RNS Number:0274L
News Corporation Ld
13 May 2003
NEWS CORPORATION REPORTS THIRD QUARTER OPERATING INCOME GROWTH OF 9% TO A$1.2 BILLION
NET PROFIT BEFORE OTHER ITEMS INCREASES 12% TO A$509 MILLION
QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
* Television segment operating income up 59% as primetime ratings growth
in the quarter of 32% drives advertising revenues at the broadcast network and
television stations.
* Strong ratings and advertising growth at Fox News Channel and FX as
well as higher affiliate revenues at the Regional Sports Networks lift operating
income 13% at Cable Network Programming despite the cost of covering the war.
* Robust home entertainment sales of film and television titles and the
continued success of theatrical releases result in operating income growth of
10% at Filmed Entertainment.
* Higher circulation and advertising revenues at majority of newspapers
offset by cover price initiatives at The Sun in the U.K.
Sydney, 13 May, 2003 - The News Corporation Limited (ASX: NCP, NCPDP) today
reported third quarter consolidated revenues of A$7.4 billion, even with the
prior year, and consolidated operating income of A$1.2 billion, up 9% over the
$1.1 billion a year ago. The year-on-year growth was driven primarily by
double-digit increases in the Filmed Entertainment, Television and Cable Network
Programming segments partially offset by the unfavorable impact of the strong
Australian dollar.
Net profit for the fiscal third quarter was A$471 million, an increase of A$8.2
billion over the A$7.7 billion net loss reported in the third quarter a year
ago, which included a A$8.1 billion write-down of the Company's carrying value
of its Gemstar investment. Net profit before other items was A$509 million
compared to A$456 million reported in the prior year.
Management Review of Performance
The Statement of Financial Performance, Statement of Financial Position,
Statement of Cash Flows and Supplemental Financial Data for the three and nine
months ended 31 March are attached. The following commentary is made in respect
to those statements, including an analysis of certain information contained
therein.
Net Profit (LOSS) Attributable to Members of the Parent Entity
The reported net profit (loss) attributable to members of the parent entity
consisted of the following items:
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
A$ Millions (except per share amounts)
Revenue $ 7,432 $ 7,437 $ 22,783 $ 22,075
Operating income 1,161 1,062 3,470 2,725
Associated entities before other items (40) (24) (283) (133)
Interest expense, net (188) (242) (620) (767)
Dividends on exchangeable preferred (21) (24) (67) (71)
securities
Profit before income tax expense, outside 912 772 2,500 1,754
equity interest and other items
Income tax expense (287) (241) (787) (526)
Outside equity interest (116) (75) (333) (215)
Net profit before other items 509 456 1,380 1,013
Other items, net of tax and outside equity
interest: a
Group (15) (8,208) (40) (8,686)
Associated entities (23) 5 (144) (1,112)
Total other items (38) (8,203) (184) (9,798)
Net profit (loss) attributable to members of $ 471 $ (7,747) $ 1,196 $ (8,785)
the parent entity
Earnings per share on net profit before $ 0.097 $ 0.088 $ 0.262 $ 0.198
other items, net
Weighted average number of shares 5,147 5,058 5,140 4,930
outstanding in millions (diluted)
The following commentary discusses the major components of these results.
Consolidated Operating Income 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
A$ Millions A$ Millions
Filmed Entertainment $ 342 $ 310 $ 983 $ 772
Television 352 222 991 543
Cable Network Programming 159 141 591 321
Magazines & Inserts 129 140 328 332
Newspapers 198 244 485 608
Book Publishing 36 42 228 203
Other (55) (37) (136) (54)
Consolidated Operating Income $ 1,161 $ 1,062 $ 3,470 $ 2,725
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS
Commenting on the results, Chairman and Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch said:
"We are extremely pleased with our third quarter results, which continued the
financial and operating momentum we achieved throughout the first half of the
fiscal year. Operating income growth of 9%, despite the economic impact of the
war in Iraq, speaks to the underlying strength of our core assets. Our cable
networks, led by the ratings dominance of Fox News, and our television
businesses, led by the impressive ratings turnaround at the broadcast network,
each delivered double-digit operating income growth and greatly strengthened
their competitive positions. Our film business, including our home
entertainment products, continued its success. And our print businesses
continued to deliver significant operating income while weathering the U.K.
price war.
