UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010
o 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 or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
Mintflower Place, 4th floor Par-La-Ville Rd, Hamilton, Bermuda | HM 08 Bermuda |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +1 441 296-1431
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
CLASS A COMMON STOCK, $0.08 PAR VALUE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for 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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” or “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2010 (based on the closing sale price of US$ 19.90 of the registrant’s Common Stock, as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date) was approximately US$ 0.8 billion.
Number of shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of February 18, 2011: 56,878,489
Number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of February 18, 2011: 7,490,936
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Document | Location in Form 10-K in Which Document is Incorporated |
Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders | Part III |
| | | Page |
PART I | |
| Item 1 | | 2 |
| Item 1A | | 17 |
| Item 1B | | 25 |
| Item 2 | | 26 |
| Item 3 | | 27 |
| Item 4 | | 27 |
| | | |
PART II | |
| Item 5 | | 28 |
| Item 6 | | 30 |
| Item 7 | | 32 |
| Item 7A | | 67 |
| Item 8 | | 69 |
| Item 9 | | 132 |
| Item 9A | | 132 |
| Item 9B | | 134 |
| | | |
PART III | |
| Item 10 | | 134 |
| Item 11 | | 134 |
| Item 12 | | 134 |
| Item 13 | | 135 |
| Item 14 | | 135 |
| | | |
PART IV | |
| Item 15 | | 135 |
| | | |
| 143 |
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Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to the “Company”, “CME”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (“CME Ltd.”) or CME and its consolidated subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21.01 hereto. Unless otherwise noted, all statistical and financial information presented in this report has been converted into U.S. dollars using appropriate exchange rates. All references in this report to “US$” or “dollars” are to U.S. dollars, all references to “BGN” are to Bulgarian lev, all references to “HRK” are to Croatian kuna, all references to “CZK” are to Czech korunas, all references to “RON” are to the New Romanian lei, all references to 220;UAH” are to Ukrainian hryvnia, all references to “Euro” or “EUR” are to the European Union Euro and all references to “GBP” or “£” are to British pounds. The exchange rates as of December 31, 2010 used in this report are BGN/US$ 1.47; HRK/US$ 5.52; CZK/US$ 18.75; RON/US$ 3.20; EUR/US$ 0.75 and GBP/US$ 0.64.
The term “Floating Rate Notes” refers to our floating rate senior notes due 2014; the term “2009 Fixed Rate Notes” refers to our 11.625% senior notes due 2016; the term “2010 Fixed Rate Notes” refers to the 9.0% senior secured notes due 2017 issued by our wholly owned subsidiary, CET 21 spol s.r.o. (“CET 21”); the term “Senior Notes” refers collectively to the Floating Rate Notes, 2009 Fixed Rate Notes and 2010 Fixed Rate Notes; the term “2011 Convertible Notes” refers to our 5.0% senior convertible notes due 2015, the term “2008 Convertible Notes” refers to our 3.50% senior convertible notes due 2013 and the term “Convertible Notes” refers collectively to the 2008 Convertible Notes and the 2011 Convertible Notes. The term “Erste Facil ity” refers to the up to CZK 3.0 billion facility agreement dated December 21, 2009 among CET 21, Erste Group Bank AG as arranger, Ceska Sporitelna, a.s. (“CSAS”) as facility agent and security agent, and each of CSAS, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic, a.s. and BNP Paribas, S.A. as original lenders, which was repaid in full on October 21, 2010. The term “Secured Revolving Credit Facility” refers to the five-year CZK 1.5 billion secured revolving credit facility entered into on October 21, 2010 by CET 21 spol s r.o. with BNP Paribas, S.A., J.P. Morgan plc, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, ING Bank N.V. and CSAS as mandated lead arrangers and original lenders, BNP Paribas, S.A. as agent, BNP Paribas Trust Corporation UK Limited as security agent, and CME Ltd. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Investments B.V., CME Slovak Holdings B.V. and MARKÍZA-SLOVAKIA, spol. s r.o., as the original guarantors.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements, including those relating to our capital needs, business strategy, expectations and intentions. Statements that use the terms “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “plan”, “estimate”, “intend” and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and because our business is subject to such risks and uncertainties, actual results, our strategic plan, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could differ materially from those described in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report.
Important factors that contribute to such risks include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth under “Risk Factors” as well as the following: the effect of the economic downturn in our markets and the extent and timing of any recovery; the extent to which our debt service obligations restrict our business; decreases in TV advertising spend and the rate of development of the advertising markets in the countries in which we operate; our ability to make future investments in television broadcast operations; changes in the political and regulatory environments where we operate and application of relevant laws and regulations; the timely renewal of broadcasting licenses and our ability to obtain additional frequencies and licenses; and our ability to acquire necessary programming and attract audienc es. The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included in this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
PART 1
CME is an integrated media company operating leading broadcast, content and new media businesses in Central and Eastern Europe. Our assets are held through a series of Dutch and Curaçao holding companies. Since January 1, 2010, we have managed our business on a divisional basis, with three operating segments: Broadcast, New Media and Media Pro Entertainment. The new business segments reflect how CME’s operations are managed and the structure of our internal financial reporting. CME content is critical to maintaining our leadership positions in our broadcasting operations and expanding our new media operations. We have concentrated our creative resources to develop some of the most popular original content for distribution across the entire spectrum of existing and emerging platforms to bring greater diversificatio n of revenues. Content is a core asset and ownership of it is the cornerstone of our strategy to monetize our content across multiple distribution platforms.
General market information
We operate mainly in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia. All of these countries are members of the European Union (the “EU”) except for Croatia, which is an accession candidate country. These emerging economies have adopted Western-style democratic forms of government within the last twenty years and have economic structures, political and legal systems, systems of corporate governance and business practices that continue to evolve. As the economies of our countries converge with more developed nations and their economic and commercial infrastructures continue to develop, the business risks of operating in these countries will continue to decline. We also have broadcast operations in Moldova (since January 2011) and content distribution operation s in Hungary. Our operations in these countries are immaterial in comparison with our other operations.
The following table shows the per capita nominal gross domestic product (“GDP“) (i.e., at current prices) at constant exchange rates for the markets of Central and Eastern Europe in which we operate and for a combined group of developed markets comprised of Austria, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States (collectively, the “developed markets”). GDP is a measure of economic activity and represents the estimated total value of final goods and services produced by a country in a specified period.
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
CME markets | | $ | 11,737 | | | $ | 11,329 | | | $ | 11,699 | | | $ | 10,485 | | | $ | 9,271 | | | $ | 8,294 | |
growth rate | | | 4 | % | | | (3 | %) | | | 12 | % | | | 13 | % | | | 12 | % | | | 9 | % |
Developed markets | | $ | 42,779 | | | $ | 41,605 | | | $ | 42,853 | | | $ | 42,207 | | | $ | 40,457 | | | $ | 38,557 | |
growth rate | | | 3 | % | | | (3 | %) | | | 2 | % | | | 4 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: IHS Global Insight
The following table shows the ratio of combined per capita nominal GDP at purchasing power parity (“PPP”) in our markets to that of developed markets.
Ratio of per capita nominal GDP at PPP | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
CME markets as a % of developed markets | | | 41 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 38 | % | | | 36 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: IHS Global Insight
The above two tables show that the level of per capita nominal GDP in our markets was converging towards the level of the developed markets up until 2008, when the recent recession impacted our markets to a greater extent than the developed markets. We believe that convergence of GDP in our markets with the developed markets will resume as growth returns. As our markets grow, the level of disposable income of the population increases, which provides an incentive for advertisers to advertise their products.
The following table shows total advertising spend per capita in the markets of Central and Eastern Europe in which we operate and for the developed markets at constant exchange rates:
Total advertising spend per capita US$ | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
CME markets | | $ | 40 | | | $ | 43 | | | $ | 57 | | | $ | 52 | | | $ | 46 | | | $ | 40 | |
Growth rate | | | (5 | %) | | | (26 | %) | | | 10 | % | | | 13 | % | | | 15 | % | | | 11 | % |
Developed markets | | $ | 368 | | | $ | 362 | | | $ | 397 | | | $ | 411 | | | $ | 404 | | | $ | 383 | |
Growth rate | | | 2 | % | | | (9 | %) | | | (3 | %) | | | 2 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 4 | % |
Source: CME estimates, Group M, IHS Global Insight
The ratio of total advertising spend per capita to nominal GDP per capita, also known as advertising intensity, was also converging until 2008 and had risen to a weighted average level in our markets of 0.49% in 2008, compared to 0.93% in the developed markets. Due to the recent period of advertising market decline, the weighted average advertising intensity in CME markets has fallen to 0.34% in 2010, compared to 0.86% in the developed markets. We expect advertising intensity to begin converging again as our markets grow faster than the developed markets. Furthermore, we expect the rate of increase to be greater in the first years of recovery as our markets resume growth from a lower base.
The convergence of advertising intensity is driven by several factors, including the introduction of premium products into the market by new or existing advertisers aiming to capture increased consumer disposable income. In the developed markets, the marketing of premium products, including finance, automotive, entertainment and travel products, makes up the majority of current television advertising spend. In the markets in which we operate, the advertising of food, beverages, detergents and other basic products is the main source of advertising revenues.
The following table shows a comparison of the allocation of advertising budgets between basic and premium products in our markets versus those in more developed countries in 2010:
Mix of advertised products | | CME markets | | | Developed markets |
Premium | | | 30% | | | | 65% |
Basic | | | 68% | | | | 29% |
Other | | | 2% | | | | 6% |
| | | | | | | |
Source: CME estimates, GroupM |
Similar to the trends described above, we have seen the proportion of premium goods advertised in our markets gradually increase over time until 2008.
During the recent period of TV advertising spend decline in our markets, we saw a decrease in the proportion of advertising revenues from premium products caused by a weakening of consumer demand for such products in the recessionary period. We believe this is a temporary reversal of the longer-term historic trend. In those markets where TV advertising growth has already returned we have started to see an increase in the level of interest from advertisers of premium products and expect the historic trend to resume as our markets recover.
The following table shows TV advertising spend per capita in the markets of Central and Eastern Europe in which we operate and for the developed markets at constant exchange rates.
TV advertising spend per capita US$ | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
CME markets | | $ | 21 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 25 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 18 | |
Growth rate | | | (4)% | | | | (24%) | | | | 13% | | | | 17% | | | | 17% | | | | 12% | |
Developed markets | | $ | 140 | | | $ | 134 | | | $ | 146 | | | $ | 147 | | | $ | 150 | | | $ | 142 | |
Growth rate | | | 4% | | | | (8%) | | | | (1%) | | | | (2%) | | | | 6% | | | | 1% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: CME estimates, Group M, IHS Global Insight.
The preceding tables indicate that TV advertising spend in our markets has historically grown at a faster rate than total advertising until 2008, when the recent recession started to take hold. This is because TV advertising spend has grown as a percentage of total advertising spend in our markets, as shown below. Furthermore, since television was commercialized in our markets at the same time as other forms of media, TV advertising generally accounts for a higher proportion of total advertising spend than in the developed markets, where newspapers and magazines and radio were established as advertising media well before the advent of television.
The following tables show TV and internet advertising spend as a percentage of total advertising spend in the markets of Central and Eastern Europe in which we operate and for the developed markets.
TV advertising as a % of total advertising spend | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
CME markets | | | 56 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 49 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 50 | % |
Developed markets | | | 38 | % | | | 37 | % | | | 37 | % | | | 36 | % | | | 37 | % | | | 37 | % |
Source: CME estimates, Group M
Internet advertising as a % of total advertising spend | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
CME markets | | | 9 | % | | | 8 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 4 | % | | | 3 | % |
Developed markets | | | 20 | % | | | 18 | % | | | 21 | % | | | 13 | % | | | 10 | % | | | 8 | % |
As shown above, both TV and internet advertising have grown overall at the expense of print and radio advertising (the other primary components of the total advertising market) in our markets during the last five years. We believe that this trend will continue because of the greater reach and better measurement capabilities of TV and internet advertising, which make these mediums more effective to advertisers compared to print and radio. Television is especially attractive to advertisers because it delivers high reach at low cost compared to other forms of media and the internet is attractive because of its highly effective measurement capabilities.
In summary, we expect the economies of the countries in which we operate in to resume their convergence with more developed markets, particularly Western Europe, resulting in higher GDP per capita growth in our markets compared to that of the developed markets. We expect advertising intensity in our markets to also continue its pattern of convergence and reach its previous high of 0.49% and beyond in the next few years. Furthermore, we expect TV and internet advertising spend to continue to grow in relation to total advertising spend, resulting in significantly higher TV and internet advertising spend growth in our markets compared to the developed markets.
BROADCAST
Our broadcast segment consists of 23 television channels reaching an aggregate of approximately 47.1 million people in six countries with a combined population of approximately 50.4 million.
In Bulgaria, we operate one general entertainment channel (BTV), four other channels (BTV CINEMA, BTV COMEDY, RING.BG and BTV ACTION, formerly PRO.BG) and several radio channels.
In Croatia, we operate one general entertainment channel (NOVA TV) and one other channel (DOMA (Croatia)) which was launched in January 2011.
In the Czech Republic, we operate one general entertainment channel (TV NOVA) and three other channels (NOVA CINEMA, NOVA SPORT and MTV CZECH). NOVA SPORT and MTV CZECH are also broadcast in Slovakia.
In Romania, we operate two general entertainment channels (PRO TV and ACASA), three other channels (PRO CINEMA, SPORT.RO and MTV ROMANIA), and an international channel (PRO TV INTERNATIONAL), as well as a general entertainment channel broadcasting in Moldova (PRO TV CHISINAU) which was acquired in January 2011 (see Part II, Item 8, Note 22, “Subsequent Events”).
In the Slovak Republic, we operate one general entertainment channel (TV MARKIZA) and one other channel (DOMA (Slovak Republic)).
In Slovenia, we operate two general entertainment channels (POP TV and KANAL A) and one other channel (POP BRIO, formerly TV PIKA).
Our goal in Broadcasting is to maintain and increase our audience leadership in each of our markets in order to implement our pricing policy and maximize our revenues. We have built our audience leadership in each of our markets by operating a multi-channel business model with a diversified portfolio of strong television channels.
Distribution
Our main general entertainment television channels in each country are distributed on a free-to-air basis terrestrially in analogue, digital or both, depending on the digitalization status in each country, and are also distributed via cable and satellite. Our other channels are generally distributed via cable and satellite.
The following table shows the technical reach of our main general entertainment television channels as of December 31, 2010.
Country | | Technical Reach (%) (1) |
Bulgaria | | 100.0% |
Croatia | | 99.0% |
Czech Republic | | 99.1% |
Romania | | 95.6% |
Slovak Republic | | 99.1% |
Slovenia | | 97.2% |
| | |
(1) Source: TNS, AGB Nielsen Media Research , ATO- Mediaresearch, GFK Romania , TNS / PMT SK , AGB Nielsen Media Research
As the distribution platforms in our region develop and become more diversified, our television channels and own content will reach viewers through new distribution offerings, such as internet TV, portable media and mobile TV.
Programming
Our programming strategy for our Broadcast segment is tailored to match the expectations of key audience demographics by scheduling and marketing an optimal mix of programs in a cost effective manner. The programming that we provide drives our audience shares and ratings1 and consists of locally-produced news and current affairs, fiction and reality and entertainment shows and acquired foreign movies and series and sports programming. We focus our programming investment resources on securing a leading position during prime time, where the majority of advertising revenues are delivered, and improving our cost efficiency through optimizing the programming mix and limiting the cost of programming scheduled off-prime time.
The tables below provide a comparison of all day and prime time audience shares in the target demographic of our leading channels in the six countries in which we operate to the primary channels of our main competitors:
| | | Main Television Channels | | | Ownership | | | All day audience share (2010) | | | Prime time audience share (2010) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | | BTV | | | CME | | | | 34.7% | | | | 42.4% | |
(18-49) | | | NOVA TV | | | MTG | | | | 15.1% | | | | 16.9% | |
| | | BNT 1 | | | Public television | | | | 7.7% | | | | 8.2% | |
Source: TNS
Including our other four channels, the combined all day and prime time audience shares of our Bulgaria Broadcast operations in 2010 was 42.8% and 49.4%, respectively.
| | | Main Television Channels | | | Ownership | | | All day audience share (2010) | | | Prime time audience share (2010) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Croatia | | | Nova TV (Croatia) | | | CME | | | | 24.6% | | | | 29.5% | |
(18-54) | | | RTL | | | RTL | | | | 23.7% | | | | 25.5% | |
| | | HTV 1 | | | Public television | | | | 20.9% | | | | 17.7% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: AGB Nielsen Media Research
We had only one channel in Croatia in 2010. We launched DOMA (Croatia) in 2011.
_____________________________
(1) Audience share represents the share attracted by a channel as a proportion of the total audience watching television. Ratings represent the number of people watching a channel (expressed as a proportion of the total population measured). Audience share and ratings information are measured in each market by international measurement agencies, using peoplemeters, which quantify audiences for different demographics and sub-geographies of the population measured throughout the day. Our channels schedule programming intended to attract audiences within specific “target” demographics that we believe will be attractive to advertisers.
| | | Main Television Channels | | | Ownership | | | All day audience share (2010) | | | Prime time audience share (2010) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Czech Republic | | | TV NOVA (Czech Republic) | | | CME | | | | 36.0% | | | | 41.2% | |
(15-54) | | | TV Prima | | | MTG | | | | 15.7% | | | | 15.4% | |
| | | CT 1 | | | Public television | | | | 13.9% | | | | 14.2% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: ATO- Mediaresearch | |
Including our other three channels, the combined all day and prime time audience shares of our Czech Republic Broadcast operations in 2010 was 39.8% and 45.2%, respectively.
| | | Main Television Channels | | | Ownership | | | All day audience share (2010) | | | Prime time audience share (2010) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Romania | | | PRO TV | | | CME | | | | 18.1% | | | | 21.3% | |
(18-49 Urban) | | | Antena 1 | | | Intact group | | | | 11.3% | | | | 11.5% | |
| | | Prima TV | | | ProSiebenSat1 Media Group | | | | 5.0% | | | | 6.6% | |
| | | TVR 1 | | | Public television | | | | 4.0% | | | | 5.0% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: GFK Romania | |
Including our other four channels, the combined all day and prime time audience shares of our Romania Broadcast operations in 2010 was 27.3% and 31.0%, respectively.
| | | Main Television Channels | | | Ownership | | | All day audience share (2010) | | | Prime time audience share (2010) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Slovak Republic | | | TV MARKIZA | | | CME | | | | 31.7% | | | | 33.5% | |
(12-54) | | | TV JOJ | | | J&T Media Enterprises | | | | 22.5% | | | | 26.0% | |
| | | STV 1 | | | Public television | | | | 9.9% | | | | 10.0% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: NS / PMT SK
Including our other channel, the combined all day and prime time audience shares of our Slovak Republic Broadcast operations in 2010 was 34.0% and 35.3%, respectively.
| | | Main Television Channels | | | Ownership | | | All day audience share (2010) | | | Prime time audience share (2010) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Slovenia | | | POP TV | | | CME | | | | 25.3% | | | | 34.5% | |
| | | SLO 1 | | | Public television | | | | 11.5% | | | | 13.1% | |
| | | TV3 | | | MTG | | | | 6.6% | | | | 6.2% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: AGB Nielsen Media Research.
Including our other two channels, the combined all day and prime time audience shares of our Slovenia Broadcast operations in 2010 was 39.6% and 49.7%, respectively.
Sales
We generate advertising revenues in our Broadcast segment primarily through entering into agreements with advertisers, advertising agencies and sponsors to place advertising on the television channels that we operate.
Our main unit of inventory is the commercial gross rating point (“GRP”), a measure of the number of people watching television when an advertisement is aired. We generally contract with a client to provide an agreed number of GRPs for an agreed price (“cost per point” or “CPP”). Much less frequently, and usually only for small niche channels, we may sell on a fixed spot basis where an advertisement is placed at an agreed time for a negotiated price that is independent of the number of viewers. The price per GRP varies, depending on the season and time of day the advertisement is aired, the volume of GRPs purchased, requests for special positioning of the advertisement, the demographic group that the advertisement is targeting and other factors. Our larger advertising customers generally en ter into annual contracts and set the pricing for a committed volume of GRPs.
