UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
T QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
£ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number: 0-24796
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
BERMUDA | 98-0438382 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation and organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
Clarendon House, Church Street, Hamilton | HM 11 Bermuda |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 441-296-1431
Indicate by check mark whether 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 each shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes T No £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer T | Accelerated filer £ | Non-accelerated filer £ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes £ No T-
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class | Outstanding as of October 30, 2007 |
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.08 | 35,961,948 |
Class B Common Stock, par value $0.08 | 6,312,839 |
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
INDEX
| Page |
Part I. Financial information | |
| | |
| | | 2 |
| | | 4 |
| | | 6 |
| | | 7 |
| | | 8 |
| | 41 |
| | 84 |
| | 85 |
Part II. Other Information | |
| | 86 |
| | 89 |
| | 97 |
| | 97 |
| 98 |
| 99 |
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(US$ 000’s)
(Unaudited)
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 192,569 | | | $ | 145,904 | |
Restricted cash (Note 6) | | | 1,246 | | | | 4,954 | |
Accounts receivable (net of allowance) (Note 7) | | | 149,540 | | | | 152,505 | |
Income taxes receivable | | | 3,222 | | | | 3,053 | |
Program rights, net | | | 72,533 | | | | 59,645 | |
Other current assets (Note 8) | | | 70,288 | | | | 47,555 | |
Total current assets | | | 489,398 | | | | 413,616 | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | 16,563 | | | | 19,214 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 9) | | | 154,996 | | | | 115,805 | |
Program rights, net | | | 100,222 | | | | 76,638 | |
Goodwill (Note 4) | | | 1,025,544 | | | | 905,580 | |
Broadcast licenses, net (Note 4) | | | 230,224 | | | | 198,730 | |
Other intangible assets, net (Note 4) | | | 131,170 | | | | 71,942 | |
Other non-current assets (Note 8) | | | 19,420 | | | | 17,475 | |
Total non-current assets | | | 1,678,139 | | | | 1,405,384 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,167,537 | | | $ | 1,819,000 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(US$ 000’s)
(Unaudited)
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 10) | | $ | 169,624 | | | $ | 119,717 | |
Duties and other taxes payable | | | 42,921 | | | | 31,707 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 12,531 | | | | 12,434 | |
Credit facilities and obligations under capital leases (Note 11) | | | 13,371 | | | | 13,057 | |
Dividends payable to minority shareholders in subsidiaries | | | 2,983 | | | | - | |
Deferred consideration – Croatia | | | - | | | | 4,010 | |
Deferred consideration – Ukraine | | | - | | | | 200 | |
Deferred tax | | | 4,213 | | | | 1,836 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 245,643 | | | | 182,961 | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Credit facilities and obligations under capital leases (Note 11) | | | 5,886 | | | | 6,359 | |
Senior Notes (Note 5) | | | 560,045 | | | | 487,291 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 4,719 | | | | 3,000 | |
Deferred tax | | | 76,614 | | | | 58,092 | |
Other non-current liabilities | | | 11,819 | | | | 19,342 | |
Total non-current liabilities | | | 659,083 | | | | 574,084 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) | | | | | | | | |
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries | | | 15,780 | | | | 26,189 | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: | | | | | | | | |
Nil shares of Preferred Stock of $0.08 each (December 31, 2006 – nil) | | | - | | | | - | |
35,916,948 shares of Class A Common Stock of $0.08 each (December 31, 2006 – 34,412,138) | | | 2,877 | | | | 2,753 | |
6,312,839 shares of Class B Common Stock of $0.08 each (December 31, 2006 – 6,312,839) | | | 505 | | | | 505 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 1,048,924 | | | | 931,108 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (19,372 | ) | | | (31,730 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 214,097 | | | | 133,130 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 1,247,031 | | | | 1,035,766 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 2,167,537 | | | $ | 1,819,000 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | $ | 174,836 | | | $ | 112,482 | | | $ | 539,032 | | | $ | 388,825 | |
Operating costs | | | 27,166 | | | | 22,073 | | | | 83,767 | | | | 71,087 | |
Cost of programming | | | 65,909 | | | | 47,920 | | | | 215,035 | | | | 149,188 | |
Depreciation of station property, plant and equipment | | | 8,768 | | | | 6,080 | | | | 23,347 | | | | 17,841 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles (Note 4) | | | 6,595 | | | | 5,015 | | | | 16,922 | | | | 13,967 | |
Cost of revenues | | | 108,438 | | | | 81,088 | | | | 339,071 | | | | 252,083 | |
Station selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 17,609 | | | | 16,481 | | | | 49,089 | | | | 45,188 | |
Corporate operating costs | | | 13,839 | | | | 8,342 | | | | 30,087 | | | | 24,019 | |
Impairment charge | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 748 | |
Operating income | | | 34,950 | | | | 6,571 | | | | 120,785 | | | | 66,787 | |
Interest income | | | 1,180 | | | | 1,554 | | | | 4,326 | | | | 4,748 | |
Interest expense | | | (11,883 | ) | | | (11,066 | ) | | | (42,717 | ) | | | (32,921 | ) |
Foreign currency exchange (loss) / gain, net | | | (23,300 | ) | | | 6,018 | | | | (28,552 | ) | | | (25,469 | ) |
Change in fair value of derivatives (Note 12) | | | (8,555 | ) | | | (881 | ) | | | 3,497 | | | | (2,757 | ) |
Other expense | | | (6,513 | ) | | | (412 | ) | | | (13,272 | ) | | | (793 | ) |
(Loss) / income before provision for income taxes, minority interest, equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates and discontinued operations | | | (14,121 | ) | | | 1,784 | | | | 44,067 | | | | 9,595 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (131 | ) | | | (1,235 | ) | | | (18,609 | ) | | | (8,811 | ) |
(Loss) / income before minority interest, equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates and discontinued operations | | | (14,252 | ) | | | 549 | | | | 25,458 | | | | 784 | |
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries | | | (4,511 | ) | | | (461 | ) | | | (9,881 | ) | | | (7,178 | ) |
Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (730 | ) |
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate | | | - | | | | 6,179 | | | | - | | | | 6,179 | |
Net (loss) / income from continuing operations | | | (18,763 | ) | | | 6,267 | | | | 15,577 | | | | (945 | ) |
Discontinued operations (Note 17): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax on disposal of discontinued operations (Czech Republic) | | | - | | | | (2,333 | ) | | | - | | | | (4,863 | ) |
Net loss from discontinued operations | | | - | | | | (2,333 | ) | | | - | | | | (4,863 | ) |
Net (loss) / income | | $ | (18,763 | ) | | $ | 3,934 | | | $ | 15,577 | | | $ | (5,808 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment, net | | | 100,470 | | | | 3,507 | | | | 80,967 | | | | 80,672 | |
Total comprehensive income | | $ | 81,707 | | | $ | 7,441 | | | $ | 96,544 | | | $ | 74,864 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (continued)
(US$ 000’s, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
PER SHARE DATA (Note 15): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income / (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations – Basic | | $ | (0.45 | ) | | $ | 0.15 | | | $ | 0.38 | | | $ | (0.02 | ) |
Continuing operations – Diluted | | | (0.45 | ) | | | 0.15 | | | | 0.37 | | | | (0.02 | ) |
Discontinued operations – Basic | | | 0.00 | | | | (0.06 | ) | | | 0.00 | | | | (0.12 | ) |
Discontinued operations – Diluted | | | 0.00 | | | | (0.06 | ) | | | 0.00 | | | | (0.12 | ) |
Net income / (loss) – Basic | | | (0.45 | ) | | | 0.09 | | | | 0.38 | | | | (0.14 | ) |
Net income / (loss) – Diluted | | $ | (0.45 | ) | | $ | 0.09 | | | $ | 0.37 | | | $ | (0.14 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares used in computing per share amounts (000’s): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 41,489 | | | | 40,651 | | | | 41,077 | | | | 39,792 | |
Diluted | | | 41,489 | | | | 41,188 | | | | 41,553 | | | | 39,792 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(US$ 000’s)
(Unaudited)
| | Class A Common Stock | | | Class B Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of shares | | | Par value | | | Number of shares | | | Par value | | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | | Accumulated Deficit | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) | | | Total Shareholders' Equity | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2006 | | | 34,412,138 | | | $ | 2,753 | | | | 6,312,839 | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 931,108 | | | $ | (31,730 | ) | | $ | 133,130 | | | $ | 1,035,766 | |
Impact of adoption of FIN 48 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (3,219 | ) | | | - | | | | (3,219 | ) |
BALANCE, upon the adoption of FIN 48 | | | 34,412,138 | | | $ | 2,753 | | | | 6,312,839 | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 931,108 | | | $ | (34,949 | ) | | $ | 133,130 | | | $ | 1,032,547 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,610 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,610 | |
Shares issued, net of fees | | | 1,275,227 | | | | 102 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 109,751 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 109,853 | |
Stock options exercised | | | 274,583 | | | | 22 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,455 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,477 | |
Net income | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | | | | 15,577 | | | | - | | | | 15,577 | |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | | | | 80,967 | | | | 80,967 | |
BALANCE, September 30, 2007 | | | 35,961,948 | | | $ | 2,877 | | | | 6,312,839 | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 1,048,924 | | | $ | (19,372 | ) | | $ | 214,097 | | | $ | 1,247,031 | |
| | Class A Common Stock | | | Class B Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Shares | | | Par Value | | | Number of Shares | | | Par Value | | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | | Accumulated Deficit | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) | | | Total Shareholders' Equity | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2005 | | | 31,032,994 | | | $ | 2,482 | | | | 6,966,533 | | | $ | 558 | | | $ | 754,061 | | | $ | (52,154 | ) | | $ | (24,394 | ) | | $ | 680,553 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,385 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,385 | |
Stock options exercised | | | 95,450 | | | | 8 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 8 | | | | 3,608 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,624 | |
Shares issued, net of fees | | | 2,530,000 | | | | 202 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 168,397 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 168,599 | |
Conversion of Class B to Class A Common Shares | | | 753,694 | | | | 61 | | | | (753,694 | ) | | | (61 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (5,808 | ) | | | - | | | | (5,808 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 80,672 | | | | 80,672 | |
BALANCE, September 30, 2006 | | | 34,412,138 | | | $ | 2,753 | | | | 6,312,839 | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 928,451 | | | $ | (57,962 | ) | | $ | 56,278 | | | $ | 930,025 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(US$ 000’s)
(Unaudited)
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | |
Net income / (loss) | | $ | 15,577 | | | $ | (5,808 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income / (loss) to net cash generated from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Loss from discontinued operations (Note 17) | | | - | | | | 4,863 | |
Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends received | | | - | | | | 730 | |
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate | | | - | | | | (6,179 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 165,889 | | | | 111,443 | |
Impairment charge | | | - | | | | 748 | |
Loss on disposal of fixed asset | | | - | | | | 1,503 | |
Stock-based compensation (Note 14) | | | 4,098 | | | | 2,385 | |
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries | | | 9,881 | | | | 7,178 | |
Change in fair value of derivative instruments | | | (3,497 | ) | | | 2,757 | |
Foreign currency exchange loss, net | | | 28,552 | | | | 25,469 | |
Net change in (net of effects of acquisitions and disposals of businesses): | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | 11,616 | | | | 15,248 | |
Program rights | | | (170,610 | ) | | | (110,315 | ) |
Other assets | | | (7,430 | ) | | | (987 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 27,319 | | | | 8,371 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 557 | | | | (5,663 | ) |
Deferred taxes | | | 4,202 | | | | 4,600 | |
VAT and other taxes payable | | | 9,735 | | | | 11,564 | |
Net cash generated from continuing operating activities | | | 95,889 | | | | 67,907 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | | | (46,277 | ) | | | (31,767 | ) |
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment | | | 123 | | | | 19 | |
Investments in subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates | | | (142,709 | ) | | | (69,470 | ) |
Repayment of loans and advances to related parties | | | 400 | | | | 400 | |
Net cash used in continuing investing activities | | | (188,463 | ) | | | (100,818 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from credit facilities | | | 177,515 | | | | 35,878 | |
Payment of credit facilities and capital leases | | | (182,391 | ) | | | (74,773 | ) |
Net proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes | | | 199,400 | | | | - | |
Redemption of Senior Notes | | | (169,010 | ) | | | - | |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | | | 3,477 | | | | 3,624 | |
Issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock | | | 109,853 | | | | 168,599 | |
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements | | | 512 | | | | - | |
Dividends paid to minority shareholders | | | (2,910 | ) | | | (1,101 | ) |
Net cash received from continuing financing activities | | | 136,446 | | | | 132,227 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET CASH USED IN DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | (2,164 | ) | | | (1,690 | ) |
Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on cash | | | 4,957 | | | | (4,782 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 46,665 | | | | 92,844 | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | | | 145,904 | | | | 71,658 | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | | $ | 192,569 | | | $ | 164,502 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., a Bermuda corporation, was formed in June 1994. Our assets are held through a series of Dutch and Netherlands Antilles holding companies. We invest in, develop and operate national and regional commercial television stations and channels in Central and Eastern Europe. At September 30, 2007, we had television operations in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine.
Our principal subsidiaries, equity-accounted affiliates and cost investments as at September 30, 2007 were:
Company Name | Effective Voting Interest | Jurisdiction of Organization | Type of Affiliate (1) |
| | | |
Nova TV d.d. (“Nova TV (Croatia)”) | 100.0% | Croatia | Subsidiary |
Media House d.o.o. | 100.0% | Croatia | Subsidiary |
Internet Dnevnik d.o.o. | 76.0% | Croatia | Subsidiary |
| | | |
CME Media Investments, s.r.o. | 100.0% | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
VILJA, a.s. | 100.0% | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
CET 21 spol., s r.o. (“CET 21”) | 100.0% | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
ERIKA a.s. | 100.0% | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
MEDIA CAPITOL a.s. | 100.0% | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
HARTIC, a.s. | 100.0% | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
Galaxie sport s r.o. (“Galaxie Sport”) | 100.0% | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
| | | |
Media Pro International S.A. (“MPI”) | 95.0% | Romania | Subsidiary |
Media Vision SRL (“Media Vision”) | 95.0% | Romania | Subsidiary |
MPI Romania B.V. | 95.0% | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
Pro TV S.A. (“Pro TV”) | 95.0% | Romania | Subsidiary |
Sport Radio TV Media SRL (“Sport.ro”) | 95.0% | Romania | Subsidiary |
Media Pro B.V. | 10.0% | Netherlands | Cost investment |
Media Pro Management S.A. | 8.7% | Romania | Cost investment |
| | | |
A.R.J. a.s. | 100.0% | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
Media Invest s.r.o. (“Media Invest”) | 100.0% | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
MARKIZA-SLOVAKIA spol. s r.o. (“Markiza”) | 100.0% | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
GAMATEX spol. s r.o. | 100.0% | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary (in liquidation) |
A.D.A.M., a.s. | 100.0% | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary (in liquidation) |
| | | |
MMTV 1 d.o.o. | 100.0% | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
Produkcija Plus d.o.o. (“Pro Plus”) | 100.0% | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
POP TV d.o.o. (“Pop TV”) | 100.0% | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
Kanal A d.o.o. (“Kanal A”) | 100.0% | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
Euro 3 TV d.o.o | 42.0% | Slovenia | Equity-Accounted Affiliate |
MTC Holding d.o.o. | 24.0% | Slovenia | Equity-Accounted Affiliate (in liquidation) |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Company Name | Effective Voting Interest | Jurisdiction of Organization | Type of Affiliate (1) |
| | | |
Ukrainian Media Services LLC (“UMS”) | 99.9% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
International Media Services Ltd. (“IMS”) | 60.0% | Bermuda | Subsidiary |
Innova Film GmbH (“Innova”) | 60.0% | Germany | Subsidiary |
Foreign Enterprise “Inter-Media” (“Inter-Media”) | 60.0% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
TV Media Planet Ltd. | 60.0% | Cyprus | Subsidiary |
Studio 1+1 LLC (“Studio 1+1”) | 60.0% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
| | | |
Ukrpromtorg -2003 LLC (“Ukrpromtorg”) | 65.5% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
Gravis LLC | 60.4% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
Delta JSC | 60.4% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
Nart LLC | 65.5% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
TV Stimul LLC | 49.1% | Ukraine | Equity-Accounted Affiliate |
Tor LLC (“Tor”) | 60.4% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
Zhysa LLC (“Zhysa”) | 60.4% | Ukraine | Subsidiary |
| | | |
CME Media Enterprises B.V. | 100.0% | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
CME Czech Republic II B.V. | 100.0% | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
CME Romania B.V. | 100.0% | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
CME Slovak Holdings B.V. | 100.0% | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
| | | |
Central European Media Enterprises N.V. | 100.0% | Netherlands Antilles | Subsidiary |
Central European Media Enterprises II B.V. | 100.0% | Netherlands Antilles | Subsidiary |
| | | |
CME SR d.o.o. | 100.0% | Serbia | Subsidiary (in liquidation) |
CME Ukraine Holding GmbH | 100.0% | Austria | Subsidiary |
CME Cyprus Holding Ltd. | 100.0% | Cyprus | Subsidiary |
CME Development Corporation | 100.0% | Delaware | Subsidiary |
(1) | All subsidiaries have been consolidated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. All equity-accounted affiliates have been accounted for using the equity method. All cost investments have been accounted for using the cost method. |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Croatia
We own 100.0% of Nova TV (Croatia), which holds a national terrestrial broadcast license for Croatia that expires in April 2010.
Czech Republic
We own 100.0% of CET 21, which holds the national terrestrial broadcast license for TV NOVA (Czech Republic) that expires in 2017.
Romania
We own a 95.0% interest in each of Pro TV, MPI and Media Vision, a production, dubbing and subtitling company. The remaining shares of each of these companies are owned by companies, or individuals associated with, Adrian Sarbu, our Chief Operating Officer. Pro TV holds the licenses for the PRO TV, ACASA, PRO TV INTERNATIONAL, PRO CINEMA and SPORT.RO channels. These licenses expire on various dates between November 2007 and September 2016.
We own 10.0% of Media Pro BV and 8.7% of Media Pro Management S.A., the parent companies of the Media Pro group of companies (“Media Pro”). Substantially all of the remaining shares of Media Pro are owned directly or indirectly by Mr. Sarbu. Media Pro comprises a number of companies with operations in the fields of publishing, information, printing, cinema, entertainment and radio in Romania.
Slovak Republic
We own 100.0% of Markiza, which holds a national terrestrial broadcast license for the Slovak Republic that expires in September 2019.
Slovenia
We own 100.0% of Pro Plus, the operating company for our Slovenia operations. Pro Plus has a 100.0% interest in each of Pop TV, which holds the licenses for the POP TV network, and Kanal A, which holds the licenses for the KANAL A network. All such licenses expire in August 2012.
Ukraine (Studio 1+1)
The Studio 1+1 Group is comprised of several entities in which we hold direct or indirect interests. We hold a 60.0% voting and economic interest in each of Studio 1+1, Innova, IMS and TV Media Planet. Innova owns 100.0% of Inter-Media, a Ukrainian company, which in turn holds a 30.0% voting and economic interest in Studio 1+1. In addition, we hold a 99.9% interest in UMS, which owns a 42.0% direct voting and economic interest in Studio 1+1, the license holder for the STUDIO 1+1 channel. The license covering fifteen hours including prime time expires in December 2016. The second license for the remaining nine hours expires in 2014.
Ukraine (KINO, CITI)
We hold a 65.5% interest in Ukrpromtorg. Ukrpromtorg owns (i) 92.2% of Gravis, which operates the local channels KINO and CITI; (ii) 100.0% of Nart LLC, which holds a satellite broadcasting license; and (iii) 75.0% of TV Stimul LLC, which operates TV STIMUL. We also own a 60.4% interest in each of Zhysa and Tor, two regional broadcasters. Licenses used for the KINO and CITI channels expire on dates ranging from June 2008 to July 2016.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2006. Our significant accounting policies have not changed since December 31, 2006, except as noted below.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed interim unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The consolidated results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by US GAAP.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and our subsidiaries, after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. We consolidate the financial statements of entities in which we hold at least a majority voting interest and also those entities which are deemed to be a Variable Interest Entity of which we are the primary beneficiary as defined by FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” ("FIN 46(R)"). Entities in which we hold less than a majority voting interest but over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Other investments are accounted for using the cost method.
We, like other television operators, experience seasonality, with advertising sales tending to be lower during the first and third quarters of each calendar year, particularly during the summer holiday period (typically July and August) and higher during the second and fourth quarters of each calendar year, particularly toward the end of the year.
The terms “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” are used in this Form 10-Q to refer collectively to the parent company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted.
Unless otherwise noted, all statistical and financial information presented in this report has been converted into US dollars using appropriate exchange rates. All references to “US$” or “dollars” are to US dollars, all references to “HRK” are to Croatian kuna, all references to “CZK” are to Czech korunas, all references to “RON” are to the New Romanian lei, all references to “SKK” are to Slovak korunas, all references to “UAH” are to Ukrainian hryvna, all references to “Euro” or “EUR” are to the European Union Euro and all references to “GBP” are to British pounds.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method as set out in FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FAS 109”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized.
On January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. The evaluation of a tax position under FIN 48 is a two-step process. The first step is recognition: Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return should be recognized only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more likely than not recognition threshold, it should be presumed that the position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority and that they would have full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measurement: Tax positions that meet the recognition criteria are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being recognized upon ultimate settlement.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized a liability of approximately US$ 2.0 million for unrecognized tax benefits, of which US$ 1.7 million was accounted for as a reduction to accumulated retained deficit as at January 1, 2007. The total amount of unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate amounts to US$ 2.0 million, all of which would reduce the effective tax rate accordingly.
We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. As at January 1, 2007, we accrued US$ 1.8 million in respect of interest and penalties, of which US$ 1.5 million was accounted for as a reduction to accumulated retained deficit.
Our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the Netherlands and various other tax jurisdictions including the United States. As at January 1, 2007, analyzed by major tax jurisdictions, the Company’s subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before:
Jurisdiction | Year |
Croatia | 2003 |
Czech Republic | 2002 |
Germany | 2000 |
Netherlands | 2004 |
Romania | 2002 |
Slovak Republic | 2001 |
Slovenia | 2001 |
Ukraine | 2003 |
United States | 2001 |
Since January 1, 2007, the German tax authorities concluded an income tax audit of our German subsidiary covering the years up to and including 2004, and determined that no material additional amounts of income tax were payable for such periods. Therefore, years before 2005 are no longer subject to income tax examination in Germany.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 addresses the need for increased consistency in fair value measurements, defining fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It also establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements. FAS 157 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FAS 157 on our financial position and results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" ("FAS 159"). FAS 159 gives entities the option to prospectively measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value in the balance sheet with changes in the fair value recognized in the income statement. FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, although entities may elect to adopt the statement early. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FAS 159 on our financial position and results of operations.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
Romania
Acquisition of additional interest – Sport.ro
On December 14, 2006, we acquired 20.0% of Sport.ro from Silviu Prigoana for cash consideration of EUR 2.0 million (approximately US$ 2.6 million). Sport.ro operated a sports-oriented channel focusing on local and international football, international boxing and a number of local Romanian sports.
On February 20, 2007, we acquired control of Sport.ro by acquiring an additional 50.0% interest from Nolsom Limited for cash consideration of EUR 4.2 million (approximately US$ 5.3 million). We acquired the remaining 30.0% of Sport.ro, also from Nolsom Limited, on March 15, 2007 for cash consideration of EUR 2.5 million (approximately US$ 3.1 million).
We performed a fair value exercise to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities and identified separately identifiable assets. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
| | Fair Value on Acquisition | |
| | | |
Property, plant and equipment | | $ | 35 | |
Intangible assets subject to amortization (1) | | | 4,784 | |
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (2) | | | 8,974 | |
Other assets | | | 2,904 | |
Goodwill | | | 2,311 | |
Deferred tax liability | | | (1,575 | ) |
Other liabilities | | | (6,398 | ) |
Total purchase price | | $ | 11,035 | |
(1) The intangible assets subject to amortization comprise customer relationships, which are being amortized over one to twenty years (weighted average: 15.5 years) and trademarks, which are being amortized over two years.
(2) Intangible assets not subject to amortization represent television broadcast licenses.
Acquisition of additional interest –Media Vision, MPI and Pro TV
On May 16, 2007, we acquired an additional 20.0% of Media Vision and subsequently on June 1, 2007 we acquired an additional 5.0% of Pro TV and MPI from companies owned by, or individuals associated with, Adrian Sarbu, for aggregate consideration of US$ 51.6 million including acquisition costs. The purchase price was based upon an independent valuation report. We now own 95.0% voting and economic interests in Pro TV, MPI and Media Vision. We performed a fair value exercise to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities, and identified separately identifiable assets. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | Fair Value on Acquisition | |
| | | |
Intangible assets subject to amortization (1) | | $ | 4,517 | |
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (2) | | | 23,597 | |
Goodwill | | | 23,974 | |
Deferred tax liability | | | (4,498 | ) |
Minority interests | | | 4,029 | |
Total purchase price | | $ | 51,619 | |
(1) The intangible assets subject to amortization comprise customer relationships, which are being amortized over one to ten years (weighted average: 8.3 years).
(2) Intangible assets not subject to amortization comprise approximately US$ 9.2 million in trademarks and US$ 14.4 million relating to television broadcast licenses.
