, to two soldiers in Knoxville receiving a renovated and furnished home as a result of WBIR leading the effort.
This year Gannett stations earned a number of prestigious journalism awards including three Alfred I. DuPont awards (KPNX in Phoenix, WLTX in Columbia, SC, and WTSP in Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL), a George Polk Award, National Emmys, Peabody and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards. The following six broadcast properties received eight National Murrow Awards: WXIA in Atlanta, WGRZ in Buffalo, WFAA in Dallas, KARE in Minneapolis-St. Paul, KING in Seattle and WBIR in Knoxville, which accepted the award for Overall Excellence. No other broadcast company won as many national Murrow awards.
Competition:
In each of its broadcast markets, our stations and affiliated digital platforms compete for revenues with other network-affiliated and independent television broadcasters and with other advertising media, such as radio broadcasters, cable television, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, out-of-home advertising and Internet media. Other sources of present and potential competition for our broadcasting properties include home video and audio recorders and players, direct broadcasting satellite, low power television, Internet radio, video offerings (both wire line and wireless) of telephone companies as well as developing video services. The stations compete in the emerging local electronic media space, which includes Internet or Internet-enabled devices, handheld wireless devices such as mobile phones and tablets, social media platforms, digital spectrum opportunities associated with DTV and the new Internet-enabled television. The technology that enables consumers to receive news and information continues to evolve. Our broadcasting stations compete principally on the basis of their audience share, advertising rates and audience composition.
The Broadcasting Segment continues to focus on increasing engagement on all platforms with local customers. As was the case the last several years, Gannett television stations saw growth in digital metrics as the stations’ content remains in high demand and product improvements continue to be favorably received by consumers. In 2014, total digital visitors were up 33% pro forma while total digital page views were up 12% pro forma. Mobile, including phones and tablets, apps and mobile web, grew significantly in 2014 and now accounts for 43% of the total digital page views. Digital video plays increased 34% pro forma as video continues to be highly desired on all platforms. Product enhancements to both the desktop and mobile digital products occur every year and are part of a continuous cycle of improving the customer experience and increasing consumer engagement.
Broadcasting is positioned to maximize engagement through social media. The synergistic relationship between social media and television is strong and we continue to explore ways to socially engage consumers on all screens for all types of programs. From major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and March Madness, to signature television events like the Grammy or Academy Award shows, to national breaking news events like the Ferguson police shooting or local news events like record snow storms in Buffalo, social media influences what people watch, what they share and what they talk about. Our social media reach doubled in 2014 and now counts over 8 million fans and followers for Twitter and Facebook.
Regulation:
Our television stations are operated under the authority of the FCC, the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act), and the rules and policies of the FCC (FCC Regulations).
Television broadcast licenses are granted for periods of eight years. They are renewable upon application to the FCC and usually are renewed except in rare cases in which a petition to deny, a complaint or an adverse finding as to the licensee’s qualifications results in loss of the license. We believe we are in substantial compliance with all applicable provisions of the Communications Act and FCC Regulations. We continue to file license renewal applications for our stations, including for several stations with license renewal applications pending from the last round of license renewals, and we expect these renewals to be granted in the ordinary course.
FCC Regulations also limit concentration of broadcasting control and regulate network and local programming practices. FCC Regulations govern multiple media ownership, limit, or in some cases prohibit, the common ownership or control of most communications media serving common market areas (for example, television and radio; television and daily newspapers; or radio and daily newspapers). The Communications Act includes a national ownership cap under which one company is permitted to serve no more than 39% of all U.S. television households. The market reach of stations that broadcast on UHF channels is discounted by 50% (the UHF discount). Our 42 television stations (excluding four stations we currently service under shared services and similar arrangements) reach approximately 24% of U.S. television households, applying the UHF discount. The FCC has proposed repeal of the UHF discount, and that proceeding remains pending. Without applying the UHF discount, our national reach would be approximately 29%. FCC Regulations permit common ownership of two television stations in the same market in certain defined circumstances, including situations where at least one of the commonly owned stations is outside the market’s top four rated stations at the time of acquisition and at least eight independent media “voices” remain after the acquisition.
FCC Regulations prohibit a television station owner from owning a daily newspaper in cases where the station’s contour encompasses the newspaper’s city of publication. In 2007, the FCC granted a permanent waiver authorizing our continued ownership of both KPNX-TV and The Arizona Republic in Phoenix, AZ. The FCC commenced a new review of its ownership rules in 2014, as it is required to do every four years. The FCC has proposed to retain the local television ownership rule, and proposed a modest relaxation of the newspaper/broadcast rule. Also in 2014, the FCC determined that certain joint sales agreements (JSAs) between television stations will be treated as attributable ownership interests. We are not parties to JSAs that will be made attributable under this rule. The FCC has proposed to require disclosure of shared services agreements and local news agreements. The current chair of the FCC has stated that he expects the ownership review commenced in 2014 to be completed by mid-2016. We are party to shared services agreements with certain third parties that own stations in markets where we also own daily newspapers. We are unable to predict whether or how the FCC’s rules in this area may change.
Congress has adopted legislation requiring the FCC to make changes to the rules concerning negotiation of retransmission consent agreements (which govern cable and satellite operators’ carriage of our signals). It is possible that in the future, Congress and the FCC will make additional changes to the Communications Act and to the statutory cable and satellite copyright regime, and to other FCC Regulations, respectively, including the rules concerning negotiation of retransmission consent; local exclusivity with respect to network and syndicated content; and other rules and policies
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affecting our operations. As authorized by and pursuant to certain requirements established by Congress, the FCC has adopted certain rules and is seeking comment on additional rules to govern a voluntary “incentive auction” to reallocate certain spectrum currently occupied by television broadcast stations to mobile wireless broadband services, along with a related “repacking” of the television spectrum for remaining television stations. The repacking may entail television stations moving to different channels, having smaller service areas, and/or accepting additional interference. Congress has required that the FCC make “all reasonable efforts” to preserve the coverage area and population served of full-power and Class A television stations. The FCC’s interpretation of this requirement is subject to a judicial appeal. The legislation authorizing the repacking establishes a $1.75 billion fund for reimbursement of costs incurred by stations that are required to change channels in the repacking. It is too early to predict the likelihood, timing or outcome of any additional FCC regulatory action in this regard or the ultimate impact of the incentive auction and repacking upon our business.
In December 2014, the FCC proposed to expand the definition of multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) to include certain “over-the-top” distributors of video programming that stream content to consumers over the Internet. If the FCC adopts this proposal, it could result in changes to how our stations’ signals are distributed, as well as how our video programming competitors reach viewers. We are unable to predict at this time whether the FCC will adopt this proposal or what the effect on our retransmission and advertising revenues will be, if any.
Publishing Segment
Our publishing business comprises 100 daily publications and digital platforms in the U.S. and U.K., including more than 400 non-daily publications in the U.S. and more than 125 such titles in the U.K. All of our local publishing operations and affiliated digital products operate through fully integrated shared support, sales and service platforms. Other businesses that are part of the publishing business include:
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Clipper Magazine, a direct mail advertising magazine that publishes hundreds of local market editions under the brands Local Flavor, Clipper Magazine, Savvy Shopper and Mint Magazine in 29 states to more than 27 million consumers.
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Gannett Government Media, a worldwide multimedia business with digital, print and broadcast media properties focused on government, military and defense technology audiences.
More than 73 million unique visitors access USA TODAY every month through desktops, smartphones and tablets; and 30.1 million unique visitors seek out USCP digital media monthly. Collectively, U.S. print products reach approximately 9.7 million dedicated U.S. readers every weekday, approximately 10.5 million every Sunday.
USA TODAY is currently the nation’s number one newspaper in consolidated print and digital circulation, according to the Alliance for Audited Media’s September 2014 Publisher’s Statement, with total daily circulation of 4.1 million and Sunday circulation of 3.7 million, which includes daily print, digital replica, digital non-replica, and branded editions. Our branded editions include the USA TODAY Local sections that are inserted into 35 community newspapers as of year-end. USA TODAY in February 2015 announced partnership deals with several non-Gannett news organizations to include the USA TODAY Local Edition as part of their print and digital offering to readers.
USA TODAY was introduced in 1982 as the country’s first national, general-interest daily publication. In 2014, we continued to build upon the success of 2013, solidifying our position as a leader
in digital content. Cross platform page views grew to an average of more than 1.2 billion a month, an increase of 13% over 2013. Our mobile products helped drive that growth, with an average 54% growth in monthly page views, reaching a high of more than 450 million page views. USA TODAY mobile visitors totaled 44.8 million in December 2014, reaching 25% of the mobile audience. This was a 33% increase from December 2013, according to comScore Mobile Metrix. In addition, USA TODAY's award-winning app is a top news app with 21.2 million downloads across iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows and Kindle Fire.
Newsquest’s digital audience increased substantially during 2014, with audited average daily unique users rising by 36%. Newsquest has a total average readership of approximately 6 million every week. During the year, Newsquest journalists took top prizes in five categories in the U.K.-wide Regional Press Awards.
USA TODAY digital and print content is produced at facilities in McLean, VA, and transmitted digitally to offset printing plants around the country. It is printed at our plants in 13 U.S. markets and commercially at offset plants owned by other print providers in 23 other U.S. markets.
Publishing non-daily products continued to be an important part of our market strategy in 2014. We produce non-daily publications in the U.S., including glossy lifestyle magazines, community publications and publications focused on a specific topic, such as health or cars.
Our strategy for non-daily publications is to appeal to key advertising segments (e.g., affluent women, families with children or young readers). Non-daily products help our print operations increase overall impressions and frequency for advertisers looking to reach specific audience segments or in some cases, like community weeklies, provide a lower price point alternative for smaller advertisers with specific geographic targets, thus helping to increase the local media organization’s local market share.
Audience research:
As our publishing businesses relentlessly pursue their mission to meet consumers’ news and information needs anytime, anywhere and on any platform, we remain focused on an audience aggregation strategy. We consider the reach and coverage of our products across multiple platforms and measure the frequency with which consumers interact with each product to ensure our audiences remain highly engaged.
For example, results from a 2014 Scarborough Newspaper Penetration Report indicate two out of three adults in the Gannett Wisconsin East markets either read the print version of our publications (Appleton Post-Crescent/Fond du Lac Reporter/Green Bay Press-Gazette/Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter/Oshkosh Northwestern) or visit their web sites. This makes the Wisconsin East group the top-ranked local publishing operation in the country for integrated (combined print and online) audience penetration. According to the same report, three other USCP media organizations ranked in the Top 10: the Rochester (NY) Democrat and Chronicle ranked No. 3; the Des Moines Register, No. 8; and The Courier-Journal in Louisville, KY, No. 10.
We have gathered audience aggregation data for 55 of our markets and will continue to add more data in 2015. Aggregated audience data allows advertising sales staff to provide detailed information to advertisers about how best to reach their potential customers and the most effective product combination and frequency. This approach enables us to increase total advertising revenue potential while maximizing advertiser effectiveness.
In addition to the audience-based initiative, we continue to measure customer attitudes, behaviors and opinions to better understand customers’ digital use patterns and use qualitative research with audiences and advertisers to better determine their needs. In 2014, the USCP research group launched an ongoing
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consumer satisfaction program in key markets. The initial wave included more than 7,600 interviews with consumers in 12 markets.
The group also conducted extensive consumer research regarding the integration of a USA TODAY edition into Gannett local newspapers resulting in USA TODAY now being inserted in 35 of our local USCP publications. Research showed that our subscribers reacted very favorably with nearly half saying they were more satisfied than before the addition of USA TODAY, and a third of them reporting they spend more time with the newspaper because of the additional USA TODAY content.
Advertising:
We have advertising departments that sell retail, classified and national advertising across multiple platforms including print, online, mobile, tablet as well as niche publications. We have a national advertising sales force focused on the largest national advertisers and a separate sales organization to support classified employment sales - the Digital Employment Sales Center. G/O Digital provides marketing specialists to small and medium-sized businesses, and our Client Solutions groups provide customized marketing solutions. We have relationships with outside representative firms that specialize in the selling of national ads.
Retail display advertising is associated with local merchants or locally owned businesses. Retail includes regional and national chains - such as department and grocery stores - that sell in the local market.
National advertising is display advertising principally from advertisers who are promoting national products or brands. Examples are pharmaceuticals, travel, airlines, or packaged goods. Both retail and national ads include preprints, typically stand-alone multiple page fliers that are inserted in the daily print product.
Classified advertising includes the major categories of automotive, employment, legal and real estate/rentals. Advertising for classified segments is published in the classified sections, in other sections within the publication, on affiliated digital platforms and in niche magazines that specialize in the segment.
Proprietary research indicates that local and national advertisers find it challenging to manage the complexity of their marketing investment, particularly digital solutions. They are seeking to reach an increasingly elusive audience and are struggling to influence attitudes and behavior at each stage of the purchase path. To help advertisers solve this problem, a refined approach to media planning was created to present advertisers with targeted, integrated solutions. The planning process leverages our considerable advantage in data analysis and secondary research. The result is a tailored media/marketing plan where the individual elements work in concert to amplify and reinforce the advertiser’s message.
USCP continues to use online reader panels in 18 markets to measure advertising recall and effectiveness, article response, and identify consumer sentiment and trends. The reader panels include more than 30,000 opt-in respondents who have provided valuable feedback on more than 8,100 advertisements and 5,800 news articles. This capability allows sales staff in markets to provide deeper insights and return-on-investment metrics to advertisers.
Our consultative multi-media sales approach has been tailored to all levels of advertisers, from small, locally owned merchants to large, complex businesses. Along with this sales approach, we have intensified our sales and management training and improved the quality of sales calls. Digital product integration, sales pipeline management and a five-step consultative sales process were focus areas in 2014, with formal training delivered in all our markets. Front-line sales managers in all USCP markets participated in intensive training to help them coach their sales executives for top performance.
Online operations:
In support of the All Access Content Subscription Model, we continue to invest in a significant expansion of mobile offerings across local markets, including native applications for iPhone and Android smartphones and iPads and tablet-optimized web sites. The mobile audience at our USCP markets continued to grow in 2014, ultimately making up approximately 30% of total page views, with mobile web sites and the native iPhone applications leading the way.
Through the All Access Content Subscription Model, we made a clear commitment to provide consumers with the content they most want on the devices they use to access news and information about their local communities. Mobile page views increased 114% and mobile visitors increased 184% in 2014 on a year-over-year basis.
In 2013, we implemented a social media content management software tool to allow the division’s journalists and marketing and customer service teams to more effectively manage multiple social media profiles and significantly increase their responsiveness and engagement with consumers.
We continue to enjoy a long-standing relationship of trust in our local business communities. Our advertising sales staff delivers solutions for our customers. Our digital marketing services provide localized marketing solutions to national and small to medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate the increasingly complex and diverse world of digital marketing. In 2014, we further expanded our G/O Digital suite of products and continued our partnership with Yahoo! to offer more digital solutions to advertisers. Through this, we are able to offer our customers expanded digital reach.
The overriding objective of our digital strategy is to provide compelling content that best serves our customers. A key reason customers turn to our digital platforms is to find local news and information. The credibility of the local media organization, a known and trusted information source, includes its digital platforms (tablet, mobile applications and its web site) and differentiates these digital sources from competing digital products. This allows our local media organizations to compete successfully as information providers.
A second objective in our digital business development is to leverage the natural synergies between the local media organizations and local digital platforms. The local content, customer relationships, news and advertising sales staff, and promotional capabilities are all competitive advantages for us. Our strategy is to use these advantages to create strong and timely content, sell packaged advertising products that meet the needs of advertisers, operate efficiently and leverage the known and trusted brand of the local media organization.
Gannett Media Technology International (GMTI) builds, manages and maintains the infrastructure that supports the desktop, mobile and native app digital presence associated with our U.S. newspaper and television businesses. GMTI partners with Gannett development teams to design applications and deliver platform enhancements in accelerated, iterative cycles with stringent quality standards. GMTI also provides application support and training for our teams across the country.
Circulation:
USCP delivers content in print and online, via mobile devices and tablets. Digital access increased across all publications, driven by the All Access Content Subscription Model. USCP’s All Access Content Subscription Model has more than 1.6 million digitally activated subscribers, enabling them easy access to content-rich products. In a trend generally consistent with the domestic publishing industry, print circulation volume declined in 2014.
EZ Pay, a payment system which automatically deducts subscription payments from customers’ credit cards or bank accounts, enhances the subscriber retention rate. At the end of 2014, EZ Pay was used by 63% of all subscribers at our USCP sites.
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For USCP, single copy represents approximately 15% of daily and 24% of Sunday net paid circulation volume.
The single copy price of USA TODAY at newsstands and vending machines was $2.00 in 2014. Mail subscriptions are available nationwide and abroad, and home, hotel and office delivery is available in many markets. Approximately 82% of its net paid circulation results are from single-copy sales at newsstands, vending machines or provided to hotel guests. The remainder is from home and office delivery, mail, educational and other sales.
At the end of 2014, 71 of our domestic daily publications, including USA TODAY, were published in the morning, and 11 were published in the evening.
Production and distribution:
In 2011, Gannett Publishing Services, or GPS, was formed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost associated with producing and distributing our printed products across all divisions in the United States. GPS directly manages the production and distribution operations for all of our domestic publishing operations including all community newspapers and USA TODAY.
GPS leverages our existing assets, including employee talent and experience, physical plants and equipment, and its vast national and local distribution networks. GPS is responsible for imaging, advertising production, page processing, internal and external printing and packaging, and internal and external distribution of our printed products. We continue to benefit from consolidations of print facilities and the optimization of our carrier force and routing structure within our distribution network.
Gannett Imaging and Ad Design Centers (GIADC), which are utilized for commercial imaging and advertising production, serve 81 publishing properties, including USA TODAY and all USCP dailies with the exception of Guam, our Broadcasting properties, and complete special projects for other internal businesses. GIADC is utilized for commercial imaging and/or advertising production by 44 external customers. In 2014, we completed the centralization of our page-release process into the GIADC centers, resulting in standardization and efficiencies. The GIADC now handles the step between the creation of the printed pages at our five regional Design Studios and the production at both internal and external plants.
At the end of 2014, almost all USCP and USA TODAY employees were utilizing a common content management system. The common content management system enables the communication and collaboration needed to build strong design remotely. The studios are operationally efficient while enhancing design in company-wide publications.
Newsquest operates its publishing activities around regional centers to maximize the use of management, finance, printing and personnel resources. This enables the group to offer readers and advertisers a range of attractive products across the market. The clustering of titles and, usually, the publication of a free print product alongside a paid-for print product, allows cross-selling of advertising serving the same or contiguous markets, satisfying the needs of its advertisers and audiences.
Newsquest produces free and paid-for print products with quality local editorial content. Newsquest also distributes advertising leaflets in the communities it serves. Most of Newsquest’s paid-for distribution is outsourced to wholesalers, although direct delivery is employed as well to maximize circulation sales opportunities.
Newspaper partnerships:
We own a 19.49% interest in California Newspapers Partnership, which includes 19 daily California newspapers; a 40.64% interest in Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, which includes six daily newspapers in Texas and New Mexico and four newspapers in Pennsylvania; a 13.50% interest in Ponderay Newsprint Company in the state of Washington; and a 50% partnership interest in TNI Partners, which provides service to a non-Gannett publication in Tucson, AZ.
Competition:
Our publishing operations and affiliated digital platforms compete with other media and digital ventures for advertising. Publishing operations also compete for circulation and readership against other professional news and information operations and amateur content creators. Very few of our publishing operations have daily competitors that are published in the same city. Most of our print products compete with other print products published in suburban areas, nearby cities and towns, free-distribution and paid-advertising publications (such as weeklies), and other media, including magazines, television, direct mail, cable television, radio, outdoor advertising, directories, e-mail marketing, web sites and mobile-device platforms.
The rate of development of opportunities in, and competition from, digital media, including web site, tablet and mobile products, is increasing. Through internal development, content distribution programs, acquisitions and partnerships, our efforts to explore new opportunities in the news, information and communications business and in audience generation will keep expanding.
We continue to seek more effective ways to engage with local communities using all available media platforms and tools.
Environmental regulation:
We are committed to protecting the environment. Our goal is to ensure our facilities comply with federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and to incorporate appropriate environmental practices and standards in our operations. We are one of the industry leaders in the use of recycled newsprint, increasing our purchase of newsprint containing recycled content from 42,000 metric tons in 1989 to 138,980 metric tons in 2014. During 2014, 37% of our domestic newsprint purchases contained recycled content, with an average recycled content of 45%. Additional information about our environmental and sustainability initiatives can be found on page 13.
Our operations use inks, solvents and fuels. The use, management and disposal of these substances are sometimes regulated by environmental agencies. We retain a corporate environmental consultant who, along with internal and outside counsel, oversees regulatory compliance and preventive measures. Some of our subsidiaries have been included among the potentially responsible parties in connection with sites that have been identified as possibly requiring environmental remediation. Additional information about these matters can be found in Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings, in this Form 10-K.
Raw materials:
Newsprint, which is the basic raw material used in print publication, has been and may continue to be subject to significant price changes from time to time. During 2014, our total newsprint consumption was 377,467 metric tons, including consumption by USA TODAY, tonnage at non-Gannett print sites and Newsquest. Newsprint consumption was 7% less than in 2013. We purchase newsprint from 15 domestic and global suppliers.
In 2014, global newsprint supplies were adequate. We continue to moderate newsprint consumption and expense through press web-width reductions and the use of lighter basis weight paper. We believe available sources of newsprint, together with present inventories, will continue to be adequate to supply the needs of our publishing operations.
Joint operating agencies:
Our publishing subsidiary in Detroit participates in a joint operating agency (JOA). The JOA performs the production, sales and distribution functions for the subsidiary and another publishing company under a joint operating agreement. Operating results for the Detroit JOA are fully consolidated along with a charge for the minority partner’s share of profits.
11
Digital Segment
The largest businesses within our Digital Segment are Cars.com, CareerBuilder, PointRoll and Shoplocal.
In October 2014, we acquired the remaining 73% interest we did not already own in Cars.com. With the acquisition, Cars.com joined CareerBuilder.com and several other online companies in Gannett’s digital business.
Launched in 1998, Cars.com is a leading independent research site for car shoppers with approximately 30 million visits per month.
I
ndependent automotive research sites have become an integral part of today’s car shopping process. Today, nearly all consumers visit a third-party site such as Cars.com during their shopping journey to research vehicle and dealership information and build confidence in the decision-making proce
ss.
Cars.com offers credible and easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to provide car buyers greater control over the shopping process. Leveraging its growing audience, Cars.com informs digital marketing strategies through consumer insights and innovative products, helping automotive dealers and manufacturers more effectively reach in-market car shoppers. Cars.com hosts approximately 4 million vehicle listings and serves more than 20,000 customers that are primarily franchise and independent car dealers in all 50 states
. In January 2015, Cars.com expanded into the area of service, introducing a solution that provides information about reputable repair shops and allows consumers to get estimates on potential vehicle repairs. Cars.com is located in Chicago, IL.
CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target, attract and retain talent. Through constant innovation, unparalleled technology, and customer care delivered at every touch point, CareerBuilder helps match the right talent with the right opportunity more than any other site.
CareerBuilder offers a wide array of services and works with the world’s top employers, providing everything from labor market intelligence to talent management software and other recruitment solutions. CareerBuilder is changing the way companies source, engage and re-engage talent. CareerBuilder1 is a single sign-on HR software solution that leverages advertising, data and technology into one pre-hire platform so employers can hire the best talent, faster. Most of the revenues are generated by its own sales force but substantial revenues are earned through sales of employment advertising placed with CareerBuilder’s owners’ affiliated media organizations.
Its online job site, CareerBuilder.com, is the largest in North America with the highest revenue.
Headquartered in Chicago, IL, CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Asia, Australia and South America. Its sites, combined with its partnerships, give CareerBuilder a presence in more than 60 markets worldwide.
In 2014, CareerBuilder acquired Broadbean Technology Limited, Broadbean Incorporated and Broadbean Technology PTY LTD (collectively Broadbean), headquartered in the U.K. Broadbean is the global leader in providing sophisticated, yet easy-to-use candidate sourcing tools that help recruiters improve efficiency and increase return on investment. Broadbean’s software makes it easy to distribute jobs and search for talent online, while providing tools that optimize the recruitment process and integrate internal systems. Broadbean’s analytics assist employers by giving insight on the most successful sourcing channels as well as providing metrics to increase effectiveness, ultimately lowering the cost of online recruitment spend. Broadbean is a leader in job distribution, candidate sourcing and big data analytics software.
PointRoll is a multi-screen digital advertising technology and services company. PointRoll enables advertisers, agencies, and publishers to create, target, deploy, and optimize digital campaigns in real time across any digital channel including display, rich media, in-stream video, mobile, tablet and more. PointRoll provides the creative tools, analytics and expertise marketers need to effectively engage consumers and convert them into buyers and brand supporters. Founded in May 2000, PointRoll has been instrumental in the evolution of digital engagement and has evolved beyond the expandable banner advertising to offer marketers the ability to find consumers wherever they are across any digital platform and deliver a relevant brand or direct response experience, dramatically improving advertising effectiveness while gaining actionable insights. PointRoll is headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, and maintains offices across the U.S.
Shoplocal is the leader in turnkey local, at scale interactive marketing that turns content into commerce for national retailers, brands and agencies. Shoplocal offers a complete suite of innovative digital advertising solutions to connect with shoppers along the path to purchase, driving measurable in-store sales and ROI. Shoplocal partners with more than 100 of the nation’s top retailers and brands, including CVS, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Publix, Staples, Target, Walmart and Walgreens, to deliver localized promotions to shoppers at national scale through online circulars, display advertising, search, social media, digital out of home and mobile. Shoplocal is headquartered in Chicago, IL.
Competition:
For Cars.com, i
n recent years dealers have shifted an increasing portion of their advertising budgets to new entrants with niche advertising products. Dealers also continue to invest in SEM and SEO to drive traffic directly to their own websites, bypassing third-party sites while still investing in traditional media such as television, radio and newspapers. Cars.com has maintained its leadership position through its award-winning site and through innovative new products for its advertisers. In the current competitive climate, the need to innovate and to connect an advertiser’s investment to eventual sales at a local level will be of increasing importance.
For CareerBuilder, the largest online employment site in North America, the market for online recruitment solutions is highly competitive with a multitude of online and offline competitors. Competitors include other employment related web sites, general classified advertising web sites, professional networking and social networking web sites, traditional media companies, Internet portals, search engines and blogs. The barriers for entry into the online recruitment market are relatively low and new competitors continue to emerge. Recent trends include the rising popularity of professional and social media networking websites which have gained traction with employer advertisers. The number of niche job boards targeting specific industry verticals has also continued to increase. CareerBuilder’s ability to maintain its existing customer base and generate new customers depends to a significant degree on the quality of its services, pricing, product innovation and reputation among customers and potential customers.
For PointRoll, the market for rich media advertising technology solutions is highly competitive. Competitors include divisions of larger public media and technology companies, and several earlier-stage independent rich media, dynamic ad, video, mobile, and social advertising technology specialists. The barriers to entry in the rich media market are moderate. Recent trends include the shift towards audience-centric, exchange-based media buying, entry of dynamic advertising generation specialists, the move towards automated creative design tools, and the shift toward video content online with associated in-stream advertising opportunities. Increasingly, marketers and their agencies are looking for advertising technology providers that can scale across media platforms, including rich
12
media, video and mobile. PointRoll’s ability to maintain and grow its customer base and revenue depends largely on its continued product innovation, level of service quality, depth of marketing analytics and ultimately the effectiveness of its rich media advertising and resulting customer satisfaction.
For Shoplocal, the market for digital store promotions is highly competitive and evolving as digital media transforms marketing programs. Shoplocal competitors in the online circular space are few. Media fragmentation continues to challenge retailers and Shoplocal is well positioned to deliver solutions to meet this challenge. Shoplocal anticipates continued benefits from growth in online-influenced offline retail sales. The scale of Shoplocal’s proprietary retail database and its established distribution partnerships is a source of advantage in this space. Shoplocal enables delivery of all types of promotional content to any digitally connected device across all platforms, a key factor with the continued surge in mobile and social usage among consumers.
Regulation and legislation
(impacting Digital Segment businesses and digital operations associated with Publishing and Broadcasting businesses):
The U.S. Congress has passed legislation which regulates certain aspects of the Internet, including content, copyright infringement, taxation, access charges, liability for third-party activities and jurisdiction. Federal, state, local and foreign governmental organizations have enacted and also are considering other legislative and regulatory proposals that would regulate the Internet. Areas of potential regulation include, but are not limited to, user privacy and intellectual property ownership. With respect to user privacy, the legislative and regulatory proposals could regulate behavioral advertising, which specifically refers to the use of user behavioral data for the creation and delivery of more relevant, targeted Internet advertisements. Some of our properties leverage certain aspects of user behavioral data in their solutions.
Employees
At the end of 2014, we and our subsidiaries had approximately 31,250 full-time and part-time employees including 2,800 CareerBuilder employees.
2014
2013
Broadcast
5,100
4,800
Publishing
20,950
23,000
Digital
4,400
3,000
Corporate and unallocated
800
800
Total company
31,250
31,600
Approximately 10% of our employees (including subsidiaries) in the U.S. are represented by labor unions. They are represented by 67 local bargaining units, most of which are affiliated with one of eight international unions under collective bargaining agreements. These agreements conform generally with the pattern of labor agreements in the publishing and broadcasting industries. We do not engage in industry-wide or company-wide bargaining. Our U.K. subsidiaries bargain with two unions over working practices, wages and health and safety issues only.
Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
We are committed to making smart decisions to protect the environment and manage our environmental impact responsibly. We have taken a number of steps to reduce our environmental impact and underscore our commitment to sustainability.
We have been an industry pioneer in switching to environmentally-friendly press products, such as low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) washes and fountain solutions and citrus-based press cleaners. All colored inks we use are soy-based rather than petroleum-based, and delivered in reusable containers. Our waste ink is recycled, either on-site or at the manufacturer’s facility. We continue to minimize landfill usage by collecting used paper, plastics and other materials for recycling and have substantially reduced water usage by switching to dry methods of photo processing and plate processing.
We have reduced greenhouse emissions by using newsprint vendors who practice sustainability, switching to light-weight newsprint, and reducing the web width of the newspapers printed.
We are focused on energy efficiency. We have relocated many employees in older facilities to newer, more energy efficient offices. We have also installed more energy efficient systems and appliances in many of our buildings. Since 2012, our energy reduction program has reduced estimated energy usage by almost 12 million kilowatt hours annually. For 2015, we have identified new projects to reduce power consumption further.
Our Green Operating Employee Group serves as a forum to review and recommend “green” ideas and practices. The group maintains an intranet site that provides an accessible, informative and interactive resource highlighting new and innovative green best practices which help our businesses and properties develop more sustainable operating practices.
Many of our media organizations cover environmental and sustainability issues. A good example is The Des Moines Register, which – in a journalistic first – used a combination of traditional print coverage and emerging digital technologies, including virtual reality, to examine how Iowa farm families are responding to climate change as well as cultural, economic and technological changes. The series was published across many of our other digital media properties.
Make A Difference Day is the nation’s largest day of volunteering. For more than 20 years, we have mobilized millions of people across the U.S. for this national day of service. Volunteer efforts often include environmentally beneficial projects such as planting trees or gardens, cleaning up trash and planting sod.
The Gannett Foundation supports non-profit activities in communities where we do business and contributes to a variety of charitable causes through its Community Grant Program. One of Gannett Foundation’s community action grant priorities is environmental conservation.
13
MARKETS WE SERVE
TELEVISION STATIONS AND AFFILIATED DIGITAL PLATFORMS
State/District of Columbia
City
Station/web site
Channel/Network
Affiliation Agreement Expires in
Weekly Audience
(5)
Founded
Arizona
Flagstaff
KNAZ-TV:
azcentral.com/12news
Ch. 2/NBC
2017
(6
)
1970
Phoenix
KPNX-TV:
azcentral.com/12news
Ch. 12/NBC
2017
1,187,000
1953
Tucson
KMSB-TV
(1)
:
tucsonnewsnow.com
Ch. 11/FOX
2016
212,000
1967
KTTU-TV
(1)
:
tucsonnewsnow.com
Ch. 18/MNTV
2016
81,000
1984
Arkansas
Little Rock
KTHV-TV:
todaysthv.com
Ch. 11/CBS
2015
416,000
1955
California
Sacramento
KXTV-TV:
news10.net
Ch. 10/ABC
2018
832,000
1955
Colorado
Denver
KTVD-TV:
ktvd.com
Ch. 20/MNTV
2016
562,000
1988
KUSA-TV:
9news.com
Ch. 9/NBC
2017
1,114,000
1952
District of Columbia
Washington
WUSA-TV:
wusa9.com
Ch. 9/CBS
2015
1,682,000
1949
Florida
Jacksonville
WJXX-TV:
firstcoastnews.com
Ch. 25/ABC
2018
390,000
1989
WTLV-TV:
firstcoastnews.com
Ch. 12/NBC
2017
450,000
1957
Tampa-St. Petersburg
WTSP-TV:
wtsp.com
Ch. 10/CBS
2015
1,238,000
1965
Georgia
Atlanta
WATL-TV:
myatltv.com
Ch. 36/MNTV
2016
737,000
1954
WXIA-TV:
11alive.com
Ch. 11/NBC
2017
1,512,000
1948
Macon
WMAZ-TV:
13wmaz.com
Ch. 13/CBS
2015
199,000
1953
Idaho
Boise
KTVB-TV
(3)
:
ktvb.com
Ch. 7/NBC
2015
191,000
1953
Kentucky
Louisville
WHAS-TV
(1)
:
whas11.com
Ch. 11/ABC
2018
456,000
1950
Louisiana
New Orleans
WWL-TV:
wwltv.com
Ch. 4/CBS
2017
556,000
1957
WUPL-TV
(4)
:
wupltv.com
Ch. 54/MNTV
2016
154,000
1955
Maine
Bangor
WLBZ-TV:
wlbz2.com
Ch. 2/NBC
2017
106,000
1954
Portland
WCSH-TV:
wcsh6.com
Ch. 6/NBC
2017
283,000
1953
Michigan
Grand Rapids
WZZM-TV:
wzzm13.com
Ch. 13/ABC
2018
350,000
1962
Minnesota
Minneapolis-St. Paul
KARE-TV:
kare11.com
Ch. 11/NBC
2017
1,269,000
1953
Missouri
St. Louis
KSDK-TV:
ksdk.com
Ch. 5/NBC
2017
964,000
1947
New York
Buffalo
WGRZ-TV:
wgrz.com
Ch. 2/NBC
2017
499,000
1954
North Carolina
Charlotte
WCNC-TV:
wcnc.com
Ch. 36/NBC
2015
734,000
1967
Greensboro
WFMY-TV:
digtriad.com
Ch. 2/CBS
2015
549,000
1949
Ohio
Cleveland
WKYC-TV:
wkyc.com
Ch. 3/NBC
2017
1,107,000
1948
Oregon
Portland
KGW-TV
(1)(2)
:
kgw.com
Ch. 8/NBC
2015
809,000
1956
South Carolina
Columbia
WLTX-TV:
wltx.com
Ch. 19/CBS
2015
278,000
1953
Tennessee
Knoxville
WBIR-TV:
wbir.com
Ch. 10/NBC
2017
449,000
1956
Texas
Abilene-Sweetwater
KXVA-TV:
myfoxzone.com
Ch. 15/FOX
2017
54,200
2001
Austin
KVUE-TV:
kvue.com
Ch. 24/ABC
2018
448,000
1971
Beaumont-Port Arthur
KBMT-TV:
12newsnow.com
Ch. 12/ABC
2018
137,000
1961
Corpus Christi
KIII-TV:
kiiitv.com
Ch. 3/ABC
2018
146,000
1964
Dallas/Ft. Worth
WFAA-TV:
wfaa.com
Ch. 8/ABC
2018
1,656,000
1949
Houston
KHOU-TV:
khou.com
Ch. 11/CBS
2017
1,548,000
1953
San Angelo
KIDY-TV:
myfoxzone.com
Ch. 6/FOX
2017
21,700
1984
San Antonio
KENS-TV:
kens5.com
Ch. 5/CBS
2017
641,000
1950
Tyler-Longview
KYTX-TV:
cbs19.tv
Ch. 19/CBS
2019
142,000
2008
Waco-Temple-College Station
KCEN-TV:
kcentv.com
Ch. 9/NBC
2016
202,000
1953
Virginia
Hampton/Norfolk
WVEC-TV:
13newsnow.com
Ch. 13/ABC
2018
512,000
1953
Washington
Seattle/Tacoma
KING-TV:
king5.com
Ch. 5/NBC
2015
1,259,000
1948
KONG-TV:
king5.com
Ch. 16/IND
563,000
1997
Spokane
KREM-TV:
krem.com
Ch. 2/CBS
2016
274,000
1954
KSKN-TV:
spokanescw22.com
Ch. 22/CW
2016
94,000
1983
(1)
We service these stations under shared services and similar arrangements.
