FY13 Q3 Mar 10-Q
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10‑Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013
Commission file number 1-5128
 
 
 
MEREDITH CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Iowa
 
42-0410230
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa
 
50309-3023
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (515) 284-3000

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  S     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 (Section 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  S     No  £

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

Large accelerated filer S     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 Exchange Act).

Yes  £     No  S

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Shares of stock outstanding at March 31, 2013
 
Common shares
36,144,074

Class B shares
8,339,964

Total common and Class B shares
44,484,038

 
 



 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
Part I - Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013, and June 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
Part II - Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature
 
 
 
 
 
Index to Attached Exhibits
 
 
 
 
Meredith Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to in this Quarterly Report
on Form 10‑Q (Form 10‑Q) as Meredith, the Company, we, our, and us.




PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)

Assets
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
24,490

 
$
25,820

Accounts receivable, net
 
226,522

 
215,526

Inventories
 
26,094

 
22,559

Current portion of subscription acquisition costs
 
98,268

 
75,446

Current portion of broadcast rights
 
4,942

 
3,408

Other current assets
 
19,038

 
16,677

Total current assets
 
399,354

 
359,436

Property, plant, and equipment
 
461,922

 
455,271

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(274,200
)
 
(260,967
)
Net property, plant, and equipment
 
187,722

 
194,304

Subscription acquisition costs
 
94,293

 
75,368

Broadcast rights
 
4,127

 
943

Other assets
 
67,694

 
66,858

Intangible assets, net
 
578,922

 
586,263

Goodwill
 
732,662

 
733,127

Total assets
 
$
2,064,774

 
$
2,016,299

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
50,000

 
$
105,000

Current portion of long-term broadcast rights payable
 
7,261

 
6,752

Accounts payable
 
58,660

 
72,911

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
117,188

 
117,071

Current portion of unearned subscription revenues
 
195,368

 
180,852

Total current liabilities
 
428,477

 
482,586

Long-term debt
 
305,000

 
275,000

Long-term broadcast rights payable
 
5,814

 
3,695

Unearned subscription revenues
 
149,257

 
141,408

Deferred income taxes
 
231,873

 
204,054

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
112,678

 
112,111

Total liabilities
 
1,233,099

 
1,218,854

Shareholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Series preferred stock
 

 

Common stock
 
36,144

 
35,791

Class B stock
 
8,340

 
8,716

Additional paid-in capital
 
48,769

 
53,275

Retained earnings
 
760,320

 
722,778

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(21,898
)
 
(23,115
)
Total shareholders' equity
 
831,675

 
797,445

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
2,064,774

 
$
2,016,299


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1


Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months
 
Nine Months
Periods ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
(In thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
195,243

 
$
191,472

 
$
619,459

 
$
559,425

Circulation
91,458

 
76,331

 
234,345

 
206,822

All other
82,914

 
77,710

 
230,563

 
235,892

Total revenues
369,615

 
345,513

 
1,084,367

 
1,002,139

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production, distribution, and editorial
141,605

 
136,454

 
416,333

 
401,757

Selling, general, and administrative
166,873

 
159,352

 
481,245

 
437,257

Depreciation and amortization
11,091

 
11,407

 
33,985

 
31,744

Total operating expenses
319,569

 
307,213

 
931,563

 
870,758

Income from operations
50,046

 
38,300

 
152,804

 
131,381

Interest expense, net
(3,228
)
 
(3,283
)
 
(10,230
)
 
(8,899
)
Earnings before income taxes
46,818

 
35,017

 
142,574

 
122,482

Income taxes
(17,397
)
 
(13,848
)
 
(52,727
)
 
(48,092
)
Net earnings
$
29,421

 
$
21,169

 
$
89,847

 
$
74,390

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.66

 
$
0.47

 
$
2.02

 
$
1.66

Basic average shares outstanding
44,404

 
44,800

 
44,436

 
44,882

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.65

 
$
0.47

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.65

Diluted average shares outstanding
45,079

 
45,296

 
45,021

 
45,141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid per share
$
0.4075

 
$
0.3825

 
$
1.1725

 
$
1.0200


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



2


Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months
 
Nine Months
Periods ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
29,421

 
$
21,169

 
$
89,847

 
$
74,390

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans activity
489

 
228

 
1,217

 
684

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
489

 
228

 
1,217

 
684

Comprehensive income
$
29,910

 
$
21,397

 
$
91,064

 
$
75,074


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


3


Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
(Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share data)
Common
Stock - $1
par value
Class B
Stock - $1
par value
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2012
 
$
35,791

 
$
8,716

 
$
53,275

 
$
722,778

 
$
(23,115
)
 
$
797,445

Net earnings
 

 

 

 
89,847

 

 
89,847

Other comprehensive income, net
 

 

 

 

 
1,217

 
1,217

Share-based incentive plan transactions
 
1,109

 

 
25,248

 

 

 
26,357

Purchases of Company stock
 
(1,125
)
 
(7
)
 
(38,776
)
 

 

 
(39,908
)
Share-based compensation
 

 

 
9,628

 

 

 
9,628

Conversion of Class B to common stock
 
369

 
(369
)
 

 

 

 

Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 

 

 

 
(42,367
)
 

 
(42,367
)
Class B stock
 

 

 

 
(9,938
)
 

 
(9,938
)
Tax benefit from incentive plans
 

 

 
(606
)
 

 

 
(606
)
Balance at March 31, 2013
 
$
36,144

 
$
8,340

 
$
48,769

 
$
760,320

 
$
(21,898
)
 
$
831,675


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


4


Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
89,847

 
$
74,390

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
Depreciation
25,294

 
23,350

Amortization
8,691

 
8,394

Share-based compensation
9,628

 
9,588

Deferred income taxes
32,386

 
27,511

Amortization of broadcast rights
7,668

 
9,174

Payments for broadcast rights
(9,758
)
 
(10,009
)
Provision for write-down of impaired assets

 
946

Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration
(2,500
)
 
(1,018
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
(3,258
)
 
(346
)
Changes in assets and liabilities
(44,696
)
 
(36,342
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
113,302

 
105,638

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisitions of and investments in businesses
(7,410
)
 
(243,897
)
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
(18,854
)
 
(30,739
)
Other

 
(781
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(26,264
)
 
(275,417
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
65,000

 
295,000

Repayments of long-term debt
(90,000
)
 
(70,000
)
Dividends paid
(52,305
)
 
(45,892
)
Purchases of Company stock
(39,908
)
 
(16,584
)
Proceeds from common stock issued
26,357

 
4,502

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
3,258

 
346

Other
(770
)
 
(640
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(88,368
)
 
166,732

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(1,330
)
 
(3,047
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
25,820

 
27,721

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
24,490

 
$
24,674


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


5


Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(Unaudited)
 


1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation—The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Meredith Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (Meredith or the Company), after eliminating all significant intercompany balances and transactions. Meredith does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. The Company's use of special-purpose entities is limited to Meredith Funding Corporation, whose activities are fully consolidated in Meredith's condensed consolidated financial statements.