Our sales strategy is to maximize the monetization of our inventory by leveraging our high brand power, and applying an optimal mix of pricing and sell-out rate. The effectiveness of our sales strategy is measured by our share of the television advertising market which represents the proportion of our television advertising revenues in the market compared to the total television advertising market.
We operate our Broadcast segment based on a business model of audience leadership, control of our content and strong brands. These solid pillars provide us with the operating leverage to convert our leading audience into strong revenues, high margins and strong cash flows, especially as recovery in our markets progresses.
The public broadcasters in our operating countries are restricted in the amount of advertising that they may sell. See “Regulation of Television Broadcasting” below for additional information.
Seasonality
We experience seasonality, with advertising sales tending to be lowest during the third quarter of each calendar year due to the summer holiday period (typically July and August), and highest during the fourth quarter of each calendar year.
Regulation of Television Broadcasting
Television broadcasting in each of the countries in which we operate is regulated by a governmental authority or agency. In this report, we refer to such agencies individually as a “Media Council” and collectively as “Media Councils”. Media Councils generally supervise broadcasters and their compliance with national broadcasting legislation, as well as control access to the available frequencies through licensing regimes.
Programming and Advertising Regulation
All of the countries in which we operate are member states of the EU, except Croatia, and our broadcast operations in such countries are subject to relevant EU legislation relating to media. The Czech Republic, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic acceded to the EU on May 1, 2004. Romania and Bulgaria acceded to the EU on January 1, 2007. Croatia is a candidate for EU accession.
The EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (the “AVMS Directive”) came into force in December 2007, amending the Television Without Frontiers Directive (the “TWF Directive”). The AVMS Directive extends the legal framework from television broadcasting provided by the TWF Directive to media services generally in the EU. The AVMS Directive covers both linear (i.e., broadcasting) and non-linear (e.g., video-on-demand and mobile television) transmissions of media services, with the latter subject to less stringent regulation. Among other things, the AVMS Directive preserves the requirement that broadcasters, where “practicable and by appropriate means,” reserve a majority of their broadcast time for “European works.” Such works are defined as originating from an EU member state or a signatory to the Council of Europe’s Convention on Transfrontier Television as well as being written and produced mainly by residents of the EU or Council of Europe member states or pursuant to co-production agreements between such states and other countries. In addition, the AVMS Directive also preserves the requirement that at least 10% of either broadcast time or programming budget is dedicated to programs made by European producers who are independent of broadcasters. News, sports, games, advertising, teletext services and teleshopping are excluded from the calculation of these quotas. The AVMS Directive has relaxed regulations in respect of advertising shown in linear broadcasts and has extended some of those rules to non-linear broadcasts. In general, rules restricting when programming can be interrupted by advertising in linear broadcasting have been abolished except in the case of movies, news and childrens’ programming, where programming can be interrupted once ev ery thirty minutes or more. In addition, broadcasters may use product placement in most genres, subject to the identification of such practices and limitations on prominence.
Member states were required to implement the AVMS Directive by December 19, 2009, and of the countries in which we operate Romania, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic have notified the European Commission that the regulations have been put in place. Legislation has been adopted in Bulgaria to implement the AVMS Directive. In Slovenia, legislation implementing the AVMS Directive is expected to be adopted in the first half of 2011. Under the AVMS Directive, member states are permitted to adopt stricter conditions than those set forth in the AVMS Directive. The legislation enacted in Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic is consistent with the EU rules. Croatia has put in place legislation that aligns its programming regulations with the AVMS. We are unable to predict the final form of the regulations in countries where the AVMS Directive has yet to be implemented. Where possible, we intend to continue to participate actively in any consultation process regarding the implementation of the AVMS Directive in the EU countries in which we operate.
Please see below for more detailed information on programming and advertising regulations that impact our channels.
Bulgaria: In Bulgaria, privately owned broadcasters are permitted to broadcast advertising for up to 12 minutes per hour. The public broadcaster, BNT, which is financed through a compulsory television license fee and by the government, is restricted to broadcasting advertising for 4 minutes per hour and no more than 15 minutes per day, of which only five minutes may be in prime time. There are also restrictions on the frequency of advertising breaks (for example, news and childrens’ programs shorter than 30 minutes cannot be interrupted). These restrictions apply to both publicly and privately owned broadcasters. Further restrictions relate to advertising content, including a ban on tobacco advertising and restrictions on alcohol advertising, a nd regulations on advertising targeted at children or during childrens’ programming. In addition, members of the news department of our channels are prohibited from appearing in advertisements.
Our channels in Bulgaria are required to comply with several restrictions on programming, including regulations on the origin of programming. These channels must ensure that 50.0% of broadcast time consists of EU- or locally-produced programming and 12% of programming must be produced by independent producers in the EU. News, sports, games and teleshopping programs, as well as advertising and teletext services, are excluded from these restrictions.
Croatia: In Croatia, privately owned broadcasters are permitted to broadcast advertising for up to 12 minutes per hour with no daily limit, and direct sales advertising has to last continuously for at least 15 minutes. Additional restrictions apply to children’s programming and movies. The public broadcaster HRT, which is financed through a compulsory television license fee, is restricted to broadcasting nine minutes of advertising per hour generally and four minutes per hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. HRT is not permitted to broadcast spots for teleshopping. There are other restrictions that relate to advertising content, including a ban on tobacco and alcohol advertising.
NOVA TV (Croatia) is required to comply with several restrictions on programming, including regulations on the origin of programming. These include the requirement that 20.0% of broadcast time consists of locally produced programming and 50.0% of such locally produced programming be shown during prime time (between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.). These restrictions are not applicable to DOMA (Croatia).
Czech Republic: Privately owned broadcasters in the Czech Republic are permitted to broadcast advertising for up to 12 minutes per hour. The public broadcaster CT, which is financed through a compulsory television license fee, is restricted to broadcasting advertising for a maximum of 0.75% of its daily broadcast time on its main channel (excluding teleshopping), and 0.5% for its other channel, without the ability to combine. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., advertising time for the public broadcaster may not exceed six minutes per hour. There are also restrictions for all broadcasters on the frequency of advertising breaks during and between programs, as well as restrictions that relate to advertising conten t, including a ban on tobacco advertising and limitations on advertisements of alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, firearms and munitions.
Romania: Privately owned broadcasters in Romania are permitted to broadcast advertising and direct sales advertising for up to 12 minutes per hour. There are also restrictions on the frequency of advertising breaks (for example, news and childrens’ programs shorter than 30 minutes cannot be interrupted). The public broadcaster, TVR, which is financed through a compulsory television license fee, is restricted to broadcasting advertising for eight minutes per hour and only between programs. Further restrictions relate to advertising content, including a ban on tobacco advertising and restrictions on alcohol advertising, and regulations on advertising targeted at children or during children’s programming. In additi on, members of the news department of all channels are prohibited from appearing in advertisements.
Slovak Republic: Privately owned broadcasters in the Slovak Republic are permitted to broadcast advertising for up to 12 minutes per hour but not for more than 20.0% of their total daily broadcast time. The public broadcaster, STV, which is financed through a compulsory license fee, can broadcast advertising for up to 0.5% of its total broadcast time (up to 2.5% of total broadcast time including teleshopping programming), but between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. may broadcast only 8 minutes of advertising per hour. There are restrictions on the frequency of advertising breaks during and between programs. STV is not permitted to broadcast advertising breaks during programs. There are also restrictions that relate to advertising content, including a ban on tobacco advertising and a ban on advertisements of alcoholic beverages (excluding beer and wine) between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Slovenia: Privately owned broadcasters in Slovenia are allowed to broadcast advertising for up to 12 minutes in any hour. The public broadcaster, SLO, which is financed through a compulsory television license fee, is allowed to broadcast advertising for up to 12 minutes per hour and for up to 15.0% of its total daily broadcasting time (with 10% for advertisements only), but is only permitted up to 9 minutes per hour between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. There are also restrictions on the frequency of advertising breaks during programs and restrictions that relate to advertising content, including a ban on tobacco advertising and a prohibition on the advertising of any alcoholic beverages from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and generally for alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic content of more than 15.0%.
Our Slovenia operations are required to comply with several restrictions on programming, including regulations on the origin of programming. These include the requirement that 20.0% of a station's daily programming consist of locally produced programming, of which at least 60 minutes must be broadcast between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. In addition, 2.0% of the station's annual broadcast time must be Slovenian-origin audio-visual works and this amount must increase each year until it reaches 5.0%.
Licensing Regulation
The license granting and renewal process in our operating countries varies by jurisdiction and by type of broadcast permitted by the license (i.e., cable, terrestrial, satellite). Depending on the country, terrestrial licenses may be valid for an unlimited time period, may be renewed automatically upon application or may require a more lengthy renewal procedure, such as a tender process. Generally cable and satellite licenses are granted or renewed upon application. We expect each of our licenses to be renewed or new licenses to be granted as required to continue to operate our business. In addition, as our operating countries transition from analog to digital terrestrial broadcasting, we have applied for and will continue to apply for and obtain digital licenses that are issued in replacement of analog licenses. We will also apply for additional digital licenses and for licenses to operate digital networks where such applications are permissible and prudent.
The transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting in each jurisdiction in which we operate generally follows similar stages, although the approach being applied is not uniform. Typically, legislation governing the transition to digital broadcasting is adopted addressing the licensing of operators of the digital networks as well as the licensing of digital broadcasters, technical parameters concerning the allocation of frequencies to be used for digital services (including those currently being used for analog services), broadcasting standards to be provided, the timing of the transition and, ideally, principles to be applied in the transition, including transparency and non-discrimination. As a rule, these are embodied in a technical transition plan (“TTP”) that, in most jurisdictions, is agreed among the relevant Media Co uncil, the national telecommunications agency (which is generally responsible for the allocation and use of frequencies) and the broadcasters. The TTP will typically include the following: the timeline and final switchover date, time allowances for the phases of the transition, allocation of frequencies for digital broadcasting and other digital services, methods for calculating digital terrestrial signal coverage and penetration of set top boxes, parameters for determining whether the conditions for switchover have been satisfied for any phase, the technical specifications for broadcasting standards to be utilized and technical restrictions on parallel broadcasting in analog and terrestrial during the transition phase. Generally, the legislation relating to the digital transition provides that incumbent analog broadcasters are entitled to receive a digital license or that current licenses entitle the holders to digital terrestrial broadcasting, although broadcasters in a specific jurisdiction may be require d to formally file an application in order for a digital license to be issued. Our markets are in different stages in the digitalization process. In Croatia, the analog switch-off was completed in October 2010. In the Czech Republic, the official date for the analog switch-off is November 2011, however, a small portion of the Czech Republic will continue to receive analog transmissions until mid-2012. In Slovenia, the analog switch-off for private broadcasters was completed in December 2010 and the completion with respect to the public broadcaster is anticipated for the first quarter of 2011. In the Slovak Republic, the analog switch-off is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. In Bulgaria and Romania, the transition to digital broadcasting has not yet commenced, however each country expects completion to occur by 2015. Please see below for more detailed information on licenses for our channels.
Bulgaria: BTV operates pursuant to a national programming license issued by the Council for Electronic Media, the Bulgarian Media Council, and broadcasts pursuant to a national analog broadcasting permit that will expire at the time of the analog switch-off. BTV also has a must-carry digital license that expires in July 2024. BTV ACTION (formerly PRO.BG) broadcasts pursuant to a national cable registration that is valid for an indefinite time period and also has a must-carry digital license that expires in January 2025. BTV CINEMA, BTV COMEDY and RING.BG each broadcast pursuant to a national cable registration that is valid for an indefinite time period.
Croatia: NOVA TV (Croatia) broadcasts pursuant to a national digital license granted by the Croatia Media Council, the Electronic Media Council, that expires in April 2025. DOMA (Croatia), which launched in January 2011, broadcasts pursuant to a national terrestrial license that expires in January 2026.
Czech Republic: Our four channels in the Czech Republic operate under a variety of licenses granted by the Czech Republic Media Council, The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting. TV NOVA (Czech Republic) broadcasts under a national terrestrial license that permits both digital and analog broadcasting. This license expires in January 2025, and TV NOVA (Czech Republic) will continue to broadcast under this license following the completion of the digital switchover. TV NOVA (Czech Republic) may also broadcast pursuant to a satellite license that expires in December 2020. NOVA CINEMA broadcasts pursuant to a national terrestrial license that permits digital broadcast; this license expires at the time the digital switchover is complete, at which point we ex pect that NOVA CINEMA will receive a new national terrestrial digital license. NOVA CINEMA also broadcasts via satellite pursuant to a license that is valid until November 2019. NOVA SPORT broadcasts under a license that allows for both satellite and cable transmission that expires in October 2020, and MTV CZECH broadcasts under a satellite license that expires in October 2021.
Romania: PRO TV broadcasts pursuant to a network of regional and local analog licenses granted by Romania’s Media Council, the National Audio-Visual Council. PRO TV also broadcasts using a national satellite license. Our other Romanian channels (ACASA, PRO CINEMA, SPORT.RO, MTV ROMANIA and PRO TV INTERNATIONAL) each has a national cable and satellite license. Licenses for our Romania operations expire on dates ranging from January 2012 to September 2018 and are renewed routinely upon application to the Romania Media Council. From 2009, the Romania Media Council may only extend the validity of a license until the date of the digital switchover. PRO TV and SPORT.RO also broadcast in high-definition pursuant to experimental terrestrial licenses that are vali d until the digital switchover, while ACASA broadcasts in high-definition pursuant to a written consent from the Media Council.
Slovak Republic: TV MARKIZA broadcasts pursuant to a national analog license that expires in September 2019. The Council for Broadcasting and Transmission, the Slovak Republic Media Council, granted TV MARKIZA a national digital license in January 2010; such license is valid for an indefinite period. DOMA (Slovak Republic) broadcasts under a license that permits digital, cable and satellite transmissions. Similar to the TV MARKIZA license, DOMA’s license is valid for an indefinite period.
Slovenia: Our Slovenian channels POP TV, KANAL A and POP BRIO (formerly TV PIKA) each have licenses granted by the Post and Electronic Communications Agency of the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenia Media Council, that allow for broadcasting on any platform, including digital, cable and satellite. These licenses are valid for an indefinite time period. The analog licenses held by POP TV and KANAL A were terminated when the analog switch-off was completed in December 2010.
MEDIA PRO ENTERTAINMENT
We created the Media Pro Entertainment (“MPE”) segment on January 1, 2010 by integrating the existing production operations of our broadcast operations with the operations of the Media Pro Entertainment business that we acquired in December 2009.
Delivering content that consistently generates high audience shares is crucial to maintaining the success of our broadcast operations. While content acquired from the Hollywood studios remains popular, our audiences increasingly demand content that is produced in their local language and which reflects their society, attitudes and culture. We believe developing and producing local content is key to being successful in prime time and supporting market-leading channels. Maintaining a regular stream of local content at the lowest possible cost will become ever more important in the future and establishing the MPE segment gives us the opportunity to accomplish this goal.
In addition to the support we are able to offer our broadcasters, our ability to develop, produce and distribute this content will present us with significant opportunities in a future that will increasingly place a heavy premium on content in an environment of competing distribution channels. In the medium term our markets will complete their switch to digital broadcasting, and alternative strategies for delivering content will become even more important. The result will likely be a fragmentation of audiences among distribution platforms and a shift away from the traditional, linear delivery of content.
The fragmentation of distribution platforms will also present new possibilities for content producers to diversify their revenues from the current model, where the value of content is predominantly realized through advertising revenues on traditional, linear, broadcasts to new sources of revenues such as subscription TV windows, video-on-demand, direct downloads, international sales, and home video exploitation.
MPE is well positioned to exploit these opportunities. We have created a fully integrated production business that leverages creative talent across all of our countries and allows us to develop, produce and distribute content to maximize revenues under the new model and provides several key advantages to enable us to maintain a high output of quality content.
Media Pro Entertainment is organized into three subdivisions:
Fiction and Reality and Entertainment Production: This subdivision develops and produces a range of fiction, reality and entertainment programming and films, using both purchased formats and developing original formats.
Our business model enables us to produce across many countries and gives us the scale to deliver a large volume of quality content to our broadcasters at the lowest possible cost, thus providing us with the ability to cover our overhead base. This in turn is expected to allow us to utilize creative talent across countries and produce content that may be easily adapted for use across several markets and in many revenue-generating windows. The result is lower overall costs to our broadcasters without compromising high production values while also allowing us to generate higher margin revenues from the exploitation of our produced content in other ways, such as the sale of finished content and formats internationally, commissioned productions and the financing and production of feature films. In the short-term, we expect that we will most ly produce shows for our own broadcasters. MPE sells these products to our broadcasters at cost plus margins that cover our overheads and therefore generate little if any profit in MPE.
Production Services: This subdivision provides assets and expertise to both our production operations and to third parties, including studio spaces, set design and construction, camera, lighting, grip equipment, visual effects, costumes and post production services. We also generate revenues through the sale of production services to independent film-makers and through the sale of broadcast and distribution rights to third parties.
Our fully integrated production services operations allow us to achieve cost efficiencies. In most of our markets we own or lease all, or substantially all, of the facilities and assets necessary for production. This base of assets and professional expertise can be pooled in order to maximize asset usage and take best advantage of price arbitrage opportunities between jurisdictions. In addition, our operations in Romania also act as full scale production services providers to local and international production markets which generate additional third party revenues.
Distribution and Exhibition: In addition to having responsibility for selling finished content and formats developed by our fiction and reality and entertainment production operations to third parties, this subdivision, acquires rights to international film and television content across our region and distributes them both to third party clients and to our broadcast operations.
Our distribution and exhibition operations are also able to generate third-party revenue by distributing our own content directly through their own cinema and home video operations. Media Pro Entertainment owns and operates sixteen cinema screens in Romania, including Romania’s first multiplex operation. In addition, a home video distribution business sells DVD and Blu Ray discs to wholesale and retail clients in Romania and Hungary. Our distribution and exhibition operations allow us to monetize the content we produce more easily through selling formats and finished content to third parties. Furthermore, input from our distribution business throughout the creative process enables us to maximize the attractiveness of our produced content in international markets. A significant portion of our distribution and exhibition revenues are to third parties, which will generate the bulk of MPE’s profits in the short-term.
In total, the MPE segment currently generates approximately 75% of its revenues from sales to our Broadcast segment. For that reason, the financial results of the segment are largely dependent on the performance of television advertising markets, although the long-term nature of the production process is such that it takes time for significant market changes to be reflected in this segment‘s results. We expect that in the future, the growth of third party revenues will significantly outpace the growth in our intercompany revenues until the majority of our revenues will come from outside the CME group.
NEW MEDIA
We operate more than 60 websites and distribution platforms across six markets with two principal objectives: to build a strong online channel of distributing popular content and to operate the most efficient marketing tool for our Broadcast segment.
The product strategy for our New Media segment focuses on offering viewers the choice of watching our premium television content, anytime, anywhere and building a series of news portals, ranging from general information to sports or niche sites.
Revenues generated by the New Media segment in 2010 were derived almost exclusively from advertising. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we initiated the first steps toward paid content in order to increase the number of revenue streams. We built a subscription based video portal in Slovenia and launched Voyo in the Czech Republic, a transactional video-on-demand portal which mixes free content supported by advertising with paid content. The portals stream content produced by Media Pro Entertainment and international entertainment licensed from other producers. Advertisers are given the opportunity to connect with highly engaged users and provide consumers with paid access to premium content unique to the portal. We ultimately plan to roll out Voyo across all of our markets.
We aim to become one of the top three local new media players in each of our broadcast countries in terms of audience, a result that we have already achieved in Slovenia and Romania. At present our internet sites attract about 2 million non-duplicated unique users every day and about 10 million people each month, representing a 30.0% increase over 2009.
According to local monitoring services, the largest players in our markets are local portals with a full-scale portfolio of online products from email and news to niches, search engines and news sites operated by publishing houses with a strong print presence.
OTHER INFORMATION
Employees
As of December 31, 2010, we had a total of approximately 4,400 employees (including contractors). None of our employees or the employees of any of our subsidiaries are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
Corporate Information
CME Ltd. was incorporated in 1994 under the laws of Bermuda. Our registered offices are located at Mintflower Place, 4th floor, 8 Par-La-Ville Rd, Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda, and our telephone number is +1-441-296-1431. Communications can also be sent c/o CME Development Corporation at 52 Charles Street, London W1J 5EU, United Kingdom, telephone number +44-20-7127-5800. CME’s Class A common stock is listed on NASDAQ and the Prague Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CETV”.