(2)
We also own KGWZ-LD, a low power television station in Portland, OR.
(3)
We also own KTFT-LD (NBC), a low power television station in Twin Falls, ID.
(4)
We also own WBXN-CA, a Class A television station in New Orleans, LA.
(5)
Weekly audience is number of television households reached, according to the November 2014 Nielsen book.
(6)
Audience numbers fall below minimum reporting standards.
We also have two regional news channels, Texas Cable News (TXCN) in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, and Northwest Cable News (NWCN) in Seattle/Tacoma, WA, and two local news channels, 24/7 NewsChannel in Boise, ID and NewsWatch on Channel 15 in New Orleans, LA. These operations provide news coverage and certain other programming in a comprehensive 24-hour a day format using the resources of our television stations in Texas, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Louisiana and Arizona.
14
DAILY LOCAL MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATED DIGITAL PLATFORMS
State
Territory
Average 2014 Circulation - Print and Digital Replica and Non-Replica
City
Local media organization/web site
Morning
Afternoon
Sunday
Founded
Alabama
Montgomery
Montgomery Advertiser
www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
25,555
30,918
1829
Arizona
Phoenix
The Arizona Republic
www.azcentral.com
232,502
487,441
1890
Arkansas
Mountain Home
The Baxter Bulletin
www.baxterbulletin.com
8,423
1901
California
Palm Springs
The Desert Sun
www.mydesert.com
33,080
37,248
1927
Salinas
The Salinas Californian
www.thecalifornian.com
7,368
1871
Visalia
Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare
Advance-Register
www.visaliatimesdelta.com
www.tulareadvanceregister.com
15,492
1859
Colorado
Fort Collins
Fort Collins Coloradoan
www.coloradoan.com
19,952
25,118
1873
Delaware
Wilmington
The News Journal
www.delawareonline.com
71,934
104,550
1871
Florida
Brevard County
FLORIDA TODAY
www.floridatoday.com
47,656
81,283
1966
Fort Myers
The News-Press
www.news-press.com
50,130
71,310
1884
Pensacola
Pensacola News Journal
www.pnj.com
31,687
44,720
1889
Tallahassee
Tallahassee Democrat
www.tallahassee.com
29,652
42,100
1905
Guam
Hagatna
Pacific Daily News
www.guampdn.com
13,281
12,286
1944
Indiana
Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Star
www.indystar.com
137,129
265,112
1903
Lafayette
Journal and Courier
www.jconline.com
22,541
30,253
1829
Muncie
The Star Press
www.thestarpress.com
20,422
26,051
1899
Richmond
Palladium-Item
www.pal-item.com
9,616
14,194
1831
Iowa
Des Moines
The Des Moines Register
www.desmoinesregister.com
86,773
173,001
1849
Iowa City
Iowa City Press-Citizen
www.press-citizen.com
10,079
1860
Kentucky
Louisville
The Courier-Journal
www.courier-journal.com
114,719
205,216
1868
Louisiana
Alexandria
Alexandria Daily Town Talk
www.thetowntalk.com
15,350
20,517
1883
Lafayette
The Daily Advertiser
www.theadvertiser.com
21,936
29,609
1865
Monroe
The News-Star
www.thenewsstar.com
21,540
25,937
1890
Opelousas
Daily World
www.dailyworld.com
4,409
5,556
1939
Shreveport
The Times
www.shreveporttimes.com
32,736
49,304
1871
Maryland
Salisbury
The Daily Times
www.delmarvanow.com
13,752
18,180
1900
15
DAILY LOCAL MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATED DIGITAL PLATFORMS
State
Territory
Average 2014 Circulation - Print and Digital Replica and Non-Replica
City
Local media organization/web site
Morning
Afternoon
Sunday
Founded
Michigan
Battle Creek
Battle Creek Enquirer
www.battlecreekenquirer.com
11,663
16,675
1900
Detroit
Detroit Free Press
www.freep.com
173,215
867,821
1832
Lansing
Lansing State Journal
www.lansingstatejournal.com
35,254
47,815
1855
Livingston County
Daily Press & Argus
www.livingstondaily.com
9,222
13,181
1843
Port Huron
Times Herald
www.thetimesherald.com
15,050
22,568
1900
Minnesota
St. Cloud
St. Cloud Times
www.sctimes.com
20,392
25,637
1861
Mississippi
Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg American
www.hattiesburgamerican.com
7,886
10,663
1897
Jackson
The Clarion-Ledger
www.clarionledger.com
46,090
53,774
1837
Missouri
Springfield
Springfield News-Leader
www.news-leader.com
29,206
46,607
1893
Montana
Great Falls
Great Falls Tribune
www.greatfallstribune.com
22,195
24,838
1885
Nevada
Reno
Reno Gazette-Journal
www.rgj.com
35,133
55,978
1870
New Jersey
Asbury Park
Asbury Park Press
www.app.com
80,722
119,495
1879
Bridgewater
Courier News
www.mycentraljersey.com
10,244
13,376
1884
Cherry Hill
Courier-Post
www.courierpostonline.com
35,860
47,618
1875
East Brunswick
Home News Tribune
www.mycentraljersey.com
20,261
24,360
1879
Morristown
Daily Record
www.dailyrecord.com
14,021
16,962
1900
Vineland
The Daily Journal
www.thedailyjournal.com
10,834
1864
New York
Binghamton
Press & Sun-Bulletin
www.pressconnects.com
28,896
38,687
1904
Elmira
Star-Gazette
www.stargazette.com
12,862
19,960
1828
Ithaca
The Ithaca Journal
www.theithacajournal.com
9,405
1815
Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie Journal
www.poughkeepsiejournal.com
21,479
28,847
1785
Rochester
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
www.democratandchronicle.com
96,444
138,159
1833
Westchester County
The Journal News
www.lohud.com
57,865
74,137
1829
North Carolina
Asheville
Asheville Citizen-Times
www.citizen-times.com
28,415
40,236
1870
16
DAILY LOCAL MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATED DIGITAL PLATFORMS
State
Territory
Average 2014 Circulation - Print and Digital Replica and Non-Replica
City
Local media organization/web site
Morning
Afternoon
Sunday
Founded
Ohio
Bucyrus
Telegraph-Forum
www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com
3,508
1923
Chillicothe
Chillicothe Gazette
www.chillicothegazette.com
7,607
9,311
1800
Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Enquirer
www.cincinnati.com
114,021
215,203
1841
Coshocton
Coshocton Tribune
www.coshoctontribune.com
3,528
4,375
1842
Fremont
The News-Messenger
www.thenews-messenger.com
5,179
1856
Lancaster
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
www.lancastereaglegazette.com
7,462
9,114
1807
Mansfield
News Journal
www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com
16,561
22,969
1885
Marion
The Marion Star
www.marionstar.com
5,855
7,180
1880
Newark
The Advocate
www.newarkadvocate.com
11,405
13,533
1820
Port Clinton
News Herald
www.portclintonnewsherald.com
2,218
1864
Zanesville
Times Recorder
www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
10,888
12,684
1852
Oregon
Salem
Statesman Journal
www.statesmanjournal.com
30,110
36,280
1851
South Carolina
Greenville
The Greenville News
www.greenvilleonline.com
44,365
93,369
1874
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Argus Leader
www.argusleader.com
29,300
56,061
1881
Tennessee
Clarksville
The Leaf-Chronicle
www.theleafchronicle.com
10,716
20,092
1808
Jackson
The Jackson Sun
www.jacksonsun.com
14,025
21,460
1848
Murfreesboro
The Daily News Journal
www.dnj.com
10,264
13,246
1848
Nashville
The Tennessean
www.tennessean.com
93,531
208,357
1812
Utah
St. George
The Spectrum
www.thespectrum.com
13,370
15,424
1963
Vermont
Burlington
The Burlington Free Press
www.burlingtonfreepress.com
23,477
27,707
1827
Virginia
McLean
USA TODAY*
www.usatoday.com
4,139,380
3,686,797
1982
Staunton
The Daily News Leader
www.newsleader.com
12,217
15,043
1904
Wisconsin
Appleton
The Post-Crescent
www.postcrescent.com
34,610
47,236
1853
Fond du Lac
The Reporter
www.fdlreporter.com
9,206
11,963
1870
Green Bay
Green Bay Press-Gazette
www.greenbaypressgazette.com
38,977
56,968
1915
Manitowoc
Herald Times Reporter
www.htrnews.com
9,007
10,633
1898
Marshfield
Marshfield News-Herald
www.marshfieldnewsherald.com
7,086
1927
Oshkosh
Oshkosh Northwestern
www.thenorthwestern.com
11,634
16,199
1868
Sheboygan
The Sheboygan Press
www.sheboyganpress.com
13,162
16,251
1907
Stevens Point
Stevens Point Journal
www.stevenspointjournal.com
6,963
1873
Central Wisconsin Sunday
14,325
Wausau
Wausau Daily Herald
www.wausaudailyherald.com
13,678
18,230
1903
Wisconsin Rapids
The Daily Tribune
www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com
7,168
1914
*
USA TODAY morning and Sunday figure is the average print, digital replica, digital non-replica and branded editions according to the Alliance for Audited Media’s September 2014 Publisher’s Statement.
17
DAILY PAID-FOR LOCAL MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATED DIGITAL PLATFORMS/NEWSQUEST PLC
Circulation*
City
Local media organization/web site
Monday-Saturday
Founded
Basildon
Echo**:
www.echo-news.co.uk
22,961
1969
Blackburn
Lancashire Telegraph:
www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
13,092
1886
Bolton
The Bolton News:
www.theboltonnews.co.uk
12,351
1867
Bournemouth
Daily Echo:
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk
18,049
1900
Bradford
Telegraph & Argus:
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
18,906
1868
Brighton
The Argus:
www.theargus.co.uk
14,370
1880
Colchester
The Gazette**:
www.gazette-news.co.uk
11,706
1970
Darlington
The Northern Echo:
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
30,735
1870
Glasgow
Evening Times:
www.eveningtimes.co.uk
33,397
1876
Glasgow
The Herald:
www.heraldscotland.com
37,728
1783
Glasgow
The National:
www.thenational.scot
***
2014
Newport
South Wales Argus:
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
13,197
1892
Oxford
Oxford Mail:
www.oxfordmail.co.uk
12,773
1928
Southampton
Southern Daily Echo:
www.dailyecho.co.uk
22,397
1888
Swindon
Swindon Advertiser:
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
11,987
1854
Weymouth
Dorset Echo:
www.dorsetecho.co.uk
13,267
1921
Worcester
Worcester News:
www.worcesternews.co.uk
8,885
1937
York
The Press:
www.yorkpress.co.uk
19,643
1882
* Circulation figures are according to ABC results for the period January - June 2014
** Publishes Monday-Friday
*** Founded in 2014. No certified circulation reported to date.
Non-daily publications:
Essex, London, Midlands, North East, North West, South Coast, South East, South and East Wales, South West, Yorkshire
DIGITAL
Cars.com:
www.cars.com
Headquarters:
Chicago, IL
Sales offices:
Abilene, TX; Albany, NY; Albuquerque, NM; Asheboro, NC; Atlanta, GA; Augusta, GA; Austin, TX; Bakersfield, CA; Baton Rouge, LA; Bay Area, CA; Beaumont, TX; Billings, MT; Birmingham, AL; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Carbondale, IL; Cedar Rapids, IA; Champaign, IL; Charleston, SC; Chattanooga, TN; Columbus, OH; Corpus Christi, TX; Dayton, OH; Denver, CO; El Paso, TX; Erie, PA; Eugene, OR; Evansville, IN; Fairfield, IL; Flint, MI; Ft. Wayne, IN; Greensboro, NC; Harrisburg, PA; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Huntington, WV; Huntsville, AL; Idaho Falls, ID; Jacksonville, FL; Jefferson City, MO; Knoxville, TN; La Crosse, WI; Las Vegas, NV; Little Rock, AR; Long Island, NY; Longview, WA; Lubbock, TX; Lufkin, TX; Madison, WI
CareerBuilder:
www.careerbuilder.com
Headquarters:
Chicago, IL
Sales offices:
Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Edison, NJ; Houston, TX; Irvine, CA; Kansas City, KS; Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; Moscow, ID; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Bruno, CA; Scottsdale, AZ; Washington, DC
International offices:
Australia,
Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Vietnam
PointRoll, Inc.:
www.pointroll.com
Headquarters:
King of Prussia, PA
Sales offices:
Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
Shoplocal:
www.shoplocal.com; www.aboutshoplocal.com
Headquarters:
Chicago, IL
Sales office:
Chicago, IL
Mobile and Tablet:
We power more than 500 mobile and tablet products and partner with service providers to deliver push news alerts and mobile marketing campaigns. We have also developed and deployed leading applications for iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Android, Windows and BlackBerry.
18
USA TODAY/USATODAY.com
Headquarters and editorial offices:
McLean, VA
Print sites:
Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Cleveland, OH; Columbia, SC; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; Detroit, MI; Eugene, OR; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Mobile, AL; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Rochester, NY; Rockaway, NJ; St. Louis, MO; St. Petersburg, FL; Salt Lake City, UT; San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; Springfield, MO; Springfield, VA; Wilmington, DE; Winston-Salem, NC
Advertising offices:
Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
www.Thebiglead.com; www.Thehuddle.com; www.Hoopshype.com; www.Mmajunkie.com; www.Bnqt.com; www.Baseballhq.com; www.Quickish.com; www.Usatodayhss.com; ftw.usatoday.com; q.usatoday.com; www.fantasyscore.com; www.spanningthesec.com; www.usatodaysportsimages.com
Headquarters:
Los Angeles
Advertising offices:
Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY
USA TODAY Travel Media Group
Headquarters:
McLean, VA
Advertising offices:
McLean, VA
Reviewed.com:
www.reviewed.com
Headquarters:
Cambridge, MA
G/O Digital:
G/O Digital:
www.godigitalmarketing.com
; BLiNQ Media:
www.blinqmedia.com
; Local Flavor:
www.localflavor.com
; Clipper Digital:
www.clippermagazine.com;
Mobestream Media (Key Ring):
www.keyringapp.com
Headquarters:
Chicago, IL
Sales offices:
Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; New York, NY; Phoenix, AZ
BLiNQ Media:
www.blinqmedia.com
Headquarters:
Atlanta, GA
Advertising offices:
Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY
Mobestream Media:
www.keyringapp.com
Headquarters:
Dallas, TX
Clipper Magazine:
www.clippermagazine.com; www.localflavor.com; www.mintmagazine.com; www.totalloyalty.com
Headquarters:
Mountville, PA
Gannett Government Media
Headquarters:
Springfield, VA
Brands:
Army Times:
www.armytimes.com
, Navy Times:
www.navytimes.com
, Marine Corps Times:
www.marinecorpstimes.com
, Air Force Times:
www.airforcetimes.com
, Military Times:
www.militarytimes.com,
Federal Times:
www.federaltimes.com
, Defense News:
www.defensenews.com
, Defense News with Vago Muradian:
www.defensenewstv.com
, C4ISR & Networks:
www.c4isrnet.com
, Military Times Best for Vets:
www.militarytimes.com/best-for-vets
Gannett Media Technologies International:
www.gmti.com
Headquarters:
Chesapeake, VA
Regional office:
Cincinnati, OH
Non-daily publications:
Weekly, semi-weekly, monthly or bimonthly publications in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Guam, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Gannett Publishing Services:
www.gannettpublishingservices.com
Headquarters:
McLean, VA
Sales office:
Atlanta, GA
Gannett Satellite Information Network:
McLean, VA
GANNETT ON THE NET:
News and information about us is available on our web site, www.gannett.com. In addition to news and other information about us, we provide access through this site to our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we file or furnish them electronically to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certifications by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are included as exhibits to our SEC reports (including to this Form 10-K).
We also provide access on this web site to our Principles of Corporate Governance, the charters of our Audit, Transformation, Executive Compensation and Nominating and Public Responsibility Committees and other important governance documents and policies, including our Ethics and Inside Trading Policies. Copies of all of these corporate governance documents are available to any shareholder upon written request made to our Secretary at the headquarters address. We will disclose on this web site changes to, or waivers of, our corporate Ethics Policy.
19
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K, prospective investors should consider carefully the following risk factors before investing in our securities. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we do not yet perceive or that we currently believe are immaterial may adversely affect our business and the trading price of our securities.
Changes in economic conditions in the U.S., U.K. and other international markets we serve may depress demand for our products and services
Our operating results depend on the relative strength of the economy in our principal television, publishing and digital markets as well as the strength or weakness of regional and national economic factors. A decline in economic conditions in the U.S. and U.K. could have a significant adverse impact on our businesses, particularly publishing, and could significantly impact all key advertising revenue categories.
Competition from alternative forms of media may impair our ability to grow or maintain revenue levels in core and new businesses
Advertising produces the predominant share of our broadcasting, publishing and digital revenues, with affiliated web site, mobile and tablet revenues being an important component. With the continued development of alternative forms of media, particularly electronic media including those based on the Internet, our businesses may face increased competition. Alternative media sources may affect our ability to generate circulation revenues and our television audience. New and emerging technologies such as subscription streaming media services and mobile video are increasing competition for household audiences and advertisers. This competition may make it difficult for us to grow or maintain our print advertising, circulation and broadcasting revenues, which we believe will challenge us to expand the contributions of our online and other digital businesses.
The proposed separation of our Publishing business from our Broadcasting and Digital businesses is subject to various risks and uncertainties, and may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, if at all
On Aug. 5, 2014, we announced our plan to create two publicly traded companies: one exclusively focused on our Broadcasting and Digital businesses, and the other on our Publishing business. The separation, which is expected to be completed mid-2015, is subject to certain customary conditions, including final approval of our Board of Directors. In addition, unanticipated developments, including possible delays in obtaining various tax opinions or rulings, regulatory approvals or clearances and uncertainty of the financial markets, could delay or prevent the completion of the proposed separation or cause the proposed separation to occur on terms or conditions that are different from those currently expected. As a result, we are unable to assure that we will complete the proposed separation on the terms or the timeline that we announced, if at all.
The proposed separation may not achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits
Executing the proposed separation will require us to incur costs as well as time and attention from our senior management and key employees, which could distract them from operating our business, disrupt operations, and result in the loss of business opportunities, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may also experience increased difficulties in attracting, retaining and motivating key employees during the pendency of the separation and following its completion, which could harm our businesses. Even if the proposed separation is completed, we may not realize some or all of the anticipated benefits from the separation and the separation may in fact adversely affect our business. As independent, publicly traded companies, both companies will be smaller, less diversified companies with a narrower business focus and may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions and competitive pressures, which could materially and adversely affect their respective businesses, financial condition and results of operations. Separating the businesses may also eliminate or reduce synergies that existed before the separation, such as the operation of the digital sites and applications for our Publishing and Broadcasting properties as part of the integrated Gannett digital platform, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, financial condition and liquidity of each business.
There can be no assurance that the combined value of the common stock of the two publicly traded companies following the completion of the proposed separation will be equal to or greater than what the value of our common stock would have been had the proposed separation not occurred.
The value of our assets or operations may be diminished if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or if we are the subject of a data breach or cyber attack
Our information technology systems are critically important to operating our business efficiently and effectively. We rely on our information technology systems to manage our business data, communications, news and advertising content, digital products, order entry, fulfillment and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, late or missed publications, and loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results to be impacted.
Furthermore, attempts to compromise information technology systems occur regularly across many industries and sectors, and we may be vulnerable to security breaches beyond our control. We invest in security resources and technology to protect our data and business processes against risk of data security breaches and cyber attack, but the techniques used to attempt attacks are constantly changing. A breach or successful attack could have a negative impact on our operations or business reputation. We maintain cyber risk insurance, but this insurance may be insufficient to cover all of our losses from any future breaches of our systems.
20
Volatility in the U.S. credit markets could significantly impact our ability to obtain new financing to fund our operations and strategic initiatives or to refinance our existing debt at reasonable rates as it matures
At the end of 2014, we had approximately $4.5 billion in long-term debt and approximately $625 million of additional borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facilities. This debt matures at various times during the years 2015-2027. While our cash flow is expected to be sufficient to pay amounts when due, if operating results deteriorate significantly, a portion of these maturities may need to be refinanced. Access to the capital markets for longer term financing is unpredictable, and volatile credit markets could make it harder for us to obtain debt financings generally.
Volatility in global financial markets directly affects the value of our pension plan assets and liabilities
Our three largest retirement plans, which account for 97% of total pension plan assets, were underfunded as of Dec. 28, 2014, by $728 million on a U.S. GAAP basis. Changes in interest rates and future investment returns can affect the funded status of our defined benefit plans and cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost and future funding requirements of the plans.
Foreign exchange variability could adversely affect our consolidated operating results
Weakening of the British pound-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate could diminish Newsquest’s earnings contribution to consolidated results. Newsquest results for 2014 were translated to U.S. dollars at the average rate of 1.65. If the price of the British pound against the U.S. dollar had been 10% more or less than the actual price, operating income would have increased or decreased approximately 1% in 2014. CareerBuilder, with expanding overseas operations, also has foreign exchange risk but to a significantly lesser degree.
Changes in the regulatory environment could encumber or impede our efforts to improve operating results or the value of assets
Our broadcasting, publishing and digital operations are subject to government regulation. Changing regulations, particularly FCC Regulations which affect our television stations (including changes to our shared services and similar agreements), may result in increased costs, reduced valuations for certain broadcasting properties or other impacts, all of which may adversely impact our future profitability. All of our television stations are required to hold television broadcasting licenses from the FCC; when granted, these licenses are generally granted for a period of eight years. Under certain circumstances the FCC is not required to renew any license and could decline to renew either our current license applications that are pending or those submitted in the future.
Our strategic acquisitions, investments and partnerships could pose various risks, increase our leverage and may significantly impact our ability to expand our overall profitability
Acquisitions involve inherent risks, such as increasing leverage and debt service requirements and combining company cultures and facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flow and could strain our human resources. We may be unable to successfully implement effective cost controls, achieve expected synergies or increase revenues as a result of an acquisition. Acquisitions may result in us assuming unexpected liabilities and in management diverting its attention from the operation of our business. Disclosures we make regarding past operating results of acquired entities and our pro forma results are based on financial information provided to us by acquired entities, which has not been reviewed by our auditors or subject to our internal controls. Acquisitions may result in us having greater exposure to the industry risks of the businesses underlying the acquisition. Strategic investments and partnerships with other companies expose us to the risk that we may be unable to control the operations of our investee or partnership, which could decrease the amount of benefits we realize from a particular relationship. We are exposed to the risk that our partners in strategic investments and infrastructure may encounter financial difficulties which could disrupt investee or partnership activities, or impair assets acquired, which would adversely affect future reported results of operations and shareholders’ equity. In addition, we may be unable to obtain financing necessary to complete acquisitions on attractive terms or at all. The failure to obtain regulatory approvals may prevent us from completing or realizing the anticipated benefits of acquisitions. Furthermore, acquisitions may subject us to new or different regulations which could have an adverse effect on our operations.
The value of our existing intangible assets may become impaired, depending upon future operating results
Goodwill and other intangible assets were approximately $7.74 billion at Dec. 28, 2014, representing approximately 69% of our total assets. We periodically evaluate our goodwill and other intangible assets to determine whether all or a portion of their carrying values may no longer be recoverable, in which case a non-cash charge to earnings may be necessary, as occurred in 2012-2014 (see Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Any future evaluations requiring an asset impairment charge for goodwill or other intangible assets would adversely affect future reported results of operations and shareholders’ equity, although such charges would not affect our cash flow.
Adverse results from litigation or governmental investigations can impact our business practices and operating results
From time to time, we are parties to litigation and regulatory, environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies. Adverse outcomes in lawsuits or investigations could result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition as well as our ability to conduct our businesses as they are presently being conducted. See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” contained elsewhere in this report for a description of certain of our pending litigation and regulatory matters and other proceedings with governmental authorities.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
21
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Broadcasting
Our broadcasting facilities are adequately equipped with the necessary television broadcasting equipment. We own or lease transmitter facilities in 47 locations. All of our stations have converted to digital television operations in accordance with applicable FCC Regulations. Our broadcasting facilities are adequate for present purposes. A listing of television stations can be found on page 14.
Publishing
Generally, we own many of the plants that house most aspects of the publication process. Certain U.S. Community Publishing operations have outsourced printing to non-Gannett publishers or commercial printers. In the case of USA TODAY, at Dec. 28, 2014, 23 non-Gannett printers were used to print it in U.S. markets where we had no company publishing sites with appropriate facilities. Non-Gannett printers in 10 foreign countries publish and distribute an international edition of USA TODAY under a royalty agreement. Clipper Magazine also is printed under contracts with commercial printing companies. Many of our local media organizations have outside news bureaus and sales offices, which generally are leased. In several markets, two or more of our local media organizations share combined facilities; and in certain locations, facilities are shared with other non-Gannett publishing properties. At the end of 2014, 64% of our U.S. daily publications were either printed by non-Gannett printers or printed in combination with other Gannett publications. Our publishing properties have rail siding facilities or access to main roads for newsprint delivery purposes and are conveniently located for distribution purposes.
During 2014, we continued our efforts to consolidate certain of our U.S. publishing facilities to achieve ongoing savings and greater efficiencies. Our facilities are adequate for present operations. A listing of publishing centers and key properties may be found on pages 15-17.
Newsquest owns certain of the plants where its publications are produced and leases other facilities. Newsquest senior management is based in central London. Newsquest reduced its printing facilities from 6 to 5 in 2014 to achieve savings and efficiencies. The remaining presses have good color capabilities and currently sustainable levels of utilization including some printing for other publishers. For those Newsquest publishing operations distant from a press facility, printing is outsourced. All of Newsquest’s properties are adequate for present purposes. A listing of Newsquest publishing centers and key properties may be found on page 18.
Digital
Generally, our digital businesses lease their facilities. This includes facilities for executive offices, sales offices and data centers. Our facilities are adequate for present operations. We believe that suitable additional or alternative space, including those under lease options, will be available at commercially reasonable terms for future expansion. A listing of key digital facilities can be found on pages 18-19.
Corporate facilities
We own the buildings where our headquarters and USA TODAY are located in McLean, VA. We also own data and network operations centers in nearby Silver Spring, MD, and in Phoenix, AZ. Headquarters facilities are adequate for present operations. We also lease space in our headquarters facilities to third-party tenants.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding legal proceedings may be found in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Environmental
From time to time, some of our current and former subsidiaries have been included among potentially responsible parties in connection with sites that have been identified as possibly requiring environmental remediation. These environmental proceedings are highly complex, and require a variety of issues to be resolved, including the extent of contamination, the nature and extent of investigation and remedial action that may ultimately be required, and the number of parties that will be required to contribute to such investigation and remediation costs, before our liability for them, if any, will be known.
In March 2011, the Advertiser Company, a subsidiary which publishes The Montgomery Advertiser, was notified by the U.S. EPA that it has been identified as a potentially responsible party for the investigation and remediation of groundwater contamination in downtown Montgomery, AL. At this point in the investigation, incomplete information is available about the site, other potentially responsible parties and what further investigation and remediation may be required. Accordingly, future costs at the site, and The Advertiser Company’s share of such costs, if any
,
are undetermined. Some of The Advertiser Company’s fees and costs in connection with this matter may be reimbursed under its liability insurance policies.
Management does not expect that these pending proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
22
PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbol GCI.
Information regarding outstanding shares, shareholders and dividends may be found on pages 1, 6, 42 and 43 of this Form 10-K. Information about debt securities sold in private transactions may be found on pages 41-42 of this Form 10-K.
Gannett Common stock prices
High-low range by fiscal quarters based on NYSE-composite prices.
Year
Quarter
Low
High
Year
Quarter
Low
High
2010
First
$
12.77
$
17.33
2013
First
$
17.58
$
22.11
Second
$
13.48
$
19.69
Second
$
19.53
$
26.75
Third
$
11.66
$
15.28
Third
$
23.98
$
26.90
Fourth
$
11.65
$
16.17
Fourth
$
23.75
$
29.48
2011
First
$
14.26
$
18.93
2014
First
$
25.96
$
30.43
Second
$
13.26
$
15.80
Second
$
25.53
$
30.98
Third
$
8.28
$
14.70
Third
$
29.88
$
35.70
Fourth
$
8.90
$
14.47
Fourth
$
25.95
$
33.70
2012
First
$
13.16
$
16.26
2015
First*
$
29.30
$
35.20
Second
$
12.17
$
15.90
* Through Feb. 24, 2015
Third
$
13.16
$
19.09
Fourth
$
16.35
$
19.99
Purchases of Equity Securities
On June 11, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a new $300 million share repurchase program. While the Board of Directors reviews the program at least annually, there is no current expiration date for the new $300 million authorization. We spent $76 million in 2014 to repurchase 2.7 million of our shares, at an average price per share of $28.13. This share repurchase program was temporarily suspended upon the announcement of the Cars.com acquisition, but was re-initiated in February of 2015, well ahead of the timeline we had previously anticipated, as a result of our strong operating performance and the strength of our balance sheet. We have completed more than 50% of our $300 million authorization with 5.6 million shares repurchased at an average price of $27.03 per share.
23
Comparison of shareholder return – 2010 to 2014
The following graph compares the performance of our common stock during the period Dec. 27, 2009, to Dec. 28, 2014, with the S&P 500 Index, and a peer group index we selected.
Our peer group includes A.H. Belo Corp., AOL Inc., Discovery Communications Inc., The E.W. Scripps Company, Journal Communications, Inc., LinkedIn Corp., The McClatchy Company, Media General, Inc. (on an adjusted basis to reflect its merger with Young Broadcasting, LLC), Meredith Corp., Monster Worldwide Inc., The New York Times Company, News Corp. (on an adjusted basis to reflect the spin off by News Corporation), Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc., ReachLocal Inc., Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., and Yahoo Inc. (collectively, the “Peer Group”). Many of the Peer Group companies have a strong publishing/broadcasting orientation, but the Peer Group also includes companies in the digital media industry.
The S&P 500 Index includes 500 U.S. companies in the industrial, utilities and financial sectors and is weighted by market capitalization. The total returns of the Peer Group also are weighted by market capitalization.
The graph depicts representative results of investing $100 in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and Peer Group index at closing on Dec. 27, 2009. It assumes that dividends were reinvested monthly with respect to our common stock, daily with respect to the S&P 500 Index and monthly with respect to each Peer Group company.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Gannett Co., Inc.
$
100
$
102.77
$
92.87
$
131.35
$
222.61
$
246.76
S&P 500 Index
$
100
$
115.06
$
117.49
$
136.30
$
180.44
$
205.14
Peer Group
$
100
$
109.94
$
97.86
$
133.27
$
228.48
$
235.72
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Selected financial data for the years 2010 through 2014 is contained under the heading “Selected Financial Data” on page 78 and is derived from our audited financial statements for those years.
The information contained in the “Selected Financial Data” is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for future years, and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Certain factors affecting forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain certain forward-looking statements regarding business strategies, market potential, future financial performance and other matters. The words “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “project” and similar expressions, among others, generally identify “forward-looking statements,” which speak only as of the date the statements were made. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. We are not responsible for updating or revising any forward-looking statements, whether the result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Potential risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect our results include, without limitation, the following factors:
(a) competitive pressures in the markets in which we operate;
(b) increased consolidation among major retailers or other events which may adversely affect business operations of major customers and depress the level of local and national advertising; (c) a decline in viewership of major networks and local news programming resulting from alternative forms of media, or other factors; (d) macroeconomic trends and conditions; (e) economic downturns leading to a continuing or accelerated decrease in circulation or local, national or classified advertising; (f) potential disruption or interruption of our operations due to accidents, extraordinary weather events, civil unrest, political events, terrorism or cyber security attacks; (g) an accelerated decline in general print readership and/or advertiser patterns as a result of competitive alternative media or other factors; (h) an inability to adapt to technological changes or grow our online business; (i) an increase in newsprint, syndication programming costs or reverse retransmission payments over the levels anticipated; (j) labor relations, including, but not limited to, labor disputes which may cause revenue declines or increased labor costs; (k) an inability to realize benefits or synergies from acquisitions of new businesses or dispositions of existing businesses or to operate businesses effectively following acquisitions or divestitures; (l) our ability to attract and retain employees; (m) rapid technological changes and frequent new product introductions prevalent in electronic publishing and digital businesses; (n) an increase in interest rates; (o) a weakening in the British pound to U.S. dollar exchange rate; (p) volatility in financial and credit markets which could affect the value of retirement plan assets and our ability to raise funds through debt or equity issuances and otherwise affect our ability to access the credit and capital markets at the times and in the amounts needed and on acceptable terms; (q) changes in the regulatory environment which could encumber or impede our efforts to improve operating results or the
24
value of assets
; (r)
credit rating downgrades, which could affect the availability and cost of future financing;
(s)
adverse outcomes in proceedings with governmental authorities or administrative agencies
; (t) the
proposed separation of our Publishing business from our Broadcasting and Digital businesses may be distracting to management and may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, if at all; and
(u)
an other than temporary decline in operating results and enterprise value that could lead to non-cash goodwill, other intangible asset, investment or property, plant and equipment impairment charges. We continue to monitor the uneven economic recovery in the U.S. and U.K., as well as new and developing competition and technological change, to evaluate whether any indicators of impairment exist, particularly for those reporting units where fair value is closer to carrying value.
Executive Summary
We are a leading international media and marketing solutions company operating primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom (U.K.). Approximately 91% of 2014 consolidated revenues are generated by our domestic operations and approximately 9% by our foreign operations, primarily in the U.K.