The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2013, and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, are unaudited but, in management's opinion, include all normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of interim periods. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2012, was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

These consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, are condensed and presented in accordance with GAAP. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in Meredith's Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended June 30, 2012, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended its guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items that are recorded in other comprehensive income. The new accounting guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. In December 2011, the FASB issued a deferral of the effective date for the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. All other requirements of the guidance are not affected by this deferral. The Company adopted this amended standard effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 by presenting the separate Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income immediately following the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Because this standard only affects the display of comprehensive income and does not affect what is included in comprehensive income, its adoption did not impact our results of operations or financial position.

In September 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance related to Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment by giving an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If this is the case, companies will need to perform a more detailed two-step goodwill impairment test which is used to identify potential goodwill impairments and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment losses to be recognized, if any. The Company adopted this guidance as of July 1, 2012, and it is effective for the Company’s May 31, 2013, annual impairment test. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

In July 2012, the FASB amended existing guidance related to Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This guidance amends the impairment test for indefinite lived intangible assets other than goodwill by allowing companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it

6


is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired and whether it is necessary to perform the impairment test of comparing the carrying amount with the recoverable amount of the indefinite lived intangible asset. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2012, and it will be effective for the Company’s May 31, 2013, annual impairment test. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance related to Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires companies to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, companies are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. This update is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this new guidance will not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.


2. Acquisitions

Effective October 1, 2012, Meredith acquired the remaining 49 percent of the outstanding stock of Living the Country Life, LLC. The results of Living the Country Life's operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. The cash purchase price was $1.4 million.

As a result of the acquisition, the assets and liabilities of Living the Country Life, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, identifiable intangible assets, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses are now reflected in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values.

The impact of the Living the Country Life acquisition is not material to the Company's results of operations; therefore, pro forma financial information has not been provided.

Effective May 15, 2012, Meredith purchased 100 percent of the outstanding stock of ShopNation Inc., an e-commerce website. During the first nine months of fiscal 2013, provisional amounts recorded to contingent consideration were decreased $1.3 million based on an updated preliminary valuation report and a deferred tax asset of $0.5 million was recorded, with a corresponding decrease to goodwill. The Company is in the process of obtaining a third-party valuation for intangible assets; thus, provisional measurements of intangible assets, goodwill, and deferred income tax balances have been used and are subject to change.

In conjunction with the acquisition of ShopNation, the Company recorded $6.4 million of contingent consideration at time of acquisition. The contingent consideration arrangement with ShopNation requires the Company to pay contingent payments should the acquired operations achieve certain operational and financial targets over the next three fiscal years, generally based on EBIT, as defined in the acquisition agreement. None of the contingent consideration is dependent on the continued employment of the sellers. We estimate the fair-value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model. The fair value is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement as defined in Note 9. During the nine months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recognized a non-cash credit to operations of $2.5 million, reducing the estimated contingent consideration payable. This credit was recorded in the selling, general, and administrative expense line on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Effective March 1, 2012, Meredith acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Allrecipes.com, Inc. During the first nine months of fiscal 2013, based on an updated valuation report, provisional amounts recorded to the advertiser relationships intangible asset were decreased $2.5 million and trademarks were increased $2.9 million, with a corresponding decrease to goodwill.

7



Living the Country Life, LLC and ShopNation are subject to legal and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to those related to taxation, in each of the jurisdictions in which they operate. The Company has conducted a preliminary assessment of liabilities arising in each of these jurisdictions, and has recognized provisional amounts in its initial accounting for the acquisitions for all identified liabilities in accordance with the business combinations guidance. However, the Company is continuing its review of these matters during the measurement period, and if new information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date identifies adjustments to the liabilities initially recognized or any additional liabilities that existed at the acquisition date, the acquisition accounting will be revised to reflect the resulting adjustments to the provisional amounts initially recognized.


3. Inventories

Major components of inventories are summarized below. Of total net inventory values shown, 33 percent are under the last-in first-out (LIFO) method at March 31, 2013, and 38 percent at June 30, 2012.

(In thousands)
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
Raw materials
 
$
9,419

 
$
13,405

Work in process
 
20,012

 
13,767

Finished goods
 
3,114

 
2,138

 
 
32,545

 
29,310

Reserve for LIFO cost valuation
 
(6,451
)
 
(6,751
)
Inventories
 
$
26,094

 
$
22,559



4. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible assets consist of the following:
 
March 31, 2013
 
 
June 30, 2012
(In thousands)
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
 
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
Intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
subject to amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertiser relationships
$
7,452

 
$
(3,105
)
 
$
4,347

 
 
$
9,952

 
$
(1,475
)
 
$
8,477

Customer lists
14,887

 
(10,471
)
 
4,416

 
 
14,437

 
(8,203
)
 
6,234

Other
11,105

 
(2,633
)
 
8,472

 
 
10,605

 
(1,509
)
 
9,096

Local media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Network affiliation agreements
218,559

 
(116,310
)
 
102,249

 
 
218,559

 
(112,641
)
 
105,918

Total
$
252,003

 
$
(132,519
)
 
119,484

 
 
$
253,553

 
$
(123,828
)
 
129,725

Intangible assets not
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
subject to amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Internet domain names
 
 
 
 
1,916

 
 
 
 
 
 
1,916

Trademarks
 
 
 
 
158,446

 
 
 
 
 
 
155,546

Local media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FCC licenses
 
 
 
 
299,076

 
 
 
 
 
 
299,076

Total
 
 
 
 
459,438

 
 
 
 
 
 
456,538

Intangible assets, net
 
 
 
 
$
578,922

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
586,263


8



Amortization expense was $8.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2013. Annual amortization expense for intangible assets is expected to be as follows: $11.7 million in fiscal 2013, $10.8 million in fiscal 2014, $8.2 million in fiscal 2015, $6.8 million in fiscal 2016, and $5.9 million in fiscal 2017.