Mr. Sarbu has the right to sell the remaining shareholding in Pro TV and MPI that he holds personally to us under a put option agreement entered into in July 2004 at a price to be determined by an independent valuation, subject to a floor price of US$ 1.45 million for each 1.0% interest sold. Mr. Sarbu’s right to put his remaining shareholding to us is exercisable from November 12, 2009, provided, that we have not enforced a pledge over this shareholding which Mr. Sarbu granted as security for our right to put to him our shareholding in Media Pro. As at September 30, 2007, we consider the fair value of Mr. Sarbu’s put option to be approximately US$ nil.
Slovak Republic
Acquisition – Media Invest
On July 13, 2007 we purchased 100% of Media Invest from Jan Kovacik for cash consideration of SKK 1.9 billion (approximately US$ 78.5 million). Media Invest owns a 20.0% voting and economic interest in Markiza. Following this acquisition, we now have a 100.0% voting and economic interest in Markiza.
We performed a preliminary fair value exercise to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities, and identified separately identifiable assets as at July 13, 2007 which is complete subject to the completion of detailed analysis of potential tax liabilities in Media Invest. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | Fair Value on Acquisition | |
| | | |
Property Plant and Equipment | | | 2,590 | |
Intangible assets subject to amortization (1) | | | 46,906 | |
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (2) | | | 2,405 | |
Goodwill (3) | | | 26,334 | |
Deferred tax liability | | | (9,860 | ) |
Minority interest | | | 10,268 | |
Total purchase price (4) | | $ | 78,643 | |
(1) The intangible assets subject to amortization comprises US$ 8.7 million relating to television broadcasting licenses which are being amortized over 13 years and US$ 37.9 million in customer relationships, which are being amortized over one to fourteen years (weighted average: 13.8 years).
(2) Intangible assets not subject to amortization comprise trademarks.
(3) No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
(4) Total purchase price includes US$ 0.1 million of capitalized acquisition costs.
Croatia
Acquisition- Internet Dnevnik
On June 6, 2007, we purchased 76.0% of Internet Dnevnik d.o.o from Zeljko Anderlon and Dario Markus for cash consideration of EUR 0.5 million (US$ 0.7 million). Internet Dnevnik d.o.o operates the largest blogging website in Croatia, Blog.hr.
Ukraine (KINO, CITI)
Acquisition- Tor and Zhysa
On June 21, 2007, we completed the acquisition of a 60.4% interest in each of Tor and Zhysa from Dertus Finance Group Limited for total consideration of US$ 3.1 million including acquisition costs. Zhysa and Tor are regional broadcasters in Ukraine.
We have completed a preliminary fair value exercise to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities and have allocated US $ 0.3 million to broadcast licenses and US $ 3.0 million to goodwill. Professional estimates of the fair value of land and buildings are still outstanding and the value of goodwill may be adjusted in future periods to reflect this.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Our goodwill and intangible asset additions are the result of acquisitions in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Goodwill:
Goodwill by operating segment as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 is summarized as follows:
| | Balance December 31, 2006 | | | Additions | | | Foreign currency movement | | | Balance September 30, 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | - | | | $ | 712 | | | $ | 40 | | | $ | 752 | |
Czech Republic | | | 823,786 | | | | - | | | | 59,398 | | | | 883,184 | |
Romania | | | 31,130 | | | | 26,285 | | | | - | | | | 57,415 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 25,483 | | | | 26,335 | | | | 2,928 | | | | 54,746 | |
Slovenia | | | 16,458 | | | | - | | | | 1,257 | | | | 17,715 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 4,096 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,096 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 4,627 | | | | 3,009 | | | | - | | | | 7,636 | |
Total | | $ | 905,580 | | | $ | 56,341 | | | $ | 63,623 | | | $ | 1,025,544 | |
Broadcast licenses:
The net book value of our broadcast licenses as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 is summarized as follows:
| | Indefinite-Lived Broadcast Licenses | | | Amortized Broadcast Licenses | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2006 | | $ | 26,344 | | | $ | 172,386 | | | $ | 198,730 | |
Additions | | | 23,321 | | | | 8,974 | | | | 32,295 | |
Amortization | | | - | | | | (12,982 | ) | | | (12,982 | ) |
Foreign currency movements | | | 705 | | | | 11,476 | | | | 12,181 | |
Balance, September 30, 2007 | | $ | 50,370 | | | $ | 179,854 | | | $ | 230,224 | |
Our broadcast licenses in Croatia, Romania and Slovenia have indefinite lives because we expect the cash flows generated by those assets to continue indefinitely. These licenses are subject to annual impairment reviews. Our licenses in Ukraine have economic useful lives of, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over, between two and ten years. Our license in the Czech Republic has an economic useful life of, and is amortized on a straight-line basis over, twelve years. Our license in the Slovak Republic has an economic useful life of, and is amortized on a straight-line basis over thirteen years.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
The gross value and accumulated amortization of amortized broadcast licenses was as follows at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Gross value | | $ | 225,336 | | | $ | 201,994 | |
Accumulated amortization | | | (45,482 | ) | | | (29,608 | ) |
Total net book value | | $ | 179,854 | | | $ | 172,386 | |
Other intangible assets:
The net book value of our other intangible assets as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 is summarized as follows:
| | Trademarks | | | Customer Relationships | | | Other | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2006 | | $ | 44,026 | | | $ | 27,213 | | | $ | 703 | | | $ | 71,942 | |
Additions | | | 12,192 | | | | 46,554 | | | | 425 | | | | 59,171 | |
Amortization | | | (186 | ) | | | (3,363 | ) | | | (391 | ) | | | (3,940 | ) |
Foreign currency movements | | | 2,010 | | | | 1,938 | | | | 49 | | | | 3,997 | |
Balance, September 30, 2007 | | $ | 58,042 | | | $ | 72,342 | | | $ | 786 | | | $ | 131,170 | |
Customer relationships are deemed to have an economic useful life of, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over, one to fourteen years. Other than the trademark acquired with Sport.ro, which has an economic life of, and is being amortized on a straight line basis over, two years, trademarks have an indefinite life.
The gross value and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets was as follows at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Gross value | | $ | 140,429 | | | $ | 76,695 | |
Accumulated amortization | | | (9,259 | ) | | | (4,753 | ) |
Total net book value | | $ | 131,170 | | | $ | 71,942 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
5. SENIOR NOTES
Our Senior Notes consist of the following:
| | Carrying Value | | | Fair Value | |
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | | | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EUR 245.0 million 8.25% Senior Notes | | $ | 347,370 | | | $ | 322,666 | | | $ | 363,002 | | | $ | 353,722 | |
EUR 125.0 million Floating Rate Senior Notes | | | - | | | | 164,625 | | | | - | | | | 170,181 | |
EUR 150.0 million Floating Rate Senior Notes | | | 212,675 | | | | - | | | | 202,042 | | | | - | |
| | $ | 560,045 | | | $ | 487,291 | | | $ | 565,044 | | | $ | 523,903 | |
On May 5, 2005, we issued senior notes in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 370.0 million consisting of EUR 245.0 million of 8.25% senior notes due May 2012 (the “Fixed Rate Notes”) and EUR 125.0 million of floating rate senior notes due May 2012 (the “2012 Floating Rate Notes”), which bore interest at six-month Euro Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus 5.50%.
On May 15, 2007 we redeemed the 2012 Floating Rate Notes. Upon redemption we recorded a loss of US$ 6.9 million within interest expense comprising US$ 3.4 million of redemption premium and US$ 3.5 million to write off unamortized debt costs.
On May 16, 2007 we issued floating rate senior notes due May 2014 (the “2014 Floating Rate Notes”, and collectively with the Fixed Rate Notes, the “Senior Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 150.0 million, which bear interest at six-month EURIBOR plus 1.625% (5.80% was applicable at September 30, 2007).
Fixed Rate Notes
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 15 and November 15. The fair value of the Fixed Rate Notes as at September 30, 2007 was calculated by multiplying the outstanding debt by the traded market price.
The Fixed Rate Notes are secured senior obligations and rank pari passu with all existing and future senior indebtedness and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The amounts outstanding are guaranteed by two subsidiary holding companies and are secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of our indebtedness restrict the manner in which our business is conducted, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of investments, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions, entering into certain affiliate transactions and the sale of assets.
In the event that (A) there is a change in control by which (i) any party other than our present shareholders becomes the beneficial owner of more than 35.0% of our total voting power; (ii) we agree to sell substantially all of our operating assets; or (iii) there is a change in the composition of a majority of our Board of Directors; and (B) on the 60th day following any such change of control the rating of the Fixed Rate Notes is either withdrawn or downgraded from the rating in effect prior to the announcement of such change of control, we can be required to repurchase the Fixed Rate Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount of the Fixed Rate Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
The Fixed Rate Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth below:
From: | Fixed Rate Notes Redemption Price |
| |
May 15, 2009 to May 14, 2010 | 104.125% |
May 15, 2010 to May 14, 2011 | 102.063% |
May 15, 2011 and thereafter | 100.000% |
At any time prior to May 15, 2008, we may redeem up to 35.0% of the Fixed Rate Notes with the proceeds of any public equity offering at a price of 108.250% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
In addition, prior to May 15, 2009, we may redeem all or a part of the Fixed Rate Notes at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of such notes, plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
Certain derivative instruments, including redemption call options and change of control and asset disposition put options, have been identified as being embedded in the Fixed Rate Notes; but as they are considered clearly and closely related to those notes, they are not accounted for separately.
2014 Floating Rate Notes
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 15 and November 15. The fair value of the 2014 Floating Rate Notes as at September 30, 2007 was calculated by multiplying the outstanding debt by the traded market price.
The 2014 Floating Rate Notes are secured senior obligations and rank pari passu with all existing and future senior indebtedness and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The amounts outstanding are guaranteed by two subsidiary holding companies and are secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of our indebtedness restrict the manner in which our business is conducted, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of investments, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions, entering into certain affiliate transactions and the sale of assets.
In the event that (A) there is a change in control by which (i) any party other than our present shareholders becomes the beneficial owner of more than 35.0% of our total voting power; (ii) we agree to sell substantially all of our operating assets; or (iii) there is a change in the composition of a majority of our Board of Directors; and (B) on the 60th day following any such change of control the rating of the 2014 Floating Rate Notes is either withdrawn or downgraded from the rating in effect prior to the announcement of such change of control, we can be required to repurchase the 2014 Floating Rate Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount of the 2014 Floating Rate Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
The 2014 Floating Rate Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth below:
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
From: | 2014 Floating Rate Notes Redemption Price |
| |
November 15, 2007 to May 14, 2008 | 102.000% |
May 15, 2008 to May 14, 2009 | 101.000% |
May 15, 2009 and thereafter | 100.000% |
Certain derivative instruments, including redemption call options and change of control and asset disposition put options, have been identified as being embedded in the 2014 Floating Rate Notes; but as they are considered clearly and closely related to those notes, they are not accounted for separately.
6. RESTRICTED CASH
Restricted cash consists of the following at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 417 | | | $ | 4,183 | |
Slovenia | | | 780 | | | | 724 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 49 | | | | 47 | |
Total restricted cash | | $ | 1,246 | | | $ | 4,954 | |
Restricted cash held in escrow in Croatia was paid out to the former owners of our Croatia operations on May 11, 2007.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
7. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consist of the following at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
Trading: | | | | | | |
Third-party customers | | $ | 158,020 | | | $ | 156,701 | |
Less: allowance for bad debts and credit notes | | | (13,860 | ) | | | (11,472 | ) |
Related parties | | | 5,522 | | | | 7,655 | |
Less: allowance for bad debts and credit notes | | | (266 | ) | | | (798 | ) |
Total trading | | $ | 149,416 | | | $ | 152,086 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other: | | | | | | | | |
Third-party customers | | $ | 240 | | | $ | 359 | |
Less: allowance for bad debts and credit notes | | | (116 | ) | | | (103 | ) |
Related parties | | | 61 | | | | 454 | |
Less: allowance for bad debts and credit notes | | | (61 | ) | | | (291 | ) |
Total other | | $ | 124 | | | $ | 419 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total accounts receivable | | $ | 149,540 | | | $ | 152,505 | |
At September 30, 2007, CZK 294 million (approximately US$ 15.1 million) (December 31, 2006: CZK 600.0 million, approximately US$ 30.8 million) of receivables in the Czech Republic were pledged as collateral subject to a factoring agreement (see Note 11).
8. OTHER ASSETS
Other current and non-current assets consist of the following at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
Current: | | | | | | |
Prepaid programming | | $ | 40,832 | | | $ | 23,072 | |
Other prepaid expenses | | | 14,737 | | | | 13,177 | |
Deferred tax | | | 1,966 | | | | 2,124 | |
VAT recoverable | | | 3,600 | | | | 2,562 | |
Loan to related party | | | 600 | | | | 600 | |
Capitalized debt costs | | | 3,077 | | | | 2,908 | |
Other | | | 5,476 | | | | 3,112 | |
Total other current assets | | $ | 70,288 | | | $ | 47,555 | |
Non-current: | | | | | | | | |
Capitalized debt costs | | $ | 11,023 | | | $ | 11,264 | |
Loan to related party | | | 1,334 | | | | 1,603 | |
Deferred tax | | | 4,557 | | | | 3,443 | |
Other | | | 2,506 | | | | 1,165 | |
Total other non-current assets | | $ | 19,420 | | | $ | 17,475 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Capitalized debt costs primarily comprise the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of our Senior Notes in May 2005 and May 2007 (see Note 5) and are being amortized over the terms of the Senior Notes.
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Land and buildings | | $ | 74,753 | | | $ | 56,212 | |
Station machinery, fixtures and equipment | | | 140,644 | | | | 115,238 | |
Other equipment | | | 28,580 | | | | 21,980 | |
Software licenses | | | 18,581 | | | | 15,495 | |
Construction in progress | | | 19,487 | | | | 4,070 | |
Total cost | | | 282,045 | | | | 212,995 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation | | | (127,049 | ) | | | (97,190 | ) |
Total net book value | | $ | 154,996 | | | $ | 115,805 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Assets held under capital leases (included above) | | | | | | | | |
Land and buildings | | $ | 5,965 | | | $ | 5,541 | |
Station machinery, fixtures and equipment | | | 1,344 | | | | 2,330 | |
Total cost | | | 7,309 | | | | 7,871 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation | | | (1,698 | ) | | | (1,877 | ) |
Net book value | | $ | 5,611 | | | $ | 5,994 | |
10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 24,155 | | | $ | 47,447 | |
Programming liabilities | | | 40,111 | | | | 32,316 | |
Accrued interest payable | | | 15,902 | | | | 5,375 | |
Deferred income | | | 26,368 | | | | 3,212 | |
Accrued staff costs | | | 21,950 | | | | 12,947 | |
Accrued production costs | | | 5,385 | | | | 7,435 | |
Accrued legal costs | | | 15,769 | | | | 3,619 | |
Accrued rent costs | | | 1,184 | | | | 1,163 | |
Authors’ rights | | | 4,767 | | | | 943 | |
Onerous contracts | | | 1,804 | | | | - | |
Other accrued liabilities | | | 12,229 | | | | 5,260 | |
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 169,624 | | | $ | 119,717 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
11. CREDIT FACILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES
Group loan obligations and overdraft facilities consist of the following at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:
| | | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
Credit facilities: | | | | | | | |
Corporate | (a) | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Croatia | (b) | | | - | | | | 847 | |
Czech Republic | (c) – (e) | | | 12,839 | | | | 11,975 | |
Romania | (f) | | | - | | | | - | |
Slovenia | (g) | | | - | | | | - | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | (h) | | | 1,700 | | | | 1,703 | |
Total credit facilities | | | $ | 14,539 | | | $ | 14,525 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Capital leases: | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia operations, net of interest | | | $ | - | | | $ | 19 | |
Romania operations, net of interest | | | | 300 | | | | 495 | |
Slovak Republic operations, net of interest | | | | 96 | | | | 154 | |
Slovenia operations, net of interest | | | | 4,322 | | | | 4,223 | |
Total capital leases | | | $ | 4,718 | | | $ | 4,891 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total credit facilities and capital leases | | | $ | 19,257 | | | $ | 19,416 | |
Less current maturities | | | | (13,371 | ) | | | (13,057 | ) |
Total non-current maturities | | | $ | 5,886 | | | $ | 6,359 | |
Corporate
(a) On July 21, 2006, we entered into a five-year revolving loan agreement for EUR 100.0 million (approximately US$ 141.8 million) arranged by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD”) and on August 22, 2007, we entered into a second revolving loan agreement for EUR 50.0 million (approximately US$ 70.9 million) also arranged by EBRD (together with the EUR 100.0 million facility, the “EBRD Loan”). ING Bank N.V. (“ING”) and Ceska Sporitelna, a.s. (“CS”) are participating in the EBRD Loan for EUR 75.0 million in the aggregate.
We also entered into a supplemental agreement with EBRD on August 22, 2007 to amend the interest rate payable on the EUR 100.0 million facility, as a result of which the EBRD Loan bears interest at a rate of three-month EURIBOR plus 1.625% on the drawn amount. The available amount of the EBRD Loan amortizes by 15% every six months from May 2009 to November 2010 and by 40% in May 2011.
Covenants contained in the EBRD Loan are similar to those contained in our Senior Notes (see below and Note 5). In addition, the EBRD Loan’s covenants restrict us from making principal repayments on other new debt of greater than US$ 20.0 million per year for the life of the EBRD Loan. This restriction is not applicable to our existing facilities with ING or CS or to any refinancing of our Senior Notes.
The EBRD Loan is a secured senior obligation and ranks pari passu with all existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, and is effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The amount drawn is guaranteed by two subsidiary holding companies and is secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of the EBRD Loan restrict the manner in which our business is conducted, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of investments, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions, entering into certain affiliate transactions and the sale of assets.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
There were no drawings under this facility as at December 31, 2006 or September 30, 2007.
Croatia
(b) On March 28, 2007, we repaid EUR 0.6 million (approximately US$ 0.9 million) which was the total amount outstanding to our Croatia operations under two loan agreements with Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank d.d. Following repayment of this loan, the security held by the bank was released.
Czech Republic
(c) As at September 30, 2007, there were no drawings by CET 21 under a four-year credit facility of CZK 1.2 billion (approximately US$ 61.6 million) available until October 31, 2009 with CS. This facility may, at the option of CET 21, be drawn in CZK, US$ or EUR and bears interest at the three-month, six-month or twelve-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), EURIBOR or Prague Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“PRIBOR”) rate plus 1.95%. This facility is secured by a pledge of receivables, which are also subject to a factoring arrangement with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna, a.s., a subsidiary of CS. On July 10, 2007, CZK 860.0 million (approximately US$ 44.2 million) was drawn down under this facility, of which CZK 260.0 million (approximately US$ 13.4 million) was repaid on July 31, 2007, and CZK 600.0 million (approximately US$ 30.8 million) was repaid on September 14, 2007.
(d) CZK 250.0 million (approximately US$ 12.8 million), the full amount of the facility, had been drawn by CET 21 under a working capital facility agreement with CS with a maturity date of April 30, 2008 and bearing interest at the three-month PRIBOR plus 1.65% (three-month PRIBOR relevant to drawings under this facility at September 30, 2007 was 3.5%, and was outstanding at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007. This facility is secured by a pledge of receivables, which are also subject to a factoring arrangement with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna, a.s.
(e) As at September 30, 2007, there were no drawings under a CZK 300.0 million (approximately US$ 15.4 million) factoring facility with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna, a.s. available until March 31, 2010. The facility bears interest at one-month PRIBOR plus 1.40% for the period that actively assigned accounts receivable are outstanding.
Romania
(f) The interest-free loan provided by one of the founding shareholders of Sport.ro was repaid on August 31, 2007.
Slovenia
(g) On July 29, 2005, Pro Plus entered into a revolving facility agreement for up to EUR 37.5 million (approximately US$ 53.2 million) in aggregate principal amount with ING, Nova Ljubljanska Banka d.d., Ljubljana and Bank Austria Creditanstalt d.d., Ljubljana. The facility amortizes by 10.0% each year for four years commencing one year after signing, with 60.0% repayable after five years. This facility is secured by a pledge of the bank accounts of Pro Plus, the assignment of certain receivables, a pledge of our interest in Pro Plus and a guarantee of our wholly-owned subsidiary CME Media Enterprises B.V. Loans drawn under this facility will bear interest at a rate of EURIBOR for the period of drawing plus a margin of between 2.1% and 3.6% that varies according to the ratio of consolidated net debt to consolidated broadcasting cash flow for Pro Plus. As at September 30, 2007, EUR 30.0 million (approximately US$ 42.5 million) was available for drawing under this revolving facility and there were no drawings outstanding.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Ukraine (KINO, CITI)
(h) Our Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations have entered into a number of three-year unsecured loans with Glavred-Media, LLC, the minority shareholder in Ukrpromtorg. As at September 30, 2007, the total value of loans drawn was US$ 1.7 million. The loans are repayable between August 2009 and December 2009 and bear interest at 9.0%.
Total Group
At September 30, 2007, the maturity of our debt (including our Senior Notes) is as follows:
2007 | | $ | 12,839 | |
2008 | | | - | |
2009 | | | 1,700 | |
2010 | | | - | |
2011 | | | - | |
2012 and thereafter | | | 560,045 | |
Total | | $ | 574,584 | |
Capital Lease Commitments
We lease certain of our office and broadcast facilities as well as machinery and equipment under various leasing arrangements. The future minimum lease payments from continuing operations, by year and in the aggregate, under capital leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year, consisted of the following at September 30, 2007:
2007 | | $ | 679 | |
2008 | | | 1,093 | |
2009 | | | 679 | |
2010 | | | 471 | |
2011 | | | 949 | |
2012 and thereafter | | | 2,967 | |
| | $ | 6,838 | |
Less: amount representing interest | | | (2,120 | ) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | | $ | 4,718 | |
12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
On April 27, 2006, we entered into currency swap agreements with two counterparties whereby we swapped a fixed annual coupon interest rate (of 9.0%) on notional principal of CZK 10.7 billion (approximately US$ 549.5 million), payable on July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15, to the termination date of April 15, 2012, for a fixed annual coupon interest rate (of 9.0%) on notional principal of EUR 375.9 million (approximately US$ 533.0 million) receivable on July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15, to the termination date of April 15, 2012.
The fair value of these financial instruments as at September 30, 2007 was a US$ 9.0 million liability, an increase of US$ 8.5 million from the liability as at June 30, 2007.
These currency swap agreements reduce our exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates on a part of the CZK-denominated cash flows generated by our Czech Republic operations that is approximately equivalent in value to the Euro-denominated interest payments on our Senior Notes (see Note 5). They are financial instruments that are used to minimize currency risk and are considered an economic hedge of foreign exchange rates. These instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments as defined under FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, and so changes in their fair value are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and in the consolidated balance sheet in other non-current liabilities.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
13. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock
5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, with a $0.08 par value, were authorized as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. None were issued and outstanding as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
Class A and B Common Stock
100,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 15,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock were authorized as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. The rights of the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are identical except for voting rights. The shares of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and the shares of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Class B Common Stock is convertible into Class A Common Stock for no additional consideration on a one-for-one basis. Holders of each class of shares are entitled to receive dividends and upon liquidation or dissolution are entitled to receive all assets available for distribution to shareholders. The holders of each class have no preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to such shares.
14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The charge for stock-based compensation in our condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation charged under SFAS 123(R) | | $ | 1,494 | | | $ | 967 | | | $ | 4,098 | | | $ | 2,385 | |
Under the provisions of SFAS 123(R), the fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognized ratably over the requisite service period.
2007 Option Grants
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors awarded grants of options to executives to purchase 12,500 shares of our Class A Common Stock, with a vesting period of four years and a contractual life of ten years, on April 2, 2007.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors awarded grants of options to non-executive directors to purchase an aggregate of 35,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock and 5,000 shares of our Class B Common Stock with a vesting period of one year and a contractual life of five years on June 5, 2007.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
The exercise price of the granted options ranges from US$ 87.91 to US$ 94.28 per share. The fair value of the option grants was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following assumptions used:
Date of Option Grant | | Number of Options Granted | | | Risk-free interest rate (%) | | | Expected term (years) | | | Expected volatility (%) | | | Dividend yield (%) | | | Weighted-average fair value ($/share) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
April 2, 2007 | | | 12,500 | | | | 4.57 | % | | | 6.25 | | | | 41.29 | % | | | 0 | % | | $ | 42.25 | |
June 5, 2007 (Class A) | | | 35,000 | | | | 4.92 | % | | | 3.00 | | | | 32.38 | % | | | 0 | % | | $ | 25.19 | |
June 5, 2007 (Class B) | | | 5,000 | | | | 4.92 | % | | | 3.00 | | | | 32.38 | % | | | 0 | % | | $ | 23.35 | |
The expected stock price volatility was calculated based on an analysis of the historical stock price volatility of our shares and shares of our peers for the preceding 6.25 or 3.00-year period. We consider this basis to represent the best indicator of expected volatility over the life of the option. The expected dividend yield for these grants was assumed to be 0%. The weighted average fair value of all the grants made in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was US$ 29.08 per option. In accordance with SFAS 123(R), the fair value of the option grants made in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 less expected forfeitures of US$ 1.5 million is being recognized as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations over the requisite service period of the award.