We implement our strategy and manage our operations through three business segments: Broadcasting (television), Publishing, and Digital. Through our Broadcasting Segment, we own or service (through shared service agreements or similar arrangements) 46 television stations with affiliated digital platforms sites. These stations serve almost one-third of the U.S. population in markets with more than 35 million households.
The Publishing Segment’s operations comprise 100 daily publications and digital platforms in the U.S. and the U.K., more than 400 non-daily publications in the U.S., and more than 125 such titles in the U.K. The Publishing Segment’s 82 U.S. daily publications include USA TODAY, which is currently the nation’s number one newspaper in consolidated print and digital circulation. Together with 18 daily paid-for publications our Newsquest division operates in the U.K., the total average daily print and digital circulation of our 100 domestic and U.K. daily publications was approximately 5.4 million for 2014. In the markets we serve, we also operate desktop, smartphone and tablet products which are tightly integrated with publishing operations. Our broadcasting and publishing operations have strategic business relationships with online affiliates including CareerBuilder, Cars.com, and Shoplocal.com.
The Publishing Segment also includes commercial printing, newswire, marketing and data services operations.
Our Digital Segment consists of Cars.com, CareerBuilder, PointRoll and Shoplocal. Cars.com, of which we recently acquired full ownership, is the leading destination for online car shoppers. CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies to target, attract and retain talent. Its online job site, CareerBuilder.com, is the largest in North America with the highest revenue. CareerBuilder is rapidly expanding its international operations.
On August 5, 2014, following a strategic review of our growth strategies and structure, we announced a plan to separate our Publishing business into an independent publicly traded company. We expect to complete the transaction as a tax-free spin-off in mid-2015, subject to market, regulatory, and certain other conditions. We also announced that Robert J. Dickey has been appointed as CEO-designee of the standalone Publishing company following separation. The separation is subject to risks, uncertainties and conditions and there can be no assurance that the separation will be completed on the terms or on the timing currently contemplated, or at all. Please see the information in Item 1A Risk Factors of this
Form 10-K, which describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with the proposed separation.
Fiscal year:
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Our 2014 fiscal year ended on Dec. 28, 2014, and encompassed a 52-week period. Our 2013 fiscal year encompassed a 52-week period and the 2012 fiscal year encompassed a 53-week period.
Operating results summary:
Company-wide operating revenues were
$6.01 billion
in
2014
, an increase of
16%
from
$5.16 billion
in
2013
.
Broadcasting revenues for
2014
increased
103%
to
$1.69 billion
, a record-high, driven primarily by the acquisitions of Belo and London Broadcasting Company television stations
as well as substantially higher retransmission revenue, political and Winter Olympics advertising.
Publishing revenues were
$3.42 billion
for
2014
or
4%
below
2013
levels, reflecting a 6% decline in advertising revenues, and a 1% decline in circulation revenues.
Digital Segment revenues totaled
$919 million
for
2014
, a record high and an increase of
23%
. The increase reflects strong results at CareerBuilder driven by the strength of human capital software solutions and the recent acquisition of Cars.com (formerly known as Classified Ventures, LLC).
Digital revenues company-wide, including the Digital Segment and all digital revenues generated by other business segments, were approximately $1.72 billion in
2014
, nearly 30% of total operating revenues, a record-high, and an increase of 15% compared to 2013.
The increase was driven primarily by higher revenue associated with digital advertising and marketing solutions across all segments, strong growth at CareerBuilder and the Cars.com acquisition.
Total operating expenses increased by
12%
to
$4.95 billion
for
2014
, primarily due to the Belo and Cars.com acquisitions. This increase was partially offset by lower volume-related expenses in our Publishing Segment and continued
cost efficiency efforts company-wide.
Newsprint expense for publishing was 9% lower than in 2013 due to a decline in consumption and prices.
We reported operating income for
2014
of
$1.06 billion
compared to
$739 million
in 2013, a 43% increase.
Company-wide operating margins improved significantly to 18% in 2014 compared to 14% in 2013 driven by strong growth in Broadcasting Segment results.
Our net equity income in unconsolidated investees for
2014
was $167 million, an increase of $123 million over
2013
, reflecting primarily the gain in the second quarter from the sale of Apartments.com by Classified Ventures, of which we owned 27%.
Interest expense was
$273 million
in
2014
, an increase of $97 million compared to
2013
, largely due to new debt associated with the Belo and Cars.com acquisitions.
Other non-operating items totaled $404 million in 2014, an increase of $452 million over 2013, primarily reflecting the write up of our prior investment in Cars.com to fair value once we completed the acquisition.
We reported net income attributable to Gannett of
$1.06 billion
or
$4.58
per diluted share for
2014
compared to
$389 million
or
$1.66
per diluted share for
2013
.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was
$68 million
in
2014
, an increase of 19% or $11 million over
2013
, reflecting significantly improved operating results at CareerBuilder.
During
2014
, we paid out $181 million in dividends and repurchased 2.7 million shares at a cost of $76 million for an average price of $28.13 per share.
25
Outlook for 2015:
For 2015, we expect revenue in our Broadcasting Segment to be impacted by challenging year-over-year comparisons due to the cyclical absence of record political advertising and significant Olympics revenues, which totaled $200 million in 2014. We anticipate Broadcasting Segment revenues in 2015 will benefit from higher retransmission revenues, television digital revenue growth and Super Bowl revenue across our NBC stations.
Within our Publishing Segment, we intend to drive growth opportunities by capitalizing on our national brand equity to increase the integration of local and national content, enhance our position as a trusted provider of local news through expanded digital offerings and leverage our expertise to provide integrated solutions to advertisers. While we expect traditional advertising and circulation revenues to remain challenging, some of that decline will be offset by growth in digital marketing services and other digital revenues. As discussed above on page 25, we plan to separate our Publishing business into an independent publicly traded company.
Digital Segment revenues are expected to increase significantly primarily due to the addition of Cars.com and continued growth at CareerBuilder.
Total operating expenses are also expected to increase in comparison to 2014. Broadcasting Segment expenses are anticipated to increase, commensurate with growth in revenue and reflecting increased reverse retransmission fees as a part of programming expenses. Publishing expenses will reflect lower spending due to cost reductions and efficiency gains on initiatives as well as lower newsprint expense, as consumption continues to decline.
The following 2015 outlook does not reflect the proposed separation of our Publishing business from our Broadcasting and Digital businesses:
•
Depreciation expense is expected to be in the range of $210 million to $215 million in 2015. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $135 million to $140 million.
•
Amortization expense is expected to be in the range of $125 million to $140 million in 2015, a significant increase over 2014 primarily due to the Cars.com acquisition.
•
We project our interest expense will increase slightly in 2015, reflecting the full year impact of debt issued in the second half of 2014 in connection with the Cars.com acquisition.
Basis of reporting
Following is a discussion of the key factors that have affected our accounting for or reporting on the business over the last three fiscal years. This commentary should be read in conjunction with our financial statements, selected financial data and the remainder of this Form 10-K.
Critical accounting policies and the use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most subjective and complex judgments.
Business Combinations:
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets.
Critical estimates in valuing certain identifiable assets include but are not limited to expected long-term market growth; station revenue shares within a market; future expected operating expenses; cost of capital; and appropriate discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
Goodwill:
As of Dec. 28, 2014, goodwill represented approximately 40% of our total assets. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (first day of fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
Before performing the annual two-step goodwill impairment test, we are first permitted to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the two-step quantitative test must be completed. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and specific reporting unit specifications. If after performing this assessment, we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform a two-step quantitative test. Otherwise, the two-step test is not required. In the first step of the quantitative test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various techniques, including multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow valuation. Determining the fair value of the reporting units is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include changes in revenue and operating margins used to project future cash flows, discount rates, valuation multiples of entities engaged in the same or similar lines of business and future economic and market conditions. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill.
In 2014, following this testing, we recognized impairment charges in our Publishing Segment of $22 million and in our Digital Segment of $24 million. The charges were to bring the recorded goodwill equal to implied fair value based on future projections for each reporting unit. The impairment charges coincide with updated financial projections for each of these reporting units.
We used both the qualitative and quantitative assessments for our goodwill impairment testing during 2014.
26
We have 6 major reporting units (defined as reporting units with goodwill in excess of $50 million) which accounted for 99% of our goodwill balance at Dec. 28, 2014. The following table shows the aggregate goodwill for these units summarized at the segment level:
In millions of dollars
Segment
Goodwill Balance
Broadcasting
$
2,580
Publishing
$
542
Digital
$
1,313
For the Broadcasting Segment, which is considered a single reporting unit, the estimated value would need to decline by over 40% to fail step one of the quantitative goodwill impairment test.
In the case of the Publishing Segment, there are three major reporting units that comprise the goodwill balance shown above. These consist of U.S. Community Publishing (including Gannett Publishing Services), Newsquest and USA TODAY group (which includes USA TODAY brand properties). For U.S. Community Publishing, USA TODAY group and Newsquest, the estimated fair value of each of these reporting units exceeded the carrying value at the most recent test. In order for the reporting unit with the least amount of headroom to fail step one of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the estimated value of the reporting unit would have to decline by over 30%.
The Digital Segment balance represents primarily Cars.com and CareerBuilder. For CareerBuilder, we performed a qualitative assessment and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value was greater than the carrying value. After the impairment testing date, we completed our acquisition of Cars.com which is part of the Digital Segment. The carrying value of Cars.com on the day of acquisition was equal to its fair value.
Fair value of the reporting units depends on several factors, including the future strength of the economy in our principal broadcast, publishing and digital markets. Generally uneven recoveries in the U.S. and U.K. markets have had an adverse effect on most of our reporting units in recent years. The differences between fair value and carrying value have narrowed particularly for certain less significant reporting units in the Publishing Segment. New and developing competition as well as technological change could also adversely affect future fair value estimates. Any one or a combination of these factors could lead to declines in reporting unit fair values and result in goodwill impairment charges.
Indefinite Lived Intangibles:
This asset grouping consists of FCC licenses for television stations and mastheads and trade names for publishing and digital businesses.
Indefinite lived assets are not subject to amortization and as a result they are tested for impairment annually (on the first day of the fourth quarter), or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances suggest that the asset might be impaired. We are permitted to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite lived asset is more than its carrying amount. If that is the case, then we would not have to perform the quantitative analysis. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance of the indefinite lived asset.
Television FCC licenses are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually (first day of fourth quarter), or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. If the licenses are not tested qualitatively, then the quantitative impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the license with its carrying amount. Fair value is estimated using an income approach referred to as the “Greenfield Approach.” This method requires multiple assumptions relating to
the future prospects of each individual television station including, but not limited to: (i) expected long-term market growth characteristics, (ii) station revenue shares within a market for a new entrant, (iii) future expected operating expenses, (iv) costs of capital and (v) appropriate discount rates. We performed a qualitative analysis on all of our FCC licenses on the impairment testing date and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value was more than the carrying value for each license.
We completed our acquisition of Belo in late 2013 and London Broadcasting in mid-2014 and as a result recorded FCC licenses for all stations acquired. As these FCC licenses were recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, any future declines in the fair value of the FCC license would result in an impairment charge. Factors that could cause the fair value to decline would be negative changes in any of the assumptions described in the above Greenfield Approach. The discount rate used generally has a significant impact to the Greenfield Approach valuation. For our 2014 impairment testing date the discount rate had declined from when we completed our acquisition of Belo. Future increases in the discount rate assumptions could cause a decline in the fair value of our FCC licenses which may result in an impairment charge.
Local mastheads (publishing periodical titles and web site domain names) and other trade names are not subject to amortization and as a result they are tested for impairment annually (first day of the fourth quarter), or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances suggest that the asset might be impaired. The quantitative impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each masthead/domain name or trade name with its carrying amount. We use a “relief from royalty” approach which utilizes a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of each masthead/domain name or trade name. Management’s judgments and estimates of future operating results in determining the reporting unit fair values are consistently applied to each underlying business in determining the fair value of each intangible asset. We do not believe that any of our larger trade names or mastheads (those with book values over $10 million) are at risk of requiring an impairment charge in the foreseeable future.
After the impairment testing date, we completed our acquisition of Cars.com and as a result recorded an indefinite-lived trade name valued at $872 million. As this trade name was recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, any future declines in the fair value of the trade name would result in an impairment charge.
Other Long-Lived Assets (Property, Plant and Equipment and Amortizable Intangible Assets):
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of such assets. Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances or changes to our business model or capital strategy, could result in actual useful lives differing from our estimates. In cases where we determine the useful life of buildings and equipment should be shortened, we would, after evaluating for impairment, depreciate the asset over its revised remaining useful life thereby increasing depreciation expense.
Accelerated depreciation was recorded in the years 2012-2014 for certain property, plant and equipment, reflecting specific decisions to consolidate production and other business services, primarily affecting the Publishing Segment.
If an indicator is present, we review our property, plant and equipment assets for potential impairment at the asset group level (generally at the local business level) by comparing the carrying value of such assets with the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those asset groups/local business units. Due to expected continued cash flow in excess of carrying value from its businesses, no property, plant or equipment assets were considered impaired.
27
Our amortizable intangible assets consist mainly of customer relationships, internally valued technology and retransmission agreements. These asset values are amortized systematically over their estimated useful lives. An impairment test of these assets would be triggered if the undiscounted cash flows from the related asset group (business unit) were to be less than the asset carrying value.
We do not believe that any of our larger amortizable intangible assets (those with book values over $10 million) are at risk of requiring an impairment in the foreseeable future.
Pension Accounting:
We, along with our subsidiaries, have various defined benefit retirement plans, under which substantially all of the benefits have been frozen in previous years. We account for our pension plans in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, which requires us to include the funded status of our pension plans in our balance sheets, and to recognize, as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), the gains or losses that arise during the period, but are not recognized in pension expense. Pension expense is reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income as “Cost of sales and operating expenses,” or “Selling, general and administrative expenses”.
The determination of pension plan obligations and expense is dependent upon a number of assumptions regarding future events, the most important of which are the discount rate applied to pension plan obligations and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate assumption is based on investment yields available at year-end on corporate bonds rated AA and above with a maturity to match the expected benefit payment stream. A decrease in discount rates would increase pension obligations.
We establish the expected long-term rate of return by developing a forward-looking, long-term return assumption for each pension fund asset class, taking into account factors such as the expected real return for the specific asset class and inflation. A single, long-term rate of return is then calculated as the weighted average of the target asset allocation percentages and the long-term return assumption for each asset class. We apply the expected long-term rate of return to the fair value of its pension assets in determining the dollar amount of its expected return. Changes in the expected long-term return on plan assets would increase or decrease pension plan expense. The effects of actual results differing from these assumptions are accumulated as unamortized gains and losses. A corridor approach is used in the amortization of these gains and losses, by amortizing the balance exceeding the greater of 10% of the beginning balances of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of the plan assets. The amortization period is based on the average life expectancy of plan participants, which is currently estimated to be approximately 22 years for our principal retirement plan.
For 2014, the assumption used for the discount rate was 4.05% for our principal retirement plan obligations. As an indication of the sensitivity of pension liabilities to the discount rate assumption, a 50 basis point reduction in the discount rate at the end of 2014 would have increased plan obligations by approximately $125 million. A 50 basis point change in the discount rate used to calculate 2014 expense would have changed total pension plan expense for 2014 by approximately $1.8 million. We assumed a rate of 8.00% for our long-term expected return on pension assets used for our principal retirement plan. As an indication of the sensitivity of pension expense to the long-term rate of return assumption, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected rate of return on pension assets would have increased estimated pension plan expense for 2014 by approximately $9.8 million.
Income Taxes:
Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax regulations and rates, and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions.
Tax law requires certain items to be included in our tax returns at different times than when the items are reflected in the financial statements. The annual tax expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income is different than that reported in our tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, for example expenses recorded for accounting purposes that are not deductible in the returns such as non-deductible goodwill, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the financial statements for which payment has been deferred, or expense for which a deduction has been taken already in the tax return but the expense has not yet been recognized in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in tax returns in future years for which a benefit has already been recorded in the financial statements. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts we believe are more likely than not to be recovered. In evaluating the amount of any such valuation allowance, we consider the existence of cumulative income or losses in recent years, the reversal of existing temporary differences, the existence of taxable income in prior carry back years, available tax planning strategies and estimates of future taxable income for each of our taxable jurisdictions. The latter two factors involve the exercise of significant judgment. As of Dec. 28, 2014, deferred tax asset valuation allowances totaled $200 million, primarily related to federal and state capital losses, foreign tax credits, foreign losses and state net operating losses available for carry forward to future years. Although realization is not assured, we believe it is more likely than not that all other deferred tax assets for which no valuation allowances have been established will be realized. This conclusion is based on our history of cumulative income in recent years and review of historical and projected future taxable income.
We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit is recorded in our financial statements. A tax position is measured as the portion of the tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement with a taxing authority (that has full knowledge of all relevant information). We may be required to change our provision for income taxes when the ultimate treatment of certain items is challenged or agreed to by taxing authorities, when estimates used in determining valuation allowances on deferred tax assets significantly change, or when receipt of new information indicates the need for adjustment in valuation allowances. Future events, such as changes in tax laws, tax regulations, or interpretations of such laws or regulations, could have an impact on the provision for income tax and the effective tax rate. Any such changes could significantly affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements in the year these changes occur.
The effect of a one percentage point change in the effective tax rate for 2014 would have resulted in a change of $13 million in the provision for income taxes and net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
28
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated summary
A consolidated summary of our results is presented below.
In millions of dollars, except per share amounts
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Operating revenue:
Broadcasting
$
1,692
103%
$
835
(8%)
$
906
Publishing advertising
2,070
(6%)
2,199
(7%)
2,356
Publishing circulation
1,119
(1%)
1,129
1%
1,117
All other Publishing
233
(7%)
250
(2%)
255
Digital
919
23%
748
4%
719
Intersegment Elimination
(25
)
***
—
***
—
Total operating revenues
$
6,008
16%
$
5,161
(4%)
$
5,353
Operating expenses
$
4,950
12%
$
4,422
(3%)
$
4,563
Operating income
$
1,058
43%
$
739
(6%)
$
790
Non-operating (income) expense, net
$
(298
)
***
$
180
51%
$
119
Net income:
Per share – basic
$
4.69
***
$
1.70
(7%)
$
1.83
Per share – diluted
$
4.58
***
$
1.66
(7%)
$
1.79
A discussion of operating results of our Broadcasting, Publishing, and Digital Segments, along with other factors affecting net income attributable to Gannett, is as follows:
Broadcasting Segment
2014
was a record year for our Broadcasting Segment. The largest contributor was the significant expansion of our television station portfolio. At the end of
2014
, our broadcasting operations included 46 television stations either owned or serviced through shared service agreements or other similar agreements. Stations in our broadcasting division cover almost one-third of the U.S. population in markets with more than 35 million households.
Broadcasting Segment revenues accounted for approximately
28%
of our reported operating revenues in
2014
. Broadcasting Segment revenues accounted for approximately
16%
of our reported operating revenues in 2013 and
17%
in 2012.
Over the last three years, Broadcasting Segment revenues, expenses and operating income were as follows:
In millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Revenues
$
1,692
***
$
835
(8%)
$
906
Expenses
947
***
473
2%
462
Operating income
$
745
***
$
362
(18%)
$
444
Broadcasting Segment revenues are grouped into five categories: Core (Local and National), Political, Retransmission, Digital and Other. The following table summarizes the year-over-year changes in these select revenue categories.
In millions
2014
Percentage Change From 2013
Reported
(a)
Reported
Pro Forma
(b)
Core (Local & National)
$
1,046
74%
(2%)
Political
159
***
***
Retransmission
(c)
362
145%
62%
Digital
98
156%
19%
Other
28
(24%)
(1%)
Total
$
1,692
103%
19%
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
(b) The pro forma figures are presented as if the acquisition of Belo Corp. and the six acquired London Broadcasting Company television stations as well as the Captivate disposition had occurred at the beginning of 2013. See "Presentation of Pro Forma Information" on page 39.
(c) Reverse compensation to network affiliates is included as part of programming costs and therefore is excluded from this line.
Reported Broadcasting Segment revenues increased $857 million to
$1.69 billion
or
103%
for
2014
, a record high, primarily driven by the acquisition of Belo and London Broadcasting television stations, as well as substantially higher retransmission revenue and record non-presidential year political advertising. Core advertising revenues, which consist of Local and National non-political advertising, increased 74% to $1.05 billion in
2014
mainly due to television station acquisitions and $41 million in advertising associated with the Winter Olympics that was partially offset by political advertising displacement. Political advertising reached $159 million compared to $13 million in 2013, driven by a strong political footprint. Retransmission revenues increased 145% in
2014
resulting from the expansion of our Broadcasting Segment portfolio and rate increases. Within the Broadcasting Segment, digital revenue increased 156% compared to 2013 reflecting continued growth from digital marketing services products.
Broadcasting Segment costs doubled to
$947 million
in
2014
. The increase is driven primarily by the acquisitions as well as higher investment in digital initiatives and reverse network compensation.
As a result of all of these factors, Broadcasting Segment operating income more than doubled to
$745 million
in
2014
.
Broadcasting Segment results 2013-2012:
Reported broadcasting revenues decreased $71 million to $835 million or 8% for 2013. The 2013 year-over-year comparison is impacted by the absence of a record level of political spending and advertising revenues associated with the 2012 Summer Olympics as well as an extra week in 2012’s results.
Core advertising revenues, while impacted by the displacement of record political revenues, were up 3% in 2013, reflecting strong growth in the media, medical, and services categories. Retransmission revenues increased 52% in 2013 and digital television revenues increased 21% compared to 2012.
Broadcasting Segment costs increased 2% to $473 million in 2013. The increase reflects higher digital sales and marketing costs in 2013 associated with online revenue growth and workforce restructuring costs associated with the Belo transaction.
As a result of all of these factors, Broadcasting Segment operating income decreased 18% to $362 million in 2013.
29
Publishing Segment
Our publishing operations include USCP, Gannett Publishing Services, USA TODAY group (which includes USA TODAY brand properties), Newsquest, which produces daily and non-daily publications in the U.K., Clipper Magazine, Gannett Government Media and other advertising and marketing services businesses. The Publishing Segment in 2014 contributed
57%
of our revenues.
Publishing operating results were as follows:
Publishing operating results, in millions of dollars
2014
(a)
Change
2013
Change
2012
(a)
Revenues
$
3,422
(4%)
$
3,578
(4%)
$
3,728
Expenses
3,193
(2%)
3,264
(3%)
3,360
Operating income
$
228
(27%)
$
314
(15%)
$
369
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
F
oreign currency translation impacts:
The average exchange rate used to translate U.K. publishing results was
1.65
for 2014,
1.56
for 2013 and
1.58
for 2012. Translation fluctuations impact U.K. publishing revenue, expense and operating income results.
Publishing Segment operating revenues:
Publishing operating revenues are derived principally from advertising sales which accounted for
61%
of total publishing revenues in 2014, and circulation sales which accounted for
33%
of total publishing revenues in 2014. Advertising revenues include those derived from advertising placed with print products as well as publishing related Internet desktop, smartphone and tablet applications. These include revenue in the classified, retail and national advertising categories. Circulation revenues are derived principally from distributing our publications on our digital platforms, from home delivery and from single copy sales of our publications. Other publishing revenues are mainly from commercial printing.
The table below presents the principal components of Publishing Segment revenues for the last three years.
Publishing operating revenues, in millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Advertising
$
2,070
(6%)
$
2,199
(7%)
$
2,356
Circulation
1,119
(1%)
1,129
1%
1,117
Commercial printing and other
233
(7%)
250
(2%)
255
Total
$
3,422
(4%)
$
3,578
(4%)
$
3,728
Publishing Segment digital revenues were up for the year in the U.S. as well as at Newsquest in the U.K. Revenues benefited from our continued focus on digital marketing services. Domestic U.S. digital revenues were up 4%, while digital revenues at Newsquest increased 21% in local currency.
The table below presents the principal components of Publishing Segment advertising revenues for the last three years. These amounts include advertising revenue from printed publications as well as online advertising revenue from desktop, smartphone and tablets affiliated with the publications.
Advertising revenues, in millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Retail
$
1,095
(5%)
$
1,157
(6%)
$
1,230
National
321
(12%)
365
(8%)
396
Classified
654
(3%)
677
(7%)
730
Total advertising revenue
$
2,070
(6%)
$
2,199
(7%)
$
2,356
Publishing Segment revenue comparisons 2014-2013:
Advertising Revenue:
Advertising revenues for 2014 decreased
$129 million
or
6%
.
The decrease reflects lower advertising demand due to ongoing secular pressures.
The tables below present the percentage change in 2014 compared to 2013 for each of the major advertising and classified revenue categories, presented as if the Apartments.com sale, which affected classified real estate revenue comparisons, occurred at the beginning of 2013. Revenue recorded to classified real estate advertising related to Apartments.com sales totaled approximately $4 million in 2014 and $15 million in 2013.
The table below presents the percentage change for the retail, national, and classified categories for 2014 compared to 2013.
Advertising Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons
U.S. Publishing
Newsquest (in pounds)
Total Publishing Segment
Retail
(6%)
(2%)
(5%)
National
(14%)
(4%)
(12%)
Classified
(4%)
(3%)
(2%)
Total
(7%)
(3%)
(6%)
Retail advertising revenues were down $62 million or
5%
in 2014. In the U.S., revenues were down in all major categories. Retail advertising revenues, in local currency, were down
2%
in the U.K.
National advertising revenues were down $44 million or
12%
in 2014, primarily due to lower advertising sales for USCP, Newsquest, and USA TODAY.
The table below presents the percentage change in classified categories for 2014 compared to 2013 as if the Apartments.com sale occurred at the beginning of 2013.
Classified Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons
U.S. Publishing
Newsquest (in pounds)
Total Publishing Segment
Automotive
(2%)
(6%)
(2%)
Employment
(4%)
7%
1%
Real Estate
(4%)
(9%)
(4%)
Legal
(4%)
—%
(4%)
Other
(8%)
(6%)
(6%)
Total
(4%)
(3%)
(2%)
Classified advertising revenues declined
4%
in the U.S. and
3%
in the U.K in 2014. Domestically, automotive advertising was down
2%
for the year while employment and real estate both declined
4%
for the year. In the U.K., while most classified advertising categories were lower, employment advertising improved 7% in local currency, reflecting the recovery in the U.K. economy.
30
Circulation Revenue:
Publishing Segment circulation revenues decreased by $10 million or
1%
. Circulation revenues decreased 1% in 2014 at USCP, reflecting an increase in home delivery revenue offset by a decrease in single copy revenue. Home delivery revenue was boosted by the pricing impact of placing USA TODAY local editions in 35 of our USCP units and the strength of our All Access Content Subscription Model, adding engaging content which allowed us to deploy strategic pricing initiatives. Circulation revenues were 4% lower at USA TODAY and 1% lower in local currency in the U.K., due to declines in print circulation volume, partially offset by cover price increases, implemented in 2013.
Daily average print and digital, replica and non-replica circulation, excluding USA TODAY, declined
9%
, while Sunday net paid circulation declined
3%
.
For local publishing operations in the U.S. and U.K., morning circulation accounted for approximately 95% of total daily volume, while evening circulation accounted for 5%.
Local publishing circulation volume is summarized in the table below.
Total average circulation volume, print and digital, replica and non-replica in thousands
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Local Publications
Morning
2,715
(8%)
2,967
(8%)
3,240
Evening
145
(10%)
161
(9%)
177
Total daily
2,860
(9%)
3,128
(8%)
3,417
Sunday
4,569
(3%)
4,729
(5%)
5,003
Other Revenue:
Commercial printing and other publishing revenues were down
7%
in 2014 and totaled
$233 million
, reflecting the sale of a print business and a decrease in U.K. commercial print revenues. Commercial printing revenues in the U.S. and U.K. combined accounted for nearly 60% of total other revenues.
Publishing Segment revenue comparisons 2013-2012:
Advertising Revenue:
Advertising revenues for 2013 declined $157 million or 7%. The decrease reflecting lower advertising demand due to secular pressures, a slow pace of the economic recovery, and the extra week in 2012.
Ad revenues were lower in both the U.S. and the U.K. In the U.K., in local currency, advertising revenues comparisons lagged comparisons in the U.S. Newsquest advertising revenues were down 8% compared with 6% decline for U.S. publishing.
Retail advertising revenues were down $73 million or 6% in 2013. In the U.S., revenues were down in all major categories. Retail advertising revenues were down 4% in the U.K. on a constant currency basis.
National advertising revenues were down $31 million or 8% in 2013, primarily due to lower advertising sales for U.S. Community Publishing, Newsquest, and as well as for USA TODAY and its associated businesses.
Classified advertising revenues declined $53 million or 7% in 2013 with a decline of 7% in the U.S. and 8% in the U.K. Domestically, automotive advertising was down 2% for the year while employment declined 10%. Real estate continued to reflect the housing issues nationwide
and was down 5% for the year. Most classified advertising results in the U.K. lagged results in the U.S. as automotive, employment and real estate declined in local currency 10%, 4% and 9%, respectively.
Circulation Revenue:
Publishing Segment circulation revenues increased by $12 million or 1% over 2012, reflecting the second consecutive annual company-wide circulation revenue increase. Circulation revenues were up as a result of the implementation of the All Access Content Subscription Model in 2012. Circulation revenues increased 3% in 2013 at USCP. Circulation revenue in the U.K. was up 3% compared to last year in local currency reflecting increases in cover prices.
Revenue comparisons reflect generally lower circulation volumes more than offset by price increases. Daily average print and digital, replica and non-replica circulation, excluding USA TODAY, declined 8%, while Sunday net paid circulation declined 5%.
Circulation revenues were lower at USA TODAY, reflecting lower average print daily circulation volume, partially offset by price increases.
For local publishing operations in the U.S. and U.K., morning circulation accounted for approximately 95% of total daily volume, while evening circulation accounted for 5%.
Other Revenue:
Commercial printing and other publishing revenues were down 2% in 2013 and totaled $250 million. Declines in other publishing revenues were partially offset by an increase in commercial print revenues. Commercial printing revenues in the U.S. and U.K. combined, accounted for approximately 60% of total other revenues.
Publishing Segment digital revenues in 2013 were up for the year in the U.S. as well as at Newsquest in the U.K. Revenues benefited from our continued focus on digital marketing services and the All Access Content Subscription Model. Domestic U.S. digital revenues were up 34%, while digital revenues at Newsquest increased 13% in local currency.
Publishing Segment expense comparisons 2014-2013:
Publishing operating expense decreased to
$3.19 billion
in 2014 primarily due to continued cost reductions and efficiency efforts as well as lower print volumes, partially offset by special charges for transformation costs, asset impairments and workforce restructuring.
Publishing payroll costs were down 4% compared to 2013, reflecting the impact of workforce restructuring.
Newsprint expense was down 9% in 2014 due to a decline in consumption and prices.
Publishing Segment expense comparisons 2013-2012:
Publishing operating expense decreased to $3.26 billion in 2013 as continued cost efficiency efforts were partially offset by strategic initiative spending of $36 million.
A majority of the strategic spending in 2013 was in conjunction with digital relaunches and the investments made in our digital marketing services business.
Publishing payroll costs were down 3% compared to 2012, reflecting the impact of workforce restructuring across certain divisions.
Newsprint expense was down 14% in 2013 due to a decline in consumption and prices.
31
Publishing Segment operating results 2014-2013:
Publishing operating income decreased to
$228 million
in 2014 from
$314 million
in 2013. The principal factors affecting reported operating results comparisons for the full year were the following:
•
Lower operating results in the U.S. as advertising revenue categories were affected by the impact of the secular pressure on print advertising demand;
•
Significant increase in digital revenue;
•
Special charges for transformation costs and asset impairments as well as workforce restructuring costs totaled $123 million in 2014 and $89 million in 2013;
•
A decrease in newsprint expense.
Publishing Segment operating results 2013-2012:
Publishing operating income decreased to $314 million in 2013 from $369 million in 2012. The principal factors affecting reported operating results comparisons for the full year were the following:
•
Lower operating results in the U.S. and U.K. as advertising revenue categories were affected by the impact of the soft economy on advertising demand, partially offset by an increase in circulation revenue at our USCP and U.K. operations;
•
Strategic initiative spending in 2013 of $36 million;
•
Special charges for transformation costs and asset impairments as well as workforce restructuring totaled $89 million in 2013 and $74 million in 2012;
•
Significant increase in digital revenue;
•
Negative impact of the extra week in 2012; and
•
A decrease in newsprint expense.
Digital Segment
The Digital Segment includes results for stand-alone digital subsidiaries including Cars.com, CareerBuilder, PointRoll, and Shoplocal.
On October 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 73% interest that we did not already own in Cars.com. Full year results for 2014 include Cars.com results following the acquisition on October 1.
On April 1, 2014, CareerBuilder acquired Broadbean, a leader in online recruitment software that enables job distribution, candidate sourcing and big data analytics for employers. The Broadbean acquisition, when combined with the addition of Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. in 2012, represents the next step in CareerBuilder’s transformation, positioning it as a leading company in the rapidly growing software-as-a-service market for talent management solutions.
Digital Segment revenues, expenses and operating income were as follows:
In millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Revenues
$
919
23%
$
748
4%
$
719
Expenses
764
23%
620
(8%)
677
Operating income
$
155
21%
$
128
***
$
42
Digital Segment revenues increased $171 million or
23%
over 2013 to a record high of $919 million, primarily reflecting the impact of the Cars.com acquisition, and continued growth in revenues at CareerBuilder.
Digital Segment expenses in 2014 increased
23%
to
$764 million
, primarily due to the Cars.com acquisition and an increase in expenses at CareerBuilder associated with its revenue growth. As a result of these factors, Digital Segment operating income increased to
$155 million
in 2014.
CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions majority-owned by Gannett, provides services ranging from labor market intelligence to talent management software and other recruitment tools. It is the largest online job site in the U.S., measured both by traffic and revenue, has a presence in more than 60 markets worldwide and focuses on technology solutions and niche sites. Its North American network revenue is driven mainly from its own sales force but it also derives revenues from its owner affiliated businesses, including our local media organizations, which sell various CareerBuilder employment products including upsells of print employment ads. North American revenue increased 3%, compared to last year. CareerBuilder revenues in the Digital Segment exclude amounts recorded at Gannett-owned local media organizations.
Digital Segment results 2013-2012:
Digital Segment revenues increased $29 million or 4% over 2012, primarily reflecting a strong increase in revenues at CareerBuilder.
Digital Segment expenses in 2013 decreased 8% to $620 million, primarily due to a $78 million decrease in impairment charges in 2013 partly offset by an increase in expenses at CareerBuilder associated with its revenue growth.
As a result of these factors, Digital Segment operating income increased to $128 million in 2013.
Consolidated operating expenses
Over the last three years, our consolidated operating expenses were as follows:
Consolidated operating expenses, in millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
(a)
Change
2012
Cost of sales
$
3,049
6%
$
2,882
(2%)
$
2,944
Selling, general and admin. expenses
1,539
19%
1,292
(1%)
1,303
Depreciation
186
21%
153
(5%)
161
Amortization of intangible assets
80
***
36
9%
33
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
96
65%
58
(52%)
122
Total
$
4,950
12%
$
4,422
(3%)
$
4,563
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
Total reported operating expenses increased
12%
to $
4.95 billion
in 2014, primarily due to the impact of the acquisitions of Belo and the London Broadcasting Company television stations, as well as the acquisition of Cars.com partly offset by continued cost efficiency efforts company-wide as well as lower newsprint expense.