Changes in the carrying amount of national media goodwill were as follows:

Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
733,127

 
$
525,034

Acquisitions

 
205,067

Adjustments
(465
)
 
(39
)
Balance at end of period
$
732,662

 
$
730,062



5. Restructuring Accrual

Changes in the Company's restructuring accrual were as follows:

Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
10,644

 
$
8,042

Severance accrual
7,382

 
9,955

Vacated leased space accrual
463

 
2,703

Cash payments
(7,206
)
 
(6,576
)
Reversal of excess accrual
(827
)
 
(592
)
Balance at end of period
$
10,456

 
$
13,532


In December 2012, management committed to a performance improvement plan related primarily to business realignments that included selected workforce reductions. In connection with this plan, in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $7.8 million including severance and benefit costs of $7.4 million related to the involuntary termination of employees and an accrual for vacated lease space of $0.5 million. The majority of severance costs will be paid out over the next 12 months. The Company also recorded $0.8 million in reversals of excess restructuring reserves accrued in prior fiscal years. The restructuring charge and credit for the reversal of excess restructuring reserves are recorded in the selling, general, and administrative line in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

In March 2012, management committed to a performance improvement plan related primarily to business realignments that included selected workforce reductions. In connection with this plan, in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $13.8 million including severance and benefit costs of $10.0 million related to the involuntary termination of employees, accruals for vacated lease space of $2.7 million, the write-off of deferred subscription acquisition costs of $0.7 million and other miscellaneous write-offs of $0.4 million. The Company also recorded $0.6 million in reversals of excess restructuring reserves accrued in prior fiscal years. The restructuring charge and credit for the reversal of excess restructuring reserves are recorded in the selling, general, and administrative line in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.




9


6. Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

(In thousands)
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
Variable-rate credit facilities
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed bank facility of $100 million, due 4/24/2015
 
$
65,000

 
$
65,000

Revolving credit facility of $150 million, due 9/12/2017
 
15,000

 
40,000

 
 
 
 
 
Private placement notes
 
 
 
 
6.70% senior notes, due 7/13/2013
 
50,000

 
50,000

7.19% senior notes, due 7/13/2014
 
25,000

 
25,000

2.62% senior notes, due 3/1/2015
 
50,000

 
50,000

3.04% senior notes, due 3/1/2016
 
50,000

 
50,000

3.04% senior notes, due 3/1/2017
 
50,000

 
50,000

3.04% senior notes, due 3/1/2018
 
50,000

 
50,000

Total long-term debt
 
355,000

 
380,000

Current portion of long-term debt
 
(50,000
)
 
(105,000
)
Long-term debt
 
$
305,000

 
$
275,000


In connection with the asset-backed bank facility, Meredith entered into a revolving agreement to sell all of its rights, title, and interest in the majority of its accounts receivable related to advertising and miscellaneous revenues to Meredith Funding Corporation, a special-purpose entity established to purchase accounts receivable from Meredith. At March 31, 2013, $152.2 million of accounts receivable net of reserves was outstanding under the agreement. Meredith Funding Corporation in turn may sell receivable interests to a major national bank. In consideration of the sale, Meredith receives cash and a subordinated note, bearing interest at the prime rate, 3.25 percent at March 31, 2013, from Meredith Funding Corporation. The agreement is structured as a true sale under which the creditors of Meredith Funding Corporation will be entitled to be satisfied out of the assets of Meredith Funding Corporation prior to any value being returned to Meredith or its creditors. The accounts of Meredith Funding Corporation are fully consolidated in Meredith's condensed consolidated financial statements. In September 2012, we renewed our asset-backed bank facility for an additional two-year period on terms that are substantially similar to those previously in place, but with improved pricing. The renewed facility will expire in April 2015.

In September 2012, we extended our revolving credit facility for a new five-year period on terms, other than improved pricing, substantially similar to those previously in place. The amended facility will expire in September 2017.



10


7. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs:

 
Three Months
 
 
Nine Months
Periods ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
 
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
2,525

 
$
2,359

 
 
$
7,575

 
$
7,077

Interest cost
1,228

 
1,497

 
 
3,684

 
4,491

Expected return on plan assets
(2,366
)
 
(2,504
)
 
 
(7,098
)
 
(7,512
)
Prior service cost amortization
90

 
92

 
 
270

 
276

Actuarial loss amortization
813

 
401

 
 
2,438

 
1,203

Net periodic benefit costs
$
2,290

 
$
1,845

 
 
$
6,869

 
$
5,535

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
94

 
$
113

 
 
$
282

 
$
339

Interest cost
153

 
240

 
 
459

 
720

Prior service cost amortization
(134
)
 
(134
)
 
 
(402
)
 
(402
)
Actuarial loss amortization

 
15

 
 

 
45

Net periodic benefit costs
$
113

 
$
234

 
 
$
339

 
$
702



8. Earnings per Share

The following table presents the calculations of earnings per share:

 
Three Months
 
 
Nine Months
Periods ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
 
2013
 
2012
(In thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
29,421

 
$
21,169

 
 
$
89,847

 
$
74,390

Basic average shares outstanding
44,404

 
44,800

 
 
44,436

 
44,882

Dilutive effect of stock options and equivalents
675

 
496

 
 
585

 
259

Diluted average shares outstanding
45,079

 
45,296

 
 
45,021

 
45,141

Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.66

 
$
0.47

 
 
$
2.02

 
$
1.66

Diluted earnings per share
0.65

 
0.47

 
 
2.00

 
1.65


For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, antidilutive options excluded from the above calculations totaled 3,049,000 (with a weighted average exercise price of $46.46) and 3,364,000 (with a weighted average exercise price of $45.98), respectively. For the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, antidilutive options excluded from the above calculations totaled 3,217,000 (with a weighted average exercise price of $46.05) and 4,713,000 (with a weighted average exercise price of $41.05), respectively.

In the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, options were exercised to purchase 816,570 and 44,700 common shares, respectively.



11


9. Fair Value Measurements

We have estimated the fair value of our financial instruments using available market information and valuation methodologies we believe to be appropriate for these purposes. Considerable judgment and a high degree of subjectivity are involved in developing these estimates and, accordingly, they are not necessarily indicative of amounts that we would realize upon disposition.