Financial Information by Operating Segment and by Geographical Area
For financial information by operating segment and geographic area, see Part II, Item 8, Note 17, “Segment Data”.
Available Information
We make available, free of charge, on our website at http://www.cetv-net.com our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This report and the following discussion of risk factors contain forward-looking statements as discussed in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks and uncertainties described below and elsewhere in this report. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we may face. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are not aware, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also become important factors that affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Relating to our Financial Position
The global recession and credit crisis has adversely affected our financial position and results of operations; we cannot predict if or when economic conditions in the countries in which we operate will recover and a failure to recover promptly will continue to adversely affect our results of operations.
The results of our operations depend heavily on advertising revenue, and demand for advertising is affected by prevailing general and regional economic conditions. The economic uncertainty affecting the global financial markets and banking system in 2009 and 2010 has had an adverse impact on economic growth in our operating countries across Central and Eastern Europe, some of which have remained in recession. There has been a widespread withdrawal of investment funding from the Central and Eastern European markets and companies with investments in them, particularly in Bulgaria and Romania. Furthermore, the economic downturn has adversely affected consumer and business spending, access to credit, liquidity, investments, asset values and employment rates. These adverse economic conditions have had a material negative impact on the adver tising industries in our markets, leading our customers to reduce the amounts they spend on advertising. This has resulted in a decrease in demand for advertising airtime and a negative impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. While there are some indications that the decline in economic growth rates in certain of our operating countries has reached the bottom, any recovery in these countries could be uneven or slow to gain momentum and there are indications that any economic recovery in our markets will generally lag behind Western Europe. We cannot predict the sustainability of any such recovery should it occur. The absence of a recovery or a weak recovery in our markets will continue to adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our operating results will be adversely affected if we cannot generate strong advertising sales.
We generate almost all of our revenues from the sale of advertising airtime on our television channels. In addition to general economic conditions, other factors that may affect our advertising sales are the pricing of advertising time as well as audience ratings, changes in programming strategy, changes in audience preferences, our channels’ technical reach, technological developments relating to media and broadcasting, competition from other broadcasters and operators of other media platforms, seasonal trends in the advertising market, increased competition for the leisure time of audiences and shifts in population and other demographics. In addition, the occurrence of disasters, acts of terrorism, civil or military conflicts or general political instability may create further economic uncertainty that reduces advertising spend ing. The reduction in advertising spending in our markets has had a negative effect on the prices at which we sell television advertising because of pressure to reduce prices from advertisers and discounting by competitors. Reduced advertising spending, discounting of the price of television advertising in our markets and competition from broadcasters seeking to attract similar audiences have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on our ability to maintain our advertising sales. Our ability to maintain audience ratings and to generate gross rating points, our main unit of sales, depends in part on our maintaining investments in television programming and productions at a sufficient level to continue to attract these audiences. Significant or sustained reductions in investments in programming, production or other operating costs in response to reduced advertising spending in our markets have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on television viewing levels. The significant decline in advert ising sales has had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our debt service obligations may restrict our ability to fund our operations.
We have significant debt service obligations under our Senior Notes and Convertible Notes. In addition, CME Ltd. and certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries serve as guarantors of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility and the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes. As a result of these debt service obligations, we are restricted in the manner in which our business is conducted, including but not limited to our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, business opportunities and other corporate requirements. In addition, the covenants contained in the indentures governing the Senior Notes and in the agreement governing the Secured Revolving Credit Facility restrict the manner and extent to which we can provide financial support to certain of our subsidiaries. Furthermore, we may have a proportionally h igher level of debt than our competitors, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage. Servicing our high level of debt may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, economic conditions and our industry.
We may require additional external sources of capital for future debt service and other obligations, which may not be available or may not be available on acceptable terms.
Our ability to meet our future capital requirements is based on our expected cash resources, including debt facilities, as well as estimates of future operating results. These expectations and assumptions are based on a variety of assumptions, such as those regarding general economic, competitive and regulatory conditions, which may prove to be inaccurate. If economic conditions in our markets do not improve, if our assumptions regarding future operating results prove to be inaccurate, if our costs increase due to competitive pressures or other unanticipated developments or if our investment plans change, we may need to obtain additional financing to fund our operations or acquisitions, and to repay or refinance the Senior Notes, the Convertible Notes and, when drawn, the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. Furthermore, if our cash flow s from operations continue to be insufficient to cover operating expenses and interest payments, and if our cash flow together with other capital resources, including proceeds received from offerings of debt or equity and the disposition of assets were to prove insufficient to fund our debt service obligations as they became due, we would face substantial liquidity problems.
The tightness of the credit markets and the impact of a slow economic recovery on our operations may constrain our ability to obtain financing, whether through public or private debt or equity offerings, proceeds from the sale of assets or other financing arrangements. It is not possible to ensure that additional debt financings will be available within the limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness contained in the indentures governing our Senior Notes and the agreement governing the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. Moreover, such financings, if available at all, may not be available on acceptable terms. Our inability to obtain financing as it is needed would mean that we may be obliged to reduce or delay capital or other material expenditures at our channels or dispose of material assets or businesses. If we cannot ob tain adequate capital or obtain it on acceptable terms, this would have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may be unable to refinance our existing indebtedness and we may not be able to obtain favorable refinancing terms.
We face the risk that indebtedness will not be able to be renewed, repaid or refinanced when due, or that the terms of any renewal or refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of such indebtedness being refinanced. This risk is exacerbated by the volatility in the capital markets, which has resulted in tightened lending requirements and in some cases the inability to refinance indebtedness. CET 21 has a CZK 300.0 million (approximately US$ 16.0 million) factoring facility, which is available until June 30, 2011 (such facility undrawn as at December 31, 2010), and approximately US$ 234.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2008 Convertible Notes mature in 2013. If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness on acceptable terms or at all, we might be forced to dispose of assets on disadvantageous terms or reduce or sus pend operations, any of which would materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
A downgrading of our ratings may adversely affect our ability to raise additional financing.
Our corporate credit is currently rated as B2 with a negative outlook and our 2010 Fixed Rate Notes are rated Ba3 by Moody’s Investors Services. Our Senior Notes and the 2008 Convertible Notes are rated B and our corporate credit is rated B with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s. These ratings reflect each agency’s opinion of our financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet our debt obligations as they become due. Credit rating agencies now monitor companies much more closely and have made liquidity, and the key ratios associated with it, such as gross leverage ratio, a particular priority. We intend to operate with sufficient liquidity to maintain our current ratings. However, this is dependent on a variety of factors, some of which may be beyond our control. If we fail to maintain adequate l evels of liquidity, we may be downgraded further. In the event our debt or corporate credit ratings are lowered by the ratings agencies, it will be more difficult for us to raise additional indebtedness, and we will have to pay higher interest rates, which may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
If our goodwill, indefinite lived intangible assets and long-lived assets become impaired, we may be required to record significant charges to earnings.
We review our long-lived 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, indefinite lived intangible assets or long-lived assets may not be recoverable include slower growth rates in our markets, reduced expected future cash flows and a decline in stock price and market capitalization. We performed our annual impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2010, which did not result in any impairment charges for goodwill. We did, however, record an impairment charge of US$ 0.4 million to write off the carrying value of the InfoPro trademark associated with our In foPro radio channel in Romania following cessation of its operations and determining that the value of the trademark was not recoverable. We consider available current information in respect of calculating our impairment charge. If there are indicators of impairment, our long-term cash flow forecasts for our operations deteriorate, or discount rates increase, may be required to recognize impairment charges in later periods.
Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect our results of operations.
Our functional currency is the dollar but our consolidated revenues and costs, including programming rights expenses and interest on debt, are divided across a range of currencies. The Senior Notes are denominated in Euros. The Secured Revolving Credit Facility, when drawn, is denominated in Czech koruna. Although we have entered into currency swap agreements to reduce our exposure movements in foreign exchange rates relating to interest payments on the Senior Notes (see Part II, Item 7, “Cash Outlook” and Item 8, Note 11, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements”), we have not attempted to hedge the foreign exchange on the principal amount of the Senior Notes and we do not intend to hedge the foreign exchange exposure on the outstanding amounts due under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. We may c ontinue to experience significant gains and losses on the translation of our revenues, the Senior Notes or, when drawn, the Secured Revolving Credit Facility, into dollars due to movements in exchange rates between the Euro, the Czech koruna, the currencies of our local operations and the dollar.
A default under our obligations under the Senior Notes, the Convertible Notes or, when drawn, the Secured Revolving Credit Facility could result in our inability to continue to conduct our business.
Pursuant to the terms of the indentures governing the Senior Notes and the Convertible Notes and the Secured Revolving Credit Facility agreement, we have pledged shares in Central European Media Enterprises N.V. and CME Media Enterprises B.V., which own substantially all of our interests in our operating subsidiaries. In addition, pursuant to the indenture governing the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes and the Secured Revolving Credit Facility, we have pledged our ownership interests in CET 21 and substantially all of CET 21’s assets, including the shares of CME Slovak Holdings B.V. and the ownership interest in Media Pro Pictures s.r.o. If we were to default under the terms of any of our indentures or the Secured Revolving Credit Facility, the secured parties under our indentures and the Secured Revolving Credit Facility would have the abi lity to sell all or a portion of the assets pledged to them in order to pay amounts outstanding under such debt instruments.
Risks Relating to our Operations
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. Television competes with various other media, such as print, radio, the internet and outdoor advertising, for advertising spending. 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. Furthermore, there can be no assurances that changes in the regulatory environment or improvements in 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 would have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may seek to make acquisitions of other channels, 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 have grown in part through acquisitions, including our acquisition of the bTV group in April 2010. While we continue to explore acquisition opportunities, prospective competitors may have greater financial resources than we do, and increased competition for target broadcasters or other media businesses may reduce the number of potential acquisitions that are available on acceptable terms.
As we succeed in acquiring new businesses, their integration into our existing operations poses significant risks, including:
| · | additional demands placed on our senior management, who are also responsible for managing our existing operations; |
| · | increased overall operating complexity of our businesses, requiring greater personnel and other resources; |
| · | difficulties in expanding beyond our core expertise in the event that we acquire 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 the indentures governing our Senior Notes or under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. |
To manage our growth effectively and achieve pre-acquisition performance objectives, we will need to integrate new acquisitions into our existing businesses, implement financial and management controls and produce required financial statements for those operations. The integration of new businesses may also be difficult due to differing cultures, languages 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 cash flows and profit margins.
Our programming content may become more expensive to produce or acquire or we may not be able to develop or acquire content that is attractive to our audiences.
Television programming is one of the most significant components of our operating costs. The ability of programming to generate advertising revenues depends substantially on our ability to develop, produce or acquire programming that matches audience tastes and attracts high audience shares, which is difficult to predict. The commercial success of a program depends on several tangible and intangible factors, including the impact of competing programs, the availability of alternate forms of entertainment and leisure time activities and general economic conditions. Furthermore, the cost of acquiring content attractive to our viewers, such as feature films and popular television series and formats, has increased as a result of greater competition from existing and new television broadcasting channels. Our expenditure in respect of locally produced programming 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 well in our markets. In the event any such programming does not attract adequate audience share, it may be necessary to increase our expenditures by investing in additional programming as well as to write down the value of such underperforming programming. Any increase in programming costs or write downs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The transition to digital broadcasting may require substantial additional investments and the timing of such investments is uncertain.
Countries in which we have operations are migrating from analog terrestrial broadcasting to digital terrestrial broadcasting. Each country has independent plans for digital switchover with its own timeframe and regulatory and investment regime. The specific timing and approach to implementing such plans is subject to change. We cannot predict the effect of the migration to digital terrestrial broadcasting on existing operations or the take up of digital terrestrial broadcasting by our audiences. We also cannot predict whether all of our operations will receive rights or licenses to broadcast any additional channels if such additional rights or licenses should be required under any relevant regulatory regime. We may be required to make substantial additional capital investment and commit substantial other resources to implement digital terrestrial broadcasting and secure distribution, and the availability of competing alternative distribution systems, such as direct-to-home platforms, may require us to acquire additional distribution rights for content we broadcast. We may not have access to resources sufficient to make such investments when required.
Our businesses are vulnerable to significant changes in technology that could adversely affect us.
The television broadcasting industry is 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 terrestrial broadcasting, direct-to-home cable and satellite distribution systems, the internet, video-on-demand, user-generated content sites and the availability of television programming on portable digital devices, have changed consumer behavior by increasing the number of entertainment choices available to audiences. This has fragmented television audiences in more developed markets and could adversely affect our ability to retain audience share and attract advertisers as such technologies penetrate our markets. New technologies that enable viewers to choose when and what content to watch, as well as to fast-forward or skip advertisements, may cause changes in consumer behavior that could impact our businesses. In addition, compression techniques and other technological developments allow for an increase in the number of channels that may be broadcast in our markets and expanded programming offerings that may be offered to highly targeted audiences. Reductions in the cost of launching additional channels 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 to address competitio n that arises on account of technological innovations in broadcasting may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may not be aware of all related party transactions, which may involve risks of conflicts of interest that result in concluding transactions on less favorable terms than could be obtained in arms-length transactions.
In certain of our markets, Adrian Sarbu, our President and Chief Executive Officer, a member of our Board of Directors and a shareholder, general directors or other members of the management of our operating companies have other business interests, including interests in television and other media related companies. For example, following the completion of the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment in December 2009, Mr. Sarbu continues to own or control entities involved in print media, internet services and news syndication services, among others. We may not be aware of all business interests or relationships that exist with respect to entities with which our operating companies enter into transactions. Transactions with companies, whether or not we are aware of any business relationship between our employees and third parties, may pr esent conflicts of interest which may in turn result in the conclusion of transactions on terms that are not arm’s length. It is likely that our subsidiaries will continue to enter into related party transactions in the future. 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 indentures governing our Senior Notes. Any related party transaction that is entered into on terms that are not arm’s length may result in a negative impact on our financial position, 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. Our analog broadcasting licenses expire at various times between January 2012 through January 2026. While we expect that our material licenses and authorizations will be renewed or extended as required to continue to operate our business, we cannot guarantee that this will occur 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 licens es 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. 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.
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 to 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. The economic and political systems, legal and tax regimes, standards of corporate governance and business practices of countries in this region continue to develop. Government policies may be subject to significant adjustments, especially in the event of a change in leadership. This 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, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Other potential risks inherent in markets with evolving 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 political parties also present a potential for biased treatment of us before regulators or courts 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 the loss of one or more of our business operations. The loss of a material business would have an adverse impact 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. 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. The loss of the services of any of these individuals could have an adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Relating to Enforcement Rights
We are a Bermuda company and enforcement of civil liabilities and judgments may be difficult.
CME Ltd. is a Bermuda company; substantially all of our assets and all of our operations are located, and all of our revenues are derived, outside the United States. In addition, several of our directors and all of our 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 affect 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, liabilities against us or such persons predicated upon the United States federal and state securities laws.
Our bye-laws restrict shareholders from bringing legal action against our officers and directors.
Our bye-laws contain a broad waiver by our shareholders of any claim or right of action in Bermuda, both individually and on our behalf, against any of our officers or directors. The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director. This waiver limits the right of shareholders to assert claims against our officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty.
Risks Relating to our Common Stock
The holders of shares of our Class B common stock are in a position to decide corporate actions that require shareholder approval and may have interests that differ from those of other shareholders.
Shares of our Class B common stock carry ten votes per share and shares of our Class A common stock carry one vote per share. As of December 31, 2010, Ronald Lauder, our founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, owns or has voting control over approximately 67.8% of our outstanding common stock. A portion of this voting power is attributable to a voting agreement among the Company, Mr. Lauder, RSL Savannah LLC, a company wholly owned by Mr. Lauder, and Time Warner Media Holdings B.V., an affiliate of Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”), whereby Mr. Lauder is entitled to vote all 14,500,000 shares of Class A common stock and 4,500,000 shares of Class B common stock owned by Time Warner, as well as any other of our shares acquired by Time Warner during the term of the voting agreement. Notwithstanding the forego ing, Time Warner reserves the right to vote certain shares in any transaction that would result in a change of control of the Company.
Because of this voting power, Mr. Lauder is in a position to control the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, such as the election of directors or certain transactions, including issuances of common stock of the Company that may result in a dilution of the holders of shares of Class A common stock or in a change of control. The interests of Mr. Lauder 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 Mr. Lauder 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 Operations” as well as the following: general economic and business trends, variations in quarterly operating results, license renewals, 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 investors’ and securities analysts’ perception of us and other companies that investors or securities analysts deem comparable in the television broadcasting industry. In addition, stock markets in general have experienced extr eme 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 shares of our Class A common stock, regardless of our operating performance.
Our share price may be adversely affected by sales of unrestricted shares or future issuances of our shares.
As at February 18, 2011, we had a total of 2.5 million options to purchase Class A common stock outstanding and 0.1 million options to purchase shares of Class B common stock outstanding. In 2007 we issued 1,275,227 unregistered shares of Class A common stock to Igor Kolomoisky, a member of our Board of Directors, for which he has registration rights. Adrian Sarbu beneficially owns 2,702,000 unregistered shares of Class A common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 850,000 unregistered shares of Class A common stock. An affiliate of Apax Partners holds 3,168,575 unrestricted shares of Class A common stock and an affiliate of PPF a.s., from whom we acquired the TV Nova (Czech Republic) group in 2005, holds 3,122,364 unregistered shares of Class A common stock. An affiliate of Time Warner holds 14,500,000 unregistered shares of C lass A common stock and 4,500,000 unregistered shares of Class B common stock. Time Warner has registration rights with respect to the shares of Class A common stock.
In addition, the 2008 Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of our Class A common stock and mature on March 15, 2013. Prior to December 15, 2012, the 2008 Convertible Notes will be convertible following certain events and from that date, at any time to March 15, 2013. From time to time up to and including December 15, 2012, we will have the right to elect to deliver (i) shares of our Class A common stock or (ii) cash and, if applicable, shares of our Class A common stock upon conversion of the 2008 Convertible Notes. At present, we have elected to deliver cash and, if applicable, shares of our Class A common stock. To mitigate the potentially dilutive effect of a conversion of the 2008 Convertible Notes on our Class A common stock, we have entered into two capped call transactions with respect to a certain number of shares of our Class A common stock that are exercisable in the event of a conversion of the 2008 Convertible Notes or at maturity on March 15, 2013. We may receive cash or shares of our Class A common stock upon the exercise of the calls.
Furthermore, the 2011 Convertible Notes are convertible in shares of our Class A common stock and mature on November 15, 2015. Prior to August 15, 2015, the 2011 Convertible Notes will be convertible following certain events and from that date at any time to November 15, 2015. From time to time up to and including August 15, 2015, we will have the right to elect to deliver (i) shares of our Class A common stock, (ii) cash or (iii) a combination of cash and shares of our Class A common stock upon conversion of the 2011 Convertible Notes. At present we have elected to deliver cash.
We cannot predict what effect, if any, an issuance of shares of our common stock, including the Class A common stock underlying options or the Convertible Notes or into which outstanding Class B common stock may be converted, in connection with future financings, or the entry into trading of previously issued unregistered or restricted shares of our Class A common stock, will have on the market price of our shares. If more shares of common stock are issued, the economic interest of current shareholders may be diluted and the price of our shares may be adversely affected.
| UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
We own and lease properties in the countries in which we operate. These facilities are fully utilized for current operations, are in good condition and are adequately equipped for purposes of conducting broadcasting, content production or such other operations as we require. We believe that suitable additional space is available on acceptable terms in the event of an expansion of our businesses. The table below provides a brief description of our significant properties.