A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is presented below:
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 | | | 1,288,575 | | | $ | 35.51 | | | | 7.45 | | | $ | 44,443 | |
Granted | | | 52,500 | | | | 89.77 | | | | | | | | | |
Exercised | | | (274,583 | ) | | | 12.66 | | | | | | | | | |
Forfeited | | | (21,625 | ) | | | 50.85 | | | | | | | | | |
Expired | | | (20,000 | ) | | | 23.00 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at September 30, 2007 | | | 1,024,867 | | | $ | 44.33 | | | | 7.06 | | | $ | 48,569 | |
Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2007 | | | 954,951 | | | | 43.63 | | | | 9.38 | | | | 45,914 | |
Exercisable at September 30, 2007 | | | 440,325 | | | $ | 24.68 | | | | 6.56 | | | $ | 27,102 | |
The exercise of stock options is expected to generate a net operating loss carryforward in our Delaware subsidiary of US$ 12.2 million. No tax benefit has been recognized in respect of this loss, which will be recorded as an addition to additional paid-in capital when it reduces income tax payable.
The aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the stock price on the last day of trading of the third quarter of 2007 and the exercise prices multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) represents the total intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of September 30, 2007. This amount changes based on the fair value of our Common Stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, was US$ 19.2 million and US$ 8.4 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2007, there was US$ 12.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. Proceeds received from the exercise of stock options was US$ 3.5 million and US$ 3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
15. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income / (loss) available for common shareholders | | $ | (18,763 | ) | | $ | 3,934 | | | $ | 15,577 | | | $ | (5,808 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock (000’s) | | | 41,489 | | | | 40,651 | | | | 41,077 | | | | 39,792 | |
Dilutive effect of employee stock options (000’s) | | | - | | | | 537 | | | | 476 | | | | - | |
Common stock and common stock equivalents (000’s) | | | 41,489 | | | | 41,188 | | | | 41,553 | | | | 39,792 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income / (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | (0.45 | ) | | $ | 0.09 | | | $ | 0.38 | | | $ | (0.14 | ) |
Diluted | | $ | (0.45 | ) | | $ | 0.09 | | | $ | 0.37 | | | $ | (0.14 | ) |
At September 30, 2007, 228,500 (2006: 407,000) stock options were antidilutive to income from continuing operations and excluded from the calculation of earnings per share. These may become dilutive in the future.
16. SEGMENT DATA
We manage our business on a geographic basis and review the performance of each business segment using data that reflects 100% of operating and license company results. Our business segments are comprised of Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and our two businesses in Ukraine.
We evaluate the performance of our business segments based on Segment Net Revenues and Segment EBITDA. Segment Net Revenues and Segment EBITDA include our operations in the Slovak Republic which were not consolidated prior to January 23, 2006.
Our key performance measure of the efficiency of our business segments is EBITDA margin. We define Segment EBITDA margin as the ratio of Segment EBITDA to Segment Net Revenue.
Segment EBITDA is determined as segment net income / (loss), which includes program rights amortization costs, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets. Items that are not allocated to our business segments for purposes of evaluating their performance and therefore are not included in Segment EBITDA, include:
· | expenses presented as corporate operating costs in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income; |
· | stock-based compensation charges; |
· | foreign currency exchange gains and losses; |
· | changes in fair value of derivatives; and |
· | certain unusual or infrequent items (e.g., extraordinary gains and losses, impairments on assets or investments). |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Below are tables showing our Segment Net Revenues, Segment EBITDA, segment depreciation and segment asset information by operation, including a reconciliation of these amounts to our consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 for condensed consolidated statement of operations data and as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 for condensed consolidated balance sheet data:
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | |
| | Segment Net Revenues (1) | | | Segment EBITDA | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Country: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | 7,055 | | | $ | 4,288 | | | $ | (2,981 | ) | | $ | (4,558 | ) |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA, GALAXIE SPORT) | | | 51,140 | | | | 40,141 | | | | 25,989 | | | | 17,234 | |
Romania (2) | | | 44,412 | | | | 29,298 | | | | 19,486 | | | | 11,719 | |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) | | | 20,286 | | | | 13,895 | | | | 5,544 | | | | 2,408 | |
Slovenia (POP TV, KANAL A) | | | 11,545 | | | | 9,101 | | | | 854 | | | | 1,225 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 39,582 | | | | 15,578 | | | | 16,599 | | | | (838 | ) |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 816 | | | | 181 | | | | (1,339 | ) | | | (1,182 | ) |
Total segment data | | $ | 174,836 | | | $ | 112,482 | | | $ | 64,152 | | | $ | 26,008 | |
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated statement of operations:
Consolidated net revenues / (loss) / income before provision for income taxes, minority interest and discontinued operations | | $ | 174,836 | | | $ | 112,482 | | | $ | (14,121 | ) | | $ | 1,784 | |
Corporate operating costs | | | - | | | | - | | | | 13,839 | | | | 8,342 | |
Depreciation of station property, plant and equipment | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,768 | | | | 6,080 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,595 | | | | 5,015 | |
Interest income | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,180 | ) | | | (1,554 | ) |
Interest expense | | | - | | | | - | | | | 11,883 | | | | 11,066 | |
Foreign currency exchange loss/(gain), net | | | - | | | | - | | | | 23,300 | | | | (6,018 | ) |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,555 | | | | 881 | |
Other income | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,513 | | | | 412 | |
Total segment data | | $ | 174,836 | | | $ | 112,482 | | | $ | 64,152 | | | $ | 26,008 | |
(1) All net revenues are derived from external customers. There are no inter-segmental revenues.
(2) Romanian networks are PRO TV, PRO CINEMA, ACASA, PRO TV INTERNATIONAL and SPORT.RO.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | Segment Net Revenues (1) | | | Segment EBITDA | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Country: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | 24,701 | | | $ | 13,745 | | | $ | (9,800 | ) | | $ | (11,639 | ) |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA, GALAXIE SPORT) | | | 183,203 | | | | 137,002 | | | | 99,251 | | | | 59,569 | |
Romania (2) | | | 135,978 | | | | 96,938 | | | | 57,152 | | | | 39,756 | |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) | | | 68,615 | | | | 45,147 | | | | 23,012 | | | | 9,258 | |
Slovenia (POP TV, KANAL A) | | | 44,309 | | | | 34,883 | | | | 12,243 | | | | 10,688 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 80,358 | | | | 62,117 | | | | 14,794 | | | | 16,183 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) (3) | | | 1,868 | | | | 754 | | | | (5,511 | ) | | | (1,736 | ) |
Total segment data | | $ | 539,032 | | | $ | 390,586 | | | $ | 191,141 | | | $ | 122,079 | |
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated statement of operations:
Consolidated net revenues / income before provision for income taxes, minority interest, equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates and discontinued operations | | $ | 539,032 | | | $ | 388,825 | | | $ | 44,067 | | | $ | 9,595 | |
Corporate operating costs | | | - | | | | - | | | | 30,087 | | | | 24,019 | |
Depreciation of station property, plant and equipment | | | - | | | | - | | | | 23,347 | | | | 17,841 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | - | | | | - | | | | 16,922 | | | | 13,967 | |
Impairment charge | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 748 | |
Unconsolidated equity affiliates (4) | | | - | | | | 1,761 | | | | - | | | | (1,283 | ) |
Interest income | | | - | | | | - | | | | (4,326 | ) | | | (4,748 | ) |
Interest expense | | | - | | | | - | | | | 42,717 | | | | 32,921 | |
Foreign currency exchange loss, net | | | - | | | | - | | | | 28,552 | | | | 25,469 | |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | - | | | | - | | | | (3,497 | ) | | | 2,757 | |
Other expense | | | - | | | | - | | | | 13,272 | | | | 793 | |
Total segment data | | $ | 539,032 | | | $ | 390,586 | | | $ | 191,141 | | | $ | 122,079 | |
(1) All net revenues are derived from external customers. There are no inter-segmental revenues.
(2) Romanian networks are PRO TV, PRO CINEMA, ACASA, PRO TV INTERNATIONAL and SPORT.RO.
(3) We acquired our Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations in January 2006.
(4) Our Slovak Republic operations were accounted for as an equity affiliate until January 23, 2006.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Depreciation of station property, plant and equipment and amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 918 | | | $ | 793 | | | $ | 2,650 | | | $ | 2,224 | |
Czech Republic | | | 7,187 | | | | 5,957 | | | | 20,337 | | | | 17,365 | |
Romania | | | 2,703 | | | | 1,659 | | | | 6,630 | | | | 4,023 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 2,350 | | | | 791 | | | | 4,484 | | | | 3,139 | |
Slovenia | | | 1,212 | | | | 952 | | | | 3,308 | | | | 2,492 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 792 | | | | 821 | | | | 2,336 | | | | 2,323 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 201 | | | | 122 | | | | 524 | | | | 419 | |
Total | | $ | 15,363 | | | $ | 11,095 | | | $ | 40,269 | | | $ | 31,985 | |
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated statement of operations:
Unconsolidated equity affiliates | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (177 | ) |
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization | | $ | 15,363 | | | $ | 11,095 | | | $ | 40,269 | | | $ | 31,808 | |
Represented as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation of station property, plant & equipment | | | 8,768 | | | | 6,080 | | | | 23,347 | | | | 17,841 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | 6,595 | | | | 5,015 | | | | 16,922 | | | | 13,967 | |
Total assets (1): | | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 35,640 | | | $ | 30,394 | |
Czech Republic | | | 1,290,692 | | | | 1,200,894 | |
Romania | | | 301,132 | | | | 206,850 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 190,542 | | | | 86,872 | |
Slovenia | | | 79,168 | | | | 67,919 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 89,442 | | | | 75,020 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 18,481 | | | | 13,293 | |
Total segment assets | | $ | 2,005,097 | | | $ | 1,681,242 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated balance sheets: | | | | | | | | |
Corporate | | | 162,440 | | | | 137,758 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,167,537 | | | $ | 1,819,000 | |
(1) Segment assets exclude any inter-company investments, loans, payables and receivables.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Long-lived assets (1): | | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 9,215 | | | $ | 6,804 | |
Czech Republic | | | 51,440 | | | | 28,002 | |
Romania | | | 38,493 | | | | 32,312 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 24,699 | | | | 19,498 | |
Slovenia | | | 17,788 | | | | 15,595 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 7,402 | | | | 7,965 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 4,459 | | | | 3,674 | |
Total long-lived assets | | $ | 153,496 | | | $ | 113,850 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated balance sheets: | | | | | | | | |
Corporate | | | 1,500 | | | | 1,955 | |
Total long-lived assets | | $ | 154,996 | | | $ | 115,805 | |
(1) Reflects property, plant and equipment.
We do not rely on any single major customer or group of major customers.
17. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax on disposal of discontinued operations | | | - | | | | (2,333 | ) | | | - | | | | (4,863 | ) |
Net loss from discontinued operations | | $ | - | | | $ | (2,333 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (4,863 | ) |
On May 19, 2003, we received US$ 358.6 million from the Czech Republic in final settlement of our UNCITRAL arbitration in respect of our former operations in the Czech Republic.
On September 19, 2003, our Board of Directors decided to withdraw from operations in the Czech Republic. The revenues and expenses of our former Czech Republic operations and the award income and related legal expenses have therefore all been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
On February 9, 2004, we entered into an agreement with the Dutch tax authorities to settle all tax liabilities outstanding for the years up to and including 2003, including receipts in respect of our 2003 award in the arbitration against the Czech Republic, for a payment of US$ 9.0 million. We expected to continue to pay tax in the Netherlands of between US$ 1.0 and US$ 2.5 million for the foreseeable future and therefore agreed to a minimum payment of US$ 2.0 million per year for the years 2004 - 2008 and US$ 1.0 million for 2009.
We have re-evaluated our forecasts of the amount of taxable income we expect to earn in the Netherlands in the period to 2009. As the tax payable on this income is lower than the minimum amounts agreed with the Dutch tax authorities, we have provided for the shortfall. In our condensed consolidated statement of operations, we recognized a charge of US$ nil (charge of US$ 2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006), and a charge of US$ nil (charge of US$ 4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006) through discontinued operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
The settlement with the Dutch tax authorities also provides that if any decision is issued at any time prior to December 31, 2008 exempting awards under Bilateral Investment Treaties from taxation in the Netherlands, we will be allowed to recover losses previously used against the 2003 arbitration award, which could be up to US$ 195.0 million, to offset other income within the applicable carry forward rules. This would not reduce the minimum amount of tax agreed payable under the settlement agreement. At this time there is no indication that the Dutch tax authorities will issue such a decision.
The settlement with the Dutch tax authorities has also resulted in a deductible temporary difference in the form of a ruling deficit against which a full valuation allowance has been recorded.
18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
a) Station Programming Rights Agreements
At September 30, 2007 we had the following commitments in respect of future programming, including contracts signed with license periods starting after the balance sheet date:
| | September 30, 2007 | |
| | | |
Croatia | | $ | 12,245 | |
Czech Republic | | | 46,697 | |
Romania | | | 36,489 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 10,497 | |
Slovenia | | | 4,221 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 13,077 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 192 | |
Total | | $ | 123,418 | |
Of the amount shown in the table above, US$ 106.6 million is payable within one year.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
b) Operating Lease Commitments
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 we incurred aggregate rent on all facilities of US$ 8.7 million and US$ 7.0 million, respectively. Future minimum operating lease payments at September 30, 2007 for non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year (net of amounts to be recharged to third parties) are payable as follows:
| | September 30, 2007 | |
| | | |
2007 | | $ | 593 | |
2008 | | | 2,088 | |
2009 | | | 1,159 | |
2010 | | | 925 | |
2011 | | | 394 | |
2012 and thereafter | | | - | |
Total | | $ | 5,159 | |
c) Acquisition of Minority Shareholdings in Romania
Mr. Sarbu has the right to sell to us the remaining shareholding in Pro TV and MPI that he holds personally under a put option agreement entered into in July 2004 at a price to be determined by an independent valuation, subject to a floor price of US$ 1.45 million for each 1.0% interest sold. Mr. Sarbu’s right to put his remaining shareholding to us is exercisable from November 12, 2009, provided that we have not enforced a pledge over this shareholding which Mr. Sarbu granted as security for our right to put to him our shareholding in Media Pro. As at September 30, 2007, we consider the fair value of Mr. Sarbu’s put option to be approximately US$ nil.
d) Other
Dutch tax
On February 9, 2004, we entered into an agreement with the Dutch tax authorities to settle all tax liabilities outstanding for the period through 2003, including receipts in respect of our 2003 award in the arbitration against the Czech Republic, for a payment of US$ 9.0 million. We expected to continue to pay tax in the Netherlands of between US$ 1.0 and US$ 2.5 million for the foreseeable future and therefore also agreed to a minimum tax payable of US$ 2.0 million per year for the years 2004 - 2008 and US$ 1.0 million for 2009.
The settlement with the Dutch tax authorities also provides that if any decision is issued at any time prior to December 31, 2008 exempting awards under Bilateral Investment Treaties from taxation in the Netherlands, we will be allowed to recover losses previously used against the 2003 arbitration award, which could be up to US$ 195.0 million, to offset other income within the applicable carry forward rules. This would not reduce the minimum amount of tax agreed payable under the settlement agreement. At this time there is no indication that the Dutch tax authorities will issue such a decision.
As at September 30, 2007, we provided US$ 3.3 million (US$ 1.5 million in non-current liabilities and US$ 1.8 million in current liabilities) and as at December 31, 2006, we provided US$ 5.5 million (US$ 3.0 million in non-current liabilities and US$ 2.5 million in current liabilities) of tax in the Netherlands as the difference between our obligation under this agreement and our estimate of tax in the Netherlands that may fall due over this period from business operations, based on current business structures and economic conditions.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Czech Republic - Factoring of Trade Receivables
CET 21 has a working capital credit facility of CZK 250 million (approximately US$ 12.8 million) with CS. This facility is secured by a pledge of receivables under the factoring agreement with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna a.s.
The transfer of the receivables is accounted for as a secured borrowing under FASB Statement No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, with the proceeds received recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as a liability and included in current credit facilities and obligations under capital leases. The corresponding receivables are a part of accounts receivable, as we retain the risks of ownership.
Contingencies
a) Litigation
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations. Other than those claims discussed below, we are not presently a party to any such litigation, which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or operations. Unless otherwise disclosed, no provision has been made against any potential losses that could arise.
We present below a summary of our more significant proceedings by country.
Croatia
Global Communications Disputes
On October 29, 2004, Operativna Kompanija d.o.o. (“OK”), our former operating company in Croatia, filed suit against Global Communications d.o.o. (“Global Communications”) claiming approximately HRK 53.0 million (approximately US$ 10.3 million) in damages. Global Communications is a company controlled by Ivan Caleta, who had previously operated Nova TV (Croatia) through OK. Global Communications, together with GRP Media d.o.o., another company controlled by Mr. Caleta, had provided certain goods and services to OK and Nova TV (Croatia) in exchange for advertising time pursuant to an agreement dated April 10, 2001 (the “Global Agreement”). Global Communications and GRP Media were functionally managing the advertising inventory of Nova TV (Croatia). On December 31, 2003, Global Communications entered into a reconciliation agreement by which OK acknowledged that Global Communications was entitled to approximately 375,000 seconds of advertising time for goods and services previously provided. Following our acquisition of Nova TV (Croatia) and OK in July 2004, OK concluded that Global Communications had used all of its seconds by June 2004 based on a substantial discrepancy discovered between the utilization of advertising time recorded by Global Communications and that recorded by AGB Puls (“AGB”), an independent television audience measurement service operating in Croatia. In the course of its investigation of the usage of seconds by Global Communications, OK discovered that computer records of advertising seconds kept for OK may have been altered. OK brought a suit to recover amounts for advertising time used by Global Communications in excess of the 375,000 seconds agreed. Global Communications filed a counterclaim in January 2005 for HRK 68.0 million (approximately US$ 13.2 million), claiming that the AGB data is unreliable and that it is entitled to additional seconds under the previous agreement. The lower commercial court issued a judgment on July 12, 2006 in favor of Global Communications for the full amount of the counterclaim, and we have appealed this decision on the basis of false and inadequate disclosure, wrongful application of substantive law and procedural error. Global Communications separately brought a claim against Nova TV (Croatia), on the same basis as the OK counterclaim. Both Global Communications and Nova TV (Croatia) requested the court to join this claim with the OK counterclaim but this request was denied. The lower commercial court issued a judgment on August 1, 2006 in favor of Global Communications for the full amount of the claim, after having denied submission of evidence supporting our defense. We have also appealed this decision. We have accrued for the amounts we expect to be ultimately payable as a result of engaging in settlement negotiations with Global Communications. Any such settlement would also include a settlement of the former shareholder dispute described below.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
On January 25, 2007, Nova TV (Croatia) filed suit against Global Communications. The facts underlying the claim are substantially the same as those of the abovementioned claims, but Nova TV (Croatia) is claiming that the Global Agreement and the two reconciliation agreements dated April 30, 2004 and June 30, 2004 (the “Reconciliation Agreements”), by which OK acknowledged the number of seconds of advertising time to which Global Communications was purportedly entitled, should be declared null and void under Article 141 of the Croatian Obligations Act. This provision is intended to protect a contractual party which has entered into unfair bargaining terms due to its dependency on the other contractual party. Global Communications, OK and Nova TV (Croatia) were all related parties (controlled by Ivan Caleta) and the contractual terms provided for the provision of 1,340,280 seconds by OK to Global Communications in exchange for certain transmitters. These seconds were valued at an aggregate of DEM 5 million (or DEM 3.73 per second; HRK 3.91 per second at the time) whereas the rate card price was DEM 97.18 or HRK 380.00 per second (i.e. a price that was 26 times higher). Other clients (unrelated parties) sampled from this period were paying between 382.50 HRK to 491.85 HRK per second. Nova TV (Croatia) is arguing for voidance of this contract because of its unconscionable terms which were detrimental to OK and Nova TV (Croatia) and beneficial solely to Global Communications (which, in its capacity as an advertising agency, on-sold these seconds to its clients at market rates, thereby reaping an extraordinary profit). Nova TV (Croatia) is further claiming restitution for advertising seconds appropriated by Global Communications under the Global Agreement. The restitution amount is HRK 586.5 million (approximately US$ 114.2 million). The first hearing was held on September 24, 2007, and the judge denied the claim without permitting any arguments, evidence or witnesses. We await the issuance of the written decision.
Former Shareholder Dispute
On July 21, 2005, Narval A.M. d.o.o. (a company wholly-owned by Ivan Caleta), Studio Millenium d.o.o. and Richard Anthony Sheldon, three of the former shareholders of OK, filed suit against Nova TV (Croatia) for rescission of the sale and purchase contract pursuant to which they sold 75% of OK to Nova TV (Croatia) in July 2004 (the “OK Sale Contract”). Nova TV (Croatia) acquired OK immediately prior to our acquiring Nova TV (Croatia). The provisions of the OK Sale Contract required Nova TV (Croatia) to make payment to the four shareholders of OK by September 1, 2004, upon receipt of appropriate invoices and bank account details. The fourth shareholder, Pitos d.o.o., issued an invoice that was duly received by Nova TV (Croatia) and payment was made thereunder. The other three shareholders claim that they hand-delivered a joint invoice to one of the former directors of Nova TV (Croatia), but we continue to dispute this. Under the Croatian Obligations Act, one party to a contract who has performed may unilaterally rescind a contract if the other party fails to perform after receipt of a written warning. On May 24, 2006, the lower commercial court decided in favor of the plaintiffs to rescind the OK Sale Contract and ordered the defendant to pay court costs. We have appealed the decision on the basis that evidence supporting our position was not allowed to be presented to the court and we continue to challenge the validity of the power of attorney purportedly issued by Richard Anthony Sheldon (a resident of the United Kingdom) to legal counsel representing the other plaintiffs.
On August 28, 2006, we received a lower court decision of an injunction against us (decided without a hearing) that, inter alia, prohibits a sale or encumbrance of 75% of the shares of OK. Although we appealed this decision, the appellate commercial court upheld the lower court’s judgment on November 21, 2006. On November 6, 2006, we were notified of a request for a further injunction that would, inter alia, prohibit us from taking any actions to decrease the value of OK and require the management of OK to report to a delegate of the former shareholders. We have unsuccessfully sought the removal of the presiding judge, Raul Dubravec (who also presided over the Global Communications lawsuit against Nova TV (Croatia)). Mr. Dubravec ruled against us on December 18, 2006, requiring imposition of a temporary director for OK, which is not a remedy available under Croatian law under the facts of this action. Further, the temporary director who has been appointed is one of the former directors of OK who countersigned the Reconciliation Agreements and is an associate of Ivan Caleta. Our appeal against this decision was denied on May 8, 2007. While we continue to vigorously contest all these actions in the face of serious concerns as to the impartiality of the Croatian judicial system, we are engaged in settlement negotiations with the former shareholders of OK.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Czech Republic
There are no significant outstanding legal actions that relate to our business in the Czech Republic.
Romania
There are no significant outstanding legal actions that relate to our business in Romania.
Slovenia
On November 20, 2002, we received notice of a claim filed by Mrs. Zdenka Meglic, the founder and a former shareholder of MMTV 1 d.o.o (“MMTV”), against MMTV, a subsidiary of CME Media Enterprises B.V. In her claim against MMTV, Mrs. Meglic is seeking an amount equal to EUR 0.8 million (approximately US$ 1.1 million) for repayment of monies advanced to MMTV from 1992 to 1994 (in the amount of approximately EUR 0.1 million (approximately US$ 0.1 million)) plus accrued interest. On September 9, 2004, the court of first instance found against MMTV and issued a judgment requiring MMTV to pay an amount equal to EUR 0.8 million (approximately US$ 1.1 million) plus interest as well as costs. On September 24, 2004, MMTV filed an appeal against the judgment. On December 15, 2004, the appellate court vacated the judgment of the lower court and returned the case for further proceedings. At a hearing on September 4, 2007, the lower court denied the claim of Mrs. Meglic and ordered her to pay MMTV’s costs of litigation. Mrs. Meglic filed an appeal on September 24, 2007.
Slovak Republic
There are no significant outstanding legal actions that relate to our business in the Slovak Republic.
Ukraine
On December 23, 2005, we initiated international arbitration proceedings against our partners Alexander Rodnyansky and Boris Fuchsmann to enforce our contractual rights and compel a restructuring of the ownership of Studio 1+1 in order to permit us to hold a 60.0% interest in Studio 1+1. Following the adoption of an amendment to the Ukraine Media Law in March 2006, our partners acknowledged their obligation to structure had ripened; and in September 2006, they entered into agreements to effect a restructuring. On November 9, 2006, the arbitration proceedings were suspended by mutual consent to permit the parties to implement the restructuring. On August 30, 2007, we succeeded in registering our Ukrainian subsidiary UMS as the owner of 42.0% of Studio 1+1. Together with our 18.0% indirect interest in Studio 1+1 held through Inter-Media, we now have a 60% interest in Studio 1+1.