"The financial and operational momentum of our businesses has provided us with
the opportunity to build on our global distribution strengths through the
acquisition of key platforms in Italy and the U.S. With our recently completed
purchase of Sky Italia and our announced agreement to acquire a 34% interest in
Hughes Electronics, we have the opportunity to elevate two leading multi-channel
television platforms to more profitable levels while at the same time enhancing
the value of our existing assets. The continued success of our core
businesses, complemented by the rapid development of acquired and emerging
platforms, will allow us to prosper in both the near and long-term."
Third quarter net losses from associated entities before other items were A$40
million versus losses of A$24 million a year ago. The year-over-year decline
was primarily due to the inclusion of Stream losses partially offset by the
recognition of BSkyB earnings in the current year quarter. A detailed discussion
of the components of associated entities' losses is provided later in the
release.
Third quarter net profit before other items increased to A$509 million (A$0.097
per share) versus A$456 million (A$0.088 per share) in the prior year primarily
due to higher consolidated operating income.
The Company reported a loss from other items in the quarter of A$38 million
versus a loss of A$8.2 billion a year ago. The loss in the third quarter a year
ago primarily included a write-down of the Company's carrying value of its
Gemstar investment.
The following commentary is discussed principally in U.S. dollars.
REVIEW OF OPERATING RESULTS
FILMED ENTERTAINMENT
The Filmed Entertainment segment reported third quarter operating income of
US$201 million versus US$161 million reported in the same period a year ago.
The 25% increase was driven by the continued worldwide home entertainment
performance of Ice Age as well as several strong domestic home entertainment
performances, including Brown Sugar, One Hour Photo, Swimfan and The Banger
Sisters. These contributions were partially offset by the marketing costs for
several successful third and fourth quarter theatrical releases including Just
Married and Daredevil, both of which opened at number one at the box office, and
X2: X-Men United, which brought in a record-breaking US$155 million worldwide in
its first weekend and has grossed over US$271 million worldwide since its
release. Prior-year results included the worldwide home entertainment
performance of Moulin Rouge and the domestic home entertainment release of Kiss
of the Dragon.
Twentieth Century Fox Television (TCFTV) contributions increased compared to the
third quarter a year ago, primarily reflecting higher syndication profits from
The X-Files and Dharma & Greg. Additionally, continued momentum in home
entertainment sales, most notably from The Simpsons and Buffy the Vampire
Slayer, contributed to the year-on-year growth. During this broadcast season,
several of TCFTV's shows have achieved solid ratings, including 24, The
Simpsons, King of the Hill, Bernie Mac and Reba, which have achieved
double-digit growth among Adults 18-49.
TELEVISION
The Television segment reported third quarter operating income of US$207
million, an increase of US$93 million versus the same period a year ago,
primarily reflecting significant improvement at the FOX Broadcasting Company in
addition to higher contributions from the Fox Television Stations and STAR.
At the Fox Broadcasting Company (FBC), third quarter operating income improved
by US$85 million compared to a year ago, largely the result of substantial
ratings growth in primetime. Additionally, the prior year's results included
losses related to the broadcast of Super Bowl XXXVI. The 32% ratings
improvement in the quarter compared to a year ago was fueled by the success of
American Idol 2, Joe Millionaire and 24 and included FBC's first-ever sweeps
victory among Adults 18-49. This revenue growth from these higher ratings as
well as stronger pricing was slightly offset by higher promotional costs for
mid-season replacements.
Fox Television Stations (FTS) third quarter operating income grew 2% over the
prior year despite the current quarter impact of pre-emptions for war coverage
and the benefit a year ago from FBC's broadcast of Super Bowl XXXVI.
Current-year results were driven by stronger advertising revenue primarily as a
result of FBC's primetime success during the quarter and FTS' ratings growth in
local news programming. The revenue growth was partially offset by higher
promotional costs during the February sweeps.