Location | | Property | | Use |
| | | | |
Hamilton, Bermuda | | Leased office | | Registered Office, corporate |
Amsterdam, Netherlands | | Leased office | | Corporate Office, corporate |
London, United Kingdom | | Leased office | | Administrative Center, corporate |
Sofia, Bulgaria | | Leased buildings | | Office and studio space (Broadcast, Media Pro Entertainment and New Media segments) |
Zagreb, Croatia | | Owned and leased buildings | | Office and studio space (Broadcast, Media Pro Entertainment and New Media segments) |
Prague, Czech Republic | | Owned and leased buildings | | Administrative Center, corporate Office and studio space (Broadcast, Media Pro Entertainment and New Media segments) |
Bucharest and other key cities within Romania | | Owned and leased buildings | | Office and studio space (Broadcast, Media Pro Entertainment and New Media segments) |
Bratislava, Slovak Republic | | Owned buildings | | Office and studio space (Broadcast, Media Pro Entertainment and New Media segments) |
Ljubljana, Slovenia | | Owned and leased buildings | | Office and studio space (Broadcast Media Pro Entertainment and New Media segments) |
| | | | |
For further information on the cash resources that fund these facility-related costs, see Part II, Item 7, VI, “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
General
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation or arbitration proceedings arising in the normal course of our business operations. Other than the claim discussed below, we are not presently a party to any such litigation or arbitration which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or operations.
Video International termination
On March 18, 2009, Video International Company Group, CGSC (“VI”), a Russian legal entity, filed a claim in the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”) against our wholly-owned subsidiary CME Media Enterprises B.V. (“CME BV”), which was, at the time the claim was filed, the principal holding company of our former Ukrainian operations. The claim relates to the termination of an agreement between VI and CME BV dated November 30, 2006 (the “parent agreement”). The parent agreement was one of four related contracts by which VI subsidiaries, including LLC Video International-Prioritet (“Prioritet”), supplied advertising and marketing services to Studio 1+1 LLC (“Studio 1+1”) in Ukraine and International Media Services Ltd., an offshore affiliate of Studi o 1+1 (“IMS”). Among these four contracts were the advertising services agreement and the marketing services agreements both between Prioritet and Studio 1+1. On December 24, 2008, each of CME BV, Studio 1+1 and IMS provided notices of termination to their respective contract counterparties, following which each of the four contracts terminated on March 24, 2009. In connection with these terminations, Studio 1+1 was required under the advertising and marketing services agreements to pay a termination penalty equal to (i) 12% of the average monthly advertising revenues, and (ii) 6% of the average monthly sponsorship revenues, in each case for advertising and sponsorship sold by Prioritet for the six months prior to the termination date, multiplied by six. On June 1, 2009, Studio 1+1 paid UAH 13.5 million (approximately US$ 1.7 million) to Prioritet and set off UAH 7.4 million (approximately US$ 0.9 million) against amounts owing to Studio 1+1 under the advertising and marketing services agreements. In its LCIA claim, VI sought payment of a separate indemnity from CME BV under the parent agreement equal to the aggregate amount of Studio 1+1’s advertising revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The total amount of relief sought was US$ 58.5 million. On September 30, 2010, a partial award was issued in the arbitration proceedings, pursuant to which VI’s claim for relief in the amount of US$ 58.5 million was dismissed and CME BV was awarded reimbursement of its legal fees and other costs in respect of the arbitration proceedings, which were received on October 27, 2010. The partial award does permit VI to bring a subsequent claim against CME BV as parent guarantor in the event that VI establishes that it is entitled to additional compensation under the advertising and marketing services agreements with Studio 1+1 and that such compensation is not satisfied by Studio 1+1. We do not believe it is likely that we will be required to make any further payments.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Shares of Class A common stock of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. began trading on the NASDAQ National Market on October 13, 1994 under the trading symbol “CETV”.
On February 18, 2011, the last reported sales price for shares of Class A common stock was US$ 18.96.
The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for shares of Class A common stock for each quarterly period during the last two fiscal years.
Price Period | | High (US$ / Share) | | | Low (US$ / Share) | |
| | | | | | |
2010 | | | | | | |
Fourth Quarter | | | 26.36 | | | | 18.75 | |
Third Quarter | | | 25.45 | | | | 19.91 | |
Second Quarter | | | 38.29 | | | | 19.64 | |
First Quarter | | | 31.70 | | | | 25.44 | |
| | | | | | | | |
2009 | | | | | | | | |
Fourth Quarter | | | 33.73 | | | | 23.61 | |
Third Quarter | | | 38.08 | | | | 17.44 | |
Second Quarter | | | 22.00 | | | | 11.97 | |
First Quarter | | | 22.73 | | | | 4.86 | |
| | | | | | | | |
At February 18, 2011, there were 196 holders of record (including brokerage firms and other nominees) of shares of Class A common stock and 3 holders of record of shares of Class B common stock. There is no public market for shares of Class B common stock. Each share of Class B common stock has 10 votes.
6,000,000 shares have been authorized for issuance in respect of equity awards under a stock-based compensation plan (see Part II, Item 8, Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation”).
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have not declared or paid and have no present intention to declare or pay in the foreseeable future any cash dividends in respect to any class of our shares of common stock.
PURCHASE OF OWN STOCK
We did not purchase any of our own stock in 2010.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following performance graph is a line graph comparing the change in the cumulative shareholder return of the Class A common stock against the total cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Dow Jones World Broadcasting Index between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2010.
Value of US$ 100 invested at December 31, 2006 as of December 31, 2010:
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. | | $ | 29.07 | |
NASDAQ Composite Index | | $ | 87.60 | |
Dow Jones World Broadcasting Index (1) | | $ | 109.84 | |
(1) This index includes 63 companies, many of which are non-U.S. based. Accordingly, we believe that the inclusion of this index is useful in understanding our stock performance compared to companies in the television broadcast and cable industry.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Our selected consolidated financial data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following tables set forth the selected consolidated financial data for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2010. The selected consolidated financial data is qualified in its entirety and should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. We have derived the consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 from the consolidated audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The c onsolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were derived from consolidated audited financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | (US$ 000’s, except per share data) | |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | $ | 737,134 | | | $ | 681,945 | | | $ | 920,476 | | | $ | 712,018 | | | $ | 505,038 | |
Operating income / (loss) | | | 22,877 | | | | (38,971 | ) | | | 183,466 | | | | 190,230 | | | | 120,418 | |
Net (loss) / income from continuing operations | | | (116,924 | ) | | | (70,983 | ) | | | 41,942 | | | | 96,113 | | | | 24,360 | |
Income / (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 213,697 | | | | (36,824 | ) | | | (309,421 | ) | | | 9,612 | | | | 9,666 | |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | 100,175 | | | $ | (97,157 | ) | | $ | (269,546 | ) | | $ | 88,618 | | | $ | 21,626 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PER SHARE DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) / income per common share from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations – basic | | $ | (1.77 | ) | | $ | (1.11 | ) | | $ | 0.94 | | | $ | 1.91 | | | $ | 0.30 | |
Continuing operations – diluted | | | (1.77 | ) | | | (1.11 | ) | | | 0.93 | | | | 1.89 | | | | 0.29 | |
Discontinued operations – basic | | | 3.34 | | | | (0.68 | ) | | | (7.31 | ) | | | 0.23 | | | | 0.24 | |
Discontinued operations – diluted | | | 3.34 | | | | (0.68 | ) | | | (7.25 | ) | | | 0.23 | | | | 0.24 | |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. common shareholders – basic | | | 1.57 | | | | (1.79 | ) | | | (6.37 | ) | | | 2.14 | | | | 0.54 | |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. common shareholders - diluted | | $ | 1.57 | | | $ | (1.79 | ) | | $ | (6.32 | ) | | $ | 2.12 | | | $ | 0.53 | |
Weighted average common shares used in computing per share amounts (000’s) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 64,029 | | | | 54,344 | | | | 42,328 | | | | 41,384 | | | | 40,027 | |
Diluted | | | 64,029 | | | | 54,344 | | | | 42,683 | | | | 41,833 | | | | 40,600 | |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 244,050 | | | $ | 445,954 | | | $ | 94,423 | | | $ | 128,159 | | | $ | 131,718 | |
Other current assets | | | 368,035 | | | | 435,507 | | | | 485,089 | | | | 435,387 | | | | 293,457 | |
Non-current assets | | | 2,328,465 | | | | 1,991,326 | | | | 1,827,104 | | | | 1,774,889 | | | | 1,393,825 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,940,550 | | | $ | 2,872,787 | | | $ | 2,406,616 | | | $ | 2,338,435 | | | $ | 1,819,000 | |
Current liabilities | | | 243,076 | | | | 352,118 | | | | 248,484 | | | | 238,571 | | | | 195,418 | |
Non-current liabilities | | | 1,449,722 | | | | 1,348,829 | | | | 1,059,687 | | | | 676,902 | | | | 561,627 | |
CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity | | | 1,226,879 | | | | 1,177,589 | | | | 1,095,258 | | | | 1,399,807 | | | | 1,035,766 | |
Noncontrolling interests | | | 20,873 | | | | (5,749 | ) | | | 3,187 | | | | 23,155 | | | | 26,189 | |
Total liabilities and equity | | $ | 2,940,550 | | | $ | 2,872,787 | | | $ | 2,406,616 | | | $ | 2,338,435 | | | $ | 1,819,000 | |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the sections entitled “Forward-looking Statements” on page 4 and “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A.
Contents
Il. | Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Position |
III | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
IV. | Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates |
l. Executive Summary
CME Strategy
We enjoy very strong positions in our markets based on brand strength, audience leadership, the depth and experience of local management and our expertise in the production of local content. Historically, these strengths have supported price leadership, high margins, and strong cash flows. These competitive advantages have permitted our operations some measure of resilience in the current economic downturn and should provide the opportunity for us to benefit as and when growth resumes.
Our strategy for the future is based on our assets: people, brands, audience and market leadership, own content and growing new distribution platforms. We are focused on enhancing the performance of the business over the short and medium term. Our priorities in this regard include:
| · | improving the performance of our new operating model with three operating divisions - broadcast, content (Media Pro Entertainment) and new media – to achieve more efficient use of our resources in order to grow faster; |
| · | maintaining or increasing our audience and market shares in all of our markets; |
| · | improving the effectiveness of our marketing and sales functions and continuing to diversify our revenues; |
| · | developing and producing content on a larger scale and distributing it in our region and beyond in all windows and platforms; |
| · | maintaining our operating leverage, with a strong focus on cost control to protect both profitability and liquidity, while protecting our brands and competitive strengths; |
| · | assessing opportunities to acquire or operate additional businesses in our regions in order to expand our offerings, target niche audiences and increase our product and services output when financially prudent; and |
| · | generating positive free cash flows. |
We are prepared to face new challenges and adjust our strategy when new opportunities or threats arise.
Summary of Results
The following table provides a summary of our consolidated results for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000's) | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | Movement | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | Movement | |
Net revenues | | $ | 737,134 | | | $ | 681,945 | | | $ | 55,189 | | | $ | 681,945 | | | $ | 920,476 | | | | (238,531 | ) |
Cost of revenues | | | (594,044 | ) | | | (529,286 | ) | | | (64,758 | ) | | | (529,286 | ) | | | (551,602 | ) | | | 22,316 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | (119,816 | ) | | | (109,787 | ) | | | (10,029 | ) | | | (109,787 | ) | | | (120,517 | ) | | | 10,730 | |
Impairment charge | | | (397 | ) | | | (81,843 | ) | | | 81,446 | | | | (81,843 | ) | | | (64,891 | ) | | | (16,952 | ) |
Operating income / (loss) | | | 22,877 | | | | (38,971 | ) | | | 61,848 | | | | (38,971 | ) | | | 183,466 | | | | (222,437 | ) |
Income / (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 213,697 | | | | (36,824 | ) | | | 250,521 | | | | (36,824 | ) | | | (309,421 | ) | | | 272,597 | |
Net income / (loss) | | $ | 96,773 | | | $ | (107,807 | ) | | $ | 204,580 | | | $ | (107,807 | ) | | | (267,479 | ) | | | 159,672 | |
Net cash (used in) / generated from continuing operating activities | | $ | (49,614 | ) | | $ | 7,190 | | | $ | (56,804 | ) | | $ | 7,190 | | | $ | 137,487 | | | | (130,297 | ) |
Our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2010 reflect the continued impact of the global financial and economic crisis on our operations; the acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria on April 19, 2010; the acquisition of the Media Pro Entertainment business in Romania in December 2009; and the related integration of our content business into our new business model; and the disposal of our loss-making operations in Ukraine on April 7, 2010, which are being reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Our operating income for 2010 includes the recognition of a non-cash impairment charge of $0.4 million compared to US$ 81.8 million in the previous year, which resulted in an operating loss for 2009 of US$ 39.0 million. During the fourth quarter of 2010, our markets stabilized and although our annual results still reflect the difficult market conditions for most of the year, we anticipate a recovery in almost all of our markets during 2011.
Our net income for 2010 includes the recognition of a gain on sale of US$ 217.6 million relating to the sale of our operations in Ukraine on April 7, 2010, reported as discontinued operations. Our net loss for 2009 of US$ 107.8 million includes a loss from discontinued operations of US$ 36.8 million in addition to the impairment charge of US$ 81.8 million.
Net cash generated from continuing operating activities decreased from an inflow of US$ 7.2 million to an outflow of US$ 49.6 million, reflecting the continued impact of the market slowdown on the level of cash generated by our operations. We continued to generate positive cash flow in our broadcast and new media operations in the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovenia, which was partially offset by the negative cash flows of our broadcast and new media operations in Bulgaria, Croatia and the Slovak Republic. We also paid interest of US$ 100.9 million in 2010 compared to US$ 61.9 million in 2009.
Operating Performance
Since January 1, 2010, we have managed our business on a divisional basis with three operating segments: Broadcast, Media Pro Entertainment, our content business, and New Media and all historic financial information has been presented on this basis. These operating segments, which are also our reportable segments, reflect how our operations are managed, how our operating performance is evaluated by senior management and the structure of our internal financial reporting. We provide supplemental geographic information on the performance of our broadcast operating segment due to the significance of our broadcast operations and management believes this provides users of our financial statements with useful information.
We evaluate the performance of our segments based on Net Revenues and OIBDA (as described below).
OIBDA, which includes program rights amortization costs, is determined as operating income / (loss) before depreciation and amortization of intangible assets. We previously used EBITDA as the basis of our measurement, which excluded foreign currency exchange gains and losses and changes in the fair value of derivatives. In effect, the amount arrived at by excluding those two items as well as interest and taxes from earnings is equal to OIBDA. Items that are not allocated to our segments for purposes of evaluating their performance, and therefore are not included in OIBDA, include stock-based compensation and certain unusual or infrequent items (e.g., impairments of assets or investments).
Our key performance measure of the efficiency of our segments is OIBDA margin. We define OIBDA margin as the ratio of OIBDA to Net Revenues. We believe OIBDA is useful to investors because it provides a meaningful representation of our performance as it excludes certain items that either do not impact our cash flows or the operating results of our operations. OIBDA is also used as a component in determining management bonuses. Intersegment revenues and profits have been eliminated on consolidation.
OIBDA may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be evaluated in conjunction with, and are not a substitute for, US GAAP financial measures. For additional information regarding our business segments and a reconciliation of OIBDA to (Loss) / income from continuing operations, see Item 8, Note 17, “Segment Data”.
The following analysis contains references to like-for-like (“% Lfl”) or constant currency percentage movements. These references reflect the impact of applying the current period average exchange rates to the prior period revenues and costs. Given the significant movement of the currencies in the markets in which we operate against the dollar, we believe that it is useful to provide percentage movements based on like-for-like or constant currency percentage movements as well as actual (“% Act”) percentage movements (which includes the effect of foreign exchange). Unless otherwise stated, all percentage increases or decreases in the following analysis refer to year-on-year percentage changes.
A summary of our total Net Revenues and OIBDA by segment is as follows:
NET REVENUES | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | |
Broadcast | | $ | 690,727 | | | $ | 669,066 | | | | 3.2% | | | | 6.4% | | | $ | 669,066 | | | $ | 911,045 | | | | (26.6)% | | | | (17.3)% | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | 140,797 | | | | 107,683 | | | | 30.8% | | | | 34.7% | | | | 107,683 | | | | 99,112 | | | | 8.6% | | | | 21.3% | |
New Media | | | 11,193 | | | | 9,935 | | | | 12.7% | | | | 17.3% | | | | 9,935 | | | | 9,431 | | | | 5.3% | | | | 14.1% | |
| | | 842,717 | | | | 786,684 | | | | 7.1% | | | | 10.4% | | | | 786,684 | | | | 1,019,588 | | | | (22.8)% | | | | (13.2)% | |
Intersegment revenues | | | (105,583 | ) | | | (104,739 | ) | | | (0.8)% | | | | (4.0)% | | | | (104,739 | ) | | | (99,112 | ) | | | (5.7)% | | | | (18.0)% | |
Total Net Revenues | | $ | 737,134 | | | $ | 681,945 | | | | 8.1% | | | | 11.4% | | | $ | 681,945 | | | $ | 920,476 | | | | (25.9)% | | | | (16.6)% | |
| |
| | OIBDA | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | |
Broadcast | | $ | 164,415 | | | $ | 154,971 | | | | 6.1% | | | | 7.1% | | | $ | 154,971 | | | $ | 378,113 | | | | (59.0)% | | | | (53.5)% | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | (3,005 | ) | | | 7,538 | | | | (139.9)% | | | | (140.9)% | | | | 7,538 | | | | 9,416 | | | | (19.9)% | | | | (10.6)% | |
New Media | | | (6,542 | ) | | | (8,651 | ) | | | 24.4% | | | | 22.2% | | | | (8,651 | ) | | | (7,050 | ) | | | (22.7)% | | | | (35.3)% | |
| | | 154,868 | | | | 153,858 | | | | 0.7% | | | | 1.6% | | | | 153,858 | | | | 380,479 | | | | (59.6)% | | | | (54.1)% | |
Central | | | (44,062 | ) | | | (38,151 | ) | | | (15.5)% | | | | (18.5)% | | | | (38,151 | ) | | | (48,787 | ) | | | 21.8 | | | | 19.7 | |
Elimination | | | (3,483 | ) | | | (333 | ) | | Nm(1) | | | Nm(1) | | | | (333 | ) | | | - | | | Nm(1) | | | Nm(1) | |
Consolidated OIBDA | | $ | 107,323 | | | $ | 115,374 | | | | (7.0)% | | | | (6.7)% | | | $ | 115,374 | | | $ | 331,692 | | | | (65.2)% | | | | (59.9)% | |
(1) Number is not meaningful.
Key Events
Business Development
| · | On April 7, 2010, we completed the disposal of 100.0% of our former Ukraine operations. We received total cash consideration of US$ 308.0 million and recognized a gain on sale of approximately U$ 217.6 million. |
| · | On April 19, 2010, we acquired the bTV group in Bulgaria from News Corporation. The total cash consideration was US$ 400.0 million plus a net payment of US$ 9.9 million for a working capital adjustment. |
| · | On April 22, 2010, we restructured the ownership of the Pro.BG business, our legacy business in Bulgaria, following which we own 94.0% of the bTV group. |
| · | On May 24, 2010 we completed the acquisition of the remaining interests of approximately 5.0% in each of Pro TV S.A. (“Pro TV”), Media Pro International S.A. (“MPI”) and Media Vision S.R.L. (“MVI”) from Adrian Sarbu, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors, thereby increasing our ownership interests in each of these companies to 100.0%. Consideration for the acquisition consisted of a cash payment of approximately US$ 6.2 million and the issuance of 800,000 shares of Class A common stock (valued at US$ 18.5 million at the date of acquisition). |
Financing and liquidity
| · | In the fall of 2010, we repurchased approximately US$ 104.7 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding senior debt. |
| · | On October 21, 2010, our wholly-owned subsidiary CET 21 issued EUR 170.0 million (approximately US$ 237.5 million) of 2010 Fixed Rate Notes. |
| · | On October 21, 2010, CET 21 repaid in full the principal outstanding under the CZK 2.8 billion (approximately US$ 159.9 million at the date of repayment) Erste Facility. |
| · | On October 21, 2010, CET 21 entered into the five-year CZK 1.5 billion (approximately US$ 80.0 million) Secured Revolving Credit Facility. |
| · | On February 18, 2011, we completed privately negotiated transactions to exchange approximately US$ 206.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of 2011 Convertible Notes. |
Management changes
| · | On February 23, 2010, David Sach was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer, effective March 1, 2010. Mr. Sach succeeded Charles Frank, who served as interim Chief Financial Officer from July 2009. Mr. Frank was reappointed to the Board of Directors on March 16, 2010. |
| · | Petr Dvorak resigned as Senior Vice President, Broadcasting of CME effective December 31, 2010. Anthony Chhoy, Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning and Operations, has assumed responsibility for managing CME’s Broadcast segment. |
Broadcast
Our Broadcast segment comprises our television broadcast channel operations in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia and consists of 23 television channels reaching an aggregate of approximately 47.1 million people with a combined population of approximately 50.4 million.