On September 4, 2007, Mr. Fuchsmann and Mr. Rodnyansky sought to file a cross action in these international arbitration proceedings to compel the transfer by us of an interest in Ukrpromtorg to Mr. Fuchsmann and Mr.Rodnyansky. They allege that they are entitled to participate on a pro rata basis in our investment in Ukrpromtorg. This claim is based on the terms of our shareholders’ agreement pursuant to which we and our partners have a limited right to participate on a pro rata basis in investment opportunities in the Ukrainian media sector undertaken by the other. In our response to this cross action, we intend to deny any breach of our shareholders’ agreement and request that the tribunal hold the cross action inadmissible in the current arbitration proceedings, whose subject matter is the restructuring, and terminate these proceedings.
b) Licenses
Regulatory bodies in each country in which we operate control access to available frequencies through licensing regimes. We believe that the licenses for our license companies will be renewed prior to expiry. In Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine local regulations contain a qualified presumption for extensions of broadcast licenses, according to which a broadcast license may be renewed if the licensee has operated substantially in compliance with the relevant licensing regime. To date, all expiring licenses have been renewed; however, there can be no assurance that any of the licenses will be renewed upon expiration of their current terms. The failure of any such license to be renewed could adversely affect the results of our operations.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
The following summarizes the expiry dates of our television broadcasting licenses:
Croatia | The license of NOVA TV (Croatia) expires in April 2010. |
Czech Republic | The license of TV NOVA (Czech Republic) expires in January 2017. The GALAXIE SPORT license expires in March 2014. |
Romania | Licenses expire on dates ranging from November 2007 to March 2016. |
Slovak Republic | The license of MARKIZA TV in the Slovak Republic expires in September 2019. |
Slovenia | The licenses of POP TV and KANAL A expire in August 2012. |
Ukraine | The 15-hour prime time and off prime time license of STUDIO 1+1 expires in December 2016. The license to broadcast for the remaining nine hours in off prime expires in August 2014. Licenses used for the KINO and CITI channels expire on dates ranging from June 2008 to July 2016. |
c) Restrictions on dividends from Consolidated Subsidiaries and Unconsolidated Affiliates
Corporate law in the Central and Eastern European countries in which we have operations stipulates generally that dividends may be declared by shareholders, out of yearly profits, subject to the maintenance of registered capital and required reserves after the recovery of accumulated losses. The reserve requirement restriction generally provides that before dividends may be distributed, a portion of annual net profits (typically 5%) be allocated to a reserve, which reserve is capped at a proportion of the registered capital of a company (ranging from 5% to 25%). The restricted net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries and equity in earnings of investments accounted for under the equity method together are less than 25% of consolidated net assets.
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 5, 2007, we entered into a framework agreement with Igor Kolomoisky and certain parties related to him. Under the framework agreement, Mr. Kolomoisky has represented to CME that he has secured a valid right to purchase a 21.665% interest in each of IMS and Innova from Boris Fuchsmann and a 15.164% interest in Studio 1+1 from Alexander Rodnyansky (collectively, the “Optioned Interests”). We currently hold, directly and indirectly, a 60% interest in each of IMS, Innova and Studio 1+1, which are the principal entities through which the operations of Studio 1+1 are conducted.
This framework agreement establishes a procedure by which we consent to the exercise of such rights by Mr. Kolomoisky in order to permit Torcensta Holding Ltd (“Torcensta”) to acquire, directly or indirectly, the Optioned Interests. Mr. Kolomoisky is the sole beneficial owner of Torcensta. Following the exercise of these option rights by Mr. Kolomoisky and the acquisition of the Optioned Interests by Torcensta, we will have the right to acquire Torcensta from Mr. Kolomoisky for consideration in cash or shares of our Class A Common Stock in an amount that will not exceed US$ 140 million (as described below). We have granted such consent and Mr. Kolomoisky has sought to exercise his purchase rights. It is our understanding that our partners have not formally acknowledged the exercise by Mr. Kolomoisky of this purchase right. Accordingly, the timing of the acquisition of the Optioned Interests by Torcensta is very uncertain.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
On October 30, 2007, we entered into a purchase agreement with Mr. Kolomoisky and Torcensta and a pledge agreement with Mr. Kolomoisky and the two nominee shareholders of Torcensta in order to implement certain terms of the framework agreement.
Under the purchase agreement, we will acquire 100% of Torcensta following its becoming the owner of the Optioned Interests and the satisfaction of other conditions to closing . In the event we exercise such option, the consideration shall be an amount equal to the lesser of (i) US$ 140.0 million and (ii) 4% of the number of our outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock at the time the Optioned Interests are acquired by Torcensta (using a weighted average trading price), provided, that in the event the lesser amount is US$ 140.0 million, Mr. Kolomoisky will have the option of receiving his consideration in cash or shares of our Class A Common Stock (using the weighted average trading price).
Under the pledge agreement, Mr. Kolomoisky has pledged his beneficial interest in Torcensta and the two nominee shareholders will pledge their shares in Torcensta as security for the obligation under the purchase agreement to transfer Torcensta to us.
Contents
I. | Forward-looking Statements |
III. | Analysis of Segment Results |
IV. | Analysis of the Results of Consolidated Operations |
V. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
VI. | Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates |
I. Forward-looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements, including the impact of the competitive market dynamics and political environment in Ukraine, the impact of legal proceedings in Croatia, the results of additional investment in Croatia and Ukraine, the implementation of an advertising sales strategy in the Czech Republic and cost reductions in the Czech and Slovak Republics, our ability to develop and implement multi-channel strategies generally, the growth of television advertising in our markets, the future economic conditions in our markets, future investments in television broadcast operations, the growth potential of advertising spending in our markets, and other business strategies and commitments. For these statements and all other forward-looking statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy or are otherwise beyond our control and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, affecting our strategic plan as well as our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, could differ materially from those described in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that contribute to such risks include, but are not limited to, the general regulatory environments where we operate and application of relevant laws and regulations, the renewals of broadcasting licenses, our ability to implement strategies regarding sales and multi-channel distribution, the rate of development of advertising markets in countries where we operate, our ability to acquire necessary programming and the ability to attract audiences, our ability to obtain additional frequencies and licenses, and general market, regulatory, political and economic conditions in these countries as well as in the United States and Western Europe.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Part II, Item 1A, in addition to our interim financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this report.
II. Executive Summary
Continuing Operations
The following table provides a summary of our consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | $ | 174,836 | | | $ | 112,482 | | | $ | 62,354 | |
Operating income | | | 34,950 | | | | 6,571 | | | | 28,379 | |
Net (loss) / income from continuing operations | | | (18,763 | ) | | | 6,267 | | | | (25,030 | ) |
Net (loss) / income | | $ | (18,763 | ) | | $ | 3,934 | | | $ | (22,697 | ) |
| | | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | $ | 539,032 | | | $ | 388,825 | | | $ | 150,207 | |
Operating income | | | 120,785 | | | | 66,787 | | | | 53,998 | |
Net income / (loss) from continuing operations | | | 15,577 | | | | (945 | ) | | | 16,522 | |
Net income / (loss) | | $ | 15,577 | | | $ | (5,808 | ) | | $ | 21,385 | |
The principal events for the three months ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:
| · | In the three months ended September 30, 2007, we reported growth in Segment Net Revenues of 55% and Segment EBITDA of 147% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, delivering a Segment EBITDA margin of 37% compared to the 23% margin reported in the three months ended September 30, 2006 (Segment EBITDA is defined and reconciled to our consolidated results in Part I, Item 1, Note 16). |
| · | Each of our stations reported revenue growth in excess of 25% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, with particularly strong growth reported in Ukraine as a result of the level of political advertising ahead of the parliamentary elections on September 30, 2007. |
| · | On July 13, 2007, we acquired an additional 20.0% interest in Markiza for aggregate consideration of SKK 1.9 billion (approximately US$ 78.5 million) and now own 100.0% of our Slovak Republic operations. |
| · | On August 22, 2007, we entered into a new facility with EBRD, ING and CS in the amount of EUR 50.0 million, while at the same time reducing the interest payable on our existing EUR 100.0 facility to EURIBOR +1.625% from the previous EURIBOR + 2.75%. |
| · | On August 30, 2007 we issued 1,275,227 shares of our Class A Common Stock to Igor Kolomoisky for cash consideration of US$ 110.0 million. In connection with this investment, Mr. Kolomoisky was appointed to our Board of Directors. |
| · | On August 30, 2007 we completed the registration of a 42% direct ownership interest in Studio 1+1 via a Ukrainian subsidiary company, thereby securing control over the Studio 1+1 broadcasting licenses. |
| · | On September 10, 2007, Standard & Poor’s upgraded our corporate credit rating from BB- to BB. |
Events that occurred subsequent to September 30, 2007 have been as follows:
| · | On October 17, 2007, we appointed Adrian Sarbu as our Chief Operating Officer. |
Future Developments
As our markets mature and move towards digitalization, we anticipate more intense competition for audience share and advertising spending from other incumbent terrestrial broadcasters and, to a lesser extent, from local cable, satellite and digital terrestrial broadcasters as these develop. We believe the strength of our brands and prudent investments in production programming and technology will allow us to manage effectively such increased competition. In the near term we intend to continue to pursue further improvements in the performance of our existing operations, including through increased investment in local production, in order to maximize the potential for organic growth. In Croatia, we believe that our strategy and investments are beginning to bring consistent positive results, creating a solid foundation for Nova TV (Croatia) to reach break even before the end of 2008 and in 2009 on a full year basis. In Ukraine, we expect continued strong market growth over the medium term. Our performance in the fourth quarter of 2007 will depend on our ability to generate GRPs and sustained advertising spending following the September parliamentary elections.
Our priorities include:
· | supporting the growth of television advertising spending in our markets through our existing operations and through the launch or acquisition of additional channels to expand our advertising inventory and target niche audiences; |
· | pursuing sub-regional efficiencies, especially in the area of local programming between Slovenia and Croatia and between the Czech and Slovak Republics; |
· | leveraging our existing brands and assets to develop new revenue opportunities, including in the creation and distribution of programming and in the new media sectors; and |
· | continuing to expand our footprint into additional Central and Eastern European markets when financially prudent opportunities arise. |
In particular, we are planning the following during the remainder of 2007:
· | additional investment in Russian series and local programming by STUDIO 1+1, which have driven ratings historically, and in our other Ukraine channels KINO and CITI, which were launched in 2006; |
· | further development of our non-broadcast activities, particularly in new media; |
· | acquisition of additional shares in our operations in Ukraine if the opportunity arises; and |
· | continuing to invest in our Croatia operations. |
III. Analysis of Segment Results
OVERVIEW
We manage our business on a geographic basis and review the performance of each business segment using data that reflects 100% of operating and license company results. We also consider how much of our total revenues and earnings are derived from our broadcast and non-broadcast operations. Our business segments are comprised of Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and our two businesses in Ukraine.
We evaluate the performance of our business segments based on Segment Net Revenues and Segment EBITDA. Segment Net Revenues and Segment EBITDA include our operations in the Slovak Republic which were not consolidated prior to January 23, 2006.
Our key performance measure of the efficiency of our business segments is EBITDA margin. We define Segment EBITDA margin as the ratio of Segment EBITDA to Segment Net Revenues.
Segment EBITDA is determined as segment net income/loss, which includes program rights amortization costs, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets. Items that are not allocated to our segments for purposes of evaluating their performance, and therefore are not included in Segment EBITDA, include:
· | expenses presented as corporate operating costs in our condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income; |
· | stock-based compensation charges; |
· | foreign currency exchange gains and losses; |
· | change in fair value of derivatives; and |
· | certain unusual or infrequent items (e.g., extraordinary gains and losses, impairments of assets or investments). |
EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Non-US GAAP measures should be evaluated in conjunction with, and are not a substitute for, US GAAP financial measures.
We believe Segment EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides a more meaningful representation of our performance as it excludes certain items that either do not impact our cash flows or the operating results of our stations. Segment EBITDA is also used as a component in determining management bonuses.
For a full reconciliation of our Segment Net Revenues and Segment EBITDA by operation to our consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, see Part I, Item 1, Note 16.
A summary of our total Segment Net Revenues, Segment EBITDA and Segment EBITDA margin showing the relative contribution of each Segment, is as follows:
SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | | (1 | ) | | 2006 | | | | (1 | ) |
Segment Net Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | 7,055 | | | | 4 | % | | $ | 4,288 | | | | 4 | % |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA, GALAXIE SPORT) | | | 51,140 | | | | 29 | % | | | 40,141 | | | | 36 | % |
Romania (2) | | | 44,412 | | | | 25 | % | | | 29,298 | | | | 26 | % |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) | | | 20,286 | | | | 12 | % | | | 13,895 | | | | 12 | % |
Slovenia (POP TV, KANAL A) | | | 11,545 | | | | 7 | % | | | 9,101 | | | | 8 | % |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 39,582 | | | | 23 | % | | | 15,578 | | | | 14 | % |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 816 | | | | - | | | | 181 | | | | - | |
Total Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 174,836 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 112,482 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 173,991 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 111,931 | | | | 100 | % |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 845 | | | | - | | | | 551 | | | | - | |
Total Segment Revenues | | $ | 174,836 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 112,482 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | (2,981 | ) | | | (5 | )% | | $ | (4,558 | ) | | | (17 | )% |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA, GALAXIE SPORT) | | | 25,989 | | | | 41 | % | | | 17,234 | | | | 66 | % |
Romania (2) | | | 19,486 | | | | 30 | % | | | 11,719 | | | | 45 | % |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) | | | 5,544 | | | | 9 | % | | | 2,408 | | | | 9 | % |
Slovenia (POP TV, KANAL A) | | | 854 | | | | 1 | % | | | 1,225 | | | | 5 | % |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 16,599 | | | | 26 | % | | | (838 | ) | | | (3 | )% |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | (1,339 | ) | | | (2 | )% | | | (1,182 | ) | | | (5 | )% |
Total Segment EBITDA | | $ | 64,152 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 26,008 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 65,805 | | | | 103 | % | | $ | 26,119 | | | | 100 | % |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (1,653 | ) | | | (3 | )% | | | (111 | ) | | | - | |
Total Segment EBITDA | | $ | 64,152 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 26,008 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin (3) | | | 37 | % | | | | | | | 23 | % | | | | |
(1) Percentage of Total Segment Net Revenues and Total Segment EBITDA.
(2) Romania networks are PRO TV, PRO CINEMA, ACASA, PRO TV INTERNATIONAL and SPORT.RO.
(3) We define Segment EBITDA margin as the ratio of Segment EBITDA to Segment Net Revenue.
SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | | (1 | ) | | 2006 | | | | (1 | ) |
Segment Net Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | 24,701 | | | | 5 | % | | $ | 13,745 | | | | 3 | % |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA) | | | 183,203 | | | | 34 | % | | | 137,002 | | | | 35 | % |
Romania (2) | | | 135,978 | | | | 25 | % | | | 96,938 | | | | 25 | % |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) (3) | | | 68,615 | | | | 13 | % | | | 45,147 | | | | 12 | % |
Slovenia (POP TV, KANAL A) | | | 44,309 | | | | 8 | % | | | 34,883 | | | | 9 | % |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 80,358 | | | | 15 | % | | | 62,117 | | | | 16 | % |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) (4) | | | 1,868 | | | | - | | | | 754 | | | | - | |
Total Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 539,032 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 390,586 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 536,964 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 388,906 | | | | 100 | % |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 2,068 | | | | - | | | | 1,680 | | | | - | |
Total Segment Revenues | | $ | 539,032 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 390,586 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | (9,800 | ) | | | (5 | )% | | $ | (11,639 | ) | | | (10 | )% |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA) | | | 99,251 | | | | 52 | % | | | 59,569 | | | | 49 | % |
Romania (2) | | | 57,152 | | | | 30 | % | | | 39,756 | | | | 32 | % |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) (3) | | | 23,012 | | | | 12 | % | | | 9,258 | | | | 8 | % |
Slovenia (POP TV, KANAL A) | | | 12,243 | | | | 6 | % | | | 10,688 | | | | 9 | % |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 14,794 | | | | 8 | % | | | 16,183 | | | | 13 | % |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) (4) | | | (5,511 | ) | | | (3 | )% | | | (1,736 | ) | | | (1 | )% |
Total Segment EBITDA | | $ | 191,141 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 122,079 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 193,538 | | | | 101 | % | | $ | 122,035 | | | | 100 | % |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (2,397 | ) | | | (1 | )% | | | 44 | | | | - | |
Total Segment EBITDA | | $ | 191,141 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 122,079 | | | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin (5) | | | 35 | % | | | | | | | 31 | % | | | | |
(1) Percentage of Total Segment Net Revenues and Total Segment EBITDA.
(2) Romania networks are PRO TV, PRO CINEMA, ACASA, PRO TV INTERNATIONAL and SPORT.RO.
(3) Our Slovak Republic operations were accounted for as an equity affiliate until January 23, 2006.
(4) We acquired our Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations on January 11, 2006.
(5) We define Segment EBITDA margin as the ratio of Segment EBITDA to Segment Net Revenue.
ANALYSIS BY GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT
In the countries in which we operate, advertisers tend to allocate their television advertising budgets among channels based on each channel's audience share, audience demographic profile and pricing policy. We generally offer two different bases of pricing to our advertising customers. The first basis is cost per gross rating point (“GRP”). A GRP represents the percentage of audience (from the population over the age of four) reached by a television advertisement and the number of GRPs achieved for a defined time period is the product of the proportion of that total viewing population watching that television advertisement and the frequency that it is viewed (as measured by international measurement agencies using peoplemeters). The second basis is rate-card, which reflects the timing and duration of an advertisement. Whether advertising is sold on a GRP basis or a rate-card basis depends on the dynamics of a particular market and our relative audience share.
Cost per GRP pricing: Advertising priced on a cost per GRP basis allows an advertiser to specify the number of GRPs that it wants to achieve with an advertisement within a defined period of time. We schedule the timing of the airing of the advertisements during such defined period of time in a manner that enables us both to meet the advertiser's GRP target and to maximize the use and profitability of our available advertising programming time. The price per GRP package varies depending on the demographic group that the advertisement is targeting, the flexibility given to us by advertisers in scheduling their advertisements and the rebates offered by us to advertising agencies and their clients. GRP package sales generally allow for better inventory control than rate-card pricing and optimize the net price per GRP achieved.
Rate-card pricing: Advertising priced on a rate-card basis is applied to advertisements scheduled at a specific time. Consistent with industry practice, we provide an incentive rebate on rate-card prices to a number of advertising agencies and their clients. We recognize our advertising revenue net of rebates at the time the relevant advertisement is broadcast.
The majority of our advertising customers commit to annual minimum spending levels. We usually schedule specific advertisements one month in advance of broadcasting them. Prices paid by advertisers, whether they purchase advertising time on a GRP package or rate-card basis, tend to be higher during peak viewing months, particularly during the fourth quarter, than during off-peak months such as July and August.
When describing relative performance against other competitors in attracting audience we refer to ratings share, which represents the number of people watching a channel as a proportion of the total population, and audience share, which represents the share attracted by a channel of the total audience watching television.
Our goal is to increase revenues from advertising in local currency year-on-year in every market through disciplined management of our advertising inventory. In any given period, revenue changes can be attributable to combinations of price fluctuations, different inventory sales, seasonal or time-of-day incentives, target-audience delivery of specific campaigns, introductory pricing for new clients or audience movements based on our competitors’ program schedule.
For the purposes of our management discussion and analysis, total television advertising revenue net of rebates is referred to as “spot revenues”. Non-spot revenues refers to all other revenues, including those from sponsorship, game shows, program sales, text messaging, cable subscriptions and barter transactions. The total of spot revenues and non-spot revenues is equal to Segment Net Revenues.
(A) CROATIA
Market Background: We estimate that the television advertising market in Croatia experienced local currency growth of approximately 2% - 5% in 2006 and expect it to show single digit growth during 2007.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2007, national all day audience share for NOVA TV (Croatia) grew to 18.7% compared to 14.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The major competitors are the two state-owned channels, HRT1 and HRT2, with national all day audience shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 of 26.3% and 18.1%, respectively, and privately owned broadcaster RTL with 27.6%.
Prime time audience share for NOVA TV (Croatia), which is our principal focus, grew from 16.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 19.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Our average prime time ratings increased from 6.8% to 7.1% over comparable periods, while prime time ratings for the whole market decreased from 42.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006, to 35.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
| | CROATIA SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 5,308 | | | $ | 3,022 | | | $ | 2,286 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 1,747 | | | | 1,266 | | | | 481 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 7,055 | | | $ | 4,288 | | | $ | 2,767 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 6,976 | | | $ | 4,284 | | | $ | 2,692 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 79 | | | | 4 | | | | 75 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 7,055 | | | $ | 4,288 | | | $ | 2,767 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (2,981 | ) | | $ | (4,558 | ) | | $ | 1,577 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | (3,002 | ) | | $ | (4,512 | ) | | $ | 1,510 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 21 | | | | (46 | ) | | | 67 | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (2,981 | ) | | $ | (4,558 | ) | | $ | 1,577 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | (42 | )% | | | (106 | )% | | | 64 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 2.8 million, or 65%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment Net Revenues increased by 52%. Spot revenues increased by US$ 2.3 million, or 76%, as a result of significant increases in the volume of GRPs sold and the average revenue per rating point sold. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 0.5 million, or 38%, as a result of increased levels of sponsorship. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was a loss of US$ 3.0 million compared to a loss of US$ 4.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2006, an improvement of 35%. In local currency, Segment EBITDA improved by 40%. |
Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 1.2 million, or 13%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming decreased by US$ 1.0 million, or 16%, due largely to the reclassification of the salary-related costs of production staff from cost of programming to operating costs in the three months ended September 30, 2006; excluding the impact of this change in classification, cost of programming increased by US$ 0.6 million, or 14%, primarily due to increased investment in programming to continue to grow ratings. Other operating costs increased by US$ 1.7 million, or 316%, primarily due to the difference in classification described above; excluding the impact of this change in classification, other operating costs increased by US$ 0.1 million, or 4%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 0.5 million, or 22%.
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
| | CROATIA SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 18,812 | | | $ | 10,773 | | | $ | 8,039 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 5,889 | | | | 2,972 | | | | 2,917 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 24,701 | | | $ | 13,745 | | | $ | 10,956 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 24,592 | | | $ | 13,741 | | | $ | 10,851 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 109 | | | | 4 | | | | 105 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 24,701 | | | $ | 13,745 | | | $ | 10,956 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (9,800 | ) | | $ | (11,639 | ) | | $ | 1,839 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | (9,769 | ) | | $ | (11,593 | ) | | $ | 1,824 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (31 | ) | | | (46 | ) | | | 15 | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (9,800 | ) | | $ | (11,639 | ) | | $ | 1,839 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | (40 | )% | | | (85 | )% | | | 45 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 11.0 million, or 80%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment Net Revenues increased by 67%. Spot revenues increased by US$ 8.0 million, or 75%, as a result of a significant increase in the volume of GRPs sold, augmented by increased prices. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 2.9 million, or 98%, as a result of increased levels of sponsorship. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was a loss of US$ 9.8 million compared to a loss of US$ 11.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an improvement of 16%. In local currency, Segment EBITDA improved by 22%. |
Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 9.1 million, or 36%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming increased by US$ 6.8 million, or 47%, due to increased investment in local productions and syndicated programming in line with our plan to grow audience share. Other operating costs increased by US$ 0.9 million, or 15%, due to higher salary and wage costs, higher transmission costs as a result of increased transmitter coverage and also higher music rights costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 1.4 million, or 29%.
(B) CZECH REPUBLIC
Market Background: We estimate that the television advertising market in the Czech Republic remained stable in local currency during 2006. We expect the television advertising market to show high single digit growth in 2007. State television has reduced the amount of airtime that can be devoted to commercial advertising to 0.5% in 2007.
The national all day audience share of our channel, TV NOVA (Czech Republic), for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 39.8% compared to 41.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The major competitors are the two state-owned channels CT1 and CT2, with national all day audience shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 of 22.6% and 8.2% respectively, and privately owned broadcaster TV Prima with a national all day audience share of 19.8%.
Prime time audience share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 remained in line with the nine months ended September 30, 2006 at 43.3%. Our average prime time ratings decreased from 16.7% to 15.8% over comparable periods, while prime time ratings for the whole market decreased from 38.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 36.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, reflecting the extremely warm weather enjoyed by much of Europe in 2007.