The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, which are described below:

Level 1
Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable;
Level 3
Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on valuation models with significant unobservable pricing inputs and which result in the use of management estimates.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of broadcast rights payable were $13.1 million and $12.5 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2013, and $10.4 million and $10.2 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2012. The fair value of broadcast rights payable was determined using the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the Company's current borrowing rate with inputs included in Level 3.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of long-term debt were $355.0 million and $358.5 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2013, and $380.0 million and $384.9 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2012. The fair value of long-term debt was determined using the present value of expected future cash flows using borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and maturities with inputs included in Level 2.


10. Financial Information about Industry Segments

Meredith is a diversified media company focused primarily on the home and family marketplace. On the basis of products and services, the Company has established two reportable segments: national media and local media. There have been no changes in the basis of segmentation since June 30, 2012. There are no material intersegment transactions.

There are two principal financial measures reported to the chief executive officer for use in assessing segment performance and allocating resources. Those measures are operating profit and earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). Operating profit for segment reporting, disclosed below, is revenues less operating costs excluding unallocated corporate expenses. Segment operating expenses include allocations of certain centrally incurred costs such as employee benefits, occupancy, information systems, accounting services, internal legal staff, and human resources administration. These costs are allocated based on actual usage or other appropriate methods, primarily number of employees. Unallocated corporate expenses are corporate overhead expenses not directly attributable to the operating groups. In accordance with authoritative guidance on disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information, EBITDA is not presented below.

12


The following table presents financial information by segment:

 
Three Months
 
 
Nine Months
Periods ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
 
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
284,228

 
$
267,603

 
 
$
800,634

 
$
770,530

Local media
85,387

 
77,910

 
 
283,733

 
231,609

Total revenues
$
369,615

 
$
345,513

 
 
$
1,084,367

 
$
1,002,139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
42,991

 
$
23,330

 
 
$
94,592

 
$
95,131

Local media
24,085

 
22,654

 
 
96,440

 
60,867

Unallocated corporate
(17,030
)
 
(7,684
)
 
 
(38,228
)
 
(24,617
)
Income from operations
$
50,046

 
$
38,300

 
 
$
152,804

 
$
131,381

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National media
$
4,593

 
$
4,615

 
 
$
14,458

 
$
11,808

Local media
6,093

 
6,299

 
 
18,265

 
18,463

Unallocated corporate
405

 
493

 
 
1,262

 
1,473

Total depreciation and amortization
$
11,091

 
$
11,407

 
 
$
33,985

 
$
31,744




13


Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations



Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to various uncertainties and changes in circumstances. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are set forth below under the heading “Forward Looking Statements."



EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Meredith Corporation is the leading media and marketing company serving American women. Meredith features multiple well-known national brands—including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Family Circle, Allrecipes.com, Ladies' Home Journal, Fitness, More, American Baby, EveryDay with Rachael Ray, and FamilyFun—with local television brands in fast-growing markets. Meredith is the industry leader in creating content in key consumer interest areas such as home, family, food, health and wellness, and self-development. Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms—including print, television, digital, mobile, tablets, and video—to give consumers content they desire and to deliver the messages of our advertising and marketing partners. Additionally, Meredith uses our many assets to create powerful custom marketing solutions for many of the nation's top brands and companies.

Meredith operates two business segments. The national media segment consists of magazine publishing, digital and mobile media, digital and customer relationship marketing, brand licensing, database-related activities, and other related operations. The local media segment consists of 12 network-affiliated television stations, related digital and mobile media operations, and video creation operations. Both segments operate primarily in the U.S. and compete against similar media and other types of media on both a local and national basis. The national media segment accounted for 74 percent of the Company's $1.1 billion in revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 while the local media segment contributed 26 percent.


NATIONAL MEDIA

Advertising revenues made up 48 percent of national media's first nine months' revenues. These revenues were generated from the sale of advertising space in our magazines and on our websites to clients interested in promoting their brands, products, and services to consumers. Circulation revenues accounted for 29 percent of national media's first nine months' revenues. Circulation revenues result from the sale of magazines to consumers through subscriptions and by single copy sales on newsstands in print form, primarily at major retailers and grocery/drug stores and in digital form on tablets. The remaining 23 percent of national media's revenues came from a variety of activities that included the sale of customer relationship marketing products and services and books as well as brand licensing, product sales, and other related activities. National media's major expense categories are production and delivery of publications and promotional mailings and employee compensation costs.


LOCAL MEDIA

Local media derives the majority of its revenues—84 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013—from the sale of advertising, both over the air and on our stations' websites. The remainder comes from television retransmission fees, television production services and products, and other services. Political advertising revenues are cyclical in that they are significantly greater during biennial election campaigns (which take place primarily in odd-numbered

14


fiscal years) than at other times. Local media's major expense categories are employee compensation and depreciation and amortization.


FIRST NINE MONTHS FISCAL 2013 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Local media group revenues increased 23 percent and operating profit rose to $96.4 million from $60.9 million in the year-ago period reflecting increased cyclical political advertising revenues and higher other revenues.

National media revenues increased 4 percent primarily reflecting the inclusion of revenues of the prior fiscal year acquisitions of EveryDay with Rachael Ray, FamilyFun, and Allrecipes.com. National media operating profit declined 1 percent as declines in operating results in our magazine and customer relationship marketing operations more than offset lower restructuring charges and improved operating results in our licensing operations.

Fiscal 2013 third quarter results included a charge of $5.1 million for professional fees and expenses related to a strategic transaction that did not materialize.
 
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, management committed to a performance improvement plan related primarily to business realignments that included selected workforce reductions. In connection with this plan, the Company recorded a net pre-tax restructuring charge of $7.8 million. This charge includes $7.4 million for severance and benefit costs and a vacated lease accrual of $0.4 million. The Company also recorded $0.8 million in reversals of excess restructuring reserves accrued in prior years.

Diluted earnings per share increased 21 percent to $2.00 from $1.65 in the prior-year first nine months.