We generate revenues in our Broadcast segment primarily through entering into agreements with advertisers, advertising agencies and sponsors to place advertising on the television channels that we operate. The following table sets out our estimates of television advertising spending by market (in US$ millions) for the years ended December 31.
Country | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 123 | | | $ | 135 | | | $ | 174 | |
Croatia | | | 119 | | | | 123 | | | | 144 | |
Czech Republic | | | 361 | | | | 360 | | | | 466 | |
Romania | | | 232 | | | | 258 | | | | 370 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 136 | | | | 148 | | | | 198 | |
Slovenia | | | 80 | | | | 74 | | | | 92 | |
Total CME Markets | | $ | 1,050 | | | $ | 1,098 | | | $ | 1,446 | |
Growth rate | | | (4 | )% | | | (24 | )% | | | 13 | % |
Market sizes are quoted using constant dollar exchange rates for all the year presented above.
Local currency television advertising spending in our operating territories declined by 4% in aggregate in 2010 compared to the previous year. In Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and the Slovak Republic the declines were between 3% and 10%. Television advertising spending demand remained flat in the Czech Republic and increased in Slovenia by approximately 8% year-on-year in constant currency terms. Our overall share of the television advertising markets increased during the year ended December 31, 2010. These increases in market share, however, did not compensate for the overall decline in the television advertising market.
We took decisive action during 2010 to maintain our leadership in audience and market shares in all of our broadcast operations, including the disposal of our loss-making operations in Ukraine and the acquisition and integration of the market leading broadcaster in Bulgaria. Our audience and market leadership is our unique competitive advantage, which is essential to achieving high operating leverage.
We were able to significantly increase our inventory during 2010 compared to 2009. Inventory is represented by the commercial gross rating point (“GRP”) which is a measure of the number of people watching television when an advertisement is aired. Although we reduced our overall pricing, we were able to increase our sales on aggregate, and hence our sellout rate during the same period.
The Broadcast segment reported net revenues of US$ 690.7 million in 2010 compared to US$ 669.1 million in 2009, an increase of 3%, or 6% on a constant currency basis. The increase in net revenues was primarily due to the acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria, which reported broadcast revenues of US$ 57.9 million in the period since acquisition.
Costs charged in arriving at OIBDA increased by 2% in 2010 compared to 2009, or 6% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to the acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria. We continued to strengthen our prime time audience shares while limiting comparable year-on-year cost increases in constant currency terms through salary constraints, the deferral of certain expenditures and managing our broadcast schedules to reduce the rate of programming cost growth. Our efforts in limiting costs partially offset the increase in costs as a result of our acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria. Our goal continues to be to maintain high audience shares and the strength of our brands, as we believe this is essential to the value of our operations. We will continue to allocate sufficient investment in programming to protect our audience leadershi p.
The Broadcast segment generated OIBDA of US$ 164.4 million in 2010 compared to US$ 155.0 million in 2009, an increase of 6%, or 7% on a constant currency basis.
Media Pro Entertainment
The acquisition of the Media Pro Entertainment business in December 2009 has provided us with a unique opportunity to consolidate our position as a leading content provider in our regions. We have integrated the acquired assets with our existing production assets in each country to create a dedicated content segment with operations in all of our countries, which has been branded Media Pro Entertainment. The results of Media Pro Entertainment for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 reflect only those production activities previously reported within our Broadcast operations, and therefore are not comparable to current Media Pro Entertainment operations.
The Media Pro Entertainment segment reported net revenues, before eliminations, in 2010 of US$ 140.8 million compared to US$ 107.7 million in 2009, an increase of 31%, or 35% on a constant currency basis.
Media Pro Entertainment’s revenues for 2010 predominantly represent sales of finished content to our broadcasters and revenues from third parties from our production, production services and distribution and exhibition operations.
During 2010, we delivered 890 hours of fiction programming, which generated revenues of US$ 55.2 million and provided much of our broadcasters’ prime time schedules. The majority of these hours (504) were telenovellas and soap opera shows including ‘The Street’ in the Czech Republic, ‘Love and Honour’ in Romania and ‘Best Years’ in Croatia but also included drama series, comedy series and sitcom projects across all of our countries. The output of our fiction programming increased in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter as we produced and delivered shows for our broadcasters’ fall schedule and the important Christmas period. In addition to our production of television fiction we have also generated revenues from two feature films in Romania which were produced during the year o r in previous years. We also produced four feature films during the year which we expect to release during 2011.
Our output of reality and entertainment programming, which amounted to 1,881 hours for 2010 and generated US$ 53.9 million of revenues, was dominated by flagship talent shows such as ‘Talentmania’ in the Czech and Slovak Republics, ‘Dancing For You' in Romania, ‘Got Talent’ in Slovenia and Croatia and reality shows such as ‘Wipe Out’ in Czech Republic, ‘Big Brother’ in Slovenia and ‘The Farm’ in Croatia. Our production increased substantially from 307 hours in the third quarter to 611 hours in the fourth quarter of 2010 for our broadcasters’ fall seasons and special one-off New Year event shows in most of our countries.
We generated approximately 25% of our revenues from third parties in 2010 across a number of business areas. We enjoyed a particularly strong performance from our television commercial production business, which produced 58 commercials in 2010 and generated US$ 5.8 million in revenues from third party advertising clients. We also generated revenues of US$ 6.2 million from the sale of tickets in our cinema business in Romania, which took 1.2 million admissions at the box office in 2010, supported by some strong titles that were showing in theatres during the year and which were increasingly released in 3D. We also generated US$ 16.4 million from our home video and rights distribution businesses. Our production services business in Romania experienced strong competition for business from international studios and independent producers fr om countries that provide film financing subsidies. We nevertheless generated US$ 4.0 million of revenues from third parties and provided services to a number of international productions such as ‘Weapon’, starring Jean Claude Van Damme. Margins remained stable in all businesses, but the results of the home video business were negatively impacted by a provision against a significant wholesale client experiencing financial difficulties.
New Media
Our New Media segment was created to leverage our brands and content productions towards the internet and online communities, to create internet-specific products and to support our Broadcast and Media Pro Entertainment segments in the marketing of their products and services. We operate an internet business in all of our six markets, cross-promoted and supported by the large audience of our broadcast operations. We currently own and operate over sixty websites across our markets, and we continue to launch new targeted products to establish and grow our online presence and market share and ultimately provide our products on multiple distribution platforms.
The following table sets out our estimates of internet advertising spending by market in our countries (in US$ millions).
Country | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 12 | |
Croatia | | | 16 | | | | 13 | | | | 11 | |
Czech Republic | | | 113 | | | | 108 | | | | 98 | |
Romania | | | 24 | | | | 20 | | | | 22 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 20 | | | | 20 | | | | 19 | |
Slovenia | | | 11 | | | | 10 | | | | 11 | |
Total CME Markets | | $ | 197 | | | $ | 182 | | | $ | 174 | |
Growth rate | | | 8 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 21 | % |
Market sizes are quoted using constant dollar exchange rates for all the year presented above.
During 2010, we established a dedicated sales team, restructured the technical development function and launched twenty one new products. These actions led to our New Media segment reporting net revenues of US$ 11.2 million in 2010 compared to US$ 9.9 million in 2009, an increase of 13%, or 17% on a constant currency basis. We reported OIBDA losses of US$ 6.5 million in 2010 compared to US$ 8.7 million in 2009, a decrease of 24%, or 22% on a constant currency basis.
Future Trends
We currently expect low single-digit GDP growth in 2011 in most or all of our markets, with variation from country to country in the timing and strength of recovery. We are confident that we will continue to enjoy a high television advertising market share in the regions where we operate and we plan to continue to control our costs and anticipate that much of the anticipated revenue growth will flow immediately to our bottom line in terms of OIBDA.
We anticipate a return to higher levels of GDP growth in the markets in which we operate in the medium term and that as a result, on average, local currency television advertising spending will return to the levels experienced in 2008 by 2013. Accordingly, we expect growth rates in our markets in the medium term will be higher than in Western European or the United States. As a result of increasing revenues and optimization of our cost structure over the medium term, we expect to return to the high levels of OIBDA growth that we enjoyed in the years before the economic crisis hit.
Broadcast
While the markets in Bulgaria, the Czech and Slovak Republics, Croatia and Slovenia are expected to recover in the first quarter of 2011, we currently expect recovery in Romania to begin during the second quarter of 2011.
As our markets mature, we anticipate increased competition for audience share and advertising spending from other free-to-air broadcasters and from cable and satellite broadcasters as the coverage of these technologies grows. The advent of digital terrestrial broadcasting and the introduction of alternative distribution platforms for content services (including additional direct-to-home (“DTH”), the internet, internet protocol TV (“IPTV”), mobile television and video-on-demand services) may lead to audience fragmentation and change the competitive dynamics in our markets in the medium term. We do not expect a significant impact on our advertising share due to our multi-channel strategy and our integrated business model.
We believe that our market leadership and the strength of our existing brands leave us well positioned to face increased competition, and we intend to continue to build on our multi-channel strategy and the distribution of our content on multiple distribution platforms as these new technologies develop.
Media Pro Entertainment
The creation of the Media Pro Entertainment segment reflects the increasing importance of locally-generated content in our markets. As distribution platforms become more fragmented, controlling popular local content becomes even more important as it both safeguards market share and allows us to diversify our revenue streams. We also believe that sharing our expertise in production development and management will bring significant benefits. We will seek to leverage the creative talent across Media Pro Entertainment to develop high-quality original formats that can be adapted in multiple countries, to extract more value from our existing library of formats and to pool the expertise of our production professionals in each market.
Operating Media Pro Entertainment across all countries will also enable us to share production resources, equipment and facilities in the most efficient way possible in order to lower the unit cost of production at a time when we are seeing increasing competition for popular content causing high levels of price inflation.
Media Pro Entertainment will also generate additional third party revenues through the sale of production services to independent film-makers and extract additional value from our own library of produced content through the sale of international broadcast rights to third parties outside the countries in which we currently operate. In addition, the distribution and exhibition operations of Media Pro Entertainment generate revenues from the distribution of rights to film content to third party clients, from the exhibition of films in its theaters and from the sale of DVD and Blu Ray discs to wholesale and retail clients.
New Media
Internet broadband penetration remains low in most of our markets in comparison to Western European and U.S. markets. We anticipate broadband penetration and internet usage will increase significantly over the medium term and will foster the development of significant new opportunities for generating advertising and other revenues in new media. We intend to continue to develop our new media activities by moving our content online with multiple distribution platforms (video-on-demand, simulcast with TV, catch-up) and services to attract all types of new media audience in order to generate multiple revenue streams including video advertising and paid premium content.
We believe that we will benefit from the shift of advertising spending from print and other media to our New Media and Broadcast operations, which should help drive the future growth of our New Media segment and we will continue to position the product within our New Media operations to further enhance the marketing of our broadcast and production businesses.
Financial Position
We believe our financial resources are sufficient to meet our current financial obligations and to fund our operations. The recent refinancing transactions (described below), the acquisition of the bTV group and the sale of our former Ukraine operations have enhanced our financial position. However, further deterioration in the advertising markets or a strengthening of the dollar against the currencies of the markets in which our cash flow is generated could reduce our liquidity reserves.
On October 21, 2010, CET 21, our wholly owned subsidiary, issued the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes in an aggregate principal amount of EUR 170.0 million (approximately US$ 237.5 million at the date of issuance). The net cash proceeds from the issuance and additional cash reserves of US$ 41.2 million were used to repay certain of our indebtedness comprising of US$ 34.8 million aggregate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes, EUR 2.0 million (approximately US$ 2.8 million at the date of repayment) aggregate principal amount of our Floating Rate Notes and EUR 48.4 million (approximately US$ 67.1 million at the date of repayment) aggregate principal amount of our 2009 Fixed Rate Notes. In addition, we repaid in full the principal outstanding under the CZK 2.8 billion Erste Facility (approximately US$ 159.9 million at the date of repayment ) plus accrued interest and break costs.
We have improved the maturity profile of our debt as we have repaid all our credit facilities that matured in 2010, 2011 and 2012; the earliest maturity date of our long-term debt is in 2013.
We are unable to incur any additional debt at the holding company level or at the Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined below) level beyond “baskets” set out in the indentures governing the Senior Notes unless the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA to interest expense (the “Coverage Ratio”, as defined in the indentures governing the Senior Notes) is above 2.0 times and would be on a pro forma basis following such incurrence. Our Coverage Ratio was 1.1 times at December 31, 2010. However, the “baskets” in our Senior Notes indentures permit the incurrence of debt at either the Restricted Subsidiary or the holding company level of up to EUR 250.0 million (approximately US$ 334.1 million). We have utilized US$ 242.4 million of this amount for borrowings mainly in the Czech Republic and Romania. This leaves a pproximately US$ 91.7 million of additional borrowing capacity available to us at December 31, 2010. We are able to utilize the five-year CZK 1.5 billion (approximately US$ 80.0 million) Secured Revolving Credit Facility, of which no amounts were drawn as at December 31, 2010. Future drawings under this facility are expected to be used for working capital requirements and general corporate purposes. There are no significant constraints on our ability to refinance existing debt.
Refinancing in 2011
At December 31, 2010, we had US$ 440.2 million in aggregate principal of our 2008 Convertible Notes outstanding. On February 18, 2011, we completed privately negotiated exchanges of US$ 206.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes for US$ 206.3 million aggregate principal amount of 2011 Convertible Notes. The exchanging holders of the 2008 Convertible Notes also received cash consideration including accrued interest totaling approximately US$ 30.2 million. The incremental interest that will be paid is approximately US$ 3.0 million per calendar year. These changes extended the overall maturity profile of our debt. We now have US$ 233.9 million aggregate principal amount of 2008 Convertible Notes outstanding that mature in 2013.
Our 2011 Convertible Notes have broadly the same terms as our 2008 Convertible Notes due, apart from the interest rate, maturity date and the conversion price, which is set at 20 shares of Class A common stock per US$ 1,000 principal amount of notes (the equivalent of US$ 50.00 per share). The 2011 Convertible Notes are secured senior obligations and rank pari passu with all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the 2011 Convertible Notes. The amounts outstanding are guaranteed by two subsidiary holding companies and are secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries.
III. Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Position
OVERVIEW
III (a) Net Revenues for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
| | NET REVENUES | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | |
Broadcast: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 61,753 | | | $ | 3,517 | | | Nm(1) | | | Nm(1) | | | $ | 3,517 | | | $ | 1,261 | | | | 178.8 | % | | | 176.5% | |
Croatia | | | 51,350 | | | | 48,543 | | | | 5.8 | % | | | 10.5% | | | | 48,543 | | | | 54,084 | | | | (10.2 | )% | | | (3.5)% | |
Czech Republic | | | 265,018 | | | | 271,733 | | | | (2.5 | )% | | | (2.2)% | | | | 271,733 | | | | 374,099 | | | | (27.4 | )% | | | (18.8)% | |
Romania | | | 157,416 | | | | 175,409 | | | | (10.3 | )% | | | (5.7)% | | | | 175,409 | | | | 273,271 | | | | (35.8 | )% | | | (22.2)% | |
Slovak Republic | | | 90,391 | | | | 106,479 | | | | (15.1 | )% | | | (10.8)% | | | | 106,479 | | | | 132,367 | | | | (19.6 | )% | | | (15.0)% | |
Slovenia | | | 64,799 | | | | 63,385 | | | | 2.2 | % | | | 7.5% | | | | 63,385 | | | | 75,963 | | | | (16.6 | )% | | | (11.9)% | |
Total Broadcast | | | 690,727 | | | | 669,066 | | | | 3.2 | % | | | 6.4% | | | | 669,066 | | | | 911,045 | | | | (26.6 | )% | | | (17.3)% | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | 140,797 | | | | 107,683 | | | | 30.8 | % | | | 34.7% | | | | 107,683 | | | | 99,112 | | | | 8.6 | % | | | 21.3% | |
New Media | | | 11,193 | | | | 9,935 | | | | 12.7 | % | | | 17.3% | | | | 9,935 | | | | 9,431 | | | | 5.3 | % | | | 14.1% | |
Intersegment revenues | | | (105,583 | ) | | | (104,739 | ) | | | (0.8 | )% | | | (4.0)% | | | | (104,739 | ) | | | (99,112 | ) | | | (5.7) | % | | | (18.0)% | |
Total Net Revenues | | $ | 737,134 | | | $ | 681,945 | | | | 8.1 | % | | | 11.4% | | | $ | 681,945 | | | $ | 920,476 | | | | (25.9 | )% | | | (16.6)% | |
(1) Number is not meaningful.
Our Broadcast segment reported revenues of US$ 690.7 million during 2010, an increase of 3% compared to 2009. On a constant currency basis, this increase of 6% in revenues has been primarily due to the acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria, which reported broadcast revenues of US$ 57.9 million in the period since acquisition.
In 2009, our Broadcast segment reported revenues of US$ 669.1 million compared to $911.0 million in 2008, a decrease of 27%, or 17% on a constant currency basis. All of our broadcast operations were impacted by the economic recession, as reduced demand for television advertising led to a decrease in prices.
Media Pro Entertainment reported revenues of US$ 140.8 million in 2010 compared to US$ 107.7 million in 2009 and US$ 99.1 million in 2008, increases on a constant currency basis of 35% and 21%, respectively. Prior to the acquisition of the Media Pro Entertainment business in December 2009, our Media Pro Entertainment segment included only those content activities previously embedded within our broadcast operations.
Our New Media segment reported revenues of US$ 11.2 million during 2010 representing an increase of 13% compared to 2009. On a constant currency basis, revenues increased by 17% during 2010 compared to 2009, reflecting growth of the number of unique visitors and video downloads. Furthermore, we strengthened our sales teams and focused our efforts on client relations, made a shift to complete advertising solutions and deployed new sales products. We also implemented paid content in order to increase the numbers of revenue streams, building a subscription based video portal in Slovenia and VOYO, a transactional video-on-demand project in the Czech Republic.
Our New Media segment reported revenues of US$ 9.9 million in 2009 compared to US$ 9.4 million in 2008, an increase of 5%, or 14% on a constant currency basis, reflecting the increased scale of our operation.
III (b) Cost of Revenues for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
| | COST OF REVENUES | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | |
Operating Costs | | $ | 123,339 | | | $ | 116,575 | | | | 5.8 | % | | | 9.8% | | | $ | 116,575 | | | $ | 122,008 | | | | (4.5 | )% | | | 6.5% | |
Cost of programming | | | 390,303 | | | | 341,201 | | | | 14.4 | % | | | 18.8% | | | | 341,201 | | | | 347,148 | | | | (1.7 | )% | | | 10.2% | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | | | 54,415 | | | | 51,591 | | | | 5.5 | % | | | 9.8% | | | | 51,591 | | | | 48,582 | | | | 6.2 | % | | | 18.3% | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | 25,987 | | | | 19,919 | | | | 30.5 | % | | | 32.9% | | | | 19,919 | | | | 33,864 | | | | (41.2 | )% | | | (35.5)% | |
Total Cost of Revenues | | $ | 594,044 | | | $ | 529,286 | | | | 12.2 | % | | | 16.5% | | | $ | 529,286 | | | $ | 551,602 | | | | (4.0 | )% | | | 7.2% | |
Our total cost of revenues for 2010 increased by US$ 64.8 million, or 12% compared to 2009, largely due to our acquisitions of the bTV group in Bulgaria on April 19, 2010 and the Media Pro Entertainment business in Romania in December 2009.
Cost of revenues decreased by US$ 22.3 million in 2009, or 4% compared to 2008, as we responded to the economic recession by reducing costs.