Depreciation expense was
21%
higher in 2014, reflecting the acquisitions of television stations as well as Cars.com.
The non-cash facility consolidation and asset impairment charges for all years are more fully discussed beginning on page 34 and in Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
32
Payroll and benefits and newsprint costs (along with certain other production material costs), the largest elements of our normal operating expenses, are presented below, expressed as a percentage of total pre-tax operating expenses.
2014
2013
2012
Payroll and employee benefits
46.0%
47.6%
45.9%
Newsprint and other production material
8.6%
10.1%
11.2%
Operating expense comparisons 2013
-
2012
:
Total reported operating expense decreased 3% to $4.42 billion in 2013, due to continued cost efficiency efforts company-wide, lower facility consolidation and asset impairment charges as well as lower newsprint expense. These were partially offset by $58 million in workforce restructuring charges and $41 million of strategic initiative investments made throughout the year.
Depreciation expense was 5% lower in 2013, reflecting certain assets reaching the end of their depreciable life.
Non-operating income and expense
Equity earnings:
This income statement category reflects results from unconsolidated minority interest investments, including our equity share of operating results from our publishing partnerships, including the California Newspapers Partnership, Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, Tucson newspaper partnership and other online/digital businesses including Cars.com before we acquired it on October 1.
Our net equity income in unconsolidated investees for
2014
was $
167 million
, an increase of $123 million over 2013. This increase reflects primarily the gain on the sale of Apartments.com, partly offset by the lower equity income from Classified Ventures as well as softer results for newspaper partnerships.
Our net equity income in unconsolidated investees for 2013 was $44 million, an increase of $21 million over 2012. This increase reflects better results at Classified Ventures, the California Newspapers Partnership, as well as reduced impairment charges recognized in 2013.
Interest expense:
2014 interest expense increased by 55% to $
273 million
compared to 2013 due to a higher average debt level of $3.85 billion. The higher average debt level is related to additional borrowings, partly offset by a lower average interest rate.
Interest expense in 2013 was higher compared to 2012, due to a higher average debt level related to the issuance of $1.85 billion in senior notes in the second half of 2013 primarily related to the Belo acquisition which closed on Dec. 23, 2013.
We increased our long-term debt by $781 million or 21% in 2014. At the end of 2014, our leverage ratio was 2.96x, within the financial covenants under its revolving credit agreements.
A further discussion of our borrowing and related interest cost is presented in the “Liquidity and capital resources” section of this report beginning on page 40 and in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other non-operating items:
We reported a net gain of
$404 million
for other non-operating items in 2014. The majority reflects the write-up of our prior 27% investment in Cars.com to fair value post acquisition and a gain related to required accounting for the pre-existing affiliate agreement between us and Cars.com. The net gain was partially offset by acquisition costs and expenses incurred for our previously announced separation in to two public companies.
Other non-operating items totaled a net loss of $48 million in 2013 with the majority related to costs associated with the Belo transaction and a non-cash charge associated with the change in control and sale of interests related to Captivate. These costs were partly offset by interest income earned in 2013.
We reported a net gain of $9 million in 2012 with the majority related to a gain on distribution from a cost method investment and interest income earned during 2012.
Provision for income taxes
We reported pre-tax income attributable to Gannett of $1.29 billion for 2014. The provision for income taxes reflects a special net tax benefit from the sale of a non-strategic subsidiary at a loss, for which a partial tax benefit was recognized. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income is 17.5%.
We reported pre-tax income attributable to Gannett of $502 million for 2013. The provision for income taxes reflects certain state audit settlements and a special net tax benefit from the release of certain tax reserves due to a multi-year federal audit settlement in 2013. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income is 22.6%.
The lower tax rate for 2014 compared to 2013 is due to special items contributing a net tax benefit that related primarily to the 2014 sale of a non-strategic subsidiary at a loss, for which a partial tax benefit was recognized, partially offset by a reduction in audit resolutions.
We reported pre-tax income attributable to Gannett of $620 million for 2012. The provision for income taxes reflects an impairment of non-deductible goodwill, certain state audit settlements and a special net tax benefit from the release of certain tax reserves due to a federal audit settlement in 2012. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income is 31.5%.
The lower effective tax rate for 2013 compared to 2012 is due to special items contributing a net tax benefit that related primarily to a multi-year federal audit settlement recognized in 2013 as well as a non-deductible goodwill impairment charge incurred in 2012.
Further information concerning income tax matters is contained in Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. and related per share amounts are presented in the table below.
In millions of dollars, except per share amounts
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Net income
$
1,062
***
$
389
(8%)
$
424
Per basic share
$
4.69
***
$
1.70
(7%)
$
1.83
Per diluted share
$
4.58
***
$
1.66
(7%)
$
1.79
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. consists of net income reduced by net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, primarily from CareerBuilder. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $
68 million
in 2014, $
57 million
in 2013 and $
51 million
in 2012.
33
Operating results non-GAAP information
Presentation of non-GAAP information:
We use non-GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and should be read in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis.
We discuss in this report non-GAAP financial performance measures that exclude from its reported GAAP results the impact of special items consisting of:
•
Workforce restructuring charges;
•
Transformation costs;
•
Non-cash asset impairment charges;
•
A non-cash charge related to a change in control and sale of interests in a business;
•
Non-cash charges related to certain investments accounted for under the equity method;
•
Equity income gain on the sale of Apartments.com by Classified Ventures;
•
Non-operating income from the write-up of our prior equity investment in Cars.com to fair value post acquisition;
•
Other non-operating expenses related to acquisition costs, donations to our foundation and expenses incurred for our previously announced spin-off of our publishing operation; and
•
Special tax gains and charges, as well as the tax effect of the above special items.
We believe that such expenses, charges and credits are not indicative of normal, ongoing operations and their inclusion in results makes for more difficult comparisons between years and with peer group companies. Workforce restructuring and transformation expenses primarily relate to incremental expenses we have incurred to consolidate or outsource production processes and centralize other functions. Workforce restructuring expenses include payroll and related benefit costs as well as charges related to our partial withdrawal from certain multi-employer pension plans. Transformation costs include incremental expenses incurred by us to execute on our transformation and growth plan and incremental expenses associated with optimizing our real estate portfolio. Asset impairment charges reflect non-cash charges to reduce the book value of certain intangible assets to their respective fair value, as our projections for the business underlying the related asset had declined.
In 2014, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $148 million related to the Classified Ventures sale of its Apartments.com business. This gain is reflected in the line equity income in unconsolidated investees, net.
Other non-operating items for 2014 included special gains and charges primarily related to (1) income related to the write-up of our prior investment in Cars.com to fair value post acquisition and the required accounting for the pre-existing affiliate agreement between us and Cars.com, (2) costs for acquiring six London Broadcasting Company television stations and the remaining outstanding shares of Cars.com, (3) expenses related to the planned spin-off of our publishing operation, (4) the early retirement of our 9.375% notes due in 2017, and (5) non-cash donations to our charitable foundation. Other non-operating items in 2013 included Belo acquisition related expenses, a non-cash charge related to a sale of interests in a business and a currency loss related to the weakening of the British pound associated with the downgrade of the U.K. sovereign credit rating.
The income tax provision for 2014 reflects a tax benefit related to our portfolio restructuring, the sale of a non-strategic investment, and a charge related to the sale of our interest in television station KMOV-TV in St. Louis, MO, in February 2014. The income tax provision for 2013 included special credits related to reserve releases as a result of federal exam resolution and lapse of certain statutes of limitations. Results for 2012 included a credit related primarily to tax settlements covering multiple years.
We discuss Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial performance measure that we believe offers a useful view of our overall business operations. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Gannett before (1) net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, (2) income taxes, (3) interest expense, (4) equity income, (5) other non-operating items, (6) workforce restructuring, (7) transformation costs, (8) asset impairment charges, (9) depreciation and (10) amortization. When Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is Net income attributable to Gannett.
We use non-GAAP financial performance measures for purposes of evaluating business unit and consolidated company performance. Therefore, we believe that each of the non-GAAP measures presented provides useful information to investors by allowing them to view our businesses through the eyes of our management and Board of Directors, facilitating comparison of results across historical periods, and providing a focus on the underlying ongoing operating performance of our businesses. Many of our peer group companies present similar non-GAAP measures to better facilitate industry comparisons.
Discussion of special charges and credits affecting reported results:
We recorded workforce restructuring related costs totaling $40 million ($26 million after-tax or $.11 per share) in 2014, $58 million ($37 million after-tax or $.16 per share) in 2013, and $49 million ($29 million after-tax or $.12 per share) in 2012. These charges were taken in connection with workforce reductions related to facility consolidation and outsourcing efforts and as part of a general program to fundamentally change our cost structure.
Company-wide transformation plans led us to recognize charges in 2012-2014 associated with revising the useful lives of certain assets over a shortened period, as well as shutdown costs and charges to reduce the carrying value of assets held for sale to fair value less costs to sell. Total charges for these matters were $79 million ($44 million after-tax or $.19 per share) in 2014, $25 million ($15 million after-tax or $.06 per share) in 2013, and $32 million ($20 million after-tax or $.08 per share) in 2012.
We performed impairment tests on certain assets including goodwill and other intangible assets that resulted in the recognition of impairment charges in 2012-2014. During 2014, we recorded non-cash asset impairment charges of $51 million ($46 million after-tax or $.20 per share). In 2013, non-cash asset impairment charges totaled $33 million ($20 million after-tax or $.08 per share). In 2012, non-cash asset impairment totaled $90 million ($87 million after-tax or $.37 per share). These facility consolidation and non-cash impairment charges are detailed in Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
34
Other non-operating items totaled a gain of $542 million ($325 million after-tax or $1.40 per share) in 2014. The gain is primarily from the $477 million write-up of our prior 27% investment in Cars.com to fair value post acquisition and gain on the settlement of the pre-existing affiliate agreement between us and Cars.com, as well as our equity share of Classified Ventures’ gain on the sale of Apartments.com in April of 2014 that totaled $148 million. Non-operating charges in 2014 were primarily for acquisition costs for the Cars.com and London Broadcasting Company acquisitions, expenses incurred for our previously announced spin-off of our publishing operations, non-cash donations to our charitable foundation and the early retirement of our 9.375% notes due in 2017. In 2013, non-operating items charges totaled $55 million ($41 million after-tax or $.17 per share) and primarily related to a loss recognized on the Captivate transaction and Belo acquisition costs. In 2012, non-operating items charges totaled $7 million ($4 million after-tax or $.02 per share) related to asset impairments of a cost and equity method investment.
In 2014, we recorded special net tax benefits that totaled $218 million or $.94 per share that were primarily driven by a restructuring of our portfolio which included the sale of a non-strategic equity investment. We also recorded a tax benefit of $28 million or $.12 per share related to resolution of several federal tax claims in 2013. In 2012, we recorded $13 million or $.06 per share related primarily to tax settlements covering multiple years.
Consolidated results
The following is a discussion of our as adjusted non-GAAP financial results. All as adjusted (non-GAAP basis) measures are labeled as such or “adjusted”.
Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP operating expense follow:
In millions of dollars
2014
(a)
Change
2013
Change
2012
(a)
Operating expense
(GAAP basis)
$
4,950
12%
$
4,422
(3%)
$
4,563
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
(40
)
(30%)
(58
)
19%
(49
)
Transformation costs
(79
)
***
(25
)
(21%)
(32
)
Asset impairment charges
(51
)
56%
(33
)
(63%)
(90
)
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
4,779
11%
$
4,306
(2%)
$
4,393
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
Adjusted operating expenses increased
11%
in 2014 over 2013 to
$4.78 billion
primarily due to the acquisitions of the Belo and London Broadcasting Company television stations and Cars.com, partly offset by continued efficiency efforts company-wide.
Adjusted operating expenses decreased
2%
in 2013 over 2012 to
$4.31 billion
, due to continued efficiency efforts company-wide and the extra week in 2012, partly offset by an increase in Digital Segment expenses related to the increase in revenue.
Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP operating income follow:
In millions of dollars
2014
(a)
Change
2013
Change
2012
(a)
Operating income
(GAAP basis)
$
1,058
43%
$
739
(6%)
$
790
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
40
(30%)
58
19%
49
Transformation costs
79
***
25
(21%)
32
Asset impairment charges
51
56%
33
(63%)
90
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
1,229
44%
$
855
(11%)
$
960
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
Adjusted operating income increased
44%
in 2014 over 2013 to
$1.23 billion
. The increase reflects substantially higher revenue growth in the Broadcasting and Digital Segments to record levels, partially offset by a decline in the Publishing Segment. Broadcasting Segment revenues and operating results were higher due to the Belo and London Broadcasting Company television station acquisitions and significant increases in Olympic and political spending as well as retransmission revenue, partly offset by higher expense related to revenue growth as well as higher reverse network compensation fees. Publishing Segment results reflected lower advertising demand and circulation revenue, partially offset by lower operating expenses due primarily to continuing cost efficiency efforts. Digital Segment revenues and operating results were higher primarily due to the impact of the Cars.com acquisition and strong results at Cars.com and CareerBuilder. Digital revenues company-wide including the Digital Segment and all digital revenues generated by other business segments were approximately $1.72 billion in 2014, nearly 30% of operating revenues, and an increase of 15% compared to 2013.
Adjusted operating income decreased
11%
in 2013 over 2012 to
$855 million
. Broadcasting Segment revenues and operating results were lower, reflecting the absence of significant political and Olympic revenues generated in 2012. Publishing Segment revenues reflected lower advertising demand, partially offset by a 1% increase in circulation revenue. Digital Segment revenues increased, reflecting solid revenue growth at CareerBuilder. Digital revenues company-wide including the Digital Segment and all digital revenues generated by other business segments were approximately $1.47 billion in 2013, nearly 30% of operating revenues and an increase of 16% compared to 2012.
35
Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP non-operating expense which consist of equity income or loss, interest expense and other non-operating items follow:
In millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Total non-operating (expense) income
(GAAP basis)
$
298
***
$
(180
)
51%
$
(119
)
Remove special items:
Other non-operating items
(542
)
***
55
***
7
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
(244
)
95%
$
(125
)
11%
$
(112
)
Adjusted non-operating expense increased
95%
in 2014 over 2013 to
$244 million
. This increase reflects higher interest expense due to higher average debt levels from additional borrowings.
Adjusted non-operating expense increased
11%
in 2013 over 2012 to
$125 million
reflecting higher interest expense due to higher average debt levels principally related to the issuance of senior notes related to the Belo transaction.
A summary of the impact of special items on our effective tax rate follows:
In millions of dollars
2014
2013
2012
(a)
Provision for income taxes as reported (GAAP basis)
$
226
$
113
$
195
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
15
21
19
Transformation costs
36
10
13
Asset impairment charges
5
13
4
Other non-operating items
(217
)
15
3
Special tax benefits
218
28
13
As adjusted (non-GAAP basis)
$
283
$
200
$
246
As adjusted effective tax rate
(non-GAAP basis)
30.9
%
29.7
%
30.9
%
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
The adjusted effective tax rate in 2014 was
30.9%
compared to
29.7%
in 2013. The slightly higher rate for 2014 reflects a higher proportion of income derived in the U.S., which is taxed at a higher rate, mainly due to the income related to the acquisitions of Belo and Cars.com, as well as fewer tax reserve releases due to expiring statutes of limitations. The adjusted effective tax rate in 2013 was 29.7% compared to 30.9% in 2012. The lower rate for 2013 reflects higher reserve releases due to audit settlements and the lapse of certain statutes of limitations.
Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. and diluted earnings per share follow:
In millions of dollars, except per share amounts
2014
(a)
Change
2013
(a)
Change
2012
(a)
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
(GAAP basis)
$
1,062
***
$
389
(8%)
$
424
Remove special items (net of tax):
Workforce restructuring
26
(30%)
37
26%
29
Transformation costs
44
***
15
(23%)
20
Asset impairment charges
46
***
20
—
87
Other non-operating items
(325
)
***
41
***
4
Special tax benefits
(218
)
***
(28
)
***
(13
)
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
634
34%
$
473
(14%)
$
551
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP basis)
$
4.58
***
$
1.66
(7%)
$
1.79
Remove special items (net of tax):
Workforce restructuring
0.11
(31%)
0.16
33%
0.12
Transformation costs
0.19
***
0.06
(25%)
0.08
Asset impairment charges
0.20
***
0.08
(78%)
0.37
Other non-operating items
(1.40
)
***
0.17
***
0.02
Special tax benefits
(0.94
)
***
(0.12
)
***
(0.06
)
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
2.73
35%
$
2.02
(13%)
$
2.33
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
Adjusted net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. increased
34%
in 2014 (
35%
on a diluted per share basis) as a result of higher as adjusted (non-GAAP basis) operating income in the Broadcasting and Digital Segments, partially offset by lower operating income in the Publishing Segment.
Adjusted net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. decreased 14% in 2013 over 2012 (
13%
on a diluted per share basis) as a result of lower as adjusted (non-GAAP basis) operating income in the Broadcasting and Publishing Segments, partially offset by higher operating income in the Digital Segment.
36
Adjustments to reconcile GAAP net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA follow:
In millions of dollars
2014
(a)
Change
2013
(a)
Change
2012
(a)
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
(GAAP basis)
$
1,062
***
$
389
(8%)
$
424
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
68
19%
57
13%
51
Provision for income taxes
226
99%
113
(42%)
195
Interest expense
273
55%
176
17%
150
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
(167
)
***
(44
)
96%
(22
)
Other non-operating items
(404
)
***
48
***
(9
)
Operating income
(GAAP basis)
$
1,058
43%
$
739
(6%)
$
790
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
40
(30%)
58
19%
49
Transformation costs
79
***
25
(21%)
32
Asset impairment charges
51
56%
33
(63%)
90
Adjusted operating income
(non-GAAP basis)
$
1,229
44%
$
855
(11%)
$
960
Depreciation
186
21%
153
(5%)
161
Adjusted amortization (non-GAAP basis)
75
***
36
9%
33
Adjusted EBITDA
(non-GAAP basis)
$
1,491
43%
$
1,045
(9%)
$
1,154
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
Adjusted EBITDA increased
43%
to
$1.49 billion
in 2014 from
$1.04 billion
in 2013. Adjusted EBITDA margins increased significantly to 24.8% in 2014. Both increases reflect the acquisitions of Belo and Cars.com as well record results in our Broadcasting and Digital Segments.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased
9%
to
$1.04 billion
in 2013 from
$1.15 billion
in 2012, driven by the absence of record political spending achieved in 2012 and revenue associated with the Summer Olympics along with a decrease in Publishing Segment results.
Segment results
The following is a discussion of our as adjusted non-GAAP financial results. All as adjusted (non-GAAP basis) measures are labeled as such or “adjusted”.
A summary of the impact of workforce restructuring charges and transformation costs on our Broadcasting Segment is presented below:
In millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
Change
2012
Broadcasting Segment operating expenses
(GAAP basis)
$
947
100%
$
473
2%
$
462
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
(4
)
(74%)
(14
)
***
—
Transformation costs
(18
)
***
(1
)
***
—
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
925
102%
$
458
(1%)
$
462
Broadcasting Segment operating income
(GAAP basis)
$
745
106%
$
362
(18%)
$
444
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
4
(74%)
14
***
—
Transformation costs
18
***
1
***
—
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
767
103%
$
377
(15%)
$
444
Adjusted Broadcasting Segment operating expenses increased
102%
in 2014 compared to 2013, driven primarily by acquisitions as well as higher investment in digital initiatives and reverse network compensation.
Adjusted Broadcasting Segment operating income increased
103%
to
$767 million
in 2014, driven by record non-presidential political revenues, the expansion of the television station portfolio, Winter Olympics advertising, and a significant increase in retransmission and digital revenue.
Adjusted Broadcasting Segment operating expenses decreased
1%
in 2013 compared to 2012 due to lower expenses associated with the record level of political spending achieved in 2012 and the Summer Olympics. Adjusted Broadcasting Segment operating income decreased 15% to $377 million in 2013, reflecting the absence of record political spending and Summer Olympic revenue achieved in 2012.
37
A summary of the impact of workforce restructuring charges, transformation costs and asset impairment charges on our Publishing Segment is presented below:
In millions of dollars
2014
(a)
Change
2013
(a)
Change
2012
(a)
Publishing Segment operating expenses
(GAAP basis)
$
3,193
(2%)
$
3,264
(3%)
$
3,360
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
(34
)
(22%)
(43
)
2%
(42
)
Transformation costs
(61
)
***
(24
)
(25%)
(32
)
Asset impairment charges
(28
)
29%
(21
)
***
—
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
3,071
(3%)
$
3,175
(3%)
$
3,285
Publishing Segment operating income
(GAAP basis)
$
228
(27%)
$
314
(15%)
$
369
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
34
(22%)
43
2%
42
Transformation costs
61
***
24
(25%)
32
Asset impairment charges
28
29%
21
***
—
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
351
(13%)
$
402
(9%)
$
443
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
Adjusted Publishing Segment operating expenses decreased
3%
in 2014 compared to 2013 due to continued cost efficiency efforts and lower newsprint expense. On the same basis, adjusted Publishing Segment operating income declined
13%
in 2014 compared to 2013 due to lower advertising revenue, partially offset by the positive impact of the All Access Content Subscription Model and the addition of USA TODAY local editions at 35 of our USCP operations.
Adjusted Publishing Segment operating expenses decreased
3%
in 2013 compared to 2012 as continued cost efficiency efforts were partially offset by strategic initiative spending of $36 million.
Adjusted Publishing Segment operating income declined
9%
in 2013 compared to 2012 due to lower advertising revenue in the U.S. and U.K., $36 million of strategic initiative spending, the negative impact of the extra week in 2012, partially offset by a 1% increase in circulation revenue, and a decrease in newsprint expense.
A summary of the impact of workforce restructuring charges and asset impairment charges on our Digital Segment is presented below:
In millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
(a)
Change
2012
Digital Segment operating expenses
(GAAP basis)
$
764
23%
$
620
(8%)
$
677
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
(3
)
***
—
***
—
Asset impairment charges
(24
)
***
(12
)
(87%)
(90
)
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
737
21%
$
609
4%
$
587
Digital Segment operating income
(GAAP basis)
$
155
21%
$
128
***
$
42
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
3
***
—
***
—
Asset impairment charges
24
***
12
(87%)
90
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
182
30%
$
140
6%
$
132
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
Year-over-year adjusted operating expense comparisons for 2014 and 2013 reflect primarily the impact of the Cars.com acquisition and higher expense related to strong revenue growth at CareerBuilder. On the same basis, adjusted operating income increased
30%
, reflecting record revenues in our Digital Segment.
Year-over-year adjusted operating expense comparisons for 2013 and 2012 reflect increases in expenses at CareerBuilder associated with its revenue growth. The CareerBuilder revenue growth also drove the year-over-year improvements in adjusted Digital Segment operating income.
A summary of the impact of special charges on our Corporate Segment is presented below:
In millions of dollars
2014
Change
2013
(a)
Change
2012
Corporate Segment operating expenses
(GAAP basis)
$
71
10%
$
65
—%
$
64
Remove special items:
Workforce restructuring
—
***
—
***
(6
)
As adjusted
(non-GAAP basis)
$
71
11%
$
64
11%
$
58
(a) Numbers do not sum due to rounding.
38
Presentation of Pro Forma Information
Pro forma information is presented on the basis as if the acquisitions of Cars.com as well as the Belo and London Broadcasting Company televisions stations, the Captivate disposition, the sale of a print business and the Apartments.com sale had occurred at the beginning of 2013. This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the businesses since the beginning of 2013.
Pro forma adjustments include revenues and expenses for the former Belo stations acquired on December 23, 2013. The pro forma adjustments exclude revenues and expenses for the former Belo stations in Phoenix, AZ and St. Louis, MO. Certain of our subsidiaries and Sander Media, a holding company that has a station-operation agreement with us, agreed to sell these stations upon receiving government approval. KMOV-TV, the television station in St. Louis, was sold in February 2014 and the two television stations in Phoenix were sold in June 2014. Pro forma adjustments include the six television stations acquired from London Broadcasting Company on July 8, 2014. Pro forma adjustments include revenues and expenses for the acquisition of Cars.com on October 1, 2014. The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense and amortization of intangibles related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired and the alignment of accounting policies for all acquisitions.
Pro forma adjustments include reductions to revenues and expenses for Captivate since we sold our controlling interest in Captivate in the third quarter of 2013. Adjustments also include revenue and expense reductions related to the second quarter 2014 sale of a print business and the impact from the second quarter 2014 Classified Ventures sale of Apartments.com.
Reconciliations of our Broadcasting Segment, Digital Segment and company-wide revenues and expenses on an as reported basis to a pro forma basis for 2014 and 2013 are below:
In millions of dollars
2014
(a)
Gannett
(as reported)
Special Items
(b)
Pro Forma Adjustments
(c)
Gannett
Pro Forma Combined
Broadcasting revenue:
Core
$
1,046
$
—
$
20
$
1,066
Political
159
—
1
160
Retransmission
362
—
4
366
Digital
98
—
1
98
Other
28
—
2
30
Total broadcasting revenue
1,692
—
27
1,719
Broadcasting expenses
947
(22
)
23
948
Broadcasting operating income
$
745
$
22
$
4
$
771
(a) Numbers may not sum due to rounding.
(b) See reconciliation of special items beginning on page 34.
(c) We acquired six television stations from London Broadcasting Company on July 8, 2014. Results from these television stations from that date and forward are included in the as reported numbers above. The pro forma combined numbers above present results as if the acquisition had taken place on the first day of 2014.
In millions of dollars
2013
(a)
Gannett (as reported)
Special Items
(b)
Pro Forma Adjustments
(c)
Gannett Pro Forma Combined
Broadcasting revenue:
Core
$
600
$
—
$
483
$
1,083
Political
13
—
9
22
Retransmission
148
—
78
226
Digital
38
—
44
82
Other
36
—
(6
)
30
Total broadcasting revenue
835
—
607
1,442
Broadcasting expenses
473
(15
)
456
914
Broadcasting operating income
$
362
$
15
$
151
$
529
(a) Numbers may not sum due to rounding.
(b) See reconciliation of special items beginning on page 34.
(c) The pro forma adjustments include additions to revenue and expenses for the former Belo stations. They exclude revenues and expenses for the sale of stations in Phoenix, AZ and St. Louis, MO. Subsidiaries of Gannett and Sander Media, a holding company that has shared services agreement with Gannett, agreed to sell these stations upon receiving government approval. KMOV-TV, the television station in St. Louis, was sold in February 2014 and the two television stations in Phoenix were sold in June 2014. Revenue and expense adjustments were added for the acquisition of six London Broadcasting Company television stations. The pro forma adjustments for broadcasting expense reflect the addition of amortization for definite-lived intangible assets as if the acquisition of Belo and London Broadcasting Company television stations had occurred on the first day of 2013. Pro Forma adjustments also include the reductions to revenue and expenses for Captivate, as Gannett sold its controlling interest in Captivate in the third quarter of 2013.
Pro forma Broadcasting Segment revenue increased 19% in 2014 due to record non-presidential political spending as well as $41 million in Winter Olympic revenue. Retransmission revenue increased 62% and digital revenue was up 19% due to continued growth from digital marketing services products. Core advertising was impacted by the displacement resulting from record political advertising revenue and declined 2% on a pro forma basis. Broadcasting Segment expenses were up 4% on a pro forma basis, driven by the expenses associated with revenue growth initiatives at our new and existing stations, as well as reverse compensation and investments in sales and marketing tools in support of our sales transformation initiative.
In millions of dollars
2014
Gannett
(as reported)
Special Items
(a)
Pro Forma Adjustments
(b)
Gannett Pro Forma Combined
Digital operating revenue
$
919
$
—
$
378
$
1,297
Digital operating expense
764
(27
)
354
1,091
Digital operating income
$
155
$
27
$
24
$
206
(a) See reconciliation of special items beginning on page 34.
(b) The pro forma adjustments include additions to revenue and expenses for the acquisition of Cars.com. The pro forma adjustment reflects the addition of revenue amortization for certain unfavorable contracts and amortization for definite-lived intangible assets as if the acquisition of Cars.com had occurred on the first day of 2014.
39
In millions of dollars
2013
(a)
Gannett
(as reported)
Special Items
(b)
Pro Forma Adjustments
(c)
Gannett Pro Forma Combined
Digital operating revenue
$
748
$
—
$
452
$
1,201
Digital operating expense
620
(12
)
435
1,044
Digital operating income
$
128
$
12
$
17
$
157
(a) Numbers may not sum due to rounding.
(b) See reconciliation of special items beginning on page 34.
(c) The pro forma adjustments include additions to revenue and expenses for the acquisition of Cars.com. The pro forma adjustment reflects the addition of revenue amortization for certain unfavorable contracts and amortization for definite-lived intangible assets as if the acquisition of Cars.com had occurred on the first day of 2013. In 2014, a small online business was moved from the Digital Segment to the Publishing Segment as a result of continued integration with other Publishing businesses.
Digital Segment revenue on a pro forma basis increased 8% in 2014 primarily due to growth in Cars.com and CareerBuilder revenues. Cars.com revenues on a pro forma basis reflect organic growth in the markets in which they sell direct as well as price increases for affiliates implemented October 1, 2014. Digital Segment expenses were up 4% on a pro forma basis reflecting increases in Cars.com and CareerBuilder expenses in support of higher revenues.
In millions of dollars
2014
Gannett
(as reported)
Special Items
(a)
Pro Forma Adjustments
(b)
Gannett Pro Forma Combined
Company-wide operating revenue
$
6,008
$
—
$
347
$
6,355
Company-wide operating expenses
4,950
(171
)
317
5,096
Company-wide operating income
$
1,058
$
171
$
30
$
1,259
(a) See reconciliation of special items beginning on page 34.
(b) The pro forma adjustments include all the pro forma adjustments discussed above.
In millions of dollars
2013
Gannett
(as reported)
Special Items
(a)
Pro Forma Adjustments
(b)
Gannett Pro Forma Combined
Company-wide operating revenue
$
5,161
$
—
$
969
$
6,130
Company-wide operating expenses
4,422
(116
)
803
5,109
Company-wide operating income
$
739
$
116
$
166
$
1,021
(a) See reconciliation of special items beginning on page 34.
(b) The pro forma adjustments include all the pro forma adjustments discussed above.
Pro forma company-wide revenues were $6.36 billion in 2014, a 4% increase compared to 2013. The increase reflects a significant increase in Broadcasting and Digital Segment revenues, partially offset by a decrease in Publishing Segment revenues.
Pro forma company-wide expenses declined slightly to $5.10 billion in 2014 as a result of higher Broadcasting and Digital Segment expenses, offset by lower Publishing Segment expenses.
As a result, company-wide pro forma operating income increased 23% to $1.26 billion in 2014, driven by a 46% increase in Broadcasting Segment operating income and a 32% increase in Digital Segment operating income.
FINANCIAL POSITION
Liquidity and capital resources
Our cash flow from operating activities was
$821 million
in 2014, versus
$511 million
in 2013, primarily reflecting the strength of our Broadcasting and Digital Segments propelled by strategic acquisitions, successful growth initiatives and operating efficiencies. Net cash tax payments were
$83 million
higher compared to 2013 due to higher earnings. Interest payments were up $
116 million
reflecting the issuance of debt to fund the Belo and Cars.com acquisitions.
Net cash used for investing activities totaled
$1.66 billion
for 2014. We received a $154.6 million cash distribution from Classified Ventures related to its sale of Apartments.com as a return of investment in 2014. Payments for acquisitions reflect the cash spent to acquire Cars.com; six London Broadcasting television stations in Texas, and CareerBuilder’s acquisition of Broadbean. Payments for acquisitions also reflect the cash spent by us to acquire KMOV-TV, KASW-TV and KTVK-TV television assets that were previously owned by other parties. We purchased those assets pursuant to an option agreement we had with the former owner. These assets and other KMOV-TV, KASW-TV and KTVK-TV assets we already owned were immediately sold to Meredith Corporation. Meredith purchased the assets for $407.5 million plus working capital. We used a portion of the proceeds in a tax efficient exchange to acquire six London Broadcasting Company television stations from SunTX Capital Partners, which closed early in our third quarter.
Cash provided by financing activities totaled
$490 million
in 2014. Proceeds from long term debt and term loans were $1.31 billion. These proceeds were used to partially finance the acquisition of Cars.com, repay the unsecured notes that matured in November 2014 and for other general corporate purposes. We repurchased approximately
2.7 million
shares of our stock for
$76 million
, paid dividends totaling
$181 million
and made dividend payments and distributions to noncontrolling membership shareholders of
$22 million
.
Certain key measurements of the elements of working capital for the last three years are presented in the following chart:
Working capital measurements
2014
2013
2012
Current ratio
1.3-to-1
1.9-to-1
1.1-to-1
Accounts receivable turnover
6.9
6.8
7.8
Newsprint inventory turnover
6.3
5.5
6.1
Our operations have historically generated strong positive cash flow which, along with our program of maintaining bank revolving credit availability, has provided adequate liquidity to meet our requirements, including those for acquisitions.
40
Long-term debt
Our long-term debt is summarized below:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018
$
123,200
$
154,800
VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018
33,379
39,270
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 8.75% due November 2014
—
250,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due June 2015
66,568
66,568
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due September 2015
250,000
250,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due April 2016
193,429
193,429
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 9.375% due November 2017
—
250,000
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2018
640,000
—
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.125% due September 2018
250,000
250,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019
600,000
600,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
600,000
600,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021
350,000
—
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023
650,000
650,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024
325,000
—
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027
200,000
200,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027
240,000
240,000
Total principal long-term debt
4,521,576
3,744,067
Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts)
(25,694
)
(31,167
)
Total long-term debt
4,495,882
3,712,900
Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans
7,854
5,890
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
4,488,028
$
3,707,010
Our debt balance at year end 2014 increased by $
781 million
primarily reflecting additional borrowings to fund the acquisition of the remaining 73% of Cars.com we did not previously own. This was partially offset by the early repayment of the
9.375%
notes due
November 2017
and the repayment of the
8.75%
notes due
November 2014
for $
250 million
each. We redeemed the
9.375%
notes by paying
104.688%
of the outstanding principal amount in accordance with the original terms. The early redemption of these notes saved us approximately $
19 million
in interest expense for 2014.
In September 2014, and in support of the Cars.com acquisition, we completed the private placement of
$350 million
in aggregate principal amount of
4.875%
senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes). The 2021 Notes were priced at
98.531%
of face value, resulting in a yield to maturity of
5.125%
. Subject to certain exceptions, we are unable to redeem the 2021 Notes before Sept. 15, 2017. On the same day, we completed the private placement of
$325 million
in aggregate principal amount of
5.500%
senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the 2024 Notes). The 2024 Notes were priced at
99.038%
of face value, resulting in a yield to maturity of
5.625%
. Subject to certain exceptions, we are unable to redeem the 2024 Notes before Sept. 15, 2019. The 2021 and 2024 Notes were issued
in a private offering that is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The 2021 and 2024 Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by our subsidiaries that guarantee our revolving credit facility, term loan and our other outstanding notes.
