SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 2005

Commission file number 1-6714

The Washington Post Company


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware
53-0182885
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or
organization)
 53-0182885
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
1150 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
20071
(Address of principal executive offices) 20071
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (202) 334-6000

Securities registered pursuantRegistered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

   
  Name of each exchange on
Title of each class on which registered

 
Class B Common Stock, par value
$1.00 per sharePar Value
 New York Stock Exchange
$1.00 Per Share

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. Yesþ No.o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yesþ No o

Aggregate market value of the Company’s voting stock held by non-affiliates on February 28, 2002,June 27, 2004, based on the closing price for the Company’s Class B Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date: approximately $3,030,000,000.$4,927,000,000.

Shares of common stock outstanding at February 28, 2002:18, 2005:

Class A Common Stock 1,722,250 shares
Class B Common Stock — 7,778,253– 7,866,357 shares

Documents partially incorporated by reference:

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(incorporated in Part III to the extent provided in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 hereof).




THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY 2004 FORM 10-K
   Definitive Proxy Statement
PART IPage
Item 1.Business1
Newspaper Publishing1
Television Broadcasting3
Cable Television Operations7
Education10
Magazine Publishing13
Other Activities15
Production and Raw Materials15
Competition16
Executive Officers18
Employees19
Forward-Looking Statements20
Available Information20
Item 2.Properties20
Item 3.Legal Proceedings22
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders22
PART II
Item 5.Market for the Company’s 2002 Annual MeetingRegistrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Stockholders (incorporatedEquity Securities22
Item 6.Selected Financial Data22
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations22
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk22
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data23
Item 9.Changes in Partand Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure23
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures23
Item 9B.Other Information24
PART III
Item 10.Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant24
Item 11.Executive Compensation24
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters25
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions25
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services25
PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules25
SIGNATURES26
INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION27
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition28
  Financial Statements and Schedules:
    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm38
    Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Fiscal Years
      Ended January 2, 2005
39
    Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 2, 2005 and December 28, 200340
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Fiscal Years Ended January 2, 200542
    Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Fiscal Years Ended January 2, 200543
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements44
    Financial Statement Schedule for the extent provided in Items 10, 11, 12Three Fiscal Years Ended January 2, 2005:
      II — Valuation and 13 hereof).Qualifying Accounts59
  Ten-Year Summary of Selected Historical Financial Data (Unaudited)60
INDEX TO EXHIBITS63




 

PART I

Item 1. Business.

The principal business activities of The Washington Post Company (the “Company”) consist of newspaper publishing (principallyThe Washington Post), television broadcasting (through the ownership and operation of six network-affiliatedtelevision broadcast stations), the ownership and operation of cable television systems, the provision of educational services (through its Kaplan subsidiary), and magazine publishing (principallyNewsweekmagazine), and (through its Kaplan subsidiary) the provision of educational services.

.

Information concerning the consolidated operating revenues, consolidated income from operations and identifiable assets attributable to the principal segments of the Company’s business for the last three fiscal years is contained in Note LN to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (Revenues for each segment are shown in such Note LN net of intersegment sales, which did not exceed 0.1% of consolidated operating revenues.)

         During each of the last three years the

The Company’s operations in geographic areas outside the United States (consisting primarily of Kaplan’s foreign operations and the publication of the international editions ofNewsweek) during the Company’s 2004, 2003 and 2002 fiscal years accounted for less than 4%approximately 6%, 5% and 3%, respectively, of the Company’sits consolidated revenues, and the identifiable assets attributable to such operations represented approximately 6% of the Company’s consolidated assets at January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, and less than 2% of the Company’s consolidated assets.

assets at December 29, 2002.

Newspaper Publishing

The Washington Post

WP Company LLC (“WP Company”), a subsidiary of the Company, publishesThe Washington Post,which is a morning and Sunday newspaper primarily distributed by home delivery in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including large portions of Virginia and Maryland.

The following table shows the average paid daily (including Saturday) and Sunday circulation ofThe Postfor the twelve-month12-month periods ended September 30 in each of the last five years, as reported by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (“ABC”) for the years 1997-20002000–2003 and as estimated byThe Postfor the twelve-month12-month period ended September 30, 20012004 (for which period ABC had not completed its audit as of the date of this report) from the semi-annualsemiannual publisher’s statements submitted to ABC for the six-month periods ended March 31, 20012004 and September 30, 2001:2004:
         
  Average Paid Circulation
  
  Daily Sunday
  
 
1997  784,199   1,109,344 
1998  774,414   1,095,091 
1999  775,005   1,085,060 
2000  777,521   1,075,918 
2001  770,579   1,065,226 
         
  Average Paid Circulation
   
  Daily Sunday
   
2000  777,521   1,075,918 
2001  771,614   1,066,723 
2002  767,843   1,058,458 
2003  749,323   1,035,204 
2004  729,981   1,016,533 

The newsstand price for the daily newspaper was increased from $0.25 (which had been the price since 1981) to $0.35 effective December 31, 2001. The newsstand price for the Sunday newspaper has been $1.50 since 1992. TheIn July 2004 the rate charged for home-delivered copies of the daily and Sunday newspaper has been $11.88 for each four-week period was increased to $14.40 from $13.44, which had been the rate since February 2001, while theJuly 2003. The corresponding rate charged for Sunday-only home-deliveryhome delivery has been $6.00 since 1991.

General advertising rates were increased by an average of approximately 5.3% on January 1, 2001,2004, and by approximately another 4.8%4.5% on January 1, 2002.2005. Rates for most categories of classified and retail advertising were increased by an average of 4.5%approximately 3.2% on February 1, 2001,2004, and by approximately an additional 4.5%3.4% on February 1, 2002.

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2005.

The following table sets forthThe Post’s advertising inches (excluding preprints) and number of preprints for the past five years:
                                          
 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001  2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
 
 
 
 
 
  
Total Inches (in thousands)Total Inches (in thousands) 3,192 3,199 3,288 3,363 2,714 Total Inches (in thousands)  3,363  2,714  2,657  2,675  2,726 
Full-Run Inches 2,897 2,806 2,745 2,634 2,295 Full-Run Inches  2,634  2,296  2,180  2,121  2,120 
Part-Run Inches 294 393 543 729 419 Part-Run Inches  729  418  477  554  606 
Preprints (in millions)Preprints (in millions) 1,549 1,650 1,647 1,602 1,556 Preprints (in millions)  1,602  1,556  1,656  1,835  1,887 
2004 FORM 10-K
1

The Post


WP Company also publishesThe Washington Post National Weekly Edition,, a tabloid whichthat contains selected articles and features fromThe Washington Post edited for a national audience. TheNational Weekly Editionhas a basic subscription price of $78 per year and is delivered by second classsecond-class mail to approximately 47,00042,000 subscribers.

The Posthas about 690645 full-time editors, correspondents, reporters and photographers on its staff,staff; draws upon the news reporting facilities of the major wire servicesservices; and maintains correspondents in 21 news centers abroad and in New York City; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Chicago; Miami; Austin, Texas; and Austin, Texas.Seattle, Washington.The Postalso maintains correspondentsreporters in 12 local news bureaus.

In August 2003, Express Publications Company, LLC (“Express Publications”), another subsidiary of the Company, began publishing a weekday tabloid newspaper namedExpress,which is distributed free of charge using hawkers and news boxes near Metro stations and in other locations in Washington, D.C. and nearby suburbs with heavy daytime sidewalk traffic. A typical edition ofExpressis 28 to 36 pages long and contains short news, entertainment and sports stories as well as both classified and display advertising. Current daily circulation is approximately 157,000 copies.Expressrelies primarily on wire service and syndicated content and is edited by a full-time newsroom staff of 13. Advertising sales, production, and certain other services forExpressare provided by WP Company.
Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive

Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive Company, LLC (“WPNI”) develops news and information products for electronic distribution. Since July 1996 this subsidiary of the Company has produced washingtonpost.com, a World Wide Weban Internet site that features the full editorial text ofThe Washington Postand most ofThe Post’s classified advertising, as well as original content created by WPNI’s staff and content obtained from other sources. ThisAs measured by WPNI, this site is currently generating more than 140190 million page views per month. The washingtonpost.com site also features comprehensive information about activities, groups and businesses in the Washington, D.C. area, including an arts and entertainment section and a news section focusing on regional technology businesses.

businesses and related policy issues. This site has developed a substantial audience of users who are outside of the Washington, D.C. area, and WPNI believes that at least three-quarters of the unique users who access the site each month are in that category. Since 2002 WPNI has required most users accessing the washingtonpost.com site to register and provide their year of birth, gender and zip code. The resulting information helps WPNI provide online advertisers with opportunities to target specific geographic areas and demographic groups. Early in 2004 this registration process was modified to include the collection of additional information from users, including job title and the type of industry in which the user works. WPNI also offers registered users the option of receiving various e-mail newsletters that cover specific topics, including political news and analysis, personal technology, and entertainment.

WPNI also produces theNewsweekWebInternet site, which was launched in 1998 and contains editorial content from the print edition ofNewsweekas well as daily news updates and analysis, photo galleries, Webweb guides and other features. In addition,
On January 14, 2005, WPNI operatespurchasedSlate, an online magazine that was founded by Microsoft Corporation in 1996.Slatefeatures articles analyzing news, politics and contemporary culture, and adds new material on a daily basis. Content is supplied by theNewsbytes News Network, a newswire service that electronically distributes approximately 60 news stories a day about the information technology, Internet, telecommunications and related industries to newspapers, magazines, online services and other subscribers around the world.

magazine’s own editorial staff as well as by independent contributors.

WPNI holds a minority equity interest in Classified Ventures LLC, a company formed to compete in the business of providing nationwide classified advertising databases on the Internet. The Classified Ventures databases cover the product categories of automobiles, apartment rentals and real estate. Listings for these databases come from various sources, including direct sales and classified listings from the newspapers of participating companies. Links to the Classified Ventures databases are included in the washingtonpost.com site.

         In June

Under an agreement signed in 2000 and amended in 2003, WPNI together with certainand several other business units of the Company signed an agreement with NBC News and MSNBC pursuant to which the parties sharehave been sharing certain news material and promotional resources.resources with NBC News and MSNBC. Among other things, under this agreement theNewsweekWeb sitewebsite has become a feature on MSNBC.com and MSNBC.com is being provided access to certain content fromThe Washington Post. Similarly, washingtonpost.com is being provided access to certain MSNBC.com multimedia content.
Community Newspaper Division of Post-Newsweek Media
The Community Newspaper Division of Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. publishes two weekly paid-circulation, three twice-weekly paid-circulation and 34 controlled-circulation weekly community newspapers. This division’s newspapers are divided into two groups:The Gazette Newspapers, which circulate in Montgomery, Prince George’s and Frederick Counties and in parts of Carroll County, Maryland; andSouthern Maryland Newspapers, which circulate in southern Prince George’s County and in Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties, Maryland. During 2004 these newspapers had a
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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


combined average circulation of approximately 680,000 copies. This division also produces military newspapers (most of which are weekly) under agreements where editorial material is supplied by local military bases; in 2004 the 12 military newspapers produced by this division had a combined average circulation of more than 195,000 copies.
The Gazette NewspapersandSouthern Maryland Newspaperstogether employ approximately 165 editors, reporters and photographers.
This division also operates two commercial printing businesses in suburban Maryland.
The Herald

The Company owns The Daily Herald Company, publisher ofThe Heraldin Everett, Washington, about 30 miles north of Seattle.The Heraldis published mornings seven days a week and

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is primarily distributed by home delivery in Snohomish County. The Daily Herald Company also provides commercial printing services and publishes sixfour controlled-circulation weekly community newspapers (collectively knowknown asThe Enterprise Newspapers) that are distributed in south Snohomish and north King Counties.

The Herald’s average paid circulation as reported to ABC for the twelve12 months ended September 30, 2001,2004, was 52,36650,659 daily (including Saturday) and 61,09655,899 Sunday. The aggregate average weekly circulation ofThe Enterprise Newspapersduring the twelve-month12-month period ended December 31, 2001,2004, was approximately 71,00077,500 copies.

The HeraldandThe Enterprise Newspaperstogether employ approximately 7580 editors, reporters and photographers.

Community Newspaper Division of Post-Newsweek Media

         The Community Newspaper Division of Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. (which was created by the merger in 2001 of The Gazette Newspapers, Inc. and Post Newsweek Tech Media Group, Inc.) publishes two weekly paid-circulation, three twice-weekly paid circulation and 39 controlled-circulation weekly community newspapers. This division’s newspapers are divided into two groups:The Gazette Newspapers, which circulate in Montgomery and Frederick Counties and in parts of Prince George’s, Carroll, Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland; andSouthern Maryland Newspapers, which circulate in southern Prince George’s County and in Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties, Maryland. During 2001 these newspapers had a combined average circulation of approximately 669,000 copies. This division also produces 11 military newspapers (most of which are weekly) under agreements where editorial material is supplied by local military bases; in 2001 these newspapers had a combined average circulation of over 200,000 copies.

The Gazette NewspapersandSouthern Maryland Newspaperstogether employ approximately 165 editors, reporters and photographers.

         This division also operates two commercial printing businesses in suburban Maryland.

Greater Washington Publishing

The Company’s Greater Washington Publishing, Inc. subsidiary publishes several free-circulation advertising periodicals whichthat have little or no editorial content and are distributed in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area using sidewalk distribution boxes. Greater Washington Publishing’s two largest periodicals areThe Washington Post Apartment Showcase,, which is published monthly and has an average circulation of about 55,000 copies, andNew Homes Guide,, which is published six times a year and also has an average circulation of about 55,000 copies.

El Tiempo Latino
In May 2004 the Company acquired El Tiempo Latino LLC, the publisher ofEl Tiempo Latino, a weekly Spanish-language newspaper that is distributed free of charge in northern Virginia, suburban Maryland and Washington, D.C. using sidewalk news boxes and retail locations that provide space for distribution.El Tiempo Latinoprovides a mix of local, national and international news along with sports and community-events coverage, and has a current circulation of approximately 45,000 copies. Employees of the newspaper handle advertising sales as well as pre-press production, and content is provided by a combination of wire service copy, contributions from freelance writers and photographers, and stories produced by the newspaper’s own editorial staff.
Television Broadcasting

Through subsidiaries, the Company owns six VHF television stations located in Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida; which are, respectively, the 10th, 11th, 15th,17th, 20th, 37th and 53rd52nd largest broadcasting markets in the United States. Each of the Company’s stations is affiliated with a national network. Although network affiliation agreements generally have limited terms, each
Five of the Company’s television stations has maintained a network affiliation continuously for at least 20 years.

are affiliated with one or another of the major national networks. The Company’s 2001Jacksonville station, WJXT, has operated as an independent station since July 2002.

The Company’s 2004 net operating revenues from national and local television advertising and network compensation were as follows:

      
National $130,659,000 
Local  209,256,000 
Network  17,735,000 
     
 Total $357,650,000 
     
2004 FORM 10-K
3


 

      
National $90,914,000 
Local  193,572,000 
Network  28,471,000 
   
 
 Total $312,957,000 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each of the Company’s television stations:
                                         
Station Location and Expiration Expiration Total Commercial       Expiration Total Commercial
Year Commercial National Date of Date of Stations in DMA(b) National   Expiration Date of Stations in DMA(b)
Operation Market Network FCC Network 
 Market Network Date of FCC Network  
Commenced Ranking(a) Affiliation License Agreement Allocated Operating Ranking(a) Affiliation License Agreement Allocated Operating

 
 
 
 
 
 
WDIV 10th NBC Oct. 1, Dec. 31, VHF-4 VHF-4  10th  NBC Oct. 1, Dec. 31,  VHF-4  VHF-4 
Detroit, Mich 2005 2011 UHF-6 UHF-5
Detroit, Mich.        2005  2011  UHF-6  UHF-5 
1947                    
KPRC 11th NBC Aug. 1, Dec. 31, VHF-3 VHF-3  11th  NBC Aug. 1, Dec. 31,  VHF-3  VHF-3 
Houston, Tx 2006 2011 UHF-11 UHF-11
Houston, Tx.        2006  2011  UHF-11  UHF-11 
1949                    
WPLG 15th ABC Feb. 1, Dec. 31, VHF-5 VHF-5  17th  ABC Feb. 1, Dec. 31,  VHF-5  VHF-5 
Miami, Fla 2005 2004 UHF-8 UHF-8
Miami, Fla.        2005(c)  2009  UHF-8  UHF-8 
1961                    
WKMG 20th CBS Feb. 1, Apr. 6, VHF-3 VHF-3  20th  CBS Feb. 1, Apr. 6,  VHF-3  VHF-3 
Orlando, Fla 2005 2005 UHF-11 UHF-10
Orlando, Fla.        2013  2015  UHF-11  UHF-10 
1954                    
KSAT 37th ABC Aug. 1, Dec. 31, VHF-4 VHF-4  37th  ABC Aug. 1, Dec. 31,  VHF-4  VHF-4 
San Antonio, Tx 2006 2004 UHF-6 UHF-6
San Antonio, Tx.        2006  2009  UHF-6  UHF-6 
1957                    
WJXT 53rd CBS Feb. 1, July 10, VHF-2 VHF-2  52nd  None Feb. 1,    VHF-2  VHF-2 
Jacksonville, Fla 2005 2002 UHF-6 UHF-5
Jacksonville, Fla.        2013     UHF-6  UHF-5 
1947                    


(a)Source: 2001/20022004/2005 DMA Market Rankings, Nielsen Media Research, Fall 2001,2004, based on television homes in DMA (see note (b) below).
(b)Designated Market Area (“DMA”) is a market designation of A.C. Nielsen which defines each television market exclusive of another, based on measured viewing patterns. References to stations that are operating in each market are to stations that are broadcasting analog signals. However most of the stations in these markets are also engaged in digital broadcasting using the FCC-assigned channels for DTV operations.
(c)
The Company has filed a timely application to renew the FCC license of WPLG and such filing extends the effectiveness of the station’s existing license until the renewal application is acted upon.

Regulation of Broadcasting and Related Matters

The Company’s television broadcasting operations are subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Under authority of such Act the FCC, among other things, assigns frequency bands for broadcast and other uses; issues, revokes, modifies and renews broadcasting licenses for particular frequencies; determines the location and power of stations and establishes areas to be served; regulates equipment used by stations; and adopts and implements various regulations and policies whichthat directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operations and profitability of broadcasting stations.

Each of the Company’s television stations holds an FCC license which is renewable upon application for an eight-year period.

In December 1996 the FCC formally approved technical standards for digital advanced television (“DTV”). DTV is a flexible system that permits broadcasters to utilize a single digital

4


channel in various ways, including providing one channel of high-definition television (“HDTV”) programming with greatly enhanced image and sound quality or several channels of lower-definition television programming (“multicasting”), and also is capable of accommodating subscription video and data services. Available compression technology also allows broadcasters to transmit simultaneously one channel of HDTV programming and at least one channel of lower-definition programming. Broadcasters may offer a combination of services soas long as they transmit at least one stream of free video programming on the DTV channel. The FCC has assigned to each existing full-power television station (including each station owned by the Company) a second channel to implement DTV while present television operations are continued on that station’s existinganalog channel. Although in some cases a station’s DTV channel may only permit operation over a smaller geographic service area than that available using its existinganalog channel, the FCC’s stated goal in assigning channels was to provide stations with DTV service areas that are generally consistent with their existinganalog service areas. The FCC’s DTV rules also permit stations to request modifications to their assigned DTV facilities, allowing them to expand their DTV service areas if certain interference criteria are met. Under FCC rules and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, if specified DTV household penetration levels are met, station owners will be required to surrender one channel in 2006 and thereafter provide service solely in the DTV format if specified DTV household penetration levels are met.format.

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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


The Company’s Detroit, Houston and Miami stations each commenced DTV broadcast operations duringin 1999, while the Company’s Orlando station commenced such operations in 2001. The deadline established by the FCC for the Company’s two other stations (San Antonio and Jacksonville) to beginbegan DTV broadcast operations is May 1,in 2002.

In November 1998 the FCC issued a decision implementing the requirement of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that it charge broadcasters a fee for offering certain “ancillary and supplementary” services on the DTV channel. These services include data, video or other services that are offered on a subscription basis or for which broadcasters receive compensation other than from advertising revenue. In its decision, the FCC imposed a fee of 5% of the gross revenues generated by such services.
In rules adopted in April 2000,September 2004 the FCC also implementedestablished certain rules for the Community Broadcasters ActDTV operations of 1999, which provides interference protectionlow-power television stations. Among other things, the FCC decided to allow certain low-power television stations to use a second channel for DTV operations while continuing analog operations on their existing channels. Although the FCC decided that low-power television stations must accept interference from and avoid interference to full-power broadcasters on their second channels, the use of second channels by low-power television stations could cause additional interference to the signals of full-power stations. These rules provide several hundredThe FCC also decided that low-power television stations withmay convert to digital operations on their current analog channels, which might in some circumstances cause additional interference to the same protection from interference enjoyed bysignals of full-power stations withand limit the result that it may be more difficult for some existingability of full-power stations to altermodify their analog or DTV transmission facilities. Separately,
The FCC has a policy of reviewing its DTV rules every two years to determine whether those rules need to be adjusted in Januarylight of new developments. In September 2004 the FCC issued an order concerning the second periodic review of its DTV rules. This review broadly examined the rules and policies governing broadcasters’ DTV operations, including interference protection rules and various operating requirements. In that order the FCC established procedures by which stations will elect the channel on which they will operate after the transition to digital television is complete. In most cases, stations will choose between their current analog channel and current DTV channel, provided that those channels are between channels 2 and 51. All of the Company’s TV stations except for WKMG have two channels that are within this range; for WKMG, only its analog channel is within this range and, because of technical issues related to its analog channel, WKMG is seeking another channel between channels 2 and 51 to use as its DTV channel when all-digital operations commence.
The FCC has received comments in long-pending proceedings to determine what public interest obligations should apply to broadcasters’ DTV operations. Among other things, the FCC has asked whether it should require broadcasters to provide free time to political candidates, increase the amount of programming intended to meet the needs of minorities and women, and increase communication with the public regarding programming decisions. In November 2004 the FCC released a Report and Order adopting new obligations concerning children’s programming by digital television broadcasters (although some new obligations apply to the analog signals as well). Among other things, the FCC will require stations to air three hours of “core” children’s programming on their primary digital video streams and additional core children’s programming if they also broadcast free multicast video streams. Many of these requirements do not go into effect until 2006.
Pursuant to the “must-carry” requirements of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the “1992 Cable Act”), a commercial television broadcast station may, under certain circumstances, insist on carriage of its analog signal on cable systems serving the station’s market area. Alternatively, such stations may elect, at three-year intervals that began in October 1993, to forego must-carry rights and insist instead that their signals not be carried without their prior consent pursuant to a retransmission consent agreement. Stations that elect retransmission consent may negotiate for compensation from cable systems in the form of such things as mandatory advertising purchases by the system operator, station promotional announcements on the system, and cash payments to the station. The analog signal of each of the Company’s television stations, with the exception of WJXT, is being carried on all of the major cable systems in the stations’ respective local markets pursuant to retransmission consent agreements. WJXT’s analog signal is being carried on cable in WJXT’s local market pursuant to that station’s must-carry rights. The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 gave commercial television stations similar rights to elect either must-carry or retransmission consent with respect to the carriage of their analog signals on direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) systems that choose to provide “local-into-local” service (i.e., to distribute the signals of local television stations to viewers in the local market area). Stations made their first DBS carriage election in July 2001 and will make subsequent elections at three-year intervals beginning in October 2005. The analog signal of each of the Company’s television stations is being carried by DBS providers EchoStar and DirecTV on a local-into-local basis pursuant to retransmission consent agreements.
In 2001 the FCC issued an order governing the mandatory carriage of DTV signals by cable television operators. The FCC decided that, pending further inquiry, only stations that broadcast in a DTV-only mode would be entitled to mandatory carriage of their DTV signals. In defining how a DTV signal should be carried,On February 23, 2005, the FCC ruledissued another order in the same proceeding affirming its
2004 FORM 10-K
5


earlier decision and thus declined to require cable television operators to simultaneously carry both the analog and digital signals of television broadcast stations. In the same order, the FCC affirmed an earlier decision that only a single stream of video (that is, a single channel of programming) together with any additional “program-related” material, rather than a television broadcast station’s entire DTV signal, is eligible for mandatory carriage. The determinationcarriage by cable television operators. (In a pending proceeding, the FCC has sought comment on how it should apply digital signal carriage rules to DBS providers.) Thus, at present, a television station wishing to insure that cable operators carry both the analog and digital signals of what constitutes “program-related” material has not yet been made.the station, and all of the program streams that may be present in the station’s digital signal, can achieve those objectives only if it is able to negotiate appropriate retransmission consent agreements with cable operators. Cable operators will be required to carry the portion of the DTV signal of any DTV station eligible for mandatory carriage in the same definitionformat in which the signal was originally broadcast. Thus, an HDTV video stream eligible for mandatory carriage must be carried in HDTV format by cable operators. However, until this order is clarified it is still unclear whether cable operators will be responsible for ensuring that their set-top boxes are capable of passing DTV signals in their full definition to the consumer’s DTV receiver. As noted previously, all of the Company’s television stations are transmitting both analog and digital broadcasting signals; most of those stations’ digital signals are being carried on at least some local cable systems pursuant to retransmission consent agreements.
The FCC also has issued a Notice of Inquiry addressing the question of whether special public interest obligations should be imposed on DTV operations. Specifically,Communications Act requires the FCC asked whetherto review its broadcast ownership rules periodically and to repeal or modify any rule it should require broadcasters to provide free time for political candidates, increase the amount of programming intended to meet the needs of minorities and women, and increase communication withdetermines is no longer in the public regarding programming decisions.

         Theinterest. In June 2003, following such a review, the FCC also is conducting proceedings dealing withmodified its national television ownership limit to permit a broadcast company to own an unlimited number of television stations as long as the combined service areas of such matters as regulations pertainingstations do not include more than 45% of nationwide television households, an increase from the previous limit of 35%. Subsequently, legislation was enacted that fixed the national ownership limit at 39% of nationwide television households, removed the national ownership limit from the periodic FCC review process and changed the frequency of such reviews from every two years to cable television (discussed below under “Cable Television Division – Regulation of Cable Television and Related Matters”), and various proposals affecting the development of alternative video delivery systems that would compete in varying degrees with both cable television and television broadcasting operations. every four years.

In August 1999 the FCC amended its local television ownership rule to permit one company to own

5


two television stations in the same market if there are at least eight independently owned full-power television stations in that market (including non-commercial stations and counting the co-owned stations as one), and if at least one of the co-owned stations is not among the top four ranked television stations in that market. The FCC also decided to permit common ownership of stations in a single market if their signals do not overlap, and to permit common ownership where one of certainthe stations is failing or unbuilt stations.unbuilt. These rule changes are likely to increasepermitted increases in the concentration of station ownership in local markets. For example,markets, and all of the Company’s stations are now competing against two-station combinations in their respective markets. Separately,

In June 2003 the FCC issued an order that modified several of its broadcast ownership rules. In its decision, the FCC further relaxed the local television ownership rule governing the aggregate numberand also relaxed two FCC cross-ownership rules restricting common ownership of television stations a single company can own was relaxed by amendments to the Communications Act enacted in 1996, and broadcast companies are now permitted to own an unlimited numbernewspapers and of television stations as long asand radio stations in the combined service areas of such stations do not include more than 35% of nationwide television households. The 35% limitsame market. This decision was subjectappealed to the FCC’s periodic review and the agency subsequently decided to leave the rule unchanged. However in February 2002 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DistrictThird Circuit, and that court stayed the effectiveness of Columbiathe new rules pending the outcome of the appeal. Subsequently, the Third Circuit foundheld that the reasons given by the FCC for retaining the rule were insufficient as a matter of law anddid not adequately justify its revised rules, remanded the mattercase to the FCC for further consideration. This action could eventually resultproceedings, and held that the stay would remain in effect pending the outcome of the remand. The FCC has not yet instituted remand proceedings, nor has it resolved long-pending petitions for reconsideration of the revised rules. In the interim, the former local ownership and cross-ownership rules remain in effect. The rule changes approved by the FCC in June 2003, would, if ultimately upheld or justified by the FCC on remand, allow co-ownership of two television stations in a market as long as the two stations are not both ranked in the top four, and would also allow co-ownership of three television stations if there are 18 or more television stations in the market. Waivers of those limits would also be available where a station is failing and under certain other circumstances. In addition, the rule changes would liberalize the FCC’s either raisingrestrictions on owning a combination of radio stations, television stations, and daily newspapers in the limitsame market, and would, for example, allow one entity to own a daily newspaper and a TV station in the same market as long as there are four or eliminating it entirely.more television stations in the market.
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 imposed various restrictions both on contributions to political parties during federal elections and also on certain broadcast, cable television and DBS advertisements that refer to a candidate for federal office. Those restrictions may have the effect of reducing the advertising revenues of the Company’s television stations during campaigns for federal office below the levels that otherwise would be realized in the absence of such restrictions.
The FCC is conducting proceedings dealing with various issues in addition to those described elsewhere in this section, including proposals to modify its regulations relating to the operation of cable television systems (which regulations are discussed below under “Cable Television Operations — Regulation of Cable Television and Related Matters”), and proposals that could affect the development of alternative video delivery systems that would compete in varying degrees with both cable television and television broadcasting operations. Also, in July 2004 the FCC instituted an inquiry into its rules and policies concerning broadcasters’ service to their local communities.
6
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


The Company is unable to determine what impact the various rule changes and other matters described in this section may ultimately have on the Company’s television broadcasting operations.

Cable Television Operations

At the end of 20012004 the Company (through its Cable One subsidiary) provided basic cable service to approximately 752,000709,100 basic video subscribers (representing about 62%54% of the 1,210,0001,307,000 homes passed by the systems) and had in force more than 500,000approximately 219,200 subscriptions to premium program servicesdigital video service (which number does not include approximately 4,000 free trials of that service then being offered by Cable One) and more than 32,000178,300 subscriptions to cable modem service. Digital programmingvideo and cable modem services are each currently available in markets serving more than 85%virtually all of Cable One’s subscriber base.

         On January 11, 2001, Among the digital video services offered by Cable One sold its Greenwood, Indianais the delivery of certain premium, cable system to a joint venturenetwork and local over-the-air channels in which AT&T has an interest. In a related transaction, on March 1, 2001, Cable One transferred its Modesto and Santa Rosa, California cable systems (which had been its two largest systems), together with a cash payment, to a unit of AT&T in return for AT&T cable systems serving the communities of Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Pocatello and Lewistown, Idaho, and the community of Ontario, Oregon. These transactions had the effect of increasing by approximately 34,000 the number of subscribers being served by the Company’s cable systems.

HDTV.

The Company’s cable systems are located in 19 Midwestern, Southern and Western states and typically serve smaller communities: thus 19Thus 13 of the Company’s current systems pass fewer than 10,000 dwelling units, 1618 pass 10,000-25,000 dwelling units, and 19 pass more than 25,000 dwelling units, of which theunits. The two largest is Boise, Idaho with 68,000 subscribers. The largest clusterclusters of systems (which togethereach serve about 92,00075,000 subscribers) isare located on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

Mississippi and in the Boise, Idaho area.

Regulation of Cable Television and Related Matters

The Company’s cable operations are subject to various requirements imposed by local, state and federal governmental authorities. The franchises granted by local governmental authorities are typically nonexclusive and limited in time and generally contain various conditions and limitations relating to payment of fees to the local authority, determined generally as a percentage of revenues. Additionally, franchises often regulate the conditions of service and technical performance and contain various types of restrictions on transferability. Failure to comply with such conditions and limitations may give rise to rights of termination by the franchising authority.

6


The 1992 Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the “1992 Cable Act”) requires or authorizes the imposition of a wide range of regulations on cable television operations. The three major areas of regulation are (i) the rates charged for certain cable television services, (ii) required carriage (“must carry”) of some local broadcast stations, and (iii) retransmission consent rights for commercial broadcast stations.

         Among other things,

In 1993 the Telecommunications Act of 1996 altered the preexisting regulatory environment by expanding the definition of “effective competition” (a condition that precludes any regulation of the rates charged byFCC adopted a cable system), terminating“freeze” on rate regulation for some small cable systems, and sunsetting the FCC’s authority to regulate the rates charged for optional tiers of service (which authority expired on March 31, 1999). For cable systems that do not fall within the effective-competition or small-system exemptions (including all of the cable systems owned by the Company), monthly subscription ratesincreases for the basic tier of cable service (i.e.(i.e., the tier that includes the signals of local over-the-air stations and any public, educational or governmental channels required to be carried under the applicable franchise agreement), as well as rates charged for equipment rentals and service calls, may be regulated by municipalities, subject to procedures and criteria established by the FCC. Rates charged by cable television systems for pay-per-view service, for per-channel premium program services and for advertising are all exempt from regulation.

         In April 1993optional tiers (although the FCC adopted a “freeze”freeze on rate increases for regulated services (i.e., the basic and, prior to March 1999, optional tiers)tiers expired in 1999). Later that year the FCC promulgated benchmarks for determining the reasonableness of rates for suchregulated services. The benchmarks provided for a percentage reduction in the rates that were in effect when the benchmarks were announced. Pursuant to the FCC’s rules, cable operators can increase their benchmarked rates for regulated services to offset the effects of inflation, equipment upgrades, and higher programming, franchising and regulatory fees. Under the FCC’s approach, cable operators may exceed their benchmarked rates if they can show in a cost-of-service proceeding that higher rates are needed to earn a reasonable return on investment, which the Commission established in March 1994 to be 11.25%. The FCC’s rules also permit franchising authorities to regulate equipment rentals and service and installation rates on the basis of a cable operator’s actual costs plus an allowable profit, which is calculated from the operator’s net investment, income tax rate and other factors.

         Pursuant

Among other things, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 altered the preexisting regulatory environment by expanding the definition of “effective competition” (a condition that precludes any regulation of the rates charged by a cable system), terminating rate regulation for some small cable systems, and sunsetting the FCC’s authority to regulate the rates charged for optional tiers of service (which authority expired in 1999). Since very few of the cable systems owned by the Company fall within the effective-competition or small-system exemptions, monthly subscription rates charged by most of the Company’s cable systems for the basic tier of cable service, as well as rates charged for equipment rentals and service calls, may be regulated by municipalities, subject to procedures and criteria established by the FCC. However, rates charged by cable television systems for tiers of service other than the basic tier, for pay-per-view and per-channel premium program services, for digital video and cable modem services, and for advertising are all currently exempt from regulation.
As discussed in the preceding section, under the “must-carry” requirements of the 1992 Cable Act, a commercial television broadcast station may, undersubject to certain circumstances,limitations, insist on carriage of its signal on cable systems located within the station’s market area, whilearea. Similarly, a noncommercial public station may insist on carriage of its signal on cable systems located either within either the station’s predicted Grade B signal contour or within 50 miles of a reference point in a station’s
2004 FORM 10-K
7


community designated by the station’s transmitter.FCC. As a result of these obligations (the constitutionality of which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court), certain of the Company’s cable systems have had to carry broadcast stations that they might not otherwise have elected to carry, and the freedom the Company’s systems would otherwise have to drop signals previously carried has been reduced.

         At

Also as explained in the preceding section, at three-year intervals beginning in October 1993 commercial broadcasters have had the right to forego must-carry rights and insist instead that their signals not be carried without their prior consent. Before October 1993 some of the broadcast stations carried by the Company’s cable television systems opted forUnder legislation enacted in 1999, Congress barred broadcasters from entering into exclusive retransmission consent and initially tookagreements through 2006. In November 2004 Congress extended the position that they would not grantban on exclusive retransmission consent without commitments byagreements until the Company’s systems to make cash payments. As a resultend of case-by-case negotiations, the2010. The Company’s cable systems werehave been able to continue carrying virtually all of the stations insisting on retransmission consent without having to agreeconsent. In doing so, no agreements have been made to pay any stationsstation for the privilege of carrying their signals.its signal. However, some commitments werehave been made to carry other program services offered by a station or an affiliated company, to purchase advertising on a station, to provide advertising availabilities on cable for sale by a station, and to distribute promotional announcements with respect to a station. Many of these

7


agreements between broadcast stations and the Company’s cable systems expired at the end of 1999 and the expired agreements were replaced by new agreements having comparable terms.

As has already been noted, in the discussion above under “Television Broadcasting – Regulation of Broadcasting and Related Matters,” in January 2001 the FCC has determined that pending further inquiry, only television stations broadcasting in a DTV-only mode couldcan require local cable systems to carry their DTV signals.signals and that if a DTV signal contains multiple video streams only a single stream of video is required to be carried. The imposition of additional must-carry obligations, either by the FCC currently is conducting another inquiry to decide whether it should require cable systems to carry both the analog and the DTV signalsor as a result of local television stations. Such an extension of must-carry requirementslegislative action, could result in the Company’s cable systems being required to delete some existing programming to make room for broadcasters’ DTV channels.

Various other provisions in current federal law may significantly affect the costs or profits of cable television systems. These matters include a prohibition on exclusive franchises, restrictions on the ownership of competing video delivery services, restrictions on transfers of cable television ownership, a variety of consumer protection measures, and various regulations intended to facilitate the development of competing video delivery services. Other provisions benefit the owners of cable systems by restricting regulation of cable television in many significant respects, requiring that franchises be granted for reasonable periods of time, providing various remedies and safeguards to protect cable operators against arbitrary refusals to renew franchises, and limiting franchise fees to 5% of a cable system’s gross revenues.

Apart from its authority under the 1992 Cable Act and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the FCC regulates various other aspects of cable television operations. Since 1990 cable systems have been required to black out from the distant broadcast stations they carry syndicated programs for which local stations have purchased exclusive rights and requested exclusivity. Other long-standing FCC rules require cable systems to delete under certain circumstances duplicative network programs broadcast by distant stations. The FCC also imposes certain technical standards on cable television operators, exercises the power to license various microwave and other radio facilities frequently used in cable television operations, and regulates the assignment and transfer of control of such licenses. In addition, pursuant to the Pole Attachment Act, the FCC exercises authority to disapprove unreasonable rates charged to cable operators by most telephone and power utilities for utilizing space on utility poles or in underground conduits. However the Pole Attachment Act does not apply to poles and conduits (althoughowned by municipalities or cooperatives. Also, states maycan reclaim exclusive jurisdiction over these mattersthe rates, terms and conditions of pole attachments by certifying to the FCC that they regulate the rates, termssuch matters, and conditions of pole attachments, and someseveral states in which the Company has cable operations have so certified).certified. A number of cable operators (including the Company’s Cable One subsidiary) are using their cable systems to provide not only television programming but also Internet access. In January 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the FCC’s authority under the Pole Attachment Act extends to all pole attachments by cable operators, including those attachments used to provide Internet access. Thus, except where individual states have assumed regulatory responsibility or where poles or conduits are owned by a municipality or cooperative, the rates charged by utilities for pole or conduit access by cable companies are subject to FCC rate regulation regardless of whether or not the cable companies are providing Internet access as well asin addition to the delivery of television programming.