STAR, bolstered by a 23% increase in revenues, more than doubled its operating
income versus prior year despite absorbing start-up losses from the Xing Kong
Wei Shi channel in China, which was granted additional landing rights in
Mainland China during the quarter. STAR's revenue increase was the result of
26% subscription revenue growth, primarily at the STAR Plus channel in India,
and 12% advertising growth generated mainly at STAR Plus and STAR News.
CABLE NETWORK PROGRAMMING
Cable Network Programming, comprising the Fox News Channel, Fox Cable Networks
(including the Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), the FX Channel (FX) and SPEED
Channel), the Los Angeles Dodgers and other cable-related businesses, reported
third quarter operating income of US$95 million, an improvement of US$22 million
or 30% over last year's results. This success reflects strong revenue growth
across all of the Company's primary cable television channels, mitigated by the
impact of war coverage at Fox News.
The Fox News Channel (FNC) reported operating income growth of 9% compared to
the third quarter a year ago. Double-digit revenue growth, primarily from
increased ad sales, more than offset significant pre-emptions and higher costs
associated with covering the war. FNC finished the quarter as the highest-rated
basic cable channel in primetime, making it the first news channel to achieve
this distinction since 1991. Viewership during the quarter increased 80% in
primetime and 92% on a 24-hour basis compared to a year ago as FNC achieved the
highest 24-hour ratings growth among all cable news channels.
Fox Cable Networks' operating profit improved 37% during the quarter, primarily
driven by double-digit revenue growth at both the RSNs and FX. The revenue
increase at the RSNs was largely due to an increase in the number of DTH
subscribers and higher advertising sales versus a year ago. The growth at FX
was the result of increases in both advertising and affiliate revenues - fueled
by ratings gains, higher advertising pricing and a 6% increase in subscribers
over the past year. During the quarter, FX debuted the second season of The
Shield, which increased its ratings in Adults 18-49 and Adults 18-34 versus its
first season, in addition to winning Golden Globes for Best Drama Series and
Best Actor in a Drama Series.
MAGAZINES AND INSERTS
The Magazines and Inserts segment reported third quarter operating income of
US$76 million, an increase of US$4 million versus a year ago. The improvement
was primarily driven by higher contributions from the Free Standing Inserts
division principally as a result of increased demand for packaged goods pages.
NEWSPAPERS
The Newspaper segment reported third quarter operating income of US$115 million,
a 9% decrease versus the same period a year ago as advertising revenue gains
were more than offset by circulation revenue declines in the U.K. as a result of
The Sun's discounted pricing to match the competition.
The U.K. newspaper group reported a 26% operating income decline in local
currency terms for the third quarter compared to a year ago, as an increase in
advertising revenue was more than offset by circulation revenue declines. The
improvement in advertising was primarily driven by growth at The Sun and The
News of the World on the strength of higher classified and display
advertisements. Circulation revenue declined as higher revenues at The Times
and The Sunday Times were more than offset by cover price reductions at The Sun.
As a result of this initiative, The Sun has expanded its circulation by 3% and
its competitive lead by 8% compared to the third quarter a year ago.
The Australian newspaper group reported a 6% increase in operating income in
local currency terms, driven by an 8% increase in advertising revenue over a
year ago and a 3% increase in circulation revenue. Advertising growth was
driven primarily by strength in display advertising, with continued growth in
retail and real estate and a strong rebound in the national category.
Classified advertising also experienced strong growth, particularly in
employment.
BOOK PUBLISHING
HarperCollins reported operating income of US$23 million versus US$22 million in
the same period a year ago. The solid quarterly results reflected the strong
performance across all divisions worldwide and an array of bestsellers led by
Zondervan's blockbuster sales of The Purpose Driven Life. During the quarter,
HarperCollins had 51 books on The New York Times bestseller lists, including six
titles that reached #1.
OTHER
Subsequent to quarter-end, the Company, along with Telecom Italia, completed the
previously announced acquisition of the Italian pay-TV business Telepiu from
Vivendi Universal and combined it with Stream. News Corporation now owns 80.1%
of the combined entity.