In August 2013, we entered into an agreement to replace, amend and restate our existing revolving credit facilities with a credit facility expiring on Aug. 5, 2018, which was further amended on Sept. 24, 2013 (the Credit Agreement). Total commitments under the Credit Agreement are $1.3 billion. Subject to total leverage ratio limits, the Credit Agreement eliminates our restriction on incurring additional indebtedness. The Credit Agreement was amended as of February 13, 2015. The maximum total leverage ratio permitted by the Credit Agreement as amended, is 4.0x through September 30, 2016, reducing to 3.75x thereafter. Commitment fees on the revolving credit agreement are equal to 0.375% - 0.50% of the undrawn commitments, depending upon our leverage ratio, and are computed on the average daily undrawn balance under the revolving credit agreement and paid each quarter. Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow at an applicable margin above the Eurodollar base rate (LIBOR loan) or the higher of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%, or the one month LIBOR rate plus 1.00% (ABR loan). The applicable margin is determined based on our leverage ratio but differs between LIBOR loans and ABR loans. For LIBOR based borrowing, the margin varies from 1.75% to 2.5%. For ABR based borrowing, the margin will vary from 0.75% to 1.50%. Based on our leverage ratio as of Dec. 28, 2014, our applicable margins were 2.25% and 1.25%, respectively.
On Dec. 28, 2014, we had unused borrowing capacity of
$625 million
under our revolving credit agreement.
We have an effective universal shelf registration statement under which an unspecified amount of securities may be issued, subject to a
$7.0 billion
limit established by the Board of Directors. Proceeds from the sale of such securities may be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, securities repurchase programs, repayment of debt and financing of acquisitions. We may also invest borrowed funds that are not required for other purposes in short-term marketable securities.
The following schedule of annual maturities of the principal amount of total debt assumes we use available capacity under our revolving credit agreement to refinance unsecured floating rate term loans and notes due in 2015. Based on this refinancing assumption, all of the obligations other than VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due in 2015 are reflected as maturities for 2016 and beyond.
In thousands of dollars
2015 (1)
$
7,854
2016
232,883
2017
39,454
2018
1,276,385
2019
600,000
Thereafter
2,365,000
Total
$
4,521,576
(1) Maturities of principal amounts of debt due in 2015 (primarily the 10% fixed rate notes due in June 2015 and 6.375% fixed rate notes due in September 2015) are assumed to be repaid with funds from the revolving credit agreement, which matures in 2018.
41
Our debt maturities may be repaid with cash flow from operating activities, by accessing capital markets or a combination of both.
As previously noted, in August 2014, we announced our plan to separate our Publishing business into an independent publicly traded company. We expect to complete the separation in mid-2015. In connection with this action, we are undertaking capital structure planning for each company. We are working to ensure that each separate business is well capitalized with financial flexibility to pursue its strategic priorities.
Contractual obligations and commitments
The following table summarizes the expected cash outflows resulting from financial contracts and commitments as of the end of
2014
.
Contractual obligations
Payments due by period
In millions of dollars
Total
2015
2016-17
2018-19
Thereafter
Long-term debt
(1)
$
4,522
$
8
$
272
$
1,877
$
2,365
Operating leases
(2)
331
64
104
67
96
Purchase obligations
(3)
241
142
67
32
—
Programming
contracts
(4)
214
95
107
12
—
Other noncurrent
liabilities
(5)
287
56
58
54
119
Total
$
5,595
$
365
$
608
$
2,042
$
2,580
(1)
See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The amounts included above include periodic interest payments. Interest payments are based on interest rates in effect at year-end.
(2)
See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3)
Includes purchase obligations related to printing contracts, capital projects, interactive marketing agreements, wire services and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which we are liable for under purchase orders outstanding at Dec. 28, 2014, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts payable and accrued liabilities and are excluded from the table above.
(4)
Programming contracts include television station commitments to purchase programming to be produced in future years. This also includes amounts fixed or currently accrued under network affiliation agreements.
(5)
Other long-term liabilities consist of both unfunded and under-funded postretirement benefit plans. Unfunded plans include the Gannett Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and the Gannett Retiree Welfare Plan. Employer contributions, which equal the expected benefit payments, are reflected in the table above over the next ten-year period. Our under-funded plans include the Gannett Retirement Plan, the G.B. Dealey Retirement Plan, the Newsquest Pension Scheme, and the Detroit Free Press, Inc. Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan. Expected employer contributions for these plans are included for the following fiscal year. Contributions beyond the next fiscal year are excluded due to uncertainties regarding significant assumptions involved in estimating these contributions, such as interest rate levels as well as the amount and timing of invested asset returns.
Due to uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with unrecognized tax benefits at Dec. 28, 2014, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement. Therefore,
$59 million
of unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of income taxes.
In 2014, we shut down one of our publishing businesses and incurred $21.0 million of shutdown costs associated with future contractual promotional payments. These costs are accrued on our balance sheet at the end of 2014 and will be primarily paid in 2015. They have been excluded from the contractual obligations above.
For 2015, we expect to contribute
$12 million
to the Gannett Retirement Plan reflective of pension relief legislation enacted in 2014. We also expect to contribute
$13 million
to the Newsquest Plan. Due to uncertainties regarding significant assumptions involved in estimating future contributions, such as interest rate levels and the amount and timing of asset returns, we are unable to reasonably estimate future contributions beyond 2015, and therefore no plan contributions thereafter are reflected in the above table.
In December 1990, we adopted a Transitional Compensation Plan (the TCP). The TCP provides termination benefits to key executives whose employment is terminated under certain circumstances within two years following a change in control of our company. Benefits under the TCP include a severance payment of up to three years’ compensation and continued life and medical insurance coverage. We amended the TCP in April 2010 to provide that new participants will not be entitled to the benefit of the TCP’s excise tax gross-up or modified single trigger provisions.
In August 2014, we adopted the Gannett Leadership Team Transition Severance Plan (GLT Plan) to promote retention and minimize disruption for certain senior executives in connection with the potential spin-off of our publishing segment into a new, independent publicly traded company.
No amounts have been included in the above contractual obligation table for either the TCP or GLT plans.
Capital stock
In June 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new program to repurchase up to
$300 million
of our common stock. As of Dec. 28, 2014, the value of shares that may be repurchased under the existing program is
$149 million
.
Stock repurchases
Repurchases made in fiscal year
In millions
2014
2013
2012
Number of shares purchased
2.7
4.9
10.3
Dollar amount purchased
$
76
$
117
$
154
The share repurchase program was temporarily suspended upon the announcement of the Cars.com acquisition, but was re-initiated in February 2015, well ahead of the timeline we had previously anticipated, as a result of our strong operating performance and the strength of our balance sheet. The shares may be repurchased at management’s discretion, either in the open market or in privately negotiated block transactions. Management’s decision to repurchase shares will depend on price and other corporate developments. Purchases may occur from time to time and no maximum purchase price has been set. There is no expiration date for the $300 million stock repurchase program. Certain of the shares we previously acquired have been reissued in settlement of employee stock awards.
The Gannett Co., Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan, our principal defined contribution plan which was established in 1990, includes a company matching contribution in the form of our stock. We fund the match by buying our stock in the open market and depositing it in the participant’s account.
Our common stock outstanding at Dec. 28, 2014, totaled
226,739,091
shares, compared with
227,568,888
shares at Dec. 29, 2013.
42
Dividends
Dividends declared on common stock amounted to
$181 million
in
2014
, compared with
$183 million
in
2013
.
Cash dividends
Payment date
Per share
2014
4th Quarter
Jan. 2, 2015
$
0.20
3rd Quarter
Oct. 1, 2014
$
0.20
2nd Quarter
Jul. 1, 2014
$
0.20
1st Quarter
Apr. 1, 2014
$
0.20
2013
4th Quarter
Jan. 2, 2014
$
0.20
3rd Quarter
Oct. 1, 2013
$
0.20
2nd Quarter
Jul. 1, 2013
$
0.20
1st Quarter
Apr. 1, 2013
$
0.20
On Feb. 24, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $.20 per share, payable on April 1, 2015, to shareholders of record as of the close of business March 6, 2015.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Our foreign currency translation adjustment, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reported as part of shareholders’ equity, totaled
$391 million
at the end of
2014
and
$427 million
at the end of
2013
. The decrease reflected a weakening of the British pound against the U.S. dollar. Newsquest’s assets and liabilities at Dec. 28, 2014, were translated from British pounds to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of
1.56
versus
1.65
at the end of
2013
. Newsquest’s financial results were translated at an average rate of
1.65
for
2014
,
1.56
for
2013
and
1.58
for
2012
.
We recognized the funded status of our pension and retiree medical benefit plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At Dec. 28, 2014, accumulated other comprehensive loss includes a reduction of equity of
$1.17 billion
and at Dec. 29, 2013, the reduction of equity was
$921 million
, for losses that will be amortized to pension and other postretirement costs in future years. The increased reduction was driven by lower rates used to discount our pension obligations as well as updates to assumed life expectancies of the plan’s participants.
Effects of inflation and changing prices and other matters
Our results of operations and financial condition have not been significantly affected by inflation. The effects of inflation and changing prices on our property, plant and equipment and related depreciation expense have been reduced as a result of an ongoing capital expenditure program and the availability of replacement assets with improved technology and efficiency.
We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk primarily due to our ownership of Newsquest, which uses the British pound as its functional currency, which is then translated into U.S. dollars. Our foreign currency translation adjustment, related principally to Newsquest and reported as part of shareholders’ equity, totaled
$391 million
at Dec. 28, 2014. Newsquest’s assets and liabilities were translated from British pounds to U.S. dollars at the Dec. 28, 2014, exchange rate of
1.56
. Refer to Item 7A for additional detail.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We believe that our market risk from financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt, is not material. We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk on a limited basis primarily due to our operations in the United Kingdom, for which the British pound is the functional currency. Translation gains or losses affecting the Consolidated Statements of Income have not been significant in the past. If the price of the British pound against the U.S. dollar had been 10% more or less than the actual price, operating income would have increased or decreased approximately 1% in 2014.
Because we have $797 million in floating interest rate obligations outstanding at Dec. 28, 2014, we are subject to changes in the amount of interest expense we might incur. A 1/2% increase or decrease in the average interest rate for these obligations would result in an increase or decrease in annual interest expense of $4 million.
Refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the fair value of our long-term debt.
43
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
45
Consolidated Balance Sheets at Dec. 28, 2014 and Dec. 29, 2013
46
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended Dec. 28, 2014
48
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended Dec. 28, 2014
49
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended Dec. 28, 2014
50
Consolidated Statements of Equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended Dec. 28, 2014
51
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
52
OTHER INFORMATION
Selected Financial Data
78
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly Statements of Income (Unaudited)
80
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Financial Statement Schedule for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended Dec. 28, 2014 Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves*
82
*
All other schedules prescribed under Regulation S-X are omitted because they are not applicable or not required.
44
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders of Gannett Co., Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gannett Co., Inc. as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index in Item 8. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Gannett Co., Inc. at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Gannett Co., Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 25, 2015, included in Item 9A, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 25, 2015
45
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands of dollars
Assets
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
118,484
$
469,203
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $16,498 and $15,275, respectively
912,004
834,052
Other receivables
72,763
28,592
Inventories
38,861
49,950
Deferred income taxes
158,648
21,245
Assets held for sale
69,998
395,851
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
109,707
124,592
Total current assets
1,480,465
1,923,485
Property, plant and equipment
Land
191,530
237,554
Buildings and improvements
1,270,401
1,239,719
Machinery, equipment and fixtures
2,411,821
2,506,121
Construction in progress
28,117
24,485
Total
3,901,869
4,007,879
Less accumulated depreciation
(2,292,654
)
(2,338,247
)
Net property, plant and equipment
1,609,215
1,669,632
Intangible and other assets
Goodwill
4,499,927
3,790,472
Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $265,727 and $201,178, respectively
3,239,593
1,477,231
Deferred income taxes
63,647
—
Investments and other assets
312,608
379,886
Total intangible and other assets
8,115,775
5,647,589
Total assets
(a)
$
11,205,455
$
9,240,706
46
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands of dollars
Liabilities and equity
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
Trade
$
246,860
$
176,055
Other
34,924
39,245
Accrued liabilities
Compensation
225,704
214,434
Interest
64,929
58,575
Other
273,995
226,153
Dividends payable
45,309
45,645
Income taxes
11,267
17,791
Deferred income
217,094
223,404
Current portion of long-term debt
7,854
5,890
Total current liabilities
1,127,936
1,007,192
Income taxes
56,578
49,748
Deferred income taxes
650,372
587,904
Long-term debt
4,488,028
3,707,010
Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities
97,648
129,078
Pension liabilities
941,715
632,195
Other noncurrent liabilities
333,435
218,168
Total noncurrent liabilities
6,567,776
5,324,103
Total liabilities
(a)
7,695,712
6,331,295
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
20,470
14,618
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 11)
Equity
Gannett Co., Inc. shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, par value $1: Authorized, 2,000,000 shares: Issued, none
—
—
Common stock, par value $1: Authorized, 800,000,000 shares: Issued, 324,418,632 shares
324,419
324,419
Additional paid-in capital
546,406
552,368
Retained earnings
8,602,369
7,720,903
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(778,769
)
(494,055
)
8,694,425
8,103,635
Less Treasury stock, 97,679,541 shares and 96,849,744 shares, respectively, at cost
(5,439,511
)
(5,410,537
)
Total Gannett Co., Inc. shareholders’ equity
3,254,914
2,693,098
Noncontrolling interests
234,359
201,695
Total equity
3,489,273
2,894,793
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity
$
11,205,455
$
9,240,706
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
(a)
Our consolidated assets as of Dec. 28, 2014, include total assets of
$60.0 million
related to variable interest entities (VIEs) and our consolidated assets as of Dec. 29, 2013, include
$44.7 million
of such assets. These assets can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Consolidated liabilities as of Dec. 28, 2014 include total liabilities of
$4.3 million
related to VIEs and our consolidated liabilities as of Dec. 29, 2013 include
$2.7 million
of such liabilities. The VIEs’ creditors have no recourse to us regarding these liabilities. See further description in Note 1 - Summary of significant accounting policies.
47
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
Fiscal year ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Dec. 30, 2012
Operating revenues
$
6,008,174
$
5,161,362
$
5,353,197
Operating expenses
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
3,048,579
2,882,449
2,943,847
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
1,539,476
1,291,858
1,303,427
Depreciation
185,868
153,203
160,746
Amortization of intangible assets
79,856
36,369
33,293
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges (see Notes 3 and 4)
96,364
58,240
122,129
Total operating expenses
4,950,143
4,422,119
4,563,442
Operating income
1,058,031
739,243
789,755
Non-operating (expense) income
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net (see Notes 3 and 5)
167,319
43,824
22,387
Interest expense
(273,244
)
(176,064
)
(150,469
)
Other non-operating items
403,954
(47,890
)
8,734
Total
298,029
(180,130
)
(119,348
)
Income before income taxes
1,356,060
559,113
670,407
Provision for income taxes
225,600
113,200
195,400
Net income
1,130,460
445,913
475,007
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(68,289
)
(57,233
)
(50,727
)
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
1,062,171
$
388,680
$
424,280
Net income per share—basic
$
4.69
$
1.70
$
1.83
Net income per share—diluted
$
4.58
$
1.66
$
1.79
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
48
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In thousands of dollars
Fiscal year ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Dec. 30, 2012
Net income
$
1,130,460
$
445,913
$
475,007
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
(income not available to shareholders)
(3,420
)
(1,997
)
(254
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(43,766
)
9,055
18,107
Pension and other postretirement benefit items:
Actuarial gain (loss):
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period
(500,389
)
286,778
(230,799
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
46,489
64,381
55,372
Prior service cost:
Change in prior service credit
37,986
319
—
Amortization of prior service credit
(4,082
)
(1,599
)
(11,501
)
Settlement charge
—
3,077
7,946
Other
23,628
(10,158
)
(11,375
)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items
(396,368
)
342,798
(190,357
)
Other
—
2,363
1,791
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
(440,134
)
354,216
(170,459
)
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)
147,718
(145,478
)
66,948
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(292,416
)
208,738
(103,511
)
Comprehensive income
834,624
652,654
371,242
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
57,167
56,888
52,264
Comprehensive income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
777,457
$
595,766
$
318,978
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
49
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
In thousands of dollars
Fiscal year ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Dec. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
$
1,130,460
$
445,913
$
475,007
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows:
Gain on Cars.com acquisition, net of tax
(285,860
)
—
—
Depreciation
185,868
153,203
160,746
Amortization of intangible assets
79,856
36,369
33,293
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges (see Notes 3 and 4)
112,472
61,014
122,129
Stock-based compensation — equity awards
33,882
33,437
26,608
Provision for deferred income taxes
1,200
53,900
122,700
Pension expense, net of pension contributions
(111,194
)
(82,878
)
(95,377
)
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net (see Notes 3 and 5)
(167,319
)
(43,824
)
(22,387
)
Other, net, including gains on asset sales
(12,313
)
(4,673
)
(36,056
)
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables
(1,514
)
(17,884
)
35,799
Decrease in other receivables
7,504
9,329
6,200
Decrease (increase) in inventories
10,032
4,489
(7,167
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
66,740
(29,310
)
(3,284
)
Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes payable
(193,274
)
(53,101
)
853
Decrease in deferred income
(5,353
)
(12,233
)
(5,294
)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
(29,988
)
(42,263
)
(57,030
)
Net cash flows from operating activities
821,199
511,488
756,740
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(150,354
)
(110,407
)
(91,874
)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(1,990,877
)
(1,451,006
)
(67,244
)
Payments for investments
(7,026
)
(3,380
)
(2,501
)
Proceeds from investments
180,809
63,408
35,629
Proceeds from sale of certain assets
305,347
113,895
39,009
Net cash used for investing activities
(1,662,101
)
(1,387,490
)
(86,981
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from (payments of) borrowings under revolving credit facilities, net
640,000
(205,000
)
(30,000
)
Proceeds from unsecured fixed rate loans
666,732
1,827,799
—
Proceeds from (payments of) unsecured floating rate term loans
(37,490
)
194,070
—
Payments of unsecured fixed rate notes
(500,000
)
(287,719
)
(306,571
)
Payments of debt issuance and financing costs
(10,548
)
(41,960
)
—
Dividends paid
(181,328
)
(183,233
)
(158,822
)
Cost of common shares repurchased
(75,815
)
(116,639
)
(153,948
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon settlement of stock awards
26,672
31,435
33,748
Distributions to noncontrolling membership interests
(22,072
)
(42,608
)
(47,100
)
Deferred payments for acquisitions
(15,687
)
(6,132
)
(1,027
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
490,464
1,170,013
(663,720
)
Effect of currency exchange rate change
(281
)
162
2,065
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(350,719
)
294,173
8,104
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
469,203
175,030
166,926
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
118,484
$
469,203
$
175,030
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds
$
207,038
$
124,378
$
64,838
Cash paid for interest
$
242,190
$
126,180
$
138,906
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Assets-held-for-sale proceeds
$
146,428
$
—
$
—
Escrow deposit disbursement related to London Broadcasting Company television stations acquisition
$
(134,908
)
$
—
$
—
Capital expenditures
$
(11,520
)
$
—
$
—
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
50
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
In thousands of dollars
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
Fiscal years ended Dec. 30, 2012, Dec. 29, 2013, and Dec. 28, 2014
Common
stock
$1 par
value
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Treasury
stock
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Balance: Dec. 25, 2011
$
324,419
$
617,727
$
7,276,200
$
(595,839
)
$
(5,294,616
)
$
184,134
$
2,512,025
Net income, 2012
424,280
50,727
475,007
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
(254
)
(254
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(105,302
)
1,791
(103,511
)
Total comprehensive income
371,242
Dividends declared, 2012: $0.80 per share
(185,622
)
(185,622
)
Distributions to noncontrolling membership shareholders
(47,100
)
(47,100
)
Treasury stock acquired
(153,948
)
(153,948
)
Stock options exercised
(42,282
)
66,787
24,505
Restricted stock awards settled
(32,860
)
25,890
(6,970
)
Stock-based compensation
26,608
26,608
Tax benefit derived from stock awards settled
9,243
9,243
Other activity
(10,921
)
850
(10,071
)
Balance: Dec. 30, 2012
$
324,419
$
567,515
$
7,514,858
$
(701,141
)
$
(5,355,037
)
$
189,298
$
2,539,912
Net income, 2013
388,680
57,233
445,913
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
(1,997
)
(1,997
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
207,086
1,652
208,738
Total comprehensive income
652,654
Dividends declared, 2013: $0.80 per share
(182,635
)
(182,635
)
Distributions to noncontrolling membership shareholders
(42,390
)
(42,390
)
Treasury stock acquired
(116,639
)
(116,639
)
Stock options exercised
(18,518
)
40,189
21,671
Restricted stock awards settled
(31,707
)
21,227
(10,480
)
Stock-based compensation
33,437
33,437
Tax benefit derived from stock awards settled
9,764
9,764
Other activity
(8,123
)
(277
)
(2,101
)
(10,501
)
Balance: Dec. 29, 2013
$
324,419
$
552,368
$
7,720,903
$
(494,055
)
$
(5,410,537
)
$
201,695
$
2,894,793
Net income, 2014
1,062,171
68,289
1,130,460
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
(3,420
)
(3,420
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(284,714
)
(7,702
)
(292,416
)
Total comprehensive income
834,624
Dividends declared, 2014: $0.80 per share
(180,705
)
(180,705
)
Distributions to noncontrolling membership shareholders
(22,072
)
(22,072
)
Treasury stock acquired
(75,815
)
(75,815
)
Stock options exercised
(10,399
)
24,634
14,235
Restricted stock awards settled
(36,397
)
22,493
(13,904
)
Stock-based compensation
33,882
33,882
Tax benefit derived from stock awards settled
12,437
12,437
Other activity
(5,485
)
(286
)
(2,431
)
(8,202
)
Balance: Dec. 28, 2014
$
324,419
$
546,406
$
8,602,369
$
(778,769
)
$
(5,439,511
)
$
234,359
$
3,489,273
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
51
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1
Summary of significant accounting policies
Fiscal year:
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Our
2014
fiscal year ended on Dec. 28, 2014, and encompassed a 52-week period. Our
2013
fiscal year encompassed a 52-week period and our
2012
fiscal year encompassed a 53-week period.
Use of estimates:
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits and valuation of long-lived and intangible assets.
Consolidation:
The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany transactions and profits. Investments in entities for which we do not have control, but have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Variable Interest Entities (VIE):
A variable interest entity is an entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors do not have a controlling interest in the entity through their equity investments. We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.
On Dec. 23, 2013, we completed the previously announced merger transaction contemplated in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 12, 2013 (the Merger Agreement), among Belo Corp. (Belo), Delta Acquisition Corp., one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries (Merger Sub), and us. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Belo (the Merger), with Belo surviving the Merger as one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.
The total cash consideration for the Merger was approximately $
1.47 billion
, in addition to the assumption of $
715 million
in principal amount of outstanding Belo debt.
As part of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, we restructured certain of Belo’s media holdings. Simultaneously with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, we closed on Asset Purchase Agreements (collectively, the Restructuring Agreements) with Sander Holdings, LLC and certain of its subsidiaries and Tucker Operating Co. LLC (the Restructuring Assignees).
Pursuant to the Restructuring Agreements, the Belo subsidiaries that owned and operated Belo’s
seven
stations located in the Louisville, KY; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; St. Louis, MO; and Tucson, AZ television markets entered into their respective Restructuring Agreement and thereupon assigned, transferred, and conveyed to the Restructuring Assignees designated assets, including the applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses, and certain operating equipment and programming and distribution agreements relating to the respective stations. As previously announced, the closing of the Restructuring Agreements for station KMOV-TV in St. Louis, MO, was subject to the terms of a proposed consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, which requires a divestiture of that station. We entered into, effective after closing of the Merger and the conveyance under the Restructuring Agreements, shared services or other support agreements with the Restructuring Assignees. The Restructuring Assignees granted us (or our assignee) the right to acquire such stations in the future, subject to applicable law. To facilitate the efficient pricing of acquisition financing needs of the Restructuring Assignees, we guaranteed debt incurred by the Restructuring Assignees in connection with the closings under the Restructuring Agreements.
Consolidated VIEs:
We have concluded that the owner entities of the
seven
stations constitute VIEs and the various agreements that we have entered into related to these entities represented variable interests in the VIEs. We have evaluated the arrangements with respect to the power to direct the activities of the VIE and whether we have significant benefits, as required under ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation” (ASC Topic 810). We consolidate
four
stations in the Louisville, KY; Portland, OR; and Tucson, AZ, television markets based on these evaluations.
As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets as follows:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Current assets
$
20,541
$
4,677
Plant, property and equipment, net
10,084
8,061
Intangible and other assets
29,412
32,008
Total assets
60,037
44,746
Current liabilities
11,635
7,827
Noncurrent liabilities
26,028
34,173
Total liabilities
$
37,663
$
42,000
Non-consolidated VIEs:
With respect to
two
stations located in Phoenix, AZ, and
one
in St. Louis, MO, we entered into forward sale agreements to cause the sale of the assets of these stations to a third party. The sale of the station in St. Louis was completed in February of 2014 and the sale of the
two
stations in Phoenix was completed in June of 2014. These
three
stations were not consolidated in our financial statements before their sale dates due to our involvement being limited to certain administrative, maintenance and monitoring services.
Segment presentation:
The Digital Segment includes results from CareerBuilder, Cars.com, PointRoll and Shoplocal. The Digital Segment and the digital revenues lines exclude online/digital revenues generated by digital platforms that are associated with our publishing and broadcasting operating properties. Such amounts are reflected within those segments and are included as part of publishing revenues and broadcasting revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
52
Noncontrolling interests presentation:
Noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This balance primarily relates to the noncontrolling owners of CareerBuilder, LLC (CareerBuilder) for which our ownership percentage is at
52.9%
. Net income in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects
100%
of CareerBuilder results as we hold the controlling interest. Net income is subsequently adjusted to remove the noncontrolling interest to arrive at Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. On Aug. 31, 2012, CareerBuilder acquired
74%
of Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI), a software firm that specializes in employment data and labor market analytics. Shareholders for the remaining
26%
of ownership hold put rights that permit them to put their equity interest to CareerBuilder. Since redemption of the noncontrolling interest is outside of our control, their equity interest is presented on the consolidated balance sheet in the caption “Redeemable noncontrolling interest”.
Operating agencies:
Our publishing subsidiary in Detroit participates in a joint operating agency. The joint operating agency performs the production, sales and distribution functions for the subsidiary and another publishing company under a joint operating agreement. Operating results for the Detroit joint operating agency are fully consolidated along with a charge for the noncontrolling partner’s share of profits.
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with maturities of three months or less.
Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts:
Trade receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of our collection experience, aging of our receivables and significant individual account credit risk.
Inventories:
Inventories, consisting principally of newsprint, printing ink and plate material for our publishing operations, are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
Assets held for sale:
In accordance with the guidance on the disposal of long-lived assets under ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (ASC Topic 360), we reported assets held for sale in our Broadcasting and Publishing Segments at Dec. 28, 2014, of
$70 million
and at Dec. 29, 2013, of
396 million
.
Valuation of long-lived assets:
In accordance with the requirements included within ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (ASC Topic 350) and ASC Topic 360, we evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets (mostly property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets) to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the projected undiscounted future cash flows are less than their carrying value. We measure impairment based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose.
Property and depreciation:
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided generally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated useful lives are: buildings and improvements,
10
to
40
years; and machinery, equipment and fixtures,
3
to
30
years. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which, for example, could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income. Major renewals and improvements and interest incurred during the construction period of major additions are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred.
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. In accordance with the impairment testing provisions included in ASC Topic 350, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (first day of fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
Before performing the annual two-step goodwill impairment test, we are first permitted to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the two-step quantitative test must be completed. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and specific reporting unit specifications. If after performing this assessment, we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform a two-step quantitative test. Otherwise, the two-step test is not required. In the first step of the quantitative test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various techniques, including multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow valuation techniques. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill.
In determining the reporting units, we consider the way we manage our businesses and the nature of those businesses. We have established our reporting units for publishing at or one level below the segment level. These reporting units therefore consist principally of U.S. Community Publishing, the USA TODAY group, the U.K. group, and certain individual stand-alone publishing businesses. For Digital, the reporting units are the stand-alone digital businesses such as Cars.com and CareerBuilder. For Broadcasting, goodwill is accounted for at the segment level.
We perform an impairment test annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 as described above. We recognized impairment charges each year from 2012 through 2014. See Note 3 for additional information.
Investments and other assets:
Investments where we have significant influence are recorded under the equity method of accounting. We recognized impairment charges each year from 2012-2014 related to such investments. See Note 3 for additional information.
Investments in non-public businesses in which we do not have control or do not exert significant influence are carried at cost and losses resulting from periodic evaluations of the carrying value of these investments are included as a non-operating expense. At Dec. 28, 2014, such investments totaled approximately
$8.3 million
and at Dec. 29, 2013, they totaled approximately
$2.7 million
.
Our television stations are parties to program broadcasting contracts. These contracts are recorded at the gross amount of the related liability when the programs are available for telecasting. The related assets are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Program assets are classified as current (as a prepaid expense) or noncurrent (as an other asset) in the
53
Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the expected use of the programs in succeeding years. The amount charged to expense appropriately matches the cost of the programs with the revenues associated with them. The liability for these contracts is classified as current or noncurrent in accordance with the payment terms of the contracts. The payment period generally coincides with the period of telecast for the programs, but may be shorter.
Revenue recognition:
Our revenues include amounts charged to customers for space purchased in our newspapers, digital ads placed on our digital platforms, advertising and marketing service fees, online subscription advertising products, commercial printing and advertising broadcast on our television stations. Publishing revenues also include circulation revenues for newspapers, both print and digital, purchased by readers or distributors, reduced by the amount of any discounts taken. Broadcasting revenues include revenues from the retransmission of our television signals on satellite and cable networks. Retransmission fees are recognized over the contract period based on a negotiated fee per subscriber. Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period when advertising is printed or placed on digital platforms or broadcast. Revenues for marketing services are generally recognized when advertisements or services are delivered. Online subscriptions are recognized over the subscription period. Commercial printing revenues are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer. Circulation revenues are recognized when purchased newspapers are distributed or made available on our digital platforms. Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple deliverable elements is allocated to each element based on the relative best estimate of selling price. Elements are treated as separate units of accounting if there is standalone value upon delivery. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities.
Retirement plans:
Pension and other postretirement benefit costs under our defined benefit retirement plans are actuarially determined. We recognize the cost of postretirement benefits including pension, medical and life insurance benefits on an accrual basis over the average life expectancy of employees expected to receive such benefits for plans that have had their benefits frozen. For active plans, costs are recognized over the estimated average future service period.
Stock-based employee compensation:
We grant restricted stock or restricted stock units (RSU) as well as performance shares to employees as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the
four
-year incentive period for restricted stock and the
three
-year incentive period for performance shares. Expense for performance share awards for participants meeting certain retirement eligible criteria as defined in the plan are recognized using the accelerated attribution method. See Note 10 for further discussion.
Our stock option awards generally have graded vesting terms and we recognize compensation expense for these options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award (generally
four years
). Stock options are no longer issued to our employees.
Income taxes:
We account for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting purposes than for income tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are provided in recognition of these temporary differences. See Note 9 for further discussion.
Per share amounts:
We report earnings per share on two bases, basic and diluted. All basic income per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per share also considers
the assumed dilution from the exercise of stock options and from performance share and restricted stock units.
Foreign currency translation:
The income statements of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and are classified as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Equity.
Loss contingencies:
We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss, if material and estimable.
New accounting pronouncements:
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-08
Presentation of Financial Statements
(Topic 205);
Property, Plant, and Equipment
(Topic 360), and
Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
. ASU No. 2014-08 amends the requirements for reporting and disclosing discontinued operations. Under ASU No. 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results. ASU No. 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted and is to be applied prospectively. We adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-08 in 2014 as it relates to a publishing business that was shut down at the end of 2014 and one that was sold in early 2015. Neither of these businesses had a major impact on our operations or financial results and were not considered discontinued operations.
In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Topic 606) which supersedes the guidance in
Revenue Recognition
(Topic 605). The core principle contemplated by ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required.
We are required to adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2017 and early application is not permitted. However, we will need to retroactively apply the standard to 2015 and 2016 at the time of adoption. We can choose to apply the standard using either the full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach where we will recognize a cumulative catch up adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting this pronouncement and the transition method we will use.
54
NOTE 2
Acquisitions, investments and dispositions
We made the following acquisitions, investments and dispositions in the years 2012 through 2014:
2
014:
On Oct. 1, 2014, we acquired the remaining
73%
interest in Cars.com (formerly known as Classified Ventures, LLC) for
$1.83 billion
. We funded the acquisition with additional borrowings and cash on hand. As part of the acquisition, Cars.com entered into new five year affiliation agreements with each of the former newspaper investors at economic terms much more favorable to Cars.com. Acquiring full ownership of Cars.com further accelerated our digital transformation and expanded our position in local media and marketing services in the automotive sector.
The purchase price was allocated to the tangible assets and identified intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess purchase price over those fair values was recorded as goodwill. At the acquisition date, the purchase price assigned to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities is summarized as follows:
In thousands of dollars
Cash and cash equivalents
$
43,767
Receivables and other current assets
108,577
Plant, property and equipment
17,399
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
872,320
Definite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationships
789,540
Internally developed technology
69,500
Other
2,860
Investments and other noncurrent assets
14,598
Goodwill
715,970
Total assets acquired
2,634,531
Current liabilities
106,970
Other noncurrent liabilities
132,606
Total liabilities assumed
239,576
Net assets acquired
2,394,955
Less: acquisition date fair value of 26.9% equity interest
563,757
Acquisition purchase price
$
1,831,198
We recognized a
$476.7 million
pre-tax non-cash gain (
$285.9 million
after-tax) on the acquisition of Cars.com, which is comprised of a
$396.7 million
gain on the write-up of our prior
27%
investment in Cars.com to fair value and an
$80.0 million
gain related to the required accounting for the pre-existing affiliate agreement between us and Cars.com. The net gain is included in Other non-operating items on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The impact to our Consolidated Statements of Income, net of intersegment eliminations, since the Oct. 1, 2014, acquisition date was
$129.0 million
of revenue and
$33.6 million
of operating income.
Customer relationships are being amortized over a weighted average life of
eleven years
and internally developed technology is being amortized over a weighted average life of
seven years
. Acquired property and equipment will be depreciated on a
straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies. We expect the purchase price allocated to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles will be deductible for tax purposes. The initial purchase price allocation is preliminarily based upon all information available to us at the present time and is subject to change, and such changes could be material. We continue to review the underlying assumptions and valuation techniques utilized to calculate the fair value of primarily the Indefinite-lived and Definite-lived intangibles.
Pro forma information.
The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming that the Cars.com acquisition, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisition, occurred at the beginning of 2013:
Unaudited
In thousands of dollars
2014
2013
Total revenues
$
6,340,703
$
5,563,472
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
754,851
$
356,354
This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the businesses since the beginning of the annual period presented. The pro forma adjustments reflect amortization of intangibles and unfavorable contracts related to the fair value adjustments of the assets and liabilities acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, alignment of accounting policies and the related tax effects of the adjustments. Changes in affiliation agreements between Cars.com and its former investors that went in to effect on Oct. 1, 2014, were excluded from the pro forma adjustments dating back to the beginning of 2013. The pro forma table excludes adjustments for any other acquisitions in 2013 or 2014.