ACQUISITIONS

In fiscal 2013, the Company acquired the remaining interest in Living the Country Life, LLC. This acquisition is not material to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Effective July 1, 2011, Meredith acquired the EatingWell Media Group. Also during fiscal 2012, the Company completed the following acquisitions: the October 2011 acquisition of EveryDay with Rachael Ray magazine and its related digital assets; the January 2012 acquisition of FamilyFun and its related assets; the March 2012 acquisition of Allrecipes.com; and the May 2012 acquisition of ShopNation, collectively the "Fiscal 2012 Mid-Year Acquisitions." The results of these acquisitions have been included in the Company's consolidated operating results since their respective acquisition dates. See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information.


USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

These condensed consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Our analysis of local media results includes references to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). EBITDA and EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures. We use EBITDA along with operating profit and other GAAP measures to evaluate the financial performance of our local media segment. EBITDA is a common measure of performance in the broadcasting industry and is used by investors and financial analysts, but its calculation may vary among companies. Local media segment EBITDA is not used as a measure of liquidity, nor is it necessarily indicative of funds available for our discretionary use.

We believe the non-GAAP measures used in MD&A contribute to an understanding of our financial performance and provide an additional analytic tool to understand our results from core operations and to reveal underlying

15


trends. These measures should not, however, be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
369,615

 
$
345,513

 
7
%
Operating expenses
(319,569
)
 
(307,213
)
 
4
%
Income from operations
$
50,046

 
$
38,300

 
31
%
Net earnings
$
29,421

 
$
21,169

 
39
%
Diluted earnings per share
0.65

 
0.47

 
38
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change
(In thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
1,084,367

 
$
1,002,139

 
8
%
Operating expenses
(931,563
)
 
(870,758
)
 
7
%
Income from operations
$
152,804

 
$
131,381

 
16
%
Net earnings
$
89,847

 
$
74,390

 
21
%
Diluted earnings per share
2.00

 
1.65

 
21
%

The following sections provide an analysis of the results of operations for the national media and local media segments and an analysis of the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013, compared with the prior-year period. This commentary should be read in conjunction with the interim condensed consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2012.

In the following discussion, references to comparable results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to the prior-year periods exclude the impact of the Fiscal 2012 Mid-Year Acquisitions that occurred during fiscal 2012.


NATIONAL MEDIA

National media operating results were as follows:

Three months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
128,770

 
$
122,977

 
5
 %
Circulation
91,458

 
76,331

 
20
 %
Other
64,000

 
68,295

 
(6
)%
Total revenues
284,228

 
267,603

 
6
 %
Operating expenses
(241,237
)
 
(244,273
)
 
(1
)%
Operating profit
$
42,991

 
$
23,330

 
84
 %
Operating profit margin
15.1
%
 
8.7
%
 
 


16


Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
381,567

 
$
354,614

 
8
 %
Circulation
234,345

 
206,822

 
13
 %
Other
184,722

 
209,094

 
(12
)%
Total revenues
800,634

 
770,530

 
4
 %
Operating expenses
(706,042
)
 
(675,399
)
 
5
 %
Operating profit
$
94,592

 
$
95,131

 
(1
)%
Operating profit margin
11.8
%
 
12.3
%
 
 

Revenues
National media advertising revenues increased 5 percent in the third quarter and 8 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Magazine advertising revenues declined 1 percent in both the third quarter and in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Total advertising pages were flat in the third quarter and decreased in the low-single digits on a percentage basis in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. On a comparable basis, magazine advertising revenues decreased 7 percent in the third quarter and 9 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Comparable total advertising pages decreased 5 percent in the third quarter and 10 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 with most titles showing declines. Among our core advertising categories, demand was weaker for the majority of categories. Online advertising revenues in our digital and mobile media operations increased more than 50 percent in the third quarter and almost doubled in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. On a comparable basis, online advertising revenues increased 5 percent in the third quarter and 11 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013.

Magazine circulation revenues increased 20 percent in the third quarter and 13 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Comparable magazine circulation revenues grew 15 percent in the third quarter and 4 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Comparable subscription revenues grew 20 percent in the third quarter and were up more than 5 percent in the nine-month period. For both periods, comparable newsstand revenues declined in the low to mid single-digits. The increase in subscription revenues is primarily due to a test issue of a magazine based on the Allrecipes brand and growth in our legacy titles.

Other revenues decreased 6 percent in the third quarter and 12 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Meredith Xcelerated Marketing (MXM) revenues were down 4 percent in the third quarter and 14 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 due primarily to reductions in programs from certain clients. In addition, other revenues in our magazine operations declined primarily due to lower sales of books. Brand licensing revenues increased 10 percent in the third quarter and 3 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013.

Operating Expenses
National media operating expenses decreased 1 percent in the third quarter and they increased 5 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. On a comparable basis, national media operating expenses decreased 9 percent in the third quarter and 6 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Paper, processing, and postage costs declined primarily due to the decrease in advertising pages. In addition to the decrease in the volume of paper used, paper expense also decreased due to low- to mid-single digits declines in average paper prices as compared to the year-ago periods. Employee payroll and related costs also declined in both periods primarily due to performance improvement plans implemented in prior years. In accord with the decrease in MXM's revenues, customer relationship marketing production expenses also declined. These declines were partially offset by increased circulation expenses and performance-based incentive accruals.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the national media segment recorded a restructuring charge of $5.9 million for severance and benefit costs and a vacated lease accrual of $0.4 million. Partially offsetting these charges was a $0.8 million reversal of excess restructuring accrual previously recorded by the national media segment. In the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded $2.6 million of acquisition costs, with $2.5 million of this being recorded in the third quarter. In addition, in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the national media group recorded $9.9 million for severance and benefit costs, vacated lease accruals of $1.6 million, the write-off of deferred subscription

17


acquisition costs of $0.7 million, and other miscellaneous write-downs and accruals of $0.4 million. Partially offsetting these charges was a $0.6 million reversal of excess restructuring accrual previously recorded by the national media segment and a $1.0 million reduction in contingent consideration payable. These items were reported as increases and decreases, as appropriate, in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Operating Profit
National media operating profit increased 84 percent in the third quarter. It declined 1 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 compared with the prior-year period. Comparable national media operating profit increased 92 percent in the third quarter. Comparable national media operating profit declined 5 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. For the third quarter of fiscal 2013, operating profit improved primarily due to the absence of restructuring and acquisition charges and improved results of our magazine operations due to increased circulation contribution and improved licensing operations results. For the nine-month period, declines in operating results in our magazine and customer relationship marketing operations more than offset lower restructuring charges and acquisition expenses and improved operating results in our licensing operations.