The Copyright Act of 1976 grants togives cable television systems the ability, under certain terms and conditions the rightand assuming that any applicable retransmission consents have been obtained, to retransmit the signals of television stations pursuant to a compulsory copyright license. Those terms and conditions includepermit cable systems to retransmit the paymentsignals of local television stations on a royalty-free basis; however in most cases cable systems retransmitting the signals of distant stations are required to pay certain license fees set forth in the statute or established by subsequent administrative regulations. The compulsory license fees have been increased on several occasions since this Act went into effect. In 1994 the availability of thea compulsory copyright license was extended to “wireless cable” for both local and directdistant television signals. Direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) operators have had a compulsory copyright license since 1988, although in the latter case thethat license right was limited to distant television signals and only permitted the delivery of the signals of distant network-affiliated stations whoseto subscribers who could not receive an over-the-air signal was not available atof a station affiliated with the subscriber’s location.same network. However, in November 1999 Congress enacted the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, which extends thecreated a royalty-free compulsory copyright license to DBS

8
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

for DBS operators who wish to distribute the signals of local television stations to satellite subscribers in the markets served by such stations. This Act continued the other restrictionslimitation on importing the signals of distant network-affiliated stations contained in the original compulsory license for DBS operators, which permit the signal of a distant network-affiliated station to be distributed only in areas where subscribers cannot receive an over-the-air signal of another station affiliated with the same network.

operators.

The general prohibition on telephone companies operating cable systems in areas where they provide local telephone service was eliminated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Telephone companies now can provide video services in their telephone service areas under four different regulatory plans. First, they can provide traditional cable television service and be subject to the same regulations as the Company’s cable television systems (including compliance with local franchise and any other local or state regulatory requirements). Second, they can provide “wireless cable” service, which is described below, and not be subject to either cable regulations or franchise requirements. Third, they can provide video services on a common-carrier basis, under which they would not be required to obtain local franchises but would be subject to common-carrier regulation (including a prohibition against exercising control over programming content). Finally, they can operate so-called “open video systems” without local franchises (although local communities can choose to require a franchise) and be subject to reduced regulatory burdens. The Act contains detailed requirements governing the operation of open video systems, including requiring the nondiscriminatory offering of capacity to third parties and limiting to one-third of total system capacity the number of channels the operator can program when demand exceeds available capacity. In addition, the rates charged by an open video system operator to a third party for the carriage of video programming must be just and reasonable as determined in accordance with standards established by the FCC. (Cable operators and others not affiliated with a telephone company may also become operators of open video systems.) The Act also generally prohibits telephone companies from acquiring or owning an interest in existing cable systems operating in their service areas.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 balances this grant of video authority to telephone companies by removing various regulatory barriers to the offering of telephone services by cable companies and others. The Act preempts state and local laws that have barred local telephone competition in some states. In addition, the Act requires local telephone companies to permit cable companies and other competitors to connectinterconnect their equipment and facilities with the local telephone network and requires telephone companies to give competitors access on an unbundled basis to thecertain essential features and functionalities of the local telephonethat network (such as switching capability, signal carriage from the subscriber’s residence to the switching center, and directory assistance) on an unbundled basis.center). As an alternative method of providing local telephone service, the Act permits cable companies and others to purchase conventional telephone service on a wholesale basis and then resell it to their subscribers.

In 2004 the FCC revised these rules and limited the extent to which incumbent telephone companies must provide access to these features and functionalities; the FCC also permitted incumbent telephone companies to increase the price they charge for such access.

At various times during the last decade, the FCC adopted rule changes intended to facilitate the development of multichannel multipoint distribution systems, also known as “wireless cable” or “MMDS,” a video and data service that is capable of distributing approximately 30 television channels in a local area by over-the-air microwave transmission using analog technology and a greater number of channels using digital compression technologies. The use of digital technology and a 1998 change in the FCC’s rules to permit reverse path transmission over wireless facilities also make it possible for such systems to deliver additional services, including Internet access. Also, in late 1998 the FCC auctioned a sizeable amount of spectrum in the 31 gigahertz band for use by a new wireless service, which is referred to as the Local Multipoint Distribution Service or “LMDS,” that canhas the potential to deliver more than 100 channels of digitaltelevision programming directly to subscribers’ homes as well as provide other services such as Internet access and telephony services. To date, however, there are no LMDS systems in operation that deliver television programming or provide either Internet access or telephony. In NovemberSeparately, in 2000 the FCC approved the use of spectrum in the 12.2-12.7 gigahertz band (the same band used by DBS operators) to provide a new land-based interactive video and data delivery service known as the Multichannel Video Distribution and Data

9


Service (“MVDDS”). MVDDS providers will use “reharvested” DBS spectrum to transmit programming on a non-harmful interference basis using terrestrial microwave transmitters. (While DBS subscribers point their dishes south to pick up their provider’s signal, MVDDS customers will aim their antennas north.) The Commission’s order creating MVDDS did not grant any licenses to operate MVDDS systems. Instead, it requested comments on service, technical and licensing rulesIn January 2004 the FCC conducted an auction for the technology. Comments and reply comments topurpose of selecting MVDDS licensees. Ten bidders won licenses in more than 190 markets, although the FCC’s order have been filed, and the FCC is continuing to analyze the interference issues surrounding the use of this spectrum.Company believes that no MVDDS systems are yet in operation. MVDDS providers, like providers of other forms of wireless cable, will not be required to obtain franchises from local governmental authorities and generally will operate under fewer regulatory requirements than conventional cable systems.

In October 1999 the FCC amended its cable ownership rule, which governs the number of subscribers an owner of cable systems may reach on a national basis. Before revision, this rule provided that a single company could not serve more than 30% of potential cable subscribers (or “homes passed” by cable) nationwide. The revised rule allowed a cable operator to provide service to 30% of all actual subscribers to cable, satellite and other competing services nationwide, rather than to 30% of homes passed by cable. This revision had the effect of increasing the number of communities that could be served
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9


by a single cable operator and may have resulted in more consolidation in the cable industry. In March 2001 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit voided the FCC’s revised rule on constitutional and procedural grounds and remanded the matter to the FCC for further proceedings. The FCC has since opened a proceeding to determine what the ownership limit should be, if any. If the FCC eliminates the limit or adopts a new rule with a higher percentage of nationwide subscribers a single cable operator is permitted to serve, that action could lead to even greater consolidation in the industry.

In 1996 Congress repealed the statutory provision whichthat generally prohibited a party from owning an interest in both a television broadcast station and a cable television system within that station’s Grade B contour. However Congress left the FCC’s parallel rule in place, subject to a Congressionallycongressionally mandated periodic review by the agency. The FCC, in its subsequent review, decided to retain the prohibition for various competitive and diversity reasons. However in February 2002 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit struck down the rule, holding that the FCC’s decision to retain the rule was arbitrary and capricious.

         On March 14, Thus there currently is no restriction on the ownership of both a television broadcast station and a cable television system in the same market.

In 2002 the FCC issued a declaratory ruling classifying cable modem service as an “interstate information service.” Concurrently, the FCC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to consider the regulatory implications of this classification. Among the issues to be decided are whether local authorities can require cable operators to provide competing Internet service providers with access to the cable operators’ facilities, the extent to which local authorities can regulate cable modem service, and whether local authorities can impose fees on the provision of cable modem service. In 2003 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, on an appeal from the FCC’s declaratory ruling noted above, ruled that cable modem service is partly an “information service” and partly a “telecommunications service.” After the Ninth Circuit denied petitions requesting that it reconsider this decision, appeals were filed with the U.S. Supreme Court and, in November 2004, the Court agreed to hear the case. If the Ninth Circuit’s ruling is affirmed, the characterization of cable modem service as partly a “telecommunications service” will likely affect the FCC’s decision on many of the issues in its pending rulemaking. Moreover, the Pole Attachment Act permits utilities to charge significantly higher rates for attachments made by entities that are providing a “telecommunications service.” The Company’s Cable One subsidiary currently offers Internet access on mostvirtually all of its cable systems and is the sole Internet service provider on those systems. Thus, depending on the outcome, this proceeding hasthese judicial and regulatory proceedings have the potential to interfere with the Company’s ability to deliver Internet access on a profitable basis.

Consumers with cable modem or other broadband Internet connections are increasingly using a technology known as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) to make telephone calls over the Internet. Depending on their equipment and service provider, such consumers can use a regular telephone (connected to an adaptor) to make their calls and can complete calls to anyone who has a telephone number. During 2004 some states sought to regulate this activity pursuant to their common carrier jurisdiction, but VoIP providers challenged these actions before the FCC. Later in 2004, the FCC ruled that VoIP services are interstate services subject exclusively to the FCC’s federal jurisdiction. This decision, if upheld on appeal (consumer groups and some state regulatory commissions have filed an appeal), is significant because it includes VoIP offered by cable systems as within the scope of activities that are not subject to state regulation. Legislation also has been introduced in Congress to accomplish the same objective, though the prospect for passage of such legislation is uncertain.
Litigation also is pending in various courts in which various franchise requirements are being challenged as unlawful under the First Amendment, the Communications Act, the antitrust laws and on other grounds. One of the issues raised in these cases is whether local franchising authorities have the power to regulate the provision of Internet access by cable systems. Depending on the outcomes, such litigation could facilitate the development of duplicative cable facilities that would compete with existing cable systems, enable cable operators to offer certain services outside of cable regulation or otherwise materially affect cable television operations.

10


The regulation of certain cable television rates pursuant to the authority granted to the FCC has negatively impacted the revenues of the Company’s cable systems. The Company is unable to predict what effect the other matters discussed abovein this section may ultimately have on its cable television business.

Magazine Publishing

Newsweek

Newsweekis a weekly news magazine published both domestically and internationally by Newsweek, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company. In gathering, reporting and writing news and other material for publication,Newsweek maintains news bureaus in 9 U.S. and 11 foreign cities.

         The domestic edition ofNewsweekincludes more than 100 different geographic or demographic editions which carry substantially identical news and feature material but enable advertisers to direct messages to specific market areas or demographic groups. Domestically,Newsweekranks second in circulation among the three leading weekly news magazines (Newsweek,TimeandU.S. News & World Report). For each of the last five yearsNewsweek’s average weekly domestic circulation rate base has been 3,100,000 copies. From 1997 through 1999Newsweek’s percentage of the total weekly domestic circulation rate base of the three leading weekly news magazines was 33.5%. In both 2000 and 2001 that percentage was 34.0%.

Newsweekis sold on newsstands and through subscription mail order sales derived from a number of sources, principally direct mail promotion. The basic one-year subscription price is $41.08. Most subscriptions are sold at a discount from the basic price. In May 2001,Newsweek’s newsstand cover price was increased from $3.50 per copy (which price had been in effect since April 1999) to $3.95 per copy.

         The total number ofNewsweek’s domestic advertising pages and gross domestic advertising revenues as reported by Publishers’ Information Bureau, Inc., together withNewsweek’s percentages of the total number of advertising pages and total advertising revenues of the three leading weekly news magazines, for the past five years have been as follows:

                 
      Percentage of Newsweek    
  Newsweek Three Leading Gross Percentage of
  Advertising News Advertising Three Leading
  Pages* Magazines Revenues* News Magazines
  
 
 
 
1997  2,633   35.4% $406,324,000   35.1%
1998  2,472   34.4%  393,168,000   33.8%
1999  2,567   33.5%  432,701,000   32.8%
2000  2,383   33.8%  433,932,000   34.2%
2001  1,822   33.6%  334,179,000   32.5%


*Advertising pages and gross advertising revenues are those reported by Publishers’ Information Bureau, Inc. PIB computes gross advertising revenues from basic one-time rates and the number of advertising pages carried. PIB figures therefore materially exceed actual gross advertising revenues, which reflect lower rates for multiple insertions. Net revenues as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income also exclude agency fees and cash discounts, which are included in the gross advertising revenues shown above. Page and revenue figures exclude affiliated advertising.

Newsweek’s advertising rates are based on its average weekly circulation rate base and are competitive with the other weekly news magazines. Effective with the January 8, 2001 issue, national advertising rates were increased by an average of 4.0%. Beginning with the issue dated January 14, 2002, national advertising rates were increased again, by an average of 5.0%.

11


Newsweek Business Plus, which is published 39 times a year, is a demographic edition ofNewsweekdistributed to high-income professional and managerial subscribers and subscribers in zip-code-defined areas. Advertising rates for this edition were increased an average of 4.0% in January 2001 and by an additional 5.0% in January 2002. The circulation rate base for this edition is 1,200,000 copies.

Newsweek’s other demographic edition,Newsweek Woman, which was published 13 times during 2001, has a circulation rate base of 800,000 selected female subscribers. At the beginning of 2001 advertising rates for this edition were increased by an average of 4.0%, with an additional average increase of 5.0% instituted early in 2002.

         Internationally,Newsweekis published in an Atlantic edition covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa, a Pacific edition covering Japan, Korea and south Asia, and a Latin American edition, all of which are in the English language. Editorial copy solely of domestic interest is eliminated in the international editions and is replaced by other international, business or national coverage primarily of interest abroad.

         Since 1984 a section ofNewsweekarticles has been included inThe Bulletin, an Australian weekly news magazine which also circulates in New Zealand. A Japanese-language edition ofNewsweek, Newsweek Nihon Ban,has been published in Tokyo since 1986 pursuant to an arrangement with a Japanese publishing company which translates editorial copy, sells advertising in Japan and prints and distributes the edition.Newsweek Hankuk Pan,a Korean-language edition ofNewsweek,began publication in 1991 pursuant to a similar arrangement with a Korean publishing company. Since 1996Newsweek en Español, a Spanish-language edition ofNewsweekdistributed in Latin America, has been published under an agreement with a Miami-based publishing company which translates editorial copy, prints and distributes the edition and jointly sells advertising with Newsweek. In June 2000,Newsweek Bil Logha Al-Arabia, an Arabic-language edition ofNewsweek, was launched under a similar arrangement with a Kuwaiti publishing company. Also,Newsweek Polska, a Polish-language newsweekly, was launched in September 2001 under a licensing agreement with a Polish publishing company which, in addition to translating selected stories fromNewsweek’s various U.S. and foreign editions, has established a staff of Polish reporters and editors for the magazine. In April 2001, Newsweek terminated its relationship withItogi, a Russian-language news magazine, due to a change in the control of the magazine.

         The average weekly circulation rate base, advertising pages and gross advertising revenues ofNewsweek’s international editions (not includingThe Bulletininsertions or the foreign-language editions ofNewsweek) for the past five years have been as follows:

             
  Average Weekly     Gross
  Circulation Advertising Advertising
  Rate Base Pages* Revenues*
  
 
 
1997  657,000   2,287  $89,330,000 
1998  660,000   2,120   83,051,000 
1999  660,000   2,492   90,023,000 
2000  663,000   2,606   104,868,000 
2001  666,000   1,979   81,453,000 


*Advertising pages and gross advertising revenues are those reported by CMR International. CMR computes gross advertising revenues from basic one-time rates and the number of advertising pages carried. CMR figures therefore materially exceed actual gross advertising revenues, which reflect lower rates for multiple insertions. Net revenues as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income also exclude agency fees and cash discounts, which are included in the gross advertising revenues shown above. Page and revenue figures exclude affiliated advertising.

12


         For 2002 the average weekly circulation rate base forNewsweek’s English-language international editions (not includingThe Bulletininsertions) will be 646,000 copies.Newsweek’s rate card estimates the average weekly circulation in 2001 forThe Bulletininsertions will be 80,000 copies and for the Japanese-, Korean-, Arabic- and Spanish- and Polish-language editions will be 130,000, 90,000, 30,000, 54,000 and 280,000 copies, respectively.

         The online version ofNewsweek, which includes stories fromNewsweek’s print edition as well as other material, became a co-branded feature on the MSNBC.com Web site in 2000. This feature is being produced by Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive Company, another subsidiary of the Company.

Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travelmagazine, another Newsweek publication, was published six times during 2001 and had a circulation of 400,000 copies.Budget Travelis headquartered in New York City and has its own editorial staff.

         During recent years Congress has considered a range of proposals intended to restrict the marketing of tobacco products. The Company cannot now predict what actions may eventually be taken to limit or restrict tobacco advertising. However such advertising accounts for less than 1% of Newsweek’s operating revenues and negligible revenues atThe Washington Postand the Company’s other publications. Moreover, federal law has prohibited the carrying of advertisements for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco by commercial radio and television stations for many years. Thus the Company believes that any restrictions on tobacco advertising which may eventually be put into effect would not have a material adverse effect on Newsweek or on any of the Company’s other business operations.

PostNewsweek Tech Media

         This division of Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. publishes controlled-circulation trade periodicals and produces trade shows and conferences for the information technology industry.

         Specifically, PostNewsweek Tech Media publishesWashington Technology, a biweekly tabloid newspaper for government information technology systems integrators,Government Computer News, a tabloid newspaper published 30 times per year serving government managers who buy information technology products and services, andGCN Shopper, a tabloid newspaper published four times per year providing information technology product reviews and other buying information for government managers.Washington Technology,Computer Government News, andGCN Shopperhave circulations of about 40,000, 87,000, and 120,000 copies, respectively.

         The other publications of PostNewsweek Tech Media areWashington Techway, a biweekly news magazine with a circulation of 30,000 copies that addresses the needs of the private-sector technology business community in the Washington region, and theTechnology Almanac, an annual directory of technology industry executives.Washington Techwayalso coproduces the annualGreater Washington High Technology Awards Banquet, which is held each spring in Washington, D.C. for more than 1,000 technology executives. Together withThe Washington Post and WPNI, PostNewsweek Tech Media contributes to the washtech.com Web site which serves theWashington Techwaycommunity online.

         This division also produces theFOSEtrade show, which is held each spring in Washington, D.C. for information technology decision makers in government and industry.

Education

Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, provides an extensive range of educational services for children, students and professionals. Kaplan’s historical focus on test preparation has been

13


expanded as new educational and career services businesses have been acquired or initiated. The Company divides Kaplan’s various businesses into two categories: supplemental education, which consists of the Test Preparation and Admissions Division, the Professional Division, Score! Educational Centers, and The Financial Training Company; and higher education, which consists of Kaplan’s Higher Education Division and the Dublin Business School.

10
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


Through its Test Preparation and Admissions Division, Kaplan prepares students for a broad range of admissions and licensing examinations, including the SAT’s, LSAT’s, GMAT’s, MCAT’s, GRE’s,SATs, LSATs, GMATs, MCATs, GREs, and nursing and medical boards. This business can be subdivided into four categories: K-12 (serving primarilyschools and school districts seeking assistance in improving student performance using print- and computer-based supplemental programs, preparing students for state assessment tests and for the SATs and ACTs, providing curriculum consulting services and providing professional training for teachers); Graduate and Pre-College (serving high school students preparing for the SAT’s and ACT’s); Graduate (serving college students and professionals, primarily with preparation for admissionadmissions tests to college and to graduate, medical and law schools); Medical (serving medical professionals preparing for licensing exams); and English Language Training (serving foreign students and professionals wishing to study or work in the U.S.). Many of this division’s test preparation courses have been available to students via the Internet since 1999. During 20012004 the Test Preparation and Admissions Divisions enrolledDivision provided courses to over 195,000280,000 students (including almost 28,000over 87,000 enrolled in online programs) and provided courses at 157159 permanent centers located throughout the United States and in Canada, Puerto Rico, London and Paris. In addition, Kaplan licenses material for certain of these courses to third parties who during 20012004 offered such courses at 4032 centers located in 1514 foreign countries.

The Test Preparation and Admissions Division also includes Kaplan’s publishing activities. Kaplan currently co-publishes more than 150190 book titles, predominatelypredominantly in the areas of test preparation, admissions, career guidance and life skills, through a joint venture with Simon & Schuster, and also develops educational software for the K through 12K-12, graduate and graduateEnglish-as-a-second-language markets which is sold through arrangementsan arrangement with a third party whothat is responsible for production and distribution. KaplanThis division also produces a college newsstand guide in conjunction with Newsweek.

Kaplan’s Professional Division offers licensing, continuing education, certification, licensing, exam preparation and professional development services forto corporations and forto individuals seeking to advance their careers.careers in a variety of disciplines. This division includes Dearborn Publishing,Financial Services, a provider of pre-licensing trainingcontinuing education and test preparation courses for financial services and insurance industry professionals; Dearborn Publishing, publisher of a variety of business and real estate books as well as printed and online course materials for licensing, test preparation and continuing education for securities, insurance andin the real estate, professionals;architecture, home inspection, engineering and construction industries; The Schweser Study Program, a provider of test preparation courses for the Chartered Financial Analyst and Financial Risk Manager examinations; Kaplan CPA, which offers test preparation courses for the Certified Public Accounting Exam; Kaplan Professional Schools, a provider of courses for real estate, financial services and home inspection licensing examinations as well as continuing education in those areas; Perfect Access Speer, a provider of software educationconsulting and consulting servicessoftware training products, primarily to law firmsthe legal profession; and businesses; Schweser’s Study Program,Kaplan IT, which offers online test preparation courses for technical certifications in the information technology industry. The courses offered by Kaplan’s Professional Division are provided in various formats (including classroom-based instruction, online programs, printed study guides, in-house training and audio CD’s) and at a providerwide range of materials aimed at preparing individuals forper-course prices. During 2004 this division sold approximately 500,000 courses and separately priced course components to students (who in some subject areas typically purchase more than one course or course component offered by the Chartered Financial Analyst examination; Self Test Software, a provider of preparation services for software proficiency certification examinations; and Call Center Solutions, a provider of assessment and training services for the call-center industry.

division).

Kaplan’s Score Learning Division offersScore! Educational Centers offer computer-based learning and individualized tutoring for children.children from pre-K through the 10th grade. In 2001,2004 this business, which provides educational after-school enrichment services through 147162 Score centers located in various areas of the United States, served nearly 60,000 students, up from 50,000 students in 2000.more than 82,000 students. Score’s services are provided in facilities separate from Kaplan’s test preparation centers.
The Financial Training Company (“FTC”) is a U.K.-based provider of training and test preparation services for accounting and financial services professionals. At year-end 2004, FTC was the publisher of more than 100 textbooks and manuals and during the year had provided courses to over 40,000 students. Headquartered in London, FTC has 22 training centers due to differing configuration and equipment requirements. eScore.com, which beganaround the UK as well as operations in early 2000 offering parentingHong Kong, Shanghai and educational resources online to help parents provide learning opportunities for their children, now operates as a software development division of Kaplan.

Singapore.

The Higher Education Division of Kaplan currently consists of 4172 schools in 1417 states whichthat provide classroom-based instruction and three institutions whichthat specialize in distance education. The schools providing classroom-based instruction (most of which were acquired on August 1, 2000, as part of Kaplan’s acquisition of Quest Education Corporation) offer a variety of bachelor degree, associate degree and diploma programs primarily in the fields of healthcare, business, paralegal studies, information technology, criminal justice and fashion and design. These schools were serving more than 14,60032,000 students at year-end 20012004 (which total includes the classroom-based programs of Kaplan College)University), with approximately 52%40% of such students enrolled in accredited bachelor or associate degree programs. Each of these schools has its own accreditation from one of several regional or national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The institutions whichthat specialize in distance education are Kaplan College,

14


University, Concord University School of Law and The College for Professional Studies, and ConcordStudies. Kaplan University School of Law. Kaplan College offers various master degree, bachelor degree, associate degree and certificate programs, principally in the fields of businessmanagement, criminal justice, paralegal studies, information technology, financial planning, nursing and information technology,education, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Some of Kaplan College’s coursesUniversity’s programs are offered online while others are

2004 FORM 10-K
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offered in a traditional classroom format at the school’s Davenport, Iowa campus. The College for Professional Studies offers bachelor and associate degree and diploma correspondence programs in the fields of legal nurse consulting, paralegal studies and criminal justice, and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (“DETC”). The College for Professional StudiesAt year-end 2004, Kaplan University had over 7,400approximately 19,000 students enrolled at year-end 2001.in online programs. Concord University School of Law, the nation’s first online law school, offers Juris Doctor and LLMExecutive Juris Doctor degrees wholly online.online (the Executive Juris Doctor degree program is designed for individuals who do not intend to practice law). At year-end 2001,2004, approximately 9001,600 students were enrolled at Concord. Concord is accredited by DETCthe Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council and has received operating approval from the California Bureau of Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education. Concord also has complied with the registration requirements of the State Bar of California; graduates are, therefore, able to apply for admission to the California Bar.

Title IV Student Financial Assistance Programs

         Prior The College for Professional Studies, which had approximately 1,000 students enrolled at year-end 2004, offers bachelor and associate degree and diploma correspondence programs in the fields of legal nurse consulting, paralegal studies and criminal justice; however, that school is no longer enrolling students and will discontinue operations after its current students complete their programs.

Dublin Business School (“DBS”) is an undergraduate and graduate institution located in Dublin, Ireland, with satellite locations in London; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. DBS offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business and the liberal arts. At year-end 2004, DBS was providing courses to approximately 4,000 students.
One of the ways a foreign national wishing to enter the United States to study may do so is to obtain an F-1 student visa. For many years, most of Kaplan’s Test Preparation and Admissions Division centers in the United States have been authorized by what is now the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (the “USCIS”) to issue certificates of eligibility to prospective students to assist them in applying for F-1 visas through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Under a program that became effective early in 2003, educational institutions are required to report electronically to the acquisitionUSCIS specified enrollment, departure and other information about the F-1 students to whom they have issued certificates of Quest Education Corporation in August 2000, noneeligibility. By year-end 2004, 137 of Kaplan’s educational offerings were eligibleU.S. Test Preparation and Admissions Division centers had been certified to participate in anythis program. Once certified, a center must apply for recertification every two years. During 2004 students holding F-1 visas accounted for approximately 2.1% of the enrollment at Kaplan’s Test Preparation and Admissions Division and an insignificant number of students at Kaplan’s Higher Education Division.
Title IV Federal Student Financial Aid Programs
Funds provided under the student financial assistanceaid programs that have been created under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. However funds provided under Title IV programsamended, historically have been responsible for a majority of the net revenues of the schools in Kaplan’s Higher Education Division which provide classroom-based instruction (including Kaplan College), accounting, for example, for slightly more than $100approximately $430 million of the net revenues of such schools for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2001, and theCompany’s 2004 fiscal year. The significant role of Title IV funding in the operations of these schools is expected to continue.

To maintain Title IV eligibility a school must comply with extensive statutory and regulatory requirements relating to its financial aid management, educational programs, financial strength, recruiting practices and various other matters. Among other things, the school must be authorized to offer its educational programs by the appropriate governmental body in the state or states in which it is located, be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (the “Department of Education”), and enter into a program participation agreement with the Department of Education.

A school may lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs if student defaults on the repayment of Title IV loans exceed specified default rates (referred to as “cohort default rates”). A school whose cohort default rate exceeds 40% for any single year may have its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs limited, suspended or terminated at the discretion of the Department of Education. A school whose cohort default rate equals or exceeds 25% for three consecutive years will automatically lose its Title IV eligibility for at least two years unless the school can demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying its continued eligibility. Moreover, aPursuant to another program requirement, any for-profit postsecondary institution like each(a category that includes all of these Kaplanthe schools in Kaplan’s Higher Education Division) will lose its Title IV eligibility for at least one year if more than 90% of thethat institution’s cash receipts for any fiscal year are derived from Title IV programs.

The Title IV program regulations also provide that not more than 50% of an eligible institution’s courses can be provided online and that, in some cases, not more than 50% of an eligible institution’s students can be enrolled in online courses and impose certain other requirements intended to insure that individual programs (including online programs) eligible for Title IV funding include minimum amounts of instructional activity. However, Kaplan CollegeUniversity currently is a participant in the distance education demonstration program of the Department of Education and as a result is exempt from the foregoing requirements until at least June 30, 2004. Legislation currently is pending2006. Several bills were introduced in the last Congress which, if enacted,that would exempt online courses from those requirements under certain

15have exempted

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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

circumstances, including

online courses from the maintenance by the institution offering50% rules and certain other existing requirements if various other conditions set forth in such courses of a cohort default rate of less than 10%.

         No proceeding is pending to fine any Kaplan school for a failure to comply with any Title IV requirement,legislation or to limit, suspend or terminate the Title IV eligibility of any Kaplan school. However no assurance can be given that the Kaplan schools which currently participatespecified in Title IV programs will maintain their Title IV eligibility in the future or that the Department of Education might not successfully assertregulations were satisfied and also would have extended authority for the distance education demonstration program through at least 2010. A bill has already been introduced in the new Congress that one or morewould similarly exempt online courses from the 50% rules and extend authority for the distance education demonstration program. However, the Company cannot now predict whether any such legislation will eventually be enacted into law and whether Kaplan University will be able to satisfy whatever conditions may ultimately be imposed on the availability of such schools have previously failed to comply with Title IV requirements. Most schools within Kaplan’s Higher Education Division are considered separatelyfunding for the purpose of determining compliance with Title IV requirements. Thus if the Department of Education were to find that one or more of such schools had failed to comply with any applicable Title IV requirement and as a result suspended or terminated the Title IV eligibility of those schools, that action normally would not affect the Title IV eligibility of other Kaplan schools that had continued to comply with Title IV requirements.

online programs.

As a general matter, schools participating in Title IV programs are not financially responsible for the failure of their students to repay Title IV loans. However the Department of Education may fine a school for a failure to comply with Title IV requirements and may require a school to repay Title IV program funds if it finds that such funds have been improperly disbursed.

In addition, there may be other legal theories under which a school could be subject to suit as a result of alleged irregularities in the administration of student financial aid.

Pursuant to Title IV program regulations, a school that undergoes a change in control must be reviewed and recertified by the Department of Education. Certifications obtained following a change in control are granted on a provisional basis whichthat permits the school to continue participating in Title IV programs but provides fewer procedural protections if the Department of Education asserts a material violation of Title IV requirements. As a result of Kaplan’s acquisition of Quest, allMost of the schools owned by Quest Education Corporation at thatthe time were provisionally certified byof Kaplan’s acquisition of Quest in 2000 have now been fully certified. The remainder of those schools as well as most of the Department of Education for a term expiring in June 2004; Kaplan will be eligible to apply for full certification for such schools in the spring of 2004. The schoolssubsequently acquired by Kaplan’s Higher Education Division subsequentare continuing to operate on the Quest acquisition have also been provisionally certifiedbasis of provisional certifications.
No proceeding by the Department of Education generallyis pending to fine any Kaplan school for terms expiring approximately three years aftera failure to comply with any Title IV requirement, or to limit, suspend or terminate the dateTitle IV eligibility of any Kaplan school. However no assurance can be given that the Kaplan schools currently participating in Title IV programs will maintain their Title IV eligibility in the future or that the Department of Education might not successfully assert that one or more of such schools have previously failed to comply with Title IV requirements.
In accordance with Department of Education regulations, a number of the acquisition.

         Severalschools in Kaplan’s Higher Education Division are combined into groups of two or more schools for the purpose of determining compliance with Title IV requirements. Including schools that are not combined with other schools for that purpose, the Higher Education Division currently has 38 Title IV reporting units, the largest of which in terms of revenue accounted for approximately 24% of the Division’s 2004 revenues. If the Department of Education were to find that one reporting unit had failed to comply with any applicable Title IV requirement and as a result limited, suspended or terminated the Title IV eligibility of the school or schools in that unit, that action normally would not affect the Title IV eligibility of the schools in other reporting units that had continued to comply with Title IV requirements. For the most recent year for which data is available from the Department of Education, the cohort default rate for the Title IV reporting units in Kaplan’s Higher Education Division averaged 9.8%, and no unit had a cohort default rate of 25% or more. In 2004 those reporting units derived an average of less than 81% of their receipts from Title IV programs, with no unit deriving more than 88.2% of its receipts from such programs.

All of the Title IV financial aid programs are subject to periodic legislative review and reauthorization.reauthorization, and the next reauthorization is scheduled to take place during the current Congressional term. In addition, the availability of funding for eachthe Title IV programprograms that provide non-repayable grants is wholly contingent upon the outcome of the annual federal appropriations process.

Whether as a result of changes in the laws and regulations governing Title IV programs, a reduction in Title IV program funding levels, or a failure of schools included in Kaplan’s Higher Education Division to maintain eligibility to participate in Title IV programs, a material reduction in the amount of Title IV financial assistance available to the students of thesethose schools would have a significant negative impact on Kaplan’s operating results.

Other Activities

International Herald Tribune

         The Company beneficially owns 50%

Magazine Publishing
Newsweek
Newsweek is a weekly news magazine published both domestically and internationally by Newsweek, Inc., a subsidiary of the outstanding common stockCompany. In gathering, reporting and writing news and other material for publication,Newsweek maintains news bureaus in 8 U.S. and 11 foreign cities.
The domestic edition of the International Herald Tribune, S.A.S., a French companyNewsweekincludes more than 100 different geographic or demographic editions which publishes theInternational Herald Tribunein Paris, France. This English-language newspaper has an average daily paid circulation of over 250,000 copiescarry substantially identical news and is distributed in over 180 countries.

16feature material but enable advertisers to direct messages to specific market areas or

2004 FORM 10-K
13


 

BrassRing

demographic groups. Domestically,Newsweekranks second in circulation among the three leading weekly news magazines (Newsweek, TimeandU.S. News & World Report). For each of the last five years,Newsweek’s average weekly domestic circulation rate base has been 3,100,000 copies and its percentage of the total weekly domestic circulation rate base of the three leading weekly news magazines has been 34.0%.
Newsweekis sold on newsstands and through subscription mail order sales derived from a number of sources, principally direct mail promotion. The basic one-year subscription price is $41.08. Most subscriptions are sold at a discount from the basic price. In May 2001Newsweek’s newsstand cover price was increased from $3.50 to $3.95 per copy.
Newsweek’s published advertising rates are based on its average weekly circulation rate base and are competitive with those of the other weekly news magazines. As is common in the magazine industry, advertising typically is sold at varying discounts fromNewsweek’s published rates. Effective with the January 12, 2004 issue,Newsweek’s published national advertising rates for all categories of such advertising were increased by an average of approximately 4.5%. Beginning with the issue dated January 10, 2005, such rates were increased again, in this case by 5.0%.
Internationally,Newsweekis published in a Europe, Middle East and Africa edition; an Asia edition covering Japan, Korea and south Asia; and a Latin American edition; all of which are in the English language. Editorial copy solely of domestic interest is eliminated in the international editions and is replaced by other international, business or national coverage primarily of interest abroad. Newsweek estimates that the combined average weekly paid circulation for these English-language international editions ofNewsweekin 2004 was approximately 575,000 copies.
Since 1984 a section ofNewsweekarticles has been included inThe Bulletin, an Australian weekly news magazine which also circulates in New Zealand. A Japanese-language edition ofNewsweek, Newsweek Nihon Ban,has been published in Tokyo since 1986 pursuant to an arrangement with a Japanese publishing company which translates editorial copy, sells advertising in Japan and prints and distributes the edition.Newsweek Hankuk Pan,a Korean-language edition ofNewsweek,began publication in 1991 pursuant to a similar arrangement with a Korean publishing company.Newsweek en Español, a Spanish-language edition ofNewsweekwhich has been distributed in Latin America since 1996, is currently being published under an agreement with a Mexico-based company which translates editorial copy, prints and distributes the edition and jointly sells advertising with Newsweek.Newsweek Bil Logha Al-Arabia, an Arabic-language edition ofNewsweek, began publication in 2000 under a similar arrangement with a Kuwaiti publishing company. Pursuant to agreements with local subsidiaries of a German publishing company,Newsweek Polska, a Polish-language newsweekly, began publication in 2001, andRussky Newsweek, a Russian-language newsweekly, began publication in June 2004. In addition to containing selected stories translated fromNewsweek’s various U.S. and foreign editions, each of these magazines includes editorial content created by a staff of local reporters and editors. Under an agreement with a Hong Kong-based publisher,Newsweek Select, a Chinese-language magazine based primarily on selected content translated fromNewsweek’s U.S. and international editions, began distribution in Hong Kong during 2003 and expanded its distribution into mainland China during 2004. Newsweek estimates that the combined average weekly paid circulation ofThe Bulletininsertions and the various foreign-language international editions ofNewsweekwas approximately 700,000 copies in 2004.
The online version ofNewsweek, which includes stories fromNewsweek’s print edition as well as other material, has been a co-branded feature on the MSNBC.com website since 2000. This feature is being produced by Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive Company, another subsidiary of the Company.
Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travelmagazine, another Newsweek publication, was published ten times during 2004 and had an average paid circulation of more than 500,000 copies.Budget Travelis headquartered in New York City and has its own editorial staff.
During recent years Congress has considered a range of proposals intended to restrict the marketing of tobacco products. The Company cannot now predict what actions may eventually be taken to limit or restrict tobacco advertising. However, such advertising accounts for less than 1% of Newsweek’s operating revenues and negligible revenues atThe Washington Postand the Company’s other publications. Moreover, federal law has prohibited the carrying of advertisements for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco by commercial radio and television stations for many years. Thus the Company believes that any restrictions on tobacco advertising that may eventually be put into effect would not have a material adverse effect on Newsweek or on any of the Company’s other business operations.
PostNewsweek Tech Media
This division of Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. publishes controlled-circulation trade periodicals and produces trade shows and conferences for the government information technology industry.
14
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


Specifically, PostNewsweek Tech Media publishesWashington Technology, a twice-monthly news magazine for government information technology systems integrators;Government Computer News, a news magazine published 30 times per year serving government managers who buy information technology products and services; andGCN Technology, a news magazine published four times per year providing information technology product reviews and other buying information for government information technology managers.Washington Technology, Government Computer News andGCN Technologyhave circulations of about 40,000, 87,000 and 100,000 copies, respectively. This division also publishes theFederal Technology Almanac, an annual reference guide for federal government information technology managers and private-sector information technology executives. In March 2005 PostNewsweek Tech Media plans to launchGovernment Leader, a quarterly publication that will focus on issues of interest to senior government executives.
PostNewsweek Tech Media also produces theFOSEtrade show, which is held each spring in Washington, D.C. for information technology decision makers in government and industry. This division also produces a number of smaller conferences and events, including awards dinners honoring leading individuals and companies in the government information technology community.
Other Activities
Bowater Mersey Paper Company
The Company owns 49% of the common stock of Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited, the majority interest in which is held by a subsidiary of Bowater Incorporated. Bowater Mersey owns and operates a newsprint mill near Halifax, Nova Scotia, and also owns extensive woodlands that provide part of the mill’s wood requirements. In 2004 Bowater Mersey produced about 275,000 tons* of newsprint.
BrassRing
The Company beneficially owns a 49.5%49.3% equity interest in BrassRing LLC, an Internet-based career-assistance and hiring management company. The other principal members of BrassRing are the Tribune Company with a 26.9% interest,interest; Gannett Co., Inc. with a 12.4% interest,interest; and the venture capital firm Accel Partners with a 10.5% interest.

Production and Raw Materials

The Washington PostisandExpressare produced at the Company’s printing plants of WP Company in Fairfax County, Virginia and Prince George’s County, Maryland.The HeraldandThe Enterprise Newspapersare produced at The Daily Herald Company’s plant in Everett, Washington, whileThe Gazette Newspapers,and theSouthern Maryland Newspapers, andEl Tiempo Latinoare all printed at the commercial printing facilities owned by Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. Greater Washington Publishing’s periodicals are produced by independent contract printers with the exception of one periodical whichthat is printed at one of the commercial printing facilities owned by Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. All PostNewsweek Tech Media publications are produced by independent contract printers.