We incurred and expensed a total of
$9.3 million
of acquisition costs related to Cars.com for the year ended Dec. 28, 2014. Such costs were reflected in Other non-operating items in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These acquisition costs and the
$285.9 million
after-tax gain on the acquisition of Cars.com are not included in the pro forma amounts above as they are specifically related to the acquisition.
In February 2014, we completed the previously announced sale of KMOV-TV in St. Louis, MO, to Meredith Corporation, following regulatory approval. As a condition of the sale, Sander Media conveyed to Meredith Corporation substantially all of its assets used to operate KMOV-TV, which Sander Media acquired when the Gannett-Belo transaction closed on December 23, 2013. We conveyed certain other assets needed to provide services to KMOV-TV, which we also acquired from Belo.
55
In March 2014, Classified Ventures, in which we owned a
27%
interest, agreed to sell Apartments.com to CoStar Group, Inc. for
$585 million
. This transaction closed on April 1, 2014. As a result of our ownership stake, we received a special
$154.6 million
distribution from Classified Ventures after the close of the transaction.
Early in the second quarter, our subsidiary CareerBuilder acquired Broadbean. Broadbean is a leading international job distribution, candidate sourcing and big data analytics software company. Broadbean is headquartered in London, United Kingdom and has offices in the U.S., France, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia.
In June 2014, we, along with Sander Media, LLC, completed the previously announced sale of KTVK-TV and KASW-TV in Phoenix, AZ, to Meredith Corporation. As part of the sale, Sander Media conveyed to Meredith substantially all of its assets used in the operation of both stations, which Sander Media acquired when the Belo transaction was completed in December 2013. We also conveyed certain other assets we used to provide services to both stations, which we acquired from the Belo transaction. At the closing, Meredith simultaneously conveyed KASW-TV to SagamoreHill of Phoenix, LLC, which through its affiliates, owns and operates
two
television stations in
two
markets. The total sale price of the Phoenix and St. Louis stations was
$407.5 million
plus working capital.
In July 2014, we acquired
six
London Broadcasting Company television stations in Texas for approximately
$215.0 million
in an all-cash transaction. We used proceeds of
$134.9 million
from the sale of the Phoenix and St. Louis stations to partially pay for these London Broadcasting Company stations via a tax efficient exchange. The acquisition included KCEN (NBC) in Waco-Temple-Bryan, KYTX (CBS) in Tyler-Longview, KIII (ABC) in Corpus Christi, KBMT (ABC) and its digital sub-current KJAC (NBC) in Beaumont-Port Arthur, KXVA (FOX) in Abilene-Sweetheart and KIDY (FOX) in San Angelo.
In August 2014, we announced our plan to create
two
publicly traded companies: one focused on our Broadcasting and Digital business, and the other on our Publishing business. The planned separation of the Publishing business will be implemented through a tax-free distribution of shares, of a new entity formed to hold our Publishing assets to our shareholders. We expect to complete the transaction mid-2015, subject to a number of customary conditions, including final approval of our Board of Directors, receipt of an opinion from tax counsel regarding the tax-free nature of the distribution, the effectiveness of Form 10 registration statement to be filed with the SEC in regard to the shares of the entity formed to hold our Publishing assets, and other customary matters. There can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the proposed transaction or that it will be completed.
On Dec. 29, 2014, which was after the end of our fiscal year, we sold Gannett Healthcare Group (GHG) to OnCourse Learning, an online education and training provider. GHG is a leading provider of continuing education, certification test preparation, online recruitment, digital media, publications and related services for nurses and other healthcare professionals in the U.S. Net assets of
$14.8 million
for GHG were included in Assets held for sale on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of Dec. 28, 2014.
2013:
On Dec. 23, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Belo. The total cash consideration was
$1.47 billion
in addition to the assumption of
$715 million
in principal amount of outstanding Belo debt.
The source of the aggregate purchase price that we paid in the acquisition consisted of additional borrowings and cash on hand.
The purchase price was allocated to the tangible assets and identified intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess purchase price over those fair values was recorded as goodwill. The final allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities is summarized as follows:
In thousands of dollars
Cash and cash equivalents
$
38,107
Receivables and other current assets
163,326
Assets held for sale
431,513
Plant, property and equipment
254,267
Indefinite-lived FCC licenses
835,900
Definite-lived intangible assets:
Retransmission agreements
99,803
Network affiliation agreements
33,978
Other
52,782
Investments and other noncurrent assets
52,902
Goodwill
928,739
Total assets acquired
2,891,317
Current liabilities
87,073
Deferred income taxes
514,450
Other noncurrent liabilities
76,500
Long-term debt
741,708
Total liabilities assumed
1,419,731
Net assets acquired
$
1,471,586
The retransmission agreements intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted average life of
eight years
and network affiliate agreements intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted average life of
nine years
. Acquired property and equipment are being depreciated on a
straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies. We expect the purchase price allocated to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles will not be deductible for tax purposes as no new tax basis in these intangibles was created due to the acquisition being a stock acquisition. The final allocation presented above is based upon our estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches.
Certain measurement period adjustments have been made since the initial allocation in the fourth quarter of 2013, which were not material to our consolidated financial statements.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the results of the acquired operations for the
17
consolidated television stations are included in our financial statements beginning Dec. 23, 2013. Net broadcasting revenues and operating income of these stations included in our Consolidated Statements of Income were immaterial for the year ended Dec. 29, 2013.
We incurred and expensed a total of
$33.0 million
of acquisition costs for the year ended Dec. 29, 2013, related to the Belo acquisition. Such costs were reflected in Other non-operating items in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
56
In March 2013, CareerBuilder acquired Vietnam Online Network (KiemViec.com & HR Vietnam), Vietnam’s second largest career site by revenue, and first by number of registered users, specializing in recruitment services and human resource solutions for employers.
In April 2013, CareerBuilder acquired Oil and Gas Job Search (OilandGasJobSearch.com). Headquartered in England, Oil and Gas Job Search is the oil and gas industry’s leading online job site outside North America with job postings worldwide.
2012:
In January 2012, we acquired the assets of Fantasy Sports Ventures/Big Lead Sports, a leading sports digital site.
In April 2012, CareerBuilder acquired
two
new businesses: Ceviu and Top Language Jobs. Ceviu is the leading information technology job board in Brazil. Top Language Jobs is Europe’s number one language specialist recruitment job portal. It operates the largest global network of job boards dedicated to multilingual job seekers looking for work internationally.
In August 2012, we completed the acquisition of BLiNQ Media, LLC, a leading global innovator of social engagement advertising solutions for agencies and brands.
In September 2012, we acquired Mobestream Media, developer of the Key Ring consumer rewards mobile platform (Key Ring) available on all major smartphones.
Also in September 2012, CareerBuilder acquired a controlling interest in EMSI. EMSI is an economic software firm that specializes in employment data and labor market analysis. EMSI collects and interprets large amounts of labor data, which is used in work force development and talent strategy.
In October 2012, we acquired Rovion. Rovion’s primary product, Ad Composer, includes a self-service technology platform that enables the full development and deployment of rich media and mobile HTML5 ads by clients which lack coding expertise.
NOTE 3
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
For each year presented, we recognized charges related to facility consolidations efforts, and in certain of these periods, we also recorded non-cash impairment charges to reduce the book value of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, certain investments in which we hold a non-controlling interest which are accounted for under the equity method, and charges to write off certain publishing and broadcasting assets that were donated during 2014 and 2013.
A summary of these charges by year is presented below:
In thousands, except per share amounts
2014
Pre-Tax
Amount
After-Tax
Amount
Per Share Amount
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges:
Goodwill:
Publishing
$
21,881
$
18,881
$
0.08
Digital
23,700
23,700
0.10
Total goodwill
45,581
42,581
0.18
Other intangible assets - Publishing
3,548
2,148
0.01
Property, plant and equipment - Publishing
19,467
13,467
0.06
Other:
Broadcasting
13,720
8,219
0.04
Publishing
14,048
8,049
0.03
Total other
27,768
16,268
0.07
Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations
96,364
74,464
0.32
Non-operating charges:
Equity method investments
3,063
2,163
0.01
Other - Broadcasting
16,108
6,508
0.03
Total charges
$
115,535
$
83,135
$
0.36
In thousands, except per share amounts
2013
Pre-Tax
Amount
(a)
After-Tax
Amount
(a)
Per Share Amount
(a)
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges:
Goodwill:
Publishing
$
8,430
$
4,930
$
0.02
Digital
11,614
6,914
0.03
Total goodwill
20,044
11,844
0.05
Other intangible assets - Publishing
12,952
7,852
0.03
Property, plant and equipment - Publishing
14,756
8,856
0.04
Other:
Broadcasting
1,033
533
—
Publishing
9,454
5,754
0.02
Total other
10,487
6,287
0.03
Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations
58,240
34,840
0.15
Non-operating charges:
Equity method investments
731
431
—
Other - Publishing
2,774
1,774
0.01
Total charges
$
61,745
$
37,045
$
0.16
(a) Total amounts may not sum due to rounding.
57
In thousands, except per share amounts
2012
Pre-Tax
Amount
After-Tax
Amount
Per Share Amount
(a)
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges:
Goodwill - Digital
$
90,053
$
86,553
$
0.37
Property, plant and equipment - Publishing
29,520
17,920
0.08
Other - Publishing
2,556
1,656
0.01
Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations
122,129
106,129
0.45
Non-operating charges:
Equity method investments
7,036
4,336
0.02
Total charges
$
129,165
$
110,465
$
0.47
(a) Total amounts may not sum due to rounding.
In connection with the required annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles, potential impairments were indicated in certain of the years presented for certain reporting units in our Publishing and Digital Segments. The fair value of the reporting units was determined based on a multiple of earnings technique and/or a discounted cash flow technique. We then undertook the next step in the impairment testing process by determining the fair value of assets and liabilities within these reporting units. The implied value was less than the carrying value; and therefore impairment charges were taken.
During 2014 and 2013, we recorded non-cash impairment charges for certain intangible assets, principally trade names and a masthead, after the qualitative assessments indicated it was more likely than not that the carrying values exceeded the respective fair values. Accordingly, we prepared quantitative assessments in both years which also indicated that impairments existed. As a results of these assessments, we recorded non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of each asset to its respective fair value. Fair values were determined using a relief-from-royalty method. The impairments recorded were principally a result of revenue projections which were lower than expected. In 2014, the revised revenue projections were also coupled with a decrease in royalty rates of comparable arrangements thus negatively impacting our royalty assumptions.
Facility consolidation plans led us to recognize charges associated with revising the useful lives of certain assets over a shortened period as well as shutdown costs. Charges were recognized in each year presented. Certain assets classified as held-for-sale in accordance with ASC Topic 360 resulted in charges also being recognized as the carrying values were reduced to equal the fair value less cost to dispose. These fair values were based on estimates of prices for similar assets.
In each year presented, carrying values of certain investments in which we own noncontrolling interests were written down to fair value because the businesses underlying the investments had experienced significant and sustained operating losses, leading us to conclude that they were other than temporarily impaired.
We recorded non-operating charges to write off certain Publishing and Broadcasting Segment assets that were donated during 2014 and 2013.
NOTE 4
Goodwill and other intangible assets
The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets at Dec. 28, 2014, and Dec. 29, 2013.
In thousands of dollars
Gross
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Dec. 28, 2014
Goodwill
$
4,499,927
$
—
$
4,499,927
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
Television station FCC licenses
1,191,950
—
1,191,950
Mastheads and trade names
951,776
—
951,776
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships
1,078,738
(212,438
)
866,300
Other
282,856
(53,289
)
229,567
Total
$
8,005,247
$
(265,727
)
$
7,739,520
Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill
$
3,790,472
$
—
$
3,790,472
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
Television station FCC licenses
1,091,204
—
1,091,204
Mastheads and trade names
82,570
—
82,570
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships
290,845
(177,515
)
113,330
Other
213,790
(23,663
)
190,127
Total
$
5,468,881
$
(201,178
)
$
5,267,703
Amortization expense was
$79.9 million
in 2014 and
$36.4 million
in 2013. The increase primarily reflects the impact of the Cars.com acquisition in 2014 and the Belo acquisition in late 2013. Customer relationships, which include subscriber lists and advertiser relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Other intangibles primarily include retransmission agreements, network affiliations, internally developed technology, patents and amortizable trade names and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.
The following table shows the projected annual amortization expense, as of Dec. 28, 2014, related to amortizable intangibles assuming no acquisitions or dispositions:
In thousands of dollars
2015
$
124,536
2016
$
116,495
2017
$
109,641
2018
$
106,772
2019
$
102,737
58
The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2014 and 2013.
In thousands of dollars
Broadcasting
Publishing
Digital
Total
Goodwill
Gross balance at Dec. 30, 2012
$
1,618,602
$
7,754,959
$
722,781
$
10,096,342
Accumulated impairment losses
—
(7,132,817
)
(116,656
)
(7,249,473
)
Net balance at
Dec. 30, 2012
$
1,618,602
$
622,142
$
606,125
$
2,846,869
Acquisitions & adjustments
943,841
2,266
28,115
974,222
Impairment
—
(8,430
)
(11,614
)
(20,044
)
Dispositions
(19,000
)
—
—
(19,000
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
(110
)
3,903
4,632
8,425
Balance at
Dec. 29, 2013
$
2,543,333
$
619,881
$
627,258
$
3,790,472
Gross balance at Dec. 29, 2013
2,543,333
7,807,416
755,528
11,106,277
Accumulated impairment losses
—
(7,187,535
)
(128,270
)
(7,315,805
)
Net balance at
Dec. 29, 2013
$
2,543,333
$
619,881
$
627,258
$
3,790,472
Acquisitions & adjustments
35,268
4,579
749,250
789,097
Assets held for sale
—
(6,288
)
—
(6,288
)
Impairment
—
(21,881
)
(23,700
)
(45,581
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
—
(11,134
)
(16,639
)
(27,773
)
Balance at
Dec. 28, 2014
$
2,578,601
$
585,157
$
1,336,169
$
4,499,927
Gross balance at Dec. 28, 2014
2,578,601
7,662,543
1,488,139
11,729,283
Accumulated impairment losses
—
(7,077,386
)
(151,970
)
(7,229,356
)
Net balance at
Dec. 28, 2014
$
2,578,601
$
585,157
$
1,336,169
$
4,499,927
NOTE 5
Investments
Our investments include several that are accounted for under the equity method. Principal among these are the following:
% Owned
Dec. 28, 2014
Ponderay Newsprint Company
13.50%
Captivate Holdings, LLC
16.74%
California Newspapers Partnership
19.49%
Wanderful Media, LLC
19.50%
4Info
24.53%
Livestream
27.73%
Pearl, LLC
32.10%
Homefinder.com
33.33%
Topix
33.71%
Garnet Media
34.00%
Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership
40.64%
TNI Partners
50.00%
The aggregate carrying value of equity investments at Dec. 28, 2014, was
$95.7 million
and
$164.9 million
at Dec. 29, 2013. Certain differences exist between our investment carrying value and the underlying equity of the investee companies principally due to fair value measurement at the date of investment acquisition and due to impairment charges we recorded for certain of the investments.
Our 2014 results included a pre-tax gain of
$148.4 million
related to the sale of Apartments.com by Classified Ventures. This gain is reflected in the Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net line.
59
NOTE 6
Long-term debt
Our long-term debt is summarized below:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018
$
123,200
$
154,800
VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018
33,379
39,270
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 8.75% due November 2014
—
250,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due June 2015
66,568
66,568
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due September 2015
250,000
250,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due April 2016
193,429
193,429
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 9.375% due November 2017
—
250,000
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2018
640,000
—
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.125% due September 2018
250,000
250,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019
600,000
600,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
600,000
600,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021
350,000
—
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023
650,000
650,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024
325,000
—
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027
200,000
200,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027
240,000
240,000
Total principal long-term debt
4,521,576
3,744,067
Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts)
(25,694
)
(31,167
)
Total long-term debt
4,495,882
3,712,900
Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans
7,854
5,890
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
4,488,028
$
3,707,010
Our debt balance at year end 2014 increased by $
781 million
primarily reflecting additional borrowings to fund the acquisition of the remaining
73%
of Cars.com we did not previously own. This was partially offset by the early repayment of the
9.375%
notes due
November 2017
and the repayment of the
8.75%
notes due
November 2014
for $
250 million
each. We redeemed the
9.375%
notes by paying
104.688%
of the outstanding principal amount in accordance with the original terms. The early redemption of these notes saved us approximately $
19 million
in interest expense for 2014.
In September 2014, and in support of the Cars.com acquisition, we completed the private placement of
$350 million
in aggregate principal amount of
4.875%
senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes). The 2021 Notes were priced at
98.531%
of face value, resulting in a yield to maturity of
5.125%
. Subject to certain exceptions, we are unable to redeem the 2021 Notes before Sept. 15, 2017. On the same day, we completed the private placement of
$325 million
in aggregate principal amount of
5.500%
senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the 2024 Notes). The 2024 Notes were priced at
99.038%
of face value, resulting in a yield to maturity of
5.625%
. Subject to certain exceptions, we are unable to redeem the 2024 Notes before Sept. 15, 2019. The 2021 and 2024 Notes were issued in a private offering that is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The 2021 and 2024 Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by our subsidiaries that guarantee our revolving credit facility, term loan and our other outstanding notes.
In August 2013, we entered into an agreement to replace, amend and restate our existing revolving credit facilities with a credit facility expiring on Aug. 5, 2018, which was further amended on Sept. 24, 2013 (the Credit Agreement). Total commitments under the Credit Agreement are
$1.3 billion
. Subject to total leverage ratio limits, the Credit Agreement eliminates our restriction on incurring additional indebtedness. The Credit Agreement was amended as of February 13, 2015. The maximum total leverage ratio permitted by the Credit Agreement as amended, is
4.0
x through September 30, 2016, reducing to
3.75
x thereafter. Commitment fees on the revolving credit agreement are equal to
0.375%
-
0.50%
of the undrawn commitments, depending upon our leverage ratio, and are computed on the average daily undrawn balance under the revolving credit agreement and paid each quarter. Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow at an applicable margin above the Eurodollar base rate (LIBOR loan) or the higher of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus
0.50%
, or the one month LIBOR rate plus
1.00%
(ABR loan). The applicable margin is determined based on our leverage ratio but differs between LIBOR loans and ABR loans. For LIBOR based borrowing, the margin varies from
1.75%
to
2.5%
. For ABR based borrowing, the margin will vary from
0.75%
to
1.50%
. Based on our leverage ratio as of Dec. 28, 2014, our applicable margins were
2.25%
and
1.25%
, respectively.
On Dec. 28, 2014, we had unused borrowing capacity of
$625.5 million
under our revolving credit agreement.
We have an effective universal shelf registration statement under which an unspecified amount of securities may be issued, subject to a
$7.0 billion
limit established by the Board of Directors. Proceeds from the sale of such securities may be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, securities repurchase programs, repayment of debt and financing of acquisitions. We may also invest borrowed funds that are not required for other purposes in short-term marketable securities.
60
The following schedule of annual maturities of the principal amount of total debt assumes we use available capacity under our revolving credit agreement to refinance unsecured floating rate term loans and notes due in 2015. Based on this refinancing assumption, all of the obligations other than VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due in 2015 are reflected as maturities for 2016 and beyond.
In thousands of dollars
2015 (1)
$
7,854
2016
232,883
2017
39,454
2018
1,276,385
2019
600,000
Thereafter
2,365,000
Total
$
4,521,576
(1) Maturities of principal amount of debt due in 2015 (primarily the
10%
fixed rate notes due in June 2015 and the 6.375% fixed rate notes due in September 2015) are assumed to be repaid with funds from the revolving credit agreement, which matures in 2018.
Our debt maturities may be repaid with cash flow from operating activities, by accessing capital markets or a combination of both.
NOTE 7
Retirement plans
We, along with our subsidiaries, have various defined benefit retirement plans, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. Our principal retirement plan is the Gannett Retirement Plan (GRP). The disclosure tables below include the assets and obligations of the GRP, the Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP), the Newsquest Pension Scheme in the U.K. (Newsquest Plan), the Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan, and The G. B. Dealey Retirement Pension Plan (Dealey Plan). We use a Dec. 31 measurement date convention for our retirement plans.
Substantially all participants in the GRP, Dealey Plan and SERP had their benefits frozen before 2009. Participants of the Newsquest Plan had their benefits frozen effective March 31, 2011.
Our pension costs, which include costs for our qualified and non-qualified plans, are presented in the following table:
In thousands of dollars
2014
2013
2012
Service cost—benefits earned during the period
$
5,311
$
7,538
$
7,545
Interest cost on benefit obligation
168,991
141,030
155,376
Expected return on plan assets
(234,862
)
(198,216
)
(189,863
)
Amortization of prior service costs
7,566
7,566
7,689
Amortization of actuarial loss
45,731
63,212
53,429
Pension expense (benefit) for company-sponsored retirement plans
(7,263
)
21,130
34,176
Settlement charge
—
3,077
7,946
Total pension cost (benefit)
$
(7,263
)
$
24,207
$
42,122
The following table provides a reconciliation of pension benefit obligations (on a projected benefit obligation measurement basis), plan assets and funded status of company-sponsored retirement plans, along with the related amounts that are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year
$
3,672,249
$
3,573,085
Service cost
5,311
7,538
Interest cost
168,991
141,030
Plan amendments
—
177
Plan participants’ contributions
5
4
Actuarial loss (gain)
438,296
(104,131
)
Foreign currency translation
(57,779
)
21,758
Gross benefits paid
(227,269
)
(230,979
)
Acquisitions
—
274,510
Settlements
—
(10,743
)
Benefit obligations at end of year
$
3,999,804
$
3,672,249
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$
3,028,467
$
2,552,316
Actual return on plan assets
180,033
364,652
Plan participants’ contributions
5
4
Employer contributions
103,933
107,086
Gross benefits paid
(227,269
)
(230,979
)
Acquisitions
—
229,774
Settlements
—
(10,743
)
Foreign currency translation
(42,655
)
16,357
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
3,042,514
$
3,028,467
Funded status at end of year
$
(957,290
)
$
(643,782
)
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets
Noncurrent assets
$
—
$
3,684
Accrued benefit cost—current
$
(15,575
)
$
(15,271
)
Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent
$
(941,715
)
$
(632,195
)
61
The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of our principal retirement plans at Dec. 28, 2014, is as follows:
In thousands of dollars
Fair Value of
Plan Assets
Benefit
Obligation
Funded
Status
GRP
$
1,973,928
$
2,392,208
$
(418,280
)
SERP
(a)
—
216,049
(216,049
)
Newsquest
716,519
970,674
(254,155
)
Dealey
259,320
314,755
(55,435
)
All other
92,747
106,118
(13,371
)
Total
$
3,042,514
$
3,999,804
$
(957,290
)
(a)
The SERP is an unfunded, unsecured liability
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was
$3.98 billion
at Dec. 28, 2014, and
$3.65 billion
at Dec. 29, 2013.
The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which accumulated benefits exceed assets:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
3,979,493
$
3,568,021
Fair value of plan assets
$
3,042,514
$
2,938,480
The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Projected benefit obligation
$
3,999,804
$
3,585,947
Fair value of plan assets
$
3,042,514
$
2,938,480
The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as a component of pension expense as of the dates presented (pre-tax):
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Net actuarial losses
$
(1,811,857
)
$
(1,390,975
)
Prior service cost
(46,383
)
(53,949
)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(1,858,240
)
$
(1,444,924
)
The actuarial loss amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost in 2015 are
$60.5 million
. The prior service cost amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost in 2015 are
$7.6 million
.
The increased reduction to accumulated other comprehensive income was driven by lower rates used to discount our pension obligations as well as updates to assumed life expectancies of the plan’s participants.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss consist of the following:
In thousands of dollars
2014
Current year actuarial gain (loss)
$
(493,124
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
45,731
Amortization of prior service costs
7,566
Foreign currency gain
26,511
Total
$
(413,316
)
Pension costs:
The following assumptions were used to determine net pension costs:
2014
2013
2012
Discount rate
4.75%
4.08%
4.83%
Expected return on plan assets
7.93%
7.94%
7.95%
Rate of compensation increase
2.97%
2.97%
2.96%
The expected return on plan assets assumption was determined based on plan asset allocations, a review of historic capital market performance, historical plan asset performance and a forecast of expected future plan asset returns.
Benefit obligations and funded status:
The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligations:
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Discount rate
3.96%
4.75%
Rate of compensation increase
2.96%
2.97%
During
2014
, we made the following contributions to our principal retirement plans:
$56.1 million
to the GRP,
$20.1 million
to the Dealey Plan and
$14.7 million
to the Newsquest Plan. In 2015, we expect to contribute
$12.0 million
to the GRP and
$12.8 million
to the Newsquest Plan.
Plan assets:
The asset allocation for the GRP at the end of
2014
and
2013
, and target allocations for 2015, by asset category, are presented in the table below:
Target Allocation
Allocation of Plan Assets
2015
2014
2013
Equity securities
65
%
65
%
64
%
Debt securities
20
20
22
Other
15
15
14
Total
100
%
100
%
100
%
62
The primary objective of company-sponsored retirement plans is to provide eligible employees with scheduled pension benefits; the “prudent man” guideline is followed with regard to the investment management of retirement plan assets. Consistent with prudent standards for preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity, the goal is to earn the highest possible total rate of return while minimizing risk. The principal means of reducing volatility and exercising prudent investment judgment is diversification by asset class and by investment manager; consequently, portfolios are constructed to attain prudent diversification in the total portfolio, each asset class, and within each individual investment manager’s portfolio. Investment diversification is consistent with the intent to minimize the risk of large losses. All objectives are based upon an investment horizon spanning five years so that interim market fluctuations can be viewed with the appropriate perspective. The target asset allocation represents the long-term perspective. Retirement plan assets will be rebalanced periodically to align them with the target asset allocations. Risk characteristics are measured and compared with an appropriate benchmark quarterly; periodic reviews are made of the investment objectives and the investment managers. Our actual investment return on our Gannett Retirement Plan assets was
5.2%
for
2014
,
16.4%
for
2013
and
12.6%
for
2012
.
Retirement plan assets include approximately
1.2 million
shares of our common stock valued at approximately
$39.7 million
at the end of
2014
and
$36.7 million
at the end of
2013
. The plan received dividends of approximately
$1.0 million
on these shares in
2014
and 2013.
Cash flows:
We estimate we will make the following benefit payments (from either retirement plan assets or directly from our funds), which reflect expected future service, as appropriate:
In thousands of dollars
2015
$
222,327
2016
$
225,846
2017
$
230,012
2018
$
229,063
2019
$
232,081
2020-2024
$
1,146,800
401(k) savings plan
Substantially all our employees (other than those covered by a collective bargaining agreement) who are scheduled to work at least
1,000
hours during each year of employment are eligible to participate in our principal defined contribution plan, The Gannett Co., Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan. Employees can elect to save up to
50%
of compensation on a pre-tax basis subject to certain limits.
For most participants, the plan’s matching formula is
100%
of the first
5%
of employee contributions. We also make additional employer contributions on behalf of certain long-term employees. Compensation expense related to 401(k) contributions was
$48.1 million
in 2014,
$47.5 million
in 2013, and
$51.3 million
in 2012. We settled the 401(k) employee match obligation by buying our stock in the open market and depositing it in the participants’ accounts.
Multi-employer plans that provide pension benefits:
We contribute to a number of multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements (CBA) that cover our union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
•
We play no part in the management of plan investments or any other aspect of plan administration.
•
Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
•
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
•
If we choose to stop participating in some of our multi-employer plans, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as withdrawal liability.
63
Our participation in these plans for the annual period ended Dec. 28, 2014, is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number. Unless otherwise noted, the two most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone statuses available are for the plan’s year-end at Dec. 31, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2012. The zone status is based on information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than
65%
funded; plans in the orange zone are both a) less than
80%
funded and b) have an accumulated/expected funding deficiency in any of the next
six
plan years, net of any amortization extensions; plans in the yellow zone meet either one of the criteria mentioned in the orange zone; and plans in the green zone are at least
80%
funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject.
We make all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, our contribution represented less than
5%
of total contributions to the plan except for one plan where we contributed approximately
13%
of the total contributions to the Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan. This calculation is based on the plan financial statements issued at the end of December 31, 2013. At the date we issue our financial statements, Forms 5500 were unavailable for the plan years ending after December 31, 2013.
We incurred expenses for multi-employer withdrawal liabilities of
$8.2 million
in 2014 and
$3.8 million
in 2012. Other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include
$41.2 million
as of Dec. 28, 2014, and
$34.1 million
as of Dec. 29, 2013, for such withdrawal liabilities.
Multi-employer Pension Plans
EIN Number/
Zone Status
Dec. 31,
FIP/RP Status
Pending/Implemented
Contributions
(in thousands)
Surcharge Imposed
Expiration Dates of CBAs
Pension Plan Name
Plan Number
2014
2013
2014
2013
2012
AFTRA Retirement Plan (a)
13-6414972/001
Green
as of
Nov.
30,
2013
Green
as of
Nov.
30,
2012
NA
$
973
$
988
$
965
NA
5/31/2015
9/11/2015
4/18/2017
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
13-6212879/001
Red
Red
Implemented
433
242
572
No
2/1/2015
11/8/2015
2/23/2016
GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a), (b)
91-6024903/001
Red
Red
Implemented
71
216
380
No
N/A
The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a)
52-1082662/001
Red
Red
Implemented
244
279
415
No
2/23/2016
IAM National Pension Plan (a)
51-6031295/002
Green
Green
NA
403
736
341
NA
4/30/2016
Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity (a)
23-1511735/001
Yellow
Yellow
Implemented
1,298
1,355
876
NA
7/29/2015
2/23/2016
Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers (a)
36-6052390/001
Green
as of
Jan.
31,
2014
Green
as of
Jan.
31,
2013
NA
153
160
158
NA
4/30/2016
Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (b)
36-6044243/001
Red
Red
Implemented
—
40
260
No
N/A
Total
$
3,575
$
4,016
$
3,967
(a) This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010.
(b) We have no ongoing participation in these plans.
64
NOTE 8
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
We provide health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Most of our retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. The cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid. Commencing July 1, 2014, for certain Medicare-eligible retirees, our approach to deliver postretirement healthcare moved to a private retiree exchange. For those individuals, we began providing a stipend which is accessible through a Health Reimbursement Account. We eliminated postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for most U.S. employees under 50 years of age effective Jan. 1, 2006. We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for these plans.
Postretirement benefit cost for health care and life insurance included the following components:
In thousands of dollars
2014
2013
2012
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
$
369
$
529
$
545
Interest cost on net benefit obligation
4,711
5,656
7,744
Amortization of prior service credit
(11,648
)
(9,165
)
(19,190
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
758
1,169
1,943
Net periodic postretirement benefit credit
$
(5,810
)
$
(1,811
)
$
(8,958
)
The table below provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status of our postretirement benefit plans:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Change in benefit obligations
Net benefit obligations at beginning of year
$
146,809
$
169,592
Service cost
369
529
Interest cost
4,711
5,656
Plan participants’ contributions
5,133
9,629
Plan amendments
(37,986
)
(496
)
Actuarial loss (gain)
6,954
(16,476
)
Gross benefits paid
(18,739
)
(28,022
)
Federal subsidy on benefits paid
683
4,169
Acquisitions
—
2,228
Net benefit obligations at end of year
$
107,934
$
146,809
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$
—
$
—
Employer contributions
13,606
18,393
Plan participants’ contributions
5,133
9,629
Gross benefits paid
(18,739
)
(28,022
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
—
$
—
Benefit obligation at end of year
$
(107,934
)
$
(146,809
)
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued benefit cost—current
$
(10,286
)
$
(17,731
)
Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent
$
(97,648
)
$
(129,078
)
The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as a component of net periodic postretirement benefit credit as of the dates presented (pre-tax):
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Net actuarial losses
$
(12,594
)
$
(6,087
)
Prior service credit
42,542
16,204
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
29,948
$
10,117
The actuarial loss and prior service credit estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2015 are
$1.5
million and
$10.0
million, respectively.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (loss) consist of the following:
In thousands of dollars
2014
Current year actuarial loss
$
(7,265
)
Change in prior service cost
37,986
Amortization of actuarial loss
758
Amortization of prior service credit
(11,648
)
Total
$
19,831
Postretirement benefit costs:
The following assumptions were used to determine postretirement benefit cost:
2014
2013
2012
Discount rate
4.50
%
3.80
%
4.75
%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
6.26
%
7.17
%
6.50
%
Ultimate trend rate
5.00
%
5.00
%
5.00
%
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached
2018
2017
2016
Benefit obligations and funded status:
The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligation:
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Discount rate
4.00
%
4.75
%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for
next year
6.26
%
7.17
%
Ultimate trend rate
5.00
%
5.00
%
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached
2018
2017
Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The effect of a
1%
change in the health care cost trend rate would result in a change of approximately
$0.3
million in the
2014
postretirement benefit obligation and no measurable change in the aggregate service and interest components of the
2014
expense.
65
Cash flows:
We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, and to receive the following federal subsidy benefits as appropriate:
In thousands of dollars
Benefit
Payments
2015
$
10,287
2016
$
9,109
2017
$
8,502
2018
$
8,578
2019
$
7,970
2020-2023
$
32,087
The amounts above exclude the participants’ share of the benefit cost. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims, stipends and premiums are paid. We expect no subsidy benefits for 2015 and beyond.
NOTE 9
Income taxes
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
In thousands of dollars
2014
Current
Deferred
Total
Federal
$
217,500
$
(38,000
)
$
179,500
State and other
5,800
37,200
43,000
Foreign
1,100
2,000
3,100
Total
$
224,400
$
1,200
$
225,600
In thousands of dollars
2013
Current
Deferred
Total
Federal
$
95,000
$
39,400
$
134,400
State and other
(36,700
)
8,000
(28,700
)
Foreign
1,000
6,500
7,500
Total
$
59,300
$
53,900
$
113,200
In thousands of dollars
2012
Current
Deferred
Total
Federal
$
82,200
$
106,000
$
188,200
State and other
(2,600
)
17,100
14,500
Foreign
(6,900
)
(400
)
(7,300
)
Total
$
72,700
$
122,700
$
195,400
The components of net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. before income taxes consist of the following:
In thousands of dollars
2014
2013
2012
Domestic
$
1,207,669
$
426,162
$
538,988
Foreign
80,102
75,718
80,692
Total
$
1,287,771
$
501,880
$
619,680
The provision for income taxes on varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following differences:
2014
2013
2012
U.S. statutory tax rate
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Non-deductible goodwill impairment
1.2
—
5.2
State/other income taxes net of federal income tax
3.6
2.7
2.2
Statutory rate differential and permanent differences in earnings in foreign jurisdictions
(2.0
)
(5.7
)
(5.6
)
Audit resolutions
(0.1
)
(7.9
)
(4.6
)
Loss on sale of subsidiary
(19.0
)
—
—
Lapse of statutes of limitations net of federal income tax
(0.5
)
(2.6
)
(1.8
)
Domestic manufacturing deduction
(1.7
)
(2.1
)
(1.7
)
Other, net
1.0
3.2
2.8
Effective tax rate
17.5
%
22.6
%
31.5
%
Absent the impact of facility consolidation, asset impairment, certain gains and expenses recognized in non-operating categories and workforce restructuring charges, the special net tax benefit from the release of certain tax reserves due to audit settlements, and the lapse of statutes of limitations, all for the years from 2012 to 2014, as well as the special net tax benefit from the sale of a non-strategic subsidiary in 2014, our effective tax rate would have been
30.9%
for 2014,
29.7%
for 2013, and
30.9%
for 2012.
Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax reporting and financial statement purposes. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are adjusted for enacted changes in tax laws or tax rates of the various tax jurisdictions. The amounts of such adjustments for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were not significant.
66
Deferred tax liabilities and assets were composed of the following at the end of 2014 and 2013:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Liabilities
Accelerated depreciation
$
262,657
$
302,650
Accelerated amortization of deductible intangibles
589,014
678,744
Partnership investments including impairments
244,582
—
Other
18,961
24,882
Total deferred tax liabilities
1,115,214
1,006,276
Assets
Accrued compensation costs
64,255
75,492
Pension
343,566
219,413
Postretirement medical and life
37,794
55,921
Federal tax benefits of uncertain state tax positions
12,135
12,474
Partnership investments including impairments
—
1,140
Loss carryforwards
361,133
74,018
Other
77,977
84,738
Total deferred tax assets
896,860
523,196
Valuation allowance
200,123
83,579
Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
$
(418,477
)
$
(566,659
)
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current deferred tax assets
$
158,648
$
21,245
Assets held for sale
$
9,600
$
—
Noncurrent deferred tax assets
$
63,647
$
—
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
$
(650,372
)
$
(587,904
)
As of Dec. 28, 2014, we had approximately
$728.8 million
of capital loss carryforwards for federal and state purposes which, if not used prior to 2020, will expire, and can only be utilized to the extent capital gains are recognized. As of Dec. 28, 2014, we also had approximately
$16.8 million
of foreign tax credits,
$1.8 million
of state credits,
$278.4 million
of foreign net operating loss carryforwards,
$489.0 million
of apportioned state net operating loss carryovers, and
$35.3
million of foreign capital loss carryforwards. The foreign tax credits expire in various amounts beginning in 2016 through 2024, the state credits expire between 2016 and 2023 in various amounts, and the state and foreign net operating loss carryovers expire in various amounts beginning in 2015 through 2034. The foreign capital losses can be carried forward indefinitely.
Included in total deferred tax assets are valuation allowances of approximately
$200.1 million
in 2014 and
$83.6 million
in 2013, primarily related to federal and state capital losses, foreign tax credits, foreign losses and state net operating losses available for carry forward to future years. The increase in the valuation allowance from 2013 to 2014 is related primarily to the
$96.3 million
valuation allowance with respect to additional federal and state capital loss carryforwards for which it was determined, based on an analysis of future sources of taxable income and other sources of positive and negative evidence, it is not more likely than not that the capital losses will be utilized before their expiration.
Realization of deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established is dependent upon generating sufficient future taxable income. We expect to realize the benefit of these deferred tax assets through future reversals of our deferred tax liabilities, through the recognition of taxable income in the allowable carryback and carryforward periods, and through implementation of future tax planning strategies. Although realization is not assured, we believe it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established will be realized.
The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions:
In thousands of dollars
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Change in unrecognized tax benefits
Balance at beginning of year
$
57,324
$
86,180
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
12,426
29,470
Additions for tax positions of prior years
868
4,710
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
(4,563
)
(33,109
)
Settlements
(129
)
(1,246
)
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations
(7,040
)
(28,681
)
Balance at end of year
$
58,886
$
57,324
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was
$46.8 million
as of Dec. 28, 2014, and
$46.5 million
as of Dec. 29, 2013. This amount includes the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. We also recognize interest income attributable to overpayment of income taxes and from the reversal of interest expense previously recorded for uncertain tax positions which are subsequently released as a component of income tax expense. We recognized income from interest and the release of penalty reserves of
$4.6 million
in 2014,
$17.2 million
in 2013, and
$7.8 million
in 2012. The amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits was
$6.9 million
as of Dec. 28, 2014 and
$11.5 million
as of Dec. 29, 2013.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions.
The 2011 through 2014 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS
.
The 2010 through 2014 tax years generally remain subject to examination by state authorities
, and
the tax year 2014 is subject to examination in the U.K.
Tax years before 2010 remain subject to examination by certain states primarily due to the filing of amended tax returns as a result of the settlement of the IRS examination for these years and due to ongoing audits.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of settlement of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations or other regulatory developments. At this time, we estimate the amount of our gross unrecognized tax positions may decrease by up to approximately
$4.8 million
within the next 12 months primarily due to lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement of ongoing audits in various jurisdictions.
67
NOTE 10
Shareholders’ equity
Capital stock and earnings per share
Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) for 2014, 2013, and 2012 are presented below:
In thousands, except per share amounts
2014
2013
2012
Net income attributable to
Gannett Co., Inc.
$
1,062,171
$
388,680
$
424,280
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic)
226,292
228,541
232,327
Effect of dilutive securities
Restricted stock
2,624
2,839
2,552
Performance shares
1,999
1,649
944
Stock options
992
1,160
867
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (diluted)
231,907
234,189
236,690
Earnings per share (basic)
$
4.69
$
1.70
$
1.83
Earnings per share (diluted)
$
4.58
$
1.66
$
1.79
The diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of approximately
0.8 million
stock options outstanding for 2014,
2.4 million
for 2013 and
6.5 million
for 2012, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
Share repurchase program
In June 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new program to repurchase up to
$300 million
in our common stock. During 2014,
2.7 million
shares were purchased under the current program for $
75.8 million
. In 2013,
4.9 million
shares were purchased under the current and former programs for
$116.6 million
and in 2012,
10.3 million
shares were purchased for
$153.9 million
. Repurchased shares are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Treasury Stock. As of Dec. 28, 2014, the value of shares that may be repurchased under the existing program is
$148.9 million
. This share repurchase program was temporarily suspended upon the announcement of the Cars.com acquisition in 2014, but was re-initiated in February of 2015, well ahead of the timeline we had previously anticipated, as a result of our strong operating performance and the strength of our balance sheet.
The shares may be repurchased at management’s discretion, either in the open market or in privately negotiated block transactions. Management’s decision to repurchase shares will depend on price and other corporate developments. Purchases may occur from time to time and no maximum purchase price has been set. There is no expiration date for the
$300 million
stock repurchase program. Certain of the shares we previously acquired have been reissued in settlement of employee stock awards.
Equity-based awards
In May 2001, our shareholders approved the adoption of the Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the Plan). The Plan is administered by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and was amended and restated as of May 4, 2010, to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance to up to
60.0 million
shares of our common stock for awards granted on or after the amendment date. The Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and other equity-based and cash-based awards. Awards may be granted to our employees and members of the Board of Directors. The Plan provides that shares of common stock subject to awards granted become available again for issuance if such awards are canceled or forfeited.
During 2011, we established a performance share award plan for senior executives pursuant to which awards were first made with a grant date of Jan. 1, 2012. Pursuant to the terms of this award, we may issue shares of our common stock (Performance Shares) to senior executives following the completion of a
three
-year period beginning on the grant date. Generally, if an executive remains in continuous employment with us during the full three-year incentive period, the number of performance share units (PSU) that an executive will receive will be determined based upon how our total shareholder return (TSR) compares to the TSR of a peer group of media companies during the three-year period. The PSU agreement provides for pro rata vesting if an executive’s employment terminates before the end of the performance period due to death, disability, retirement, as defined in the award agreement. Non-vested units are forfeited upon termination for any other reason. Long-term equity awards – consisting of performance shares and restricted stock units – are generally made with a grant date of January 1.
The fair value and compensation expense of each PSU is determined on date of grant by using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Each PSU is equal to and paid in one share of our common stock, but carries no voting or dividend rights. The number of shares ultimately issued for each PSU award may range from
0%
to
200%
of the award’s target.
We issue stock-based compensation to employees in the form of restricted stock units (RSUs). These awards generally entitle employees to receive at the end of a four-year incentive period
one
share of common stock for each RSU granted, conditioned on continued employment for the full incentive period. RSUs generally vest on a pro rata basis if an executive’s employment terminates due to death, disability or retirement. For RSU grants after 2014, the grants generally vest
25%
per year. Under the plan, no more than
500,000
RSUs may be granted to any participant in any fiscal year.
The Plan also permits us to issue restricted stock. Restricted Stock is an award of common stock that is subject to restrictions and such other terms and conditions as the Executive Compensation Committee determines. Under the Plan, no more than
500,000
restricted shares may be granted to any participant in any fiscal year.
The Plan also permits us to issue stock options. Stock options may be granted as either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. Options may be granted to purchase our common stock at not less than
100%
of the fair market value on the day of grant. Options may be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Executive Compensation Committee determines. The Plan restricts the granting of options to any participant in any fiscal year to no more than
1,000,000
shares. Options issued from 1996 through November 2004 have a
10
-year exercise period, and options issued in December 2004 and thereafter have an
eight
-year exercise period. Options generally become exercisable at
25%
per year. We discontinued annual stock option grants to senior executives when we began issuing Performance Shares.
68
We issued stock options to certain members of our Board of Directors as compensation for meeting fees and retainer fees, as well as long-term awards. Meeting fees paid as stock options fully vest upon grant. Retainers paid in the form of stock options vest in equal quarterly installments over
one
year. Long-term stock option awards vest in equal annual installments over four years. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value. Members of the Board of Directors were awarded no stock options as part of their compensation in 2014,
22,558 shares
in 2013 and
74,611 shares
in 2012. We ceased issuing stock options to members of the Board of Directors in May 2013.
We issued restricted stock to certain members of our Board of Directors as compensation for meeting fees and retainer fees, as well as annual long-term awards. Meeting fees paid as restricted stock fully vest upon grant. Retainers paid in the form of restricted shares vest in equal quarterly installments over
one year
. Long-term awards vest in equal monthly installments over
three years
. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value. Members of the Board of Directors were awarded
40,530 shares
of restricted stock in 2014,
57,531 shares
in 2013 and
31,929 shares
in 2012, as part of their compensation plan. All vested shares will be issued to directors when they retire from the Board.
The Executive Compensation Committee may grant other types of awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to or that are otherwise based on fair market value of our common stock or other criteria established by the Executive Compensation Committee including the achievement of performance goals. The maximum aggregate grant of Performance Shares that may be awarded to any participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed
500,000 shares
of common stock. The maximum aggregate amount of performance units or cash-based awards that may be awarded to any participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed
$10 million
.
In the event of a change in control as defined in the Plan, unless otherwise specified in the award agreement, (1) all outstanding options will become immediately exercisable in full; (2) all restricted periods and restrictions imposed on non-performance based restricted stock awards will lapse; (3) all non-performance based restricted stock units will fully vest; and (4) target payment opportunities attainable under all outstanding awards of performance-based restricted stock, performance units and Performance Shares will be paid as specified in the Plan.
Determining fair value
Valuation and amortization method
–
We determined the fair value of Performance Shares using the Monte Carlo valuation model. This model considers our likelihood, and the likelihood of our peer group companies’, share prices ending at various levels subject to certain price caps at the conclusion of the three-year incentive period. We determined the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula. Key inputs into the Monte Carlo valuation model and the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula include expected term, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected dividend yield. Each assumption is discussed below.
Expected term
–
The expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term for Performance Share awards is based on the incentive period. For stock options, it is determined based on historical experience of similar awards, considering contractual terms of the awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior.
Expected volatility
–
The fair value of stock-based awards reflects volatility factors calculated using historical market data for our common stock and also our peer group when the Monte Carlo method is used. The time frame used is equal to the expected term.
Risk-free interest rate
–
We base the risk-free interest rate on the yield to maturity at the time of the award grant on zero-coupon U.S. government bonds having a remaining life equal to the award’s expected life.
Expected dividend
–
The dividend assumption is based on our expectations about our dividend policy on the date of grant.
Estimated forfeitures
–
When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary termination behavior as well as analysis of actual forfeitures.
The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of performance share awards and stock options:
Performance Shares Granted During
2014
2013
2012
Expected term
3 yrs.
3 yrs.
3 yrs.
Expected volatility
39.32%
40.80%
69.47%
Risk-free interest rate
0.78%
0.36%
0.41%
Expected dividend yield
2.70%
4.44%
2.39%
Stock Options Granted During
(a)
2013
2012
Average expected term
4.5 yrs.
4.5 yrs.
Expected volatility
61.94%
65.74 - 66.95%
Weighted average volatility
61.94%
66.56%
Risk-free interest rates
0.75%
0.84%
Expected dividend yield
3.00%
5.00%
Weighted average expected dividend
3.00%
5.00%
(a) No stock options were granted after 2013
Stock-based Compensation Expense:
The following table shows the stock-based compensation related amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for equity awards:
In thousands, except per share amounts
2014
2013
2012
Restricted stock and RSUs
$
17,754
$
18,105
$
14,362
Performance shares
14,850
12,331
7,991
Stock options and other
1,278
3,001
4,255
Total stock-based compensation
33,882
33,437
26,608
Income tax benefit
12,875
12,706
10,111
Stock-based compensation, net of tax
$
21,007
$
20,731
$
16,497
Per diluted share impact
$
0.09
$
0.09
$
0.07
69
Restricted Stock and RSUs:
As of Dec. 28, 2014, there was
$30.2 million
of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock and RSUs. This amount will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of
2.4 years
. The tax benefit realized from the settlement of RSUs was
$9.5 million
in 2014. The tax benefit realized in 2013 was
$7.0 million
and
$5.4 million
in 2012.
A summary of restricted stock and RSU awards is presented below:
2014 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity
Shares
Weighted
average
fair value
Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year
4,193,985
$
13.92
Granted
1,048,516
$
27.26
Settled
(1,263,702
)
$
15.92
Canceled
(401,201
)
$
16.13
Outstanding and unvested at end of year
3,577,598
$
16.97
2013 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity
Shares
Weighted
average
fair value
Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year
4,069,509
$
12.98
Granted
1,588,628
$
15.80
Settled
(1,035,256
)
$
13.95
Canceled
(428,896
)
$
13.40
Outstanding and unvested at end of year
4,193,985
$
13.92
2012 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity
Shares
Weighted
average
fair value
Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year
3,731,033
$
10.73
Granted
1,937,512
$
12.33
Settled
(997,584
)
$
3.29
Canceled
(601,452
)
$
11.95
Outstanding and unvested at end of year
4,069,509
$
12.98
Performance Shares:
As of Dec. 28, 2014, there was
$8.1 million
of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance shares. This amount will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and recognized over a weighted average period of
1.7 years
.
A summary of our performance shares awards is presented below:
2014 Performance Shares Activity
Target number of shares
Weighted average fair value
Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year
1,760,488
$
16.92
Granted
436,340
$
37.31
Canceled
(96,713
)
$
21.41
Outstanding and unvested at end of year
2,100,115
$
20.95
2013 Performance Shares Activity
Target number of shares
Weighted average fair value
Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year
982,452
$
14.23
Granted
813,783
$
20.12
Canceled
(35,747
)
$
15.86
Outstanding and unvested at end of year
1,760,488
$
16.92
2012 Performance Shares Activity
Target number of shares
Weighted average fair value
Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year
—
$
—
Granted
1,109,873
$
14.21
Canceled
(127,421
)
$
14.12
Outstanding and unvested at end of year
982,452
$
14.23
Stock Options:
During 2014, options were exercised from which we received $
14.2 million
of cash. The intrinsic value of the options exercised was approximately $
15.0 million
. The actual tax benefit realized from the option exercises was $
3.0 million
.
During 2013, options were exercised from which we received
$21.7 million
of cash. The intrinsic value of the options exercised was approximately
$16.7 million
. The actual tax benefit realized from the option exercises was
$2.8 million
.
During 2012, options exercised from which we received
$24.5 million
of cash. The intrinsic value of the options exercised was approximately
$21.3 million
. The actual tax benefit realized from the option exercises was
$3.9 million
.
Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of shares from treasury stock.
The total grant date fair value for options vested during 2014 was
$6.0 million
,
$8.6 million
for options vested during 2013 and
$11.6 million
for options vested during 2012.
70
A summary of our stock option awards is presented below:
2014 Stock Option Activity
Shares
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(in years)
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
Outstanding at beginning of year
5,575,401
$
29.76
3.2
$
46,988,804
Exercised
(968,891
)
$
14.47
Canceled/expired
(1,599,852
)
$
53.89
Outstanding at end of year
3,006,658
$
21.84
2.8
$
37,497,113
Options exercisable at year end
2,818,658
$
22.23
2.7
$
34,543,513
2013 Stock Option Activity
Shares
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(in years)
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
Outstanding at beginning of year
11,344,018
$
43.50
3.2
$
16,902,892
Granted
22,558
$
20.48
Exercised
(1,598,902
)
$
13.44
Canceled/expired
(4,192,273
)
$
73.11
Outstanding at end of year
5,575,401
$
29.76
3.2
$
46,988,804
Options exercisable at year end
4,574,619
$
32.85
2.8
$
33,348,296
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the year
$
8.20
2012 Stock Option Activity
Shares
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(in years)
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
Outstanding at beginning of year
20,340,291
$
47.66
3.5
$
17,184,761
Granted
109,699
$
14.33
Exercised
(2,716,637
)
$
9.38
Canceled/expired
(6,389,335
)
$
70.76
Outstanding at end of year
11,344,018
$
43.50
3.2
$
16,902,892
Options exercisable at year end
8,942,897
$
51.35
2.6
$
8,845,944
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the year
$
5.43
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
The elements of our Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consisted of pension, retiree medical and life insurance liabilities and foreign currency translation gains. The following tables summarize the components of, and changes in, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (net of tax and noncontrolling interests):
In thousands of dollars
2014
Retirement Plans
Foreign Currency Translation
Total
Balance at beginning of year
$
(921,232
)
$
427,177
$
(494,055
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(276,219
)
(36,064
)
(312,283
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
27,569
—
27,569
Balance at end of year
$
(1,169,882
)
$
391,113
$
(778,769
)
In thousands of dollars
2013
Retirement Plans
Foreign Currency Translation
Total
Balance at beginning of year
$
(1,119,263
)
$
418,122
$
(701,141
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
156,974
9,055
166,029
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
41,057
—
41,057
Balance at end of year
$
(921,232
)
$
427,177
$
(494,055
)
In thousands of dollars
2012
Retirement Plans
Foreign Currency Translation
Total
Balance at beginning of year
$
(995,854
)
$
400,015
$
(595,839
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(123,409
)
18,107
(105,302
)
Balance at end of year
$
(1,119,263
)
$
418,122
$
(701,141
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss components are included in the computation of net periodic postretirement costs (see Notes 7 and 8 for more detail). Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss related to these postretirement plans include the following:
In thousands of dollars
2014
2013
Amortization of prior service credit
$
(4,082
)
$
(1,599
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
46,489
64,381
Settlement charge
—
3,077
Total reclassifications, before tax
42,407
65,859
Income tax effect
(14,838
)
(24,802
)
Total reclassifications, net of tax
$
27,569
$
41,057
71
NOTE 11
Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters
Litigation:
We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to their business. We do not believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of these matters.
Leases:
Approximate future minimum annual rentals payable under non-cancelable operating leases, primarily real-estate related, are as follows:
In thousands of dollars
2015
$
64,309
2016
55,292
2017
49,209
2018
36,550
2019
30,057
Later years
96,036
Total
$
331,453
Total minimum annual rentals have not been reduced for future minimum sublease rentals aggregating
$6.1 million
. Total rental costs reflected in
2014
were
$67.5 million
,
$58.4 million
in
2013
and
$64.6 million
in
2012
.
Program broadcast contracts:
We have
$213.5 million
of commitments under programming contracts that include television station commitments to purchase programming to be produced in future years. This also includes amounts fixed or currently accrued under network affiliation agreements.
Purchase obligations:
We have commitments under purchasing obligations totaling
$240.9 million
related to printing contracts, capital projects, interactive marketing agreements, wire services and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which we are liable for under purchase orders outstanding at Dec. 28, 2014, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as accounts payable and accrued liabilities and are excluded from the
$240.9 million
.
Self insurance:
We are self-insured for most of our employee medical coverage and for our casualty, general liability and libel coverage (subject to a cap above which third party insurance is in place). The liabilities are established on an actuarial basis, with the advice of consulting actuaries, and totaled
$80.4 million
at the end of
2014
and
$92.0 million
at the end of
2013
.
Other matters:
In December 1990, we adopted a Transitional Compensation Plan (the TCP). The TCP provides termination benefits to key executives whose employment is terminated under certain circumstances within two years following a change in control of our company. Benefits under the TCP include a severance payment of up to three years’ compensation and continued life and medical insurance coverage. We amended the TCP in April 2010 to provide that new participants will not be entitled to the benefit of the TCP’s excise tax gross-up or modified single trigger provisions.
In August 2014, we adopted the Gannett Leadership Team Transition Severance Plan (GLT Plan) to promote retention and minimize disruption for certain senior executives in connection with the potential spin-off of our publishing segment into a new, independent publicly traded company.
In March 2011, the Advertiser Company, one of our subsidiaries which publishes The Montgomery Advertiser, was notified by the U.S. EPA that it has been identified as a potentially responsible party for the investigation and remediation of groundwater contamination in downtown Montgomery, AL. At this point in the investigation, incomplete information is available about the site, other potentially responsible parties and what further investigation and remediation may be required. Accordingly, future costs at the site, and The Advertiser Company’s share of such costs, if any
,
are undetermined. Some of The Advertiser Company’s fees and costs related to this matter may be reimbursed under its liability insurance policies.
In 2014, we exited one of our publishing businesses and incurred
$21.0 million
of shutdown costs included in Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These costs, which are associated with future contractual promotional payments, were accrued on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at the end of 2014 and will be primarily paid in 2015.
We are contingently liable for earnout payments to previous owners, depending upon the achievement of certain financial and performance metrics related to certain business acquisitions. During
2014
, we paid
$22.4 million
as the result of payments and adjustments to fair value.
72
NOTE 12
Fair value measurement
We measure and record certain assets and liabilities at fair value in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:
Level 1 –
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 –
Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs developed using our own estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
The financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:
Company Owned Assets
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Employee compensation related investments
$
41,017
$
—
$
—
$
41,017
Sundry investments
36,641
—
—
36,641
Total Assets
$
77,658
$
—
$
—
$
77,658
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration payable
$
—
$
—
$
9,912
$
9,912
Total Liabilities
$
—
$
—
$
9,912
$
9,912
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 29, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Employee compensation related investments
$
28,117
$
—
$
—
$
28,117
Sundry investments
34,227
—
—
34,227
Total Assets
$
62,344
$
—
$
—
$
62,344
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration payable
$
—
$
—
$
32,267
$
32,267
Total Liabilities
$
—
$
—
$
32,267
$
32,267
Under certain acquisition agreements, we have agreed to pay the sellers earn-outs based on the financial performance of the acquired businesses. Contingent consideration payable in the table above represents the estimated fair value of future earn-outs payable under such agreements. The fair value of the contingent payments was measured based on the present value of the consideration expected to be transferred. The discount rate is a significant unobservable input in such present value computations. Discount rates ranged between
15%
and
27%
depending on the risk associated with the cash flows. Changes to the fair value of earn-outs are reflected in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the year ended Dec. 28, 2014, the contingent consideration decreased by
$22.4 million
as a result of payments and adjustments to fair value.
The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair values of our pension plans assets:
Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014
(a)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Fixed income:
U.S. government-related securities
$
—
$
4,005
$
—
$
4,005
Mortgage backed securities
—
3,995
95
4,090
Other government bonds
—
4,562
—
4,562
Corporate bonds
—
24,628
382
25,010
Corporate stock
924,294
—
—
924,294
Real estate
—
—
109,102
109,102
Interest in common/collective trusts:
Equities
—
890,201
—
890,201
Fixed income
6,592
310,128
—
316,720
Interest in reg. invest. companies
152,359
44,406
—
196,765
Interest in 103-12 investments
—
24,359
—
24,359
Partnership/joint venture interests
—
36,517
145,764
182,281
Hedge funds
—
20,166
325,673
345,839
Derivative contracts
8
3,003
124
3,135
Total
$
1,083,253
$
1,365,970
$
581,140
$
3,030,363
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities
$
(13
)
$
(2,529
)
$
(2,008
)
$
(4,550
)
Total
$
(13
)
$
(2,529
)
$
(2,008
)
$
(4,550
)
Cash and other
14,039
2,662
—
16,701
Total net fair value of plan assets
$
1,097,279
$
1,366,103
$
579,132
$
3,042,514
(a)
We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for our retirement plans.
73
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 29, 2013
(a)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Fixed income:
U.S. government-related securities
$
—
$
3,313
$
—
$
3,313
Mortgage backed securities
—
4,210
397
4,607
Other government bonds
—
4,947
—
4,947
Corporate bonds
—
29,599
856
30,455
Corporate stock
892,883
—
—
892,883
Real estate
—
—
98,909
98,909
Interest in common/collective trusts:
Equities
—
908,673
—
908,673
Fixed income
—
213,698
—
213,698
Interest in reg.
invest. companies
281,029
42,610
—
323,639
Interest in 103-12 investments
—
28,691
—
28,691
Partnership/joint venture interests
—
36,402
148,550
184,952
Hedge funds
—
22,685
249,991
272,676
Derivative contracts
22
10,956
163
11,141
Total
$
1,173,934
$
1,305,784
$
498,866
$
2,978,584
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities
$
(8
)
$
(9,486
)
$
(2,008
)
$
(11,502
)
Total
$
(8
)
$
(9,486
)
$
(2,008
)
$
(11,502
)
Cash and other
60,271
1,114
—
61,385
Total net fair
value of plan assets
$
1,234,197
$
1,297,412
$
496,858
$
3,028,467
(a)
We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for our retirement plans.
Items included in “Cash and other” in the table above primarily consist of amounts categorized as cash and cash equivalents and pending purchases and sales of securities.
Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:
U.S. government-related securities are treasury bonds, bills and notes that are primarily obligations to the U.S. Treasury. Values are obtained from industry vendors who use various pricing models or quotes for identical or similar securities. Mortgage-backed securities are typically not actively quoted. Values are obtained from industry vendors who use various pricing models or use quotes for identical or similar securities.
Other government and corporate bonds are mainly valued based on institutional bid evaluations using proprietary models, using discounted cash flow models or models that derive prices based on similar securities. Corporate bonds categorized in Level 3 are primarily from distressed issuers for whom the values represent an estimate of recovery in a potential or actual bankruptcy situation.
Corporate stock classified as Level 1 is valued primarily at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. The investments in Level 2 are primarily commingled funds recorded at fair value as determined by the sponsor of the respective funds based upon closing market quotes of the underlying assets.
Investments in direct real estate have been valued by an independent qualified valuation professional in the U.K. using a valuation approach that capitalizes any current or future income streams at an appropriate multiplier. Investments in real estate funds are mainly valued utilizing the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies.
Interest in common/collective trusts and interest in 103-12 investments are valued using the net asset value as provided monthly by the fund family or fund company. Shares in the common/collective trusts are generally redeemable upon request.
Nine of the investments in collective trusts are fixed income funds, one of which uses individual subfunds to efficiently add a representative sample of securities in individual market sectors to the portfolio. The remaining twelve investments in collective trusts are equity funds that are recorded at fair value as determined by the sponsor of the respective fund based upon closing market quotes of the underlying assets.
Interest in registered investment companies is valued using the published net asset values as quoted through publicly available pricing sources. The investments in Level 2 are proprietary funds of the individual fund managers and are not publicly quoted.
Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified in Level 3 are valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, considering items such as expected cash flows, changes in market outlook and subsequent rounds of financing. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because exit prices tend to be unobservable and reliance is placed on the above methods. Most of the partnerships are general leveraged buyout funds, others include a venture capital fund, a fund formed to invest in special credit opportunities, an infrastructure fund and a real estate fund. Interest in partnership investments could be sold on the secondary market but cannot be redeemed. Instead, distributions are received as the underlying assets of the funds are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated within approximately the next
8
to
10
years. There are future funding commitments of
$22.9 million
as of Dec. 28, 2014, and $
27.7 million
as of Dec. 29, 2013. Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified as Level 2 represents a limited partnership commingled fund valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund manager.
74
Investments in hedge funds are valued at the net asset value as reported by the fund managers. Within this category is a fund of hedge funds whose objective is to produce a return that is uncorrelated with market movements. Other funds categorized as hedge funds were formed to invest in mortgage and credit trading opportunities. Shares in the hedge funds are generally redeemable twice a year or on the last business day of each quarter with
at least
60 days
written notice subject to potential
5%
holdback. There are no unfunded commitments related to the hedge funds.
Derivatives primarily consist of forward and swap contracts. Forward contracts are valued at the spot rate, plus or minus forward
points between the valuation date and maturity date. Swaps are valued at the mid-evaluation price using discounted cash flow models. Items in Level 3 are valued based on the market values of other securities for which they represent a synthetic combination.
We review appraised valued, audited financial statements and additional information to evaluate fair value estimates from our investment managers or fund administrator. The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our pension plan assets and liabilities, categorized as Level 3, for the fiscal year ended
Dec. 28, 2014, and Dec. 29, 2013:
Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities
In thousands of dollars
For the year ended Dec. 28, 2014
Actual Return on Plan Assets
Balance at
beginning
of year
Relating to assets still held at report date
Relating to assets sold during the period
Purchases,
sales, and
settlements
Transfers in
and/or out
of Level 3
(1)
Balance at
end of year
Assets:
Fixed income:
Mortgage-backed securities
$
397
$
—
$
2
$
(304
)
$
—
$
95
Corporate bonds
856
116
(125
)
(465
)
—
382
Real estate
98,909
279
—
9,914
—
109,102
Partnership/joint venture interests
148,550
586
21,785
(25,157
)
—
145,764
Hedge funds
249,991
10,469
899
64,314
—
325,673
Derivative contracts
163
—
17
(56
)
—
124
Total
$
498,866
$
11,450
$
22,578
$
48,246
$
—
$
581,140
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities
$
(2,008
)
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
(2,008
)
(1)
Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.
Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities (continued)
In thousands of dollars
For the year ended Dec. 29, 2013
Actual Return on Plan Assets
Balance at
beginning
of year
Relating to assets still held at report date
Relating to assets sold during the period
Purchases,
sales, and
settlements
Transfers in
and/or out
of Level 3
(1)
Balance at
end of year
Assets:
Fixed income:
Mortgage backed securities
$
—
$
—
$
(3
)
$
400
$
—
$
397
Corporate bonds
797
199
(4
)
(136
)
—
856
Real estate
97,385
1,865
—
(341
)
—
98,909
Partnership/joint venture interests
130,995
11,972
13,327
(9,576
)
1,832
148,550
Hedge funds
158,924
17,613
803
74,483
(1,832
)
249,991
Derivative contracts
500
(376
)
—
39
—
163
Total
$
388,601
$
31,273
$
14,123
$
64,869
$
—
$
498,866
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities
$
(2,008
)
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
(2,008
)
(1)
Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.
75
The fair value of our total long-term debt, determined based on the bid and ask quotes for the related debt (Level 2), totaled
$4.65 billion
at Dec. 28, 2014. The fair value of our total long-term debt, determined based on the bid and ask quotes for the related debt (Level 2), totaled
$3.93 billion
at Dec. 29, 2013. Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).
The following tables summarize the non-financial assets measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of Dec. 28, 2014, and Dec. 29, 2013:
Non-Financial Assets
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Asset held for sale - Quarter 4
$
—
$
—
$
69,998
$
69,998
Goodwill - Quarter 4
$
—
$
—
$
8,250
$
8,250
Non-Financial Assets
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 29, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Asset held for sale - Quarter 4
$
—
$
—
$
395,851
$
395,851
Goodwill - Quarter 4
$
—
$
—
$
21,790
$
21,790
The quantitative test of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2014 for a reporting unit in our Digital Segment was based on a valuation that considered discounted cash flows and market-based information. Significant unobservable inputs in the discounted cash flows method included the ending year growth rate of
2%
and the discount rate applied to the cash flows of
17.5%
. If the growth rate and discount rate were to change by
1%
, the impact to the valuation would have been approximately
$2.8 million
.
The quantitative test of goodwill during 2013 for both impaired assets was based on a valuation that considered discounted cash flows and market-based information. Significant unobservable inputs in the discounted cash flows method included the ending year growth rate of
3%
and the discount rate applied to the cash flows of
16.0%
for the impaired asset in our Digital Segment. For the impaired asset in our Publishing Segment, the ending year growth rate of
3%
and discount rate of
20.5%
were significant unobservable inputs in the discount cash flow method. If the growth rate and discount rate were to change by
1%
, the combined impact to the valuations would have been approximately
$1.4 million
and
$2.7 million
, respectively.
NOTE 13
Business operations and segment information
We have determined that our reportable segments based on our management and internal reporting structure are Broadcasting, Publishing, and Digital.
At the end of
2014
, our Broadcasting Segment included
46
television stations and affiliated online sites, including stations serviced by Gannett under shared services and similar agreements. These stations serve more than
35 million
households covering
almost one-third
of the U.S. population.
Our Publishing Segment includes
100
daily publications and digital platforms in the U.S. and U.K., including more than
400
non-daily publications in the U.S. and more than
125
such titles in the U.K. The Publishing Segment also includes Clipper, Gannett Government Media, a network of offset presses for commercial printing and several small businesses.
The largest businesses within our Digital Segment are CareerBuilder, Cars.com, PointRoll and Shoplocal. The Digital Segment and the digital revenues line exclude online/digital revenues generated by digital platforms that are associated with our publishing and broadcasting operating properties. Such amounts are reflected within those segments and are included as part of publishing revenues and broadcasting revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Our foreign revenues, principally from publishing businesses in the United Kingdom and CareerBuilder’s international subsidiaries, totaled approximately
$539.3 million
in
2014
,
$519.8 million
in
2013
and
$546.2 million
in
2012
. Our long-lived assets in foreign countries, principally in the United Kingdom, totaled approximately
$498.3 million
at Dec. 28, 2014,
$566.4 million
at Dec. 29, 2013, and
$529.8 million
at Dec. 30, 2012.
Separate financial data for each of our business segments is presented in the table that follows. The accounting policies of the segments are those described in Note 1. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on operating income. Operating income represents total revenue less operating expenses, including depreciation, amortization of intangibles and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges. In determining operating income by industry segment, general corporate expenses, interest expense, interest income, and other income and expense items of a non-operating nature are not considered, as such items are not allocated to our segments.
Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, property, plant and equipment used for corporate purposes and certain other financial investments.