Operating costs
| | OPERATING COSTS | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | |
Broadcast: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 14,669 | | | $ | 5,853 | | | | 150.6 | % | | | 163.6% | | | $ | 5,853 | | | $ | 2,337 | | | | 150.4 | % | | | 148.4% | |
Croatia | | | 9,954 | | | | 12,203 | | | | (18.4 | )% | | | (14.8)% | | | | 12,203 | | | | 11,903 | | | | 2.5 | % | | | 10.2% | |
Czech Republic | | | 32,557 | | | | 36,093 | | | | (9.8 | )% | | | (9.6)% | | | | 36,093 | | | | 36,496 | | | | (1.1 | )% | | | 10.6% | |
Romania | | | 23,535 | | | | 22,309 | | | | 5.5 | % | | | 10.9% | | | | 22,309 | | | | 30,478 | | | | (26.8 | )% | | | (11.2)% | |
Slovak Republic | | | 16,796 | | | | 18,459 | | | | (9.0 | )% | | | (4.3)% | | | | 18,459 | | | | 18,566 | | | | (0.6 | )% | | | 5.0% | |
Slovenia | | | 10,375 | | | | 10,511 | | | | (1.3 | )% | | | 3.8% | | | | 10,511 | | | | 13,504 | | | | (22.2 | )% | | | (17.8)% | |
Total Broadcast | | | 107,886 | | | | 105,428 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | 5.7% | | | | 105,428 | | | | 113,284 | | | | (6.9 | )% | | | 3.8% | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | 11,867 | | | | 2,733 | | | Nm(1) | | | Nm(1) | | | | 2,733 | | | | 2,462 | | | | 11.0 | % | | | 27.4% | |
New Media | | | 3,586 | | | | 8,414 | | | | (57.4 | )% | | | (53.2% | | | | 8,414 | | | | 6,262 | | | | 34.4 | % | | | 46.6% | |
Total Operating Costs | | $ | 123,339 | | | $ | 116,575 | | | | 5.8 | % | | | 9.8% | | | $ | 116,575 | | | $ | 122,008 | | | | (4.5 | )% | | | 6.5% | |
(1) Number is not meaningful.
Operating costs (excluding programming costs, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles as well as selling, general and administrative expenses) increased by US$ 6.8 million, or 6%, in 2010, or 10% on a constant currency basis. The increase is primarily due to costs associated with broadcasting our free-to-air signal in Bulgaria following our acquisition of the bTV group on April 19, 2010, and the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment in Romania on December 9, 2009. These increases were only partially offset by reduced operating costs in our New Media division, which decreased by 53% on a constant currency basis following further optimization of our operations.
Operating costs decreased by US$ 5.4 million, or 5% in 2009 compared to 2008. Excluding the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates, total operating costs remained flat, as savings were offset by additional costs relating to Digital Video Broadcasting -Terrestrial (“DVB-T”) broadcast fees and the full year impact of costs associated with our Pro.BG business which we acquired on August 1, 2008.
Cost of programming
| | COST OF PROGRAMMING | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | |
Broadcast: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 42,827 | | | $ | 35,218 | | | | 21.6 | % | | | 27.9% | | | $ | 35,218 | | | $ | 6,642 | | | Nm(1) | | | Nm(1) | |
Croatia | | | 32,643 | | | | 30,779 | | | | 6.1 | % | | | 10.8% | | | | 30,779 | | | | 39,245 | | | | (21.6 | )% | | | (15.7)% | |
Czech Republic | | | 92,167 | | | | 86,313 | | | | 6.8 | % | | | 7.1% | | | | 86,313 | | | | 105,398 | | | | (18.1 | )% | | | (8.4)% | |
Romania | | | 98,036 | | | | 98,221 | | | | (0.2 | )% | | | 4.9% | | | | 98,221 | | | | 117,688 | | | | (16.5 | )% | | | 1.2% | |
Slovak Republic | | | 64,878 | | | | 61,028 | | | | 6.3 | % | | | 11.8% | | | | 61,028 | | | | 53,509 | | | | 14.1 | % | | | 20.5% | |
Slovenia | | | 31,690 | | | | 32,319 | | | | (1.9 | )% | | | 3.1% | | | | 32,319 | | | | 32,039 | | | | 0.9 | % | | | 6.6% | |
Total Broadcast | | | 362,241 | | | | 343,878 | | | | 5.3 | % | | | 9.3% | | | | 343,878 | | | | 354,521 | | | | (3.0 | )% | | | 9.0% | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | 120,757 | | | | 93,964 | | | | 28.5 | % | | | 32.4% | | | | 93,964 | | | | 84,341 | | | | 11.4 | % | | | 23.3% | |
New Media | | | 9,404 | | | | 7,765 | | | | 21.1 | % | | | 29.9% | | | | 7,765 | | | | 7,398 | | | | 5.0 | % | | | 14.5% | |
Eliminations | | | (102,099 | ) | | | (104,406 | ) | | | 2.2 | % | | | (0.8)% | | | | (104,406 | ) | | | (99,112 | ) | | | (5.3) | % | | | (17.6)% | |
Total Cost of Programming | | $ | 390,303 | | | $ | 341,201 | | | | 14.4 | % | | | 18.8% | | | $ | 341,201 | | | $ | 347,148 | | | | (1.7 | )% | | | 10.2% | |
(1) Number is not meaningful.
Programming costs (including production costs and amortization of programming rights) increased by US$ 49.1 million, or 14% in 2010, or 19% on a constant currency basis compared to 2009, reflecting the acquisition of the Media Pro Entertainment business in Romania in December 2009 and the bTV group on April 19, 2010, the cost of launching new channels, including MTV CZECH in November 2009, DOMA (Slovak Republic) in August 2009 and TV PIKA in Slovenia (now POP BRIO) in September 2009, and the impact of increased competition for high quality programming on the cost of acquired programming in our markets.
Programming costs decreased by US$ 5.9 million or 2% between 2008 and 2009 but increased by 10% on a constant currency basis, reflecting price inflation and investment in new channels.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment: Depreciation of property, plant and equipment increased by US$ 2.8 million, or 6% in 2010, or 10% on a constant currency basis reflecting the impact of our acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria as well as investments in production equipment assets across all of our Media Pro Entertainment operations.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment increased by US$ 3.0 million, or 6%, in 2009, primarily due to movements in foreign exchange rates; on a constant currency basis, depreciation increased 18%. The depreciation reflects recent investments in production equipment assets across all of our Broadcast operations, particularly in Bulgaria and Romania.
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles: Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles increased by US$ 6.1 million, or 31% in 2010, or 33% on a constant currency basis, reflecting the amortization of intangible assets arising on the acquisition of the bTV group in April 2010 and Media Pro Entertainment in December 2009.
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles decreased by US$ 13.9 million, or 41% in 2009 compared to 2008, of which 5% reflects the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in amortization in our Broadcast operations following the extension of the expiration date of TV NOVA (Czech Republic)’s terrestrial broadcast license to January 2025.
III (c) Selling, General and Administrative Expenses for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
| | SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | | | % Lfl | |
Broadcast: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 6,328 | | | $ | 6,917 | | | | (8.5 | )% | | | (3.8)% | | | $ | 6,917 | | | $ | 2,499 | | | | 176.8 | % | | | 174.5% | |
Croatia | | | 6,385 | | | | 4,928 | | | | 29.6 | % | | | 35.4% | | | | 4,928 | | | | 7,388 | | | | (33.3 | )% | | | (28.3)% | |
Czech Republic | | | 17,475 | | | | 18,588 | | | | (6.0 | )% | | | (5.7)% | | | | 18,588 | | | | 24,414 | | | | (23.9 | )% | | | (14.8)% | |
Romania | | | 9,849 | | | | 14,944 | | | | (34.1 | )% | | | (30.7)% | | | | 14,944 | | | | 14,683 | | | | 1.8 | % | | | 23.4% | |
Slovak Republic | | | 9,718 | | | | 12,027 | | | | (19.2 | )% | | | (15.1)% | | | | 12,027 | | | | 10,684 | | | | 12.6 | % | | | 18.9% | |
Slovenia | | | 4,307 | | | | 4,975 | | | | (13.4 | )% | | | (9.0)% | | | | 4,975 | | | | 6,348 | | | | (21.6 | )% | | | (17.2)% | |
Divisional operating costs | | | 2,123 | | | | 2,410 | | | | (11.9 | )% | | | (4.3)% | | | | 2,410 | | | | - | | | Nm(1) | | | Nm(1) | |
Total Broadcast | | | 56,185 | | | | 64,789 | | | | (13.3 | )% | | | (10.0)% | | | | 64,789 | | | | 66,016 | | | | (1.9 | )% | | | 9.0 | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | 14,361 | | | | 3,448 | | | Nm | (1) | | Nm(1) | | | | 3,448 | | | | 2,893 | | | | 19.2 | % | | | 32.6)% | |
New Media | | | 4,745 | | | | 2,407 | | | | 97.1 | % | | | 106.3% | | | | 2,407 | | | | 2,821 | | | | (14.7 | )% | | | (6.9)% | |
Central | | | 44,525 | | | | 39,143 | | | | 13.7 | % | | | 19.7% | | | | 39,143 | | | | 48,787 | | | | (19.8 | )% | | | (17.6)% | |
Total Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | | $ | 119,816 | | | $ | 109,787 | | | | 9.1 | % | | | 13.8% | | | $ | 109,787 | | | $ | 120,517 | | | | (8.9 | )% | | | (2.1)% | |
(1) Number is not meaningful.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by US$ 10.0 million, or 9%, compared to 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses include those attributable to the operations of Media Pro Entertainment, which we acquired in December 2009.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by US$ 10.7 million in 2009 compared to 2008, primarily due to a reduction in performance-related bonuses and lower marketing and selling costs.
Central costs increased by US$ 5.4 million, or 14%, in 2010 compared to 2009. Central costs in 2010 included approximately US$ 4.4 million of costs related to the acquisition of the bTV group in April 2010 and US$ 1.2 million of onerous lease obligations following the bankruptcy of the tenant of our former administrative center in London. Central costs in 2009 included approximately US$ 4.1 million of costs related to the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment, which was completed in December 2009, and are stated net of other income of US$ 3.4 million arising on the assignment of our claim in the bankruptcy proceedings of Lehman Brothers Holdings (“Lehman Holdings”) and Lehman Brothers OTC Derivatives Inc. (“Lehman OTC”) to an unrelated third party.
Central costs decreased by US$ 9.6 million, or 20%, in 2009, compared to 2008, as the benefits of our ongoing cost reduction measures were seen in all cost categories. These efficiency gains were partially offset by redundancy costs of US$ 1.6 million and costs of approximately US$ 4.1 million in connection with our acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment, which prior to January 1, 2009 would have been capitalized as part of our investment (see Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”).
Central costs include a charge of US$ 6.8 million (2009: US$ 6.2 million; 2008: US$ 6.1 million) in respect of non-cash stock-based compensation (see Part II, Item 8, Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation”).
III (d) Impairment charge for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Impairment charge | | $ | 397 | | | $ | 81,843 | | | $ | 64,891 | |
We recognized an impairment charge of US$ 0.4 million in 2010 to write off the carrying value of the InfoPro trademark, included within our Romania Broadcast segment, after ceasing operations of the InfoPro radio channel and determining that the trademark was no longer recoverable. There were no other indicators of impairment for our goodwill or long-lived assets, and we were not required to record any impairment charges against goodwill following completion of our annual review of the recoverability of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2010.
We performed an impairment review in the first quarter of 2009 as a result of a deterioration in various macroeconomic indicators, a reduction in the short and medium-term economic projections for our markets by external analysts and a significant drop in the price of shares of our Class A common stock. Upon reviewing all of our long-lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill during that review, we concluded that a charge of US$ 81.8 million was required to write down the long-lived assets in the Pro.BG asset group to US$ nil (see Part II, Item 8, Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”).
In 2008, our stock price had fallen substantially due to the global economic crisis, and as a result, we reviewed our future cash flow forecasts for our operations. In connection with our annual impairment test for our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets’ carrying values, we recognized total impairment charges with respect to our Pro.BG operations in 2008.
III (e) Operating income / (loss) for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | | | | | | | Movement | | | | | | | | | Movement | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income / (loss) | | $ | 22,877 | | | $ | (38,971 | ) | | | 158.7 | % | | $ | (38,971 | ) | | $ | 183,466 | | | | (121.2 | )% |
We had operating income of US$ 22.9 million in 2010 compared to an operating loss of US$ 39.0 in 2009 primarily due to a reduction in impairment charges in 2010. Operating margin was 3.1% in 2010 compared to (5.7%) in 2009.
We reported an operating loss of US$ 39.0 million in 2009, a decrease of US$ 222.4 million compared to 2008 due to the effects of the global economic crisis on television advertising spend in our markets. Operating margin was in 2009 was (5.7)% compared to 19.9% for 2008.
III (f) Other income (expense) items for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
| | For the Years Ended December 31, (US$ 000’s) | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | % Act | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | % Act | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 2,238 | | | $ | 2,876 | | | | (22.2)% | | | $ | 2,876 | | | $ | 9,650 | | | | (70.2)% | |
Interest expense | | | (133,505 | ) | | | (115,771 | ) | | | 15.3% | | | | (115,771 | ) | | | (82,387 | ) | | | (40.5)% | |
Foreign currency exchange (loss)/gain, net | | | (5,030 | ) | | | 82,920 | | | | (106.1)% | | | | 82,920 | | | | (35,570 | ) | | Nm(1) | |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | 1,164 | | | | 1,315 | | | | (11.5)% | | | | 1,315 | | | | 6,360 | | | | (79.3)% | |
Other income | | | 357 | | | | 1,385 | | | | (74.2)% | | | | 1,385 | | | | 2,631 | | | | (47.4)% | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (5,025 | ) | | | (4,737 | ) | | | (6.1)% | | | | (4,737 | ) | | | (42,208 | ) | | | 88.8% | |
Discontinued operations, net of tax | | | 213,697 | | | | (36,824 | ) | | Nm(1) | | | | (36,824 | ) | | | (309,421 | ) | | | 88.1% | |
Noncontrolling interest in loss / (income) of consolidated subsidiaries | | | 3,402 | | | | 10,650 | | | | (68.1)% | | | | 10,650 | | | | (2,067 | ) | | Nm(1) | |
Currency translation adjustment, net | | | (17,586 | ) | | | (106,604 | ) | | | 83.5% | | | | (106,604 | ) | | | (88,609 | ) | | | (20.3)% | |
Obligation to purchase shares | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 488 | | | Nm(1) | |
(1) Number is not meaningful.
Interest income decreased by US$ 0.6 million compared to 2009 primarily as a result of a reduction in interest rates and our maintaining a lower average cash balance.
Interest income decreased by US$ 6.8 million in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily as a result of a reduction in interest rates.
Interest expense increased by US$ 17.7 million compared to 2009 primarily due to our increased borrowings and the average interest rate applicable thereon. Our 2009 Fixed Rate Notes (issued in September 2009) were outstanding for a full year in 2010 and also and we also incurred interest in connection with the issuance of our 2010 Fixed Rate Notes. See Part II, Item 8, Note 5, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”.
Interest expense increased by US$ 33.4 million in 2009 compared to 2008. The increase reflects interest and amortization of the related debt issuance discount on our 2008 Convertible Notes issued on March 10, 2008, as well as movements in foreign exchange rates, an increase in our average borrowings, albeit at lower interest rates, and a loss of US$ 14.5 million of which US$ 5.1 million relates to accelerated amortization costs on the extinguishment of certain indebtedness.
Foreign currency loss, net: We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local functional currency of the relevant subsidiary. This includes third party receivables and payables, including our Senior Notes, which are denominated in Euros, as well as our intercompany loans. Our subsidiaries generally receive funding via loans that are denominated in currencies other than the dollar, and any change in the relevant exchange rate will require us to recognize a transaction gain or loss on revaluation.
In 2010, we recognized a net loss of US$ 5.0 million comprising transaction losses of US$ 40.0 million relating to the revaluation of intercompany loans; a transaction gain of approximately US$ 54.7 million on the Senior Notes due to the overall strengthening of the dollar against the Euro and transaction losses of US$ 19.7 million relating to the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local functional currency of the relevant subsidiary.
During 2009, we recognized a net gain of US$ 82.9 million comprising: transaction gains of US$ 116.7 million on the revaluation of intercompany loans; transaction losses of approximately US$ 17.0 million on our senior indebtedness and US$ 22.4 million on the five year revolving loan agreement dated July 21, 2006, as amended on August 22, 2007, between us and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the “EBRD Loan”) that was repaid in September 2009 due to the strengthening of the Euro from December 31, 2008; and transaction gains of US$ 5.6 million relating to the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local functional currency of the relevant subsidiary.
Since February 19, 2009, any gain or loss arising on the revaluation of an intercompany loan to our Czech Republic operations has been recognized in the income statement as the loan is no longer considered to be long term in nature. We recognized a loss of US$ 95.1 million within currency translation adjustment on the revaluation of such loan in the period from January 1, 2009 to February 19, 2009 compared to a loss of US$ 38.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2008.
In 2008, we recognized a net loss of US$ 35.6 million comprising: transaction losses of US$ 37.9 million relating to the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local functional currency of the relevant subsidiary; a transaction gain of approximately US$ 31.8 million on our senior indebtedness due to the strengthening of the dollar against the Euro between December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008; and US$ 29.5 million of transaction losses relating to the revaluation of intercompany loans.
Change in fair value of derivatives: In 2010 we recognized a loss of US$ 1.1 million as a result of the change in the fair value of the interest rate swap entered into on February 9, 2010 and a US$ 2.8 million gain as a result of the change in fair value of the call option entered into in connection with the restructuring of the Pro.BG business (see Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”). We also recognized a loss of US$ 0.5 million as a result of the change in fair value of the currency swaps entered into on April 27, 2006 compared to a total derivative gain of US$ 1.3 million in 2009 and US$ 6.4 million in 2008 (see Part II, Item 8, Note 11, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements”).
Other income: We recognized other income of US$ 0.4 million in 2010, US$ 1.4 million in 2009, and US$ 2.6 million in 2008. The amounts in 2009 and 2008 largely relate to the unwinding of onerous contract liabilities and the release of provisions against certain historic tax contingencies within our Romania operations.
Provision for income taxes: We recognized a tax provision of US$ 5.0 million in 2010 compared to US$ 4.7 million and US$ 42.2 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The provision for income taxes in 2010 reflects valuation allowances in respect of tax losses. It also includes tax credits in respect of tax losses and other temporary differences of US$ 2.9 million in our Slovakia broadcast operations and tax credits in respect of other temporary differences of US$ 3.6 million in our Romania broadcast operations.
The provision for income taxes in 2009 included a benefit of US$ 7.1 million from the impairment of assets in Bulgaria. The benefit from this impairment, which was relieved at the Bulgarian tax rate of 10.0%, was offset by profits taxed at higher tax rates. The provision for income taxes in 2009 also benefited from the release of valuation allowances as we utilized brought forward losses.
We incurred a disproportionate tax charge in 2008 due to the fact that there was no tax benefit attributable to the impairment charge in respect of goodwill recorded in the year and due to the impact of valuation allowances recorded in respect of tax losses.
Our subsidiaries are subject to income taxes at statutory rates ranging from 10.0% in Bulgaria to 20.0% in Slovenia.
For further information on taxes see Part 11, Item 8, Note 13, “Income Taxes”.
Discontinued operations, net: On April 7, 2010, we completed the sale of our operations in Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited, a company beneficially owned by Igor Kolomoisky, for total consideration of US$ 308.0 million, resulting in a net gain of US$ 217.6 million. The results of the Ukraine operations have therefore been treated as discontinued operations for each period presented.
See Part II, Item 8, Note 18, “Discontinued Operations” for additional information.
Noncontrolling interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries: In 2010, we recognized income of US$ 3.4 million in respect of the noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries, compared to income of US$ 10.7 million in 2009, reflecting additional losses of our Pro.BG business which is partially offset by income generated by the bTV group acquired in April 2010. The results in 2008 reflected the income of Pro TV, MPI and MVI in Romania partially offset by losses in our Pro.BG business which we acquired in August 2008.
Currency translation adjustment, net: The underlying equity value of our investments (which are denominated in the functional currency of the relevant operation) are converted into dollars at each balance sheet date, with any change in value of the underlying assets and liabilities being recorded as a currency translation adjustment on the balance sheet.