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
| | CZECH REPUBLIC SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 45,541 | | | $ | 35,757 | | | $ | 9,784 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 5,599 | | | | 4,384 | | | | 1,215 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 51,140 | | | $ | 40,141 | | | $ | 10,999 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 51,032 | | | $ | 39,957 | | | $ | 11,075 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 108 | | | | 184 | | | | (76 | ) |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 51,140 | | | $ | 40,141 | | | $ | 10,999 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 25,989 | | | $ | 17,234 | | | $ | 8,755 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 26,258 | | | $ | 17,202 | | | $ | 9,056 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (269 | ) | | | 32 | | | | (301 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 25,989 | | | $ | 17,234 | | | $ | 8,755 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 51 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 8 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 11.0 million, or 27%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment Net Revenues increased by 16%. Spot revenues increased by US$ 9.8 million, or 27%, primarily due to increased average revenue per rating point sold, as well as small increase in the volume of GRPs sold. Non-spot revenue increased by US$ 1.2 million, or 28%, primarily due to increased sponsorship. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 8.8 million, or 51%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 51% compared to 43% in the three months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment EBITDA increased by 36%. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 2.2 million, or 10%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming increased by US$ 2.6 million, or 23%, due to increased investment in both local productions and syndicated programming, particularly in July and August, in order to maintain market share. Other operating costs decreased by US$ 0.7 million, or 12%, due to lower salary and wage costs, partially offset by higher transmission costs as a result of increased transmitter coverage and also higher music rights costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 0.3 million, or 5%, primarily due to increased office running costs and marketing and research costs, partially offset by a reduction in consultancy fees. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
| | CZECH REPUBLIC SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 166,253 | | | $ | 118,590 | | | $ | 47,663 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 16,950 | | | | 18,412 | | | | (1,462 | ) |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 183,203 | | | $ | 137,002 | | | $ | 46,201 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 183,001 | | | $ | 136,451 | | | $ | 46,550 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 202 | | | | 551 | | | | (349 | ) |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 183,203 | | | $ | 137,002 | | | $ | 46,201 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 99,251 | | | $ | 59,569 | | | $ | 39,682 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 100,017 | | | $ | 59,521 | | | $ | 40,496 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (766 | ) | | | 48 | | | | (814 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 99,251 | | | $ | 59,569 | | | $ | 39,682 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 54 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 11 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 46.2 million, or 34%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment Net Revenues increased by 22%. Spot revenues increased by US$ 47.7 million, or 40%, primarily due to an increase in the volume of GRPs sold, particularly in the first half as well as increased average revenue per rating point sold. Non-spot revenue decreased by US$ 1.5 million, or 8%, primarily due to a reduction in the number of shows generating voting revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to those programs broadcast in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and a reduction in votes in the shows that were broadcast, partially offset by increased sponsorship. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 39.7 million, or 67%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 54% compared to 43% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment EBITDA increased by 52%. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 6.5 million, or 8%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming increased by US$ 2.7 million, or 6%, due to a combination of the impact of price inflation on foreign programming and increased investment in local productions. Other operating costs increased by US$ 3.6 million, or 19%, primarily due to increased accruals for performance-related bonus payments, as well as higher transmission costs as a result of increased transmitter coverage and also higher music rights costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 0.2 million, or 1%, due to increased office running costs and marketing and research costs, partially offset by a reduction in consultancy fees. |
(C) ROMANIA
Market Background: We estimate that the television advertising market grew by approximately 32% - 37% in dollars during 2006. We expect the television advertising market to show continued growth in the range of 30% to 40% in 2007.
The combined national all day audience share of PRO TV, ACASA and PRO CINEMA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 22.2% compared to 24.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. On March 1, 2007, we acquired the license to broadcast SPORT.RO which had an all day audience share of 2.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. We re-branded the channel SPORT.RO and re-launched it under its new name during April 2007. The major competitors are TVR1 and ANTENNA, with national all day audience shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 of 12.3% and 4.6%, respectively, and privately owned broadcaster Antena 1 with 11.8%.
Prime time audience share for PRO TV, ACASA and PRO CINEMA decreased from 26.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 23.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. ACASA suffered a decline in share by 3.1%, as the popularity of our successful telenovellas has diminished following the decision by other competing stations to produce similar programs, while an increase in share for PRO CINEMA of 0.3% was offset by a 0.2% decrease in PRO TV. Our average prime time ratings decreased from 9.9% to 8.2% over comparable periods, while prime time ratings for the whole market decreased from 38.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 35.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, reflecting the unusually warm weather conditions as well as the increased popularity of other forms of entertainment.
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
| | ROMANIA SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 41,146 | | | $ | 27,239 | | | $ | 13,907 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 3,266 | | | | 2,059 | | | | 1,207 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 44,412 | | | $ | 29,298 | | | $ | 15,114 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 44,326 | | | $ | 29,298 | | | $ | 15,028 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 86 | | | | - | | | | 86 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 44,412 | | | $ | 29,298 | | | $ | 15,114 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 19,486 | | | $ | 11,719 | | | $ | 7,767 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 19,613 | | | $ | 11,733 | | | $ | 7,880 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (127 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (113 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 19,486 | | | $ | 11,719 | | | $ | 7,767 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 44 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 4 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 15.1 million, or 52%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 13.9 million, or 51%, driven primarily by increases in the average revenue per rating point sold in each of our channels, which more than offset a decline in the volume of GRPs sold. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 1.2 million, or 59%, primarily due to increased cable tariff revenue. The acquisition of Sport.ro added approximately US$ 1.9 million to our revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 7.8 million, or 66%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 44%, compared to 40% in the three months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 7.3 million, or 42%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming grew by US$ 4.4 million, or 41%, due partially to the inclusion of the salary-related costs of production staff within cost of programming rather than operating costs; excluding the impact of this change in classification, cost of programming increased by US$ 1.7 million, or 16%, as a result of increased market competition and investment in quality programming. Other operating costs increased by US$ 1.5 million, or 30%, after the difference in classification described above; excluding the impact of this change in classification, other operating costs increased by US$ 4.2 million, or 83%, primarily due to the impact of a weaker dollar on local currency denominated staffing costs and an increase in social security costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 1.4 million, or 79%, primarily due to increased consultancy fees, increased office running costs and increased marketing and research costs. The acquisition of Sport.ro added approximately US$ 0.3 million to our Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
| | ROMANIA SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 126,750 | | | $ | 91,109 | | | $ | 35,641 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 9,228 | | | | 5,829 | | | | 3,399 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 135,978 | | | $ | 96,938 | | | $ | 39,040 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 135,836 | | | $ | 96,938 | | | $ | 38,898 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 142 | | | | - | | | | 142 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 135,978 | | | $ | 96,938 | | | $ | 39,040 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 57,152 | | | $ | 39,756 | | | $ | 17,396 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 57,512 | | | $ | 39,770 | | | $ | 17,742 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (360 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (346 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 57,152 | | | $ | 39,756 | | | $ | 17,396 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 42 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 1 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 39.0 million, or 40%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 35.6 million, or 39%, driven primarily by increases in the average revenue per rating point sold in each of our channels, which more than offset a decline in the volume of GRPs sold, particularly in the first half. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 3.4 million, or 58%, primarily due to increased cable tariff revenue. The acquisition of Sport.ro added approximately US$ 4.8 million to our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. |
Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 17.4 million, or 44%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 42% compared to 41% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 21.6 million, or 38%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming grew by US$ 18.8 million, or 53%, due partially to the inclusion of the salary-related costs of production staff within cost of programming rather than operating costs; excluding the impact of this change in classification, cost of programming increased by US$ 12.1 million, or 34%, as a result of increased market competition and investment in quality programming. Other operating costs increased by US$ 0.9 million, or 6%, after the difference in classification described above; excluding the impact of this change in classification, other operating costs increased by US$ 7.6 million, or 50%, primarily due to the impact of a weaker dollar on local currency denominated staffing costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 1.9 million, or 30%, primarily due to increased consultancy fees, increased office running costs and increased marketing and research costs. The acquisition of Sport.ro added approximately US$ 1.1 million to our Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
(D) SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Market Background: We estimate that the television advertising market in the Slovak Republic experienced local currency growth of approximately 5% - 7% in 2006. We expect the television advertising market to show growth in the range of 20% - 30% in 2007.
MARKIZA TV is the leading channel in the Slovak Republic. National all day audience share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 34.5% compared to 32.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The major competitor is the state-owned channel STV1, with a national all day audience share of 17.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The national all day audience share of TV JOJ, the only other significant privately owned channel, was 15.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Our prime time audience share increased from 34.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 38.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily due to strong local programs such as Bailando and Neighbors. Our average prime time ratings increased from 12.7% to 14.0% over comparable periods, while prime time ratings for the whole market decreased from 37.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 36.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
| | SLOVAK REPUBLIC SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 19,344 | | | $ | 12,735 | | | $ | 6,609 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 942 | | | | 1,160 | | | | (218 | ) |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 20,286 | | | $ | 13,895 | | | $ | 6,391 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 20,183 | | | $ | 13,880 | | | $ | 6,303 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 103 | | | | 15 | | | | 88 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 20,286 | | | $ | 13,895 | | | $ | 6,391 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 5,544 | | | $ | 2,408 | | | $ | 3,136 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 5,656 | | | $ | 2,460 | | | $ | 3,196 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (112 | ) | | | (52 | ) | | | (60 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 5,544 | | | $ | 2,408 | | | $ | 3,136 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 27 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 10 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 6.4 million, or 46%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment Net Revenues increased by 19%. The increase in Segment Net Revenues was due to an increase of US$ 6.6 million, or 52%, in spot revenues, offset by a decrease of US$ 0.2 million, or 19%, in non-spot revenues. The increase in spot revenues is mainly due to an increase in the average revenue per rating point sold, as well as a slight increase in the volume of GRPs sold. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 3.1 million, or 130%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 27%, compared to 17% in the three months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment EBITDA increased by 88%. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 3.3 million, or 29%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming increased by US$ 2.4 million, or 45%, primarily due to increased investment in local productions such as a local version of Pop Idol, which was launched in September 2007, and syndicated programming. Other operating costs increased by US$ 0.9 million, or 22%, primarily due to increased salary and wage costs and increased broadcast and operating expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were in line with the three months ended September 30, 2006. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
| | SLOVAK REPUBLIC SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 65,913 | | | $ | 42,231 | | | $ | 23,682 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 2,702 | | | | 2,916 | | | | (214 | ) |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 68,615 | | | $ | 45,147 | | | $ | 23,468 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 68,408 | | | $ | 45,126 | | | $ | 23,282 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 207 | | | | 21 | | | | 186 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 68,615 | | | $ | 45,147 | | | $ | 23,468 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 23,012 | | | $ | 9,258 | | | $ | 13,754 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 23,409 | | | $ | 9,329 | | | $ | 14,080 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (397 | ) | | | (71 | ) | | | (326 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 23,012 | | | $ | 9,258 | | | $ | 13,754 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 34 | % | | | 21 | % | | | 13 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 23.5 million, or 52%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment Net Revenues increased by 31%. The increase in Segment Net Revenues was due to an increase of US$ 23.7 million, or 56%, in spot revenues, partially offset by a decrease of US$ 0.2 million in non-spot revenues. The increase in spot revenues is mainly due to an increase in the average revenue per rating point sold as well as an increase in the volume of GRPs sold. Our advertising revenues benefited from the launch of a new mobile phone operator during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as well as increased spending from existing customers, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included approximately US$ 1.8 million in respect of the period prior to January 23, 2006 when Markiza was accounted for as an equity affiliate. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 13.8 million, or 149%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 34% compared to 21% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. In local currency, Segment EBITDA increased by 81%. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 9.7 million, or 27%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming increased by US$ 5.6 million, or 30%, due to increased investment in local productions and syndicated programming; the amount charged in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included a charge of US$ 0.7 million to write off an unsuccessful show. Other operating costs increased by US$ 3.2 million, or 28%, due to increase salary and wage costs, increased accruals for performance-related bonus payments, increased broadcast and operating expenses and increased music right costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 0.9 million, or 16%, primarily due to increased consultancy and increased marketing and research costs, in addition to increased office running costs. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included US$ 1.7 million of programming costs, US$ 0.9 million of other operating costs and US$ 0.4 million of selling, general and administrative expenses in respect of the period prior to January 23, 2006, when Markiza was accounted for as an equity affiliate. |
(E) SLOVENIA
Market Background: We estimate that the television advertising market in Slovenia experienced local currency growth of approximately 6% - 8% in 2006. We expect the television advertising market to show low single digit growth in 2007.
The combined national all day audience share of our two channels decreased from 37.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 37.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The major competitors are state-owned channels SLO1 and SLO2, with national all day audience shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 of 22.9% and 8.6%, respectively.
Our prime time audience share decreased from 44.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 42.9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, with an increased share in KANAL A, partially offsetting a decreased share in POP TV. Our average prime time ratings decreased from 14.2% to 13.8% over comparable periods, while prime time ratings for the whole market increased from 31.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 32.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
On January 1, 2007 Slovenia adopted the Euro and we adopted the Euro as the functional currency of our Slovenia operations in place of the Slovenian Tolar.
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
| | SLOVENIA SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 10,413 | | | $ | 8,637 | | | $ | 1,776 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 1,132 | | | | 464 | | | | 668 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 11,545 | | | $ | 9,101 | | | $ | 2,444 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 11,076 | | | $ | 8,753 | | | $ | 2,323 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 469 | | | | 348 | | | | 121 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 11,545 | | | $ | 9,101 | | | $ | 2,444 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 854 | | | $ | 1,225 | | | $ | (371 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 1,869 | | | $ | 1,256 | | | $ | 613 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (1,015 | ) | | | (31 | ) | | | (984 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 854 | | | $ | 1,225 | | | $ | (371 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 7 | % | | | 13 | % | | | (6 | )% |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 2.4 million, or 27%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 1.8 million, or 21%, as our operations benefited from an increase in the average revenue per GRP sold, which more than offset a slight decline in volume. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 0.7 million, or 144%, due to increased short message service (“SMS”) revenues and also increased sponsorship. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by US$ 0.4 million, or 30%, compared to the three months September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 7% compared to 13% in the three months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 2.8 million, or 36%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming grew by US$ 2.7 million, or 83%, due to increased investment in programming in a more competitive market environment. We expect to continue to increase our investment in programming in order to maintain our market leading position. Other operating costs decreased by US$ 0.4 million, or 13%, primarily due to lower salary and freelance costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 0.5 million, or 34%, primarily due to higher consultancy fees, in addition to higher office running costs. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
| | SLOVENIA SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 39,173 | | | $ | 33,312 | | | $ | 5,861 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 5,136 | | | | 1,571 | | | | 3,565 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 44,309 | | | $ | 34,883 | | | $ | 9,426 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 42,901 | | | $ | 33,779 | | | $ | 9,122 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | 1,408 | | | | 1,104 | | | | 304 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 44,309 | | | $ | 34,883 | | | $ | 9,426 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 12,243 | | | $ | 10,688 | | | $ | 1,555 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 12,752 | | | $ | 10,561 | | | $ | 2,191 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (509 | ) | | | 127 | | | | (636 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 12,243 | | | $ | 10,688 | | | $ | 1,555 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 28 | % | | | 31 | % | | | (3 | )% |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 9.4 million, or 27%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 5.9 million, or 18%, as our operations benefited from an increase in the average revenue per rating point sold, which more than offset a slight decline in the volume of GRPs sold. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 3.6 million, or 227%, due to an increased level of sponsorship, and increased SMS revenues. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 1.6 million, or 15%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 28% compared to 31% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 7.9 million, or 33%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming grew by US$ 7.5 million, or 71%, due to increased investment in programming in a more competitive market environment. Other operating costs decreased by US$ 1.1 million, or 12%, primarily due to lower salary and freelance costs, partially offset by higher music rights costs and higher transmitter and associated maintenance costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 1.5 million, or 38%, primarily due to higher marketing and research costs, higher consultancy fees and higher office running costs. |
(F) UKRAINE (STUDIO 1+1)
Market Background: We estimate that the television advertising market in Ukraine, where sales are denominated primarily in dollars, experienced growth of approximately 35% - 45% in 2006. We anticipate market growth in the region of 20% - 30% in 2007.
STUDIO 1+1 had a national all day audience share of 15.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 18.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Our competitors include Inter, with a national all day audience share of 20.4%, Novy Kanal with 7.5%, ICTV with 6.9% and STB with 6.9%.
Our prime time audience share decreased from 23.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 17.7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Our average prime time ratings decreased from 8.4% to 5.9% over comparable periods, while prime time ratings for the whole market decreased from 35.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 33.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Our share in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflected the outstanding success of a show called Ugly Betty, which ran in the first half of the year. In 2007, our competitor, Inter, has taken significant share with another outstanding show, Tatiana’s Day, which will run through the first quarter of 2008. In addition. many larger major channels have lost audience share to new niche channels.
Our independent sales house Video International (Prioritet) lost many of its broadcasting clients to its major rival InterReklama, which now has approximately 70% of available advertising inventory at its disposal for advertising clients. According to Video International, in order to cover the cash costs of financial guarantees to new and existing broadcasting clients, InterReklama discounted prices dramatically in the early part of the year. Subsequently, they have continued to exercise strong negotiating leverage with their significant broadcaster base. However, we have seen a recovery in pricing during the second and third quarters from the heavy discounting in the first quarter.
The television advertising market has shown strong recovery in the third quarter as a result of the level of political advertising ahead of the parliamentary elections that took place on September 30, 2007. However since the elections, commercial advertisers, notably important local advertisers including mobile telephone operators, have continued to be cautious in spending their budgets in light of the continuing political uncertainty arising from the delay in formation of a government.
Following the launch of our autumn program schedule, which we delayed until October in order to avoid the pre-election period, we have experienced some ratings recovery. However, the caution of local advertisers has led to lower sell-out rates across the market than is typical in this important advertising season. These factors can change substantially over the next few weeks and as a result there remains a wide range of possible outcomes for trading in the fourth quarter.
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
| | UKRAINE (STUDIO 1+1) SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 34,461 | | | $ | 14,413 | | | $ | 20,048 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 5,121 | | | | 1,165 | | | | 3,956 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 39,582 | | | $ | 15,578 | | | $ | 24,004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 39,582 | | | $ | 15,578 | | | $ | 24,004 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 39,582 | | | $ | 15,578 | | | $ | 24,004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 16,599 | | | $ | (838 | ) | | $ | 17,437 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 16,750 | | | $ | (838 | ) | | $ | 17,588 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (151 | ) | | | - | | | | (151 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 16,599 | | | $ | (838 | ) | | $ | 17,437 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 42 | % | | | (5 | )% | | | 47 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 24.0 million, or 154%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 20.0 million, or 139%, primarily due to an estimated US$ 16.5 million of political advertising generated from the elections held on September 30, 2007. We achieved a very strong increase in the average revenue per rating point sold as well as a slight increase in the volume of GRPs sold Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 4.0 million, or 340%, primarily due to increased sponsorship, including US$ 1.5 million in political advertising, and the sale of surplus programming. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 17.4 million, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 42% compared to a (5)% Segment EBITDA margin loss in the three months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 6.6 million, or 40%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming grew by US$ 6.5 million, or 67%, with the increase reflecting continued price inflation for Russian programming, which drives strong ratings in the market, as well as increased investment in such programming to improve our programming schedule and boost ratings following disappointing ratings earlier in the year. Other operating costs increased by US$ 1.6 million, or 45%, primarily due to increased salary costs in addition to increased broadcast operating expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by US$ 1.5 million, or 45%, primarily due to decreased taxes, partially offset by higher office running costs. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
| | UKRAINE (STUDIO 1+1) SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 67,567 | | | $ | 54,988 | | | $ | 12,579 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 12,791 | | | | 7,129 | | | | 5,662 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 80,358 | | | $ | 62,117 | | | $ | 18,241 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 80,358 | | | $ | 62,117 | | | $ | 18,241 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 80,358 | | | $ | 62,117 | | | $ | 18,241 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 14,794 | | | $ | 16,183 | | | $ | (1,389 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 15,128 | | | $ | 16,183 | | | $ | (1,055 | ) |
Non-broadcast operations | | | (334 | ) | | | - | | | | (334 | ) |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | 14,794 | | | $ | 16,183 | | | $ | (1,389 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | 18 | % | | | 26 | % | | | (8 | )% |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 18.2 million, or 29%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 12.6 million, or 23%, primarily due to an estimated US$ 16.5 million of political advertising generated from the elections held on September 30, 2007. This offset a decline in revenues from a decrease in the volume of GRPs sold in the first half as our ratings declined due to the poor performance of certain series on Studio 1+1 and increased competition from other broadcasters. In the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we received US$ 8.4 million of political advertising revenue ahead of the parliamentary elections in March 2006 and benefited from the extraordinary ratings success of the Russian series Ugly Betty, which ran until July 2006. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 5.7 million, or 79%, primarily due to the sale of surplus programming and increased sponsorship, including political advertising. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by US$ 1.4 million, or 9%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 18% compared to an EBITDA margin of 26% in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 19.6 million, or 43%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Cost of programming grew by US$ 19.4 million, or 72%, including a charge of US$ 2.7 million in the first half to write off poorly performing programming, principally second runs of American series. The increase in cost of programming reflects continued price inflation for Russian programming, which drives strong ratings in the market, as well as increased investment in such programming to improve our programming schedule and boost ratings following disappointing ratings earlier in the year in comparison with unusually strong programming on Inter. Other operating costs increased by US$ 3.1 million, or 30%, due to increased salary costs and increased broadcast operating expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by US$ 2.9 million, or 34%, primarily due to decreased taxes and reduced bad debt expense, partially offset by higher office running costs. |
We plan continued investment in programming, particularly Russian series throughout the remainder of 2007 and 2008 as we seek to recover audience share and improve profitability. The performance of our Ukraine operations remains subject both to political developments, which can have a significant impact on market development in the fourth quarter of 2007, and to the competitive dynamics of the market (See Part II, Item IA – “Risk Factors”).
(G) UKRAINE (KINO, CITI)
On January 11, 2006, we acquired a 65.5% interest in Ukrpromtorg, owner of 92.2% of Gravis, which operated the local channels, CHANNEL 35 and CHANNEL 7. In July 2006, we ceased operating CHANNEL 7 and launched a new entertainment channel, KINO, targeted at a younger demographic. On December 1, 2006, we ceased operating CHANNEL 35 and launched a new youth-oriented channel, CITI, with a Kiev-wide reach.
KINO and CITI, both of which target a youth market, have as their main competitors ICTV, TONIS and NTN. As at September 30, 2007, KINO had a national technical reach of approximately 55.3% and in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 achieved a 15-50 prime time audience share in the Kiev region of 2.3%. CITI had a technical reach of approximately 95.0% of the population of the city of Kiev and the Kiev region. In the nine months ended September 30, 2007 CITI achieved a 4+ prime time audience share of 1.6% in Kiev and the Kiev region.
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
| | UKRAINE (KINO, CITI) SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 305 | | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 264 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 511 | | | | 140 | | | | 371 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 816 | | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 635 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 816 | | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 635 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 816 | | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 635 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (1,339 | ) | | $ | (1,182 | ) | | $ | (157 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | (1,339 | ) | | $ | (1,182 | ) | | $ | (157 | ) |
Non-broadcast operations | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (1,339 | ) | | $ | (1,182 | ) | | $ | (157 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | (164 | )% | | | (653 | )% | | | 489 | % |
· | Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 0.6 million, or 351%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 0.3 million, or 644%. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 0.4 million, or 265%, primarily due to increased program sponsorship. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by US$ 0.2 million, or 13%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 0.8 million, or 57%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 as we continued to develop the channels. Cost of programming grew by US$ 0.2 million, or 23%. Other operating costs increased by US$ 0.6 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses were in line with the three months ended September 30, 2006. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
| | UKRAINE (KINO, CITI) SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006(1) | | | Movement | |
Spot revenues | | $ | 783 | | | $ | 362 | | | $ | 421 | |
Non-spot revenues | | | 1,085 | | | | 392 | | | | 693 | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 1,868 | | | $ | 754 | | | $ | 1,114 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | 1,868 | | | $ | 754 | | | $ | 1,114 | |
Non-broadcast operations | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Segment Net Revenues | | $ | 1,868 | | | $ | 754 | | | $ | 1,114 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (5,511 | ) | | $ | (1,736 | ) | | $ | (3,775 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Represented by: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast operations | | $ | (5,511 | ) | | $ | (1,736 | ) | | $ | (3,775 | ) |
Non-broadcast operations | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Segment EBITDA | | $ | (5,511 | ) | | $ | (1,736 | ) | | $ | (3,775 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment EBITDA Margin | | | (295 | )% | | | (230 | )% | | | (65 | )% |
(1) From acquisition on January 11, 2006 only
· | Segment Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 1.1 million, or 148%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Spot revenues increased by US$ 0.4 million, or 116%. Non-spot revenues increased by US$ 0.7 million, or 177%, primarily due to increased program sponsorship. |
· | Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by US$ 3.8 million, or 217%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Costs charged in arriving at Segment EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 4.9 million, or 195%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as we continued to develop the channels. Cost of programming grew by US$ 3.2 million, or 255%. Other operating costs increased by US$ 1.2 million, or 169%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 0.5 million, or 89%. |
PROGRAMMING PAYMENTS AND PROGRAM AMORTIZATION
Our cost of programming for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:
COST OF PROGRAMMING
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000’s) | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Production expenses | | $ | 27,257 | | | $ | 22,932 | | | $ | 95,590 | | | $ | 71,952 | |
Program amortization | | | 38,652 | | | | 24,988 | | | | 119,445 | | | | 77,236 | |
Cost of programming | | $ | 65,909 | | | $ | 47,920 | | | $ | 215,035 | | | $ | 149,188 | |
Production expenses represent the cost of in-house productions and locally commissioned programming that will not be repeated, such as news, current affairs and game shows. The cost of broadcasting all other programming is recorded as program amortization.