76
In thousands of dollars
Business segment financial information
2014
2013
2012
Operating revenues
Broadcasting
$
1,692,304
$
835,113
$
906,104
Publishing
3,421,729
3,577,804
3,728,144
Digital
919,270
748,445
718,949
Intersegment eliminations
(3)
(25,129
)
—
—
Total
$
6,008,174
$
5,161,362
$
5,353,197
Operating income
Broadcasting
(2)
$
745,383
$
361,915
$
443,808
Publishing
(2)
228,307
313,697
368,644
Digital
(2)
155,482
128,264
41,700
Corporate
(1) (2)
(71,141
)
(64,633
)
(64,397
)
Total
$
1,058,031
$
739,243
$
789,755
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
Broadcasting
(2)
$
94,125
$
29,625
$
28,007
Publishing
(2)
167,134
153,380
147,750
Digital
(2)
81,974
46,415
123,990
Corporate
(1) (2)
18,855
18,392
16,421
Total
$
362,088
$
247,812
$
316,168
Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net
Broadcasting
$
(1,667
)
$
(94
)
$
(597
)
Publishing
(4)
10,646
18,724
2,855
Digital
(4)
158,340
25,194
20,129
Total
$
167,319
$
43,824
$
22,387
Identifiable assets
Broadcasting
$
4,773,481
$
5,077,114
$
2,001,979
Publishing
(4)
2,154,368
2,573,384
2,830,083
Digital
(4)
3,602,494
1,041,622
1,030,653
Corporate
(1)
675,112
548,586
517,171
Total
$
11,205,455
$
9,240,706
$
6,379,886
Capital expenditures
Broadcasting
$
42,147
$
18,394
$
17,473
Publishing
81,776
62,480
56,597
Digital
36,395
27,800
17,220
Corporate
(1)
1,556
1,733
584
Total
$
161,874
$
110,407
$
91,874
(1)
Corporate amounts represent those not directly related to our three business segments.
(2)
Results for 2014 include pre-tax facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of
$14 million
for Broadcasting,
$59 million
for Publishing, and
$24 million
for Digital. Results for 2013 include pre-tax facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of
$1 million
for Broadcasting,
$46 million
for Publishing, and
$12 million
for Digital. Results for 2012 include pre-tax facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of
$32 million
for Publishing and
$90 million
for Digital. Refer to Notes 3 and 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(3)
Includes intersegment eliminations of
$5 million
for Publishing and
$20 million
for Digital.
(4)
Publishing and Digital amounts for 2013 and 2012 have been reclassified to reflect the acquisition of Cars.com.
77
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
(See notes a and b on page 79)
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Operating revenue
$
6,008,174
$
5,161,362
$
5,353,197
$
5,239,989
$
5,438,678
Operating expenses
Costs and expenses
4,588,055
4,174,307
4,247,274
4,184,582
4,168,098
Depreciation
185,868
153,203
160,746
165,739
182,514
Amortization of intangible assets
79,856
36,369
33,293
31,634
31,362
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
96,364
58,240
122,129
27,243
57,009
Total
4,950,143
4,422,119
4,563,442
4,409,198
4,438,983
Operating income
1,058,031
739,243
789,755
830,791
999,695
Non-operating (expense) income
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
167,319
43,824
22,387
8,197
19,140
Interest expense
(273,244
)
(176,064
)
(150,469
)
(173,140
)
(172,986
)
Other non-operating items
403,954
(47,890
)
8,734
(12,921
)
111
Total
298,029
(180,130
)
(119,348
)
(177,864
)
(153,735
)
Income before income taxes
1,356,060
559,113
670,407
652,927
845,960
Provision for income taxes
225,600
113,200
195,400
152,800
244,013
Income from continuing operations
1,130,460
445,913
475,007
500,127
601,947
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
(68,289
)
(57,233
)
(50,727
)
(41,379
)
(34,619
)
Income from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
1,062,171
$
388,680
$
424,280
$
458,748
$
567,328
Income from continuing operations per share:
basic
$
4.69
$
1.70
$
1.83
$
1.92
$
2.38
diluted
$
4.58
$
1.66
$
1.79
$
1.89
$
2.35
Other selected financial data
Dividends declared per share
$
0.80
$
0.80
$
0.80
$
0.24
$
0.16
Non-GAAP income from continuing operations per diluted share (1)
$
2.73
$
2.02
$
2.33
$
2.13
$
2.44
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
in thousands:
basic
226,292
228,541
232,327
239,228
238,230
diluted
231,907
234,189
236,690
242,768
241,605
Financial position and cash flow
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
4,488,028
$
3,707,010
$
1,432,100
$
1,760,363
$
2,352,242
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
$
20,470
$
14,618
$
10,654
$
—
$
84,176
Shareholders’ equity
$
3,254,914
$
2,693,098
$
2,350,614
$
2,327,891
$
2,163,754
Total assets
$
11,205,455
$
9,240,706
$
6,379,886
$
6,616,450
$
6,816,844
Free cash flow (2)
$
844,628
$
470,491
$
697,994
$
775,261
$
816,308
Return on equity (3)
35.7%
15.4
%
18.1
%
20.4
%
30.1
%
Percentage increase (decrease)
As reported, earnings from continuing operations per share:
basic
175.9
%
(7.1
%)
(4.7
%)
(19.3
%)
58.7
%
diluted
175.9
%
(7.3
%)
(5.3
%)
(19.6
%)
57.7
%
Dividends declared per share
—
%
—
%
233.3
%
50.0
%
—
%
Credit ratios
Leverage ratio (4)
2.96x
3.24x
1.41x
1.67x
1.97x
Times interest expense earned (5)
4.5x
4.9x
6.4x
5.5x
6.2x
(1)
See page 34 for a reconciliation of income from continuing operations per share presented in accordance with GAAP.
(2)
See page 79 for a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash flow from operating activities, which we believe is the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
(3)
Calculated using income from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. plus earnings from discontinued operations (but excluding the gain in 2010 on the disposal of publishing businesses).
(4)
The leverage ratio is calculated in accordance with our revolving credit agreement and term loan agreement. Currently, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio of less than 4.0x. These agreements are described more fully on page 41 in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. More information regarding the computation can be found in Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended Sept. 29, 2013, filed on Nov. 6, 2013.
(5)
Calculated using operating income adjusted to remove the effect of certain special items. These special items are described more fully beginning on page 34 in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
78
NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
(a)
We, along with our subsidiaries, made the significant acquisitions listed below during the period. The results of operations of these acquired businesses are included in the accompanying financial information from the date of acquisition.
(b)
During the period, we sold or otherwise disposed of substantially all of the assets or capital stock of certain other significant subsidiaries and divisions of other subsidiaries, which are listed below.
Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements contains further information concerning certain of these acquisitions and dispositions.
Acquisitions and dispositions 2010-2014
Significant acquisitions and dispositions since the beginning of 2010 are shown below.
Acquisitions 2010-2014
Year
Name
Location
Publication times or business
2010
CareerSite.biz Limited
U.K.
Online recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail workers.
2011
Reviewed.com
Cambridge, MA
A technology product review web site
JobsCentral
Singapore
Job search, employment and career web site
Nutrition Dimension
Falls Church, VA
A continuing nutrition education, certification and review program
US PRESSWIRE
Atlanta, GA
A digital sports photography business
JobScout24
Germany
Job search, employment and career web site
MMA Junkie
St. Petersburg, FL
Independent sports information web site
2012
Fantasy Sports Ventures/Big Lead Sports
New York, NY
Independent digital sports property
Ceviu
Brazil
Information technology job board
Top Language Jobs
Europe
Global online jobsite for multi-language jobs and candidates
Quickish
Bethesda, MD
Aggregator that offers a summary and a link for sports stories
BLiNQ Media, LLC
New York City, NY
Social engagement advertising solutions for agencies and brands
Mobestream Media
Dallas, TX
Developer of the Key Ring consumer rewards mobile platform
Economic Modeling Specialist Intl.
Moscow, ID
Economic software firm specializing in employment data/analysis
Rovion
Boston, MA
Self-service technology platform for rich media
2013
10Best, Inc.
Greenville, SC
Travel advice services for travelers in the U.S. and internationally
Vietnam Online Network
Vietnam
Recruitment services and human resource solutions for employers
Oil and Gas Job Search
Manchester, England
Online recruitment catering to the oil and gas industry
Tripology
McLean, VA
Offers an interactive travel referral service
Belo Corp.
Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington
Owner and operator of 20 television stations in 15 markets across the U.S.
2014
Broadbean
London, United Kingdom
Global recruitment technology company
London Broadcasting Company
Abilene, Beaumont, Bryan, Corpus Christi, Longview, Port Arthur, San Angelo, Sweetwater, Temple, Tyler, Waco all in Texas
Six Texas based television stations
Classified Ventures LLC (d/b/a Cars.com)
Chicago, IL
Independent search site for car shoppers
SocialReferral B.V.
Netherlands
Software to power employee referral programs utilizing social media
Dispositions 2010-2014
Year
Name
Location
Publication times or business
2010
The Honolulu Advertiser
Honolulu, HI
Daily newspaper
Michigan Directory Company
Pigeon, MI
Directory publishing operation
2013
Captivate Network, Inc.
Chelmsford, MA
News and entertainment network
2014
KMOV-TV
St. Louis, MO
Broadcast station
KTVK/KASW-TV
Phoenix, AZ
Broadcast stations
Schedule Star
Wheeling , WV
High School athletic management and scheduling software
Free cash flow reconciliation
Our free cash flow was
$844.6 million
for the year ended Dec. 28, 2014. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP liquidity measure that is defined as “net cash flow from operating activities” as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reduced by “purchase of property, plant and equipment” as well as “payments for investments” and increased by “proceeds from investments” and voluntary pension contributions, net of related tax benefit. We believe that free cash flow is a useful measure for management and investors to evaluate the level of cash generated by operations and the ability of its operations to fund investments in new and existing businesses, return cash to shareholders under our capital program, repay indebtedness, add to our cash balance, or to use in other discretionary activities
.
Reconciliations from “Net cash flow from operating activities” to “Free cash flow” follow:
In thousands of dollars
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Net cash flow from operating activities
$
821,199
$
511,488
$
756,740
$
814,136
$
772,884
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(150,354
)
(110,407
)
(91,874
)
(72,451
)
(69,070
)
Voluntary pension employer contributions
—
15,507
—
—
130,000
Tax benefit for voluntary pension employer contributions
—
(6,125
)
—
—
(52,000
)
Payments for investments
(7,026
)
(3,380
)
(2,501
)
(19,406
)
(10,984
)
Proceeds from investments
180,809
63,408
35,629
52,982
45,478
Free cash flow
$
844,628
$
470,491
$
697,994
$
775,261
$
816,308
79
QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
Fiscal year ended Dec. 28, 2014
1st Quarter
(1)
2nd Quarter
(2)
3rd Quarter
(3)
4th Quarter
(4)
Total
Operating revenues
$
1,404,066
$
1,460,004
$
1,443,137
$
1,700,967
$
6,008,174
Operating expenses
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
767,532
775,627
757,301
748,119
3,048,579
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
355,213
353,779
347,123
483,361
1,539,476
Depreciation
44,764
44,850
46,681
49,573
185,868
Amortization of intangible assets
17,743
14,471
14,894
32,748
79,856
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
14,820
28,775
6,621
46,148
96,364
Total
1,200,072
1,217,502
1,172,620
1,359,949
4,950,143
Operating income
203,994
242,502
270,517
341,018
1,058,031
Non-operating (expense) income
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
8,491
156,540
1,756
532
167,319
Interest expense
(69,648
)
(64,148
)
(65,931
)
(73,517
)
(273,244
)
Other non-operating items
(20,748
)
(2,982
)
(17,450
)
445,134
403,954
Total
(81,905
)
89,410
(81,625
)
372,149
298,029
Income before income taxes
122,089
331,912
188,892
713,167
1,356,060
Provision for income taxes
52,500
106,000
48,900
18,200
225,600
Net income
69,589
225,912
139,992
694,967
1,130,460
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(10,430
)
(17,445
)
(21,476
)
(18,938
)
(68,289
)
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
59,159
$
208,467
$
118,516
$
676,029
$
1,062,171
Per share computations
Net income per share—basic
$
0.26
$
0.92
$
0.52
$
2.99
$
4.69
Net income per share—diluted
$
0.25
$
0.90
$
0.51
$
2.92
$
4.58
Dividends per share
$
0.20
$
0.20
$
0.20
$
0.20
$
0.80
(1)
Results for the first quarter of 2014 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring and transformation costs totaled $22.8 million ($13.4 million after-tax or $.06 per share). Non-operating items include $20.4 million ($12.1 million after-tax or $.05 per share) primarily related to the redemption of our 2017 notes. Offsetting these was a $23.8 million special tax charge ($.10 per share) related to the sale of the KMOV-TV station in St. Louis, MO. Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
(2)
Results for the second quarter of 2014 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring charges, transformation costs and non-cash asset impairments totaled $51.7 million ($37.4 million after-tax or $.02 per share). Non-operating items include $143.5 million ($91.2 million after-tax or $.39 per share) primarily related to the pre-tax gain from the sale of Apartments.com. Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
(3)
Results for the third quarter of 2014 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring charges and transformation costs totaled $9.6 million ($7.2 million after-tax or $.03 per share). Non-operating items include $20.5 million ($16.2 million after-tax or $.07 per share) primarily related to transaction costs. Special tax items include a tax benefit of $5.6 million ($.02 per share). Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
(4)
Results for the fourth quarter of 2014 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring charges, transformation costs and non-cash asset impairments totaled $87.2 million ($57.7 million after tax or $.03 per share). Non-operating items include $439.2 million ($262.3 million after-tax or $1.13 per share) primarily related to the write-up of our equity investment in Cars.com offset partially by transaction related costs. Special tax items include a tax benefit of $236.6 million ($1.02 per share) related to the sale of an investment. Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
80
QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
Fiscal year ended Dec. 29, 2013
1st Quarter
(1)
2nd Quarter
(2)
3rd Quarter
(3)
4th Quarter
(4)
Total
Operating revenues
$
1,237,735
$
1,302,699
$
1,252,890
$
1,368,038
$
5,161,362
Operating expenses
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
719,724
726,869
713,369
722,487
2,882,449
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
314,115
320,615
315,677
341,451
1,291,858
Depreciation
38,926
38,467
38,195
37,615
153,203
Amortization of intangible assets
9,128
9,368
8,071
9,802
36,369
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
4,785
4,498
5,880
43,077
58,240
Total
1,086,678
1,099,817
1,081,192
1,154,432
4,422,119
Operating income
151,057
202,882
171,698
213,606
739,243
Non-operating (expense) income
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
7,794
9,424
11,711
14,895
43,824
Interest expense
(35,405
)
(36,174
)
(41,628
)
(62,857
)
(176,064
)
Other non-operating items
(1,583
)
(9,791
)
(17,580
)
(18,936
)
(47,890
)
Total
(29,194
)
(36,541
)
(47,497
)
(66,898
)
(180,130
)
Income before income taxes
121,863
166,341
124,201
146,708
559,113
Provision for income taxes
5,400
39,600
26,700
41,500
113,200
Net income
116,463
126,741
97,501
105,208
445,913
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(11,898
)
(13,121
)
(17,753
)
(14,461
)
(57,233
)
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
104,565
$
113,620
$
79,748
$
90,747
$
388,680
Per share computations
(5)
Net income per share—basic
$
0.46
$
0.50
$
0.35
$
0.40
$
1.70
Net income per share—diluted
$
0.44
$
0.48
$
0.34
$
0.39
$
1.66
Dividends per share
$
0.20
$
0.20
$
0.20
$
0.20
$
0.80
(1)
Results for the first quarter of 2013 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring and transformation costs totaled $10.2 million ($6.2 million after-tax or $.03 per share). Non-operating items include $3.7 million ($3.1 million after-tax or $.01 per share) primarily related to a currency related loss and a non-cash impairment charge relating to an investment accounted for under the equity method. Offsetting these was tax benefits of $27.8 million ($.12 per share) related to the reserve releases as a result of federal exam resolution and the lapse of a statute of limitations. Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
(2)
Results for the second quarter of 2013 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring charges and transformation costs totaled $26.2 million ($15.8 million after-tax or $.07 per share). Non-operating items include $9.5 million ($5.7 million after-tax or $.02 per share) of transformation costs related to our acquisition of Belo. Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
(3)
Results for the third quarter of 2013 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring charges and transformation costs totaled $15.1 million ($9.2 million after-tax or $.04 per share). Non-operating items include $21.0 million ($10.8 million after-tax or $.05 per share) related to the loss from the change in control and sale of interests in a business as well transformation costs related to our acquisition of Belo. Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
(4)
Results for the fourth quarter of 2013 include special charges affecting operating income. Workforce restructuring charges, transformation costs and non-cash asset impairments totaled $64.6 million ($40.8 million after tax or $.18 per share). Non-operating items include $21.0 million ($20.9 million after-tax or $.09 per share) of charges primarily related to our acquisition of Belo. Refer to the discussion beginning on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items.
(5)
As a result of rounding and the required method of computing shares in interim periods, the total of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the earnings per share amount of the year.
81
SCHEDULE II – Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves
In thousands of dollars
Allowance for doubtful receivables
Balance
at beginning
of period
Additions
charged to
cost and expenses
Additions/(reductions)
for acquisitions/
dispositions (1)
Deductions
from reserves (2)
Balance
at end
of period
Fiscal year ended Dec. 28, 2014
$
15,275
$
13,029
$
2,031
$
(13,837
)
$
16,498
Fiscal year ended Dec. 29, 2013
$
22,006
$
11,519
$
(385
)
$
(17,865
)
$
15,275
Fiscal year ended Dec. 30, 2012
$
34,646
$
9,736
$
24
$
(22,400
)
$
22,006
(1)
Includes foreign currency translation adjustments in each year.
(2)
Consists of write-offs, net of recoveries in each year.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013 framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of Dec. 28, 2014.
Management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Cars.com, which is included in the 2014 consolidated financial statements of Gannett Co., Inc. On Oct. 1, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Cars.com. In connection with this, we began consolidating results of Cars.com and it represented approximately 1% of our total assets at Dec. 28, 2014, and 2% of our total revenue for the year ended Dec. 28, 2014. Due to the timing of this acquisition and as permitted by SEC guidance, management excluded Cars.com from its Dec. 28, 2014, assessment of internal control over financial reporting.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of Dec. 28, 2014, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included elsewhere in this item.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended Dec. 28, 2014, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
82
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders of Gannett Co., Inc.:
We have audited Gannett Co., Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Gannett’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Cars.com, which is included in the 2014 consolidated financial statements of Gannett Co., Inc. and constituted 1 percent of total assets as of December 28, 2014 and 2 percent of the company’s total revenue for the year ended December 28, 2014. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Gannett Co., Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Cars.com.
In our opinion, Gannett Co., Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2014 consolidated financial statements of Gannett Co., Inc. and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 25, 2015
83
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information captioned “Your Board of Directors,” “Information about Directors - The Board
’s Nominees
,” “Committees of the Board of Directors,” “Committee Charters” and “Ethics Policy” under the heading “PROPOSAL 1 –ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” and the information under “SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPIANCE” in our 2015 proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
William A. Behan
Senior Vice President, Labor Relations, Gannett (2010-present). Formerly: Vice President, Labor Relations (2007-2010). Age 56.
Robert J. Dickey
President, U.S. Community Publishing, (February 2008-present). Formerly: Senior Group President, Gannett’s Pacific Group and Chairman of Phoenix Newspapers Inc. (2005-2008). Age 57
Victoria D. Harker
Chief Financial Officer (July 2012-present). Formerly: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and President of Global Business Services, AES Corporation (2006-2012). Age 50.
Larry S. Kramer
President and Publisher, USA TODAY (May 2012-present). Formerly: Professor of Media Management, Newhouse School of Communications, Syracuse University (2009-2012); Senior Advisor, Polaris Venture Partners (2008-2010); President of CBS Digital Media (2005-2006) and Advisor to CBS (2006-2008); and Chairman, CEO and Founder, MarketWatch, Inc. (1997-2005). Age 64.
Kevin E. Lord
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (October 2012-present). Formerly: Executive Vice President, Human Resources, NBC News (2007-2012). Age 52.
David T. Lougee
President, Gannett Broadcasting (July 2007-present). Age 56.
Gracia C. Martore
President and Chief Executive Officer (October 2011-present). Formerly: President and Chief Operating Officer (February 2010-October 2011); Executive Vice President and CFO (2006-2010). Age 63.
Todd A. Mayman
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (April 2009-present). Formerly: Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Governance Officer (2007-2009). Age 55.
David A. Payne
Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Gannett (2011-present). Formerly: President and CEO, ShortTail Media, Inc. (2008-2011); and Senior Vice President and General Manager, CNN.com (2004-2008). Age 52.
John A. Williams
President, Gannett Digital Ventures (January 2008-present). Age 64.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information captioned “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION,” “DIRECTOR COMPENSATION,” “OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END” AND “PROPOSAL 1–ELECTION OF DIRECTORS – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Related Transactions” in our 2015 proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information captioned “EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION” and “SECURITIES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS” in our 2015 proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information captioned “Director Independence” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Related Transactions” under the heading “PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” in our 2015 proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information captioned “PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS – Report of the Audit Committee” in our 2015 proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits.
(1)
Financial Statements.
As listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on page 44.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules.
As listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on page 44.
Note: All other schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
(3)
Exhibits.
See Exhibit Index on pages 86-90 for list of exhibits filed with this Form 10-K. Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements are identified with asterisks on the Exhibit Index.
84
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: February 25, 2015
GANNETT CO., INC. (Registrant)
By:
/s/ Victoria D. Harker
Victoria D. Harker,
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Gracia C. Martore
Gracia C. Martore,
President and Chief Executive
Officer (principal executive officer)
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Victoria D. Harker
Victoria D. Harker,
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
(principal accounting officer)
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ John E. Cody
John E. Cody, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Howard D. Elias
Howard D. Elias, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Lidia Fonseca
Lidia Fonseca, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ John Jeffry Louis
John Jeffry Louis, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Marjorie Magner
Marjorie Magner,
Director, Chairman
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Gracia C. Martore
Gracia C. Martore, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Scott K. McCune
Scott K. McCune, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Susan Ness
Susan Ness, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Tony A. Prophet
Tony A. Prophet, Director
Dated: February 25, 2015
/s/ Neal Shapiro
Neal Shapiro, Director
85
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
Location
2-1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 12, 2013, by and among Gannett Co., Inc., Belo Corp. and Delta Acquisition Corp.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2013.
3-1
Third Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Gannett Co., Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 2007.
3-2
Amended by-laws of Gannett Co., Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K dated July 29, 2014 and filed on August 1, 2014.
4-1
Indenture dated as of March 1, 1983, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1985.
4-2
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 5, 1986, among Gannett Co., Inc., Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, and Sovran Bank, N.A., as Successor Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on November 9, 1986.
4-3
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1995, among Gannett Co., Inc., NationsBank, N.A., as Trustee, and Crestar Bank, as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 15, 1995.
4-4
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2002, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2002.
4-5
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2005, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to same numbered exhibit to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2005.
4-6
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 26, 2006, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-5 to Gannett Co. Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 25, 2006.
4-7
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 29, 2007, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Successor Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2007.
4-8
Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 3, 2013, between Gannett Co., Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.
4-9
Specimen Certificate for Gannett Co., Inc.’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-B filed on June 14, 1972.
10-1
Supplemental Executive Medical Plan Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2011.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2010.
10-1-1
Amendment No. 1 to the Supplemental Executive Medical Plan Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2012.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012.
10-2
Supplemental Executive Medical Plan for Retired Executives dated December 22, 2010 and effective January 1, 2011.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2010.
10-3
Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan Restatement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007.
10-3-1
Amendment No. 1 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan dated July 31, 2008 and effective August 1, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008.
10-3-2
Amendment No. 2 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan dated December 22, 2010.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2010.
86
10-4
Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Restatement dated February 1, 2003 (reflects all amendments through July 25, 2006).*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
10-4-1
Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2007.
10-4-2
Amendment No. 1 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated July 31, 2008 and effective August 1, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008.
10-4-3
Amendment No. 2 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated December 9, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-4-4
Amendment No. 3 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated October 27, 2009.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2009.
10-4-5
Amendment No. 4 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated December 22, 2010.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2010.
10-5
Gannett Co., Inc. Transitional Compensation Plan Restatement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007.
10-5-1
Amendment No. 1 to Gannett Co., Inc. Transitional Compensation Plan Restatement dated as of May 4, 2010.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2010.
10-5-2
Amendment No. 2 to Gannett Co., Inc. Transitional Compensation Plan Restatement dated as of December 22, 2010.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2010.
10-6
Gannett Co., Inc. Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of May 4, 2010.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2010.
10-6-1
Gannett Co., Inc. 2001 Inland Revenue Approved Sub-Plan for the United Kingdom.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2004.
10-6-2
Form of Director Stock Option Award Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-7-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007.
10-6-3
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-6-4
Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Award Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-6-5
Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6-6 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-6-6
Form of Executive Officer Performance Share Award Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K/A filed on December 9, 2011.
10-6-7
Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013.
10-6-8
Form of Executive Officer Performance Share Award Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6-8 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.
10-6-9
Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.*
Attached.
10-6-10
Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. *
Attached.
10-6-11
Form of Executive Officer Performance Share Award Agreement. *
Attached.
10-7
Gannett U.K. Limited Share Incentive Plan, as amended effective June 25, 2004.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2004.
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10-8
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2013, to each of (i) the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002 and effective as of March 18, 2002, as amended and restated as of December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated as of February 28, 2007 and effective as of March 15, 2007, as further amended by the Second Amendment thereto, dated as of October 23, 2008 and effective as of October 31, 2008, as further amended by the Third Amendment thereto, dated as of September 28, 2009, as further amended by the Fourth Amendment thereto, dated as of August 25, 2010 and as further amended by the Fifth Amendment and Waiver, dated as of September 30, 2010 (the “2002 Credit Agreement”), among Gannett Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Gannett”), the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement (the “2002 Lenders”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “2002 Administrative Agent”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as syndication agents, and Barclays Bank PLC, as documentation agent, (ii) the Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2004 and effective as of March 15, 2004, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated as of February 28, 2007 and effective as of March 15, 2007, as further amended by the Second Amendment thereto, dated as of October 23, 2008 and effective as of October 31, 2008, as further amended by the Third Amendment thereto, dated as of September 28, 2009, as further amended by the Fourth Amendment thereto, dated as of August 25, 2010, and as further amended by the Fifth Amendment and Waiver, dated as of September 30, 2010 (the “2004 Credit Agreement”), among Gannett, the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement (the “2004 Lenders”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as syndication agents, and Barclays Bank PLC and SunTrust Bank, as documentation agents and (iii) the Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated as of February 28, 2007 and effective as of March 15, 2007, as further amended by the Second Amendment thereto, dated as of October 23, 2008 and effective as of October 31, 2008, as further amended by the Third Amendment thereto, dated as of September 28, 2009, as further amended by the Fourth Amendment thereto, dated as of August 25, 2010 and as further amended by the Fifth Amendment and Waiver, dated as of September 30, 2010 (the “2005 Credit Agreement” and, together with the 2002 Credit Agreement and the 2004 Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”), among Gannett, the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement (the “2005 Lenders” and, together with the 2002 Lenders and the 2004 Lenders, the “Lenders”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “2005 Administrative Agent” and, together with the 2002 Administrative Agent and the 2004 Administrative Agent, the “Administrative Agent”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as syndication agents, and Barclays Bank PLC, as documentation agent, by and between Gannett, the Guarantors under the Credit Agreements as of the date hereof, the Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as issuing lenders and the Lenders party thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2013.
88
10-9
Master Assignment and Assumption, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and between each of the lenders listed thereon as assignors and/or assignees.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2013.
10-10
Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and among Gannett, the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A. as syndication agents
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2013.
10-11
Sixth Amendment, dated as of September 24, 2013, to the Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated as of February 28, 2007 and effective as of March 15, 2007, as further amended by the Second Amendment thereto, dated as of October 23, 2008 and effective as of October 31, 2008, as further amended by the Third Amendment thereto, dated as of September 28, 2009, as further amended by the Fourth Amendment thereto, dated as of August 25, 2010, as further amended by the Fifth Amendment and Waiver, dated as of September 30, 2010, and as further amended and restated pursuant to the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and among Gannett Co., Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2013.
10-12
Increased Facility Activation Notice, dated September 25, 2013, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and among Gannett Co., Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as administrative agent, and the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2013.
10-12-1
Increased Facility Activation Notice, dated May 5, 2014, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and among Gannett Co., Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2014.
10-13
Description of Gannett Co., Inc.’s Non-Employee Director Compensation.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013.
10-14
Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Gracia C. Martore.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-15 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
10-14-1
Amendment, dated as of August 7, 2007, to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2007.
10-14-2
Amendment, dated as of December 24, 2010, to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-14-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2010.
10-15
Termination Benefits Agreement dated as of March 16, 2011 between Gannett Co., Inc. and David A. Payne.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-15 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011.
10-16
Termination Benefits Agreement dated as of July 23, 2012 between Gannett Co., Inc. and Victoria D. Harker.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2012.
10-17
Amendment for section 409A Plans dated December 31, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-14 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-18
Executive Life Insurance Plan document dated December 31, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-15 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-19
Key Executive Life Insurance Plan dated October 29, 2010.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010.
10-20
Form of Participation Agreement under Key Executive Life Insurance Plan.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010.
10-21
Omnibus Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Awards dated as of December 31, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-17 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
89
10-22
Omnibus Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Stock Unit Awards dated as of December 31, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-18 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-23
Omnibus Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Awards dated as of December 31, 2008.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-19 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.
10-24
Gannett Leadership Team Transitional Severance Plan*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc. Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2014.
10-25
Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2014, by and among Gannett Co., Inc., Classified Ventures, LLC, the unit holders of Classified Ventures, LLC (the
“
sellers
”
), certain subsidiaries of the Sellers, Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc., and Belo Ventures, Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-1 to Gannett Co., Inc. Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014.
21
Subsidiaries of Gannett Co., Inc.
Attached.
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Attached.
31-1
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Attached.
31-2
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Attached.
32-1
Section 1350 Certification.
Attached.
32-2
Section 1350 Certification.
Attached.
101
The following financial information from Gannett Co., Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the 2014, 2013 and 2012 fiscal years, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the 2014, 2013 and 2012 fiscal years, (iv) Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the 2014, 2013 and 2012 fiscal years; (v) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the 2014, 2013 and 2012 fiscal years; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Attached.
For purposes of the incorporation by reference of documents as Exhibits, all references to Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K of Gannett Co., Inc. refer to Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with the Commission under Commission file number 1-6961.
We agree to furnish to the Commission, upon request, a copy of each agreement with respect to long-term debt not filed herewith in reliance upon the exemption from filing applicable to any series of debt which does not exceed 10% of our total consolidated assets.
*
Asterisks identify management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements.
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GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL TERMS
Presented below are definitions of certain key financial and operational terms that we hope will enhance the reading and understanding of our
2014
Form 10-K.
ADJUSTED EBITDA –
Net income attributable to Gannett before (1) net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, (2) income taxes, (3) interest expense, (4) equity income, (5) other non-operating items, (6) workforce restructuring, (7) other transformation costs, (8) asset impairment charges, (9) depreciation and (10) amortization.
ADVERTISING REVENUES –
Amounts charged to customers for space purchased in our print products and/or associated digital platforms. There are three major types of advertising revenue: retail ads from local merchants, such as department stores; classified ads, which include automotive, real estate and “help wanted”; and national ads, which promote products or brand names on a nationwide basis.
AMORTIZATION –
A charge against our earnings that represents the write off of intangible assets over the projected life of the assets.
BALANCE SHEET –
A summary statement that reflects our assets, liabilities and equity at a particular point in time.
BROADCASTING REVENUES –
Primarily amounts charged to customers for commercial advertising aired on our television stations.
CIRCULATION –
The number of newspapers sold to customers each day (paid circulation). We keep separate records of morning, evening and Sunday circulation.
CIRCULATION REVENUES –
Amounts charged to readers of our subscription-based newspapers (print or online) or distributors reduced by the amount of discounts. Charges vary from city to city and depend on the type of sale (i.e., subscription or single copy) and distributor arrangements.
CURRENT ASSETS –
Cash and other assets that are expected to be converted to cash within one year.
CURRENT LIABILITIES –
Amounts owed that will be paid within one year.
DEFERRED INCOME –
Revenue derived principally from advance subscription payments for newspapers and advance fees for recruitment solutions. Revenue is recognized in the period in which it is earned (as newspapers are delivered or made available on our digital platforms; or as recruitment solutions delivered).
DEPRECIATION –
A charge against our earnings that allocates the cost of property, plant and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
DIGITAL/ONLINE REVENUES –
These include revenue from advertising placed on all digital platforms that are associated with our publishing and broadcasting operations which are reflected as revenues of those business segments, and revenues from the businesses that comprise the Digital Segment, principal of which are CareerBuilder (human capital solutions), Cars.com (website for car shoppers) and PointRoll (technology/marketing services revenue).
DIGITAL SEGMENT –
Our reportable segment that includes the results of CareerBuilder, Cars.com, PointRoll and Shoplocal.
DIVIDEND –
A payment we make to our shareholders of a portion of our earnings.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (basic) –
Our earnings divided by the average number of shares outstanding for the period.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (diluted)
- Our earnings divided by the average number of shares outstanding for the period, giving effect to assumed dilution from outstanding stock options and restricted stock units.
EQUITY EARNINGS FROM INVESTMENTS –
For those investments in which we own 50% or less, an income or loss entry is recorded in the Statements of Income representing our ownership share of the operating results of the investee company.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION –
The process of reflecting foreign currency accounts of subsidiaries in the reporting currency of the parent company.
FREE CASH FLOW –
Net cash flow from operating activities reduced by purchase of property, plant and equipment as well as payments for investments and increased by proceeds from investments and voluntary pension contributions, net of related tax benefit.
GAAP –
Generally accepted accounting principles.
GOODWILL –
In a business purchase, this represents the excess of amounts paid over the fair value of tangible and other identified intangible assets acquired net of liabilities assumed.
INVENTORIES –
Raw materials, principally newsprint, used in the business.
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS –
The portion of equity and net earnings in consolidated subsidiaries that is owned by others.
PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT –
An equity award that gives key employees the right to earn a number of shares of common stock over an incentive period based on how our total shareholder return (TSR) compares to the TSR of a representative peer group of companies.
PURCHASE –
A business acquisition. The acquiring company records at its cost the acquired assets less liabilities assumed. The reported income of an acquiring company includes the operations of the acquired company from the date of acquisition.
RESTRICTED STOCK –
An award that gives key employees the right to shares of our stock, pursuant to a vesting schedule.
RETAINED EARNINGS –
Our earnings not paid out as dividends to shareholders.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS –
A financial statement that reflects cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, providing a comprehensive view of changes in our cash and cash equivalents.
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME –
A financial statement that reflects our changes in equity (net assets) from transactions and other events from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income comprises net income and other items reported directly in shareholders’ equity, principally the foreign currency translation adjustment and funded status of postretirement plans.
STATEMENT OF EQUITY –
A financial statement that reflects changes in our common stock, retained earnings and other equity accounts.
STATEMENT OF INCOME –
A financial statement that reflects our profit by measuring revenues and expenses.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION –
The payment to employees for services received with equity instruments such as restricted stock, performance share units and stock options.
STOCK OPTION –
An award that gives key employees the right to buy shares of our stock, pursuant to a vesting schedule, at the market price of the stock on the date of the award.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY (VIE)
- A variable interest entity is an entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors do not have a controlling interest in the entity through their equity investments.
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