Newsweek’s domestic edition is produced by three independent contract printers at fivesix separate plants in the United States; advertising inserts and photo-offset films for the domestic edition are also produced by independent contractors. The international editions ofNewsweekare printed in England, Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Africa and Hollywood, Florida; insertions forThe Bulletinare printed in Australia. Since 1997 Newsweek and a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner have used a jointly owned company based in England to provide production and distribution services for the AtlanticEurope, Middle East and Africa edition ofNewsweekand the Europe edition ofTime. In 2002 this jointly owned company began providing certain production and distribution services for the Asian editions of bothNewsweekandTime.these magazines.Budget Travelis produced by one of the independent contract printers that also printsNewsweek’s domestic edition.

In 20012004The Washington PostandExpressconsumed about 199,000*190,000 tons and 3,000 tons of newsprint, respectively. Such newsprint was purchased from a number of suppliers, including Bowater Incorporated, which supplied approximately 27%37% ofThe Post’s 2001 the 2004 newsprint requirements.requirements for these newspapers. Although in priorfor many years some of the newsprint purchased forThe Postpurchased from Bowater Incorporated typically was provided by Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited, 49% of the common stock of which is owned by the Company (the majority interest being held by a subsidiary of Bowater Incorporated), during 2001since 1999 none of the newsprint consumed by eitherThe PostcameorExpresshas come from that source. Bowater Mersey owns and operates a newsprint mill near Halifax, Nova Scotia, and owns extensive woodlands that provide part of the mill’s wood requirements. In 2001 Bowater Mersey produced about 246,000 tons of newsprint.

The announced price of newsprint (excluding discounts) was approximately $750 per ton throughout 2001.2004. Discounts from the announced price of newsprint can be substantial, and prevailing discounts increased duringdecreased throughout the second halfyear. The

All references in this report to newsprint tonnage and prices refer to short tons (2,000 pounds) and not to metric tons (2,204.6 pounds), which are often used in newsprint price quotations.
2004 FORM 10-K
15


Company believes adequate supplies of the year.newsprint are available toThe Postbelieves it has adequate newsprint available andExpressthrough contracts with its various suppliers. OverMore than 90% of the newsprint used byThe PostandExpressincludes some recycled content. The Company owns 80% of the stock of Capitol Fiber Inc., which handles and sells to recycling industries old newspapers, paper and other paperrecyclable materials collected in Washington, D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia.

In 20012004 the operations of The Daily Herald Company and Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. consumed approximately 6,900 and 19,60023,300 tons of newsprint, respectively, which waswere obtained in each


*All references in this report to newsprint tonnage and prices refer to short tons (2,000) and not to metric tons (2,204.6 pounds) which are often used in newsprint price quotations.

17


case from various suppliers. Approximately 80%85% of the newsprint used by The Daily Herald Company and 45%65% of the newsprint used by Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. includes some recycled content.

The domestic edition ofNewsweekconsumed about 31,60031,000 tons of paper in 2001,2004, the bulk of which was purchased from six major suppliers. The current cost of body paper (the principal paper component of the magazine) is approximately $985$940 per ton.

Over 90% of the aggregate domestic circulation of bothNewsweekandBudget Travelis delivered by periodical (formerly second-class) mail,mail; mostNewsweeksubscriptions for such publications are solicited by either first-class or standard A (formerly third-class) mail,mail; and all PostNewsweek Tech Media publications are delivered by periodical mail. Thus, substantial increases in postal rates for these classes of mail could have a significant negative impact on the operating income of these business units. Rate increases of 3.0% for first-class mail, 9.9% for periodical mail, and 6.0% for standard A mail, went into effect on January 7, 2001, and additional increases of 2.6% for periodical mail and 1.7% for standard A mail went into effect on July 1, 2001. These actions increased annual postage costs by approximately $3.1 million at Newsweek and by nominal amounts at PostNewsweek Tech Media. Additionally, in January 2002 the U.S. Postal Service submitted to the Postal Rate Commission a proposed rate increase of approximately 8% for both periodical and standard A mail and 9% for first-class mail, each to be effective June 30, 2002. The Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service is expected to vote on this proposal sometime in March 2002. If this proposal is approved, Newsweek’s 2002 postage costs will be increased by about $1.7 million. On the other hand, since advertising distributed by standard A mail competes to some degree with newspaper advertising, the Company believes increases in standard A rates could have a positive impact on the advertising revenues ofThe Washington Post,, Express, The Herald,,The Gazette Newspapers, andSouthern Maryland Newspapers, andEl Tiempo Latinoalthough the Company is unable to quantify the amount of such impact.

Competition

The Washington Postcompetes in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area withThe Washington Times,, a newspaper which has published weekday editions since 1982 and Saturday and Sunday editions since 1991.The Postalso encounters competition in varying degrees from newspapers published in suburban and outlying areas, other nationally circulated newspapers, and from television, radio, magazines and other advertising media, including direct mail advertising. Since 1997The New York TimesExpresshas produced a Washington Edition which is printed locallysimilarly competes with various other advertising media in its service area, including both daily and includes television channel listings and weather for the Washington, D.C. area.

weekly free-distribution newspapers.

Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive faces competition from many other Internet services, particularly services that feature national and international news, as well as from alternative methods of delivering news and information. In addition, other Internet-based services, including search engines, are carrying increasing amounts of advertising, and over time such services could also adversely affect the Company’s print publications and television broadcasting operations, all of which rely on advertising for the majority of their revenues. Several companies are offering online services containing information and advertising tailored for specific metropolitan areas, including the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Digital CityFor example, America Online (a subsidiaryunit of AOL Time Warner) producesDigitalCity a Washington,, D.C. city guide which is part of AOL’s nationwide network of local online sites. Other popular Internet sites, such as those of Yahoo! and Netscape Netcenter, offer their own version of a local, D.C.-area guide. National online classified advertising is becoming a particularly crowded field, with competitors such as Yahoo! and eBay aggregating large volumes of content into a national classified database covering a broad range of product lines. Other competitors are focusing on vertical niches in specific content areas: CarPoint,autos.msn.com (which is majority owned by Microsoft), AutoTrader.com and Autobytel.com, for example, aggregate national car listings; Realtor.com aggregates national real estate listings; andwhile Monster.com, HotJobs

18


(which was acquiredHotJobs.Yahoo.com (which is owned by Yahoo! early in 2002)) and CareerBuilderCareerBuilder.com (which acquired Headhunter.net in 2001)is jointly owned by Gannett, Knight-Ridder and Tribune Co.) aggregate employment listings.

Slatecompetes for readers with many other political and lifestyle publications, both online and in print, and competes for advertising revenue with those publications as well as with a wide variety of other print and online publications and other forms of advertising.

The Heraldcirculates principally in Snohomish County, Washington; its chief competitors are theSeattle Timesand theSeattle Post-Intelligencer,, which are daily and Sunday newspapers published in Seattle and whose Snohomish County circulation is principally in the southwest portion of the county. Since 1983 the two Seattle newspapers have consolidated their business and production operations and combined their Sunday editions pursuant to a joint operating agreement, although they continue to publish separate daily newspapers.The Enterprise Newspapersare distributed in south Snohomish and north King Counties where their principal competitors are theSeattle TimesandThe Journal Newspapers,, a group of weekly controlled-circulation newspapers. Numerous other weekly and semi-weekly newspapers and shoppers are distributed inThe Herald’s andThe Enterprise Newspapers’Newspapersprincipal circulation areas.
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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


The circulation ofThe Gazette Newspapersis limited to Montgomery, Prince George’s and Frederick Counties and parts of Prince George’s, Carroll Anne Arundel and Howard Counties,County, Maryland.The Gazette Newspaperscompete with many other advertising vehicles available in their service areas, includingThe PotomacandBethesda/Chevy Chase Almanacs,,The Western Montgomery Bulletin,,The Bowie Blade-News,,The West County NewsandThe Laurel Leader,, weekly controlled-circulation community newspapers,The Montgomery Sentinel,, a weekly paid-circulation community newspaper,The Prince George’s Sentinel,, a weekly controlled-circulation community newspaper (which also has a weekly paid-circulation edition),The MontgomeryandPrince George’s Journals, daily paid-circulation community newspapers, andThe Frederick News-Post, aandCarroll County Times, daily paid-circulation community newspaper.newspapers. TheSouthern Maryland Newspaperscirculate in southern Prince George’s County and in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, Maryland, where they also compete with many other advertising vehicles available in their service areas, including theCalvert County IndependentandSt. Mary’s Today,, weekly controlled-circulationpaid-circulation community newspapers.

In October 2004 Clarity Media Group, a company associated with Denver businessman and billionaire Philip Anschutz, bought theThe Montgomery, Prince George’sandNorthern Virginia Journals, three community newspapers with a combination of paid and free circulation that had been published in suburban Washington, D.C. for many years by a local company. In early February 2005, Clarity Media Group relaunchedThe Journalnewspapers asThe Examiner, a free newspaper which is being published six days a week in northern Virginia, suburban Maryland and Washington, D.C. zoned editions, each of which contains national and international as well as local news. The Company believes the three editions ofThe Examinerare currently being distributed primarily by zip-code targeted home delivery in their respective service areas.The Examinerwill compete in varying degrees withThe Gazette Newspapers, ExpressandThe Washington Post, although the Company is unable to predict how significant a competitive factorThe Examinerwill ultimately prove to be.
The advertising periodicals published by Greater Washington Publishing compete both with many other forms of advertising available in their distribution area as well as with various other free-circulation advertising periodicals.

El Tiempo Latinocompetes with other Spanish-language advertising media available in the Washington, D.C. area, including several other Spanish-language newspapers.
The Company’s television stations compete for audiences and advertising revenues with television and radio stations and cable television systems serving the same or nearby areas, with direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) services, and to a lesser degree with other video programming providers and with other media such as newspapers and magazines. Cable television systems operate in substantial portionssubstantially all of the areas served by the Company’s broadcast marketstelevision stations where they compete for television viewers by importing out-of-market television signals and by distributing pay-cable, advertiser-supported and other programming that is originated for cable systems. In addition, direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”)DBS services provide nationwide distribution of television programming (including in some cases pay-per-view programming and programming packages unique to DBS) using small receiving dishes and digital transmission technologies. In November 1999 Congress passed the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, which gives DBS operators the ability to distribute the signals of local television stations to subscribers in the stations’ local market area (“local-into-local” service), although since April 2000 the DBS operator hasoperators have been required to obtain the consent of each local television station included in such a service. The analog signal of each of the Company’s television stations in Miami, Detroit, Houston, Orlando and San Antoniois currently are being distributed locally by satellite.DBS providers DirecTV and EchoStar. Under an FCC rule implementing provisions of this Act, since January 2002 DBS operators that offer local-into-local service have been required to carry the analog signals of all full-power television stations that request such carriage in the markets in which the DBS operators have chosen to offer local-into-local service. A judicial challenge to this rule has been unsuccessful thus far. The FCC has also adopted rules that require certain program-exclusivity rules

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applicable to cable television to be applied to DBS operators, although certain of these rules, primarily relating to sports blackouts, are subject to reconsideration byoperators. In addition, the FCC. The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act also continuesand subsequent legislation continued restrictions on the transmission of distant network stations by DBS operators. Under these restrictions,Thus DBS operators generally are prohibited from distributing in a local marketdelivering the signals of any distant network-affiliated television station except in areas wherenetwork stations to subscribers who can receive the over-the-airanalog signal of the same network’s local affiliate is not available or where the local affiliate grants a waiver.affiliate. Several lawsuits were filed beginning in 1996 in which plaintiffs (including all four major broadcast networks and network-affiliated stations including one of the Company’s Florida stations) alleged that certain DBS operators had not been complying with this restriction.the prohibition on delivering network signals to households that can receive the analog signal of the local network affiliate over the air. The plaintiffs have entered into a settlement with DBS operator DirecTV, under which it willagreed to discontinue distant-network service to certain subscribers and alter the method by which it determines eligibility for this service. Litigation against DBS operator EchoStar is continuing. The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act also provides that certain distant-network subscribers whose service would have been discontinued as a result of this litigation will continue to have access to distant-network service through 2004. In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company’s television stations may also become subject to increased competition from low-power television stations, wireless cable services, satellite master antenna systems (which can carry pay-cable and similar program material) and prerecorded video programming. Further, the deployment of digital and other improved television technologies may enhance the ability of some of these other video providers to compete more effectively for viewers with the local television broadcasting stations owned by the Company.

Cable television systems operate in a highly competitive environment. In addition to competing with the direct reception of television broadcast signals by the viewer’s own antenna, such systems (like existing television stations) are subject to competition from various other forms of television program delivery. In particular, DBS services (which are discussed in
2004 FORM 10-K
17


more detail in the preceding paragraph) have been growing rapidly and are now a significant competitive factor. The ability of DBS operators to provide local-into-local service (as described above) has increased competition between cable and DBS operators in markets where local-into-local service is provided. DBS operators are not required to provide local-into-local service, and some smaller markets may not receive this service for several years. However, in December 2000 Congress passed and the President signed legislation to provide $1.25 billion in federal loan guarantees to help satellite carriers (and cable operators) provide local TV signals to rural areas, and DBS operators have stated that they intend to provide local-into-local service in a greater number of markets in the future. In addition, if the Department of Justice and the FCC approve the proposed merger of EchoStar and Direct TV, the combined entity would be able to expand local-into-local service into many more marketsis currently being offered by using satellite transmission capacity currently taken up by duplicative national and local channels. Local-into-local service is not yet offeredat least one DBS operator in most markets in which the Company provides cable television service,service. In December 2003 News Corporation Limited (“News Corp”), a global media company that in the United States owns the Fox Television Network, 35 broadcast television stations, a group of regional sports networks and a number of nationally distributed cable networks (including the Fox News Channel, FX, the Fox Movie Channel, the Speed Channel and the National Geographic Channel), acquired a controlling interest in DirecTV. This acquisition was approved by the FCC in an order that, among other things, requires News Corp to offer carriage of its broadcast television stations and access to its cable programming services to cable television systems and other multichannel video programming distributors on nonexclusive and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions. Notwithstanding the requirements imposed by the FCC, this acquisition has the potential not only to enhance DirecTV’s effectiveness as a competitor, but also to limit the access of cable television systems to desirable programming and to increase the costs of such services could be launched by DBS operators at any time.programming. The Company’s cable television systems also compete with wireless cable services in several of their markets and may face additional competition from such services in the future. Moreover, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 permits telephone companies to own and operate cable television systems in the same areas where they provide telephone services and thus may lead to the provision of competing program delivery services by local telephone companies.

         According Telephone companies can also compete with cable television systems in providing broadband Internet access by using DSL and other technologies. Some telephone companies have entered into strategic partnerships with DBS operators that permit the telephone company to figures compiled by Publishers’ Information Bureau, Inc.,package the video programming services of the 263 magazines reported onDBS operator with the telephone company’s own DSL service, thereby competing directly with the video programming and cable modem services being offered by the Bureau,Newsweekranked seventh in total advertising revenues in 2001, when it received approximately 2.1% of all advertising revenues of the magazines included in the report. The magazine industry is highly competitive both within itself and with other advertising media which compete for audience and advertising revenue.

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         PostNewsweek Tech Media’s publications and trade show compete with many other advertising vehicles and sources of similar information.

existing cable television systems.

Kaplan competes in each of its test preparation product lines with a variety of regional and national test preparation businesses, as well as with individual tutors and in-school preparation for standardized tests. Kaplan’s Score LearningEducation subsidiary competes with other regional and national learning centers, individual tutors and other educational businesses that target parents and students. Kaplan’s Professional Division competes with other companies whichthat provide alternative or similar professional training, test-preparationtest preparation and consulting services. Kaplan’s Higher Education Division competes with both facilities-based and other distance learning providers of similar educational services, including not-for-profit colleges and universities and for-profit businesses.

Overseas, both The Financial Training Company and Dublin Business School compete with other for-profit companies and with governmentally supported schools and institutions that provide similar training and educational programs.

According to figures compiled by Publishers’ Information Bureau, Inc., of the 226 magazines reported on by the Bureau,Newsweekranked fifth in total advertising revenues in 2004, when it received approximately 2.6% of all advertising revenues of the magazines included in the report. The magazine industry is highly competitive, both within itself and with other advertising media that compete for audience and advertising revenue.
PostNewsweek Tech Media’s publications and trade shows compete with many other advertising vehicles and sources of similar information.
The Company’s publications and television broadcasting and cable operations also compete for readers’ and viewers’ time with various other leisure-time activities.

The future of the Company’s various business activities depends on a number of factors, including the general strength of the economy,economy; population growth and the level of economic activity in the particular geographic and other markets it serves,serves; the impact of technological innovations on entertainment, news and information dissemination systems,systems; overall advertising revenues,revenues; the relative efficiency of publishing and broadcasting compared to other forms of advertisingadvertising; and, particularly in the case of television broadcasting and cable operations, the extent and nature of government regulations.

Executive Officers

The executive officers of the Company, each of whom is elected for a one-year term at the meeting of the Board of Directors immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in May of each year, are as follows:

Donald E. Graham, age 56,59, has been Chairman of the Board of the Company since September 1993 and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 1991. Mr. Graham served as President of the Company from May 1991 until
18
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


September 1993 and prior to that had been a Vice President of the Company for more than five years. Mr. Graham also served as Publisher ofThe Washington Postfrom 1979 until September 2000.

Diana M. Daniels, age 52,55, has been Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since November 1988 and Secretary of the Company since September 1991. Ms. Daniels served as General Counsel of the Company from January 1988 to November 1988 and prior to that had been Vice President and General Counsel of Newsweek, Inc. since 1979.

Ann L. McDaniel, age 46,49, became Vice President-Human Resources of the Company in September 2001. Ms. McDaniel had previously served as Senior Director of Human Resources of the Company since January 2001, and prior to that held various editorial positions atNewsweekfor more than five years, most recently as Managing Editor, a position she assumed in November 1998.

John B. Morse, Jr., age 55,58, has been Vice President-Finance of the Company since November 1989. He joined the Company as Vice President and Controller in July 1989 and prior to that had been a partner of Price Waterhouse.

Gerald M. Rosberg, age 55, was named58, became Vice President-Planning and Development of the Company in February 1999. Mr. RosbergHe had previously served as Vice President-Affiliates atThe Washington Post,, a position he assumed in November 1997. Mr. Rosberg joined the Company in January 1996 asThe Post’s Director of Affiliate Relations.

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Employees

The Company and its subsidiaries employ approximately 12,30014,800 persons on a full-time basis.

The Washington Post

WP Company has approximately 2,6802,630 full-time employees. About 1,6151,475 ofThe Post’s that unit’s full-time employees and about 500455 part-time employees are represented by one or another of sevenfive unions. Collective bargaining agreements are currently in effect with locals of the following unions covering the full-time and part-time employees and expiring on the dates indicated: 1,4891,231 editorial, newsroom and commercial department employees represented by the Communications Workers of America (May 18, 2002)(November 7, 2005); 76 paperhandlers and general workers represented by the Graphic Communications International Union (November 20, 2004); 4339 machinists represented by the International Association of Machinists (January 10, 2004)2007); 3332 photoengravers-platemakers represented by the Graphic Communications International Union (February 14, 2004)10, 2007); 2827 electricians represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (June 17, 2004)(December 13, 2007); 36and 31 engineers, carpenters and painters represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (March 31, 2002); and 297 mailers and 111(April 9, 2005). The agreement covering 410 mailroom helpersworkers represented by the Communications Workers of America (Mayexpired on May 18, 2003).

2003, and efforts to negotiate a new agreement are continuing. Also, the agreement covering 63 paper handlers and general workers represented by the Graphic Communications International Union expired on November 20, 2004; a replacement agreement had been negotiated but that agreement was subsequently rejected by the members of the bargaining unit.

Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive has approximately 240230 full-time and 35 part-time employees, none of whom is represented by a union.

Of the approximately 280250 full-time and 105100 part-time employees at The Daily Herald Company, about 6570 full-time and 2520 part-time employees are represented by one or another of three unions. The newspaper’s collective bargaining agreement with the Graphic Communications International Union, which represents press operators, expires on March 15, 2005, and its agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents bundle haulers, will expire on September 22, 2003. The Newspaper’s agreement with the Communications Workers of America, which represents printers and mailers, expiredexpires on October 31, 2001,2005. The Newspaper’s agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents bundle haulers, expires on September 22, 2007.
The Company’s broadcasting operations have approximately 980 full-time employees, of whom about 230 are union-represented. Of the eight collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees, one has expired and is being renegotiated. Two other collective bargaining agreements will expire in 2005.
The Company’s Cable Television Division has approximately 1,700 full-time employees, none of whom is represented by a new agreementunion.
Worldwide, Kaplan employs approximately 7,600 persons on a full-time basis. Kaplan also employs substantial numbers of part-time employees who serve in instructional and administrative capacities. During peak seasonal periods, Kaplan’s part-time workforce exceeds 15,500 employees. None of Kaplan’s employees is currently being negotiated.

represented by a union.

Newsweek has approximately 750620 full-time employees (including about 155130 editorial employees represented by the Communications Workers of America under a collective bargaining agreement whichthat will expire inon December 2003)31, 2005).
2004 FORM 10-K
19

         The Company’s broadcasting operations have approximately 965 full-time employees, of whom about 240 are union-represented. Of the eight collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees, two have expired and are being renegotiated. Two other collective bargaining agreements will expire in 2002.


         The Company’s Cable Television Division has approximately 1,600 full-time employees. Kaplan and its subsidiary companies together employ approximately 4,990 persons on a full-time basis (which number does not include substantial numbers of part-time employees who serve in instructional and clerical capacities).

Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. has approximately 675645 full-time and 130160 part-time employees. Robinson Terminal Warehouse Corporation (the Company’s newsprint warehousing and distribution subsidiary) and, Greater Washington Publishing, Express Publications Company and El Tiempo Latino LLC each employ fewer than 100 persons. None of these units’ employees is represented by a union.

Forward-Looking Statements

All public statements made by the Company and its representatives whichthat are not statements of historical fact, including certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in the Company’s 20012004 Annual Report to Stockholders, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the

22


Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include comments about the Company’s business strategies and objectives, the prospects for growth in the Company’s various business operations, and the Company’s future financial performance. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. In addition to the various matters discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (including the financial statements and other items filed herewith), specific factors identified by the Company that might cause such a difference include the following: changes in prevailing economic conditions, particularly in the specific geographic and other markets served by the Company; actions of competitors, including price changes and the introduction of competitive service offerings; changes in the preferences of readers, viewers and advertisers, particularly in response to the growth of Internet-based media; changes in communications and broadcast technologies; the effects of changing cost or availability of raw materials, including changes in the cost or availability of newsprint and magazine body paper; changes in the extent to which standardized tests are used in the admissions process by colleges and graduate schools; changes in the extent to which licensing or proficiency examinations are used to qualify individuals to pursue certain careers; changes in laws or regulations, including changes that affect the way business entities are taxed; and changes in accounting principles or in the way such principles are applied.

Available Information
The Company’s Internet address iswww.washpostco.com. The Company makes available free of charge through its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, its Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Charters of the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Company’s Board of Directors, and the codes of conduct adopted by the Company and referred to in Item 10 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are each available on the Company’s website; printed copies of such documents may be obtained by any stockholder upon written request to the Secretary of the Company at 1150 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20071.

Item 2. Properties.

         The

WP Company owns the principal offices ofThe Washington Postin downtown Washington, D.C., including both a seven-story building in use since 1950 and a connected nine-story office building on contiguous property completed in 1972 in which the Company’s principal executive offices are located. Additionally, theWP Company owns land on the corner of 15th and L Streets, N.W., in Washington, D.C., adjacent toThe Washington Post’s office building. This land is leased on a long-term basis to the owner of a multi-story office building whichthat was constructed on the site in 1982. TheWP Company rents a number of floors in this building. TheWP Company also owns and occupies a small office building on L Street which is nextconnected toThe Post’s downtown office building.

         In 1980 On December 22, 2003, WP Company sold a 35,000-square-foot lot on 15th Street next to the lot containingThe Post’s office building.

WP Company builtowns a printing plant in Fairfax County, Virginia which was built in 1980 and expanded in 1998. That facility is located on 1319 acres of land owned by theWP Company. WP Company in Fairfax County, Virginia, and in 1998 completed an expansion of that facility. Also in 1998 the Company completed construction ofalso owns a new printing plant and distribution facility forThe Poston a 17-acre tract of land in Prince George’s County, Maryland, which was purchasedbuilt in 1998 on a 17-acre tract of land owned by the Company in 1996.WP Company. In addition, theWP Company owns undeveloped land near Dulles Airport in Fairfax County, Virginia (39 acres) and in Prince George’s County, Maryland (34 acres).

; both of these properties currently are under contract to be sold.

The Heraldowns its plant and office building in Everett, Washington; it also owns two warehouses adjacent to its plant and a small office building in Lynnwood, Washington.
20
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. owns a two-story brick building that serves as its headquarters and as headquarters forThe Gazette Newspapersand a separate two-story brick building that houses its Montgomery County commercial printing business. All of these properties are located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. In addition, Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. owns a one-story brick building in Waldorf, Maryland that houses its Charles County commercial printing business and also serves as the headquarters for two of theSouthern Maryland Newspapers. The other editorial and sales offices forThe Gazette Newspapersand theSouthern Maryland Newspapersare located in leased premises. The PostNewsweek Tech Media Division leases office space in Washington, D.C., Silver Spring, and Oakland, California. Post-Newsweek Media has contracted to purchase approximately 7 acres of undeveloped land in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Fairfax, Virginiaon which it plans to build a combination office building and San Francisco, California.

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         The principal offices of Newsweek are located at 251 West 57th Street in New York City, where Newsweek rents space on nine floors. The lease on this space will expire in 2009 but is renewable for a 15-year period at Newsweek’s option at rentals to be negotiated or arbitrated.Budget Travel’s offices are also located in New York City where they occupy premises under a lease which expires in 2010. In 1997 Newsweek sold its Mountain Lakes, N.J. facility to a third party and leased back a portion of this building to house its accounting, production and distribution departments. The lease on this space will expire in 2007 but is renewable for two 5-year periods at Newsweek’s option.

commercial printing facility.

The headquarters offices of the Company’s broadcasting operations are located in Detroit, Michigan in the same facilities that house the offices and studios of WDIV. That facility and those that house the operations of each of the Company’s other television stations are all owned by subsidiaries of the Company, as are the related tower sites (except in Houston, Orlando and Jacksonville, where the tower sites are 50% owned).

The headquarters offices of the Cable Television Division are located in a three-story office building in Phoenix, Arizona whichthat was purchased by Cable One in 1998. The majority of the offices and head-end facilities of the Division’s individual cable systems are located in buildings owned by Cable One. Substantially allMost of the tower sites used by the Division are leased.

In addition, the Division houses a call-center operation in 20,000 square feet of rented space in Phoenix under a lease that expires in 2013.

Kaplan owns a total of ten buildings, including a 26,000-square-foot six-story building located at 131 West 56th Street in New York City, which serves as an educational center primarily for international students, and a 2,300-square-foot office condominium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina which it utilizes for its Test Prep business. Kaplan also owns a 15,000-square-foot three-story building in Berkeley, California utilized for its Test Prep and English Language Training businesses; a 39,000-square-foot four-story brick building and a 19,000-square-foot two-story brick building in Lincoln, Nebraska which are used by Hamilton College; a 25,000-square-foot one-story building in Omaha, Nebraska also used by Hamilton College; a 131,000-square-foot five-story brick building in Manchester, New Hampshire used by Hesser College; an 18,000-square-foot one-story brick building in Dayton, Ohio used by the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology; a 25,000-square-foot building in Hammond, Indiana used by Sawyer College; and a 45,000-square-foot three-story brick building in Houston, Texas used by the Texas School of Business. Kaplan University’s new corporate office is in a 97,000-square-foot building located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, which has been leased for a term expiring in 2015. Kaplan’s distribution facilities for most of its domestic publications are located in a 169,000-square-foot warehouse in Aurora, Illinois which has been rented under a lease which expires in 2010. Kaplan’s headquarters offices are located at 888 7th Avenue in New York City, where Kaplan rents space on three floors under a lease which expires in 2017. Overseas, Dublin Business School’s facilities in Dublin, Ireland are located in four buildings aggregating approximately 54,000 square feet of space which have been rented under leases expiring between 2018 and 2028. The Financial Training Company’s two largest leaseholds are office and instructional space in London of 21,000 square feet and 28,000 square feet which are being occupied under leases that expire in 2007 and 2019, respectively. All other Kaplan facilities in the United States and overseas (including administrative offices and instructional locations) also occupy leased premises.
The principal offices of Newsweek are located at 251 West 57th Street in New York City, where Newsweek rents space on nine floors. The lease on this space will expire in 2009 but is renewable for a 15-year period at Newsweek’s option at rentals to be negotiated or arbitrated.Budget Travel’s offices are also located in New York City, where they occupy premises under a lease that expires in 2010. Newsweek also leases a portion of a building in Mountain Lakes, N.J. to house its accounting, production and distribution departments. The lease on this space will expire in 2007 but is renewable for two five-year periods at Newsweek’s option.
Robinson Terminal Warehouse Corporation owns two wharves and several warehouses in Alexandria, Virginia. These facilities are adjacent to the business district and occupy approximately seven acres of land. Robinson also owns two partially developed tracts of land in Fairfax County, Virginia, aggregating about 2220 acres. These tracts are nearThe Washington Post’s Virginia printing plant and include several warehouses. In 1992 Robinson purchased approximately 23 acres of undeveloped land on the Potomac River in Charles County, Maryland, for the possible construction of additional warehouse capacity.

         Kaplan owns a total

The offices of eight buildings including a six-story building located at 131 West 56th StreetWashingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive occupy 85,000 square feet of office space in New York City, which serves as an educational center primarily for foreign students, and a 2,300 square foot office condominium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina which it utilizes for its Test Prep business. Kaplan also owns a 15,000 square foot three-story building in Berkeley, California utilized for its foreign and Test Prep businesses. Kaplan’s Quest subsidiary owns a 39,000 square foot four-story brick building and a 19,000 square foot two-story brick building in Lincoln, Nebraska which are used by the Lincoln School of Commerce, a 25,000 square foot one-story building in Omaha, Nebraska used by the Nebraska College of Business, a 131,000 square foot five-story brick building in Manchester, New Hampshire used by Hesser College, and an 18,000 square foot one-story brick building in Dayton, Ohio used by the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology. Kaplan’s principal educational center in New York City for other than international students is located at 16 Cooper Square, where Kaplan rents two floors under a lease expiring in 2013. Kaplan’s distribution facilities are located in a 169,000 square foot warehouse in Aurora, Illinois which has been rentedArlington, Virginia under a lease which expires in 2010. Kaplan’s headquarters offices are located at 888 Seventh AvenueExpress Publications Company subleases part of this space. In addition, WPNI leases space in Washington, D.C. and subleases space from Newsweek in New York City where Kaplan rents space on three floors under a lease which expiresforSlate’s offices in 2007. All other Kaplan facilities (including administrative offices and instructional locations) occupy leased premises.

         The offices of Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive are located in Arlington, Virginia, and the offices of Greater Washington Publishing are located in Fairfax, Virginia. The office space for each of these units is leased.

24those

2004 FORM 10-K
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cities, and also leases office space for WPNI sales representatives in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Greater Washington Publishing’s offices are located in leased space in Fairfax, Virginia, while El Tiempo Latino LLC’s offices are located in leased space in Arlington, Virginia.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

         The Company, its wholly owned subsidiary The Gazette Newspapers, Inc. (now Post-Newsweek Media, Inc.), and the Washington Suburban Press Network, Inc. (a corporation jointly owned by the Gazette and another media investor), are parties to an antitrust lawsuit filed on February 28, 2001, by the owners of several local Maryland newspapers in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. This suit, which followed the Gazette’s acquisition of theSouthern Maryland Newspapers, alleges that the Company, the Gazette, and the Washington Suburban Press Network, Inc. have combined to restrain trade in the community newspaper market in Montgomery, Prince George’s, and several other counties in Maryland in violation of federal and state antitrust statutes. The suit also includes state law claims against the Company and the Gazette of unfair competition, tortious interference with contract, and tortious interference with advantageous economic relations. The suit seeks unspecified damages (which in certain instances may be trebled by statute) and attorneys’ fees, as well as injunctive relief (including the divestiture of the Gazette by the Company). On August 9, 2001, the Court dismissed several of plaintiffs’ claims. On August 17, 2001, plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint alleging substantially similar violations of law and seeking similar relief. On September 10, 2001, the Company and the Gazette filed an answer denying all allegations of illegal conduct. The Court set a discovery deadline of April 9, 2002, and a motions deadline of May 15, 2002; a trial date has not been set. In addition, the Company has learned that both the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the Antitrust Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office were asked in early 2001 to review the Gazette’s acquisition of theSouthern Maryland Newspapers, and later in 2001 the Maryland Attorney General’s Office requested certain information from the Company concerning the commercial printing business in suburban Maryland. However to date neither agency has challenged the acquisition of theSouthern Maryland Newspapers.

The Company and its subsidiaries are also defendants in various other civil lawsuits that have arisen in the ordinary course of their businesses, including actions foralleging libel, and invasion of privacy.privacy and violations of applicable wage and hour laws. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, and other matters, in the opinion of management their ultimate dispositionsdisposition should not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, liquidity or results of operations of the Company.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The Company’s Class B Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WPO.” The Company’s Class A Common Stock is not publicly traded.

The high and low sales prices of the Company’s Class B Common Stock during the last two years were:

25


                 
  2001 2000
  
 
Quarter High Low High Low

 
 
 
 
January — March $652  $524  $587  $472 
April — June  608   542   541   471 
July — September  599   470   528   467 
October — December  540   479   629   508 
                 
  2004 2003
     
Quarter High Low High Low
 
January – March  $921   $790   $764   $659 
April – June  983   886   741   679 
July – September  956   830   752   650 
October – December  999   862   820   667 

During 20012004 the Company repurchased 714did not repurchase any shares of its Class B Common Stock.

At February 19, 2002,January 31, 2005, there were 2928 holders of record of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 1,0631,006 holders of record of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

Both classes of the Company’s Common Stock participate equally as to dividends. Quarterly dividends were paid at the rate of $1.40$1.75 per share during 20012004 and $1.35$1.45 per share during 2000.

2003.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

See the information for the years 19972000 through 20012004 contained in the table titled “Ten-Year Summary of Selected Historical Financial Data” which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and listed in the index to financial information on page 3027 hereof (with only the information for such years to be deemed filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

See the information contained under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and listed in the index to financial information on page 3027 hereof.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company is exposed to market risk in the normal course of its business due primarily to its ownership of marketable equity securities, which are subject to equity price risk, and to its borrowing activities, which are subject to interest rate risk.
22
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


Equity Price Risk

The Company has common stock investments in several publicly traded companies (as discussed in Note C to the Company’s consolidated Financial Statements) that are subject to market price volatility. The fair value of these common stock investments totaled $235,405,000$409,736,000 at December 30, 2001.

January 2, 2005.

The following table presents the hypothetical change in the aggregate fair value of the Company’s common stock investments in publicly traded companies assuming hypothetical stock price fluctuations of plus or minus 10%, 20% and 30% in the market price of each stock included therein:
                         
  Value of Common Stock Investments Value of Common Stock Investments
  Assuming Indicated Decrease in Assuming Indicated Increase in
  Each Stock's Price Each Stock's Price

 
  -30% -20% -10% +10% +20% +30%

 
 
 
 
 
  $164,783,500  $188,324,000  $211,864,500  $258,945,500  $282,486,000  $306,026,500 
                       
Value of Common Stock Investments Value of Common Stock Investments
Assuming Indicated Decrease in Assuming Indicated Increase in
Each Stock’s Price Each Stock’s Price
 
-30% -20% -10% +10% +20% +30%
           
$286,815,000  $327,789,000  $368,762,000  $450,710,000  $491,683,000  $532,657,000 

During the 1224 quarters since the end of the Company’s 1998 fiscal year, market price movements caused the aggregate fair value of the Company’s common stock investments in publicly

26


traded companies to change by approximately 20% in one quarter, 15% in twofive quarters and by 10% or less then 10% in each of the other nine18 quarters.

Interest Rate Risk

At December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, the Company had short-term commercial paper borrowings outstanding of $533,896,000$50,187,000 at an average interest rate of 2.0%2.2%. At December 31, 2000,28, 2003, the Company had commercial paper borrowings outstanding of $525,367,000$188,316,000 at an average interest rate of 6.6%1.1%. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk with respect to such borrowings since an increase in commercial paper borrowing rates would increase the Company’s interest expense on its commercial paper borrowings. Assuming a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in its average commercial paper borrowing rates from those that prevailed during the Company’s 20012004 and 20002003 fiscal years, the Company’s interest expense would have been greater by approximately $5,700,000$726,000 in fiscal 20012004 and by approximately $4,600,000$1,800,000 in fiscal 2000.

2003.

The Company’s long-term debt consists of $400,000,000 principal amount of 5.5% unsecured notes due February 15, 2009 (the “Notes”). At December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, the aggregate fair value of the Notes, based upon quoted market prices, was $387,720,000.$423,000,000. An increase in the market rate of interest applicable to the Notes would not increase the Company’s interest expense with respect to the Notes since the rate of interest the Company is required to pay on the Notes is fixed, but such an increase in rates would affect the fair value of the Notes. Assuming, hypothetically, that the market interest rate applicable to the Notes was 100 basis points higher than the Notes’ stated interest rate of 5.5%, the fair value of the Notes would be approximately $377,464,000.$385,720,000. Conversely, if the market interest rate applicable to the Notes was 100 basis points lower than the Notes’ stated interest rate, the fair value of the Notes would then be approximately $424,107,000.

$414,860,000.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

See the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements at December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, and for the periods then ended, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon and the information contained in Note MO to said Consolidated Financial Statements titled “Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited),” which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and listed in the index to financial information on page 3027 hereof.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed by the Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the Company’s principal executive officer) and the Company’s Vice President-Finance (the Company’s principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), as of January 2, 2005. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive
2004 FORM 10-K
23


Officer and Vice President-Finance have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as designed and implemented, are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2005. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of January 2, 2005, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria. Our independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have audited our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2005, as stated in their report which is included herein.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Item 9B. Other Information.
Not applicable.
PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

The information contained under the heading “Executive Officers” in Item 1 hereof and the information contained under the headings “Nominees for Election by Class A Stockholders,” “Nominees for Election by Class B Stockholders” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 20022005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

The Company has adopted codes of conduct that constitute “codes of ethics” as that term is defined in paragraph (b) of Item 406 of Regulation S-K and that apply to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and to any persons performing similar functions. Such codes of conduct are posted on the Company’s Internet website, the address of which iswww.washpostco.com, and the Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K with respect to certain amendments to, and waivers of the requirements of, the provisions of such codes of conduct applicable to the officers and persons referred to above by posting the required information on its Internet website.
In addition to the certifications of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in May 2004 the Company’s Chief Executive Officer submitted to the New York Stock Exchange the certification regarding compliance with the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards required by Section 303A.12 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information contained under the headings “Compensation of Directors,“Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation,” “Retirement Plans,” “Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,”Participation” and “Performance Graph” in the

27


definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 20022005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

24
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information contained under the heading “Stock Holdings of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and in the table titled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 20022005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information contained under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 20022005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information contained under the heading “Audit Committee Report” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a) 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
The following documents are filed as part of this report:

          (i)1. Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

 As listed in the index to financial information on page 3027 hereof.