The dollar appreciated against the majority of the functional currencies of our operations in 2010. We recognized a loss of US$ 17.6 million in 2010 on the revaluation of our net investments in subsidiaries compared to a loss of US$ 106.6 million in 2009 and US$ 88.6 million for 2008. The losses in 2009 and 2008 included losses of US$ 95.1 million and US$ 38.7 million, respectively, on the revaluation of an intercompany loan to CET 21 that was previously considered to be long term in nature. Since February 19, 2009, any exchange difference arising on the revaluation of that loan has been recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The following table illustrates the amount by which the exchange rate between the dollar and the functional currencies of our operations moved between January 1 and December 31 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively:
| | For the years ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Bulgarian Lev | | | 8% | | | | (3)% | | | | -% | |
Croatian Kuna | | | 9% | | | | (2)% | | | | 5% | |
Czech Koruna | | | 2% | | | | (5)% | | | | 7% | |
Euro | | | 8% | | | | (3)% | | | | 6% | |
New Romanian Lei | | | 9% | | | | 4% | | | | 15% | |
To the extent that our subsidiaries incur transaction losses in their local functional currency income statement on the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in dollars, we recognize a gain of the same amount as a currency translation adjustment within equity when we retranslate our net investment in that subsidiary into dollars. Similarly, any exchange gain or loss arising on the retranslation of intercompany loans in the functional currency of the relevant subsidiary or the dollar will be offset by an equivalent loss or gain on consolidation.
III (g) Consolidated Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009
The principal components of our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009 are summarized below:
(US$ 000’s) | | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | | | Movement | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | $ | 612,085 | | | $ | 881,461 | | | | (30.6)% | |
Non-current assets | | | 2,328,465 | | | | 1,991,326 | | | | 16.9% | |
Current liabilities | | | 243,076 | | | | 352,118 | | | | (31.0)% | |
Non-current liabilities | | | 1,449,722 | | | | 1,348,829 | | | | 7.5% | |
CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity | | | 1,226,879 | | | | 1,177,589 | | | | 4.2% | |
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | | | 20,873 | | | | (5,749 | ) | | Nm(1) | |
(1) Number is not meaningful.
Current assets: Current assets at December 31, 2010 decreased US$ 269.4 million compared to December 31, 2009, primarily as a result of cash invested to acquire the bTV group and the impact on our balance sheet of the disposal of our former operations in Ukraine.
Non-current assets: Non-current assets at December 31, 2010 increased US$ 337.1 million compared to December 31, 2009, primarily due to the recognition of goodwill and intangible assets on the acquisition of the bTV group in April 2010 (see Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals“).
Current liabilities: Current liabilities at December 31, 2010 decreased by US$ 109.0 million compared to December 31, 2009 primarily as a result of repayment of amounts outstanding under terminated credit facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovenia.
Non-current liabilities: Non-current liabilities at December 31, 2010 increased US$ 100.9 million compared to December 31, 2009, primarily as a result of additional net borrowings (see Part II, Item 5 “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”). The movement also includes a US$ 54.7 million decrease in the carrying value of the Senior Notes due to the strengthening of the dollar against the Euro, which is partially offset by a US$ 21.3 million increase in the carrying value of our 2008 Convertible Notes as a result of the accretion of the debt issuance discount.
CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity: CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2010 increased US$ 49.3 million compared to December 31, 2009. We recognized net income of US$ 100.2 million in 2010, which was partially offset by a decrease in other comprehensive income of US$ 18.2 million, due to the overall impact of the strengthening dollar on the value of our foreign currency denominated assets and a US$ 40.3 million reduction in additional paid-in capital following the acquisition of noncontrolling interests (see Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”). We also recognized a stock-based compensation charge of US$ 7.4 million.
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries: Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 increased US$ 26.6 million compared to December 31, 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of noncontrolling interests in Bulgaria. We also acquired the remaining ownership interests in Pro TV, MPI and MV, thereby increasing our ownership interests in each of these companies to 100.0%. See Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals” for additional information.
IV. Liquidity and Capital Resources
IV (a) Summary of cash flows:
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by US$ 201.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The change in cash and cash equivalents is summarized as follows:
(US$ 000’s) | | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Net cash (used in) / generated from continuing operating activities | | $ | (49,614 | ) | | $ | 7,190 | | | $ | 137,487 | |
Net cash used in continuing investing activities | | | (456,770 | ) | | | (75,129 | ) | | | (253,379 | ) |
Net cash received from financing activities | | | 7,338 | | | | 475,027 | | | | 444,386 | |
Net cash used in discontinued operations - operating activities | | | (5,921 | ) | | | (39,855 | ) | | | (5,204 | ) |
Net cash generated from / (used in) discontinued operations - investing activities | | | 307,790 | | | | (1,982 | ) | | | (3,367 | ) |
Net cash used in discontinued operations - financing activities | | | - | | | | (22,224 | ) | | | (332,380 | ) |
Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on cash | | | (4,727 | ) | | | 8,504 | | | | (21,279 | ) |
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | (201,904 | ) | | $ | 351,531 | | | $ | (33,736 | ) |
Operating Activities
Cash generated from continuing operations decreased from an inflow of US$ 7.2 million to an outflow of US$ 49.6 million, reflecting the continued impact of the market slowdown on the level of cash generated by our operations. We continued to generate positive cash flow in our broadcast and new media operations in the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovenia, which was partially offset by the negative cash flows of our broadcast and new media operations in Bulgaria, Croatia, and the Slovak Republic. We also paid interest of US$ 100.9 million in 2010 compared to US$ 61.9 million in 2009.
Cash generated from continuing operations decreased from an inflow of US$ 137.5 million in 2008 to US$ 7.2 million in 2009, reflecting the cash needs of our Pro.BG business as well as the decline in profitability of our broadcast operations during the economic downturn.
Cash generated from continuing operations of US$ 137.5 million in 2008 was a result of significant increases in cash generation from our broadcast operations in the Czech Republic and Romania following continued strong operational performance in 2008.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities increased from US$ 75.1 million to US$ 456.8 million in 2010. Our investing cash flows in 2010 primarily comprised US$ 409.5 million relating to the acquisition of the bTV group and US$ 46.0 million relating to capital expenditures.
Cash used in investing activities decreased from US$ 253.4 million in 2008 to US$ 75.1 million in 2009. Our investing cash flows in 2009 primarily comprised of US$ 10.0 million paid in connection with our acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment (see Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”) and capital expenditure of US$ 48.0 million. The cash flows used in investing activities of US$ 253.4 million in 2008 included the purchases of our investments in our Bulgaria operations and capital expenditures of US$ 75.8 million, largely in respect of the expansion of our broadcasting facilities and equipment in the Czech Republic, Romania and the Slovak Republic.
Financing Activities
Cash received from financing activities in 2010 was US$ 7.3 million compared to US$ 475.0 million in 2009. The amount of net cash received in 2010 reflects the issuance of EUR 170.0 million (approximately US$ 237.5 million at the date of issuance) aggregate principal amount of 2010 Fixed Rate Notes, less costs of US$ 12.0 million, offset by the repayment of CZK 1.45 billion (approximately US$ 78.1 million at the date of repayment) of credit facilities, the repayment of a revolving facility in Slovenia of EUR 22.5 million (approximately US$ 30.2 million at the date of repayment), the repayment of approximately US$ 101.5 million of our Senior Notes and 2008 Convertible Notes and US$ 6.5 million paid in connection with the acquisitions of noncontrolling interests (see Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals“). The Erste Facility that had been drawn in full in 2010 was repaid in full on October 21, 2010 using the proceeds from the issuance of the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes (see Part II, Item 8, Note 5, Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements“).
Net cash received from financing activities increased US$ 30.6 million from 2008 to US$ 475.0 million in 2009. The amount of cash received in 2009 reflect the issuance of 14.5 million shares of Class A common stock and 4.5 million shares of Class B common stock to an affiliate of Time Warner Inc. for an aggregate offering price of US$ 234.4 million, net of fees paid and the drawdown of our revolving credit facilities to maximize liquidity and the issuance of EUR 440.0 million (net of fees) (approximately US$ 634.0 million) of our 2009 Fixed Rate Notes. This was offset by payments of approximately US$ 371.1 million to repurchase our 2005 Fixed Rate Notes and the repayment of EUR 127.5 million (approximately US$ 187.3 million at the date of repayment) outstanding on the EBRD Loan. The amount of cash received in 2008 reflects the net proc eeds of US$ 400.3 million from the issuance of the 2008 Convertible Notes and purchase of the Capped Call Options (as defined below), US$ 37.4 million of proceeds from the EBRD Loan and US$ 22.7 million of drawings on the BMG cash pool.
Discontinued Operations
Our former Ukraine operations, which were sold on April 7, 2010, incurred operating cash outflows of US$ 5.9 million, US$ 40.0 million and US$ 5.0 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In 2009, we paid taxes of US$ 1.0 million to the Dutch tax authorities pursuant to an agreement we entered into with them on February 9, 2004, compared to US$ 2.0 million in 2008.
Net cash generated from investing activities in 2010 was US$ 307.8 million, which primarily represents the cash proceeds from the sale of our former Ukraine operations. Net cash used in investing activities was US$ 2.0 million and US$ 3.4 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, which primarily represents capital expenditure.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2009 and 2008 primarily represents the US$ 22.0 million and US$ 332.4 million, respectively, paid in connection with the buyout of a partner in our former operations in Ukraine.
IV (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 requirements for additional cash in the near future, subject to the matters disclosed under “Contractual Obligations and Commitments” and “Cash Outlook” below.
Our ongoing source of cash at our operations is primarily the receipt of payments from advertisers and advertising agencies. This may be supplemented from time to time by local borrowing. Surplus cash after funding the ongoing operations may be remitted to us. 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 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.
IV (c) Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010 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 | | $ | 1,403,610 | | | $ | 12,539 | | | $ | 440,200 | | | $ | 198,195 | | | $ | 752,676 | |
Long-Term Debt – interest (1) | | | 563,262 | | | | 125,369 | | | | 192,631 | | | | 164,695 | | | | 80,567 | |
Capital Lease Obligations | | | 4,807 | | | | 1,171 | | | | 1,310 | | | | 744 | | | | 1,582 | |
Operating Leases | | | 31,786 | | | | 7,640 | | | | 8,738 | | | | 4,455 | | | | 10,953 | |
Unconditional Purchase Obligations | | | 423,864 | | | | 161,197 | | | | 213,731 | | | | 48,936 | | | | - | |
Other Long-Term Obligations | | | 50,642 | | | | 9,207 | | | | 16,623 | | | | 16,541 | | | | 8,271 | |
Total Contractual Obligations | | $ | 2,477,971 | | | $ | 317,123 | | | $ | 873,233 | | | $ | 433,566 | | | $ | 854,049 | |
(1) Interest obligations on variable rate debt are calculated using the rate applicable at the balance sheet date.
Long-Term Debt
For more information on our Long-Term Debt, see Part II, Item 8, Note 5, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”. Interest payable on our Long-Term Debt is calculated using interest rates and exchange rates as at December 31, 2010.
Unconditional Purchase Obligations
Unconditional purchase obligations primarily comprise future programming commitments. At December 31, 2010, we had commitments in respect of future programming of US$ 420.1 million. This includes contracts signed with license periods starting after December 31, 2010.
Other Long-term Obligations
Other long-term obligations include US$ 50.5 million of digital transmission commitments.
Operating Leases
For more information on our operating lease commitments see Part II, Item 8, Note 19, “Commitments and Contingencies”.
IV (d) Cash Outlook
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since 2005, our broadcast operations in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Romania have generated positive cash flows sufficient, in conjunction with new equity and debt, to fund our operations, the launch of new channels, the acquisition of non-controlling interests in our existing channels and other investment activities. During the difficult economic conditions that we have experienced since the end of 2008, operating cash flows in the aggregate have declined, yet remain positive. However, we still expect our businesses to continue to generate sufficient cash, in conjunction with our current cash and available facilities, to fund our operations for the next twelve months, as well as to meet our other external financial obligations. As at December 31, 2010, we had US$ 346.7 million available in cash and credit facilities, including unc ommitted overdraft facilities.
We continue to take steps to conserve cash to ensure that we have a sufficiently strong liquidity position to enable us to meet our debt service and other existing financial obligations and to ensure that we are well placed to take advantage of any economic recovery in our markets. These steps have included targeted reductions to our operating cost base through headcount reductions and widespread cost optimization programs, the deferral of programming obligations and capital expenditure, the rescheduling of expansion plans, limiting the amount of cash spent on our Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as described below) and increasing our cash resources through additional debt facilities, refinancing of existing credit facilities and the issuance of equity.
Improving our liquidity position and extending the maturity of our debt
As of December 31, 2010, we had US$ 346.7 million available in unrestricted cash and undrawn credit facilities (including uncommitted overdraft facilities) as summarized in the table below:
In (US$ 000’s) | | Unrestricted cash and undrawn credit facilities at December 31, 2010 | |
| | | |
Cash | | $ | 244,050 | |
EUR 5.0 million BMG overdraft | | | 6,681 | |
CZK 300.0 million Czech Factoring Facility | | | 15,999 | |
CZK 1.5 billion Revolving Credit Facility | | | 79,996 | |
Total | | $ | 346,726 | |
As of December 31, 2010, we had gross debt of US$ 1,418.1 million (being the aggregate outstanding principal amount of our debt) and net debt of US$ 1,174.1 million.
In (US$ 000’s) | | Gross debt at December 31, 2010 | |
| | | |
2010 Fixed Rate Notes | | $ | 227,154 | |
2009 Fixed Rate Notes | | | 523,256 | |
Floating Rate Notes | | | 197,758 | |
2008 Convertible Notes | | | 440,200 | |
Senior Debt | | | 1,388,368 | |
| | | | |
Credit facilities and capital leases | | | 19,451 | |
Derivatives (at fair value) | | | 10,259 | |
Total | | $ | 1,418,078 | |
In October 2010, our wholly owned subsidiary CET 21 issued EUR 170.0 million (approximately US$ 237.5 million at the date of issuance) aggregate principal amount of 2010 Fixed Rate Notes. Using the net cash proceeds received from the offering, we repurchased approximately US$ 104.7 million principal amount of our indebtedness, consisting of i) US$ 34.8 million aggregate principal amount of 2008 Convertible Notes purchased at 88.25% of par, ii) EUR 2.0 million (approximately US$ 2.8 million at the date of repurchase) aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Notes purchased at 81.75% of par and iii) EUR 48.4 million (approximately US$ 67.1 million at the date of repurchase) aggregate principal amount of 2009 Fixed Rate Notes purchased at a range of 101.0% to 102.5% of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest on each such series of notes.
In addition, on October 21, 2010, we used a portion of the net proceeds of the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes to repay in full the principal outstanding under the Erste Facility of CZK 2.8 million (approximately US$ 159.9 million at the date of repayment), plus accrued interest and break costs. We also wrote off all remaining capitalized issuance costs and these charges were recognized as a loss on extinguishment within interest expense.
The benefit of issuing the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes and using the proceeds to repay the Erste Facility and a portion of our Senior Notes and 2008 Convertible Notes is that the scheduled final maturity of a significant portion of our outstanding debt has been extended and we decreased the amount of our indebtedness that matures in the short and medium term. However the interest costs associated with the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes are substantially higher than the senior debt that was repurchased. As of December 31, 2010, the principal amount of our Senior Notes and 2008 Convertible Notes together represented 98.0% of the total principal amount of our total debt outstanding and none of this debt matures before March 2013 (see Part II, Item 8, Note 5, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”).
On October 21, 2010, CET 21 also entered into the five-year CZK 1.5 billion (approximately US$ 80.0 million) Secured Revolving Credit Facility. The Secured Revolving Credit Facility decreases to CZK 750.0 million (approximately US$ 40.0 million) in October 2014. Interest under the facility is calculated at a rate per annum of 4.50% above PRIBOR for the relevant interest period. Drawings under the facility are expected to be used for working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes. As at December 31, 2010, we have satisfied conditions to utilize the Secured Revolving Credit Facility as we had repurchased, subsequent to September 30, 2010, approximately US$ 100.0 million of our long-term indebtedness. The facility is subject to maintenance covenants at the CET 21 level. There were no drawings on the Secured Revolving Cred it Facility as of December 31, 2010.
At December 31, 2010 we had US$ 440.2 million aggregate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes outstanding. On February 18, 2011 we completed privately negotiated exchanges of US$ 206.3 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes for US$ 206.3 million in aggregate principal amount of 2011 Convertible Notes. The exchanging holders of the 2008 Convertible Notes also received cash consideration including accrued interest totaling approximately US$ 30.2 million. This exchange offer extended the overall maturity profile of our debt. We now have US$ 233.9 million aggregate principal amount of 2008 Convertible Notes outstanding that mature in 2013.
We have no maintenance covenants under our Senior Notes or Convertible Notes, which means that there is no event of default if we fail to meet a minimum level of EBITDA, leverage or any other EBITDA-related ratio (as defined in the indentures governing our Senior Notes). The indentures governing the Senior Notes each contain a covenant which restricts the incurrence of additional debt if our Coverage Ratio is less than 2.0 times, or if the raising of new debt would cause us to fall below this ratio. As of December 31, 2010, our Coverage Ratio was 1.1 times. Notwithstanding this restriction, we are able to incur debt at either the Restricted Subsidiary or holding company level of up to EUR 250.0 million (approximately US$ 334.1 million) pursuant to “baskets” set forth in the indentures governing the Senior Notes. We have utilized US$ 242.4 million of this amount for borrowings mainly in the Czech Republic and Romania. This leaves approximately US$ 91.7 million of additional borrowing capacity available to us at December 31, 2010. We are able to utilize the five-year CZK 1.5 billion (approximately US$ 80.0 million) Secured Revolving Credit Facility, of which no amounts were drawn as at December 31, 2010. Other than the restrictions noted above, there are no significant constraints on our ability to refinance existing debt.
Credit ratings and future debt issuances
Our credit ratings were upgraded following the closing of the acquisition of the bTV group and the sale of the Ukraine operations. Ratings agencies have indicated that retention of these ratings is dependent on maintaining an adequate liquidity profile including at least maintaining $100.0 million of cash in our Restricted Subsidiaries. We intend to stay within this liquidity parameter.
The availability of additional liquidity is dependent upon the overall status of the debt and equity capital markets as well as on our continued financial performance, operating performance and credit ratings. We are currently able to raise limited additional debt and we believe that we can still access the debt capital markets in order to refinance any combination of our existing debt.
S&P and Moody’s have rated our outstanding debt instruments and our corporate credit as follows as of October 14, 2010:
| | 2009 Fixed Rate Notes, Floating Rate Notes and 2008 Convertible Notes | | | 2010 Fixed Rate Notes | | | Corporate | | Outlook |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
S&P | | | B- | | | | B | | | | B | | stable |
Moody’s | | | B3 | | | Ba3 | | | | B2 | | negative |
Credit rating agencies monitor companies closely and have made liquidity and the related key ratios a particular priority. One of the key indicators used by the ratings agencies in assigning credit ratings to us is our gross leverage ratio, which was 11.5 times at December 31, 2010 and is calculated as our gross debt divided by our trailing twelve-month OIBDA. Our pro forma OIBDA (calculated by excluding stock based compensation, our former Ukraine operations and including pro forma twelve-month operations of the bTV group) was US$ 123.4 million at December 31, 2010. Our total gross debt (the sum of our Senior Notes, 2008 Convertible Notes, credit facilities and obligations under capital leases and the liabilities under our currency and interest rate swap agreements as disclosed in our consolidated financial statements) was US$ 1,418.1 million at December 31, 2010. The ratio of Net Debt/pro forma OIBDA was 9.5 at December 31, 2010.
Unrestricted and Restricted Subsidiaries
For the purposes of the indentures governing the Senior Notes, the calculation of the Coverage Ratio includes only entities that are “Restricted Subsidiaries.” Subsidiaries may be designated as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” and excluded from the calculation of Coverage Ratio. Prior to the quarter ended June 30, 2009, all of our operations were Restricted Subsidiaries. During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, our Board of Directors designated those subsidiaries that comprised our former Ukraine and then existing Bulgaria operations as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. This change in designation was immediately beneficial to us because it resulted in the exclusion of the negative results of our Bulgaria operations and our former Ukraine operations for purposes of determining our capacity to incur indebtedness under our then - -outstanding Senior Notes. Similarly, as the cash flows of our Restricted Subsidiaries recover, our ability to raise additional debt financing should improve commensurately, unimpeded by any continuing negative results in our Unrestricted Subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2010, our Unrestricted Subsidiaries consist of those subsidiaries that comprise the Pro.BG business in Bulgaria; CME Development Financing B.V. (the “Development Financing Holding Company”), the entity that funds these operations; and, following the disposal of our former operations in Ukraine in April 2010, CME Austria GmbH (formerly CME Ukraine Holding GmbH).