On April 9, the Company and Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (FEG), an 80.6%-owned
News Corporation subsidiary, announced a definitive agreement to acquire 34% of
Hughes Electronics for approximately US$6.6 billion in cash and stock. The
closing of this transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including
approval by General Motors shareholders, a favorable ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service and regulatory clearance. At closing, News Corporation's
ownership interest will be transferred to FEG, in exchange for US$4.5 billion in
promissory notes and approximately 74.2 million shares in FEG, increasing News
Corporation's ownership interest in FEG to approximately 82%.
REVIEW OF ASSOCIATED ENTITIES RESULTS
Third quarter net losses from associated entities before other items were A$40
million versus losses of A$24 million a year ago. The year-over-year decline
was primarily due to the inclusion of Stream losses partially offset by the
recognition of BSkyB earnings in the current year quarter.
The Company's share of associated entities' earnings (losses) is as follows:
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
% Owned 2003 2002* 2003 2002*
US $ Millions US $ Millions
Platforms:
BSkyB 35.4% (a) $ 27 $ - $ 46 $ (27)
(b)
FOXTEL - Australia 25.0% (2) (2) (6) (6)
Sky Latin America:
Sky Brasil 48.5% (c) 1 (8) (56) (21)
Innova - Mexico 30.0% (10) (1) (27) (20)
Other Various (5) (9) (19) (31)
Stream 50.0% (d) (50) - (150) -
Channels:
Fox Sports Cable Networks Various (1) (5) 8 (1)
STAR Associates:
ESPN STAR Sports 50.0% 1 - 2 (4)
Other STAR Various (e) (2) (3) (7) (5)
Other Associates Various (f) 15 16 48 47
Total associated entities' $(26) $ (12) $ (161) $ (68)
earnings (losses) before other items
Other items (14) 1 (81) (573)
Total associated entities' $(40) $ (11) $ (242) $ (641)
earnings (losses)
Total associated entities' A$ (40) A$ (24) A$ (283) A$ (133)
earnings (losses) before other
items in A$
Further details on the associated entities follow.
(a) The Company's investment basis in BSkyB was negative from 31 December, 2001
through 11 November, 2002. Accordingly, the Company's share of BSkyB's results
were not recognised during this period.
(b) For the nine months ended 31 March, 2002, the Company's share of BSkyB was
36.3%.
(c) For the nine months ended 31 March, 2002, the Company's share of Sky Brasil
(formerly NetSat) was 36%.
(d) The Company's share of Stream's start-up losses were not included through 31
March, 2002.
(e) Primarily comprising Phoenix Satellite Television, Taiwan Cable Systems, and
Hathway Cable.
(f) Primarily comprising Gemstar-TV Guide International, Independent Newspapers
Limited, Queensland Press, The National Geographic Channels, Fox Family
Worldwide (until it was sold in October 2001), and Fox Sports International
(until the remaining interest was purchased and consolidated in December 2001).
*Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
fiscal year presentation.
BSkyB (in STG) - United Kingdom 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
Millions (except Millions (except
subscribers) subscribers)
Revenues # 819 # 707 # 2,330 # 2,028
EBITDA before exceptional items(1) 123 79 325 190
Depreciation and amortisation (56) (49) (164) (150)
Operating profit before exceptional items 67 30 161 40
Net income (loss) before exceptional items # 15 # (29) # 51 # (254)
AGAAP adjustment (in US$) (2) 19 23 48 113
News' 35/36% share (in US$) $ 27 $ 7 $ 77 $ (20)
Investment basis adjustment (a) - (7) (31) (7)
News' reportable share (in US$) $ 27 $ - $ 46 $ (27)
Net Debt (excluding capitalized leases) # 1,317 # 1,693
Ending Subscribers 10,628,000 10,098,000
DTH Subscribers 6,712,000 5,887,000
BSkyB's quarterly revenues increased 16% largely due to DTH subscriber growth,
an increase in average revenue per subscriber and improved advertising revenues.
EBITDA before exceptional items increased 56% due to increased revenues,
partially offset by higher programming expenses from increased sports rights
costs (mainly soccer and cricket) as well as higher marketing and subscriber
management costs.