          (ii)2. ExhibitsFinancial Statement Schedules

 As listed in the index to financial information on page 27 hereof.
3. Exhibits
As listed in the index to exhibits on page 6263 hereof.
2004 FORM 10-K
25

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K.


         No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the period covered by this report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 25, 2002.2, 2005.
 THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
(Registrant)
By /s/ JOHN B. MORSE, JR.
 
 ByJohn B. Morse, Jr.

John B. Morse, Jr.
Vice President-Finance

28


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 25, 2002:2, 2005:
  
 
Donald E. Graham Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive
Officer) and Director
 
John B. Morse, Jr. Vice President-Finance (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
Warren E. Buffett Director
Daniel B. Burke Director
 
Barry Diller Director
 
John L. Dotson Jr. Director
Melinda French GatesDirector
 
George J. Gillespie, III Director
Ralph E. Gomory Director
 
Donald R. KeoughRonald L. Olson Director
Alice M. RivlinDirector
 
Richard D. Simmons Director
 
George W. Wilson Director
  
By /s/ JOHN B. MORSE, JR.
  
 ByJohn B. Morse, Jr.

John B. Morse, Jr.
Vice President-Finance
Attorney-in-Fact

An original power of attorney authorizing Donald E. Graham, John B. Morse, Jr. and Diana M. Daniels, and each of them, to sign all reports required to be filed by the Registrant pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of the above-named directors and officers has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

29

26
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION


THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
       
  Page
   
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Unaudited) 
28
Financial Statements and Schedules:    
 Report of Independent AccountantsRegistered Public Accounting Firm  3138
 
 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 200132
and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2001January 2, 2005  3239
 
 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003  3340
 
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2001January 2, 2005  3542
 
 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2001January 2, 2005  3643
 
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  3744
 
 Financial Statement SchedulesSchedule for the Three Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2001:January 2, 2005:   
 
  II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts  5059 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Unaudited)51 
Ten-Year Summary of Selected Historical Financial Data (Unaudited)  60 


     All other schedules have been omitted either because they are not applicable or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto referred to above.

30

2004 FORM 10-K
27


 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
This analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
OVERVIEW
The Washington Post Company is a diversified media and education company, with education as the fastest-growing business. The Company operates principally in four areas of the media business: newspaper publishing, television broadcasting, magazine publishing and cable television. Through its subsidiary Kaplan, Inc., the Company provides educational services for individuals, schools and businesses. The Company’s business units are diverse and subject to different trends and risks.
In 2004, the Company’s education segment became the largest operating segment of the Company from a revenue standpoint. The Company has devoted significant resources and attention to this division, given the attractiveness of investment opportunities and growth prospects. The growth of Kaplan in recent years has come from both rapid internal growth and acquisitions. Each of Kaplan’s businesses showed revenue and operating income growth in 2004, except for Professional, which showed solid revenue growth, but was essentially flat in operating income due to new programs and increased technology costs. The campus-based and online businesses in Kaplan’s higher education division showed particularly significant revenue and operating income growth. Kaplan completed its first full year operating The Financial Training Company, a test preparation services company for accountants and financial services professionals, primarily in the United Kingdom; and Dublin Business School, Ireland’s largest private undergraduate institution. These 2003 acquisitions marked the Company’s most significant business investments outside the United States in more than 10 years, and both have helped grow Kaplan’s revenue and operating income in 2004. Kaplan made eight acquisitions in 2004, none of them individually significant from a financial standpoint. Over the past several years, Kaplan’s revenues have grown rapidly while operating income (loss) has fluctuated due largely to various business investments and stock compensation charges.
The cable division has also been a source of recent growth and capital investment. Cable One’s industry has experienced significant technological changes, which have created new revenue opportunities, such as digital television and broadband, as well as increased competition, particularly from satellite television service providers. While the cable division’s subscriber base stabilized in 2003, there was a modest decline in the number of basic cable subscribers in 2004 (709,100 at the end of 2004, compared to 720,800 at the end of 2003) and paying digital subscribers (219,200 at the end of 2004, as compared to 222,900 at the end of December 2003). Cable One implemented a $2 monthly rate increase for basic cable service at most of its systems in March 2004, but has no plans for a basic rate increase in 2005. High-speed data subscribers grew 33% in 2004 (178,300 at the end of 2004, compared to 133,800 at the end of 2003). The cable division began offering bundled services in 2003 (basic and tier service, digital service, and high speed data service in one package) with monthly subscriber discounts. By the end of 2004, 12% of the cable division’s subscribers accepted the full bundle of services.
The Company’s newspaper publishing, broadcast television and magazine publishing divisions derive revenue from advertising and, to a lesser extent, circulation and subscriptions. The results of these divisions tend to fluctuate with the overall advertising cycle (amongst other business factors). In 2004, advertising showed continued improvement. The Washington Post newspaper reported continued strong increases in print classified recruitment revenue, with a 20% increase for the year. Preprint and general print advertising categories had solid growth in 2004 as well. Circulation volume continued a downward trend. The Post benefited from payroll savings in 2004 as a result of early retirement programs in 2003 that were accepted by 153 employees. The Company’s online publishing business, Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, showed 32% revenue growth in 2004 and reported positive operating income (as we measure it internally) for the first time.
The Company’s television broadcasting division experienced a large increase in operating income due primarily to significant political and Olympics-related advertising in 2004. The Company expects a significant decline in television broadcasting operating income for 2005 as a result of the absence of any significant political elections and no Olympics programming. Newsweek magazine showed ad growth in 2004 in both its domestic and international editions.
The Company generates a significant amount of cash from its businesses that is used to support its operations, to pay down debt, and to fund capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — 2004 COMPARED TO 2003
Net income was $332.7 million ($34.59 per share) for the fiscal year 2004 ended January 2, 2005, compared with $241.1 million ($25.12 per share) for the fiscal year 2003 ended December 28, 2003. Each of the Company’s divisions reported strong growth in operating income for 2004. The Company’s 2003 results included a non-operating gain from the sale of the Company’s 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune (after-tax impact of $32.3 million, or $3.38 per share), an operating gain from the sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper (after-tax impact of $25.5 million, or $2.66 per share) and early retirement program charges at The Washington Post newspaper (after-tax impact of $20.8 million, or $2.18 per share). Also included in 2003 results is a charge in connection with the establishment of the Kaplan Educational Foundation (after-tax impact of $3.9 million, or $0.41 per share) and Kaplan stock compensation expense for the 10% premium associated with a partial buyout of the Kaplan stock compensation plan (after-tax impact of $6.4 million, or $0.67 per share).
Revenue for 2004 was $3,300.1 million, up 16% compared to $2,838.9 million in 2003. The increase in revenue is due mostly to significant revenue growth at the education and television broadcasting divisions, along with increases at the Company’s cable
28
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


television, newspaper publishing and magazine publishing divisions. Advertising revenue increased 10% in 2004, and circulation and subscriber revenue increased 5%. Education revenue increased 35% in 2004, and other revenue was up 6%. The increase in advertising revenue is due to increases at the television broadcasting, newspaper publishing and magazine publishing divisions. The increase in circulation and subscriber revenue is due to a 9% increase in subscriber revenue at the cable division from continued growth in cable modem, basic and digital service revenues, a 2% increase in circulation revenue at The Post, and a 4% decline in Newsweek circulation revenues due to subscription rate declines at the domestic edition of Newsweek. Revenue growth at Kaplan, Inc. (about 33% of which was from acquisitions) accounted for the increase in education revenue.
Operating costs and expenses for the year increased 11% to $2,737.1 million, from $2,475.1 million in 2003. The increase is primarily due to higher expenses from operating growth at the education, cable television and television broadcasting divisions, higher newsprint prices and a reduced pension credit, offset by a significant decrease in stock-based compensation expense at Kaplan.
Operating income increased 55% to $563.0 million, from $363.8 million in 2003, due largely to significantly improved results at the education and television broadcasting divisions. Kaplan results for 2004 include $32.5 million in stock compensation expense. In addition to pre-tax charges of $10.5 million for the 10% buyout premium and $6.5 million for the Kaplan Education Foundation, Kaplan results for 2003 included an additional $108.6 million in Kaplan stock compensation expense. Operating results for 2003 also included a $41.7 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper and $34.1 million in pre-tax charges from early retirement programs at The Washington Post newspaper.
The Company’s 2004 operating income includes $42.0 million of net pension credits, compared to $55.1 million in 2003. These amounts exclude $0.1 million and $34.1 million in charges related to early retirement programs in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
DIVISION RESULTS
Newspaper Publishing Division.At the newspaper publishing division, 2004 generally included 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks in 2003. Newspaper publishing division revenue in 2004 increased 7% to $938.1 million, from $872.8 million in 2003. Division operating income for 2004 totaled $143.1 million, an increase of 7% from $134.2 million in 2003. The increase in operating income for 2004 reflects higher print and online advertising revenue, 2003 pre-tax charges of $34.1 million from early retirement programs at The Washington Post newspaper and payroll savings from the early retirement programs implemented at The Post in 2003. These factors were partially offset by a $41.7 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper in the fourth quarter of 2003, a 12% increase in newsprint expense at The Post and a $10.8 million reduction in the net pension credit, excluding charges related to early retirement programs. Operating margin at the newspaper publishing division was 15% for 2004 and 2003.
Print advertising revenue at The Washington Post newspaper in 2004 increased 5% to $603.3 million, from $572.2 million in 2003. The increase in print advertising revenue for 2004 is primarily due to increases in classified recruitment, preprints and general advertising categories. Classified recruitment advertising revenue was up 20% to $74.8 million in 2004, a $12.5 million increase compared to 2003.
Circulation revenue at The Post was up 2% for 2004 due to an increase in home delivery prices in 2003 and an extra week in fiscal 2004. Daily circulation at The Post declined 2.6% and Sunday circulation declined 2.3% in 2004; average daily circulation totaled 726,000 (unaudited) and average Sunday circulation totaled 1,011,000 (unaudited).
During 2004, revenue generated by the Company’s online publishing activities, primarily washingtonpost.com, increased 32% to $62.0 million, from $46.9 million in 2003. Local and national online advertising revenues grew 46% and online classified advertising revenue on washingtonpost.com increased 33%.
On January 14, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of Slate, the online magazine, which will be included as part of the Company’s newspaper publishing division.
Television Broadcasting Division.Revenue for the television broadcasting division increased 15% to $361.7 million in 2004, from $315.1 million in 2003, due to $34.3 million in political advertising in 2004, $8.0 million in incremental summer Olympics-related advertising at the Company’s NBC affiliates in 2004 and several days of commercial-free coverage in connection with the Iraq war in March 2003.
Operating income for 2004 increased 25% to $174.2 million, from $139.7 million in 2003, primarily as a result of the revenue increases discussed above. Operating margin at the broadcast division was 48% for 2004 and 44% for 2003.
Competitive market position remained strong for the Company’s television stations. WDIV in Detroit and KSAT in San Antonio were ranked number one in the November 2004 ratings period, Monday through Friday, sign-on to sign-off; WKMG in Orlando ranked second; WJXT in Jacksonville and KPRC in Houston ranked third; and WPLG was third among English-language stations in the Miami market.
Magazine Publishing Division.Revenue for the magazine publishing division totaled $366.1 million for 2004, a 4% increase from $353.6 million in 2003. The revenue increase in 2004 is primarily due to a 9% increase in advertising revenue, largely from increased ad pages at the domestic and international editions of Newsweek and at Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine, as well as lower travel-related advertising revenues at the Pacific edition of Newsweek in 2003 due to the SARS outbreak, offset by a 4% decline in circulation revenue.
Operating income totaled $52.9 million for 2004, an increase of 22% from $43.5 million in 2003. The improvement in operating
2004 FORM 10-K
29


results for 2004 is primarily due to increased advertising revenue, continued cost controls at Newsweek’s international editions and improved results at the Company’s trade magazines.
Operating margin at the magazine publishing division was 14% for 2004 and 12% for 2003.
Cable Television Division.Cable division revenue of $499.3 million for 2004 represents a 9% increase from revenue of $459.4 million in 2003. The 2004 revenue increase is due to continued growth in the division’s cable modem and digital service revenues and a $2 monthly rate increase for basic cable service, effective March 1, 2004, at most of the cable division’s systems.
Cable division operating income increased 18% in 2004 to $104.2 million, from $88.4 million in 2003. The increase in 2004 operating income is due mostly to the division’s significant revenue growth, offset by higher programming, Internet and depreciation costs. Operating margin at the cable television division was 21% in 2004 and 19% in 2003.
At December 31, 2004, the cable division had approximately 219,200 digital cable subscribers, down slightly from 222,900 at December 31, 2003. This represents a 31% penetration of the subscriber base. At December 31, 2004, the cable division had 178,300 CableONE.net service subscribers, compared to 133,800 at December 31, 2003. Both digital and cable modem services are now offered in virtually all of the cable division’s markets. At December 31, 2004, the cable division had 709,100 basic subscribers, compared to 720,800 at December 31, 2003. The decrease is due to small losses associated with the basic rate increase discussed above, along with continued competition from DBS providers.
At December 31, 2004, Revenue Generating Units (RGUs), the sum of basic video, digital video and cable modem subscribers, totaled 1,106,600, compared to 1,077,500 as of December 31, 2003. The increase is due to an increase in the number of cable modem customers. RGUs include about 6,500 subscribers who receive free basic video service, primarily local governments, schools and other organizations as required by various franchise agreements.
Below are details of cable division capital expenditures for 2004 and 2003, in the NCTA Standard Reporting Categories (in millions):
          
  2004 2003
 
Customer premise equipment $23.5  $17.0 
Commercial  0.1   0.1 
Scaleable infrastructure  8.6   5.3 
Line extensions  14.0   10.6 
Upgrade/rebuild  15.6   21.4 
Support capital  17.1   11.5 
   
 Total $78.9  $65.9 
   
Education Division.Education division revenue in 2004 increased 35% to $1,134.9 million, from $838.1 million in 2003. Excluding revenue from acquired businesses, primarily in the higher education division and the professional training schools that are part of supplemental education, education division revenue increased 24% in 2004. Kaplan reported operating income of $121.5 million for the year, compared to an operating loss of $11.7 million in 2003; a significant portion of the improvement is from a $93.1 million decline in costs associated with the Kaplan stock option plan and the establishment of the Kaplan Educational Foundation, as discussed previously. A summary of operating results for 2004 compared to 2003 is as follows (in thousands):
              
  2004 2003 % Change
 
Revenue
            
 Supplemental education $575,014  $469,757   22 
 Higher education  559,877   368,320   52 
   
 
  $1,134,891  $838,077   35 
   
Operating income (loss)
            
 Supplemental education $100,795  $87,044   16 
 Higher education  93,402   58,428   60 
 Kaplan corporate overhead  (31,533)  (36,782)  14 
 Other  (41,209)  (120,399)  66 
   
 
  $121,455  $(11,709)   
   
Supplemental education includes Kaplan’s test preparation, professional training and Score! businesses. Excluding revenues from acquired businesses, supplemental education revenues grew by 14%. Test preparation revenue grew by 15% due to strong enrollment in the SAT/ PSAT, MCAT and Advanced Med. Operating results in 2004 reflect increased course development costs. Also included in supplemental education is The Financial Training Company (FTC), which was acquired in March 2003. Headquartered in London, FTC provides test preparation services for accountants and financial services professionals, with training centers in the United Kingdom and Asia. FTC revenues grew by 44% in 2004 over the same time period the business was owned by Kaplan in 2003. Supplemental education results also include professional real estate, insurance and security courses. Real estate publishing and training courses contributed to growth in supplemental education in 2004. The final component of supplemental education is Score!, which provides academic enrichment to children and has lower operating margins than the other supplemental education businesses due to higher fixed costs. Revenues at Score! were up slightly compared to 2003.
Higher education includes all of Kaplan’s post-secondary education businesses, including fixed-facility colleges as well as online post-secondary and career programs (various distance-learning businesses). Excluding revenue from acquired businesses, higher education revenues grew by 35% in 2004. Higher education results are showing significant growth, especially the online programs, in which revenues more than doubled in 2004. At the end of 2004, higher education enrollments totaled 58,000, compared to 45,000 at the end of 2003.
30
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


Corporate overhead represents unallocated expenses of Kaplan, Inc.’s corporate office, including a $6.5 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2003 for the Kaplan Educational Foundation.
Other expense comprises accrued charges for stock-based incentive compensation arising from a stock option plan established for certain members of Kaplan’s management (the general provisions of which are discussed in Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and amortization of certain intangibles. Under the stock-based incentive plan, the amount of compensation expense varies directly with the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock and the number of options outstanding. The Company recorded expense of $32.5 million and $119.1 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively, related to this plan. The stock compensation expense for 2003 included the impact of the third quarter 2003 buyout offer for approximately 55% of the stock options outstanding at Kaplan. The stock compensation expense in 2004 is based on the remaining Kaplan stock options held by a small number of Kaplan executives after the 2003 buyout.
Corporate Office.The corporate office operating expenses increased to $32.8 million in 2004, from $30.3 million in 2003. The increase is primarily due to the corporate office’s share of increased compliance costs in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002.
Equity in Losses of Affiliates.The Company’s equity in losses of affiliates for 2004 was $2.3 million, compared to losses of $9.8 million for 2003. The Company’s affiliate investments at the end of 2004 consisted of a 49% interest in BrassRing LLC and a 49% interest in Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited. The reduction in affiliate losses for 2004 is attributable to improved operating results at both BrassRing and Bowater.
On January 1, 2003, the Company sold its 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune for $65 million and recorded an after-tax non-operating gain of $32.3 million in the first quarter of 2003.
Non-Operating Items.The Company recorded other non-operating income, net, of $8.1 million in 2004, compared to $55.4 million in 2003. The 2004 non-operating income, net, is primarily from foreign currency gains. The 2003 non-operating income, net, mostly comprises a $49.8 million pre-tax gain from the sale of the Company’s 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune.
A summary of non-operating income (expense) for the years ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, follows (in millions):
          
  2004 2003
 
Foreign currency gains, net $5.5  $4.2 
Gain on sale of interest in IHT     49.8 
Impairment write-downs on cost method and other investments  (0.7)  (1.3)
Gain on exchange of cable system business  0.5    
Other gains  2.8   2.7 
   
 Total $8.1  $55.4 
   
The Company incurred net interest expense of $26.4 million in 2004, compared to $26.9 million in 2003. At January 2, 2005, the Company had $484.1 million in borrowings outstanding at an average interest rate of 5.1%; at December 28, 2003, the Company had $631.1 million in borrowings outstanding.
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate was 38.7% for 2004, compared to 37.0% for 2003. The 2003 effective tax rate benefited from the 35.1% effective tax rate applicable to the one-time gain arising from the sale of the Company’s interest in the International Herald Tribune. The Company expects an effective tax rate in 2005 of approximately 38.7%.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — 2003 COMPARED TO 2002
Net income was $241.1 million ($25.12 per share) for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003, compared with net income of $204.3 million ($21.34 per share) for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002. The Company’s 2003 results include a non-operating gain from the sale of the Company’s 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune (after-tax impact of $32.3 million, or $3.38 per share), an operating gain from the sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper (after-tax impact of $25.5 million, or $2.66 per share), early retirement program charges at The Washington Post newspaper (after-tax impact of $20.8 million, or $2.18 per share), Kaplan stock compensation expense for the 10% premium associated with the purchase of certain outstanding stock options announced in the third quarter (after-tax impact of $6.4 million, or $0.67 per share), and a charge in connection with the establishment of the Kaplan Educational Foundation (after-tax impact of $3.9 million, or $0.41 per share). The Company’s 2002 results included a net non-operating gain from the exchange of certain cable systems (after-tax impact of $16.7 million, or $1.75 per share), a transitional goodwill impairment loss (after-tax impact of $12.1 million, or $1.27 per share), charges from early retirement programs (after-tax impact of $11.3 million, or $1.18 per share), and a net non-operating loss from the write-down of certain of the Company’s investments (after-tax impact of $2.3 million, or $0.24 per share).
Results for 2003 include $119.1 million in stock compensation expense at the Kaplan education division, which was significantly higher than the $34.5 million in Kaplan stock compensation expense in 2002. In September 2003, the Company announced an offer totaling $138 million for approximately 55% of the stock options outstanding at Kaplan. The Company’s offer included a 10% premium over the then current valuation price. The Company paid out $118.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2003, with the remainder of the payouts to be made from 2004 through 2008. A small number of key Kaplan executives will continue to hold the remaining 45% of outstanding Kaplan stock options, with roughly half of the remaining options expiring in 2007 and half expiring in 2011.
Revenue for 2003 was $2,838.9 million, up 10% compared to revenue of $2,584.2 million in 2002. The increase in revenue is due mostly to significant revenue growth at the education division, along with increases at the Company’s cable television, newspaper publishing, and magazine publishing divisions; revenues were down
2004 FORM 10-K
31


at the television broadcasting division. Advertising revenue was essentially flat in 2003, and circulation and subscriber revenue increased 5%. Education revenue increased 35% in 2003, and other revenue was up 8%. The change in advertising revenue is due to increases at the newspaper publishing and magazine publishing divisions, offset by a decline at the television broadcasting division due primarily to significant political revenues in 2002. The increase in circulation and subscriber revenue is due to an 8% increase in subscriber revenue at the cable division from continued growth in cable modem and digital service revenues, a 1% increase in circulation revenue at The Post, and a slight increase in Newsweek circulation revenues due to increased newsstand sales for both the domestic and international editions of Newsweek. Revenue growth at Kaplan, Inc. (about 43% of which was from acquisitions) accounted for the increase in education revenue.
Operating costs and expenses for the year increased 12% to $2,475.1 million, from $2,206.6 million in 2002. The increase is primarily due to a significant increase in stock-based compensation expense at Kaplan, higher expenses from operating growth at Kaplan, early retirement program charges, higher newsprint prices and a reduced pension credit, offset by a $41.7 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper.
Operating income declined 4% to $363.8 million, from $377.6 million in 2002, due largely to the $84.6 million increase in Kaplan stock compensation discussed above. Operating results for 2003 also include a $41.7 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper, $34.1 million in pre-tax charges from early retirement programs at The Washington Post newspaper, and a $6.5 million charge for the Kaplan Educational Foundation. Operating results for 2002 included $19.0 million in pre-tax charges from early retirement programs. The Company’s year-to-date results were adversely impacted by a reduction in operating income at the television broadcasting division and a reduced net pension credit. Improved results at the Company’s newspaper publishing, magazine publishing and cable television divisions helped to offset these declines.
The Company’s 2003 operating income includes $55.1 million of net pension credits, compared to $64.4 million in 2002. These amounts exclude $34.1 million and $19.0 million in charges related to early retirement programs in 2003 and 2002, respectively.
DIVISION RESULTS
Newspaper Publishing Division.Newspaper publishing division revenue in 2003 increased 4% to $872.8 million, from $842.0 million in 2002. Division operating income for 2003 totaled $134.2 million, an increase of 23% from operating income of $109.0 million in 2002. Operating results for 2003 include a fourth quarter $41.7 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper and $34.1 million in pre-tax charges from early retirement programs at The Washington Post newspaper. Operating results for 2002 included a $2.9 million charge from an early retirement program at The Washington Post newspaper. Improved operating results for 2003 are due to increased advertising revenue and cost control initiatives employed throughout the division, offset by a 3% increase in newsprint expense, incremental costs associated with the war in Iraq, a reduced pension credit, and a small loss from a new newspaper, Express, which was launched in August 2003. Operating margin at the newspaper publishing division was 15% for 2003 and 13% for 2002.
Print advertising revenue at The Washington Post newspaper increased 3% to $572.2 million, from $555.7 million in 2002. The rise in print advertising revenue for 2003 was due to increases in general and preprint advertising revenue, which more than offset declines in classified and retail advertising revenue from volume declines. Classified recruitment advertising revenue decreased $6.1 million in 2003, due to a 14% volume decline. Classified recruitment advertising revenue increased by $0.8 million, or 6%, during the fourth quarter of 2003, with flat volume compared to 2002. This was the first quarter with an increase in classified recruitment advertising revenue since the third quarter of 2000.
Circulation revenue at The Post was up 1% for 2003 due to an increase in home delivery prices. Daily circulation at The Post declined 2.0%, and Sunday circulation declined 1.8%. Single copy sales contributed to the decline, with a 9% daily decrease and a 6% Sunday decrease. For the year ended December 28, 2003, average daily circulation at The Post totaled 745,000 (unaudited), and average Sunday circulation totaled 1,035,000 (unaudited).
During 2003, revenue generated by the Company’s online publishing activities, primarily washingtonpost.com, increased 30% to $46.9 million, from $35.9 million in 2002. Local and national online advertising revenues grew 59% and revenues at the Jobs section of washingtonpost.com increased 29%.
As previously discussed, the Post launched a new newspaper, Express, in August 2003. The new publication appears each morning, Monday through Friday, in tabloid form and is distributed free-of-charge in the Washington, D.C. area.
Television Broadcasting Division.Revenue for the television broadcasting division decreased 8% to $315.1 million in 2003, from $343.6 million in 2002, due to approximately $31.8 million in political advertising in 2002, $5.0 million in incremental Olympics-related advertising at the Company’s NBC affiliates in the first quarter of 2002, and several days of commercial-free coverage in connection with the Iraq war in March 2003.
Operating income for 2003 decreased 17% to $139.7 million, from $168.8 million in 2002, primarily as a result of the revenue reductions discussed above. Operating margin at the broadcast division was 44% for 2003 and 49% for 2002.
Competitive market position remained strong for the Company’s television stations. WDIV in Detroit and KSAT in San Antonio were ranked number one in the November 2003 ratings period, Monday through Friday, sign-on to sign-off; WJXT in Jacksonville ranked second; WKMG in Orlando was tied for second; KPRC in Houston ranked third; and WPLG was third among English-language stations in the Miami market.
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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


In July 2002, WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida began operations as an independent station when its network affiliation with CBS ended.
Magazine Publishing Division.Revenue for the magazine publishing division totaled $353.6 million for 2003, a 1% increase from $349.1 million in 2002. The revenue increase in 2003 is due to increases in ad pages at Newsweek’s domestic edition, Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine, and the Company’s trade magazines, offset by lower advertising revenue at the international editions of Newsweek, particularly travel-related advertising at the Pacific edition.
Operating income totaled $43.5 million for 2003, an increase of 69% from $25.7 million in 2002. The improvement in operating results for 2003 is primarily attributable to $16.1 million in pre-tax charges in connection with early retirement programs at Newsweek in 2002, offset by a reduced pension credit.
Operating margin at the magazine publishing division was 12% for 2003 and 7% for 2002.
Cable Television Division.Cable division revenue of $459.4 million for 2003 represents a 7% increase from $428.5 million in 2002. The 2003 revenue increase is principally due to rapid growth in the division’s cable modem and digital service revenues, offset by lower pay and basic revenues due to fewer average basic and pay subscribers during the year, and the lack of rate increases due to a decision to freeze most rates for Cable One subscribers in 2003.
Cable division operating income increased 9% in 2003 to $88.4 million, from $80.9 million in 2002. The increase in operating income for 2003 is due mostly to the division’s revenue growth, offset by higher depreciation expense and an increase in technical, Internet, marketing and employee benefits costs. Operating margin at the cable television division was 19% in 2003 and 2002.
Depreciation expense increased due to significant capital spending in recent years that has enabled the cable division to offer digital and broadband cable services to its subscribers. The cable division began its rollout plan for these services in the third quarter of 2000. Depreciation expense in 2002 included a $5.4 million charge for obsolete assets. At December 31, 2003, the cable division had approximately 222,900 digital cable subscribers, representing a 31% penetration of the subscriber base. Both digital and cable modem services are now offered in virtually all of the cable division’s markets.
At December 31, 2003, the cable division had 720,800 basic subscribers, compared to 718,000 at the end of December 2002, with the increase due to significant marketing efforts in 2003 to stabilize the subscriber base. At December 31, 2003, the cable division had 133,800 CableONE.net service subscribers, compared to 79,400 at the end of December 2002, due to a large increase in the Company’s cable modem deployment and take-up rates. In 2003, the cable division launched a number of marketing initiatives, including door-to-door sales and bundled service offers with monthly discounts, which have resulted in increased customer subscription rates.
At December 31, 2003, Revenue Generating Units (RGUs), the sum of basic video, digital video and cable modem subscribers, totaled 1,077,500, compared to 993,600 as of December 31, 2002. The increase is due to an increase in the number of digital cable and cable modem customers.
Below are details of cable division capital expenditures for 2003 and 2002, as defined by the NCTA Standard Reporting Categories (in millions):
          
  2003 2002
 
Customer premise equipment $17.0  $27.2 
Commercial  0.1   0.1 
Scaleable infrastructure  5.3   6.8 
Line extensions  10.6   10.4 
Upgrade/rebuild  21.4   37.4 
Support capital  11.5   10.6 
   
 Total $65.9  $92.5 
   
Education Division.Education division revenue in 2003 increased 35% to $838.1 million, from $621.1 million in 2002. Kaplan reported an operating loss of $11.7 million for the year, compared to operating income of $20.5 million in 2002. The decline is due to an $84.6 million increase in Kaplan stock compensation expense in 2003 and a $6.5 million contribution to the Kaplan Educational Foundation in the fourth quarter of 2003, offset by significant revenue growth during the year. Approximately 43% of the increase in Kaplan revenue is from acquired businesses, primarily in the higher education division and the professional training schools that are part of supplemental education. A summary of operating results for 2003 compared to 2002 is as follows (in thousands):
              
  2003 2002 % Change
 
Revenue
            
 Supplemental education $469,757  $371,248   27 
 Higher education  368,320   249,877   47 
   
 
  $838,077  $621,125   35 
   
Operating income (loss)
            
 Supplemental education $87,044  $54,103   61 
 Higher education  58,428   27,569   112 
 Kaplan corporate overhead  (36,782)  (26,143)  (41)
 Other  (120,399)  (35,017)  (244)
   
 
  $(11,709) $20,512    
   
Supplemental education includes Kaplan’s test preparation, professional training and Score! businesses. On March 31, 2003, Kaplan completed its acquisition of The Financial Training Company (FTC) for £55.3 million ($87.4 million), financed through cash and debt. Headquartered in London, FTC provides test preparation services for accountants and financial services professionals, with training centers in the United Kingdom and Asia. The improvement in supplemental education results for 2003 is due to increased enrollment at Kaplan’s traditional test preparation business, significant increases in the professional real estate courses, and the FTC acquisition. Score! also contributed to the improved results, with
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33


increased enrollments at existing centers and the addition of 10 new centers compared to the previous year.
Higher education includes all of Kaplan’s post-secondary education businesses, including fixed-facility colleges, as well as online post-secondary and career programs (various distance-learning businesses). Higher education results are showing significant growth due to student enrollment increases, high student retention rates and several acquisitions.
Corporate overhead represents unallocated expenses of Kaplan’s corporate office, including a $6.5 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2003 for the Kaplan Educational Foundation, and expenses associated with the design and development of educational software that, if successfully completed, will benefit all of Kaplan’s business units.
Other expense comprises accrued charges for stock-based incentive compensation arising from a stock option plan established for certain members of Kaplan’s management (the general provisions of which are discussed in Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and amortization of certain intangibles. Under the stock-based incentive plan, the amount of compensation expense varies directly with the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock and the number of options outstanding. The Company recorded expense of $119.1 million and $34.5 million for 2003 and 2002, respectively, related to this plan. The increase for 2003 reflects a significant increase in the value of Kaplan due to its rapid earnings growth and the general rise in valuations of education companies. See additional discussion above regarding the Company’s announcement in September 2003 of its offer to purchase 55% of the outstanding Kaplan stock options.
Corporate Office.The corporate office operating expenses increased to $30.3 million in 2003, from $27.4 million in 2002. The increase in expenses for 2003 is associated with several companywide technology projects.
Equity in Losses of Affiliates.The Company’s equity in losses of affiliates for 2003 was $9.8 million, compared to losses of $19.3 million for 2002. The Company’s affiliate investments at the end of 2003 consisted of a 49% interest in BrassRing LLC and a 49% interest in Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited. BrassRing results improved in 2003, despite a second quarter charge arising from the shutdown of one of the BrassRing businesses, which increased the Company’s equity in losses of BrassRing by $2.2 million. The Company’s equity in losses of BrassRing totaled $7.7 million for 2003, compared to $13.9 million for 2002.
On January 1, 2003, the Company sold its 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune for $65 million and recorded an after-tax non-operating gain of $32.3 million in the first quarter of 2003.
Non-Operating Items.The Company recorded other non-operating income, net, of $55.4 million in 2003, compared to $28.9 million in 2002. The 2003 non-operating income, net, mostly comprises a $49.8 million pre-tax gain from the sale of the Company’s 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune. The 2002 non-operating income, net, includes a pre-tax gain of $27.8 million on the exchange of certain cable systems in the fourth quarter of 2002 and a gain on the sale of marketable securities, offset by write-downs recorded on certain investments.
A summary of non-operating income (expense) for the years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, follows (in millions):
          
  2003 2002
 
Gain on sale of interest in IHT $49.8  $ 
Foreign currency gains, net  4.2    
Impairment write-downs on cost method and other investments  (1.3)  (21.2)
Gain on exchange of cable system business     27.8 
Gain on sale of marketable securities     13.2 
Other gains  2.7   9.1 
   
 Total $55.4  $28.9 
   
The Company incurred net interest expense of $26.9 million in 2003, compared to $33.5 million in 2002, due to lower average borrowings during 2003 compared to 2002. At December 28, 2003, the Company had $631.1 million in borrowings outstanding at an average interest rate of 4.1%; at December 29, 2002, the Company had $664.8 million in borrowings outstanding.
Income Taxes.The effective tax rate was 37.0% for 2003, compared to 38.8% for 2002. The 2003 effective tax rate benefited from the 35.1% effective tax rate applicable to the one-time gain arising from the sale of the Company’s interest in the International Herald Tribune.
FINANCIAL CONDITION: CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Acquisitions, Exchanges and Dispositions.During 2004, Kaplan acquired eight businesses in its higher education and professional divisions for a total of $59.6 million, financed with cash and $8.7 million of debt. In addition, the cable division completed two small transactions. In May 2004, the Company acquired El Tiempo Latino, a leading Spanish-language weekly newspaper in the greater Washington area. Most of the purchase price for the 2004 acquisitions was allocated to goodwill and other intangibles.
During 2003, Kaplan acquired 13 businesses in its higher education and professional divisions for a total of $166.8 million, financed with cash and $36.7 million of debt. The largest of these was the March 2003 acquisition of the stock of The Financial Training Company (FTC), for £55.3 million ($87.4 million). Headquartered in London, FTC provides test preparation services for accountants and financial services professionals, with 28 training centers in the United Kingdom as well as operations in Asia. This acquisition was financed with cash and $29.7 million of debt, primarily to employees of the business. In November 2003, Kaplan acquired Dublin Business School, Ireland’s largest private undergraduate institution. Most of the purchase price for the 2003 Kaplan acquisitions was allocated to goodwill and other intangibles and property, plant and equipment.
34
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


In addition, the cable division acquired three additional systems in 2003 for $2.8 million. Most of the purchase price for these acquisitions was allocated to franchise agreements, an indefinite-lived intangible asset.
On January 1, 2003, the Company sold its 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune for $65 million and the Company recorded an after-tax non-operating gain of $32.3 million ($3.38 per share) in the first quarter of 2003.
During 2002, Kaplan acquired several businesses in its higher education and test preparation divisions for approximately $42.2 million. In November 2002, the Company completed a cable system exchange transaction with Time Warner Cable which consisted of the exchange by the Company of its cable system in Akron, Ohio serving about 15,500 subscribers, and $5.2 million to Time Warner Cable, for cable systems serving about 20,300 subscribers in Kansas. The non-cash, non-operating gain resulting from the exchange transaction increased net income by $16.7 million, or $1.75 per share.
Capital Expenditures.During 2004, the Company’s capital expenditures totaled $204.6 million. The Company’s capital expenditures for 2004, 2003 and 2002 are disclosed in Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company estimates that its capital expenditures will be in the range of $250 million to $275 million in 2005.
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities.At January 2, 2005, the fair value of the Company’s investments in marketable equity securities was $409.7 million, which includes $260.4 million in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Class A and B common stock and $149.3 million of various common stocks of publicly traded companies with education and e-commerce business concentrations.
At January 2, 2005, the gross unrealized gain related to the Company’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. stock investment totaled $75.5 million; the gross unrealized gain on this investment was $60.4 million at December 28, 2003. The Company presently intends to hold the Berkshire Hathaway stock long term. The gross unrealized gain related to the Company’s other marketable security investments at January 2, 2005 totaled $48.3 million.
Common Stock Repurchases and Dividend Rate.During 2004, there were no share repurchases. During 2003 and 2002, the Company repurchased 910 shares and 1,229 shares, respectively, of its Class B common stock at a cost of $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. At January 2, 2005, the Company had authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase up to 542,800 shares of Class B common stock. The annual dividend rate for 2005 was increased to $7.40 per share, from $7.00 per share in 2004, and from $5.80 per share in 2003.
Liquidity.At January 2, 2005, the Company had $119.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $116.6 million at December 28, 2003.
At January 2, 2005, the Company had $50.2 million in commercial paper borrowing outstanding at an average interest rate of 2.2% with various maturities through the first quarter of 2005. In addition, the Company had outstanding $398.9 million of 5.5%, 10-year unsecured notes due February 2009. These notes require semiannual interest payments of $11.0 million payable on February 15 and August 15. The Company also had $35.0 million in other debt.
During 2004, the Company’s borrowings, net of repayments, decreased by $147.0 million, with the decrease primarily due to cash flow from operations. While the Company paid down $157.4 million in commercial paper borrowings and other debt during 2004, the Company also partially financed several acquisitions during this period.
During the third quarter of 2004, the Company replaced its expiring $250 million 364-day revolving credit facility with a new $250 million revolving credit facility on essentially the same terms. The new facility expires in August 2005. The Company’s five-year $350 million revolving credit facility, which expires in August 2007, remains in effect. These revolving credit facility agreements support the issuance of the Company’s short-term commercial paper and provide for general corporate purposes.
During 2004 and 2003, the Company had average borrowings outstanding of approximately $516.0 million and $605.7 million, respectively, at average annual interest rates of approximately 4.8% and 4.2%, respectively. The Company incurred net interest costs on its borrowings of $26.4 million and $26.9 million during 2004 and 2003, respectively.
At January 2, 2005, the Company had working capital of $66.2 million and at December 28, 2003, the Company had a working capital deficit of $184.7 million. The improvement in working capital in 2004 is due primarily to short-term debt repayments and an increase in investments in marketable securities that are classified as current assets. The Company maintains working capital levels consistent with its underlying business requirements and consistently generates cash from operations in excess of required interest or principal payments. The Company has classified all of its commercial paper borrowing obligations as a current liability at January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, as the Company intends to pay down commercial paper borrowings from operating cash flow. However, the Company continues to maintain the ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis through new debt issuance and/or its revolving credit facility agreements.
The Company’s net cash provided by operating activities, as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, was $561.7 million in 2004, as compared to $337.7 million in 2003. The increase is primarily due to the Company’s significant increase in operating income in 2004 and significant payments for Kaplan stock options in 2003, offset by an increase in the company’s income tax payments in 2004.
The Company expects to fund its estimated capital needs primarily through internally generated funds and, to a lesser extent, commercial paper borrowings. In management’s opinion, the Company will have ample liquidity to meet its various cash needs in 2005.
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35