LOCAL MEDIA

Local media operating results were as follows:

Three months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Non-political advertising
$
66,118

 
$
66,652

 
(1
)%
Political advertising
355

 
1,843

 
(81
)%
Other
18,914

 
9,415

 
101
 %
Total revenues
85,387

 
77,910

 
10
 %
Operating expenses
(61,302
)
 
(55,256
)
 
11
 %
Operating profit
$
24,085

 
$
22,654

 
6
 %
Operating profit margin
28.2
%
 
29.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Non-political advertising
$
199,619

 
$
201,311

 
(1
)%
Political advertising
38,273

 
3,500

 
994
 %
Other
45,841

 
26,798

 
71
 %
Total revenues
283,733

 
231,609

 
23
 %
Operating expenses
(187,293
)
 
(170,742
)
 
10
 %
Operating profit
$
96,440

 
$
60,867

 
58
 %
Operating profit margin
34.0
%
 
26.3
%
 
 

Revenues
Local media revenues increased 10 percent in the third quarter and 23 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. The three month increase primarily reflects higher other revenues and the nine month increase was due primarily to higher political advertising related to the November 2012 elections. Net political advertising revenues totaled $0.4 million in the third quarter and $38.3 million in the first nine months of the current fiscal year compared with $1.8 million in the prior-year third quarter and $3.5 million in the prior-year nine-month period. Fluctuations in political advertising revenues at our stations and throughout the broadcasting industry generally follow the biennial cycle of election campaigns. Political advertising displaces a certain amount of non-political advertising; therefore, the revenues are not entirely incremental. Non-political advertising revenues declined 1 percent in the third quarter and in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 as political advertising displaced a certain

18


amount of non-political advertising. Local non-political advertising revenues decreased 3 percent in the third quarter and 2 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2013. National non-political advertising increased 4 percent as compared to the prior-year third quarter and was flat for the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Online advertising revenues decreased 2 percent as compared to the prior-year third quarter. Online advertising revenues increased 9 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013.

Other revenue more than doubled in the third quarter and increased 71 percent in the nine-month period primarily reflecting increased retransmission fees and station management fees.

Operating Expenses
Local media operating expenses increased 11 percent in the third quarter and 10 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 primarily due to increased programming fees paid to the networks partially offset by a reduction in film amortization expense.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the local media segment recorded a restructuring charge of $1.5 million for severance and related benefits costs. In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, restructuring charges included a vacated lease accrual of $1.1 million and a severance and benefits accrual of $0.1 million. The restructuring charges were recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Operating Profit
Local media operating profit increased 6 percent in the third quarter and 58 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 reflecting the significant increase in political advertising revenues as well as an increase in other revenues.

Supplemental Disclosure of Local Media EBITDA
Meredith's local media EBITDA is defined as local media operating profit plus depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. See the discussion of management's rationale for the use of EBITDA in the preceding Executive Overview section. Local media EBITDA and EBITDA margin were as follows:

Three months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Revenues
$
85,387

 
$
77,910

Operating profit
$
24,085

 
$
22,654

Depreciation and amortization
6,093

 
6,299

EBITDA
$
30,178

 
$
28,953

EBITDA margin
35.3
%
 
37.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Revenues
$
283,733

 
$
231,609

Operating profit
$
96,440

 
$
60,867

Depreciation and amortization
18,265

 
18,463

EBITDA
$
114,705

 
$
79,330

EBITDA margin
40.4
%
 
34.3
%



19


UNALLOCATED CORPORATE EXPENSES

Unallocated corporate expenses are general corporate overhead expenses not attributable to the operating groups. These expenses were as follows:

Unallocated Corporate Expenses
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
$
17,030

 
$
7,684

 
122
%
Nine months ended March 31,
38,228

 
24,617

 
55
%

Unallocated corporate expenses more than doubled in the third quarter and increased 55 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 compared with the respective prior-year periods. Fiscal 2013 third quarter results included a charge of $5.1 million for professional fees and expenses related to a strategic transaction that did not materialize. In addition, for the third quarter and nine-month period, consulting costs, medical costs, charitable contributions, performance-based incentive accruals, and pension expenses increased. For the first nine months of fiscal 2013, these increases were partially offset by a reduction in building rent.


CONSOLIDATED

Consolidated Operating Expenses
Consolidated operating expenses were as follows:

Three months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Production, distribution, and editorial
$
141,605

 
$
136,454

 
4
 %
Selling, general, and administrative
166,873

 
159,352

 
5
 %
Depreciation and amortization
11,091

 
11,407

 
(3
)%
Operating expenses
$
319,569

 
$
307,213

 
4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Production, distribution, and editorial
$
416,333

 
$
401,757

 
4
 %
Selling, general, and administrative
481,245

 
437,257

 
10
 %
Depreciation and amortization
33,985

 
31,744

 
7
 %
Operating expenses
$
931,563

 
$
870,758

 
7
 %

Production, distribution, and editorial costs in fiscal 2013 increased 4 percent as compared to the prior-year third quarter and as compared to the prior-year first nine months. On a comparable basis, production, distribution, and editorial costs were flat in the third quarter and decreased 2 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Declines in national media paper, processing, and postage expenses and customer relationship marketing production costs and local media film amortization more than offset an increase in local media programming fees paid to the networks.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 5 percent in the third quarter and 10 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Comparable selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased 3 percent in the third quarter and were flat for the first nine months of fiscal 2013. For the third quarter, increases in consulting costs, charitable contributions, medical costs, and pension expense more than offset reductions in employee compensation costs and share-based compensation. For the first nine months of fiscal 2013, increases in circulation expenses,

20


consulting costs, medical costs, charitable contributions, performance-based incentive accruals, and pension expenses more than offset a reduction in building rent and employee compensation costs.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded $7.4 million for severance and benefit costs and a vacated lease accrual of $0.4 million related to business realignments. Partially offsetting these charges was a $0.8 million reversal of excess restructuring accrual previously recorded by the national media segment. Fiscal 2013 third quarter results included a charge of $5.1 million for professional fees and expenses related to a strategic transaction that did not materialize.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded $2.6 million in acquisition costs, with $2.5 million of this being recorded in the third quarter. In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded $10.0 million for severance and benefit costs, vacated lease accruals of $2.7 million, the write-off of deferred subscription acquisition costs of $0.7 million, and other miscellaneous write-downs of $0.4 million related to business realignments. Partially offsetting these charges was a $0.6 million reversal of excess restructuring accrual previously recorded by the national media segment and a $1.0 million reduction in contingent consideration payable.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 3 percent in the third quarter; it increased 7 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. On a comparable basis, depreciation and amortization decreased 9 percent in the third quarter and 3 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013.