FOXTEL (in A$) - Australia 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
Millions (except Millions (except
subscribers) subscribers)
Revenues A$ 180 A$ 136 A$ 468 A$ 387
EBITDA (1) (9) (10) (29) (31)
Depreciation and amortisation (13) (12) (37) (35)
Operating loss (22) (22) (66) (66)
Net loss A$ (13) A$ (16) A$ (43) A$ (46)
News' reportable 25% share (in US$) $ (2) $ (2) $ (6) $ (6)
Ending Subscribers (including Optus) 1,047,000 793,000
FOXTEL's revenues for the quarter increased 32% principally due to the inclusion
of Optus wholesale subscribers as of 1 December, 2002, an increase of 11% in
satellite subscribers compared to a year ago and higher average revenue per
subscriber. EBITDA losses for the quarter decreased by A$1 million against the
prior year as the increase in revenues was offset by Optus license fee costs,
increased sports programming and Fox Footy Channel costs. While total
subscribers including Optus fell during the quarter, this reflected a drop in
Optus subscribers with FOXTEL subscribers increasing during the period.
Sky Brasil (in US$) 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
Millions (except Millions (except
subscribers) subscribers)
Revenues (in local currency) R$ 140 R$ 108 R$ 408 R$ 364
Revenues $ 40 $ 46 $ 119 $ 146
EBITDA(1) 2 (4) (4) (6)
Depreciation and amortisation (3) (3) (9) (10)
Operating loss (1) (7) (13) (16)
Net income (loss) $ 2 $ (24) $ (134) $ (59)
News' reportable 48.5%/36% share (in $ 1 $ (8) $ (56) $ (21)
US$)
Net Debt (excluding capitalized leases) $ 211 $ 211
Ending Subscribers 740,000 710,000
Sky Brasil's revenues grew 30% in local currency terms compared to the prior
year quarter, principally due to a higher subscriber base and increased average
revenue per subscriber. This was partly offset by increased programming costs,
mainly relating to the Brazilian Soccer Championships. Currency fluctuations had
a minimal effect on EBITDA for the quarter as the effect on revenues and
expenses were offsetting. The decrease in net loss principally reflects the
favourable impact of foreign currency fluctuations due to the strengthening of
the Brazilian Real on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities during the quarter.
Innova (in US$) - Mexico 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
Millions (except Millions (except
subscribers) subscribers)
Revenues (in local currency) Ps 858 Ps 797 Ps 2,497 Ps 2,357
Revenues $ 79 $ 87 $ 243 $ 256
EBITDA(1) 24 16 74 34
Depreciation and amortisation (16) (20) (53) (62)
Operating income (loss) 8 (4) 21 (28)
Net loss $ (32) $ (5) $ (90) $ (68)
News' reportable 30% share (in US$) $ (10) $ (1) $ (27) $ (20)
Net Debt (excluding capitalized leases) $ 352 $ 369
Ending Subscribers 780,000 727,000
Innova's revenues, which grew 8% in local currency terms in the quarter,
decreased on a reported basis due to the decline of the average Mexican Peso
versus the U.S. dollar. Innova's EBITDA growth principally reflects the absence
of costs associated with the satellite dish repositioning that was completed in
the prior year, combined with lower marketing and promotion costs. The increase
in net loss principally reflects the unfavourable impact of foreign currency
fluctuations due to the weakening of the Mexican Peso on U.S. dollar denominated
liabilities during the quarter.
Fox Sports Cable 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Networks* (in US$) 31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
Millions (except Millions (except
subscribers) subscribers)
Net income (loss) $ (1) $ (11) $ 8 $ (35)
AGAAP Adjustments (2) - 6 - 34
News' reportable share* $ (1) $ (5) $ 8 $ (1)
Ending Subscribers 44,110,000 50,556,000
The decrease in net loss reported by Fox Sports Cable Networks for the quarter
primarily reflects the effect of cost savings at the Metro Channels and improved
results at the Rainbow RSNs. Also contributing to the improvement was lower
amortization expense due to the adoption of SFAS 142.