The following reflects a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of January 2, 2005:
Contractual Obligations
(in thousands)
                             
  2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Thereafter Total
   
Commercial paper $50,201  $  $  $  $  $  $50,201 
Long-term debt  8,035   24,679   1,479   407   400,224   200   435,024 
Programming purchase commitments(1)
  126,848   115,076   105,863   85,943   58,008   216,711   708,449 
Operating leases  80,842   75,974   71,181   61,767   52,303   154,541   496,608 
Other purchase obligations(2)
  371,973   117,614   94,653   78,058   71,615   145,003   878,916 
Long-term liabilities(3)
  7,300   8,000   8,700   9,500   10,400   111,098   154,998 
   
Total $645,199  $341,343  $281,876  $235,675  $592,550  $627,553  $2,724,196 
   
(1) Includes commitments for the Company’s television broadcasting and cable television businesses that are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and commitments to purchase programming to be produced in future years.
(2) Includes purchase obligations related to newsprint contracts, printing contracts, employment agreements, circulation distribution agreements, capital projects and other legally binding commitments. Other purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business are excluded from the table above. Any amounts for which the Company is liable under purchase orders are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.”
(3) Primarily made up of postretirement benefit obligations other than pensions. The Company has other long-term liabilities excluded from the table above, including obligations for deferred compensation, long-term incentive plans and long-term deferred revenue.
Other Commercial Commitments
(in thousands)
      
  Lines of
Fiscal Year Credit
 
 2005 $250,000 
 2006   
 2007  350,000 
 2008   
 2009   
Thereafter   
     
 
Total $600,000 
     
Other.The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or financing activities with special-purpose entities (SPEs). Transactions with related parties, as discussed in Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements, are in the ordinary course of business and are conducted on an arm’s-length basis.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. In preparing these financial statements, management has made their best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Actual results will inevitably differ to some extent from these estimates.
The following are accounting policies that management believes are the most important to the Company’s portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.
Revenue Recognition and Trade Accounts Receivable, Less Estimated Returns, Doubtful Accounts and Allowances.The Company’s revenue recognition policies are described in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Education revenue is generally recognized ratably over the period during which educational services are delivered. For example, at Kaplan’s test preparation division, estimates of average student course length are developed for each course, along with estimates for the anticipated level of student drops and refunds from test performance guarantees, and these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary. As Kaplan’s businesses and related course offerings have expanded, including distance-learning businesses, and contracts with school districts as part of its K12 business, the complexity and significance of management estimates have increased. Revenues from magazine retail sales are recognized on the later of delivery or the cover date, with adequate provision made for anticipated sales returns. The Company bases its estimates for sales returns on historical experience and has not experienced significant fluctuations between estimated and actual return activity.
Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. Accounts receivable also have been reduced by an estimate of advertising rate adjustments and discounts, based on estimates of advertising volumes for contract customers who are eligible for advertising rate adjustments and discounts.
Pension Costs.Excluding special termination benefits related to early retirement programs, the Company’s net pension credit was $42.0 million, $55.1 million and $64.4 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company’s pension benefit costs are actuarially determined and are impacted significantly by the Company’s assumptions related to future events, including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increases. At December 29, 2002, the Company reduced its discount rate assumption to 6.75%. Due to the reduction in the discount rate, lower than expected investment returns in 2002, and an amendment to the pension retirement program for certain employees at the Post effective June 1, 2003, the pension credit for 2003 declined by $9.3 million compared to 2002. At December 28, 2003, the Company reduced its discount rate assumption to 6.25%. Due to the reduction in the discount rate, the plan amendment from June 2003, and a reduction in the estimated actuarial gain amortization, offset by higher than expected investment returns in 2003, the pension credit for 2004 declined by $13.2 million compared to 2003. At January 2, 2005, the Compa-
36
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


ny further reduced its discount rate assumption to 5.75%, and the pension credit for 2005 is expected to be down by about $4 million. For each one-half percent increase or decrease to the Company’s assumed expected return on plan assets, the pension credit increases or decreases by approximately $6.5 million. For each one-half percent increase or decrease to the Company’s assumed discount rate, the pension credit increases or decreases by approximately $5 million. The Company’s actual rate of return on plan assets was 4.3% in 2004, 16.7% in 2003, and (2.3%) in 2002, based on plan assets at the beginning of each year. Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional details surrounding pension costs and related assumptions.
Kaplan Stock Option Plan.The Kaplan stock option plan was adopted in 1997 and initially reserved 15%, or 150,000 shares of Kaplan’s common stock, for options to be granted under the plan to certain members of Kaplan management. Under the provisions of this plan, options are issued with an exercise price equal to the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock, and options vest ratably over the number of years specified (generally 4 to 5 years) at the time of the grant. Upon exercise, an option holder receives cash equal to the difference between the exercise price and the then fair value. The amount of compensation expense varies directly with the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock and the number of options outstanding. The estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock is based upon a comparison of operating results and public market values of other education companies and is determined by the Company’s compensation committee of the Board of Directors, with input from management and an independent outside valuation firm. Over the past several years, the value of education companies has fluctuated significantly, and consequently, there has been significant volatility in the amounts recorded as expense each year as well as on a quarterly basis.
In September 2003, the committee set the fair value price of Kaplan common stock at $1,625 per share, which was determined after deducting intercompany debt from Kaplan’s enterprise value. Also in September 2003, the Company announced an offer totaling $138 million for approximately 55% of the stock options outstanding at Kaplan. The Company’s offer included a 10% premium over the then current valuation price of Kaplan common stock of $1,625 per share and 100% of the eligible stock options were tendered. The Company paid out $118.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2003 and $10.3 million in 2004. The remainder of the payouts will be made at the time of their scheduled vesting, from 2005 to 2008, if the option holder is still employed at Kaplan. Additionally, stock compensation expense will be recorded on these remaining exercised stock options over the remaining vesting periods of 2005 to 2008. A small number of key Kaplan executives continue to hold the remaining 68,000 outstanding Kaplan stock options (representing about 4.8% of Kaplan’s common stock), with roughly half of these options expiring in 2007 and half expiring in 2011. In January 2005, the committee set the fair value price at $2,080 per share. Also in January 2005, 15,353 Kaplan stock options were exercised, and 10,582 Kaplan stock options were awarded at an option price of $2,080.
For 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company recorded expense of $32.5 million, $119.1 million and $34.5 million, respectively, related to this plan. In 2004 and 2003, payouts from option exercises totaled $10.3 million and $119.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s stock-based compensation accrual balance totaled $96.2 million. If Kaplan’s profits increase and the value of education companies remains relatively high in 2005, there will be significant Kaplan stock-based compensation expense again in 2005. Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional details surrounding the Kaplan stock option plan.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles.The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, utilizing a discounted cash flow model (in the case of the Company’s cable systems, both a discounted cash flow model and an estimated fair market value per cable subscriber approach are considered). The Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and market values to determine a reporting unit’s estimated fair value. In reviewing the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at the cable division, the Company aggregates its cable systems on a regional basis. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge. At January 2, 2005, the Company has $1,524.2 million in goodwill and other intangibles.
OTHER
New Accounting Pronouncements.In December 2004, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (SFAS 123R), “Share-Based Payment” was issued, which requires companies to record the cost of employee services in exchange for stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Because the Company adopted the fair-value-based method of accounting for Company stock options in 2002, SFAS 123R will have a minimal impact on the Company’s results of operations when adopted in the third quarter of 2005.
EITF Topic D-108, “Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill,” requires companies that have applied the residual method to value intangible assets to perform an impairment test on those intangible assets using the direct value method by the end of the first quarter of 2005. The Company is in the process of performing such an impairment test at its cable division.
2004 FORM 10-K
37


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To Thethe Board of Directors and
Shareholders of
The Washington Post Company

We have completed an integrated audit of The Washington Post Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements referred to under Item 15(1) on page 25 and listed on the index on page 27 and of its internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2005 and audits of its December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.
Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to under Item 14(a)(i)15(1) on page 2825 and listed inon the index on page 3027 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Washington Post Company and its subsidiaries at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 2000,28, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to under Item 14(a)(i) on page 28listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management; ourmanagement. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditingthe standards generally accepted inof the United States of America whichPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting
Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2005 based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2005, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP



Washington, D.C.
January 25, 2002

31March 1, 2005

38
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                     
 Fiscal year ended  Fiscal year ended
 
  
 December 30, December 31, January 2,  January 2, December 28, December 29,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2001 2000 2000(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2005 2003 2002


 
 
 
Operating Revenues
Operating Revenues
          
 Advertising $1,346,870 $1,222,324 $1,221,180 
Operating Revenues
 
Circulation and subscriber  741,810  706,248  675,136 
Advertising $1,209,327 $1,396,583 $1,330,560 Education  1,134,891  838,077  621,125 
Circulation and subscriber 658,620 601,258 579,693 Other  76,533  72,262  66,762 
Education 493,271 352,753 240,075    
Other 55,455 61,556 65,243 
  
 
 
    3,300,104  2,838,911  2,584,203 
 2,416,673 2,412,150 2,215,571    
  
 
 
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating Costs and Expenses
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
          
Operating 1,392,750 1,308,063 1,189,734 Operating  1,717,059  1,549,262  1,369,955 
Selling, general, and administrative 586,758 583,623 474,586 Selling, general and administrative  835,367  792,292  664,095 
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment 138,300 117,948 104,235 Gain on sale of land    (41,747)   
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles 78,933 62,634 58,563 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  175,338  173,848  171,908 
  
 
 
 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles  9,334  1,436  655 
 2,196,741 2,072,268 1,827,118    
  
 
 
 
  2,737,098  2,475,091  2,206,613 
  
Income from Operations
Income from Operations
 219,932 339,882 388,453 
Income from Operations
  563,006  363,820  377,590 
Equity in losses of affiliates  (68,659)  (36,466)  (8,814)Equity in losses of affiliates  (2,291)  (9,766)  (19,308)
Interest income 2,167 967 1,097 Interest income  1,622  953  332 
Interest expense  (49,640)  (54,731)  (26,786)Interest expense  (28,032)  (27,804)  (33,819)
Other income (expense), net 283,739  (19,782) 21,435 Other income (expense), net  8,127  55,385  28,873 
  
 
 
    
Income Before Income Taxes
 387,539 229,870 375,385 
Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
  542,432  382,588  353,668 
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes
 157,900 93,400 149,600 
Provision for Income Taxes
  209,700  141,500  137,300 
  
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
  332,732  241,088  216,368 
Cumulative Effect of Change in Method of Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net of Taxes
Cumulative Effect of Change in Method of Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net of Taxes
      (12,100)
  
 
 
    
Net Income
Net Income
 229,639 136,470 225,785 
Net Income
  332,732  241,088  204,268 
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends
  (1,052)  (1,026)  (950)
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends
  (992)  (1,027)  (1,033)
  
 
 
    
Net Income Available for Common Shares
Net Income Available for Common Shares
 $228,587 $135,444 $224,835 
Net Income Available for Common Shares
 $331,740 $240,061 $203,235 
  
 
 
    
Basic Earnings per Common Share
 $24.10 $14.34 $22.35 
Basic Earnings per Common Share:
Basic Earnings per Common Share:
          
  
 
 
 
Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
 $34.69 $25.19 $22.65 
Diluted Earnings per Common Share
 $24.06 $14.32 $22.30 
  
 
 
 
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
      (1.27)
  
Net Income Available for Common Shares
 $34.69 $25.19 $21.38 
  
Diluted Earnings per Common Share:
Diluted Earnings per Common Share:
          
Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
 $34.59 $25.12 $22.61 
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
      (1.27)
  
Net Income Available for Common Shares
 $34.59 $25.12 $21.34 
  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                     
 Fiscal year ended  Fiscal year ended
 
  
 December 30, December 31, January 2,  January 2, December 28, December 29,
(in thousands)(in thousands) 2001 2000 2000(in thousands) 2005 2003 2002


 
 
 
Net Income
Net Income
 $229,639 $136,470 $225,785 
Net Income
 $332,732 $241,088 $204,268 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
          
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (3,104)  (1,685)  (3,289)Foreign currency translation adjustments  9,601  13,416  2,167 
Change in net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities 14,528 13,527  (48,176)Reclassification adjustment on sale of affiliate investment    (1,633)   
Less reclassification adjustment for
realized losses (gains) included in net income
 3,238  (197)  (11,995)Change in net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities  63,022  31,426  829 
 
 
 
 Less reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net income  (202)  214  (11,209)
 14,662 11,645  (63,460)   
Income tax (expense) benefit related to other
comprehensive income (loss)
  (6,987)  (5,097) 23,460 
 
 
 
    72,421  43,423  (8,213)
 7,675 6,548  (40,000)Income tax (expense) benefit related to other comprehensive income (loss)  (24,577)  (12,348)  4,012 
 
 
 
    
  47,844  31,075  (4,201)
  
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income
 $237,314 $143,018 $185,785 
Comprehensive Income
 $380,576 $272,163 $200,067 
 
 
 
    
The information on pages 44 through 57 is an integral part of the financial statements.The information on pages 44 through 57 is an integral part of the financial statements.       
2004 FORM 10-K
39


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
          
  January 2, December 28,
(in thousands) 2005 2003
 
Assets
        
Current Assets
        
 Cash and cash equivalents $119,400  $116,561 
 Investments in marketable equity securities  149,303   2,623 
 Accounts receivable, net  362,862   328,816 
 Federal and state income taxes  18,375   5,318 
 Deferred income taxes  30,871   31,376 
 Inventories  25,127   27,709 
 Other current assets  48,429   43,933 
   
 
   754,367   556,336 
Property, Plant and Equipment
        
 Buildings  304,606   288,961 
 Machinery, equipment and fixtures  1,730,997   1,656,111 
 Leasehold improvements  133,674   102,753 
   
 
   2,169,277   2,047,825 
 Less accumulated depreciation  (1,197,375)  (1,084,790)
   
 
   971,902   963,035 
 Land  37,470   36,491 
 Construction in progress  80,580   56,104 
   
 
   1,089,952   1,055,630 
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities
  260,433   245,335 
Investments in Affiliates
  61,814   61,312 
Goodwill, Net
  1,023,140   965,694 
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
  493,192   486,656 
Amortized Intangible Assets, Net
  7,879   5,226 
Prepaid Pension Cost
  556,747   514,801 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
  69,117   71,068 
   
 
  $4,316,641  $3,962,058 
   
The information on pages 44 through 57 is an integral part of the financial statements.    
40
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


           
  January 2, December 28,
(in thousands, except share amounts)  2005 2003
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
        
Current Liabilities
        
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $443,332  $368,363 
 Deferred revenue  186,593   164,014 
 Short-term borrowings  58,236   208,620 
   
 
   688,161   740,997 
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
  145,490   140,740 
Other Liabilities
  228,654   235,169 
Deferred Income Taxes
  403,698   335,200 
Long-Term Debt
  425,889   422,471 
   
 
   1,891,892   1,874,577 
   
Commitments and Contingencies
        
Redeemable Preferred Stock,Series A, $1 par value, with a redemption and liquidation value of $1,000 per share; 23,000 shares authorized; 12,267 and 12,540 shares issued and outstanding
  12,267   12,540 
   
 
Preferred Stock,$1 par value; 977,000 shares authorized, none issued
      
   
Common Shareholders’ Equity
        
 Common stock        
  Class A common stock, $1 par value; 7,000,000 shares authorized; 1,722,250 shares issued and outstanding  1,722   1,722 
  Class B common stock, $1 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 18,277,750 shares issued; 7,853,822 and 7,819,330 shares outstanding  18,278   18,278 
 Capital in excess of par value  186,827   166,951 
 Retained earnings  3,629,222   3,364,407 
 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes        
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment  13,873   4,272 
  Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities  75,448   37,205 
 Cost of 10,423,928 and 10,458,420 shares of Class B common stock held in treasury  (1,512,888)  (1,517,894)
   
 
   2,412,482   2,074,941 
   
 
  $4,316,641  $3,962,058 
   
The information on pages 44 through 57 is an integral part of the financial statements.    
2004 FORM 10-K
41


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                
  Fiscal year ended
   
  January 2, December 28, December 29,
(in thousands) 2005 2003 2002
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
            
 Net income $332,732  $241,088  $204,268 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle        12,100 
  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  175,338   173,848   171,908 
  Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles  9,334   1,436   655 
  Net pension benefit  (41,954)  (55,137)  (64,447)
  Early retirement program expense  132   34,135   19,001 
  Gain from sale or exchange of businesses  (497)  (49,762)  (27,844)
  Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment  (2,669)  (41,734)   
  Gain on disposition of marketable equity securities and cost method investments, net        (13,209)
  Cost method investment and other write-downs  677   1,337   21,194 
  Equity in losses of affiliates, net of distributions  3,091   10,516   20,018 
  Foreign exchange gain  (5,505)  (4,187)   
  Provision for deferred income taxes  44,321   30,704   50,115 
  Change in assets and liabilities:            
   Increase in accounts receivable, net  (23,722)  (9,936)  (1,116)
   Decrease (increase) in inventories  2,640   829   (11,142)
   Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  70,058   (14,308)  73,653 
   (Increase) decrease in income taxes receivable  (13,079)  (10,171)  15,106 
   Decrease in other assets and other liabilities, net  3,477   34,460   21,360 
  Other  7,347   (5,404)  5,846 
   
 
   Net cash provided by operating activities  561,721   337,714   497,466 
   
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
            
 Investments in certain businesses  (55,232)  (134,541)  (36,016)
 Net proceeds from sale of businesses     65,000    
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (204,632)  (125,588)  (152,992)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment  5,340   44,973   1,484 
 Purchases of cost method investments  (224)  (849)  (250)
 Investments in affiliates     (5,976)  (7,610)
 Purchases of marketable equity securities  (94,560)      
 Proceeds from sale of marketable equity securities        19,701 
   
 
  Net cash used in investing activities  (349,308)  (156,981)  (175,683)
   
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
            
 Repayment of commercial paper, net  (138,116)  (70,942)  (276,189)
 Principal payments on debt  (19,253)  (784)   
 Dividends paid  (67,917)  (56,289)  (54,256)
 Common shares repurchased     (687)  (786)
 Proceeds from exercise of stock options  15,616   5,898   6,739 
 Other  (1,953)  1,245   (1,867)
   
 
  Net cash used in financing activities  (211,623)  (121,559)  (326,359)
   
Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Change
  2,049   737    
   
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  2,839   59,911   (4,576)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
  116,561   56,650   61,226 
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
 $119,400  $116,561  $56,650 
   
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
            
 Cash paid during the year for:            
  Income taxes $171,400  $116,900  $68,900 
  Interest, net of amounts capitalized $25,500  $27,500  $30,600 
The information on pages 3744 through 4957 is an integral part of the financial statements.

32

42
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

          
   December 30, December 31,
(in thousands) 2001 2000

 
 
         
Assets
        
Current Assets
        
 Cash and cash equivalents $31,480  $20,345 
 Investments in marketable equity securities  16,366   10,948 
 Accounts receivable, net  279,328   306,016 
 Federal and state income taxes  10,253   12,370 
 Inventories  19,042   15,178 
 Other current assets  40,388   40,210 
    
   
 
   396,857   405,067 
Property, Plant, and Equipment
        
 Buildings  267,658   263,311 
 Machinery, equipment, and fixtures  1,422,228   1,217,282 
 Leasehold improvements  79,108   70,706 
    
   
 
   1,768,994   1,551,299 
 Less accumulated depreciation  (794,596)  (736,781)
    
   
 
   974,398   814,518 
 Land  34,733   38,000 
 Construction in progress  89,080   74,543 
    
   
 
   1,098,211   927,061 
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities
  219,039   210,189 
Investments in Affiliates
  80,936   131,629 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, less accumulated
amortization of $443,282 and $404,513
  1,205,747   1,007,720 
Prepaid Pension Cost
  447,688   374,084 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
  110,620   144,993 
    
   
 
  $3,559,098  $3,200,743 
    
   
 

The information on pages 37 through 49 is an integral part of the financial statements.

33


           
    December 30, December 31,
(in thousands, except share amounts) 2001 2000

 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
        
 
Current Liabilities
        
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $298,565  $273,076 
 Deferred subscription revenue  85,525   85,721 
 Short-term borrowings  50,000   50,000 
    
   
 
   434,090   408,797 
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
  130,824   128,764 
 
Other Liabilities
  192,540   178,029 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
  221,949   117,731 
 
Long-Term Debt
  883,078   873,267 
    
   
 
   1,862,481   1,706,588 
    
   
 
Commitments and Contingencies
        
 
Redeemable Preferred Stock,Series A, $1 par value, with a redemption and liquidation value of $1,000 per share; 23,000 shares authorized; 13,132 and 13,148 shares issued and outstanding
  13,132   13,148 
Preferred Stock,$1 par value; 977,000 shares authorized, none issued
      
    
   
 
Common Shareholders’ Equity
        
 Common stock        
  Class A common stock, $1 par value; 7,000,000 shares authorized; 1,722,250 and 1,739,250 shares issued and outstanding  1,722   1,739 
  Class B common stock, $1 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 18,277,750 and 18,260,750 shares issued; 7,772,616 and 7,721,225 shares outstanding  18,278   18,261 
 Capital in excess of par value  142,814   128,159 
 Retained earnings  3,029,595   2,854,122 
 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes        
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment  (9,678)  (6,574)
  Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities  24,281   13,502 
 Cost of 10,505,134 and 10,539,525 shares of Class B common stock held in treasury  (1,523,527)  (1,528,202)
    
   
 
   1,683,485   1,481,007 
    
   
 
  $3,559,098  $3,200,743 
    
   
 

The information on pages 37 through 49 is an integral part of the financial statements.

34


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                
     Fiscal year ended
     
     December 30, December 31, January 2,
(in thousands) 2001 2000 2000

 
 
 
             
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
            
 Net income $229,639  $136,470  $225,785 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
  Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment  138,300   117,948   104,235 
  Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles  78,933   62,634   58,563 
  Net pension benefit  (76,945)  (65,312)  (84,416)
  Early retirement program expense  3,344   29,049   2,733 
  Gain from sale or exchange of certain businesses  (321,091)      
  Loss (gain) on disposition of marketable equity securities and cost method investments, net  511   (11,588)  (38,799)
  Cost method investment and other write-downs  36,672   23,097   13,555 
  Equity in losses of affiliates, net of distributions  68,659   37,406   9,744 
  Provision for deferred income taxes  97,302   (7,743)  29,988 
  Change in assets and liabilities:            
   Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net  28,803   (44,413)  (28,194)
   (Increase) decrease in inventories  (3,390)  (1,265)  6,264 
   Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  24,756   22,192   (7,749)
   Decrease (increase) in income taxes receivable  1,591   36,227   (2,909)
   Decrease in other assets and other liabilities, net  38,294   23,141   3,314 
  Other  3,452   10,701   (1,521)
    
   
   
 
   Net cash provided by operating activities  348,830   368,544   290,593 
    
   
   
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
            
 Investments in certain businesses  (104,356)  (212,274)  (90,455)
 Net proceeds from sale of businesses  61,921   1,650   2,000 
 Purchases of property, plant, and equipment  (224,227)  (172,383)  (130,045)
 Purchases of marketable equity securities        (23,332)
 Purchases of cost method investments  (11,675)  (42,459)  (33,549)
 Investments in affiliates  (21,112)  (12,430)   
 Proceeds from sale of marketable equity securities  145   6,332   54,805 
 Other  1,477   8,036   12,605 
    
   
   
 
  Net cash used in investing activities  (297,827)  (423,528)  (207,971)
    
   
   
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
            
 Issuance of commercial paper, net  10,072   35,071   34,087 
 Issuance of notes        397,620 
 Dividends paid  (54,166)  (52,024)  (53,326)
 Common shares repurchased  (445)  (96)  (425,865)
 Proceeds from exercise of stock options  4,671   7,056   25,151 
 Other     9,843    
    
   
   
 
  Net cash used in financing activities  (39,868)  (150)  (22,333)
    
   
   
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  11,135   (55,134)  60,289 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
  20,345   75,479   15,190 
    
   
   
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
 $31,480  $20,345  $75,479 
    
   
   
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
            
 Cash paid during the year for:            
  Income taxes $52,600  $95,000  $125,000 
  Interest, net of amounts capitalized $48,000  $52,700  $16,000 

The information on pages 37 through 49 is an integral part of the financial statements.

35


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                              
                   Cumulative Unrealized    
                   Foreign Gain on    
   Class A Class B Capital in     Currency Available-    
   Common Common Excess of Retained Translation for-Sale Treasury
(in thousands) Stock Stock Par Value Earnings Adjustment Securities Stock

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 3, 1999
 $1,739  $18,261  $46,199  $2,597,217  $(1,600) $41,980  $(1,115,693)
 Net income for the year              225,785             
 Dividends paid on common stock— $5.20 per share              (52,376)            
 Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock              (950)            
 Repurchase of 744,095 shares of Class B common stock                          (425,865)
 Issuance of 90,247 shares of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures          16,023               10,425 
 Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)                  (3,289)        
 Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)                      (36,711)    
 Issuance of subsidiary stock (net of taxes)          34,571                 
 Tax benefits arising from employee stock plans          12,074                 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance, January 2, 2000
 1,739  18,261  108,867  2,769,676  (4,889) 5,269  (1,531,133)
 Net income for the year              136,470             
 Dividends paid on common stock— $5.40 per share              (50,998)            
 Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock              (1,026)            
 Repurchase of 200 shares of Class B common stock                          (96)
 Issuance of 21,279 shares of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures          4,433               3,027 
 Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)                  (1,685)        
 Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)                      8,233     
 Issuance of subsidiary stock (net of taxes)          13,332                 
 Tax benefits arising from employee stock plans          1,527                 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance, December 31, 2000
 1,739  18,261  128,159  2,854,122  (6,574) 13,502  (1,528,202)
 Net income for the year              229,639             
 Dividends paid on common stock— $5.60 per share              (53,114)            
 Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock              (1,052)            
 Repurchase of 714 shares of Class B common stock                          (445)
 Issuance of 35,105 shares of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures          10,639               5,120 
 Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)                  (3,104)        
 Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)                      10,779     
 Conversion of Class A common stock to Class B common stock  (17)  17                     
 Tax benefits arising from employee stock plans          4,016                 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance, December 30, 2001
 $1,722  $18,278  $142,814  $3,029,595  $(9,678) $24,281  $(1,523,527)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
                              
          Cumulative Unrealized  
          Foreign Gain on  
  Class A Class B Capital in   Currency Available-  
  Common Common Excess of Retained Translation for-Sale  
(in thousands) Stock Stock Par Value Earnings Adjustment Securities Treasury Stock
 
Balance, December 30, 2001
 $1,722  $18,278  $142,814  $3,029,595  $(9,678) $24,281  $(1,523,527)
 Net income for the year              204,268             
 Dividends paid on common stock — $5.60 per share              (53,223)            
 Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock              (1,033)            
 Repurchase of 1,229 shares of Class B common stock                          (786)
 Issuance of 17,156 shares of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures          4,440               2,507 
 Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)                  2,167         
 Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)                      (6,368)    
 Stock option expense          45                 
 Tax benefits arising from employee stock plans          1,791                 
   
 
Balance, December 29, 2002.
  1,722   18,278   149,090   3,179,607   (7,511)  17,913   (1,521,806)
 Net income for the year              241,088             
 Dividends paid on common stock — $5.80 per share              (55,261)            
 Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock              (1,027)            
 Repurchase of 910 shares of Class B common stock                          (687)
 Issuance of 31,697 shares of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures          14,147               4,599 
 Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)                  11,783         
 Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)                      19,292     
 Stock option expense          606                 
 Tax benefits arising from employee stock plans          3,108                 
   
 
Balance, December 28, 2003
  1,722   18,278   166,951   3,364,407   4,272   37,205   (1,517,894)
 Net income for the year              332,732             
 Dividends paid on common stock — $7.00 per share              (66,925)            
 Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock              (992)            
 Issuance of 34,492 shares of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures          11,956               5,006 
 Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)                  9,601         
 Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)                      38,243     
 Stock option expense          829                 
 Tax benefits arising from employee stock plans          7,091                 
   
 
Balance, January 2, 2005
 $1,722  $18,278  $186,827  $3,629,222  $13,873  $75,448  $(1,512,888)
   
The information on pages 44 through 57 is an integral part of the financial statements.                    

The information on pages 37 through 49 is an integral part of the financial statements.

36

2004 FORM 10-K
43


 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

[A]

A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Washington Post Company (the “Company”) is a diversified media organization whose principal operations consist of newspaper publishing (primarily The Washington Post newspaper), television broadcasting (through the ownership and operation of six network-affiliated television stations), the ownership and operation of cable television systems, and magazine publishing (primarily Newsweek magazine). Through its subsidiary Kaplan, Inc., the Company provides educational services for individuals, schools, and businesses. The Company also owns and operates a number of media web sites for the primary purpose of developing the Company’s newspaper and magazine publishing businesses on the World Wide Web.

Fiscal Year.The Company reports on a 52–53 week52- to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31. The fiscal year 2004, which ended on January 2, 2005, included 53 weeks. The fiscal years 2001, 2000,2003 and 1999,2002, which ended on December 30, 2001,28, 2003 and December 31, 2000, and January 2, 2000,29, 2002, respectively, included 52 weeks. With the exception of most of the newspaper publishing operations, subsidiaries of the Company report on a calendar-year basis.

Principles of Consolidation.The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries; significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Presentation.Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform towith the 20012004 presentation.

Use of Estimates.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents.Short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less are considered cash equivalents.

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities.The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and therefore are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded net of tax as a separate component of comprehensive income. Marketable equity securities that the Company expects to hold long-termlong term are classified as non-current assets.

If the fair value of a marketable security declines below its cost basis, and the decline is considered other than temporary, the Company will record a write-down which is included in earnings.

Inventories.Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost of newsprint is determined by the first-in, first-out method, and cost of magazine paper is determined by the specific-cost method.

Property, Plant and Equipment.Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and includes interest capitalized in connection with major long-term construction projects. Replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment: 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment, and 20 to 50 years for buildings. The costs of leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful lives or the terms of the respective leases.

The cable division capitalizes the costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities and new cable service installations. Costs include all direct labor and materials, as well as certain indirect costs. Also at the cable division, the carrying value applicable to assets sold or retired is removed from the accounts, with the gain or loss on disposition recognized as a component of depreciation expense.
Investments in Affiliates.The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in and earnings or losses of affiliates that it does not control but over which it does exert significant influence.

The Company considers whether the fair values of any of its equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considered any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate’s industry), then a write-down would be recorded to estimated fair value.

Cost Method Investments.The Company uses the cost method of accounting for its minority investments in non-public companies where it does not have significant influence over the operations and management of the investee. Investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value as estimated by management. Charges recorded to write-down cost method investments to their estimated fair value and gross realized gains or losses upon the sale of cost method investments are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair value estimates are based on a review of the investees’ product development activities, historical financial results and projected discounted cash flows.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles.GoodwillThe Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS 142), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” in 2002. Under SFAS 142, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are no longer amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. All other intangibles representintangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. The Company reviews the unamortized excesscarrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing a discounted cash flow model (in the case of the costCompany’s cable systems, both a discounted cash flow model and an estimated fair market value per cable subscriber approach are considered). The Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and market values to determine a reporting unit’s estimated fair value. In reviewing the carrying value of acquiring subsidiary companies over the fair values of such companies’ net tangiblegoodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at the dates of acquisition. Goodwill and other intangibles are being amortized by usecable division, the Company aggregates its cable systems on a regional basis. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge.
EITF Topic D-108, “Use of the straight-lineResidual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill,” requires companies that have applied the residual method over periods ranging from 15 to 40 years (withvalue intangible assets to perform an impairment test on those intangible assets using the majority being amortized over 15 to 25 years). See New Accounting Pronouncements below for additional discussion.direct value method by the end of the first quarter of 2005. The Company is in the process of performing such an impairment test at its cable division.
44
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


Long-livedLong-Lived Assets.The recoverability of long-lived assets includingother than goodwill and other intangibles is assessed whenever adverse events andor changes in circumstances indicate that previously anticipatedrecorded values may not be recoverable. A long-lived asset is considered to be not recoverable when the undiscounted estimated future cash flows warrant assessment.

are less than its recorded value. An impairment charge is measured based on estimated fair market value, determined primarily using estimated future cash flows on a discounted basis. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed are determined in a similar manner, but the fair market value would be reduced for estimated costs to dispose.

Program Rights.The broadcast subsidiaries are parties to agreements that entitle them to show syndicated and other programs on television. The costs of such program rights are recorded when the programs are available for broadcasting, and such costs are charged to operations as the programming is aired.

37


Revenue Recognition.Revenue from media advertising is recognized, net of agency commissions, when the underlying advertisement is published or broadcast. Revenues from newspaper and magazine subscriptions are recognized upon delivery. Revenues from newspaperand retail sales are recognized upon delivery, and revenues from magazine retail sales are recognized on the later of delivery or cover date, with adequate provision made for anticipated sales returns. Cable subscriber revenue is recognized monthly as services are delivered. Education revenue is generally recognized ratably over the period during which educational services are delivered.

At Kaplan’s test preparation division, estimates of average student course length are developed for each course, and these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary.

The Company bases its estimates for sales returns on historical experience and has not experienced significant fluctuations between estimated and actual return activity. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Deferred revenue to be earned after one year is included in “Other Liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.The Company provides healthcarehealth care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. The expected cost of providing these postretirement benefits is accrued over the years that employees render services.

Income Taxes.The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities.

Foreign Currency Translation.Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and the translation of the accounts of the Company’s foreign operations where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency are recognized currently in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gains and losses on translation of the accounts of the Company’s foreign operations, where the local currency is the functional currency, and the Company’s equity investmentsinvestment in its foreign affiliatesaffiliate are accumulated and reported as a separate component of equity and comprehensive income.

Stock-based Compensation.Stock Options.TheEffective the first day of the Company’s 2002 fiscal year, the Company accountsadopted the fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation usingCompany stock options as outlined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” This change in accounting method was applied prospectively to all awards granted from the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year 2002 and thereafter. Stock options awarded prior to fiscal year 2002 have been accounted for under the intrinsic value method prescribed byunder Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Pro forma disclosuresThe following table presents what the Company’s results would have been had the fair values of net incomeoptions granted after 1995, but prior to 2002, been recognized as compensation expense in 2004, 2003 and earnings2002 (in thousands, except per share as if the fair value based method prescribed byamounts).
             
  2004 2003 2002
 
Net income available for common shares, as reported $331,740  $240,061  $203,235 
Add: Company stock option compensation expense included in net income, net of related tax effects  506   370   28 
Deduct: Total Company stock option compensation expense determined under the fair-value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects  (2,946)  (3,529)  (3,645)
   
 
Pro forma net income available for common shares $329,300  $236,902  $199,618 
   
 
Basic earnings per share, as reported $34.69  $25.19  $21.38 
Pro forma basic earnings per share $34.43  $24.86  $21.00 
Diluted earnings per share, as reported $34.59  $25.12  $21.34 
Pro forma diluted earnings per share $34.33  $24.79  $20.96 
In December 2004, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting123R (SFAS 123R), “Share-Based Payment” was issued which requires companies to record the cost of employee services in exchange for Stock-Based Compensation,” had been appliedstock options based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Because the Company adopted the fair-value-based method of accounting for Company stock options in measuring compensation expense are provided in Note G.

Sale2002, SFAS 123R will have a minimal impact on the Company’s results of Subsidiary/Affiliate Securities.The Company records investment basis gains arising from the sale of equity interests in subsidiaries and affiliates that areoperations when adopted in the early stagesthird quarter of building their operations as additional paid-in capital, net of taxes.

2005.

New Accounting Pronouncements.In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 supersedes APB 17 and provides, among other provisions, that (1) goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets will no longer be amortized, (2) goodwill will be tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level, (3) intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life will be tested for impairment at least annually, and (4) the amortization period of intangible assets with finite lives will no longer be limited to 40 years. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 effective in fiscal 2002 and estimates that the application of its requirements will result in the cessation of most of the periodic charges presently being recorded from the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets.

[B]B. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts receivable at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003 consist of the following:following (in thousands):
         
(in thousands) 2001 2000

 
 
Trade accounts receivable, less estimated returns, doubtful accounts, and allowances of $73,248 and $65,198 $261,898  $277,788 
Other accounts receivable  17,430   28,228 
   
   
 
  $279,328  $306,016 
   
   
 
         
  2004 2003
 
Trade accounts receivable,
less estimated returns, doubtful
accounts and allowances of $70,965 and $66,524
 $342,879  $311,807 
Other accounts receivable  19,983   17,009 
   
 
  $362,862  $328,816 
   
2004 FORM 10-K
45


Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003 consist of the following:following (in thousands):
              
(in thousands) 2001 2000
 2004 2003

 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $158,744 $163,197  $229,380 $211,972 
Accrued compensation and related benefits 89,061 66,169   204,225  147,985 
Deferred tuition revenue 45,219 36,414 
Due to affiliates (newsprint) 5,541 7,296   9,727  8,406 
 
 
   
 $298,565 $273,076 
 
 
  $443,332 $368,363 
  

[C]

Book overdrafts of $27.2 million and $29.1 million are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at January 2, 2005 and December 29, 2003, respectively.
C. INVESTMENTS

Investments Inin Marketable Equity Securities.Investments in marketable equity securities at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003 consist of the following:following (in thousands):
              
(in thousands) 2001 2000
 2004 2003

 
 
Total cost $195,661 $199,159  $285,912 $186,954 
Net unrealized gains 39,744 21,978   123,824  61,004 
 
 
   
Total fair value $235,405 $221,137  $409,736 $247,958 
 
 
   

38


At December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 2000,28, 2003, the Company’s ownership of 2,634 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”) Class A common stock and 9,845 shares of Berkshire Class B common stock accounted for $219,039,000,$260.4 million or 93 percent,64% and $210,189,000,$245.3 million or 95 percent,99%, respectively, of the total fair value of the Company’s investments in marketable equity securities. The remaining investments in marketable equity securities at December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 consisted of common stock investments in various publicly traded companies, most of which have concentrations in Internet business activities. In most cases, the Company obtained ownership of these common stocks as a result of merger or acquisition transactions in which these companies merged or acquired various small Internet-related companies in which the Company held minor investments.