Total consolidated programming costs (including amortization of programming rights and production costs) increased by US$ 18.0 million, or 37.5%, in the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to:
| · | US$ 1.0 million reduction in programming costs from our Croatia operations; |
| · | US$ 2.7 million of additional programming costs from our Czech Republic operations. |
| · | US$ 4.4 million of additional programming costs from our Romania operations; |
| · | US$ 2.4 million of additional programming costs from our Slovak Republic operations; |
| · | US$ 2.8 million of additional programming costs from our Slovenia operations; |
| · | US$ 6.5 million of additional programming costs from our Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) operations; and |
| · | US$ 0.2 million of additional programming costs from our Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations; |
Total consolidated programming costs (including amortization of programming rights and production costs) increased by US$ 65.9 million, or 44.1%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to:
| · | US$ 6.8 million of additional programming costs from our Croatia operations; |
| · | US$ 2.8 million of additional programming costs from our Czech Republic operations; |
| · | US$ 18.8 million of additional programming costs from our Romania operations; |
| · | US$ 7.3 million of additional programming costs from our Slovak Republic operations, which have been consolidated for the entire nine-month period in 2007; |
| · | US$ 7.5 million of additional programming costs from our Slovenia operations; |
| · | US$ 19.5 million of additional programming costs from our Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) operations; and |
| · | US$ 3.2 million of additional programming costs from our Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations; |
The amortization of acquired programming for each of our consolidated operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, is set out in the table below. For comparison, the table also shows the cash paid for programming by each of our operations in the respective periods. The cash paid for programming by our operations in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine and the Slovak Republic (for the period from January 23, 2006) is reflected within net cash provided by continuing operating activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
PROGRAM AMORTIZATION AND CASH PAID FOR PROGRAMMING
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000’s) | | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Program amortization: (1) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | 3,142 | | | $ | 2,640 | | | $ | 13,777 | | | $ | 9,530 | |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA) | | | 6,730 | | | | 5,263 | | | | 20,581 | | | | 19,152 | |
Romania (PRO TV, ACASA, PRO CINEMA, PRO TV INTERNATIONAL and SPORT.RO) | | | 8,314 | | | | 5,809 | | | | 27,649 | | | | 19,599 | |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) (post-acquisition) | | | 4,391 | | | | 2,301 | | | | 10,567 | | | | 6,379 | |
Slovenia (POP TV and KANAL A) | | | 2,342 | | | | 1,418 | | | | 6,784 | | | | 4,623 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 13,076 | | | | 7,139 | | | | 37,566 | | | | 19,149 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 657 | | | | 418 | | | | 2,521 | | | | 539 | |
| | $ | 38,652 | | | $ | 24,988 | | | $ | 119,445 | | | $ | 78,971 | |
(1) Includes the program amortization of our operations in the Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) for the period prior to January 23, 2006 when they were accounted for as an equity affiliate
Cash paid for programming: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia (NOVA TV) | | $ | 5,484 | | | $ | 4,341 | | | $ | 16,391 | | | $ | 11,939 | |
Czech Republic (TV NOVA) | | | 6,814 | | | | 2,941 | | | | 17,662 | | | | 19,154 | |
Romania (PRO TV, ACASA, PRO CINEMA, PRO TV INTERNATIONAL and SPORT.RO) | | | 19,875 | | | | 15,786 | | | | 42,852 | | | | 33,181 | |
Slovak Republic (MARKIZA TV) | | | 3,585 | | | | 2,831 | | | | 11,750 | | | | 8,373 | |
Slovenia (POP TV and KANAL A) | | | 3,568 | | | | 2,373 | | | | 8,220 | | | | 5,872 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 16,509 | | | | 13,241 | | | | 43,023 | | | | 26,923 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 375 | | | | 273 | | | | 1,537 | | | | 388 | |
| | $ | 56,210 | | | $ | 41,786 | | | $ | 141,435 | | | $ | 105,830 | |
IV. Analysis of the Results of Consolidated Operations
IV (a) Net Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
CONSOLIDATED NET REVENUES
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 7,055 | | | $ | 4,288 | | | $ | 2,767 | |
Czech Republic | | | 51,140 | | | | 40,141 | | | | 10,999 | |
Romania | | | 44,414 | | | | 29,298 | | | | 15,116 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 20,284 | | | | 13,895 | | | | 6,389 | |
Slovenia | | | 11,545 | | | | 9,101 | | | | 2,444 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 39,582 | | | | 15,578 | | | | 24,004 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 816 | | | | 181 | | | | 635 | |
Total Consolidated Net Revenues | | $ | 174,836 | | | $ | 112,482 | | | $ | 62,354 | |
Our consolidated net revenues increased by US$ 62.4 million, or 55%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
IV (b) Net Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
CONSOLIDATED NET REVENUES
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 24,701 | | | $ | 13,745 | | | $ | 10,956 | |
Czech Republic | | | 183,203 | | | | 137,002 | | | | 46,201 | |
Romania | | | 135,978 | | | | 96,938 | | | | 39,040 | |
Slovak Republic * | | | 68,615 | | | | 43,386 | | | | 25,229 | |
Slovenia | | | 44,309 | | | | 34,883 | | | | 9,426 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 80,358 | | | | 62,117 | | | | 18,241 | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 1,868 | | | | 754 | | | | 1,114 | |
Total Consolidated Net Revenues | | $ | 539,032 | | | $ | 388,825 | | | $ | 150,207 | |
* From January 23, 2006 only.
Our consolidated net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 150.2 million, or 39%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
IV (c) Cost of Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
CONSOLIDATED COST OF REVENUES
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | $ | 27,166 | | | $ | 22,073 | | | $ | 5,093 | |
Cost of programming | | | 65,909 | | | | 47,920 | | | | 17,989 | |
Depreciation of station property, plant and equipment | | | 8,768 | | | | 6,080 | | | | 2,688 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | 6,595 | | | | 5,015 | | | | 1,580 | |
Total Consolidated Cost of Revenues | | $ | 108,438 | | | $ | 81,088 | | | $ | 27,350 | |
Total consolidated cost of revenues increased by US$ 27.4 million, or 34%, in the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006.
Operating costs: Total consolidated operating costs (excluding programming costs, depreciation of station property, plant and equipment, amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles as well as station selling, general and administrative expenses) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 5.1 million, or 23%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
Cost of programming: Consolidated programming costs (including amortization of programming rights and production costs) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 18.0 million, or 38%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment: Total consolidated depreciation of property, plant and equipment for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 2.7 million, or 44%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to depreciation of newly acquired production equipment assets across each of our operations.
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles: Total consolidated amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 1.6 million, or 32%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to the amortization of the broadcast licenses and customer relationships of our Romania and Slovak Republic operations arising on our acquisition of increased stakes earlier in 2007.
IV (d) Cost of Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
CONSOLIDATED COST OF REVENUES
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | $ | 83,767 | | | $ | 71,087 | | | $ | 12,680 | |
Cost of programming | | | 215,035 | | | | 149,188 | | | | 65,847 | |
Depreciation of station property, plant and equipment | | | 23,347 | | | | 17,841 | | | | 5,506 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | 16,922 | | | | 13,967 | | | | 2,955 | |
Total Consolidated Cost of Revenues | | $ | 339,071 | | | $ | 252,083 | | | $ | 86,988 | |
Total consolidated cost of revenues increased by US$ 87.0 million, or 35%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Operating costs: Total consolidated operating costs (excluding programming costs, depreciation of station property, plant and equipment, amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles as well as station selling, general and administrative expenses) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 12.7 million, or 18%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
Cost of programming: Consolidated programming costs (including amortization of programming rights and production costs) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 65.8 million, or 44%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment: Total consolidated depreciation of property, plant and equipment for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 5.5 million, or 31%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to depreciation of newly acquired production equipment assets across each of our operations.
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles: Total consolidated amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 3.0 million, or 21%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to the amortization of the broadcast licenses and customer relationships of our Romania and Slovak Republic operations arising on our acquisition of increased stakes earlier in 2007.
IV (e) Station Selling, General and Administrative Expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
CONSOLIDATED STATION SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 2,691 | | | $ | 2,202 | | | $ | 489 | |
Czech Republic | | | 5,595 | | | | 5,317 | | | | 278 | |
Romania | | | 3,224 | | | | 1,806 | | | | 1,418 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 2,279 | | | | 2,303 | | | | (24 | ) |
Slovenia | | | 1,821 | | | | 1,356 | | | | 465 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 1,814 | | | | 3,265 | | | | (1,451 | ) |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 185 | | | | 232 | | | | (47 | ) |
Total Consolidated Station Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | | $ | 17,609 | | | $ | 16,481 | | | $ | 1,128 | |
Total consolidated station selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 1.1 million, or 7%, in the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
IV (f) Station Selling, General and Administrative Expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
CONSOLIDATED STATION SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Croatia | | $ | 6,430 | | | $ | 4,991 | | | $ | 1,439 | |
Czech Republic | | | 15,596 | | | | 15,383 | | | | 213 | |
Romania | | | 8,568 | | | | 6,616 | | | | 1,952 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 6,539 | | | | 5,216 | | | | 1,323 | |
Slovenia | | | 5,293 | | | | 3,840 | | | | 1,453 | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 5,698 | | | | 8,619 | | | | (2,921 | ) |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 965 | | | | 523 | | | | 442 | |
Total Consolidated Station Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | | $ | 49,089 | | | $ | 45,188 | | | $ | 3,901 | |
Total consolidated station selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 3.9 million, or 9%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. See discussion in Part I, Item 2, III. “Analysis of Segment Results”.
IV (g) Corporate Operating Costs for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
CORPORATE OPERATING COSTS
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Corporate operating costs (excluding stock-based compensation) | | $ | 12,345 | | | $ | 7,375 | | | $ | 4,970 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 1,494 | | | | 967 | | | | 527 | |
Total Corporate Operating Costs | | $ | 13,839 | | | $ | 8,342 | | | $ | 5,497 | |
Corporate operating costs (excluding non-cash stock-based compensation) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 5.0 million, or 67%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to increased accruals for performance-related bonus payments.
The increase in the charge for non-cash stock-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 reflects an increase in the number of stock options granted in 2006 compared to prior years as well as an increase in the fair value of stock options as our stock price increased in recent years. For more details, see Part I Item 1, Note 14.
IV (h) Corporate Operating Costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
CORPORATE OPERATING COSTS
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Corporate operating costs (excluding stock-based compensation) | | $ | 25,989 | | | $ | 21,634 | | | $ | 4,355 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 4,098 | | | | 2,385 | | | | 1,713 | |
Total Corporate Operating Costs | | $ | 30,087 | | | $ | 24,019 | | | $ | 6,068 | |
Corporate operating costs (excluding non-cash stock-based compensation) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 4.4 million, or 20%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to:
· | increased accruals for performance-related bonus payments; |
· | increased business development expenses incurred in researching potential acquisition targets, partly offset by; |
· | decreased property-related costs, as the expense incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included a lease exit charge of approximately US$ 1.6 million (including additional depreciation of US$ 0.3 million) incurred following the relocation of our London office during the first quarter of 2006; and |
· | decreased legal costs incurred in connection with legal proceedings in respect of our Ukraine operations. |
IV (i) Impairment charge for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006
When we updated our medium-term forecast models at June 30, 2006, we determined that the forecast future cash flows of our Croatia operations had decreased compared to our previous forecast. We therefore reviewed the carrying value of the intangible assets with indefinite lives to determine whether the assets are impaired. As a result of our analysis, we recognized an impairment charge of US$ 0.7 million to write down the carrying value of goodwill to US$ nil as at June 30, 2006.
IV (j) Operating Income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
OPERATING INCOME
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Operating Income | | $ | 34,950 | | | $ | 6,571 | | | $ | 28,379 | |
Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 28.4 million, or 432%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Operating margin was 20%, compared with 6% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.
IV (k) Operating Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
OPERATING INCOME
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Operating Income | | $ | 120,785 | | | $ | 66,787 | | | $ | 53,998 | |
Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 54.0 million, or 81%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Operating margin was 22%, compared with 17% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
IV (l) Other income / (expense) items for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSE) ITEMS
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 1,180 | | | $ | 1,554 | | | $ | (374 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (11,883 | ) | | | (11,066 | ) | | | (817 | ) |
Foreign currency exchange (loss) / gain, net | | | (23,300 | ) | | | 6,018 | | | | (29,318 | ) |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | (8,555 | ) | | | (881 | ) | | | (7,674 | ) |
Other expense | | | (6,513 | ) | | | (412 | ) | | | (6,101 | ) |
Provision for income taxes | | | (131 | ) | | | (1,235 | ) | | | 1,104 | |
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries | | | (4,511 | ) | | | (461 | ) | | | (4,050 | ) |
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate | | | - | | | | 6,179 | | | | (6,179 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | $ | - | | | $ | (2,333 | ) | | $ | 2,333 | |
Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was broadly in line with that recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 0.8 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily as a result of our increased borrowings.
Foreign currency exchange loss, net: For the three months ended September 30, 2007 we recognized a US$ 23.3 million loss primarily as a result of the strengthening of the Euro against the dollar during the three-month period. Our Senior Notes are denominated in Euros, and we incurred a transaction loss of approximately US$ 26.6 million due to movements in the spot rate between June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, we recognized a transaction gain of US$ 6.0 million.
Change in fair value of derivatives: For the three months ended September 30, 2007 we recognized a loss of US$ 8.6 million as a result of the change in the fair value of the currency swaps entered into on April 27, 2006 compared to a loss of US$ 0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. For further information, see Part I Item 1, Note 12.
Other expense: For the three months ended September 30, 2007 we incurred other expenses of US$ 6.5 million compared to expenses of US$ 0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The amount for the three months ended September 30, 2007 includes additional accruals in anticipation of the settlement of all outstanding disclosed litigation surrounding our Croatia operations.
Provision for income taxes: The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was US$ 0.1 million compared to US$ 1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. We incur a tax charge despite reporting a taxable loss primarily due to the fact that there is no tax benefit attributable to the foreign currency exchange transaction loss arising on the Senior Notes.
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries: For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recognized a charge of US$ 4.5 million in respect of the minority interest in the income of consolidated subsidiaries, compared to a charge of US$ 0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This reflected the strong increase in profitability of our Ukraine (Studio 1+1) operations.
Discontinued operations: For the three months ended September 30, 2007 we recognized a charge of US$ nil in respect of discontinued operations compared to US$ 2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.
On June 19, 2003, our Board of Directors decided to withdraw from our former operations in the Czech Republic. On October 23, 2003, we sold our 93.2% interest in CNTS to our former Czech Republic operating company for US$ 53.2 million.
The revenues and expenses of our former Czech Republic operations and the award income and related legal expenses have therefore all been treated as discontinued operations. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the amounts charged to discontinued operations largely represented revised estimates of additional payments we expect to make to the Dutch tax authorities pursuant to the agreement we entered into on February 9, 2004 (see also Part I, Item 1, Note 17).
IV (m) Other income / (expense) items for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSE) ITEMS
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 4,326 | | | $ | 4,748 | | | $ | (422 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (42,717 | ) | | | (32,921 | ) | | | (9,796 | ) |
Foreign currency exchange gain loss, net | | | (28,552 | ) | | | (25,469 | ) | | | (3,083 | ) |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | 3,497 | | | | (2,757 | ) | | | 6,254 | |
Other expense | | | (13,272 | ) | | | (793 | ) | | | (12,479 | ) |
Provision for income taxes | | | (18,609 | ) | | | (8,811 | ) | | | (9,798 | ) |
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries | | | (9,881 | ) | | | (7,178 | ) | | | (2,703 | ) |
Equity in income / (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates | | | - | | | | (730 | ) | | | 730 | |
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate | | | - | | | | 6,179 | | | | (6,179 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | $ | - | | | $ | (4,863 | ) | | $ | 4,863 | |
Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was broadly in line with that recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by US$ 9.8 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily as a result of US$ 6.9 million of costs associated the redemption of our 2012 Floating Rate Notes as well as an increase in our average borrowings.
Foreign currency exchange loss, net: For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we recognized a US$ 28.6 million loss primarily as a result of the strengthening of the Euro against the dollar during the nine-month period. Our Senior Notes are denominated in Euros, and we incurred a transaction loss of approximately US$ 38.1 million due to movements in the spot rate between December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we recognized a transaction loss of US$ 25.5 million.
Change in fair value of derivatives: For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we recognized a US$ 3.5 million gain as a result of the change in the fair value of the currency swaps entered into on April 27, 2006 compared to a loss of US$ 2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. For further information, see Part I Item 1, Note 12.
Other expense: For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we incurred other expenses of US$ 13.3 million compared to US$ 0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes accruals in anticipation of the settlement of all outstanding disclosed litigation surrounding our Croatia operations.
Provision for income taxes: The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was US$ 18.6 million compared to US$ 8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as a result of our increased profitability. Our stations pay income taxes at rates ranging from 16.0% in Romania to 25.0% in Ukraine.
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries: For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recognized a charge of US$ 9.9 million in respect of the minority interest in the income of consolidated subsidiaries, compared to a charge of US$ 7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This movement primarily reflects the increased profitability of our Slovak Republic and Romania operations.
Equity in income / (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates: Some of our broadcasting licenses were held by unconsolidated affiliates over which we had minority blocking rights but not majority control. These affiliates were accounted for using the equity method.
Equity in income / (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by US$ 0.7 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as detailed below:
EQUITY IN INCOME / (LOSS) OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Romania operations | | $ | - | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | (7 | ) |
Slovak Republic operations | | | - | | | | (737 | ) | | | 737 | |
Total Equity in Income / (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates | | $ | - | | | $ | (730 | ) | | $ | 730 | |
Discontinued operations: For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we recognized a charge of US$ nil in respect of discontinued operations compared to US$ 4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30. 2006.
On June 19, 2003, our Board of Directors decided to withdraw from our former operations in the Czech Republic. On October 23, 2003, we sold our 93.2% interest in CNTS to our former Czech Republic operating company for US$ 53.2 million.
The revenues and expenses of our former Czech Republic operations and the award income and related legal expenses have therefore all been treated as discontinued operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the amounts charged to discontinued operations represent additional payments we expect to make to the Dutch tax authorities pursuant to the agreement we entered into on February 9, 2004 (see also Part I, Item 1, Note 17).
IV (n) Condensed consolidated balance sheet as at September 30, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006
SUMMARIZED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (US$ 000’s)
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | $ | 489,398 | | | $ | 413,616 | | | $ | 75,782 | |
Non-current assets | | | 1,678,139 | | | | 1,405,384 | | | | 272,755 | |
Current liabilities | | | 245,643 | | | | 182,961 | | | | 62,682 | |
Non-current liabilities | | | 659,083 | | | | 574,084 | | | | 84,999 | |
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries | | | 15,780 | | | | 26,189 | | | | (10,409 | ) |
Shareholders’ equity | | $ | 1,247,031 | | | $ | 1,035,766 | | | | 211,265 | |
Current assets: Current assets at September 30, 2007 increased US$ 75.8 million compared to December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of increases in cash and program rights, including prepaid programming.
Non-current assets: Non-current assets at September 30, 2007 increased US$ 272.8 million compared to December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets following our acquisition of Sport.ro and additional stakes in our Romania and Slovak Republic operations, as well as increased investment in station property, plant and equipment in the Czech Republic and Romania.
Current liabilities: Current liabilities at September 30, 2007 increased US$ 62.7 million compared to December 31, 2006, primarily reflecting increases in deferred income and interest payable, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable.
Non-current liabilities: Non-current liabilities at September 30, 2007 increased US$ 85.0 million compared to December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of our issuance of EUR 150.0 million of 2014 Floating Rate Notes, partially offset by the redemption of EUR 125.0 million of 2012 Floating Rate Notes issued in May 2005.
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries: Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries at September 30, 2007 decreased US$ 10.4 million compared to December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of our acquisition of additional stakes in our Romania and Slovak Republic operations during 2007.
Shareholders’ equity: Total shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2007 increased US$ 211.2 million compared to December 31, 2006. This increase reflects net proceeds of US$ 109.9 million from the issuance of shares of our Class A Common Stock to Igor Kolomoisky in August 2007, an increase in Other Comprehensive Income of US$ 81.0 million and net income of US$ 15.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, partially offset by the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 (US$ 3.2 million). Included in the total shareholders’ equity were proceeds from the exercise of stock options (US$ 3.5 million) and amounts of US$ 4.6 million related to stock-based compensation.
V. Liquidity and Capital Resources
V (a) Summary of cash flows
Cash and cash equivalents increased by US$ 46.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The change in cash and cash equivalents is summarized as follows:
SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Net cash generated from continuing operating activities | | $ | 95,889 | | | $ | 67,907 | |
Net cash used in continuing investing activities | | | (188,463 | ) | | | (100,818 | ) |
Net cash received from financing activities | | | 136,446 | | | | 132,227 | |
Net cash used in discontinued operations – operating activities | | | (2,164 | ) | | | (1,690 | ) |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 46,665 | | | $ | 92,844 | |
Operating Activities
Cash generated from continuing operations increased from US$ 67.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to US$ 95.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The amount of cash generated by each of our stations other than Croatia and Ukraine (KINO, CITI) increased as a result of improved operational performance with particularly strong increases in the Czech Republic, Romania and the Slovak Republic. These increases more than offset our increased investment in programming, particularly in Ukraine, which is experiencing significant price inflation for popular Russian series and is making additional investments in such programming to boost ratings, and in Croatia, where we are improving the quality of our programming to drive ratings growth. It is likely that the cost of acquired programming across all our markets will continue to grow in the future.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities increased from US$ 100.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to US$ 188.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Our investing cash flows in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily comprised of:
· | Payment of SKK 1.9 billion (approximately US$ 78.5 million) in connection with our acquisition of the final 20% stake in our Slovak Republic operations (for further information, see Part I, Item 1, Note 3); |
· | Payment of US$ 51.6 million in connection with our acquisition of an additional 5% stake in our Romania broadcasting operations and a 20% stake in our Romanian production company (for further information, see Part I, Item 1, Note 3); |
· | Payments of EUR 6.7 million (approximately US$ 8.4 million) in connection with our acquisition of Sport.ro (for further information, see Part I, Item 1, Note 3); |
· | Payments of US$ 3.1 million in connection with our acquisition of a 60.4% stake in each of Tor and Zhysa (for further information, see Part I, Item 1, Note 3); and |
· | Capital expenditure of US$ 46.3 million. |
Financing Activities
Net cash received from financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was US$ 136.4 million compared to US$ 132.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Our financing cash flows in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily comprised net proceeds of US$ 199.4 million from the issuance of EUR 150.0 million of 2014 Floating Rate Notes and US$ 110 million from the issuance of approximately 1.275 million shares of Class A Common Stock to Igor Kolomoisky, partially offset by payment of EUR 127.5 million (approximately US$ 169.0 million at the date of payment) to redeem our 2012 Floating Rate Notes issued in May 2005.
The amount of cash received in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflects proceeds of US$ 168.6 million from the issuance of Class A Common Stock and a net payment of US$ 36.4 million to repay credit facilities.
Discontinued Operations
In the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we paid taxes of US$ 2.2 million to the Dutch tax authorities pursuant to the agreement we entered into with them on February 9, 2004, compared to US$ 1.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
V (b) Sources and Uses of Cash
We believe that our current cash resources are sufficient to allow us to continue operating for at least the next 12 months and we do not anticipate additional cash requirements in the near future for our existing operations, subject to the matters disclosed in “Cash Outlook” below.
Our ongoing source of cash at the operating stations is primarily the receipt of payments from advertisers and advertising agencies. This may be supplemented from time to time by local borrowing. Surplus cash generated in this manner, after funding ongoing station operations, may be remitted to us, or to other shareholders where appropriate. Surplus cash is remitted to us in the form of debt interest payments and capital repayments, dividends, and other distributions and loans from our subsidiaries.
Corporate law in the Central and Eastern European countries in which we operate stipulates generally that dividends may be declared by the partners or shareholders out of yearly profits subject to the maintenance of registered capital, required reserves and after the recovery of accumulated losses. Except as set forth below, our voting power is sufficient to compel the making of distributions.
In the case of Nova TV (Croatia), distributions may be paid from net profits subject to a reserve of 5% of annual profits until the aggregate reserves equal 5% of the registered capital of Nova TV (Croatia). In the case of CET 21, distributions may be paid from net profits subject to a reserve of 5% of net profits until the aggregate reserves equal 10% of the registered capital of CET 21. In the case of Pro TV, distributions may be paid from the profits of Pro TV subject to a reserve of 5% of annual profits until the aggregate reserves equal 20% of Pro TV's registered capital. A majority vote is required in order for Pro TV to make distributions and we have sufficient voting power to compel distributions of dividends. In the case of Markiza, distributions may be paid from net profits subject to an initial reserve requirement of 10% of net profits until the reserve fund equals 5% of registered capital. Subsequently, the reserve requirement is equal to 5% of net profits until the reserve fund equals 10% of registered capital. In the case of Pro Plus, distributions may be paid from the profits of Pro Plus, subject to a reserve equal to 10% of registered capital being established from accumulated profits. In the case of Studio 1+1, distributions may be paid from net profits subject to a reserve of 5% of net profits until the aggregate reserves equal 25% of the registered capital of Studio 1+1. In the case of Inter-Media, Innova and IMS, distributions may be paid from their profits and there is no reserve requirement for these companies. Our voting power in Innova and IMS is sufficient to compel the distribution of dividends.