*Various associated interests ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent, primarily
comprising Regional Programming Partners (including Madison Square Garden),
Sunshine Network (until January 2002), Fox Sports Bay Area, Fox Sports Chicago,
National Sports Partnership and National Advertising Partnership.
ESPN STAR Sports (in US$) - Asia 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
Millions Millions
Revenues $ 34 $ 30 $ 110 $ 92
EBITDA(1) 4 3 11 -
Depreciation and amortisation (1) (1) (4) (5)
Operating income (loss) 3 2 7 (5)
Net income (loss) $ 1 $ 1 $ 3 $ (7)
News' reportable 50% share $ 1 $ - $ 2 $ (4)
Revenue for the quarter reflects increased subscription revenues principally due
to subscriber and rate growth in India and Hong Kong, as well as higher
advertising revenues from New Zealand cricket events. EBITDA improved US$1
million as the increase in revenues was partially offset by higher programming
and production costs associated with the New Zealand cricket events.
Foreign Exchange Rates
Average foreign exchange rates used in the year-to-date profit results are as
follows:
9 Months Ended
31 March,
2003 2002
Australian Dollar/U.S Dollar 0.57 0.51
U.K. Pounds Sterling/U.S. Dollar 1.57 1.44
1 EBITDA, defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization,
eliminates the variable effect across all associated entities of non-cash
depreciation and amortization. Since, EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure it should be
considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net
income (loss), cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in
accordance with GAAP. EBITDA does not reflect cash available to fund
requirements, and the items excluded from EBITDA, such as depreciation and
amortization, are significant components in assessing the associated entities'
financial performance.
2 Principally reflects adjustments for reporting under Australian Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles ("AGAAP") relating to identifiable intangible
amortisation.
To receive a copy of this press release through the Internet, access News Corp's
corporate Web site located at http://www.newscorp.com
Audio from News Corp's conference call with analysts on the third quarter
results can be heard live on the Internet at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Australia)
today. To listen to the call, visit http://www.newscorp.com
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are
based on management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business
performance as of the time the statements are made. Actual results may differ
materially from these expectations due to changes in global economic, business,
competitive market and regulatory factors. More detailed information about
these and other factors that could affect future results is contained in our
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The "forward-looking
statements" included in this document are made only as of the date of this
document and we do not have any obligation to publicly update any "
forward-looking statements" to reflect subsequent events or circumstances,
except as required by law.
CONTACTS:
Reed Nolte, Investor Relations Andrew Butcher, Press Inquiries
212-852-7092 212-852-7070
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE (a) 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Note 31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
A$ Millions (except per share amounts)
Sales revenue 1 $ 7,432 $ 7,437 $ 22,783 $ 22,075
Operating expenses (6,271) (6,375) (19,313) (19,350)
Operating income 1 1,161 1,062 3,470 2,725
Net loss from associated entities (63) (19) (427) (1,245)
Borrowing costs (243) (305) (769) (958)
Interest income 55 63 149 191
Net borrowing costs (188) (242) (620) (767)
Dividend on exchangeable preferred (21) (24) (67) (71)
securities
Other items before income tax, net (54) (8,227) (101) (8,504)
Profit (loss) from ordinary activities 835 (7,450) 2,255 (7,862)
before income tax
Income tax expense on:
Ordinary activities before change in (287) (241) (787) (526)
accounting policy and other items
Other items 38 18 60 (101)
Net income tax expense (249) (223) (727) (627)
Net profit (loss) from ordinary 586 (7,673) 1,528 (8,489)
activities after tax
Net profit attributable to outside (115) (74) (332) (296)
equity interests
Net Profit (Loss) Attributable to $ 471 $ (7,747) $ 1,196 $ (8,785)
Members of the Parent Entity
Net exchange gains (losses) recognised (2,104) (1,736) (1,733) (1,514)
directly in equity
Other items recognised directly in - - 152 (267)
equity
Total change in equity other than those $ (1,633) $ (9,483) $ (385) $ (10,566)
resulting from transactions with owners
as owners
Basic/diluted earnings per share on net
profit (loss) attributable to members
of the parent entity
Ordinary shares $0.079 $(1.367) $0.201 $(1.598)
Preferred limited voting ordinary $0.095 $(1.641) $0.241 $(1.917)
shares