Berkshire is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities;activities, the most significant of which consist of property and casualty insurance business conducted on both a direct and reinsurance basis. Berkshire also owns approximately 18 percent18% of the common stock of the Company. The chairman, chief executive officer and largest shareholder of Berkshire, Mr. Warren Buffett, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. Neither Berkshire nor Mr. Buffett participated in the Company’s evaluation, approval or execution of its decision to invest in Berkshire common stock. The Company’s investment in Berkshire common stock is less than 1 percent1% of the consolidated equity of Berkshire. At January 2, 2005 and December 30, 2001 and at December 31, 2000,28, 2003, the gross unrealized gain related to the Company’s Berkshire stock investment totaled $34,121,000$75.5 million and $25,271,000,$60.4 million, respectively. The Company presently intends to hold the Berkshire common stock investment long term;term, thus the investment has been classified as a non-current asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company made $94.6 million in investments in marketable equity securities in 2004. There were no investments in marketable equity securities in 2003 and 2002. During 2001, 2000,2004 and 19992003, there were no sales of marketable equity securities or realized gains (losses). During 2002, proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities were $145,000, $6,332,000, and $54,805,000, respectively,$19.7 million, and gross realized gains (losses) gains on such sales were ($354,000), $4,929,000,$13.2 million. During 2003 and $38,799,000,2002, the Company recorded write-downs on marketable equity securities of $0.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Gross realizedRealized gains or losses upon the sale ofon marketable equity securities are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For purposes of computing realized gains and losses, the cost basis of securities sold is determined by specific identification.

Investments in Affiliates.The Company’s investments in affiliates at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003 include the following:following (in thousands):
         
(in thousands) 2001 2000

 
 
BrassRing $19,992  $73,310 
Bowater Mersey Paper Company  45,822   40,227 
International Herald Tribune  14,480   17,561 
Other  642   531 
   
   
 
  $80,936  $131,629 
   
   
 
         
  2004 2003
 
BrassRing $8,755  $11,892 
Bowater Mersey Paper Company  52,112   48,559 
Los Angeles Times–Washington Post News Service  947   861 
   
 
  $61,814  $61,312 
   

The

At the end of 2004, the Company’s investments in affiliates consistconsisted of a 39.7 percent common equity49.3% interest in BrassRing LLC, which provides recruiting, career development, andan Internet-based hiring management services for employers and job candidates;company; a 49 percent49% interest in the common stock of Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited, which owns and operates a newsprint mill in Nova Scotia; a 50 percent common stock interest in the International Herald Tribune Newspaper, published near Paris, France; and a 50 percent50% common stock interest in the Los Angeles Times-WashingtonTimes–Washington Post News Service, Inc.

Summarized financial data for the affiliates’ operations are as follows:follows (in thousands):

              
(in thousands) 2001 2000 1999

 
 
 
Financial Position:            
 Working capital $(8,767) $29,427  $69,155 
 Property, plant, and equipment  126,682   143,749   133,425 
 Total assets  246,321   432,458   365,694 
 Long-term debt         
 Net equity  125,211   291,481   236,597 
             
Results of Operations:            
 Operating revenues $317,389  $345,913  $267,788 
 Operating loss  (14,793)  (27,505)  (37,889)
 Net loss  (157,409)  (77,739)  (40,035)
              
  2004 2003 2002
 
Financial Position
            
 Working capital $9,014  $11,108  $10,366 
 Property, plant and equipment  137,321   140,917   135,013 
 Total assets  202,904   214,658   235,208 
 Long-term debt         
 Net equity  155,147   149,584   138,723 
Results of Operations        
 Operating revenues $221,618  $174,505  $263,709 
 Operating income (loss)  1,695   (18,753)  (21,725)
 Net loss  (4,577)  (20,164)  (36,326)

The following table summarizes the status and results of the Company’s investments in affiliates:
         
(in thousands) 2001 2000

 
 
Beginning investment $131,629  $140,669 
Issuance of stock by BrassRing, Inc.     21,973 
Additional investment  21,112   12,480 
Equity in losses  (68,659)  (36,466)
Dividends and distributions received     (940)
Foreign currency translation  (3,122)  (1,685)
Other  (24)  (4,402)
   
   
 
Ending investment $80,936  $131,629 
   
   
 

39


On September 29, 1999, the Company merged its career fair and HireSystems businesses together and renamed the combined operations BrassRing, Inc. On the same date, BrassRing issued stock representing a 46 percent equity interest to two parties under two separate transactions for cash and businesses with an aggregate fair value of $87,000,000. As a result of this transaction, the Company’s ownership of BrassRing was reduced to 54 percent, and the minority investors were granted certain participatory rights. As such, the Company de-consolidated BrassRing on September 29, 1999 and recorded its investment under the equity method of accounting. The 1999 increase in the basis of the Company’s investment in BrassRing resulting from this transaction of $34,571,000, net of taxes, was recorded as contributed capital.

During 2000, BrassRing issued stock to various parties in connection with its acquisitions of various career fair and recruiting services companies. The effect of these transactions reduced the Company’s investment interest in BrassRing to 42 percent, from 54 percent, at January 2, 2000, and increased the Company’s investment basis in BrassRing by $13,332,000, net of taxes. The increase in investment basis was recorded as contributed capital.

BrassRing accounted for approximately $75.1 million of the 2001 equity in losses of affiliates compared to $37.0 million in 2000. The increase in 2001 equity in affiliate losses from BrassRing is largely due to a one-time non-cash goodwill and other intangibles impairment charge that BrassRing recorded in 2001 primarily to reduce the carrying value of its career fair business. As a substantial portion of BrassRing’s losses arose from goodwill and intangible amortization expense for both 2001 and 2000, the $75.1 million and $37.0 million of equity in affiliate losses recorded by the Company in 2001 and 2000 did not require significant funding by the Company.

(in thousands):

         
  2004 2003
 
Beginning investment $61,312  $70,703 
Additional investment     5,976 
Equity in losses  (2,291)  (9,766)
Dividends and distributions received  (800)  (750)
Foreign currency translation  3,593   9,205 
Sale of interest     (14,056)
   
 
Ending investment $61,814  $61,312 
   
In December 2001, BrassRing, Inc. was restructured and the Company’s interest in BrassRing, Inc. was converted into an interest in the newly-formed BrassRing LLC. At December 30, 2001, the Company held a 39.7 percent39.7% interest in the BrassRing LLC common equity and a $14.9 million Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note (“Note”) from BrassRing LLC. In February 2002, the Note was converted into Preferred Units, which are convertible at the Company’s option to BrassRing LLC common equity. Assuming the conversion of the Preferred Units, the Company’s common equity interest in BrassRing LLC would have been approximately 49.5%. BrassRing
46
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


accounted for $3.1 million of the 2004 equity in losses of affiliates, compared to $7.7 million in 2003 and $13.9 million in 2002.
On January 1, 2003, the Company sold its 50% interest in The International Herald Tribune newspaper for $65 million; the Company reported a $49.8 million pre-tax gain that is included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Cost Method Investments.The Company’s cost method investments consist of minority investments in non-public companies where the Company does not have significant influence over the investees’ operating and management decisions. Most of the companies represented by thesethe Company’s cost method investments have concentrations in Internet-related business activities. At December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 2000,28, 2003, the carrying value of the Company’s cost method investments was $29,595,000$4.6 million and $48,617,000,$9.6 million, respectively. Cost method investments are included in “Deferred Charges and Other Assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In June 2004, one of the Company’s cost method investments went public and is now reported as a marketable equity security, recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded net of tax as a separate component of comprehensive income.
During 2001, 2000,2004, 2003, and 1999,2002, the Company invested $11,675,000, $42,459,000$0.2 million, $0.8 million, and $33,549,000,$0.3 million, respectively, in companies constituting cost method investments and recorded charges of $32,415,000, $23,097,000,$0.7 million, $1.1 million, and $13,555,000,$19.2 million, respectively, to write-down cost method investments to estimated fair value. In 2002, three of the investments were written down by an aggregate of $15.6 million, primarily as a result of significant recurring losses in each of the underlying businesses, with the write-downs recorded based on the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of each these investments. Another of the Company’s investments was written down in 2002 by $2.8 million, based on proceeds received by the Company arising from the investee’s merger. Charges recorded to write-down cost method investments are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

During 2001 and 2000, proceeds from sales of cost method investments were $451,000 and $7,070,000, and gross realized (losses) gains on such sales were ($157,000) and $6,570,000, respectively. There were no sales of cost method investments in 1999. Gross realized gains or losses upon the sale of cost method investments are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

[D]

D. INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:following (in thousands):
         
(in thousands) Current Deferred

 
 
         
2001
        
U.S. Federal $48,253  $86,384 
Foreign  1,270   714 
State and local  11,075   10,204 
   
   
 
  $60,598  $97,302 
   
   
 
2000
        
U.S. Federal $77,517  $4,854 
Foreign  1,033   75 
State and local  22,593   (12,672)
   
   
 
  $101,143  $(7,743)
   
   
 
1999
        
U.S. Federal $94,609  $30,346 
Foreign  1,306   (22)
State and local  23,697   (336)
   
   
 
  $119,612  $29,988 
   
   
 
              
  Current Deferred Total
 
2004
            
 U.S. Federal $138,429  $35,544  $173,973 
 Foreign  4,751   (361)  4,390 
 State and local  22,199   9,138   31,337 
   
 
  $165,379  $44,321  $209,700 
   
2003            
 U.S. Federal $93,329  $27,189  $120,518 
 Foreign  4,129   (159)  3,970 
 State and local  13,338   3,674   17,012 
   
 
  $110,796  $30,704  $141,500 
   
2002            
 U.S. Federal $75,654  $38,934  $114,588 
 Foreign  1,634   (499)  1,135 
 State and local  9,897   11,680   21,577 
   
 
  $87,185  $50,115  $137,300 
   

40


In addition to the income tax provision presented above, in 2002, the Company recorded a federal and state income tax benefit of $6.9 million on the impairment loss recorded as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in connection with the adoption of SFAS 142.
The provision for income taxes exceeds the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35 percent35% to income before taxes as a result of the following:following (in thousands):
                     
(in thousands) 2001 2000 1999
 2004 2003 2002

 
 
 
U.S. Federal statutory taxes $135,639 $80,455 $131,385  $189,851 $133,906 $123,784 
State and local taxes, net of U.S. Federal income tax benefit 13,832 6,449 15,185   20,369  11,058  14,025 
Amortization of goodwill not deductible for income tax purposes 6,988 5,011 4,178 
Sale of affiliate with higher tax basis    (2,188)   
Other, net 1,441 1,485  (1,148)  (520)  (1,276)  (509)
  
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes $157,900 $93,400 $149,600  $209,700 $141,500 $137,300 
 
 
 
   

Deferred income taxes at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003 consist of the following:following (in thousands):
              
(in thousands) 2001 2000
 2004 2003

 
 
Accrued postretirement benefits $56,955 $55,280  $61,221 $60,536 
Other benefit obligations 73,080 60,676   122,608  102,791 
Accounts receivable 15,949 17,296   18,939  17,650 
State income tax loss carryforwards 17,218 12,013   10,753  12,068 
Affiliate operations  4,403  4,334 
Other 14,886 20,693   19,866  25,480 
  
 
 
 
Deferred tax asset 178,088 165,958   237,790  222,859 
 
 
   
Property, plant, and equipment 110,763 84,164 
Property, plant and equipment  173,101  153,615 
Prepaid pension cost 181,434 152,609   224,991  207,312 
Affiliate operations  (1,195) 18,365 
Unrealized gain on available- for-sale securities 15,475 8,476 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities  48,387  23,811 
Goodwill and other intangibles 93,286 18,277   164,138  141,945 
Other 274 1,798 
  
 
 
 
Deferred tax liability 400,037 283,689   610,617  526,683 
 
 
   
Deferred income taxes $221,949 $117,731  $372,827 $303,824 
 
 
   

[E] DEBT

At December 30, 2001, the Company had $933,078,000 in total debt outstanding, which comprised $533,896,000 of commercial paper borrowings, $398,142,000 of 5.5 percent unsecured notes due February 15, 2009, and $1,040,000 in other debt. At December 30, 2001, the

The Company has classified $483,896,000approximately $213 million in state income tax loss carryforwards. If unutilized, state income tax loss carryforwards will start to expire approximately as follows (in millions):
     
2005 $3.0 
2006  5.0 
2007  1.0 
2008  9.0 
2009  4.0 
2010  7.0 
2011 to 2023  184.0 
     
Total $213.0 
     
2004 FORM 10-K
47


E. DEBT
Long-term debt consists of its commercial paper borrowings as “Long-Term Debt”the following (in millions):
         
  January 2, December 28,
  2005 2003
 
Commercial paper borrowings $50.2   $ 188.3 
5.5% unsecured notes due February 15, 2009  398.9   398.7 
4.0% notes due 2004–
2006 (£8.35 million and £16.7 million)
  16.1   29.7 
Other indebtedness  18.9   14.4 
   
 
Total  484.1   631.1 
Less current portion  (58.2)  (208.6)
   
 
Total long-term debt $425.9   $ 422.5 
   
During 2003, notes of £16.7 million were issued to FTC employees who were former FTC shareholders in its Consolidated Balance Sheets asconnection with the Company hasacquisition. The noteholders, at their discretion, had the abilityoption of electing to receive 25% of their outstanding balance in January 2004 and intent to finance such borrowings on a long-term basis under its credit agreements.

in August 2004, 50% of the original outstanding balance (less the amount paid in January) was due for payment. Payments of $6.2 million and $8.8 million were made in January 2004 and August 2004, respectively. The remaining balance outstanding of £8.35 million is due for payment in August 2006.

Interest on the 5.5 percent5.5% unsecured notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.

At December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 2000,28, 2003, the average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding commercial paper borrowings was 2.0 percent2.2% and 6.6 percent,1.1%, respectively. The Company’s commercial paper borrowings are supported by a five-year $500,000,000During the third quarter of 2004, the Company replaced its expiring $250 million 364-day revolving credit facility andwith a one-year $250,000,000new $250 million revolving credit facility on essentially the same terms. The new facility expires in August 2005. In 2002, the Company replaced its revolving credit facility agreements with a new five-year $350 million revolving credit facility, which expireexpires in March 2003 and September 2002, respectively.

August 2007. These revolving credit facility agreements support the issuance of the Company’s short-term commercial paper.

Under the terms of the $500,000,000five-year $350 million revolving credit facility, interest on borrowings is at floating rates, and depending on the Company’s long-term debt rating, the Company is required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.055 percent and 0.15 percent0.07% to 0.15% on the unused and used portionsportion of the facility, respectively.and 0.25% to 0.75% on the used portion of the facility. Under the terms of the $250,000,000$250 million 364-day revolving credit facility, interest on borrowings is at floating rates, and based on the Company’s long-term debt rating, the Company is required to pay a variable facilityan annual fee of 0.05 percent and 0.20 percent per annum0.05% to 0.125% on the unused and used portionsportion of the facility, respectively.and 0.25% to 0.75% on the used portion of the facility. Also under the terms of the $250 million 364-day revolving credit facility, the Company has the right to extend the term of any borrowings for up to one year from the credit facility’s maturity date for an additional fee of 0.125%. Both revolving credit facilities contain certain covenants, including a financial covenant that the Company maintain at least $850,000,000$1 billion of consolidated shareholders’ equity.

During 2004 and 2003, the Company had average borrowings outstanding of approximately $516.0 million and $605.7 million, respectively, at average annual interest rates of approximately 4.8% and 4.2%, respectively. The Company incurred net interest costs on its borrowingborrowings of $47,473,000$26.4 million and $53,764,000$26.9 million during 20012004 and 2000,2003, respectively. No interest expense was capitalized in 20012004 or 2000.

2003.

At December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 2000,28, 2003, the fair value of the Company’s 5.5 percent5.5% unsecured notes, based on quoted market prices, totaled $387,720,000$423.0 million and $376,200,000,$434.6 million, respectively, compared with the carrying amount of $398,142,000$398.9 million and $397,881,000,$398.7 million, respectively.

The carrying value of the Company’s commercial paper borrowings and other unsecured debt at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003 approximates fair value.

[F]

F. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

In connection with the acquisition of a cable television system in 1996, the Company issued 11,947 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock. On February 23, 2000, the Company issued an additional 1,275 shares related to this transaction. From 1998 to 2001, 902004, 955 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were redeemed at the request of a Series A Preferred Stockholder.

Stockholders.

The Series A Preferred Stock has a par value of $1.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share; it is redeemable by the Company at any time on or after October 1, 2015 at a redemption price of $1,000 per share. In addition, the holders of such stock have a right to require the Company to purchase their shares at the redemption price during an annual 60-day election period; the first such period began on February 23, 2001. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are payable four times a year at the annual rate of $80.00 per share and in preference to any dividends on the Company’s common stock. The Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into any other security of the Company, and the holders

41


thereof have no voting rights except with respect to any proposed changes in the preferences and special rights of such stock.

[G]

G. CAPITAL STOCK, STOCK AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS

Capital Stock.Each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock participates equally in dividends. The Class B stock has limited voting rights and as a class has the right to elect 30 percent30% of the Board of Directors; the Class A stock has unlimited voting rights, including the right to elect a majority of the Board of Directors.

During 2001, 2000,2004 the Company did not purchase any shares of its Class B common stock. During 2003 and 1999,2002, the Company purchased a total of 714, 200,910 shares and 744,0951,229 shares, respectively, of its Class B common stock at a cost of approximately $445,000, $96,000,$0.7 million and $425,865,000.$0.8 million. At January 2, 2005, the Company has authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase up to 542,800 shares of Class B common stock.
48
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


Stock Awards.In 1982, the Company adopted a long-term incentive compensation plan, which, among other provisions, authorizes the awarding of Class B common stock to key employees. Stock awards made under this incentive compensation plan are subject to the general restriction that stock awarded to a participant will be forfeited and revert to Company ownership if the participant’s employment terminates before the end of a specified period of service to the Company. At December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, there were 70,77552,476 shares reserved for issuance under the incentive compensation plan. Of this number, 29,89528,001 shares were subject to awards outstanding, and 40,88024,475 shares were available for future awards. Activity related to stock awards under the long-term incentive compensation plan for the years ended December 30, 2001, December 31, 2000, and January 2, 20002005, December 28, 2003, and December 29, 2002, was as follows:
                                             
 2001 2000 1999  2004 2003 2002
 
 
 
      
 Number Average Number Average Number Average  Number Average Number Average Number Average
 of Award of Award of Award  of Award of Award of Award
 Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price  Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
Awards Outstanding 
Beginning of yearBeginning of year 30,165 $413.28 31,360 $412.86 30,730 $405.40 Beginning of year  29,845  $643.89  27,625  $536.74  29,895  $539.25 
Awarded  200  973.88  15,990  734.01  215  563.36 
Awarded 16,865 608.96 1,155 501.72 2,615 543.02 Vested  (561)  625.91  (12,752)  523.60  (601)  540.61 
Vested  (15,200) 364.13  (99) 330.75  (167) 349.00 Forfeited  (1,483)  683.58  (1,018)  658.44  (1,884)  578.37 
Forfeited  (1,935) 555.02  (2,251) 456.41  (1,818) 479.90    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
End of yearEnd of year 29,895 $539.25 30,165 $413.28 31,360 $412.86 End of year  28,001  $644.51  29,845  $643.89  27,625  $536.74 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

In addition to stock awards granted under the long-term incentive compensation plan, the Company also made stock awards of 3,3002,550 shares in 2001, 1,9502004, 1,050 shares in 2000,2003, and 1,7502,150 shares in 1999.

2002. Also, on January 3, 2005, the Company made stock awards of 13,090 shares.

For the share awards outstanding at December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, the aforementioned restriction will lapse in 20022005 for 1,44615,491 shares, in 20032006 for 15,799450 shares, in 20042007 for 2,45017,435 shares, and in 20052008 for 18,430675 shares. Stock-based compensation costs resulting from stock awards reduced net income by $2.6$3.6 million ($0.270.38 per share, basic and diluted), $2.4$3.9 million ($0.250.41 per share, basic and diluted), and $2.2$3.5 million ($0.220.37 per share, basic and diluted), in 2001, 2000,2004, 2003, and 1999,2002, respectively.

Stock Options.The Company’s employee stock option plan which was adopted in 1971 and amended in 1993, reserves 1,900,000 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock for options to be granted under the plan. The purchase price of the shares covered by an option cannot be less than the fair value on the granting date. At December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, there were 486,700421,125 shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan, of which 170,575122,250 shares were subject to options outstanding, and 316,125298,875 shares were available for future grants.

Changes in options outstanding for the years ended December 30, 2001, December 31, 2000, and January 2, 20002005, December 28, 2003, and December 29, 2002, were as follows:
                                             
 2001 2000 1999  2004 2003 2002
 
 
 
      
 Number Average Number Average Number Average  Number Average Number Average Number Average
 of Option of Option of Option  of Option of Option of Option
 Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price  Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of yearBeginning of year 166,450 $465.55 156,497 $470.64 246,072 $404.48 Beginning of year  152,475 $530.81  163,900  $515.74  170,575  $490.86 
Granted 24,000 522.75 89,500 544.90 3,750 516.36 Granted  4,000  953.50  5,000  803.70  11,500  729.00 
Exercised  (16,875) 276.79  (20,425) 345.46  (87,825) 288.43 Exercised  (33,225)  467.68  (15,675)  450.87  (16,675)  404.14 
Forfeited  (3,000) 546.04  (59,122) 643.71  (5,500) 450.86 Forfeited  (1,000)  621.38  (750)  729.00  (1,500)  561.77 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
End of yearEnd of year 170,575 $490.86 166,450 $465.55 156,497 $470.64 End of year  122,250 $561.05  152,475  $530.81  163,900  $515.74 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

Of the shares covered by options outstanding at the end of 2001, 89,3882004, 103,750 are now exercisable, 30,31310,500 will become exercisable in 2002, 25,5622005, 4,750 will become exercisable in 2003, 19,3122006, 2,250 will become exercisable in 2004,2007, and 6,0001,000 will become exercisable in 2005.2008. Information related to stock options outstanding at December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005 is as follows:
                     
      Weighted            
      Average Weighted     Weighted
  Number Remaining Average Number Average
Range of Outstanding Contractual Exercise Exercisable Exercise
Exercise Prices at 12/30/01 Life (yrs.) Price at 12/30/01 Price

 
 
 
 
 
$222–299  13,500   2.7   251.11   13,500   251.11 
  344  11,500   5.0   343.94   11,500   343.94 
  472–484  30,825   6.6   473.93   25,950   472.57 
  500–596  114,750   8.7   538.34   38,438   535.66 
                       
    Weighted      
    Average Weighted   Weighted
  Number Remaining Average Number Average
Range of Outstanding Contractual Exercise Exercisable Exercise
Exercise Prices at 1/2/2005 Life (yrs.) Price at 1/2/2005 Price
 
 $222–299   500   1.0  $298.75   500  $298.75 
 344   5,000   2.0   343.94   5,000   343.94 
 472–484   12,125   3.7   473.70   12,125   473.70 
 500–596   85,625   6.0   535.51   79,875   530.99 
 693   500   9.0   692.51   125   692.51 
 729   10,000   8.0   729.00   5,000   729.00 
 816   4,500   9.0   816.05   1,125   816.05 
 954   4,000   10.0   953.50       

All options were granted at an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The weighted average fair value for options granted during 2001, 2000,2004, 2003 and 19992002 was $107.78, $161.15,$274.93, $229.81, and $157.77,$197.89, respectively. The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes method utilizing the following assumptions:
                       
 2001 2000 1999 2004 2003 2002
 
 
 
Expected life (years) 7 7 7   7  7  7 
Interest rate  2.30%  5.98%  6.19%  3.85%  4.38%  3.69%
Volatility  19.46%  17.9%  16.0%  20.24%  20.43%  21.74%
Dividend yield  1.1%  1.0%  1.1%  0.73%  0.71%  0.77%

42


Had the fair values of options granted after 1995 been recognized as compensation expense, net income would have been reduced by $3.6 million ($0.38 per share, basic and diluted), $3.8 million ($0.40 per share, basic and diluted), and $1.9 million ($0.19 per share, basic and diluted) in 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively.

Refer to Note A for additional disclosures surrounding stock option accounting.
The Company also maintains a stock option plan at its Kaplan subsidiary that provides for the issuance of Kaplan stock options representing 10.6 percent of Kaplan, Inc. common stock to certain members of Kaplan’s management. The Kaplan stock option plan was adopted in 1997 and initially reserved 15 percent, or 150,000 shares, of Kaplan’s common stock for options to be granted under the plan. Under the provisions of this plan, options are issued with an exercise price equal to the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock. Optionsstock and options vest ratably over fivethe number of years from issuance, and uponspecified (generally 4 to 5 years) at the time of the grant. Upon exercise, an option holder hasreceives cash equal to the right to require
2004 FORM 10-K
49


difference between the Company to repurchaseexercise price and the Kaplan stock at the stock’s then fair value. The fair value of Kaplan’s common stock is determined by the Company’s compensation committee. At December 30, 2001, options representing 10.0 percentcommittee of Kaplan’sthe Board of Directors. In January 2005, the committee set the fair value price at $2,080 per share.
In September 2003, the committee set the fair value price of Kaplan common stock at $1,625 per share, and announced an offer totaling $138 million for approximately 55% of the stock options outstanding at Kaplan. The Company’s offer included a 10% premium over the then current valuation price of Kaplan common stock of $1,625 per share. As a result of this offer, 100% of the eligible stock options were issuedtendered. The Company paid out $118.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2003, and outstanding. $10.3 million in 2004, with the remainder of the payouts, related to 6,131 tendered stock options, to be made at the time of their scheduled vesting from 2005 to 2008 if the option holder is still employed at Kaplan. Additionally, stock compensation expense will be recorded on these remaining exercised stock options over the remaining vesting periods of 2005 to 2008. A small number of key Kaplan executives continue to hold the remaining 68,000 of outstanding Kaplan stock options, with roughly half of these options expiring in 2007 and half expiring in 2011. In January 2005, 15,353 Kaplan stock options were exercised, and 10,582 Kaplan stock options were awarded at an option price of $2,080.
For 2001, 2000,2004, 2003, and 1999,2002, the Company recorded expense of $25,302,000, $6,000,000,$32.5 million, $119.1 million, and $7,250,000,$34.5 million, respectively, related to this plan. In 2001,2004, 2003, and 2002 payouts from option exercises totaled $2.1 million.$10.3 million, $119.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively. At December 30, 2001,31, 2004, the Company’s stock-based compensation accrual balance totaled $41.4$96.2 million.

Changes in Kaplan stock options outstanding for the years ended January 2, 2005, December 28, 2003, and December 29, 2002, were as follows:
                          
  2004 2003 2002
       
  Number Average Number Average Number Average
  of Option of Option of Option
  Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
 
Beginning of Year  68,000   $596.17   147,463  $311.24   142,578   $296.69 
 Granted        16,037   1,546.23   6,475   652.00 
 Exercised        (94,652)  303.66   (540)  375.00 
 Forfeited        (848)  382.12   (1,050)  403.76 
                         
End of year  68,000   $596.17   68,000  $596.17   147,463   $311.24 
                         
Of the shares covered by options outstanding at the end of 2004, 47,836 are now exercisable, 7,034 will become exercisable in 2005, 6,935 will become exercisable in 2006, 3,397 will become exercisable in 2007, and 2,798 will become exercisable in 2008. Information related to stock options outstanding at January 2, 2005, is as follows:
               
    Weighted  
    Average  
  Number Remaining Number
Range of Outstanding Contractual Exercisable
Exercise Prices at 1/2/05 Life (yrs.) at 1/2/05
 
$190   31,341   3.0   31,341 
 375   500   4.6   400 
 526   19,172   6.0   12,098 
 652   3,000   6.0   1,200 
 861   487   6.0   97 
 1,625   13,500   7.0   2,700 
Average Number of Shares Outstanding.Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding each year, adjusted for the dilutive effect of shares issuable under outstanding stock options. Basic and diluted weighted average share information for 2001, 2000,2004, 2003 and 19992002 is as follows:
             
  Basic Dilutive Diluted
  Weighted Effect of Weighted
  Average Stock Average
  Shares Options Shares
  
 
 
2001  9,486,386   13,173   9,499,559 
2000  9,445,466   14,362   9,459,828 
1999  10,060,578   21,206   10,081,784 
             
  Basic Dilutive Diluted
  Weighted Effect of Weighted
  Average Stock Average
  Shares Options Shares
 
2004  9,563,314   28,311   9,591,625 
2003  9,530,209   24,454   9,554,663 
2002  9,503,983   18,671   9,522,654 

[H] PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The 2004, 2003 and 2002 diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of 4,000, 16,750, and 11,500 stock options outstanding, respectively, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
H. PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
The Company maintains various pension and incentive savings plans and contributes to several multi-employer plans on behalf of certain union-represented employee groups. Substantially all of the Company’s employees are covered by these plans.

The Company also provides healthcarehealth care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees. These employees become eligible for benefits after meeting age and service requirements.

The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
In 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company offered several early retirement programs to certain groups of employees at The Washington Post newspaper, Newsweek and the corporate office, the effects of which are included below. Effective June 1, 2003, the retirement pension program for certain employees at The Washington Post newspaper and the corporate office was amended and provides for increased annuity payments for vested employees retiring after this date. This plan amendment resulted in a reduction in the pension credit of approximately $5.1 million and $2.6 million for the years ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, respectively.
The following table sets forth obligation, asset and funding information for the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement
50
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


plans at December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 2000:28, 2003 (in thousands):
                  
   Pension Plans Postretirement Plans
   
 
(in thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000

 
 
 
 
Change in benefit obligation
                
 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $391,166  $344,611  $93,243  $86,938 
 Service cost  15,393   14,566   3,707   3,496 
 Interest cost  27,526   24,962   6,811   6,338 
 Amendments  5,182   29,442      1,968 
 Actuarial loss (gain)  22,334   (5,091)  6,519   (1,199)
 Benefits paid  (30,584)  (17,324)  (4,888)  (4,298)
    
   
   
   
 
 Benefit obligation at end of year $431,017  $391,166  $105,392  $93,243 
    
   
   
   
 
Change in plan assets
                
 Fair value of assets at beginning of year $1,314,885  $1,119,916       
 Actual return on plan assets  143,253   212,293       
 Employer contributions       $4,888  $4,298 
 Benefits paid  (30,584)  (17,324)  (4,888)  (4,298)
    
   
   
   
 
 Fair value of assets at end of year $1,427,554  $1,314,885  $  $ 
    
   
   
   
 
 Funded status $996,537  $923,719  $(105,392) $(93,243)
 Unrecognized transition asset  (8,852)  (15,354)      
 Unrecognized prior service cost  16,949   17,230   (501)  (663)
 Unrecognized actuarial gain  (556,946)  (551,511)  (24,931)  (34,858)
    
   
   
   
 
 Net prepaid (accrued) cost $447,688  $374,084  $(130,824) $(128,764)
    
   
   
   
 
                 
  Pension Plans Postretirement Plans
     
  2004 2003 2004 2003
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
                
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $625,774  $498,952  $120,444  $112,174 
Service cost  22,896   19,965   5,285   5,164 
Interest cost  37,153   33,696   7,355   7,395 
Amendments  218   60,697      (5,479)
Actuarial loss  46,655   37,339   5,764   6,733 
Benefits paid  (43,555)  (24,875)  (6,308)  (5,543)
   
 
Benefit obligation at end of year $689,141  $625,774  $132,540  $120,444 
   
Change in Plan Assets
                
Fair value of assets at beginning of year $1,564,966  $1,362,084  $  $ 
Actual return on plan assets  66,802   227,757       
Employer contributions        6,308   5,543 
Benefits paid  (43,555)  (24,875)  (6,308)  (5,543)
   
 
Fair value of assets at end of year $1,588,213  $1,564,966  $  $ 
   
 
Funded status $899,072  $939,192  $(132,540) $(120,444)
Unrecognized transition asset  (355)  (1,442)      
Unrecognized prior service cost  38,389   46,941   (8,001)  (8,589)
Unrecognized actuarial gain  (380,359)  (469,890)  (4,949)  (11,707)
   
 
Net prepaid (accrued) cost $556,747  $514,801  $(145,490) $(140,740)
   

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003 was $599.2 million and $548.4 million, respectively.
Key assumptions utilized for determining the benefit obligation at January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003 are as follows:
                 
    Postretirement
  Pension Plans Plans
     
  2004 2003 2004 2003
 
Discount rate  5.75%   6.25%   5.75%   6.25% 
Rate of compensation increase  4.0%   4.0%       
The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the postretirement benefit obligation at January 2, 2005 was 9.5% for both pre-age 65 and post-age 65 benefits, decreasing to 5% in the year 2015 and thereafter.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A change of 1 percentage point in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):
         
  1% 1%
  Increase Decrease
 
Benefit obligation at end of year $20,106  $(18,798)
Service cost plus interest cost $2,018  $(1,957)
The Company made no contributions to its defined benefit pension plans in 2004 and 2003, and the Company does not expect to make any contributions in 2005 or in the foreseeable future. The Company made contributions to its postretirement benefit plans of $6.3 million and $5.5 million for the years ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, respectively, as the plans are unfunded and the Company covers benefit payments. The Company expects to make contributions for its postretirement plans by funding benefit payments consistent with the assumed heath care cost trend rates discussed above.
At January 2, 2005, future estimated benefit payments are as follows (in millions):
         
    Postretirement
  Pension Plans Plans
     
2005 $26.2  $6.6 
2006 $27.2  $6.9 
2007 $28.5  $7.4 
2008 $30.0  $8.0 
2009 $31.8  $8.6 
2010-2014 $196.9  $52.7 
The Company’s defined benefit pension obligations are funded by a relatively small but diversified mix of stocks and high-quality fixed-income securities that are held in trust. Essentially all of the assets are managed by two investment companies. None of the assets are managed internally by the Company or are invested in securities of the Company. The goal of the investment managers is to produce moderate long-term growth in the value of those assets while protecting them against decreases in value. The investment managers cannot invest more than 20% of the assets at the time of purchase in the stock of Berkshire Hathaway or more than 10% of the assets in the securities of any other single issuer, except for obligations of the U.S. Government, without receiving prior approval by the Plan administrator. Over the past five years, the managers together have invested between 60% and 90% of the assets in equities. At the end of 2004, 86% of the assets were invested in equities; 26% of the assets were invested in Berkshire Hathaway common stock. The Company’s retirement plan trust held shares of Berkshire Class A and Class B common stock with a total market value of $415.4 million and $398.2 million at January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, respectively.
The total (income) cost arising from the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement plans for the years ended December 30, 2001, December 31, 2000, and January 2, 20002005, December 28, 2003, and December 29, 2002, consists of the following components:components (in thousands):
                                    
 Pension Plans Postretirement Plans Pension Plans Postretirement Plans
 
 
    
(in thousands) 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999
 2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002

 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost $15,393 $14,566 $14,756 $3,707 $3,496 $3,585  $22,896 $19,965 $17,489 $5,285 $5,164 $5,418 
Interest cost 27,526 24,962 23,584 6,811 6,338 6,039   37,153  33,696  30,820  7,355  7,395  7,997 
Expected return on assets  (97,567)  (85,522)  (92,566)      (97,702)  (96,116)  (92,192)       
Amortization of transition asset  (6,502)  (7,585)  (7,665)      (1,086)  (2,189)  (5,221)       
Amortization of prior service cost 2,122 2,091 2,110  (162)  (162)  (162)  4,530  4,172  2,185  (588)  (360)  (421)
Recognized actuarial gain  (17,917)  (13,824)  (24,635)  (3,408)  (2,870)  (2,886)  (7,745)  (14,665)  (17,528)  (995)  (1,675)  (2,435)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Net periodic (benefit) cost for the year  (76,945)  (65,312)  (84,416) 6,948 6,802 6,576   (41,954)  (55,137)  (64,447)  11,057  10,524  10,559 
Early retirement programs expense 3,344 29,049 2,733  1,968    132  34,135  19,001       
Curtailment gain          (634)   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total (benefit) cost for the year $(73,601) $(36,263) $(81,683) $6,948 $8,770 $6,576  $(41,822) $(21,002) $(45,446) $11,057 $9,890 $10,559 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

43


The costs for the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement plans are actuarially determined. Key assumptionsBelow are the key assump-
2004 FORM 10-K
51


tions utilized atto determine periodic cost for the years ended January 2, 2005, December 30, 2001,28, 2003, and December 29, 2002:
                         
  Pension Plans Postretirement Plans
     
  2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
 
Discount rate  6.25%   6.75%   7.0%   6.25%   6.75%   7.0% 
Expected return on plan assets  7.5%   7.5%   7.5%          
Rate of compensation increase  4.0%   4.0%   4.0%          
In determining the expected rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers the relative weighting of plan assets, the historical performance of total plan assets and individual asset classes and economic and other indicators of future performance. In addition, the Company may consult with and consider the input of financial and other professionals in developing appropriate return benchmarks.
In December of 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was enacted. The Act introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare, as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health benefit plans that provide a benefit that meets certain criteria. The Company’s other postretirement plans covering retirees currently provide certain prescription benefits to eligible participants. In accordance with FASB Staff Position No. 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003,” the Company has concluded that the Act is not significant to the Company’s other postretirement plans and therefore, the effects of the Act were incorporated into the latest valuation of December 31, 2000, and2004. Overall, the Company’s Postretirement benefit obligation was reduced by about $4.0 million at January 2, 2000 include2005 as a result of the following:
                         
  Pension Plans Postretirement Plans
  
 
  2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999
  
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate  7.0%  7.5%  7.5%  7.0%  7.5%  7.5%
Expected return on plan assets  7.5%  9.0%  9.0%         
Rate of compensation increase  4.0%  4.0%  4.0%         

The assumed healthcare cost trend rate usedAct; the Company’s postretirement expense is expected to be reduced by about $0.5 million in measuring the postretirement benefit obligation at December 30, 2001 was 6.3 percent for pre-age 65 benefits (5.9 percent for post-age 65 benefits), decreasing to 5 percent in thefiscal year 2005 and thereafter.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates haveas a significant effect onresult of the amounts reported for the healthcare plans. A change of 1 percentage point in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects:

         
  1% 1%
(in thousands) Increase Decrease

 
 
Benefit obligation at end of year $15,751  $(14,713)
Service cost plus interest cost  1,654   (1,604)

Act.

Contributions to multi-employer pension plans, which are generally based on hours worked, amounted to $1,800,000$2.0 million in 2001, $1,100,0002004, $2.0 million in 2000,2003, and $2,300,000$2.0 million in 1999.

2002.

The Company recorded expense associated with retirement benefits provided under incentive savings plans (primarily 401(k) plans) of approximately $14,500,000$17.6 million in 20012004, $15.5 million in 2003, and $13,300,000$15.4 million in 2000 and 1999.

[I]2002.

I. LEASE AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

The Company leases real property under operating agreements. Many of the leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses that require payments of additional rent to the extent of increases in the related operating costs.

At December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases approximate the following:following (in thousands):
     
(in thousands)    

2002 $51,770 
2003  46,780 
2004  41,030 
2005  35,253 
2006  30,417 
Thereafter  72,389 
   
 
  $277,639 
   
 
     
2005 $80,842 
2006  75,974 
2007  71,181 
2008  61,767 
2009  52,303 
Thereafter  154,541 
     
 
  $496,608 
     

Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $4,500,000$5.5 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

Rent expense under operating leases included in operating costs and expenses was approximately $58,300,000, $49,700,000,$97.6 million, $76.8 million, and $33,600,000$60.7 million in 2001, 2000,2004, 2003, and 1999,2002, respectively. Sublease income was approximately $1,500,000, $1,150,000,$0.6 million, $0.6 million, and $433,000$0.6 million in 2001, 2000,2004, 2003, and 1999,2002, respectively.