As at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 the operations had the following unsecured balances owing to their respective holding companies:
Operating segment (US$ 000’s) | | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
Croatia | | $ | 95,373 | | | $ | 67,623 | |
Czech Republic | | | 420,814 | | | | 434,897 | |
Romania | | | 52,613 | | | | 25,620 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 10,186 | | | | 23,670 | |
Slovenia | | | - | | | | - | |
Ukraine (STUDIO 1+1) | | | 930 | | | | - | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) | | | 14,505 | | | | 4,621 | |
Total | | $ | 594,421 | | | $ | 556,431 | |
V (c) Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our future contractual obligations as of September 30, 2007 are as follows:
Contractual Obligations | | Payments due by period (US$ 000’s) | |
| | Total | | | Less than 1 year | | | 1-3 years | | | 3-5 years | | | More than 5 years | |
Long-Term Debt – principal | | $ | 574,584 | | | $ | 12,839 | | | $ | 1,700 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 560,045 | |
Long-Term Debt – interest | | | 229,995 | | | | 41,080 | | | | 82,280 | | | | 81,974 | | | | 24,661 | |
Capital Lease Obligations | | | 6,838 | | | | 860 | | | | 1,591 | | | | 1,420 | | | | 2,967 | |
Operating Leases | | | 5,160 | | | | 1,876 | | | | 2,368 | | | | 916 | | | | - | |
Unconditional Purchase Obligations | | | 132,794 | | | | 115,735 | | | | 9,254 | | | | 5,632 | | | | 2,173 | |
Other Long-Term Obligations | | | 6,867 | | | | 5,367 | | | | 1,500 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total Contractual Obligations | | $ | 956,238 | | | $ | 177,757 | | | $ | 98,693 | | | $ | 89,942 | | | $ | 589,846 | |
Long-Term Debt
At September 30, 2007, we had the following debt outstanding:
| | | | September 30, 2007 (US$ 000’s) | |
Corporate | | (1)–(2) | | $ | 560,045 | |
Croatia operations | | (3) | | | - | |
Czech Republic operations | | (4)–(6) | | | 12,839 | |
Romania operations | | (7) | | | - | |
Slovenia operations | | (8) | | | - | |
Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations | | (9) | | | 1,700 | |
Total | | | | $ | 574,584 | |
(1) | In May 2005, we issued senior notes in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 370.0 million (approximately US$ 524.6 million) consisting of EUR 245.0 million (approximately US$ 347.4 million) of Fixed Rate Notes, which bears interest at 8.25% and EUR 125.0 million (approximately US$ 177.2 million) of 2012 Floating Rate Notes, which bore interest at six-month Euro Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus 5.50%. On May 15, 2007, we redeemed the 2012 Floating Rate Notes. |
On May 16, 2007 we issued our 2014 Floating Rate Notes in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 150.0 million (approximately US$ 212.7 million), which bears interest at EURIBOR plus 1.625% (5.80% was applicable at September 30, 2007). Interest is payable on the Senior Notes semi-annually in arrears on each May 15 and November 15.
The Senior Notes are secured senior obligations and rank pari passu with all existing and future senior indebtedness and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The amounts outstanding are guaranteed by two subsidiary holding companies and are secured by a pledge of shares of these subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of our indebtedness restrict the manner in which our business is conducted, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of investments, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions, entering into certain affiliate transactions and the sale of assets.
In the event that (A) there is a change in control by which (i) any party other than our present shareholders becomes the beneficial owner of more than 35.0% of our total voting power; (ii) we agree to sell substantially all of our operating assets; or (iii) there is a change in the composition of a majority of our Board of Directors; and (B) on the 60th day following any such change of control the rating of the Senior Notes is either withdrawn or downgraded from the rating in effect prior to the announcement of such change of control, we can be required to repurchase the Senior Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
At any time prior to May 15, 2008, we may redeem up to 35.0% of the Fixed Rate Notes with the proceeds of any public equity offering at a price of 108.25% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, prior to May 15, 2009, we may redeem all or a part of the Fixed Rate Notes at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of such notes, plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
On September 10, 2007, Standard & Poor’s senior unsecured debt rating for our Senior Notes was upgraded to BB- from B+, with a corporate credit rating of BB/ (stable), up from BB- / (positive). At September 30, 2007, Moody’s Investors Service’s rating of both our corporate credit rating and our Senior Notes was Ba3 stable.
(2) | On July 21, 2006, we entered into a five-year revolving loan agreement for EUR 100.0 million (approximately US$ 141.8 million) arranged by EBRD and on August 22, 2007, we entered into a second revolving loan agreement for EUR 50.0 million (approximately US$ 70.9 million) also arranged by EBRD. ING and CS are participating in the facility for EUR 75.0 million in aggregate. |
We also entered into a supplemental agreement on August 22, 2007 to amend the interest rate payable on the EUR 100.0 million facility, as a result of which the EBRD Loan bears interest at a rate of three-month EURIBOR plus 1.625% on the drawn amount. The available amount of the EBRD Loan amortizes by 15% every six months from May 2009 to November 2010 and by 40% in May 2011. There were no drawings under this facility as at September 30, 2007.
Covenants contained in the EBRD Loan are similar to those contained in our Senior Notes. In addition, the EBRD Loan’s covenants restrict us from making principal repayments on other new debt of greater than US$ 20.0 million per year for the life of the EBRD Loan. This restriction is not applicable to our existing facilities with ING or CS or to any refinancing of our Senior Notes.
The EBRD Loan is a secured senior obligation and ranks pari passu with all existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, and is effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The amount drawn is guaranteed by two subsidiary holding companies and is secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of the EBRD Loan restrict the manner in which our business is conducted, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of investments, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions, entering into certain affiliate transactions and the sale of assets.
(3) | On March 28, 2007, we repaid EUR 0.6 million (approximately US$ 0.9 million), which was the total amount outstanding to our Croatia operations under two loan agreements with Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank d.d. Following this repayment, the security held by the bank was released. |
(4) | CET 21 has a four-year credit facility of CZK 1.2 billion (approximately US$ 61.6 million) with CS. The final repayment date is October 31, 2009. This facility may, at the option of CET 21, be drawn in CZK, US$ or EUR and bears interest at the three-month, six-month or twelve-month LIBOR, EURIBOR or PRIBOR rate plus 1.95%. This facility is secured by a pledge of receivables, which are also subject to a factoring arrangement with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna, a.s., a subsidiary of CS. As at September 30, 2007, there were no drawings under this facility; however on July 10, 2007, CZK 860.0 million (approximately US$ 44.2 million) was drawn down under this facility, of which CZK 260.0 million (approximately US$ 13.4 million) was repaid on July 31, 2007, and CZK 600.0 million (approximately US$ 30.8 million) was repaid on September 14, 2007. |
(5) | CET 21 has a working capital credit facility of CZK 250.0 million (approximately US$ 12.8 million) with CS. This working capital facility bears interest at the three-month PRIBOR rate plus 1.65% and is secured by a pledge of receivables, which are also subject to a factoring arrangement with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna, a.s. On September 30, 2007, the full CZK 250.0 million (approximately US$ 12.8 million) was drawn under this facility bearing interest at an aggregate 4.65% (three-month PRIBOR effective for this loan was 3.5%). |
(6) | As at September 30, 2007, there were no drawings under a CZK 300.0 million (approximately US$ 15.4 million) factoring facility with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna, a.s. This facility is available until September 30, 2010 and bears interest at the rate of one-month PRIBOR plus 1.40% for the period that actively assigned accounts receivable are outstanding. |
(7) | The interest-free loan provided by one of the founding shareholders of Sport.ro was repaid on August 31, 2007. |
(8) | On July 29, 2005, Pro Plus entered into a revolving five-year facility agreement for up to EUR 37.5 million (approximately US$ 53.2 million) in aggregate principal amount with ING, Nova Ljubljanska Banka d.d., Ljubljana and Bank Austria Creditanstalt d.d., Ljubljana. The facility availability declines by 10.0% each year for four years commencing one year after signing, with 60.0% repayable after five years. This facility is secured by a pledge of the bank accounts of Pro Plus, the assignment of certain receivables, a pledge of our interest in Pro Plus and a guarantee of our wholly-owned subsidiary CME Media Enterprises B.V. Loans drawn under this facility will bear interest at a rate of EURIBOR for the period of drawing plus a margin of between 2.1% and 3.6% that varies according to the ratio of consolidated net debt to consolidated broadcasting cash flow for Pro Plus. As at September 30, 2007, EUR 30.0 million (approximately US$ 42.5 million) was available for drawing under this revolving facility; there were no drawings outstanding. |
(9) | Our Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations have entered into a number of three-year unsecured loans with Glavred-Media, LLC, the minority shareholder in Ukrpromtorg. As at September 30, 2007, the total value of loans drawn was US$ 1.7 million. The loans are repayable between August 2009 and December 2009 and bear interest at 9.0%. |
Capital Lease Obligations
Capital lease obligations include future interest payments of US$ 2.1 million. For more information on our capital lease obligations see Part I, Item 1, Note 11.
Operating Leases
For more information on our operating lease commitments see Part 1, Item 1, Note 18.
Unconditional Purchase Obligations
Unconditional purchase obligations largely comprise future programming commitments. At September 30, 2007, we had commitments in respect of future programming of US$ 123.4 million (December 31, 2006: US$ 98.0 million). This includes contracts signed with license periods starting after September 30, 2007. For more information on our programming commitments see Part I, Item 1, Note 18.
Other Long-Term Obligations
Included in Other Long-Term Obligations are our commitments to the Dutch tax authorities of US$ 3.3 million (see Part I, Item 1, Note 18).
In addition to the amounts disclosed above, Mr. Sarbu has the right to sell his remaining shareholding in Pro TV and MPI to us under a put option agreement entered into in July 2004 at a price to be determined by an independent valuation, subject to a floor price of US$ 1.45 million for each 1.0% interest sold. Mr. Sarbu’s right to put his remaining shareholding is exercisable from November 12, 2009, provided that we have not enforced a pledge over this shareholding which Mr. Sarbu granted as security for our right to put our interest in Media Pro. As at September 30, 2007, we consider the fair value of Mr. Sarbu’s put option to be approximately US$ nil (2006: US$ nil).
V (d) Cash Outlook
We issued EUR 370.0 million (approximately US$ 480.0 million at the time of issuance) Senior Notes in May 2005, consisting of EUR 245.0 million of Fixed Rate Notes and EUR 125.0 million of 2012 Floating Rate Notes. Our EUR 125 million 2012 Floating Rate Notes were redeemed on May 15, 2007. On May 16, 2007 we issued our 2014 Floating Rate Notes in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 150.0 million. We have significant debt service obligations in respect of the Senior Notes. The terms of our indebtedness restrict the manner in which our business is conducted, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of investments, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions, entering into certain affiliate transactions and the sale of assets. In addition, we have a EUR 150.0 million revolving loan facility with EBRD. EUR 100.0 million of this facility is available for general corporate purposes; and the remaining EUR 50.0 million, once fully drawn for permitted projects, can thereafter be used for general corporate purposes, which further increases our financing flexibility and will reduce our average cost of debt. As at September 30, 2007, there were no drawings. We have also raised US$ 110.0 million from the issuance of approximately 1.275 million shares of Class A Common Stock to Igor Kolomoisky in August 2007, which will allow further flexibility in our investing and financing requirements.
Our future cash needs will depend on our overall financial performance, debt service requirements under the Senior Notes and the EBRD Loan as well as under other indebtedness incurred by us as well as any future acquisition, investment and development decisions. Our ability to raise further funds through external debt facilities depends on our satisfaction of leverage ratios under the Senior Notes, which are also incorporated into the drawing conditions of the EBRD Loan. In the short-term we are able to fund our operations from cash generated from operations, our current cash resources (US$ 192.6 million, at September 30, 2007) and available undrawn credit facilities (US$ 332.2 million, at September 30, 2007), plus an unutilized, uncommitted EUR 10.0 million (US$ 14.2 million) overdraft facility from ING.
We expect to invest US$ 75-80 million on capital expenditure in 2007 and approximately US$ 10 million in furthering the development of our non-broadcast operations. Any further significant acquisitions could be financed through the issues of additional external debt or equity depending on prevailing market conditions at the time.
Our Croatia operations continue to require funding to improve our ratings performance and increase our market share. We expect the funding required to support Nova TV (Croatia) to be in excess of US$ 37.0 million during 2007, and have provided US$ 4.3 million in cash funding to Nova TV (Croatia) in the three months ended September 30, 2007. Our Ukraine (KINO, CITI) operations continue to require funding in order to achieve improved ratings and market share. We expect the funding required to support KINO and CITI to be in excess of US$ 11.0 million during 2007 and have provided US$ 2.2 million in cash funding to KINO and CITI in the three months ended September 30, 2007.
We expect that, taken together, our current cash balances, internally generated cash flow, committed bank facilities, and local financing of broadcast operations should result in us having adequate cash resources to meet our debt service and other existing financial obligations for the next 12 months. The acquisition of additional shareholdings in our current operations, further investment in the expansion of existing operations, acquisitions, or other investments in the development of new revenue opportunities may require further financing. To the extent we will need additional financing, we would expect to raise such financing through issuing additional debt or equity.
V (e) Tax Inspections
Pro Plus has been the subject of an income tax inspection by the Republic of Slovenia tax authorities for the years 1995 to 1998. As a result of these inspections the Slovenian tax authorities had levied an assessment seeking unpaid income taxes, customs duties and interest charges of an amount equivalent to EUR 4.5 million (approximately US$ 6.4 million). The Slovenian tax authorities have asserted that capital contributions and loans made by us to Pro Plus in 1995 and 1996 should be extraordinary revenue to Pro Plus. On this basis, the Slovenian tax authorities claim that Pro Plus made a profit in 1995 and 1996 for which it owes income taxes and interest. Additionally, the Slovenian tax authorities claim that the fixed assets imported as capital contributions were subject to customs duties, which were not paid. On February 9, 2001, the Slovenian tax authorities concluded that the cash capital contributions for 1995 and 1996 were not extraordinary income. This has reduced the assessment to an amount equivalent to EUR 2.7 million (approximately US$ 3.8 million) in aggregate principal amount. Pro Plus appealed this decision to the Administrative Court in Ljubljana and requested the tax authorities to defer the demand for payment until a final judgment has been issued, and the Slovenian tax authorities have so agreed. On April 18, 2005, the Administrative Court issued a decision in favor of Pro Plus and dismissed the claims of the tax authorities. The Slovenian tax authorities filed an appeal with the Slovenian Supreme Court in May 2005. The Slovenian Supreme Court denied the appeal in June 2007 and remanded the case back to the Slovenian tax authorities. We do not have a provision in our financial statements in relation to this legal action.
V (f) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
VI. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our accounting policies affecting our financial condition and results of operations are more fully described in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make judgments in selecting appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates, which inherently contain some degree of uncertainty. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe our critical accounting policies relate to program rights, goodwill and intangible assets, impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, revenue recognition, income taxes, foreign exchange and contingencies. These critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2006.
Recently adopted accounting principles
On January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. The evaluation of a tax position under FIN 48 is a two-step process. The first step is recognition: tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return should be recognized only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more likely than not recognition threshold, it should be presumed that the position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority and that they would have full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measurement: tax positions that meet the recognition criteria are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being recognized upon ultimate settlement.
As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized a liability of approximately US$ 2.0 million for unrecognized tax benefits, of which US$ 1.7 million was accounted for as a reduction to retained deficit as at January 1, 2007. The total amount of unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate amounts to US$ 2.0 million, all of which would reduce the effective tax rate accordingly.
We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. As at January 1, 2007, we accrued US$ 1.8 million in respect of interest and penalties, of which US$ 1.5 million was accounted for as a reduction to retained deficit.
Our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the Netherlands and various other tax jurisdictions including the United States. As at January 1, 2007, analyzed by major tax jurisdictions, the Company’s subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before:
Jurisdiction | Year |
Croatia | 2003 |
Czech Republic | 2002 |
Germany | 2000 |
Netherlands | 2004 |
Romania | 2002 |
Slovak Republic | 2001 |
Slovenia | 2001 |
Ukraine | 2003 |
United States | 2001 |
Since January 1, 2007, the German tax authorities concluded an income tax audit of our German subsidiary covering the years up to and including 2004 and authorities determined that no material additional amounts of income tax were payable for such periods. Therefore, years before 2005 are no longer subject to income tax examination in Germany.
We engage in activities that expose us to various market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not regularly engage in speculative transactions, nor do we regularly hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
We conduct business in a number of foreign currencies, although our functional currency is the dollar, and our Senior Notes are denominated in Euros. As a result, we are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk due to the effects that foreign exchange rate movements of these currencies have on our costs and on the cash flows we receive from certain subsidiaries. In limited instances, we enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to minimize foreign currency exchange rate risk.
We have not attempted to hedge the Senior Notes and therefore may continue to experience significant gains and losses on the translation of the Senior Notes into dollars due to movements in exchange rates between the Euro and the dollar.
On April 27, 2006, we entered into currency swap agreements with two counterparties whereby we swapped a fixed annual coupon interest rate (of 9.0%) on notional principal of CZK 10.7 billion (approximately US$ 549.5 million), payable on July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15, to the termination date of April 15, 2012, for a fixed annual coupon interest rate (of 9.0%) on EUR 375.9 million (approximately US$ 533.0 million) receivable on July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15, to the termination date of April 15, 2012.
The fair value of these financial instruments as at September 30, 2007 was a US$ 9.0 million liability.
These currency swap agreements reduce our exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates on a part of the CZK-denominated cash flows generated by our Czech Republic operations that is approximately equivalent in value to the Euro-denominated interest payments on our Senior Notes (see Part I, Item 1, Note 5). They are financial instruments that are used to minimize currency risk and are considered an economic hedge of foreign exchange rates. These instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments as defined under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, and so changes in their fair value are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and in the consolidated balance sheet in other non-current liabilities.
Interest Rate Risk Management
As at September 30, 2007, we have six tranches of debt that provide for interest at a spread above a base rate EURIBOR or PRIBOR, and four tranches of debt which were maintained with a fixed interest rate. A significant rise in the EURIBOR or PRIBOR base rate would have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Interest Rate Table as at September 30, 2007
Expected Maturity Dates | | 2007 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | | | Thereafter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total debt in Euro (000's) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 245,000 | |
Average interest rate (%) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8.25 | % |
Variable rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 150,000 | |
Average interest rate (%) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5.80 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total debt in US$ (000's) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,700 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Average interest rate (%) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 9.00 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total debt in CZK (000's) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Average interest rate (%) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Variable rate | | | 250,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Average interest rate (%) | | | 5.15 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Variable Interest Rate Sensitivity as at September 30, 2007
| | | | | | | | Yearly interest charge if interest rates increase by (US$ 000s): | |
Value of Debt as at September 30, 2007 (US$ 000's) | | Interest Rate as at September 30, 2007 | | | Yearly Interest Charge (US$ 000’s) | | | | 1 | % | | | 2 | % | | | 3 | % | | | 4 | % | | | 5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
212,675 (EUR 150.0 million) | | | 5.80 | % | | | 12,329 | | | | 14,456 | | | | 16,582 | | | | 18,709 | | | | 20,836 | | | | 22,963 | |
12,839 (CZK 250.0 million) | | | 5.15 | % | | | 661 | | | | 790 | | | | 918 | | | | 1,046 | | | | 1,175 | | | | 1,303 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | 12,990 | | | | 15,246 | | | | 17,500 | | | | 19,755 | | | | 22,011 | | | | 24,266 | |
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
General
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations. Other than those claims discussed below, we are not presently a party to any such litigation which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or operations. Unless otherwise disclosed, no provision has been made against any potential losses that could arise.
We present below a summary of our more significant proceedings by country.
Croatia
Global Communications Disputes
On October 29, 2004, OK filed suit against Global Communications claiming approximately HRK 53.0 million (approximately US$ 10.3 million) in damages. Global Communications is a company controlled by Ivan Caleta, who had previously operated Nova TV (Croatia) through OK. Global Communications, together with GRP Media d.o.o., another company controlled by Mr. Caleta, had provided certain goods and services to OK and Nova TV (Croatia) in exchange for advertising time pursuant to the Global Agreement. Global Communications and GRP Media were functionally managing the advertising inventory of Nova TV (Croatia). On December 31, 2003, Global Communications entered into a reconciliation agreement by which OK acknowledged that Global Communications was entitled to approximately 375,000 seconds of advertising time for goods and services previously provided. Following our acquisition of Nova TV (Croatia) and OK in July 2004, OK concluded that Global Communications had used all of its seconds by June 2004 based on a substantial discrepancy discovered between the utilization of advertising time recorded by Global Communications and that recorded by AGB. In the course of its investigation of the usage of seconds by Global Communications, OK discovered that computer records of advertising seconds kept for OK may have been altered. OK brought a suit to recover amounts for advertising time used by Global Communications in excess of the 375,000 seconds agreed. Global Communications filed a counterclaim in January 2005 for HRK 68.0 million (approximately US$ 13.2 million), claiming that the AGB data is unreliable and that it is entitled to additional seconds under the previous agreement. The lower commercial court issued a judgment on July 12, 2006 in favor of Global Communications for the full amount of the counterclaim, and we have appealed this decision on the basis of false and inadequate disclosure, wrongful application of substantive law and procedural error. Global Communications separately brought a claim against Nova TV (Croatia), on the same basis as the OK counterclaim. Both Global Communications and Nova TV (Croatia) requested the court to join this claim with the OK counterclaim but this request was denied. The lower commercial court issued a judgment on August 1, 2006 in favor of Global Communications for the full amount of the claim, after having denied submission of evidence supporting our defense. We have also appealed this decision. We have accrued for the amounts we expect to be ultimately payable as a result of engaging in settlement negotiations with Global Communications. Any such settlement would also include a settlement of the former shareholder dispute described below.
On January 25, 2007, Nova TV (Croatia) filed suit against Global Communications. The facts underlying the claim are substantially the same as those of the abovementioned claims, but Nova TV (Croatia) is claiming that the Global Agreement and the Reconciliation Agreements by which OK acknowledged the number of seconds of advertising time to which Global Communications was purportedly entitled, should be declared null and void under Article 141 of the Croatian Obligations Act. This provision is intended to protect a contractual party which has entered into unfair bargaining terms due to its dependency on the other contractual party. Global Communications, OK and Nova TV (Croatia) were all related parties (controlled by Ivan Caleta) and the contractual terms provided for the provision of 1,340,280 seconds by OK to Global Communications in exchange for certain transmitters. These seconds were valued at an aggregate of DEM 5 million (or DEM 3.73 per second; HRK 3.91 per second at the time) whereas the rate card price was DEM 97.18 or HRK 380.00 per second (i.e. a price that was 26 times higher). Other clients (unrelated parties) sampled from this period were paying between 382.50 HRK to 491.85 HRK per second. Nova TV (Croatia) is arguing for voidance of this contract because of its unconscionable terms which were detrimental to OK and Nova TV (Croatia) and beneficial solely to Global Communications (which, in its capacity as an advertising agency, on-sold these seconds to its clients at market rates, thereby reaping an extraordinary profit). Nova TV (Croatia) is further claiming restitution for advertising seconds appropriated by Global Communications under the Global Agreement. The restitution amount is HRK 586.5 million (approximately US$ 114.2 million). The first hearing was held on September 24, 2007, and the judge denied the claim without permitting any arguments, evidence or witnesses. We await the issuance of the written decision.
Former Shareholder Dispute
On July 21, 2005, Narval A.M. d.o.o. (a company wholly-owned by Ivan Caleta), Studio Millenium d.o.o. and Richard Anthony Sheldon, three of the former shareholders of OK, filed suit against Nova TV (Croatia) for rescission of the OK Sale Contract. Nova TV (Croatia) acquired OK immediately prior to our acquiring Nova TV (Croatia). The provisions of the OK Sale Contract required Nova TV (Croatia) to make payment to the four shareholders of OK by September 1, 2004, upon receipt of appropriate invoices and bank account details. The fourth shareholder, Pitos d.o.o., issued an invoice that was duly received by Nova TV (Croatia) and payment was made thereunder. The other three shareholders claim that they hand-delivered a joint invoice to one of the former directors of Nova TV (Croatia), but we continue to dispute this. Under the Croatian Obligations Act, one party to a contract who has performed may unilaterally rescind a contract if the other party fails to perform after receipt of a written warning. On May 24, 2006, the lower commercial court decided in favor of the plaintiffs to rescind the OK Sale Contract and ordered the defendant to pay court costs. We have appealed the decision on the basis that evidence supporting our position was not allowed to be presented to the court and we continue to challenge the validity of the power of attorney purportedly issued by Richard Anthony Sheldon (a resident of the United Kingdom) to legal counsel representing the other plaintiffs.
On August 28, 2006, we received a lower court decision of an injunction against us (decided without a hearing) that, inter alia, prohibits a sale or encumbrance of 75% of the shares of OK. Although we appealed this decision, the appellate commercial court upheld the lower court’s judgment on November 21, 2006. On November 6, 2006, we were notified of a request for a further injunction that would, inter alia, prohibit us from taking any actions to decrease the value of OK and require the management of OK to report to a delegate of the former shareholders. We have unsuccessfully sought the removal of the presiding judge, Raul Dubravec (who also presided over the Global Communications lawsuit against Nova TV (Croatia)). Mr. Dubravec ruled against us on December 18, 2006, requiring imposition of a temporary director for OK, which is not a remedy available under Croatian law under the facts of this action. Further, the temporary director who has been appointed is one of the former directors of OK who countersigned the Reconciliation Agreements and is an associate of Ivan Caleta. Our appeal against this decision was denied on May 8, 2007. While we continue to vigorously contest all these actions in the face of serious concerns as to the impartiality of the Croatian judicial system, we are engaged in settlement negotiations with the former shareholders of OK.
Czech Republic
There are no significant outstanding legal actions that relate to our business in the Czech Republic.
Romania
There are no significant outstanding legal actions that relate to our business in Romania.
Slovenia
On November 20, 2002, we received notice of a claim filed by Mrs. Zdenka Meglic, the founder and a former shareholder of MMTV, against MMTV, a subsidiary of CME Media Enterprises B.V. In her claim against MMTV, Mrs. Meglic is seeking an amount equal to EUR 0.8 million (approximately US$ 1.1 million) for repayment of monies advanced to MMTV from 1992 to 1994 (in the amount of approximately SIT 29.0 million (approximately US$ 0.2 million)) plus accrued interest. On September 9, 2004, the court of first instance found against MMTV and issued a judgment requiring MMTV to pay an amount equal to EUR 0.8 million (approximately US$ 1.1 million) plus interest as well as costs. On September 24, 2004, MMTV filed an appeal against the judgment. On December 15, 2004, the appellate court vacated the judgment of the lower court and returned the case for further proceedings. At a hearing on September 4, 2007, the lower court denied the claim of Mrs. Meglic. and ordered her to pay MMTV‘s costs of litigation. Mrs. Meglic filed an appeal on September 24, 2007.