Ordinary and preferred limited voting $0.089 $(1.534) $0.226 $(1.790)
ordinary shares
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 March, 30 June,
2003 2002
ASSETS A$ Millions
Current Assets
Cash $ 8,096 $ 6,337
Receivables 6,150 5,809
Inventories 1,938 1,935
Other 427 566
Total Current Assets 16,611 14,647
Non-Current Assets
Receivables 794 796
Investments in associated entities 6,237 6,875
Other investments 1,503 1,712
Inventories 4,078 4,232
Property, plant and equipment 6,308 6,671
Publishing rights, titles and television licenses 34,114 35,348
Goodwill 421 455
Other 709 705
Total Non-Current Assets 54,164 56,794
Total Assets $ 70,775 $ 71,441
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities $ 58 $ 1,856
Payables 7,714 8,073
Tax liabilities 442 848
Provisions 383 228
Total Current Liabilities 8,597 11,005
Non-Current Liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities 13,009 13,585
Payables 4,212 4,054
Tax liabilities 1,103 434
Provisions 1,102 1,205
Total Non-Current Liabilities Excluding Exchangeable Preferred 19,426 19,278
Securities
Exchangeable preferred securities 2,246 1,690
Total Liabilities 30,269 31,973
Shareholders' Equity
Contributed equity 28,299 28,239
Reserves 4,336 6,351
Retained profits 1,292 1
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of the parent entity 33,927 34,591
Outside equity interests in controlled entities 6,579 4,877
Total Shareholders' Equity 40,506 39,468
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 70,775 $ 71,441
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 9 Months Ended 31 March,
2003 2002
Operating Activity A$ Millions
Net profit (loss) attributable to members of the parent entity $ 1,196 $ (8,785)
Adjustment for non-cash and non-operating activities:
Equity earnings, net 317 190
Depreciation and amortisation 553 565
Provisions 518 250
Other items, net 184 9,798
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables (726) (570)
Inventories (168) (19)
Payables 551 653
Cash provided by operating activity 2,425 2,082
Investing and other activity
Property, plant and equipment (421) (407)
Investments (1,584) (3,301)
Repayment of loan by associate 170 -
Proceeds from sale of non-current assets 166 4,462
Cash (used in) provided by investing activity (1,669) 754
Financing activity
Issuance of debt and exchangeable preferred securities 3,456 -
Repayment of debt and exchangeable preferred securities (4,154) (2,314)
Issuance of shares 2,045 123
Dividends paid (152) (182)
Leasing and other finance costs (3) (2)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activity 1,192 (2,375)
Net increase in cash 1,948 461
Opening cash balance 6,337 5,615
Exchange movement on opening balance (189) (192)
Closing cash balance $ 8,096 $ 5,884
Note 1 - SEGMENT DATA 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
BY GEOGRAPHIC AREAS 2003 2002 2003 2002
A$ Millions A$ Millions
Revenues
United States $ 5,706 $ 5,730 $ 17,561 $ 16,925
United Kingdom 1,115 1,128 3,339 3,357
Australasia 611 579 1,883 1,793
$ 7,432 $ 7,437 $ 22,783 $ 22,075
Operating Income
United States $ 911 $ 748 $ 2,813 $ 1,965
United Kingdom 175 247 426 608
Australasia 75 67 231 152
$ 1,161 $ 1,062 $ 3,470 $ 2,725
BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT
Revenues
Filmed Entertainment $ 1,975 $ 2,045 $ 5,982 $ 6,046
Television 1,897 2,076 6,355 6,221
Cable Network Programming 924 901 2,832 2,535
Magazines and Inserts 450 464 1,190 1,232
Newspapers 1,191 1,172 3,502 3,471
Book Publishing 410 467 1,627 1,639
Other 585 312 1,295 931
$ 7,432 $ 7,437 $ 22,783 $ 22,075
Operating Income
Filmed Entertainment $ 342 $ 310 $ 983 $ 772
Television 352 222 991 543
Cable Network Programming 159 141 591 321
Magazines and Inserts 129 140 328 332
Newspapers 198 244 485 608
Book Publishing 36 42 228 203
Other (55) (37) (136) (54)
$ 1,161 $ 1,062 $ 3,470 $ 2,725
Note 2 - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
The Company considers net profit before other items to be an important indicator
of the Company's operating performance on a consolidated basis. Net profit
before other items, defined as net profit (loss) attributable to members of the
parent entity before other items related to the Company and associated entities,
net of applicable income tax expenses and outside equity interests, eliminates
the effect of transactions that are considered significant by reason of their
size, nature or effect on the Company's financial performance for the year. Net
profit before other items should be considered in addition to, not as a
substitute for the Company's operating income, net profit (loss) attributable to
members of the parent entity, cash flows and other measures of financial
performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in Australia. Net profit before other items does not reflect cash available to
fund requirements, and the items excluded from net profit before other items,
such as other revenues and expenses, are significant components in assessing the
Company's financial performance.