The Company’s broadcast subsidiaries are parties to certain agreements that commit them to purchase programming to be produced in future years. At December 30, 2001,January 2, 2005, such commitments amounted to approximately $59,550,000.$93.0 million. If such programs are not produced, the Company’s commitment would expire without obligation.

[J]

J. ACQUISITIONS, EXCHANGES AND DISPOSITIONS

The Company completed business acquisitions and exchanges having spenttotaling approximately $104,400,000$63.9 million in 2001, $212,300,0002004, $169.5 million in 20002003 and $90.5 million in 2002 (including estimated fair value of cable systems surrendered, assumed debt and related acquisition costs), and $90,500,000 in 1999.. All of these acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the companies acquired have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions mostly comprised goodwill and other intangibles.

The Company’s acquisitions in 2001 principallyintangibles and property, plant and equipment.

On January 14, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of Slate, the online magazine, which will be included the purchase of Southern Maryland Newspapers, a division of Chesapeake Publishing Corporation, and amounts paid as part of the Company’s newspaper publishing division.
During 2004, Kaplan acquired eight businesses in its higher education and professional divisions for a total of $59.6 million, financed with cash and $8.7 million of debt. In addition, the cable system exchange with AT&T Broadband. During 2001,division completed two small transactions for $2.8 million. In May 2004, the Company also acquired El Tiempo Latino, a providerleading Spanish-language weekly newspaper in the greater Washington area. Most of CFA examthe purchase price for the 2004 acquisitions was allocated to goodwill and other intangibles.
During 2003, Kaplan acquired 13 businesses in its higher education and professional divisions for a total of $166.8 million, financed with cash and $36.7 million of debt. The largest of these was the March 2003 acquisition of the stock of The Financial Training Company (FTC), for £55.3 million ($87.4 million). Headquartered in London, FTC provides test preparation services for accountants and a company that provides pre-certificationfinancial services professionals, with 28 training centers in the United Kingdom as well as operations in Asia. This acquisition was financed with cash and $29.7 million of debt, primarily to employees of the business. In November 2003, Kaplan acquired Dublin Business School, Ireland’s largest private undergraduate institution. Most of the purchase price for real estate, insurance,the 2003 Kaplan acquisitions was allocated to goodwill and securities professionals.

Southern Maryland Newspapers publishesother intangibles and property, plant and equipment.

In addition, the Maryland Independentcable division acquired three additional systems in Charles County, Maryland; The Lexington Park Enterprise in St. Mary’s County, Maryland; and The Calvert Recorder in Calvert County, Maryland, with a combined total paid circulation2003 for $2.8 million. Most of approximately 50,000.

44the purchase price for these

52
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

The

acquisitions was allocated to franchise agreements, an indefinite-lived intangible asset.
On January 1, 2003, the Company sold its 50 percent interest in the International Herald Tribune for $65 million and the Company recorded an after-tax non-operating gain of $32.3 million ($3.38 per share) in the first quarter of 2003.
During 2002, Kaplan acquired several businesses in its higher education and test preparation divisions for approximately $42.2 million. In November 2002, the Company completed a cable system exchange transaction with AT&T Broadband was completed on March 1, 2001 andTime Warner Cable which consisted of the exchange by the Company of its cable systemssystem in ModestoAkron, Ohio serving about 15,500 subscribers, and Santa Rosa, California, and approximately $42.0$5.2 million to AT&T BroadbandTime Warner Cable, for cable systems serving approximately 155,000 subscribers principally located in Idaho. In a related transaction on January 11, 2001, the Company completed the sale of a cable system serving about 15,00020,300 subscribers in Greenwood, Indiana, for $61.9 million.Kansas. The Kansas systems acquired in the exchange transaction were recorded at their estimated fair value, as determined based on an appraisal completed by an independent third- party firm. The non-cash, non-operating gain resulting from the cable system sale and exchange transactionstransaction increased net income by $196.5$16.7 million, or $20.69$1.75 per share. For income tax purposes, substantial components of the cable system sale and exchange transactions qualify as like-kind exchanges, and therefore, a large portion of these transactions does not result in a current tax liability.

On August 2, 2000, the Company acquired Quest Education Corporation (Quest) for approximately $177,700,000, including assumed debt. The acquisition of Quest was completed through an all cash tender offer in which the Company purchased substantially all of the outstanding stock of Quest for $18.35 per share. The acquisition was financed through the issuance of additional borrowings. Quest is a provider of post-secondary education offering Bachelor’s degrees, Associate’s degrees, and diploma programs primarily in the fields of healthcare, business, and information technology.

In addition, the Company acquired two cable systems serving approximately 8,500 subscribers in Nebraska (in June 2000) and Mississippi (in August 2000) for approximately $16,200,000, as well as various other smaller businesses throughout 2000 for $18,400,000 (principally consisting of educational services companies).

During 1999, the Company acquired cable systems serving 10,300 subscribers in North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Arizona (April and August 1999 for $18,300,000); two Certified Financial Analyst test preparation companies (November and December 1999 for $16,000,000), and a travel guide magazine (in December 1999 for $10,200,000). In addition, the Company acquired various other smaller businesses throughout 1999 for $46,000,000 (principally consisting of educational services companies).

The results of operations for each of the businesses acquired are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from their respective dates of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations for 2001, 2000,2004, 2003 and 1999,2002, assuming the acquisitions and exchanges occurred at the beginning of 1999,2002, are not materially different from reported results of operations.

In June 1999,

K. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS 142), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” effective on the Company sold the assetsfirst day of Legi-Slate, Inc., its online services subsidiary that covered Federal legislation and regulation. No significant gain or loss was realized as2002 fiscal year. As a result of the sale.adoption of SFAS 142, the Company ceased most of the periodic charges previously recorded from the amortization of goodwill and other intangibles.
As required under SFAS 142, the Company completed its transitional impairment review of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. The expected future cash flows for PostNewsweek Tech Media (part of the magazine publishing segment), on a discounted basis, did not support the net carrying value of the related goodwill. Accordingly, an after-tax goodwill impairment loss of $12.1 million, or $1.27 per share, was recorded. The loss is included in the Company’s 2002 fiscal year results as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.
The Company’s intangible assets with an indefinite life are principally from franchise agreements at its cable division, as the Company expects its cable franchise agreements to provide the Company with substantial benefit for a period that extends beyond the foreseeable horizon, and the Company’s cable division historically has obtained renewals and extensions of such agreements for nominal costs and without any material modifications to the agreements. Amortized intangible assets are primarily non-compete agreements, with amortization periods up to five years. Amortization expense was $9.3 million in 2004 and is estimated to be approximately $6 million in each of the next five years.
The Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets as of January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003 were as follows (in thousands):
              
    Accumulated  
  Gross Amortization Net
 
2004:
            
 
Goodwill
 $1,321,542  $298,402  $1,023,140 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
  656,998   163,806   493,192 
 
Amortized intangible assets
  20,021   12,142   7,879 
   
   $1,998,561  $474,350  $1,524,211 
   
2003:
            
 Goodwill $1,264,096  $298,402  $965,694 
 Indefinite-lived intangible assets  650,462   163,806   486,656 
 Amortized intangible assets  8,034   2,808   5,226 
   
   $1,922,592  $465,016  $1,457,576 
   
Activity related to the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets during 2004 was as follows (in thousands):
                          
  Newspaper Television Magazine Cable    
  Publishing Broadcasting Publishing Television Education Total
 
Goodwill, Net
                        
 Beginning of year $71,277  $203,165  $69,556  $85,666  $536,030  $965,694 
 Acquisitions  1,493               44,143   45,636 
 Foreign currency exchange rate                  11,810   11,810 
   
 
 End of year $72,770  $203,165  $69,556  $85,666  $591,983  $1,023,140 
   
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
                        
 Beginning of year             $484,556  $2,100  $486,656 
 Acquisitions              1,774   4,762   6,536 
   
 
 End of year             $486,330  $6,862  $493,192 
   
Amortized Intangible Assets, Net
                        
 Beginning of year $30          $1,081  $4,115  $5,226 
 Acquisitions  107           2,045   9,845   11,997 
 Foreign currency exchange rate                  (10)  (10)
 Amortization  (19)          (652)  (8,663)  (9,334)
   
 
 End of year $118          $2,474  $5,287  $7,879 
   
Activity related to the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets during 2003 was as follows (in thousands):
                          
  Newspaper Television Magazine Cable    
  Publishing Broadcasting Publishing Television Education Total
 
Goodwill, Net
                        
 Beginning of year $72,738  $203,165  $69,556  $85,666  $339,736  $770,861 
 Acquisitions                  184,075   184,075 
 Disposition  (1,461)                  (1,461)
 Foreign currency exchange rate                  12,219   12,219 
   
 
 End of year $71,277  $203,165  $69,556  $85,666  $536,030  $965,694 
   
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
                        
 Beginning of year             $482,419      $482,419 
 Acquisitions              2,137  $2,100   4,237 
   
 
 End of year��            $484,556  $2,100  $486,656 
   
Amortized Intangible Assets, Net
                        
 Beginning of year $45          $1,232  $876  $2,153 
 Acquisitions                  4,463   4,463 
 Amortization  (15)          (151)  (1,270)  (1,436)
 Foreign currency exchange rate                  46   46 
   
 
 End of year $30          $1,081  $4,115  $5,226 
   
2004 FORM 10-K
53

[K]


L. OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
The Company recorded other non-operating income, net, of $8.1 million in 2004, $55.4 million in 2003 and $28.9 million in 2002. The 2003 non-operating income, net, mostly comprises a $49.8 million pre-tax gain from the sale of the Company’s 50 percent interest in the International Herald Tribune. The 2002 non-operating income, net, includes a pre-tax gain of $27.8 million on the exchange of certain cable systems in the fourth quarter of 2002 and a gain on the sale of marketable securities, offset by write-downs recorded on certain investments.
A summary of non-operating income (expense) for the years ended January 2, 2005, December 28, 2003, and December 29, 2002 follows (in millions):
              
  2004 2003 2002
 
Foreign currency gains, net $5.5  $4.2  $ 
Gain on sale of interest in IHT     49.8    
Impairment write-downs on cost method and other investments  (0.7)  (1.3)  (21.2)
Gain on sale or exchange of cable system businesses  0.5      27.8 
Gain on sales of marketable securities        13.2 
Other  2.8   2.7   9.1 
   
 
 Total $8.1  $55.4  $28.9 
   
M. CONTINGENCIES

The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various civil lawsuits that have arisen in the ordinary course of their businesses, including actions for libel and invasion of privacy, and also to an antitrust lawsuit related to the acquisition by a subsidiaryviolations of a group of community newspapers in 2001.applicable wage and hour laws. Management does not believe that any litigation pending against the Company will have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition.

The Company’s education division derives a portion of its net revenues from financial aid received by its students under Title IV programs (“Title IV Programs”)Programs administered by the United StatesU.S. Department of Education pursuant to the Federal Higher Education Act of 1965 (“HEA”)(HEA), as amended. In order to participate in Title IV Programs, the Company must comply with complex standards set forth in the HEA and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Regulations”)Regulations). The failure to comply with the requirements of HEA or the Regulations could result in the restriction or loss of the ability to participate in Title IV Programs and subject the Company to financial penalties. For the years ended January 2, 2005, December 30, 200128, 2003 and December 31, 2000,29, 2002, approximately $101,500,000$430.0 million, $250.0 million and $35,000,000,$161.7 million, respectively, of the Company’s education division revenues were derived from financial aid received by students under Title IV Programs. These revenues were earned and recognized by Quest following the Company’s acquisition of Quest in August 2000. Management believes that the Company’s education division schools that participate in Title IV Programs are in material compliance with the standards set forth in the HEA and the Regulations.

[L]

N. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company operates principally in four areas of the media business: newspaper publishing, television broadcasting, magazine publishing and cable television. Through its subsidiary Kaplan, Inc., the Company also provides educational services for individuals, schools and businesses.

45


Newspaper operations involvepublishing includes the publication of newspapers in the Washington, D.C., area and Everett, Washington; newsprint warehousing and recycling facilities; and the Company’s electronic media publishing business (primarily washingtonpost.com).

Magazine operations consist principally

The magazine publishing division consists of the publication of a weekly news magazine, Newsweek, which has one domestic and three international editions, the publication of a travel magazine,Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel, and the publication of business periodicals for the computer services industry and the Washington-area technology community.

Revenues from both newspaper and magazine publishing operations are derived from advertising and, to a lesser extent, from circulation.

Broadcast

Television broadcasting operations are conducted through six VHF television stations.stations serving the Detroit, Houston, Miami, San Antonio, Orlando and Jacksonville television markets. All stations are network affiliated,network-affiliated (except for WJXT in Jacksonville) with revenues derived primarily from sales of advertising time.

Cable television operations consist of cable systems offering basic cable, anddigital cable, pay television, cable modem and other services to approximately 752,700 subscribers in 19 midwestern, western, and southern states. The principal source of revenues is monthly subscription fees charged for services.

Educational

Education products and services are provided through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Kaplan, Inc. Kaplan’s major lines of businesses include supplemental education services, which is made up of Kaplan Test PreparationPrep and Admissions, providing test preparation services for college and graduate school entrance exams; Kaplan Professional, providing educationaleducation and career services to business people and other professionals; and Score!, offering multimediamulti-media learning and private tutoring to children and educational resources to parents; andparents. Kaplan’s businesses also provide higher education division,services, which includes Quest, a providerinclude all of Kaplan’s post-secondary education offeringbusinesses, including the fixed-facility colleges that offer Bachelor’s degrees, Associate’s degrees and diploma programs primarily in the fields of healthcare,health care, business and information technology,technology; and The Kaplan Colleges, Kaplan’sonline post-secondary and career programs (various distance-learning businesses, including kaplancollege.com. In early 2002, Kaplan put all of its post-secondary schools (Quest and The Kaplan Colleges) under a single higher education division.

Other businesses and corporatebusinesses).

Corporate office includes the expenses of the Company’s corporate office. Through
The Company’s foreign revenues in 2004, 2003, and 2002 totaled approximately $209 million, $140 million, and $81 million, respectively, principally from Kaplan’s foreign operations and the first halfpublication of 1999, the international editions of Newsweek. The Company’s long-lived assets in foreign countries (excluding goodwill and other businessesintangibles), principally in the United Kingdom, totaled approximately $29 million at January 2, 2005 and corporate office segment also includes the results of Legi-Slate, Inc., the assets of which were sold in June 1999.

$19 million at December 28, 2003.

Income from operations is the excess of operating revenues over operating expenses. In computing income from operations by segment, the effects of equity in earnings of affiliates, interest income, interest expense, other non-operating income and expense items, and income taxes are not included.

Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the Company’s operations in each business segment. Investments in marketable equity securities and investments in affiliates are discussed in Note C.

46

54
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

                              
                       Other    
                       Businesses    
   Newspaper Television Magazine Cable     and Corporate    
(in thousands) Publishing Broadcasting Publishing Television Education Office Consolidated

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2001
                            
Operating revenues $842,721  $314,010  $380,224  $386,037  $493,681  $  $2,416,673 
Income (loss) from operations $84,744  $131,847  $25,306  $32,237  $(28,337) $(25,865) $219,932 
Equity in losses of affiliates                          (68,659)
Interest expense, net                          (47,473)
Other income, net                          283,739 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 Income before income taxes                         $387,539 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Identifiable assets $703,947  $419,246  $486,804  $1,117,426  $472,988  $42,346  $3,242,757 
Investments in marketable equity securities                          235,405 
Investments in affiliates                          80,936 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 Total assets                         $3,559,098 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment $37,862  $11,932  $4,654  $64,505  $19,347  $  $138,300 
Amortization of goodwill $3,864  $14,135  $6,669  $38,553  $15,712  $  $78,933 
Pension credit (expense) $25,197  $6,263  $44,989  $(638) $(847) $(1,363) $73,601 
Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation                 $25,302      $25,302 
Capital expenditures $32,551  $11,032  $1,737  $166,887  $12,020  $  $224,227 
2000
                            
Operating revenues $918,234  $364,758  $416,421  $358,916  $353,821  $  $2,412,150 
Income (loss) from operations $114,435  $177,396  $49,119  $65,967  $(41,846) $(25,189) $339,882 
Equity in losses of affiliates                          (36,466)
Interest expense, net                          (53,764)
Other expense, net                          (19,782)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 Income before income taxes                         $229,870 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Identifiable assets $684,908  $430,444  $452,453  $757,083  $482,014  $41,075  $2,847,977 
Investments in marketable equity securities                          221,137 
Investments in affiliates                          131,629 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 Total assets                         $3,200,743 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment $38,579  $12,991  $5,059  $47,670  $13,649  $  $117,948 
Amortization of goodwill $1,588  $14,135  $6,758  $30,069  $10,084  $  $62,634 
Pension credit (expense) $(5,579) $5,767  $37,341  $(599) $(667) $  $36,263 
Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation                 $6,000      $6,000 
Capital expenditures $33,117  $11,672  $1,858  $96,167  $29,569  $  $172,383 
1999
                            
Operating revenues $875,109  $341,761  $401,096  $336,259  $257,503  $3,843  $2,215,571 
Income (loss) from operations $156,731  $167,639  $62,057  $67,145  $(37,998) $(27,121) $388,453 
Equity in losses of affiliates                          (8,814)
Interest expense, net                          (25,689)
Other income, net                          21,435 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 Income before income taxes                         $375,385 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Identifiable assets $672,609  $444,372  $409,404  $718,230  $265,960  $132,688  $2,643,263 
Investments in marketable equity securities                          203,012 
Investments in affiliates                          140,669 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 Total assets                         $2,986,944 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment $35,363  $11,719  $4,972  $43,092  $8,850  $239  $104,235 
Amortization of goodwill $1,535  $14,248  $5,912  $30,007  $6,861  $  $58,563 
Pension credit (expense) $26,440  $8,191  $48,309  $(597) $(603) $(57) $81,683 
Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation                 $7,250      $7,250 
Capital expenditures $19,279  $17,839  $3,364  $62,586  $26,977  $  $130,045 
                               
  Newspaper Television Magazine Cable   Corporate  
(in thousands) Publishing Broadcasting Publishing Television Education Office Consolidated
 
2004
                            
 Operating revenues $938,066  $361,716  $366,119  $499,312  $1,134,891  $  $3,300,104 
 Income (loss) from operations $143,086  $174,176  $52,921  $104,171  $121,455  $(32,803) $563,006 
 Equity in losses of affiliates                          (2,291)
 Interest expense, net                          (26,410)
 Other income, net                          8,127 
   
 
  Income before income taxes                         $542,432 
   
 Identifiable assets $688,812  $410,294  $582,489  $1,113,554  $1,035,772  $14,170  $3,845,091 
 Investments in marketable equity securities                          409,736 
 Investments in affiliates                          61,814 
   
 
  Total assets                         $4,316,641 
   
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment $36,862  $11,093  $3,255  $94,974  $29,154  $  $175,338 
 Amortization expense $19  $  $  $652  $8,663  $  $9,334 
 Pension credit (expense) $3,598  $3,172  $37,613  $(1,030) $(1,531) $  $41,822 
 Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation                 $32,546      $32,546 
 Capital expenditures $27,959  $6,967  $1,499  $78,873  $85,221  $4,113  $204,632 
2003
                            
 Operating revenues $872,754  $315,126  $353,555  $459,399  $838,077  $  $2,838,911 
 
Income (loss) from operations(1)
 $134,197  $139,744  $43,504  $88,392  $(11,709) $(30,308) $363,820 
 Equity in losses of affiliates                          (9,766)
 Interest expense, net                          (26,851)
 Other income, net                          55,385 
   
 
  Income before income taxes                         $382,588 
   
 Identifiable assets $690,226  $412,799  $534,671  $1,131,580  $872,133  $11,379  $3,652,788 
 Investments in marketable equity securities                          247,958 
 Investments in affiliates                          61,312 
   
 
  Total assets                         $3,962,058 
   
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment $41,914  $11,414  $3,727  $92,804  $23,989  $  $173,848 
 Amortization expense $15  $  $  $151  $1,270  $  $1,436 
 Pension credit (expense) $(19,580) $4,165  $38,493  $(853) $(1,223) $  $21,002 
 Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation                 $119,126      $119,126 
 Capital expenditures $18,642  $5,434  $1,027  $65,948  $34,537  $  $125,588 
2002
                            
 Operating revenues $841,984  $343,552  $349,050  $428,492  $621,125  $  $2,584,203 
 Income (loss) from operations $109,006  $168,826  $25,728  $80,937  $20,512  $(27,419) $377,590 
 Equity in losses of affiliates                          (19,308)
 Interest expense, net                          (33,487)
 Other income, net                          28,873 
   
 
  Income before income taxes                         $353,668 
   
 Identifiable assets $697,606  $414,722  $488,345  $1,154,534  $549,390  $19,940  $3,324,537 
 Investments in marketable equity securities                          216,533 
 Investments in affiliates                          70,703 
   
 
  Total assets                         $3,611,773 
   
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment $42,961  $11,187  $4,124  $88,751  $24,885  $  $171,908 
 Amortization expense $15  $  $  $155  $485  $  $655 
 Pension credit (expense) $18,902  $4,730  $23,814  $(814) $(1,186) $  $45,446 
 Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation                 $34,531      $34,531 
 Capital expenditures $27,280  $8,784  $1,672  $92,499  $22,757  $  $152,992 

47

(1) Newspaper publishing operating income in 2003 includes gain on sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper of $41.7 million.
2004 FORM 10-K
55


 

[M]

O. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly results of operations and comprehensive income for the years ended December 30, 2001January 2, 2005 and December 31, 200028, 2003 are as follows:follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
                  
   First Second Third Fourth
(in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

 
 
 
 
                 
2001 Quarterly Operating Results
                
Operating revenues                
 Advertising $297,974  $312,881  $277,425  $321,047 
 Circulation and subscriber  148,536   156,149   177,925   176,010 
 Education  121,341   119,442   127,159   125,329 
 Other  19,125   16,063   13,007   7,260 
    
   
   
   
 
   586,976   604,535   595,516   629,646 
    
   
   
   
 
Operating costs and expenses                
 Operating  343,993   340,740   348,776   359,241 
 Selling, general, and administrative  147,915   151,409   144,954   142,480 
 Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment  34,632   35,867   34,765   33,036 
 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles  17,192   19,926   20,068   21,748 
    
   
   
   
 
   543,732   547,942   548,563   556,505 
    
   
   
   
 
Income from operations  43,244   56,593   46,953   73,141 
 Equity in losses of affiliates  (12,461)  (6,641)  (26,535)  (23,023)
 Interest income  325   1,047   226   570 
 Interest expense  (14,624)  (13,240)  (11,861)  (9,914)
 Other income (expense), net  308,769   (10,717)  (4,365)  (9,949)
    
   
   
   
 
Income before income taxes  325,253   27,042   4,418   30,825 
Provision for income taxes  126,200   12,550   2,850   16,300 
    
   
   
   
 
Net income  199,053   14,492   1,568   14,525 
Redeemable preferred stock dividends  (526)  (263)  (263)   
    
   
   
   
 
Net income available for common shares $198,527  $14,229  $1,305  $14,525 
    
   
   
   
 
Basic earnings per common share $20.94  $1.50  $0.14  $1.53 
    
   
   
   
 
Diluted earnings per common share $20.90  $1.50  $0.14  $1.53 
    
   
   
   
 
Basic average number of common shares outstanding  9,479   9,485   9,489   9,492 
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding  9,499   9,502   9,502   9,501 
2001 Quarterly Comprehensive Income (loss) $187,049  $25,860  $(937) $25,342 
    
   
   
   
 
                   
  First Second Third Fourth
  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
 
2004 Quarterly Operating Results
                
 Operating revenues                
  Advertising $299,127  $338,060  $323,021  $386,662 
  Circulation and subscriber  180,259   185,728   185,521   190,302 
  Education  258,271   276,696   293,621   306,303 
  Other  21,312   17,907   17,869   19,445 
   
   758,969   818,391   820,032   902,712 
   
 Operating costs and expenses                
  Operating  409,681   420,407   422,894   464,077 
  Selling, general and administrative  198,132   203,334   210,488   223,413 
  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  43,859   44,769   45,020   41,690 
  Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles  2,380   3,881   1,332   1,741 
   
 
   654,052   672,391   679,734   730,921 
   
 Income from operations  104,917   146,000   140,298   171,791 
  Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates  (1,716)  (353)  539   (761)
  Interest income  344   458   351   469 
  Interest expense  (6,861)  (6,830)  (6,874)  (7,467)
  Other income (expense), net  742   (71)  858   6,598 
   
 Income before income taxes  97,426   139,204   135,172   170,630 
 Provision for income taxes  38,000   54,300   52,700   64,700 
   
 Net income  59,426   84,904   82,472   105,930 
 Redeemable preferred stock dividends  (502)  (245)  (245)   
   
 
 Net income available for common shares $58,924  $84,659  $82,227  $105,930 
   
 Basic earnings per common share $6.17  $8.85  $8.59  $11.07 
   
 Diluted earnings per common share: $6.15  $8.82  $8.57  $11.03 
   
 Basic average shares outstanding  9,550   9,563   9,568   9,571 
 Diluted average shares outstanding  9,582   9,596   9,598   9,601 
 2004 Quarterly comprehensive income $74,806  $78,719  $90,962  $136,089 
   

The sum of the four quarters may not necessarily be equal to the annual amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income due to rounding.

A third quarter reclassification of $21 million between other income (expense), net and equity in losses of affiliates is reflected above related to the Company’s investment in BrassRing.

48

56
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

                  
   First Second Third Fourth
(in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

 
 
 
 
                 
2000 Quarterly Operating Results
                
Operating revenues                
 Advertising $318,865  $353,514  $338,428  $385,776 
 Circulation and subscriber  147,589   148,905   151,144   153,619 
 Education  71,450   68,803   99,428   113,072 
 Other  8,867   20,318   13,452   18,919 
    
   
   
   
 
   546,771   591,540   602,452   671,386 
    
   
   
   
 
Operating costs and expenses                
 Operating  296,072   316,252   340,733   355,006 
 Selling, general, and administrative  135,421   138,704   131,206   178,291 
 Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment  28,386   28,638   30,019   30,905 
 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles  14,738   14,755   15,937   17,204 
    
   
   
   
 
   474,617   498,349   517,895   581,406 
    
   
   
   
 
Income from operations  72,154   93,191   84,557   89,980 
 Equity in losses of affiliates  (11,304)  (9,471)  (8,890)  (6,800)
 Interest income  224   275   228   241 
 Interest expense  (12,567)  (12,573)  (14,617)  (14,974)
 Other (expense) income, net  (6,938)  1,556   238   (14,639)
    
   
   
   
 
Income before income taxes  41,569   72,978   61,516   53,808 
Provision for income taxes  17,500   31,800   28,000   16,100 
    
   
   
   
 
Net income  24,069   41,178   33,516   37,708 
Redeemable preferred stock dividends  (500)  (263)  (263)   
    
   
   
   
 
Net income available for common shares $23,569  $40,915  $33,253  $37,708 
    
   
   
   
 
Basic earnings per common share $2.50  $4.33  $3.52  $3.99 
    
   
   
   
 
Diluted earnings per common share $2.49  $4.33  $3.51  $3.98 
    
   
   
   
 
Basic average number of common shares outstanding  9,440   9,443   9,448   9,452 
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding  9,458   9,458   9,463   9,470 
2000 Quarterly Comprehensive Income $21,152  $25,492  $49,789  $46,586 
    
   
   
   
 
                   
  First Second Third Fourth
(in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter Quarter Quarter(1 )Quarter
 
2003 Quarterly Operating Results
                
 Operating revenues                
  Advertising $277,121  $316,288  $285,143  $343,772 
  Circulation and subscriber  172,036   176,348   175,595   182,269 
  Education  177,778   195,560   224,663   240,076 
  Other  13,505   18,744   20,678   19,335 
   
   640,440   706,940   706,079   785,452 
   
 Operating costs and expenses                
  Operating  348,634   368,974   378,864   411,043 
  Selling, general and administrative  169,170   187,493   244,299   191,330 
  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  43,395   43,212   42,420   44,821 
  Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles  149   363   398   526 
   
   561,348   600,042   665,981   647,720 
   
 Income from operations  79,092   106,898   40,098   137,732 
  Equity in losses of affiliates  (2,642)  (5,524)  (1,116)  (484)
  Interest income  114   458   189   191 
  Interest expense  (7,237)  (6,658)  (7,037)  (6,872)
  Other income (expense), net  48,135   2,274   1,565   3,412 
   
 Income before income taxes  117,462   97,448   33,699   133,979 
 Provision for income taxes  44,400   36,800   13,800   46,500 
   
 Net income  73,062   60,648   19,899   87,479 
 Redeemable preferred stock dividends  (517)  (258)  (252)   
   
 
 Net income available for common shares $72,545  $60,390  $19,647  $87,479 
   
 Basic earnings per common share $7.62  $6.34  $2.06  $9.17 
   
 Diluted earnings per common share $7.59  $6.32  $2.06  $9.15 
   
 Basic average shares outstanding  9,526   9,527   9,532   9,536 
 Diluted average shares outstanding  9,553   9,555   9,556   9,563 
 2003 Quarterly comprehensive income $61,417  $79,992  $24,158  $106,596 
   

The sum of the four quarters may not necessarily be equal to the annual amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income due to rounding.

49

(1) Results for the third quarter of 2003 include $74.6 million in pre-tax Kaplan stock compensation expense at the education division.
Quarterly impact from certain unusual items (after-tax and diluted EPS amounts):
                 
  First Second Third Fourth
  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
 
Early retirement program charges ($1.3 million and $19.5 million in the second and fourth quarters, respectively)     $(0.14)     $(2.04)
Gain on sale of IHT ($32.3 million) $3.38             
Gain on sale of land ($25.5 million)             $2.66 
Kaplan stock compensation expense for 10% premium on Kaplan stock option offer ($6.4 million)             $(0.67)
Establishment of Kaplan Educational Foundation ($3.9 million)             $(0.41)
   
2004 FORM 10-K
57


 

SCHEDULE II

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58
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY

SCHEDULE II–VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

                  
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E

 
 
 
 
       Additions -        
   Balance at Charged to     Balance at
   beginning costs and     end of
Description of period expenses Deductions period

 
 
 
 
Year Ended January 2, 2000                
 Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns $46,692,000  $62,824,000  $58,337,000  $51,179,000 
 Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts  8,358,000   9,136,000   8,052,000   9,442,000 
   
   
   
   
 
  $55,050,000  $71,960,000  $66,389,000  $60,621,000 
   
   
   
   
 
Year Ended December 31, 2000                
 Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns $51,179,000  $74,540,000  $67,716,000  $58,003,000 
 Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts  9,442,000   2,662,000   4,909,000   7,195,000 
   
   
   
   
 
  $60,621,000  $77,202,000  $72,625,000  $65,198,000 
   
   
   
   
 
Year Ended December 30, 2001                
 Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns $58,003,000  $98,655,000  $88,689,000  $67,969,000 
 Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts  7,195,000   4,163,000   6,079,000   5,279,000 
   
   
   
   
 
  $65,198,000  $102,818,000  $94,768,000  $73,248,000 
   
   
   
   
 

50


 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSIONSCHEDULE II
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND ANALYSISQUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

This analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — 2001 COMPARED TO 2000

Net income for 2001 was $229.6 million, compared with net income of $136.5 million for 2000. Diluted earnings per share totaled $24.06 in 2001, compared with $14.32 in 2000. The Company’s 2001 results include after-tax gains of $196.5 million, or $20.69 per share, from the sale and exchange of certain cable systems in the first quarter; a non-cash goodwill and other intangibles impairment charge recorded by the Company’s BrassRing affiliate (after-tax impact of $19.9 million, or $2.10 per share); and losses from the write-down of a non-operating parcel of land and certain cost method investments to their estimated fair value (after-tax impact of $18.3 million, or $1.93 per share). Excluding these non-operating and principally non-cash transactions in 2001, net income totaled $71.3 million, or $7.40 per share. The decline in 2001 operating earnings is largely due to a significant decline in advertising revenue, increased depreciation and amortization expenses, and higher stock-based compensation expense accruals at the education division. These factors were offset in part by increased operating income contributed by Quest Education (acquired in August 2000), higher profits from Kaplan’s test preparation and professional training businesses, reduced operating losses at Kaplan’s new business development activities, and an increased pension credit. In addition, 2000 earnings included a fourth quarter after-tax charge of $16.5 million, or $1.74 per share, arising from an early retirement program at The Washington Post.

Revenue for 2001 totaled $2,416.7 million, or flat compared to revenue of $2,412.2 million in 2000. Advertising revenue decreased 13 percent in 2001, and circulation and subscriber revenue increased 10 percent. Education revenue increased 40 percent in 2001, and other revenue decreased 10 percent. The large decrease in advertising revenue is due to declines at the newspaper, television, and magazine divisions. The increase in circulation and subscriber revenue is due to a 20 percent increase in Newsweek domestic circulation revenue and a 10 percent increase in subscriber revenue at the cable division. Revenue growth at Kaplan, Inc. (about two-thirds of which was from acquisitions) accounted for the increase in education revenue.

Operating costs and expenses for the year increased 6 percent to $2,196.7 million, from $2,072.3 million in 2000. The cost and expense increase is primarily attributable to companies acquired in 2001 and 2000, higher depreciation and amortization expense, and higher stock-based compensation expense accruals at the education division, offset by a higher pension credit and lower expenses at the newspaper publishing, television broadcasting, and magazine publishing segments due to extensive cost control initiatives.

Operating income decreased 35 percent to $219.9 million in 2001, from $339.9 million in 2000.

The Company’s 2001 operating income includes $76.9 million of net pension credits, compared to $65.3 million in 2000. These amounts exclude $3.3 million and $29.0 million in charges related to early retirement programs in 2001 and 2000, respectively.

DIVISION RESULTS

Newspaper Publishing Division.Newspaper publishing division revenue in 2001 decreased 8 percent to $842.7 million, from $918.2 million in 2000. Division operating income for 2001 totaled $84.7 million, a decrease of 26 percent from operating income of $114.4 million in 2000.

The decrease in operating income for 2001 is due to a significant decline in print advertising, offset in part by a higher pension credit, higher online advertising revenue, lower newsprint cost, cost control initiatives employed throughout the division, and the $27.5 million charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2000 in connection with an early retirement program completed at The Post.

Print advertising revenue at The Washington Post newspaper decreased 14 percent to $574.3 million, from $664.1 million in 2000. Volume declines of 41 percent in classified recruitment advertising for 2001 caused classified recruitment advertising revenue declines of 37 percent. The economic environment surrounding most of the other advertising categories at The Post (i.e., retail, general, preprints) was also sluggish for fiscal 2001 compared to the prior year. In these categories, rate increases only partially offset volume declines ranging from 3 percent to 28 percent during 2001. The soft advertising climate worsened late in the third quarter of 2001 as the Company experienced further reductions in advertising revenue and volumes following the events of September 11.

Daily and Sunday circulation at The Post declined 0.5 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively, in 2001. For the year ended December 30, 2001, average daily circulation at The Post totaled 773,000, and average Sunday circulation totaled 1,067,000. Newsprint expense at the newspaper publishing division decreased 6 percent for 2001 due to reduced consumption, offset by overall higher prices during the year.

Revenues generated by the Company’s online publishing activities, primarily washingtonpost.com, increased 12 percent to $30.4 million during the year.

Television Broadcasting Division.Revenue for the television broadcasting division totaled $314.0 million for 2001, a 14 percent decline from 2000. Excluding approximately $42 million in political and Olympics advertising in 2000, revenue in 2001 decreased 3 percent due to a general softness in advertising (particularly national advertising) and several days of commercial-free coverage following the events of September 11.

Competitive market position remained strong for the Company’s television stations. WJXT in Jacksonville and WDIV in Detroit were ranked number one in the latest ratings period, sign-on to sign-off, in their respective markets; KSAT in San Antonio ranked second; WPLG was tied for second among English-language stations in the Miami

51

                  
 
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
 
  Additions –  
  Balance at Charged to   Balance at
  Beginning Costs and   End of
Description of Period Expenses Deductions Period
 
Year Ended December 29, 2002                
 Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns $67,969,000  $91,091,000  $98,820,000  $60,240,000 
 Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts  5,279,000   4,938,000   5,061,000   5,156,000 
   
  $73,248,000  $96,029,000  $103,881,000  $65,396,000 
   
Year Ended December 28, 2003                
 Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns $60,240,000  $93,565,000  $91,951,000  $61,854,000 
 Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts  5,156,000   6,371,000   6,857,000   4,670,000 
   
  $65,396,000  $99,936,000  $98,808,000  $66,524,000 
   
Year Ended January 2, 2005                
 Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns $61,854,000  $106,605,000  $102,807,000  $65,652,000 
 Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts  4,670,000   7,874,000   7,231,000   5,313,000 
   
  $66,524,000  $114,479,000  $110,038,000  $70,965,000 
   
2004 FORM 10-K
59


 

market; and KPRC in Houston and WKMG in Orlando ranked third in their respective markets.

Operating income for 2001 declined 26 percent to $131.8 million, from $177.4 million in 2000 due to revenue declines discussed above. Operating margin at the broadcast division was 42 percent for 2001 and 49 percent for 2000. Excluding amortization of goodwill and intangibles, operating margin was 46 percent for 2001 and 53 percent for 2000.

Magazine Publishing Division.Revenue for the magazine publishing division totaled $380.2 million for 2001, a 9 percent decrease from 2000. Operating income totaled $25.3 million for 2001, a decrease of 48 percent from 2000. The decline in 2001 operating income resulted from a 24 percent decrease in advertising revenue at Newsweek due to fewer advertising pages at both the domestic and international editions. The decline was offset in part by increased newsstand sales on regular and special editions related to the September 11 terrorist attacks, a higher pension credit, and reduced operating expenses.

Operating margin at the magazine publishing division decreased to 7 percent for 2001, compared to 12 percent in 2000.

Cable Television Division.Cable division revenue of $386.0 million for 2001 represents an 8 percent increase over 2000. The 2001 revenue increase is due to rapid growth in the division’s digital and cable modem service revenues, along with an increased number of basic subscribers from the cable exchange transactions completed in the first quarter of 2001. Cable division operating income declined 51 percent in 2001 to $32.2 million, due mostly to a $25.3 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense compared to 2000.

Cable division cash flow (operating income excluding depreciation and amortization expense) totaled $135.3 million for 2001, a decrease of 6 percent from 2000. The decline in cable division cash flow is mostly due to higher programming expense, costs associated with the launch of digital services, and comparatively lower cash flow margin subscribers acquired in the cable system exchanges completed in the first quarter of 2001.

The increase in depreciation expense is due to capital spending, which is enabling the Company to offer digital cable services to its subscribers. The cable division began its rollout plan for these services in the third quarter of 2000. At December 31, 2001, the cable division had approximately 239,500 digital cable subscribers, representing a 35 percent penetration of the subscriber base in the markets where digital services are offered. Digital services are currently offered in markets serving 91 percent of the cable division’s subscriber base. The rollout plan for the new digital cable services includes an offer for the cable division’s customers to obtain these services free for one year. At the end of December 2001, the cable division had about 31,000 “paying” digital subscribers. Of these, 24,000 are from the new Idaho subscribers and were not offered one-year free digital service. Most of the benefits from these new services are expected to show beginning in 2002 and thereafter.