Slovak Republic
There are no significant outstanding legal actions that relate to our business in the Slovak Republic.
Ukraine
On December 23, 2005, we initiated international arbitration proceedings against our partners Alexander Rodnyansky and Boris Fuchsmann to enforce our contractual rights and compel a restructuring of the ownership of Studio 1+1 in order to permit us to hold a 60.0% interest in Studio 1+1. Following the adoption of an amendment to the Ukraine Media Law in March 2006, our partners acknowledged their obligation to structure had ripened; and in September 2006, they entered into agreements to effect a restructuring. On November 9, 2006, the arbitration proceedings were suspended by mutual consent to permit the parties to implement the restructuring On August 30, 2007, we succeeded in registering our Ukrainian subsidiary UMS as the owner of 42.0% of Studio 1+1. Together with our 18.0% indirect interest in Studio 1+1 held through Inter-Media, we now have a 60% interest in Studio 1+1.
On September 4, 2007, Mr. Fuchsmann and Mr. Rodnyansky sought to file a cross action in these international arbitration proceedings to compel the transfer by us of an interest in Ukrpromtorg to Mr. Fuchsmann and Mr.Rodnyansky. They allege that they are entitled to participate on a pro rata basis in our investment in Ukrpromtorg. This claim is based on a the terms of our shareholders’ agreement pursuant to which we and our partners have a limited right to participate on a pro rata basis in investment opportunities in the Ukrainian media sector undertaken by the other. In our response to this cross action, we intend to deny any breach of our shareholders’ agreement and request that the tribunal hold the cross action inadmissible in the current arbitration proceedings, whose subject matter is the restructuring, and terminate these proceedings.
This Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007, contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties See “Forward-looking Statements” in Part I, Item 2. Our actual results in the future could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described below and elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-Q.
Risks Relating to our Operations
We do not have management control of our affiliate in Ukraine
We own our operations in Ukraine jointly with our partners through subsidiaries and affiliates. In Studio 1+1, we hold a direct 42% ownership interest and an indirect 18% ownership interest. As a result, we do not have an ownership interest directly in Studio 1+1 that is sufficient to allow us to unilaterally assert management control or unilaterally direct the strategies, operations and financial decisions of this company. Therefore, our ability to implement all financial reporting and management processes that exist in our other operations requires the active cooperation of our partners. Their consent is also required for decisions affecting the sale of advertising and sponsorship, acquisition of programming, investment in production, scheduling decisions, the retention and dismissal of key employees as well as other operational issues, including ensuring compliance with relevant tax and other obligations of Studio 1+1. Our inability to obtain any required consent may result in Studio 1+1 being in breach of such tax or other obligations or may result in decisions being adopted that do not fully reflect our strategic objectives. In the absence of such consent, we may not be able to cause Studio 1+1 to adopt decisions in respect of advertising and sponsorship, programming, production, scheduling, personnel or otherwise that we believe are necessary in order to respond to competitive market dynamics in Ukraine for audience share and advertising, which may have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may not be aware of all related party transactions; such transactions may involve risks of conflicts of interest and of concluding transactions on less favorable terms than could be obtained in arms length transactions
In Romania and Ukraine, the local shareholders and/or general directors of our television operating companies are individuals with other business interests in those countries, including interests in television and other media related companies. Our operating companies’ transactions with such companies, whether or not we are aware that our local shareholders and general directors have an interest in such companies, may present conflicts of interests which may in turn result in the conclusion of transactions on terms that are not arms length. In addition, some related party receivables have been collected more slowly than unrelated third party receivables, which has resulted in slower cash flow to our operating companies. It is likely that our subsidiaries will continue to enter into related party transactions in the future. As a result, there is a risk that some related party transactions may be entered into on terms that are not arms length, which may result in a negative impact on results of operations and cash flows. In the event there are transactions with persons who subsequently are determined to be related parties, we may be required to make additional disclosure and, if such contracts are material, may not be in compliance with certain covenants under the Senior Notes and the EBRD Loan.
Our operating results depend on our ability to generate advertising sales generally and, in the Czech Republic, to fully implement our advertising sales strategy
We generate almost all of our revenues from the sale of advertising airtime on our television channels. Our advertising revenues in general depend on the pricing of our advertising time as well as other factors, including television viewing levels, changes in audience preferences, our stations’ technical reach, technological developments relating to media and broadcasting, competition from other broadcasters and other media operators, seasonal trends in the advertising market in the countries in which we operate, and shifts in population and other demographics. Advertisers generally use GRPs to measure television viewing levels. Our ability to generate GRPs depends on our offering programming which appeals to our target audiences, responding to technological developments in media, competing effectively with other broadcasters seeking to attract similar audiences and managing the impact of any seasonal trends.
In order to maintain and increase our advertising sales, it will be necessary to fully implement our advertising sales strategy in the Czech Republic (see Part I, Item 2, “Analysis of Segment Results, Czech Republic”) and to respond successfully to changes in other factors affecting advertising sales generally, especially in Ukraine, in order to maintain and increase our advertising sales. Any decline in advertising sales due to a failure to respond to such changes or to successfully implement the advertising sales strategies could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our operations are in developing markets where there is a risk of economic uncertainty, biased treatment and loss of business
Our revenue generating operations are located in Central and Eastern Europe. These markets pose different risks from those posed by investments in more developed markets and the impact in our markets of unforeseen circumstances on economic, political or social life is greater. Countries in this region have economic and political systems, legal and tax regimes, standards of corporate governance and business practices that continue to develop. Government policies may be subject to significant adjustments, especially in the event of a change in leadership, which may result in social or political instability or disruptions, potential political influence on the media, inconsistent application of tax and legal regulations, arbitrary treatment before judicial or other regulatory authorities and other general business risks. Other potential risks inherent in markets such as ours with changing economic and political environments include exchange controls, higher tariffs and other levies, as well as longer payment cycles.
The relative level of development of our markets and the influence of local parties also presents a potential for biased treatment of us before regulators or courts in our markets in the event of disputes involving our investments. If such a dispute occurs, those regulators or courts might favor local interests over our interests. Ultimately, this could lead to loss of our business operations, as occurred in the Czech Republic in 1999. We are involved in certain disputes with some of the former shareholders of our Croatia operations and some of these shareholders may also challenge a restructuring that we have undertaken in response to a request from the Croatian Media Council. The ability of certain of these shareholders to exert influence on local institutions may create a potential for biased treatment of us. An adverse outcome in the Global Communications lawsuit (see Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings, Croatia”) or a successful challenge to the restructuring could have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our programming content may become more expensive to produce or acquire or we may not be able to develop or acquire programming content that is attractive to our audiences
Television programming is one of the most significant components of our operating costs, particularly in Ukraine. The commercial success of our channels depends substantially on our ability to develop, produce or acquire syndicated television programming content that matches audience tastes, attracts high audience shares and generates advertising revenues. Our programming costs or requirements may increase in response to increased competition from existing and new television broadcasting channels for such programming or related talent. The costs of acquiring programming content attractive to our viewers, such as feature films and popular television series and formats, may increase as a result of such competition. Our expenditure in respect of locally produced programming content may also increase due to the implementation of new laws and regulations mandating the broadcast of a greater number of locally produced programs, changes in audience tastes in our markets in favor of locally produced content, and competition for talent. In addition, we typically acquire syndicated programming rights under multi-year commitments before we can predict whether such programming will perform. In the event any such programming does not attract adequate audience share, it may be necessary to write down the value of such programming. Any such increase in programming costs or write-downs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our broadcasting licenses may not be renewed and may be subject to revocation
We require broadcasting and, in some cases, other operating licenses as well as other authorizations from national regulatory authorities in our markets in order to conduct our broadcasting business. We cannot guarantee that our current licenses or other authorizations will be renewed or extended, or that they will not be subject to revocation, particularly in markets where there is relatively greater political risk as a result of less developed political and legal institutions. The failure to comply in all material respects with the terms of broadcasting licenses or other authorizations or with applications filed in respect thereto may result in such licenses or other authorizations not being renewed or otherwise being terminated. Furthermore, no assurances can be given that renewals or extensions of existing licenses will be issued on the same terms as existing licenses or that further restrictions or conditions will not be imposed in the future.
Our current broadcasting licenses expire at various times between November 2007 and 2019. Any non-renewal or termination of any other broadcasting or operating licenses or other authorizations or material modification of the terms of any renewed licenses may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may not be able to prevent our general directors from entering into transactions that are outside their authority and not in the best interests of shareholders
The general directors of our operating companies have significant management authority on a local level, subject to the overall supervision by the corresponding company board of directors. In the past our internal controls have detected transactions that have been concluded by a general director acting outside his authority. Internal controls are not able to prevent a general director from acting outside his authority, particularly if a related party relationship remains undisclosed to us. There is therefore a risk that a general director may act outside his authority and that our operating companies will enter into transactions that are not duly authorized. Unauthorized transactions may not be in the best interests of our shareholders and may have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
We may seek to make acquisitions of other stations, networks, content providers or other companies in the future, and we may fail to acquire them on acceptable terms or successfully integrate them or we may fail to identify suitable targets
Our business and operations continue to experience rapid growth, including through acquisition. The acquisition and integration of new businesses pose significant risks to our existing operations, including:
| · | Additional demands placed on our senior management, who are also responsible for managing our existing operations; |
| · | Increased overall operating complexity of our business, requiring greater personnel and other resources; |
| · | Difficulties of expanding beyond our core expertise, in the event that we acquire content providers or other ancillary businesses; |
| · | Significant initial cash expenditures to acquire and integrate new businesses; and |
| · | In the event that debt is incurred to finance acquisitions, additional debt service costs related thereto as well as limitations that may arise under our Senior Notes and the EBRD Loan. |
To effectively manage our growth and achieve pre-acquisition performance objectives, we will need to integrate any new acquisitions, implement financial and management controls and produce required financial statements in those operations. The integration of new businesses may also be difficult for a variety of reasons, including differing cultures or management styles, poor internal controls and an inability to establish control over cash flows. If any acquisition and integration is not implemented successfully, our ability to manage our growth will be impaired and we may have to make significant additional expenditures to address these issues, which could harm our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, even if we are successful in integrating new businesses, expected synergies and cost savings may not materialize, resulting in lower than expected profit margins.
Our operating results are dependent on the importance of television as an advertising medium
We generate almost all of our revenues from the sale of advertising airtime on television channels in our markets. In the advertising market, television competes with various other advertising media, such as print, radio, the internet and outdoor advertising. In all of the countries in which we operate, television constitutes the single largest component of all advertising spending. There can be no assurances that the television advertising market will maintain its current position among advertising media in our markets or that changes in the regulatory environment or technology will not favor other advertising media or other television broadcasters. Increases in competition among advertising media arising from the development of new forms of advertising media and distribution could result in a decline in the appeal of television as an advertising medium generally or of our channels specifically. A decline in television advertising spending in any period or in specific markets could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our operating results are dependent on general economic conditions
The results of our operations rely heavily on advertising revenue and demand for advertising is affected by prevailing general economic conditions. Adverse economic conditions generally and downturns in the economies of our operating countries specifically are likely to negatively impact the advertising industries in those countries and, consequently, the results of our operations. In addition, disasters, acts of terrorism, civil or military conflicts or general political uncertainty may create economic uncertainty that reduces advertising spending. Although recently there has been growth in the economies of our operating countries, there can be no assurance that this trend will continue or that any such improvement in general economic conditions will generate increased advertising revenue for our group. Global and local downturns in the general economic environment may cause our customers to reduce the amounts they spend on advertising, which could result in a decrease in demand for our advertising airtime. This would adversely affect our, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our operations are subject to significant changes in technology that could adversely affect our business
Countries in which we have operations have plans to migrate from analog terrestrial broadcasting to digital terrestrial broadcasting. Each country has independent plans with differing time frames and regulatory regimes. The specific timing and approach to implementing such plans to be employed in our markets is subject to change and we cannot predict the effect of such migration on our existing operations or predict our ability to receive any additional rights or licenses to broadcast if such additional rights or licenses should be required under any relevant regulatory regime. We may be required to commit substantial financial and other resources to the implementation of new technologies. We may be required to make substantial additional capital investment in order to implement digital terrestrial broadcasting and the use of alternative distribution systems may require us to acquire additional distribution and content rights. We may not have access to resources sufficient to make such investments when required.
The television broadcasting industry may be affected by rapid innovations in technology. The implementation of new technologies and the introduction of broadcasting distribution systems other than analog terrestrial broadcasting, such as digital broadcasting, cable and satellite distribution systems, the internet, video-on-demand and the availability of television programming on portable digital devices, have fragmented television audiences in more developed markets and could adversely affect our businesses. In addition, compression techniques and other technological developments allow for expanded programming offerings to be offered to highly targeted audiences. Reductions in the cost of creating additional channel capacity could lower entry barriers for new channels and encourage the development of increasingly targeted niche programming on various distribution platforms. Our television broadcasting operations may be required to expend substantial financial and managerial resources on the implementation of new broadcasting technologies or distribution systems. In addition, an expansion in competition due to technological innovation may increase competition for audiences and advertising revenue as well as the competitive demand for programming. Any requirement for substantial further investment for digitalization or to address competition that arises on account of technological innovations in broadcasting may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our success depends on attracting and retaining key personnel
Our success depends partly upon the efforts and abilities of our key personnel and our ability to attract and retain key personnel. Our management teams have significant experience in the media industry and have made an important contribution to our growth and success. The loss of the services of any of these individuals could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flow. Although we have been successful in attracting and retaining such people in the past, competition for highly skilled individuals is intense. There can be no assurance that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining such individuals in the future.
Risks Relating to our Financial Position
Our increased debt service obligations following the issuance of the Senior Notes may adversely affect our business
Our leverage has been significantly increased with the issuance of the Senior Notes (see Part I, Item 1, Note 5). As a result, we have significant debt service obligations and we are restricted in the manner in which our business is conducted. Our high leverage could have important consequences to our business and results of operations, including but not limited to: increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in our business or economic and industry conditions; and limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, business opportunities and other corporate requirements. We may have a higher level of debt than certain of our competitors, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage. A substantial portion of our cash flow from operations is required to be dedicated to the payment of principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, which means that this cash flow is not available to fund our operations, capital expenditures or other corporate purposes and our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, the competitive environment and the industry in which we operate has been limited. Any of these or other consequences or events could have a material adverse effect on our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and would therefore have potentially harmful consequences for the development of our business and strategic plan.
We may require additional external sources of capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms
The acquisition, ownership and operation of television broadcasting operations requires substantial capital investment. Our total capital requirements are based on our estimates of future operating results, which are based on a variety of assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. If our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, if our assumptions or plans change, or if our costs increase due to competitive pressures or other unanticipated developments, we may need to obtain additional financing. Sources of financing may include public or private debt or equity financings, proceeds from the sale of assets or other financing arrangements. In addition, it is not possible to ensure that such financings will be available within the limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness contained in the Indentures pursuant to which our Senior Notes were issued in 2005 (the “2005 Indenture”) and in 2007 (the “2007 Indenture” and collectively with the 2005 Indenture the “Indentures”) or pursuant to the terms of the EBRD Loan (see Part I, Item 1, Notes 5 and 11). Any additional equity or equity-linked financings may dilute the economic interest of the holders of our Common Stock. Furthermore, such financings may not be available on acceptable terms.
Under the Senior Notes and the EBRD Loan, we have pledged shares in our two principal subsidiary holding companies that hold substantially all of our assets and a default on our obligations could result in our inability to continue to conduct our business
Pursuant to the terms of the 2005 Indenture, the 2007 Indenture and the EBRD Loan, we have pledged shares in our two principal subsidiary holding companies, which own substantially all of our interests in our operating companies, including the TV Nova (Czech Republic) group, Pro TV, Markiza, Pro Plus and Studio 1+1. If we were to default on the 2005 Indenture, the 2007 Indenture or the EBRD Loan , the trustees under our Indentures or the EBRD would have the ability to sell all or a portion of all of these assets in order to pay amounts outstanding under our Indentures or the EBRD Loan.
Our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for future debt service obligations
Our ability to make debt service payments under our Senior Notes and other indebtedness depends on our future operating performance and our ability to generate sufficient cash, which in turn depends in part on factors that are not within our control, including general economic, financial, competitive, market, legislative, regulatory and other factors. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we would face substantial liquidity problems and we may be obliged to reduce or delay capital or other material expenditures at our stations, restructure our debt, obtain additional debt or equity capital (if available on acceptable terms), or dispose of material assets or businesses to meet our debt service and other obligations. It may not be possible to accomplish any of these alternatives on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all.
We are subject to risks relating to fluctuations in exchange rates
Our reporting currency is the dollar but a significant portion of our consolidated revenues and costs, including programming rights expenses and interest on debt, are in other currencies. Furthermore, the functional currency of our operations in Romania and Ukraine is the dollar. This is subject to annual review and new circumstances that may be identified during these annual reviews may result in use of functional currencies in these markets that differ from our reporting currency. In addition, our Senior Notes are denominated in Euros. We have not attempted to hedge the Senior Notes. We have in the past and may therefore in the future continue to experience significant gains and losses on the translation of the Senior Notes into Dollars due to movements in exchange rates between the Euro and the dollar.
If our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets become impaired we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings
We review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are required to be tested for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable include a decline in stock price and market capitalization, future cash flows, and slower growth rates in our industry. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets is determined resulting in a negative impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our holding company structure may limit our access to cash
We are a holding company and we conduct our operations through subsidiaries and affiliates. The primary internal source of our cash to fund our operating expenses as well as service our existing and future debt depends on debt repayments from our subsidiaries, the earnings of our operating subsidiaries, earnings generated from our equity interest in certain of our affiliates and distributions of such earnings to us. Substantially all of our assets consist of ownership of and loans to our subsidiaries and affiliates. We currently rely on the repayment of intercompany indebtedness and the declaration of dividends to receive distributions of cash from our operating subsidiaries and affiliates. The distribution of dividends is generally subject to conformity with requirements of local law, including the funding of a reserve account and, in certain instances, the affirmative vote of our partners. If our operating subsidiaries or affiliates are unable to distribute to us funds to which we are entitled, we may be unable to cover our operating expenses. Such inability would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Relating to Enforcement Rights
We may not be able to enforce our indemnification rights in a timely manner
Under the purchase agreement for the TV Nova (Czech Republic) group, PPF and certain of its affiliates have agreed to indemnify us for a limited period of time up to the full amount of the purchase price paid by us for the TV Nova (Czech Republic) group for a series of events and circumstances, including claims relating to taxes and claims brought by certain former shareholders of the TV Nova (Czech Republic) group. If we make an indemnification claim and we do not receive an indemnification payment or if such payment is delayed or contested, it may have a material adverse effect on our ability to make any required repayments under the terms of the Senior Notes or other indebtedness or may adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Enforcement of civil liabilities and judgments may be difficult
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. is a Bermuda company, and substantially all of our assets and all of our operations are located, and all of our revenues are derived, outside the United States of America. In addition, several of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of such persons are or may be located outside the United States. As a result, investors may be unable to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons, or to enforce against them judgments obtained in the United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal and state securities laws. There is uncertainty as to whether the courts of Bermuda and the countries in which we operate would enforce (i) judgments of United States courts obtained against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal and state securities laws or (ii) in original actions brought in such countries, as applicable, liabilities against us or such persons predicated upon the United States federal and state securities laws.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
CME Holdco L.P. is in a position to decide corporate actions that require shareholder approval and may have interests that differ from those of other shareholders
CME Holdco L.P. owns all our outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, each of which carries 10 votes per share. Ronald Lauder, the chairman of our Board of Directors, is the majority owner of CME Holdco L.P. and, subject to certain limitations described below, is entitled to vote those shares on behalf of CME Holdco L.P. The shares over which Ronald Lauder has voting power represent 64.8% of the aggregate voting power of our Common Stock. On September 1, 2006, Adele (Guernsey) L.P., a fund affiliated with Apax Partners, acquired 49.7% of CME Holdco L.P. Under the terms of the limited partnership agreement of CME Holdco L.P., Adele (Guernsey) L.P. has certain consent rights in respect of the voting and disposition of the shares of Class B Common Stock. CME Holdco L.P. is in a position to control the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, such as the election of directors, including two Adele (Guernsey) L.P. is entitled to recommend for appointment, and transactions involving a change of control. The interests of CME Holdco L.P. may not be the same as those of other shareholders, and such shareholders will be unable to affect the outcome of such corporate actions for so long as CME Holdco L.P. retains voting control.
The price of our Class A Common Stock is likely to remain volatile
The market price of shares of our Class A Common Stock may be influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including those described above under “Risks Relating to our Business and Operations” and including the following: license renewals, general economic and business trends, variations in quarterly operating results, regulatory developments in our operating countries and the European Union, the condition of the media industry in our operating countries, the volume of trading in shares of our Class A Common Stock, future issuances of shares of our Class A Common Stock and investor and securities analyst perception of us and other companies that investors or securities analysts deem comparable in the television broadcasting industry. In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated to and disproportionate to the operating performance of broadcasting companies. These broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our Class A Common Stock, regardless of our operating performance.
Our share price may be adversely affected by potential future issuances and sales of our shares
As at September 30, 2007, we have a total of 1.0 million options to purchase Class A Common Stock outstanding and 0.1 million options to purchase Class B Common Stock outstanding. An affiliate of PPF holds 3,500,000 unregistered shares of Class A Common Stock and Igor Kolomoisky holds 1,275,227 unregistered shares of Class A Common Stock. We cannot predict what effect, if any, the issuance of shares underlying options, the entry into trading of such unregistered shares or any future sales of our shares will have on the market price of our shares. If more shares are issued, the economic interest of current shareholders may be diluted and the price of our shares may be adversely affected.
The risks described here are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and / or operating results.
On October 30, 2007, we entered into a purchase agreement with Mr. Kolomoisky and Torcensta and a pledge agreement with Mr. Kolomoisky and the two nominee shareholders of Torcensta in order to implement certain terms of the framework agreement (see Part I, Item 1, Note 19 “subsequent events”).
Under the purchase agreement, we will acquire 100% of Torcensta following its becoming the owner of the Optioned Interests and the satisfaction of other conditions to closing . In the event we exercise such option, The consideration shall be an amount equal to the lesser of (i) US$ 140.0 million and (ii) 4% of the number of our outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock at the time the Optioned Interests are acquired by Torcensta (using a weighted average trading price), provided, that in the event the lesser amount is US$ 140.0 million, Mr. Kolomoisky will have the option of receiving his consideration in cash or shares of our Class A Common Stock (using the weighted average trading price).
Under the pledge agreement, Mr. Kolomoisky has pledged his beneficial interest in Torcensta and the two nominee shareholders will pledge their shares in Torcensta as security for the obligation under the purchase agreement to transfer Torcensta to us.
a) The following exhibits are attached:
4.02 | Subscription Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and Igor Kolomoisky, dated August 24, 2007 |
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4.03 | Registration Rights Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and Igor Kolomoisky, dated as of August 24, 2007 |
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10.68 | Supplemental Agreement Relating to the Loan Agreement dated 21 July, 2006 (as amended by an amending Letter Agreement dated 16 November, 2006) between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dated August 22, 2007 |
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10.69 | Loan Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dated August 22, 2007 |
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10.70 | Agreement on Transfer of Participation Interest in Media Invest, spol. s.r.o between Mr Jan Kovàčik and CME Slovak Holdings B.V., dated July 13, 2007 |
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10.71 | Agreement on Consideration between Mr Jan Kovàčik and CME Slovak Holdings B.V., dated July 13, 2007 |
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31.01 | Sarbanes-Oxley Certification s. 302 CEO, dated November 1, 2007 |
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31.02 | Sarbanes-Oxley Certification s. 302 CFO, dated November 1, 2007 |
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32.01 | Sarbanes-Oxley Certification – CEO and CFO, dated November 1, 2007 (furnished only) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 1, 2007 | /s/ Michael Garin |
| Michael Garin |
| Chief Executive Officer |
| (Duly Authorized Officer) |
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Date: November 1, 2007 | /s/ Wallace Macmillan |
| Wallace Macmillan |
| Chief Financial Officer |
| (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer) |
| Subscription Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and Igor Kolomoisky, dated August 24, 2007 |
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| Registration Rights Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and Igor Kolomoisky, dated as of August 24, 2007 |
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| Supplemental Agreement Relating to the Loan Agreement dated 21 July, 2006 (as amended by an amending Letter Agreement dated 16 November, 2006) between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dated August 22, 2007. |
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| Loan Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dated August 22, 2007. |
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| Agreement on Transfer of Participation Interest in Media Invest, spol. s.r.o between Mr Jan Kovàčik and CME Slovak Holdings B.V., dated July 13, 2007. |
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| Agreement on Consideration between Mr Jan Kovàčik and CME Slovak Holdings B.V., dated July 13, 2007. |
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| Sarbanes-Oxley Certification s. 302 CEO, dated November 1, 2007. |
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| Sarbanes-Oxley Certification s. 302 CFO, dated November 1, 2007. |
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| Sarbanes-Oxley Certification – CEO and CFO, dated November 1, 2007 (furnished only). |
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