The following table reconciles certain components of net profit (loss)
attributable to members of the parent entity as presented on page 2 of this
release to the presentation required under Australian GAAP as required by
Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1018 "Statement of Financial Performance" on
page 12 of this release.
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
A$ Millions A$ Millions
Total other items (page 2) $ (38) $ (8,203) $ (184) $ (9,798)
Reclassification of other items -
associated 23 (5) 144 1,112
entities
Reclassification of income tax and net
profit (39) (19) (61) 182
attributable to outside equity
interest
Other items before income tax, net $ (54) $ (8,227) $ (101) $ (8,504)
(page 12)
Associated entities before other items $ (40) $ (24) $ (283) $ (133)
(page 2)
Reclassification of other items -
associated (23) 5 (144) (1,112)
entities
Net loss from associated entities (page $ (63) $ (19) $ (427) $ (1,245)
12)
Income tax expense (page 2) $ (287) $ (241) $ (787) $ (526)
Reclassification of income tax expense
on other items 38 18 60 (101)
Net income tax expense (page 12) $ (249) $ (223) $ (727) $ (627)
Outside equity interest (page 2) $ (116) $ (75) $ (333) $ (215)
Reclassification of outside equity
interest on 1 1 1 (81)
other items, net
Net profit attributable to outside $ (115) $ (74) $ (332) $(296)
equity interest (page 12)
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA (continued)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
31 March, 31 March,
2003 2002 2003 2002
A$ Millions A$ Millions
Net profit before other items (page 2) $ 509 $ 456 $ 1,380 $ 1,013
Other items before income tax, net (54) (8,227) (101) (8,504)
Reclassification of income tax and net
profit 39 19 61 (182)
attributable to outside equity
interest
Reclassification of other items -
associated entities (23) 5 (144) (1,112)
Net profit (loss) attributable to
members of the parent entity (page
12) $471 $(7,747) $ 1,196 $ (8,785)
Earnings per share on net profit before
other items, net (page 2) $ 0.097 $0.088 $0.262 $0.198
Earnings per share on other items before
income tax, net (0.010) (1.627) (0.020) (1.725)
Earnings per share on reclassification
of income tax and net profit
attributable to outside equity interest 0.007 0.004 0.012 (0.037)
Earnings per share on reclassification
of other items - associated entities (0.005) 0.001 (0.028) (0.226)
Basic/diluted earnings per share on net
profit (loss) attributable to members of
the parent entity (page 12) $0.089 $(1.534) $0.226 $(1.790)
--------------------------
a Previously referred to as "abnormal items". This caption has been changed to
be consistent with the presentation contained in the Statement of Financial
Performance on page 12 of this release.
a Following the issuance in June 2002 of the revised Australian Accounting
Standard AASB 1018 "Statement of Financial Performance" this statement has been
reformatted from previous presentations to be consistent with the format
prescribed in the revised Australian Accounting Standard.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
QRTUOROROARVAAR