Income from Operations
Income from operations increased 31 percent in the third quarter and 16 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Comparable income from operations increased 32 percent in the third quarter and 13 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. For the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the absence of a restructuring charge and improved results of our magazine and licensing operations more than offset an increase in unallocated corporate expenses. For the nine-month period, revenue growth and higher operating profits in our local media segment and lower restructuring charges more than offset increased unallocated corporate expenses and declines in operating results in our magazine and customer relationship marketing operations.

Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense decreased to $3.2 million in the fiscal 2013 third quarter compared with $3.3 million in the prior-year third quarter. For the nine months ended March 31, 2013, net interest expense was $10.2 million versus $8.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. Average long-term debt outstanding was $354 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and $374 million for the nine-month period compared with $335 million in the prior year third quarter and $277 million in the prior year nine-month period. The Company's approximate weighted average interest rate was 3.7 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and 4.3 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2012.

Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was 37.2 percent in the third quarter and 37.0 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 as compared to 39.5 percent in the third quarter and and 39.3 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to tax benefits from the resolution of state and local tax contingencies.

Net Earnings and Earnings per Share
Net earnings were $29.4 million ($0.65 per diluted share) in the quarter ended March 31, 2013, up 39 percent from $21.2 million ($0.47 per diluted share) in the prior-year third quarter. For the nine months ended March 31, 2013, net earnings were $89.8 million ($2.00 per diluted share), an increase of 21 percent from prior-year nine months net earnings of $74.4 million ($1.65 per diluted share). For the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the absence of a restructuring charge and improved results of our magazine and licensing operations more than offset an increase in unallocated corporate expenses. For the nine-month period, revenue growth and higher operating profits in our local media segment and lower restructuring charges more than offset increased unallocated corporate expenses and declines in operating results in our magazine and customer relationship marketing operations. Both average basic and diluted shares outstanding decreased slightly in the periods.

21



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Nine months ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
 
Change

(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
89,847

 
$
74,390

 
21
 %
Cash flows from operating activities
$
113,302

 
$
105,638

 
7
 %
Cash flows used in investing activities
(26,264
)
 
(275,417
)
 
(90
)%
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
(88,368
)
 
166,732

 
(153
)%
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(1,330
)
 
$
(3,047
)
 
(56
)%

OVERVIEW

Meredith's primary source of liquidity is cash generated by operating activities. Debt financing is typically used for significant acquisitions. We expect cash on hand, internally generated cash flow, and available credit from financing agreements will provide adequate funds for operating and recurring cash needs (e.g., working capital, capital expenditures, debt repayments, and cash dividends) into the foreseeable future. As of March 31, 2013, we have up to $135.0 million remaining of additional available borrowings under our revolving credit facility and up to $35.0 million of additional available borrowings under our asset-backed bank facility (depending on levels of accounts receivable). While there are no guarantees that we will be able to replace current credit agreements when they expire, we expect to be able to do so.

SOURCES AND USES OF CASH

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $1.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013; they decreased $3.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012.

Operating Activities
The largest single component of operating cash inflows is cash received from advertising customers. Other sources of operating cash inflows include cash received from magazine circulation sales and other revenue transactions such as customer relationship marketing, brand licensing, and product sales. Operating cash outflows include payments to vendors and employees and payments of interest and income taxes. Our most significant vendor payments are for production and delivery of publications and promotional mailings, employee compensation costs and benefits, broadcasting programming rights, and other services and supplies.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $113.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 compared with $105.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. The increase is primarily due to higher net earnings partially offset by changes in working capital.

Investing Activities
Investing cash inflows generally include proceeds from the sale of assets or a business. Investing cash outflows generally include payments for the acquisition of new businesses; investments; and additions to property, plant, and equipment.

Net cash used by investing activities decreased to $26.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $275.4 million in the prior-year period. The decrease primarily reflects more cash used in the prior year for acquisitions as well as higher spending for additions to property, plant, and equipment due to a move into our new leased facilities in New York in fiscal 2012.


22


Financing Activities
Financing cash inflows generally include borrowings under debt agreements and proceeds from the exercise of common stock options issued under share-based compensation plans. Financing cash outflows generally include the repayment of long-term debt, the payment of dividends, and repurchases of Company stock.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $88.4 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2013, compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $166.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. The change in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to net reduction of debt of $25.0 million compared to an increase in net debt of $225.0 million in the prior-year period due to acquisitions in fiscal 2012. Higher dividend payments due to the increased dividend per share rate and increased purchases of Company stock also contributed to the change.

Long-term Debt
At March 31, 2013, long-term debt outstanding totaled $355.0 million ($275.0 million in fixed-rate unsecured senior notes, $65.0 million under an asset-backed bank facility, and $15.0 million outstanding under a revolving credit facility). Of the senior notes, $50.0 million is due in the next 12 months. We expect to repay these senior notes with cash from operations and credit available under existing credit agreements. The weighted average effective interest rate for the fixed-rate notes was 4.01 percent. The interest rate on the asset-backed bank facility is variable based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a fixed spread. As of March 31, 2013, the asset-backed bank facility had a capacity of up to $100 million (depending on levels of accounts receivable). In September 2012, we renewed our asset-backed bank facility for an additional two-year period under terms, other than improved pricing, substantially similar to those previously in place. The renewed facility will expire in April 2015.

The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is variable based on LIBOR and Meredith's debt to trailing 12 month EBITDA ratio, as defined in the debt agreement. The revolving credit facility has capacity for up to $150 million outstanding with an option to request up to another $150 million. At March 31, 2013, $15.0 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility. In September 2012, we amended our revolving credit facility for a new five-year period under terms, other than improved pricing, substantially similar to those previously in place. The amended facility expires in September 2017.

All of our debt agreements include financial covenants, and failure to comply with any such covenants could result in the debt becoming payable on demand. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants at March 31, 2013.

Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2013, there had been no material changes in our contractual obligations from those disclosed in our Form 10‑K for the year ended June 30, 2012.