At December 31, 2001, the cable division had 752,700 basic subscribers, compared to 735,400 at the end of December 2000. The increase in basic subscribers is largely due to a net gain in subscribers arising from cable system exchanges and sale transactions completed in the first quarter of 2001. At December 31, 2001, the cable division had 46,400 CableONE.net service subscribers, compared to 18,200 at the end of 2000, with the increase due to a large increase in the Company’s cable modem deployment (offered to 89 percent of homes passed at the end of December 2001) and take-up rates. Of these subscribers, 32,900 and 3,600 were cable modem service subscribers at the end of 2001 and 2000, respectively, with the remainder being dial-up subscribers.

Education Division.Education revenue in 2001 increased 40 percent to $493.7 million, from $353.8 million in 2000; excluding Quest Education (acquired in August 2000), education division revenue increased 15 percent to $342.3 million for 2001, compared to $296.9 million for 2000.

Due to the amortization of goodwill and the accounting for stock options at Kaplan, which unlike most companies includes a charge related to options held by management, Kaplan reported a loss of $28.3 million in 2001, compared with a loss of $41.8 million in 2000. Excluding these charges, Kaplan’s operating earnings were $12.7 million in 2001, compared to a loss of $25.8 million in 2000. A summary of operating results for 2001 compared to 2000 is as follows:

             
(in thousands) 2001 2000 % Change

 
 
 
Revenue
            
Test prep and professional training $271,931  $244,189   11%
Quest post-secondary education  151,400   56,908   166%
New business development activities  70,350   52,724   33%
   
   
   
 
  $493,681  $353,821   40%
   
   
   
 
Operating income (loss)
            
Test prep and professional training $36,391  $30,315   20%
Quest post-secondary education  19,858   8,359   138%
New business development activities  (24,136)  (55,313)  56%
Kaplan corporate overhead  (19,436)  (9,123)  (113%)
Stock-based incentive compensation  (25,302)  (6,000)  (322%)
Goodwill and other intangible amortization  (15,712)  (10,084)  (56%)
   
   
   
 
  $(28,337) $(41,846)  32%
   
   
   
 

The improvement in test prep and professional training results for 2001 is due mostly to higher enrollments and, to a lesser extent, higher rates at Kaplan’s traditional test prep business (particularly the GMAT and the LSAT prep courses) and higher revenues and profits from Kaplan’s CFA and real estate exam preparation services. Quest’s results increased as 2001 includes a full year versus five months of activity in 2000.

52


New business development activities represent the results of Score! and The Kaplan Colleges (various distance-learning businesses). The improvement in new business development revenue is primarily attributable to Score!, with both increased enrollment from new learning centers opened (147 centers at the end of 2001, versus 142 centers at the end of 2000) and rate increases implemented early in 2001. In early 2002, Kaplan put all of its post-secondary schools (Quest and The Kaplan Colleges) under a single higher education division.

Corporate overhead represents unallocated expenses of Kaplan, Inc.’s corporate office, including expenses associated with the design and development of educational software that, if successfully completed, will benefit all of Kaplan’s business units. The increase in this expense category in 2001 is principally due to increased spending for these development initiatives.

Kaplan records accrued charges for stock-based incentive compensation arising from a stock option plan established for certain members of Kaplan’s management (the general provisions of which are discussed in Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Under the stock-based incentive plan, the amount of compensation expense varies directly with the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock and the number of options outstanding. The increase in stock-based incentive compensation for 2001 is due to an increase in Kaplan’s estimated value.

Equity in Losses of Affiliates.The Company’s equity in losses of affiliates for 2001 was $68.7 million, compared to losses of $36.5 million for 2000. The Company’s affiliate investments consist of a 39.7 percent common equity interest in BrassRing LLC, a 50 percent interest in the International Herald Tribune, and a 49 percent interest in Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited.

BrassRing accounted for approximately $75.1 million of the 2001 equity in losses of affiliates, compared to $37.0 million in 2000. The increase in 2001 equity in affiliate losses from BrassRing is largely due to a one-time non-cash goodwill and other intangibles impairment charge that BrassRing recorded in 2001 primarily to reduce the carrying value of its career fair business. As a substantial portion of BrassRing’s losses arose from goodwill and intangible amortization expense for both 2001 and 2000, the $75.1 million and $37.0 million of equity in affiliate losses recorded by the Company in 2001 and 2000, respectively, did not require significant funding by the Company.

In December 2001, BrassRing, Inc. was restructured, and the Company’s interest in BrassRing, Inc. was converted into an interest in the newly-formed BrassRing LLC. At December 30, 2001, the Company held a 39.7 percent interest in the BrassRing LLC common equity and a $14.9 million Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note (“Note”) from BrassRing LLC. In February 2002, the Note was converted into Preferred Units, which are convertible at the Company’s option to BrassRing LLC common equity. Assuming the conversion of the Preferred Units, the Company’s common equity interest in BrassRing LLC would be approximately 49.5 percent.

Non-operating Items.The Company recorded other non-operating income of $283.7 million in 2001, compared to $19.8 million in non-operating expense for 2000. The 2001 non-operating income mostly comprises gains arising from the sale and exchange of certain cable systems completed in January and March of 2001. Offsetting these gains were losses from the write-downs of a non-operating parcel of land and certain investments to their estimated fair value. For income tax purposes, substantial components of the cable system sale and exchange transactions qualify as like-kind exchanges, and therefore, a large portion of these transactions does not result in a current tax liability.

The Company incurred net interest expense of $47.5 million in 2001, compared to $53.8 million in 2000. At December 30, 2001, the Company had $933.1 million in borrowings outstanding at an average interest rate of 3.5 percent.

Income Taxes.The effective rate was 40.7 percent for 2001, compared to 40.6 percent for 2000. Excluding the effect of the cable gain transactions, the Company’s effective tax rate approximated 50.2 percent for 2001, with the increase in rate due mostly to the decline in pre-tax income.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — 2000 COMPARED TO 1999

Net income for 2000 was $136.5 million, compared with net income of $225.8 million for 1999. Diluted earnings per share totaled $14.32 in 2000, compared with $22.30 in 1999, with fewer average shares outstanding in 2000. The decline in 2000 net income and diluted earnings per share was primarily caused by increased costs associated with the development of new businesses (impact of $28.9 million, or $3.47 per diluted share), a charge arising from an early retirement program at The Washington Post newspaper (impact of $16.5 million, or $1.74 per diluted share), higher interest expense (impact of $16.6 million, or $1.85 per diluted share), and a reduced pension credit (impact of $11.7 million, or $0.92 per diluted share). In addition, 1999 net income included gains from the sale of marketable equity securities, which did not recur in 2000 (impact of $18.6 million, or $1.81 per share). These factors were offset in part by improved operating results at The Washington Post newspaper and the television broadcasting division.

Revenue for 2000 totaled $2,412.2 million, an increase of 9 percent from $2,215.6 million in 1999. Advertising revenue increased 5 percent in 2000, and circulation and subscriber revenue increased 4 percent. Education revenue increased 47 percent in 2000, and other revenue decreased 6 percent. Increases in advertising revenue at the newspaper and television broadcasting divisions accounted for most of the increase in advertising revenue. The increase in circulation and subscriber revenue is primarily due to a 6 percent increase in sub-

53


scriber revenue at the cable division. Revenue growth at Kaplan, Inc. (about two-thirds of which was from acquisitions) accounted for the increase in education revenue. The decrease in other revenue is primarily due to the disposition of Legi-Slate in June of 1999.

Operating costs and expenses for the year increased 13 percent to $2,072.3 million, from $1,827.1 million in 1999. The cost and expense increase is primarily attributable to the charge arising from the early retirement program at The Post, companies acquired in 2000 and 1999, greater spending for new business development at Kaplan, Inc. and washingtonpost.com, higher depreciation and amortization expense, and a reduced pension credit.

Operating income decreased 13 percent to $339.9 million in 2000, from $388.5 million in 1999.

The Company’s 2000 operating income includes $65.3 million of net pension credits, compared to $84.4 million in 1999. These amounts exclude $29.0 million and $2.7 million in charges related to early retirement programs in 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Division Results

Newspaper Publishing Division.Newspaper division revenue in 2000 increased 5 percent to $918.2 million, from $875.1 million in 1999. Advertising revenue at the newspaper division rose 5 percent over the previous year; circulation revenue remained essentially unchanged.

Total print advertising revenue grew 4 percent in 2000 at The Washington Post newspaper, principally as a result of higher advertising rates. At The Post, higher advertising rates, offset in part by advertising volume declines, generated a 4 percent and 2 percent increase in full run retail and classified print advertising revenue, respectively. Other print advertising revenue (including general and preprint) at The Post increased 5 percent due mainly to increased general advertising volume and higher rates.

Newspaper division operating margin in 2000 decreased to 12 percent, from 18 percent in 1999. Excluding the $27.5 million pre-tax charge for the early retirement program completed at The Washington Post, the 2000 newspaper division operating margin totaled 15 percent. The decline in operating margin resulted mostly from increased spending on marketing and sales initiatives at washingtonpost.com, an 8 percent increase in newsprint expense, and a reduced pension credit, offset in part by higher advertising revenues.

Daily circulation remained unchanged at The Washington Post; Sunday circulation declined 1 percent.

Revenue generated by the Company’s online publishing activities, primarily washingtonpost.com, totaled $27.1 million for 2000, versus $15.6 million for 1999.

Television Broadcasting Division.Revenue at the broadcast division increased 7 percent to $364.8 million, from $341.8 million in 1999. Political and Olympics advertising in the third and fourth quarters of 2000 totaled approximately $42 million, accounting for the increase in 2000 revenue.

Competitive market position remained strong for the Company’s television stations. WJXT in Jacksonville, KSAT in San Antonio, and WDIV in Detroit were all ranked number one in the latest ratings period, sign-on to sign-off, in their respective markets; WPLG was tied for first among English-language stations in the Miami market; and KPRC in Houston and WKMG in Orlando ranked third in their respective markets, but continued to make good progress in improving market share.

Operating margin at the broadcast division was 49 percent for both 2000 and 1999. Excluding amortization of goodwill and intangibles, operating margin was 53 percent for 2000 and 1999.

Magazine Publishing Division.Magazine division revenue was $416.4 million for 2000, up 4 percent over 1999 revenue of $401.1 million. Operating income for the magazine division totaled $49.1 million for 2000, a decrease of 21 percent from operating income of $62.1 million in 1999. The 21 percent decrease in operating income occurred primarily at Newsweek, where reduced pension credits and higher subscription acquisition costs at the domestic edition outpaced revenue and operating income improvements at the international edition.

Operating margin at the magazine publishing division decreased to 12 percent for 2000, compared to 15 percent in 1999.

Cable Television Division.Revenue at the cable division rose 7 percent to $358.9 million in 2000, compared to $336.3 million in 1999. Basic, tier, and advertising revenue categories each showed improvement over 1999. The increase in subscriber revenue is attributable to higher rates. The number of basic subscribers at the end of 2000 totaled 735,400, a 1 percent decline from 739,850 basic subscribers at the end of 1999.

Cable operating cash flow (operating income excluding depreciation and amortization expense) increased 2 percent to $143.7 million, from $140.2 million in 1999; operating cash flow margins totaled 40 percent and 42 percent, for 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Operating income at the cable division for 2000 and 1999 totaled $66.0 million and $67.1 million, respectively. The decline in operating income is primarily attributable to an increase in programming expense, additional costs associated with the launch of new services, and higher depreciation expense, offset in part by higher revenue.

The increase in depreciation expense is due to capital spending for continuing system rebuilds and upgrades, which will enable the cable division to offer new digital and high-speed cable modem services to its subscribers. The cable division began its rollout plan for these services in the second and third quarters of 2000. The rollout plan for the new digital cable services includes an offer to provide services free for one year.

54


Education Division.Excluding the operating results of the career fair and HireSystems businesses from 1999 (these businesses were contributed to BrassRing at the end of the third quarter of 1999), 2000 education division operating results compared with 1999 are as follows:

             
(in thousands) 2000 1999 % Change

 
 
 
Revenue
            
Test prep and professional training $244,189  $209,964   16%
Quest post-secondary education  56,908      n/a
New business development activities  52,724   30,175   75%
   
   
   
 
  $353,821  $240,139   47%
   
   
   
 
Operating income (loss)
            
Test prep and professional training $30,315  $25,733   18%
Quest post-secondary education  8,359      n/a
New business development activities  (55,313)  (20,128)  (175%)
Kaplan corporate overhead  (9,123)  (7,153)  (28%)
Stock-based incentive compensation  (6,000)  (7,250)  17%
Goodwill and other intangible amortization  (10,084)  (6,861)  (47%)
   
   
   
 
  $(41,846) $(15,659)  (167%)
   
   
   
 

Approximately 50 percent of the 2000 increase in test preparation and professional training revenue is attributable to acquisitions; the remaining increase is due to higher enrollments and tuition increases. Post-secondary education represents the results of Quest Education from the date of its acquisition in August 2000. New business development activities represent the results of Score!, eScore.com, and The Kaplan Colleges. The increase in new business development revenue is attributable mostly to new learning centers opened by Score!, which operated 142 centers at the end of 2000, versus 100 centers at the end of 1999. The increase in new business development losses is attributable to start-up period spending at eScore.com and kaplancollege.com (part of The Kaplan Colleges) and to losses associated with the early operating periods of new Score! centers.

Corporate overhead represents unallocated expenses of Kaplan, Inc.’s corporate office.

Stock-based incentive compensation represents expense arising from a stock option plan established for certain members of Kaplan’s management (the general provisions of which are discussed in Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Under this plan, the amount of stock-based incentive compensation expense varies directly with the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock.

Including the operating results of the career fair and HireSystems businesses for the first nine months of 1999 (these businesses were contributed to BrassRing at the end of the third quarter of 1999), education division revenue increased 37 percent to $353.8 million for 2000, compared to $257.5 million for 1999. Operating losses increased 10 percent in 2000 to $41.8 million, from $38.0 million in 1999.

Other Businesses and Corporate Office.For 2000, other businesses and corporate office includes the expenses of the Company’s corporate office. For 1999, other businesses and corporate office includes the expenses associated with the corporate office and the operating results of Legi-Slate through June 30, 1999, the date of its sale.

Operating losses for 2000 totaled $25.2 million, representing a 7 percent improvement over 1999. The reduction in 2000 losses is primarily attributable to the absence of losses generated by Legi-Slate and reduced spending at the Company’s corporate office.

Equity in Losses of Affiliates.The Company’s equity in losses of affiliates for 2000 was $36.5 million, compared to losses of $8.8 million for 1999. The Company’s affiliate investments consisted of a 42 percent effective interest in BrassRing, Inc. (formed in late September 1999), a 50 percent interest in the International Herald Tribune, and a 49 percent interest in Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited. The decline in 2000 affiliate results is attributable to BrassRing, Inc., which was in the integration and marketing phase of its operations.

BrassRing accounted for approximately $37.0 million of the Company’s 2000 equity in affiliate losses. A substantial portion of BrassRing’s losses arises from goodwill and intangible amortization expense. Accordingly, the $37.0 million of equity in affiliate losses recorded by the Company in 2000 did not require significant funding by the Company.

Non-operating Items.In 2000, the Company incurred net interest expense of $53.8 million, compared to $25.7 million of net interest expense in 1999. The 2000 increase in net interest expense is attributable to borrowings executed by the Company during 1999 and 2000 to fund capital improvements, acquisition activities, and share repurchases.

The Company recorded other non-operating expense of $19.8 million in 2000, compared to $21.4 million in non-operating income for 1999. The 1999 non-operating income mostly comprised non-recurring gains arising from the sale of marketable securities (mostly various Internet-related securities). The 2000 non-operating expense resulted mostly from the write-downs of certain of the Company’s e-commerce focused cost method investments.

55


Income Taxes.The effective tax rate in 2000 was 40.6 percent, compared to 39.9 percent in 1999. The increase in the effective tax rate is principally due to the non-recognition of benefits from state net operating loss carryforwards generated by certain of the Company’s new business start-up activities and an increase in goodwill amortization expense that is not deductible for income tax purposes.

FINANCIAL CONDITION: CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Acquisitions, Exchanges, and Dispositions.During 2001, the Company spent approximately $104.4 million on business acquisitions and exchanges, which principally included the purchase of Southern Maryland Newspapers, a division of Chesapeake Publishing Corporation, and amounts paid as part of a cable system exchange with AT&T Broadband. During 2001, the Company also acquired a provider of CFA exam preparation services and a company that provides pre-certification training for real estate, insurance, and securities professionals.

Southern Maryland Newspapers publishes the Maryland Independent in Charles County, Maryland; The Enterprise in St. Mary’s County, Maryland; and The Calvert Recorder in Calvert County, Maryland, with a combined total paid circulation of approximately 50,000.

The cable system exchange with AT&T Broadband was completed on March 1, 2001 and consisted of the exchange by the Company of its cable systems in Modesto and Santa Rosa, California, and approximately $42.0 million to AT&T Broadband for cable systems serving approximately 155,000 subscribers principally located in Idaho. In a related transaction on January 11, 2001, the Company completed the sale of a cable system serving about 15,000 subscribers in Greenwood, Indiana, for $61.9 million. The gain resulting from the cable system sale and exchange transactions increased net income by $196.5 million, or $20.69 per share. For income tax purposes, substantial components of the cable system sale and exchange transactions qualify as like-kind exchanges, and therefore, a large portion of these transactions does not result in a current tax liability.

During 2000, the Company spent $212.3 million on business acquisitions. These acquisitions included $177.7 million for Quest Education Corporation, a provider of post-secondary education; $16.2 million for two cable systems serving 8,500 subscribers; and $18.4 million for various other small businesses (principally consisting of educational services companies). There were no significant business dispositions in 2000.

During 1999, the Company acquired various businesses for about $90.5 million, which included, among others, $18.3 million for cable systems serving approximately 10,300 subscribers and $61.8 million for various educational and training companies to expand Kaplan, Inc.’s business offerings.

The Company sold the assets of Legi-Slate, Inc. in June 1999; no significant gain or loss resulted.

Capital Expenditures.During 2001, the Company’s capital expenditures totaled $224.2 million, more than half of which related to the Company’s rollout of digital and cable modem services. The Company’s capital expenditures for 2001, 2000, and 1999 are itemized by operating division in Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company estimates that in 2002 its capital expenditures will decrease to approximately $130 million, as the Company’s rollout of digital and cable modem service was nearing completion by the end of 2001.

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities.At December 30, 2001, the fair value of the Company’s investments in marketable equity securities was $235.4 million, which includes $219.0 million in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Class A and B common stock and $16.4 million of various common stocks of publicly traded companies with e-commerce business concentrations.

At December 30, 2001, the gross unrealized gain related to the Company’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. stock investment totaled $34.1 million; the gross unrealized gain on this investment was $25.3 million at December 31, 2000. The Company presently intends to hold the Berkshire Hathaway stock long term.

Cost Method Investments.At December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, the Company held minority investments in various non-public companies. The companies represented by these investments have products or services that in most cases have potential strategic relevance to the Company’s operating units. The Company records its investment in these companies at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. During 2001 and 2000, the Company invested $11.7 million and $42.5 million, respectively, in various cost method investees. At December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, the carrying value of the Company’s cost method investments totaled $29.6 million and $48.6 million, respectively.

Common Stock Repurchases and Dividend Rate.During 2001, 2000, and 1999, the Company repurchased 714, 200, and 744,095 shares, respectively, of its Class B common stock at a cost of $0.4 million, $0.1 million, and $425.9 million. The annual dividend rate for 2002 was authorized to remain at $5.60 per share, consistent with 2001, as compared to $5.40 per share in 2000, and $5.20 per share in 1999.

Liquidity.At December 30, 2001, the Company had $31.5 million in cash and cash equivalents.

At December 30, 2001, the Company had $533.9 million in commercial paper borrowings outstanding at an average interest rate of 2.0 percent with various maturities throughout the first and second quarters of 2002. In addition, the Company had outstanding $398.1 million of 5.5 percent, 10-year unsecured notes due February 2009. These notes require semi-annual interest payments of $11.0 million payable on February 15 and August 15. The Company also had $1.0 million in other debt.

56


The Company’s five-year $500 million revolving credit facility, which expires in March 2003, and one-year $250 million revolving credit facility, which expires in September 2002, support the issuance of the Company’s short-term commercial paper and provide for general corporate purposes. The Company intends to extend or replace the revolving credit facility agreements prior to their expiration.

At December 30, 2001, the Company has classified $483.9 million of its commercial paper borrowings as “Long-Term Debt” in its Consolidated Balance Sheets as the Company has the ability and intent to finance such borrowings on a long-term basis under its credit agreements.

During 2001, the Company’s borrowings, net of repayments, increased by $9.8 million. The net increase is principally attributable to significant capital expenditures in 2001, mostly offset by cash generated by operations.

The Company expects to fund its estimated capital needs primarily through internally generated funds and, to a lesser extent, commercial paper borrowings. In management’s opinion, the Company will have ample liquidity to meet its various cash needs in 2002.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. In preparing these financial statements, management has made their best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Actual results will inevitably differ to some extent from these estimates.

The following are accounting policies that management believes are the most important to the Company’s portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments.

Revenue Recognition and Trade Accounts Receivable, Less Estimated Returns, Doubtful Accounts, and Allowances.Revenue from media advertising is recognized, net of agency commissions, when the underlying advertisement is published or broadcast. Revenues from newspaper and magazine subscriptions are recognized upon delivery. Revenues from newspaper retail sales are recognized upon delivery, and revenues from magazine retail sales are recognized on the later of delivery or the cover date, with adequate provision made for anticipated sales returns. The Company bases its estimates for sales returns on historical experience and has not experienced significant fluctuations between estimated and actual return activity. Cable subscriber revenue is recognized monthly as services are delivered. Education revenue is recognized ratably over the period during which educational services are delivered. As Kaplan’s businesses and related course offerings have expanded, including distance-learning businesses, the complexity and significance of management estimates have increased.

Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends, and management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. Accounts receivable have also been reduced by an estimate of advertising rate adjustments and discounts, based on estimates of advertising volumes for contract customers that are eligible for advertising rate adjustments and discounts.

Pension Costs.Excluding expenses related to early retirement programs, the company’s net pension credit was $76.9 million, $65.3 million, and $84.4 million for 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively. The Company’s pension benefit costs are actuarially determined and are impacted significantly by the Company’s assumptions related to future events, including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, and rate of compensation increases. At December 30, 2001, the Company modified certain assumptions surrounding the Company’s pension plans. Specifically, the Company reduced its assumptions on discount rate from 7.5 percent to 7.0 percent and expected return on plan assets from 9.0 percent to 7.5 percent. These assumption changes are incorporated into the computation of the total benefit obligation at December 30, 2001, and the combined effect on the 2002 pension credit amount is an estimated reduction of $20 million to $25 million. However, due to higher than expected investment returns in 2001, the pension credit for 2002 is expected to be down by $10 million to $15 million compared to 2001. For each one-half percent increase or decrease to the Company’s assumed discount rate or expected return on plan assets, the pension credit increases or decreases by approximately $5 million. Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional details surrounding pension costs and related assumptions.

Cost Method Investments.The Company uses the cost method of accounting for its minority investments in non-public companies where it does not have significant influence over the operations and management of the investee. Most of the companies represented by these cost method investments have concentrations in Internet-related business activities. Investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value as estimated by management. Fair value estimates are based on a review of the investees’ product development activities, historical financial results, and projected discounted cash flows. These estimates are highly judgmental, given the inherent lack of marketability of investments in private companies. The Company has recorded write-down charges on cost method investments of $32.4 million, $23.1 million, and $13.6 million in 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively. Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional details surrounding cost method investments.

57


Kaplan Stock Option Plan.The Company maintains a stock option plan at its Kaplan subsidiary that provides for the issuance of stock options representing 10.6 percent of Kaplan, Inc. common stock to certain members of Kaplan’s management. Under the provisions of this plan, options are issued with an exercise price equal to the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock. Options vest ratably over five years from issuance, and upon exercise, an option holder has the right to require the Company to repurchase the Kaplan stock at the stock’s then fair value. The fair value of Kaplan’s common stock is determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, with input from management and an independent outside valuation firm. The compensation committee has historically modified the fair value of Kaplan stock on an annual basis, and management expects this practice to continue. At December 30, 2001, options representing 10.0 percent of Kaplan’s common stock were issued and outstanding. For 2001, 2000, and 1999, the Company recorded expense of $25,302,000, $6,000,000, and $7,250,000, respectively, related to this plan. In 2001, payouts from option exercises totaled $2.1 million. At December 30, 2001, the Company’s Kaplan stock-based compensation accrual balance totaled $41,400,000. Management expects Kaplan’s profits and related fair value to increase significantly again in 2002, with a corresponding increase in the stock-based compensation expense for 2002 as compared to 2001.

Other.The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or financing activities with special-purpose entities (SPEs). Transactions with related parties, as discussed in Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements, are in the ordinary course of business and are conducted on an arms-length basis.

OTHER

New Accounting Pronouncements.In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 supersedes APB 17 and provides, among other provisions, that (1) goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets will no longer be amortized, (2) goodwill will be tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level, (3) intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life will be tested for impairment at least annually, and (4) the amortization period of intangible assets with finite lives will no longer be limited to 40 years. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 effective in fiscal 2002 and estimates that the application of its requirements will result in the cessation of most of the periodic charges presently being recorded from the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets.

Forward-looking Statements.This annual report contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on the Company’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For more information about these forward-looking statements and related risks, please refer to the section titled “Forward-looking Statements” in Part 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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59


TEN-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the summary of significant accounting policies and additional information relative to the years 1999—2001.2002–2004. Operating results prior to 2002 include amortization of goodwill and certain other intangible assets that are no longer amortized under SFAS 142.
                        
(in thousands, except per share amounts)(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2001 2000 1999(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2004 2003 2002

 
 
 
 
Results of Operations
Results of Operations
 
Results of Operations
          
Operating revenues $2,416,673 $2,412,150 $2,215,571 Operating revenues $3,300,104 $2,838,911 $2,584,203 
Income from operations $219,932 $339,882 $388,453 Income from operations $563,006 $363,820 $377,590 
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $229,639 $136,470 $225,785 Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $332,732 $241,088 $216,368 
Cumulative effect of change in method of accounting for income taxes    Cumulative effect of change in method of accounting for goodwill and other intangibles      (12,100)
  
 
 
    
Net income $229,639 $136,470 $225,785 Net income $332,732 $241,088 $204,268 
  
 
 
    
Per Share Amounts
Per Share Amounts
 
Per Share Amounts
          
Basic earnings per common share Basic earnings per common share          
 Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $24.10 $14.34 $22.35  Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $34.69 $25.19 $22.65 
 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle      (1.27)
  
 
 
    
 Net income $24.10 $14.34 $22.35  Net income available for common shares $34.69 $25.19 $21.38 
  
 
 
    
 Basic average shares outstanding 9,486 9,445 10,061  Basic average shares outstanding  9,563  9,530  9,504 
Diluted earnings per share Diluted earnings per share          
 Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $24.06 $14.32 $22.30  Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $34.59 $25.12 $22.61 
 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle      (1.27)
  
 
 
    
 Net income $24.06 $14.32 $22.30  Net income available for common shares $34.59 $25.12 $21.34 
  
 
 
    
 Diluted average shares outstanding 9,500 9,460 10,082  Diluted average shares outstanding  9,592  9,555  9,523 
Cash dividends $5.60 $5.40 $5.20 Cash dividends $7.00 $5.80 $5.60 
Common shareholders’ equity $177.30 $156.55 $144.90 Common shareholders’ equity $251.93 $217.46 $193.18 
Financial Position
Financial Position
 
Financial Position
          
Current assets $396,857 $405,067 $476,159 Current assets $754,367 $556,336 $410,834 
Working capital (deficit)  (37,233)  (3,730)  (346,389)Working capital (deficit)  66,206  (184,661)  (353,157)
Property, plant, and equipment 1,098,211 927,061 854,906 Property, plant and equipment  1,089,952  1,051,373  1,094,400 
Total assets 3,559,098 3,200,743 2,986,944 Total assets  4,316,641  3,962,058  3,611,773 
Long-term debt 883,078 873,267 397,620 Long-term debt  425,889  422,471  405,547 
Common shareholders’ equity 1,683,485 1,481,007 1,367,790 Common shareholders’ equity  2,412,482  2,074,941  1,837,293 

Impact from certain unusual items (after-tax and diluted EPS amounts):
2003
• gain of $32.3 million ($3.38 per share) on the sale of the Company’s 50% interest in the International Herald Tribune
• gain of $25.5 million ($2.66 per share) on sale of land at The Washington Post newspaper
• charge of $20.8 million ($2.18 per share) for early retirement programs at The Washington Post newspaper
• Kaplan stock compensation expense of $6.4 million ($0.67 per share) for the 10% premium associated with the purchase of outstanding Kaplan stock options
• charge of $3.9 million ($0.41 per share) in connection with the establishment of the Kaplan Educational Foundation
2002
• gain of $16.7 million ($1.75 per share) on the exchange of certain cable systems
• charge of $11.3 million ($1.18 per share) for early retirement programs at Newsweek and The Washington Post newspaper
2001
• gain of $196.5 million ($20.69 per share) on the exchange of certain cable systems
• non-cash goodwill and other intangibles impairment charge of $19.9 million ($2.10 per share) recorded in conjunction with the Company’s BrassRing investment
• charges of $18.3 million ($1.93 per share) from the write-down of a non-operating parcel of land and certain cost-method investments to their estimated fair value
60
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

                   
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 1998 1997 1996 1995

 
 
 
 
Results of Operations
                
 Operating revenues $2,110,360  $1,956,253  $1,853,445  $1,719,449 
 Income from operations $378,897  $381,351  $337,169  $271,018 
 Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $417,259  $281,574  $220,817  $190,096 
 Cumulative effect of change in method of accounting for income taxes            
    
   
   
   
 
 Net income $417,259  $281,574  $220,817  $190,096 
    
   
   
   
 
Per Share Amounts
                
 Basic earnings per common share                
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $41.27  $26.23  $20.08  $17.16 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle            
    
   
   
   
 
  Net income $41.27  $26.23  $20.08  $17.16 
    
   
   
   
 
  Basic average shares outstanding  10,087   10,700   10,964   11,075 
 Diluted earnings per share                
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $41.10  $26.15  $20.05  $17.15 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle            
    
   
   
   
 
  Net income $41.10  $26.15  $20.05  $17.15 
    
   
   
   
 
  Diluted average shares outstanding  10,129   10,733   10,980   11,086 
 Cash dividends $5.00  $4.80  $4.60  $4.40 
 Common shareholders’ equity $157.34  $117.36  $121.24  $107.60 
Financial Position
                
 Current assets $404,878  $308,492  $382,631  $406,570 
 Working capital (deficit)  15,799   (300,264)  100,995   98,393 
 Property, plant, and equipment  841,062   653,750   511,363   457,359 
 Total assets  2,729,661   2,077,317   1,870,411   1,732,893 
 Long-term debt  395,000          
 Common shareholders’ equity  1,588,103   1,184,074   1,322,803   1,184,204 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
               
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 1994 1993 1992

 
 
 
Results of Operations
            
 Operating revenues $1,613,978  $1,498,191  $1,450,867 
 Income from operations $274,875  $238,980  $232,112 
 Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $169,672  $153,817  $127,796 
 Cumulative effect of change in method of accounting for income taxes     11,600    
    
   
   
 
 Net income $169,672  $165,417  $127,796 
    
   
   
 
Per Share Amounts
            
 Basic earnings per common share            
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $14.66  $13.10  $10.81 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     0.98    
    
   
   
 
  Net income $14.66  $14.08  $10.81 
    
   
   
 
  Basic average shares outstanding  11,577   11,746   11,827 
 Diluted earnings per share            
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $14.65  $13.10  $10.80 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     0.98    
    
   
   
 
  Net income $14.65  $14.08   10.80 
    
   
   
 
  Diluted average shares outstanding  11,582   11,750   11,830 
 Cash dividends $4.20  $4.20  $4.20 
 Common shareholders’ equity $99.32  $92.84  $84.17 
Financial Position
            
 Current assets $375,879  $625,574  $524,975 
 Working capital (deficit)  102,806   367,041   242,627 
 Property, plant, and equipment  411,396   363,718   390,804 
 Total assets  1,696,868   1,622,504   1,568,121 
 Long-term debt  50,297   51,768   51,842 
 Common shareholders’ equity  1,126,933   1,087,419   993,005 

                               
  2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
   
Results of Operations
                            
 Operating revenues $2,411,024  $2,409,633  $2,212,177  $2,107,593  $1,952,986  $1,851,058  $1,716,971 
 Income from operations $219,932  $339,882  $388,453  $378,897  $381,351  $337,169  $271,018 
 Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $229,639  $136,470  $225,785  $417,259  $281,574  $220,817  $190,096 
 Cumulative effect of change in method of accounting for goodwill and other intangibles                     
   
 Net income $229,639  $136,470  $225,785  $417,259  $281,574  $220,817  $190,096 
   
Per Share Amounts                            
 Basic earnings per common share                            
  Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $24.10  $14.34  $22.35  $41.27  $26.23  $20.08  $17.16 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                     
   
  Net income available for common shares $24.10  $14.34  $22.35  $41.27  $26.23  $20.08  $17.16 
   
  Basic average shares outstanding  9,486   9,445   10,061   10,087   10,700   10,964   11,075 
 Diluted earnings per share                            
  Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $24.06  $14.32  $22.30  $41.10  $26.15  $20.05  $17.15 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                     
   
  Net income available for common shares $24.06  $14.32  $22.30  $41.10  $26.15  $20.05  $17.15 
   
  Diluted average shares outstanding  9,500   9,460   10,082   10,129   10,733   10,980   11,086 
 Cash dividends $5.60  $5.40  $5.20  $5.00  $4.80  $4.60  $4.40 
 Common shareholders’ equity $177.30  $156.55  $144.90  $157.34  $117.36  $121.24  $107.60 
Financial Position                            
 Current assets $426,603  $405,067  $476,159  $404,878  $308,492  $382,631  $406,570 
 Working capital (deficit)  (37,233)  (3,730)  (346,389)  15,799   (300,264)  100,995   98,393 
 Property, plant and equipment  1,098,211   927,061   854,906   841,062   653,750   511,363   457,359 
 Total assets  3,588,844   3,200,743   2,986,944   2,729,661   2,077,317   1,870,411   1,732,893 
 Long-term debt  883,078   873,267   397,620   395,000          
 Common shareholders’ equity  1,683,485   1,481,007   1,367,790   1,588,103   1,184,074   1,322,803   1,184,204 
2000
• charge of $16.5 million ($1.74 per share) for an early retirement program at The Washington Post newspaper
1999
• gains of $18.6 million ($1.81 per share) on the sales of marketable equity securities
1998
• gain of $168.0 million ($16.59 per share) on the disposition of the Company’s 28% interest in Cowles Media Company
• gain of $13.8 million ($1.36 per share) from the sale of 14 small cable systems
• gain of $12.6 million ($1.24 per share) on the disposition of the Company’s investment in Junglee, a facilitator of internet commerce
1997
• gain of $28.4 million ($2.65 per share) from the sale of the Company’s investments in Bear Island Paper Company LP and Bear Island Timberlands Company LP
• gain of $16.0 million ($1.50 per share) from the sale of the PASS regional cable sports network
1995
• gain of $8.4 million ($0.75 per share) from the sale of the Company’s investment in American PCS, LP
• charge of $5.6 million ($0.51 per share) for the write-off of the Company’s interest in Mammoth Micro Productions
2004 FORM 10-K
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
NumberDescription


3.1Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as amended through May 12, 1988, and the Certificate of Designation for the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock filed January 22, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995)
3.2By-Laws of the Company as amended through March 8, 2001. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000)
4.1Credit Agreement dated as of March 17, 1998, among the Company, Citibank, N.A., Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., and the other Lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1997)
4.2Assignment and Acceptance Agreement and Assumption Agreement, each dated as of February 28, 2002, pursuant to which GE Capital CFE, Inc. became an Assuming Lender under the Credit Agreement dated as of March 17, 1998, among the Company, Citibank, N.A. Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., and the other Lenders named therein.
4.3Form of the Company’s 5.50% Notes due February 15, 2009, issued under the Indenture dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1999)
4.4Indenture dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1999)
4.5364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of September 20, 2000, among the Company, Citibank, N.A., SunTrust Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 2000)
4.6Amendment and Restatement dated as of September 19, 2001, to the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of September 20, 2000, among the Company, Citibank, N.A., SunTrust Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001)
10.1The Washington Post Company Annual Incentive Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective June 30, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996).*
10.2The Washington Post Company Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective March 9, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2000).*

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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY


 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS (CONTINUED)
Exhibit
NumberDescription


10.3The Washington Post Company Stock Option Plan as amended and restated through March 12, 1998 (corrected copy) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2001).*
10.4The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as amended and restated through March 14, 2002.*
10.5The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective March 9, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2000).*
11Calculation of earnings per share of common stock.
21List of subsidiaries of the Company.
23Consent of independent accountants.
24Power of attorney dated March 14, 2002.
     
Exhibit  
Number Description
 
 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated November 13, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003).
 
 3.2 Certificate of Designation for the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock dated September 22, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 22, 2003).
 
 3.3 By-Laws of the Company as amended and restated through September 22, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 22, 2003).
 
 4.1 Form of the Company’s 5.50% Notes due February 15, 2009, issued under the Indenture dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1999).
 
 4.2 Indenture dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1999).
 
 4.3 First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 22, 2003, among WP Company LLC, the Company and Bank One, NA, as successor to The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of February 17, 1999, between The Washington Post Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 22, 2003).
 
 4.4 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of August 11, 2004, among the Company, Citibank, N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, Wachovia Bank, N.A., SunTrust Bank, The Bank of New York and Riggs Bank N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2004).
 
 4.5 5-Year Credit Agreement dated as of August 14, 2002, among the Company, Citibank, N.A., Wachovia Bank, N.A., SunTrust Bank, Bank One, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, The Bank of New York and Riggs Bank N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2002).
 
 4.6 Consent and Amendment No. 1 dated as of August 13, 2003, to the 5-Year Credit Agreement dated as of August 14, 2002, among the Company, Citibank, N.A. and the other lenders that are parties to such Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 22, 2003).
 
 10.1 The Washington Post Company Incentive Compensation Plan as adopted January 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 20, 2005).*
 
 10.2 The Washington Post Company Stock Option Plan as amended and restated effective May 31, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 2003).*
 
 10.3 The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as amended and restated through March 14, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001).*
 
 10.4 The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective February 24, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 2005).*
 
 11  Calculation of earnings per share of common stock.
 
 21  List of subsidiaries of the Company.
 
 23  Consent of independent accountants.
 
 24  Power of attorney dated February 24, 2005.
 
 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
 
 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
 
 32.1 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
 
 32.2 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
* A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be included as an exhibit hereto pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K.
2004 FORM 10-K
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*A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be included as an exhibit hereto pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

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