Share Repurchase Program
As part of our ongoing share repurchase program, we spent $39.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 to repurchase 1,131,000 shares of common stock at then-current market prices. We spent $16.6 million to repurchase 626,000 shares in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. We expect to continue repurchasing shares from time to time subject to market conditions. As of March 31, 2013, $47.2 million remained available under the current authorization for future repurchases. The status of the repurchase program is reviewed at each quarterly Board of Directors meeting. See Part II, Item 2 (c), Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities, of this Form 10‑Q for detailed information on share repurchases during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Dividends
Dividends paid in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 totaled $52.3 million, or $1.1725 per share, compared with dividend payments of $45.9 million, or $1.0200 per share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012.


23


Capital Expenditures
Investment in property, plant, and equipment totaled $18.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 compared with prior-year first nine months investment of $30.7 million. Current year investment primarily relates to assets acquired in the normal course of business. The prior year investment primarily related to leasehold improvements related to our move into new leased facilities in New York along with assets acquired in the normal course of business. We have no material commitments for capital expenditures. We expect funds for future capital expenditures to come from operating activities or, if necessary, borrowings under credit agreements.


OTHER MATTERS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Meredith's critical accounting policies are summarized in our Form 10‑K for the year ended June 30, 2012. As of March 31, 2013, the Company's critical accounting policies had not changed from June 30, 2012.

ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended its guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items that are recorded in other comprehensive income. The new accounting guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. In December 2011, the FASB issued a deferral of the effective date for the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. All other requirements of the guidance are not affected by this deferral. The Company adopted this amended standard effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 by presenting the separate Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income immediately following the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Because this standard only affects the display of comprehensive income and does not affect what is included in comprehensive income, its adoption did not impact our results of operations or financial position.

In September 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance related to Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment by giving an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If this is the case, companies will need to perform a more detailed two-step goodwill impairment test which is used to identify potential goodwill impairments and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment losses to be recognized, if any. The Company adopted this guidance as of July 1, 2012, and it is effective for the Company’s May 31, 2013, annual impairment test. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

In July 2012, the FASB amended existing guidance related to Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This guidance amends the impairment test for indefinite lived intangible assets other than goodwill by allowing companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired and whether it is necessary to perform the impairment test of comparing the carrying amount with the recoverable amount of the indefinite lived intangible asset. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2012, and it will be effective for the Company’s May 31, 2013, annual impairment test. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance related to Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires companies to provide information about the amounts reclassified out

24


of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, companies are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. This update is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this new guidance will not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted by such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current knowledge and estimates of factors affecting the Company's operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Factors that could adversely affect future results include, but are not limited to, downturns in national and/or local economies; a softening of the domestic advertising market; world, national, or local events that could disrupt broadcast television; increased consolidation among major advertisers or other events depressing the level of advertising spending; the unexpected loss or insolvency of one or more major clients; the integration of acquired businesses; changes in consumer reading, purchasing and/or television viewing patterns; increases in paper, postage, printing, syndicated programming or other costs; changes in television network affiliation agreements; technological developments affecting products or methods of distribution; changes in government regulations affecting the Company's industries; increases in interest rates; and the consequences of acquisitions and/or dispositions. Meredith's Form 10‑K for the year ended June 30, 2012, includes a more complete description of the risk factors that may affect our results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.



Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


Meredith is exposed to certain market risks as a result of our use of financial instruments, in particular the potential market value loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes and does not hold any derivative financial instruments that could expose the Company to significant market risk. Readers are referred to Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, in the Company's Form 10‑K for the year ended June 30, 2012, for a more complete discussion of these risks.

Interest Rates
We generally manage our risk associated with interest rate movements through the use of a combination of variable and fixed-rate debt. At March 31, 2013, Meredith had $275.0 million outstanding in fixed-rate long-term debt. There are no earnings or liquidity risks associated with the Company's fixed-rate debt. The fair value of the fixed-rate debt (based on discounted cash flows reflecting borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and maturities) varies with fluctuations in interest rates. A 10 percent decrease in interest rates would have changed the fair value of the fixed-rate debt to $280.5 million from $278.5 million at March 31, 2013.

At March 31, 2013, $80.0 million of our debt was variable-rate debt. The Company is subject to earnings and liquidity risks for changes in the interest rate on this debt. A 10 percent increase in interest rates would increase annual interest expense by $0.1 million.

Broadcast Rights Payable
There has been no material change in the market risk associated with broadcast rights payable since June 30, 2012.




25


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures


Meredith's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q, that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that Meredith files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to Meredith's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended March 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.



PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 



Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 


There have been no material changes to the Company's risk factors as disclosed in Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the Company's Form 10‑K for the year ended June 30, 2012.




26


Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 


(c)
 
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company's repurchases of common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Period
(a)
Total number of
shares
purchased 1
(b)
Average price
paid
per share
(c)
Total number of shares
purchased as part of publicly
 announced programs
(d)
Approximate dollar value
of shares that may yet
be purchased under
programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
January 1 to
January 31, 2013
14,975

 
 
$
36.42

 
14,975

 
 
$
61,399

 
 
February 1 to
February 28, 2013
36,107

 
 
40.44

 
36,107

 
 
59,939

 
 
March 1 to
March 31, 2013
339,767

 
 
37.41

 
339,767

 
 
47,228

 
 
Total
390,849

 
 
 
 
390,849

 
 


 
 
1 

The number of shares purchased includes 14,761 shares in January 2013, 35,369 shares in February 2013, and 331,602 shares in March 2013 delivered or deemed to be delivered to us on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options and shares reacquired pursuant to tax withholding on option exercises and the vesting of restricted shares. These shares are included as part of our repurchase program and reduce the repurchase authority granted by our Board. The number of shares repurchased excludes shares we reacquired pursuant to forfeitures of restricted stock.

In October 2011, Meredith announced the Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million in additional shares of the Company's stock through public and private transactions.

For more information on the Company's share repurchase program, see Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the heading "Share Repurchase Program."

27


Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
 
 
 
 
 
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document



28



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

 
 
 
 
MEREDITH CORPORATION
 
 
Registrant
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph Ceryanec
 
 
Joseph Ceryanec
 
 
Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
Date: April 25, 2013


29


INDEX TO ATTACHED EXHIBITS


Exhibit
Number
Item
 
 
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
 
 
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
 
 
 
 
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document



E-1