In 2009, our Unrestricted Subsidiaries required significant cash support. We have taken two strategic actions to substantially reduce this need for cash support. On April 7, 2010, we completed the sale of our former Ukraine operations for total proceeds of US$ 308.0 million and on April 19, 2010, we completed the acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria for total cash consideration of US$ 409.9 million. For more information, see Part II, Item 8, Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”. As a result, despite the net cash outflow of US$ 101.9 million resulting from these transactions, we have significantly improved our OIBDA and our operating cash flows and the funding needs of our Unrestricted Subsidiaries have been reduced substantially.
We expect that the total cash balance remaining in the Development Financing Holding Company and CME Austria GmbH (US$ 21.5 million at December 31, 2010) is significantly more than will be required by the Pro.BG business in Bulgaria for the period up to when full legal integration of the Pro.BG business with the bTV group is complete. Our indentures governing the Senior Notes do not prohibit the transfer of funds from Unrestricted Subsidiaries to Restricted Subsidiaries. Following the disposal of our operations in Ukraine, we transferred US$ 162.9 million of cash from the Development Financing Holding Company to a Restricted Subsidiary.
Credit risk of financial counterparties
We have entered into a number of significant contracts with financial counterparties as follows:
Cross Currency Swap
On April 27, 2006, we entered into cross currency swap agreements with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc. (see Part II, Item 8, Note 11, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements”) under which we periodically exchange Czech Koruna for Euro with the intention of reducing our exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. We do not consider that there is any substantial risk to our liquidity if either of our counterparties were unable to meet their respective rights under the swap agreements because we would be able to convert the CZK we receive from our subsidiary into Euros at the prevailing exchange rate rather than the rate included in the swap.
Interest Rate Swap
On February 9, 2010, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with UniCredit and CSAS expiring in 2013 to reduce the impact of changing interest rates on our floating rate debt (see Part II, Item 8, Note 11, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements”). This reduces the risk of interest rate volatility affecting our future cash flows. We do not consider that there is any substantial risk to our liquidity if our counterparties were unable to meet their respective rights under the interest swap agreement.
Capped Call Options
On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc, (“Lehman Holdings”, and collectively with Lehman Brothers OTC Derivatives Inc., “Lehman Brothers”), filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy filing of Lehman Holdings, as guarantor, was an event of default that gave us the right to early termination of capped call options we had purchased from Lehman Brothers to increase the effective conversion price of our 2008 Convertible Notes. We exercised this right and have claimed an amount of US$ 19.9 million. We subsequently assigned our claim to an unrelated third party for cash consideration of US$ 3.4 million.
We had purchased similar capped call options from BNP Paribas (“BNP”) and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc (“DB”), however we consider the likelihood of similar loss on the BNP or DB capped calls to be significantly less following the coordinated response of Europe’s central banks to the global liquidity crisis and the pivotal positions that each of these banks occupies in its respective country. In the event of any similar default, there would be no impact on our current liquidity since the purchase price of the options has already been paid and we have no further obligation under the terms of the capped calls to deliver cash or other assets to the counterparties. Any default would increase the dilutive effect to our existing shareholders resulting from the issuance of shares of Class A common stoc k upon any conversion of the 2008 Convertible Notes.
Cash Deposits
We deposit cash in the global money markets with a range of bank counterparties and review the counterparties we choose weekly. The maximum period of deposit is three months but we have more recently held amounts on deposit for shorter periods, from overnight to one month. The credit rating of a bank is a critical factor in determining the size of cash deposits and we will only deposit cash with banks of an investment grade of A or A2 or higher. In addition we also closely monitor the credit default swap spreads and other market information for each of the banks with which we consider depositing or have deposited funds.
VI (e) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
VIl. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our accounting policies affecting our financial condition and results of operations are more fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements that are included in Item 8. 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. Using these estimates we make 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 the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Program Rights
Program rights consist of programming acquired from third parties and programming (film and television) produced locally and form an important component of our station broadcasting schedules. Program rights and the related liabilities are recorded at their gross value when the license period begins and the programs are available for use. Program rights are amortized on a systematic basis over their expected useful lives. Both films and series are amortized as shown with the amortization charged in respect of each airing calculated in accordance with a schedule that reflects our estimate of the relative economic value of each run. For program rights acquired under a standard two-run license, we generally amortize 65% after the first run and 35% after the second run and for those with a three-r un license, we amortize 60% on the first run, 30% on the second run and 10% on the third run. The program library is evaluated at least quarterly to determine if expected revenues are sufficient to cover the unamortized portion of each program. To the extent that the revenues we expect to earn from broadcasting a program are lower than the book value, the program rights are written down to their net realizable value by way of recording an additional amortization charge. Accordingly, our estimates of future advertising and other revenues, and our future broadcasting schedules have a significant impact on the value of our program rights on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the annual programming amortization charge recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Produced Program Rights
Through our Media Pro Entertainment segment, we produce and distribute a variety of filmed content. The majority of this is television movies and series which are predominantly expected to be exploited by transmission on our broadcast stations. In addition to this we also produce feature films which are intended to be exploited initially through exhibition in theatres and subsequently through sales in one or more of the home video, Pay TV, free TV, international syndication and internet markets. Finally, we also acquire content from third parties which we distribute through all of the windows mentioned above.
We recognize revenue from filmed content at the Media Pro Entertainment level when the revenue recognition criteria of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 926-605-25 are met. In practice, it usually means revenue on the sale of content is recognized when the finished content is available for our broadcasters or delivered to third parties (unless the license period has not begun). This intercompany revenue is eliminated upon consolidation and revenue is not recognized at the CME group level until the content is exploited by our broadcasters, which usually means we have earned advertising or other revenue.
We recognize revenue from the distribution of acquired content when the content is available for telecast, which is usually when we furnish a Notice of Delivery to our clients, and when the license period for the arrangement under consideration - usually a pre-defined “window”- has begun.
Produced program rights as shown in the balance sheet represent the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and film rights in preparation of development. Produced program rights are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value.
When we recognize revenue on a title, both at the segment and at the CME consolidated level, we also recognize a proportion of the capitalized film costs in the income statement using the individual film forecast model. The proportion of costs recognized is equal to the proportion of the revenue recognized compared to the total revenue expected to be generated throughout the title’s life cycle (the “Ultimate Revenues“).
The process of evaluating a title’s ultimate revenues requires management judgment and is inherently subjective. The calculation of ultimate revenue can be a complex one, however the level of complexity and subjectivity is correlated to the number of revenue streams that management believes will be earned. Our process for evaluating ultimate revenues is tailored to the potential we believe a title has for generating multiple types of revenues. As already mentioned, the majority of our production is intended primarily for exploitation by our own broadcasters and we have few supportable expectations of generating revenue from other sources. In such cases, we consider mainly the free television window in our calculation of the ultimate revenue. For produced and acquired feature films or other projects where we do have supportable ex pectations of generating multiple revenue streams, we base our estimates of ultimate revenues for each film on factors such as the historical performance or similar films, the star power of the actors and actresses, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings) and the expected number of theatres in which the film will be released. We update such estimates based on information available on the progress of the film’s production and upon release, the actual results of each film. Changes in estimates of ultimate revenues from period to period affect the amount of film costs amortized in a given period and, therefore, could have an impact on our results for that period.
Produced program rights which include direct costs, production overhead and development costs, are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. When the estimated Ultimate Revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation costs), are less than the carrying value of the film costs, the value of a film is deemed to be impaired and thus, an immediate write-off of unrecoverable film costs is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Recognition of goodwill and intangible assets
In accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, we allocate the purchase price of our acquisitions to the tangible assets, liabilities and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values, with the excess purchase price over those fair values being recorded as goodwill.
The fair value assigned to identifiable intangible assets acquired is supported by valuations that involve the use of a large number of estimates and assumptions provided by management. If we make different estimates and assumptions, the valuations of identifiable intangible assets change, and the amount of purchase price attributable to these assets also changes, leading to corresponding change in the value of goodwill.
The assumptions and estimates that we have applied vary according to the date, location and type of assets acquired for each of our acquisitions. For example, some of the assumptions and estimates that we have used in determining the value of acquired broadcast licenses are as follows: methodology applied in valuation, discount rate (being the weighted average cost of capital and applicable risk factor), useful life of license (definite or indefinite) and probability of renewal, audience share growth and advertising market share, power ratio and growth, revenue growth for the forecast period and then in perpetuity, operating margin growth, future capital expenditure and working capital requirements, future cost saving as a result of the switch from an analog to a digital environment, inflation and workforce cost, among others.
All assumptions and estimates applied were based on best estimates at the respective acquisition dates.
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite lived- intangible assets and long-lived assets
We assess the carrying value of intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying value may not be recoverable. Other than our annual review, factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include: under-performance of reporting units or changes in projected results, changes in the manner of utilization of the asset, a severe and sustained decline in the price of our shares and negative market conditions or economic trends. Therefore, our judgment as to the future prospects of each business has a significant impact on our results and financial condition. We believe that our assumptions are appropriate. If future cash flows do not materialize as expected or there is a future adverse change in market conditions, we may be unable to recover the carrying amount of an asset, resulting in future impairment losses.
Impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are performed at the reporting unit level. If potential impairments of goodwill exist, the fair value of the reporting unit is subsequently measured against the fair value of its underlying assets and liabilities, excluding goodwill, to estimate an implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value after adjusting for any impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets or long-lived assets.
The fair value of each reporting unit, and consequently the amount of implied goodwill is determined using an income methodology estimating projected future cash flows related to each reporting unit. These projected future cash flows are discounted back to the valuation date. Significant assumptions inherent in the methodology used include estimates of discount rates, future revenue growth rates and a number of other factors, all of which are based on our assessment of the future prospects and the risks inherent at the respective reporting units. We have identified ten reporting units which consist of our six geographic locations for our broadcast operations: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia; the fiction/reality and entertainment, production services and distribution/exhibition reporti ng units within our Media Pro Entertainment reportable segment and our New Media reporting unit (which is also a reportable segment).
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the respective asset. The same estimates are also used in planning for our long-and short-range business planning and forecasting. We assess the reasonableness of the inputs and outcomes of our undiscounted cash flow analysis against available comparable market data. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the respective asset.
Assessing goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets requires significant judgment and involves a great deal of detailed quantitative and qualitative business-specific analysis with several individual assumptions which fluctuate with the passage of time. The table below shows the key measurements involved and the valuation methods applied:
Measurement | Valuation Method |
Recoverability of cash flows | Undiscounted future cash flows |
Fair value of indefinite-lived broadcast licenses | Build-out method |
Fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks | Relief from royalty method |
Fair value of reporting units | Discounted cash flow model |
Our estimate of the cash flows our operations will generate in future periods forms the basis for most of the significant assumptions inherent in our impairment reviews. Our expectations of these cash flows are developed during our long- and short-range business planning processes, which are designed to address the uncertainties inherent in the forecasting process by capturing a range of possible views about key trends which govern future cash flow growth.
Historically, the overall cash flow growth rates achieved by our operations have not provided a good indication of future cash flows. This is largely because the markets in which we operate are relatively new and have experienced high levels of growth as advertising markets became rapidly established. Instead, we have observed over many years a strong positive correlation between the macro-economic performance of our markets and the size of the television advertising market and ultimately the cash flows we generate. With this in mind, we have placed a high importance on developing our expectations for the future development of the macro-economic environment in general and the advertising market and our share of it in particular. While this has involved an appreciation of historical trends we have placed a higher emphasis on forecasting these market trends, which has involved detailed review of macro-economic data, a range of both proprietary and publicly-available estimates for future market development, and a process of on-going consultation with local management.
At present, future macro-economic developments in our markets have shown signs of recovery from the economic downturn. There are a wide range of economic forecasts which generally anticipate continued improvement in the size of television advertising markets in the countries in which we operate. In developing our forecasts of future cash flows we take into account all available external estimates in addition to considering developments in each of our markets, which provide direct evidence of the state of the market and future market development. In concluding whether a goodwill impairment charge is necessary, we perform the impairment test under a range of possible scenarios. In order to check the reasonableness of the fair values implied by our cash flow estimates we also calculate the value of our Class A common stock implied by our cash flow forecasts and compare this to actual traded values.
Each method noted above involves a number of significant assumptions over an extended period of time which could materially change our decision as to whether assets are impaired. The most significant of these assumptions include: the discount rate applied, the total advertising market size, achievable levels of market share, level of forecast operating costs and capital expenditure and the rate of growth into perpetuity, each described in more detail below:
| · | Cost of capital: The cost of capital reflects the return a hypothetical market participant would require for a long-term investment in an asset and can be viewed as a proxy for the risk of that asset. We calculate the cost of capital according to the Capital Asset Pricing Model using a number of assumptions, the most significant of which is a Country Risk Premium (“CRP”). The CRP reflects the excess risk to an investor of investing in markets other than the United States and generally fluctuates with expectations of changes in a country’s macro-economic environment. The costs of capital that we have applied in all reporting units at the end of 2010 were slightly lower or comparable to those we had used in our annual impairment review at the end of 2009, which we believe represents a diminution of the perceived level of risk of investing in emerging markets by market participants. |
| · | Growth rate into perpetuity: reflects the level of economic growth in each of our markets from the last forecasted period into perpetuity and is the sum of an estimated real growth rate, which reflects our belief that macro-economic growth in our markets will eventually converge to Western European markets, and long term expectations for inflation. Our estimates of these rates are based on observable market data and have not changed. |
| · | Total advertising market: The size of the television advertising market effectively places an upper limit on the advertising revenue we can expect to earn in each country. Our estimate of the total advertising market is developed from a number of external sources, in combination with a process of on-going consultation with local management. In our annual impairment review performed in the fourth quarter, we marginally increased our view of the size of the television advertising markets based on our expectation of higher growth rates in future years as the markets have started to show signs of recovery. |
| · | Market share: This is a function of the audience share we expect our stations to generate, and the relative price at which we can sell advertising. Our estimate of the total advertising market is developed from a number of external sources, in combination with a process of on-going consultation with local management. |
| · | Forecast operating costs: The level of cash flow generated by each operation is ultimately governed by the extent to which we manage the relationship between revenues and costs. We forecast the level of operating costs by reference to (a) the historical absolute and relative levels of costs we have incurred in generating revenue in each station, (b) the operating strategy of each business and (c) specific forecast costs to be incurred. Our annual impairment review includes assumptions to reflect further cost reductions we intend to initiate. |
| · | Forecast capital expenditure: The size and phasing of capital expenditure, both recurring expenditure to replace retired assets and investments in new projects, has a significant impact on cash flows. We forecast the level of future capital expenditure based on current strategies and specific forecast costs to be incurred. In line with our ongoing efforts to protect our operating margins, the absolute levels of capital expenditure forecast remained broadly constant from the prior year impairment reviews, however certain investment cash flows were delayed, with a consequent marginal positive impact on the fair value of the reporting units. |
Certain triggering events in 2009 such as the substantial decline of our share price, the global economic crisis and the reduced economic projections specific to our markets in Central and Eastern Europe were not present in 2010. Our share price stabilized beginning from the second half of 2009 and through 2010, global economic conditions improved slightly and there was an improvement in market participants’ sentiment about future economic performance in our markets.
There were no impairment indicators in 2010. We performed our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2010 and determined that none of our reporting units were at risk of impairment.
Using our most conservative assumptions, an adverse change of 10.0% in the fair values of our reporting units, perpetuity growth rate, or cost of capital would result in a potential impairment for the goodwill in our Bulgaria broadcast reporting unit in 2010. No other reporting units in our Broadcast and Media Pro Entertainment segments would be affected by a 10.0% adverse change in the assumptions. An adverse change of 20.0% in the cost of capital would result in a potential impairment for the Production Services reporting unit within the Media Pro Entertainment segment in 2010.
We consider all current information in respect of performing our impairment reviews and calculating our impairment charges. If our cash flow forecasts for our operations deteriorate, or discount rates continue to increase, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in later periods.
Revenue Recognition
Net revenues predominantly comprise revenues from the sale of advertising time less discounts, agency commissions, and theatrical distribution of films. Net revenues are recognized when the advertisement is aired as long as there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement with a customer exists, the price of the delivered advertising time is fixed or determinable, and collection of the arrangement fee is reasonably assured. In the event that a customer falls significantly behind its contractual payment terms, revenue is deferred until the customer has resumed normal payment terms.
Agency commissions, where applicable, are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue. Advertisers remit the gross billing amount to the agency and the agency remits gross billings, less their commission, to us when the advertisement is not placed directly by the advertiser. Payments received in advance of being earned are recorded as deferred income.
We record sales from theatrical distribution of films as films are exhibited. Sales of home videos, net of a return provision, are recognized as income when the videos are delivered to and available for sale by retailers. Revenue from licensing of film and television programming is recognized when we make the material available for airing.
We maintain a bad debt provision for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required in future periods. We review the accounts receivable balances periodically and our historical bad debt, customer concentrations and customer creditworthiness when evaluating the adequacy of our provision.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes includes local and foreign taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. Any reduction in estimated forecasted results may require that we record additional valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets. Once a valuation allowance has been established, it will be maintained until there is sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. An ongoing pattern of sustained profitability will generally be considered as sufficient positive evidence. If the allowance is reversed in a future period, our income tax provision will be reduced to the extent of the reversal. Accordingly, the establishment and reversal of valuation allowances has had and could continue to have a significant negative or positive impact on our future earnings.
We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that, if changed, would result in either an increase or decrease in the provision for income taxes in the period of change.
In accordance with ASC 740, we recognize in the consolidated financial statements those tax positions determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions.
From time to time, we engage in transactions, such as business combinations and dispositions, in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. We prepare and file tax returns based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, our tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. We only recognize tax benefits taken on tax returns when we believe they are “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination based on their technical merits. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken on the tax return are “more lik ely than not” of being sustained.
We recognize, when applicable, both accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The liability for accrued interest and penalties was nil and US$ 0.2 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Foreign exchange
Our reporting currency and functional currency is the dollar but a significant portion of our consolidated revenues and costs are in other currencies, including programming rights expenses and interest on debt. In addition, our Senior Notes are denominated in Euros. Our corporate holding companies have a functional currency of the dollar. All of our other operations have functional currencies other than the dollar.
We record assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than our functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date, with any change in value between reporting periods being recognized as a transaction gain or loss in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. We are exposed to foreign currency on the revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local functional currency of the relevant subsidiary. This includes third party receivables and payables, including our Senior Notes which are denominated in Euros, as well as intercompany loans, which are generally provided in currencies other than the dollar. We recorded transaction losses of US$ 5.0 million in 2010, transaction gains of US$ 82.9 million 2009 and transaction losses of US$ 3 5.6 million in 2008.
The financial statements of our operations whose functional currency is other than the dollar are translated from such functional currency to dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities, and at weighted average rates for the period for revenues and expenses, including gains and losses. Translational gains and losses are charged or credited to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss), a component of Equity.
Determination of the functional currency of an entity requires considerable management judgment, which is essential and paramount to this determination. This includes our assessment of a series of indicators, such as the currency in which a majority of sales transactions are negotiated, expense incurred or financing secured. If the nature of our business operations changes, such as by changing the currency in which sales transactions are denominated or by incurring significantly more expenditure in a different currency, we may be required to change the functional currency of some or all of our operations, potentially changing the amounts we report as transaction gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as well as the translational gains and losses charged or credited to Accumulated Other Compre hensive Income / (Loss). In establishing functional currency, specific facts and circumstances are considered carefully, and judgment is exercised as to what types of information might be most useful to investors.
Contingencies
We are, from time to time, involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, accrue our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution for these claims. These estimates are developed in consultation with legal counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. See Part II, Item 8, Note 19, “Commitments and Contingencies” for more detailed information on litigation exposure.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Part II, Item 8, Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a discussion of accounting standards adopted since December 31, 2010 and recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted.
VlIl. Related party matters
Overview
There is a limited local market for many specialist television services in the countries in which we operate; many of these services are provided to us by parties known to be connected to our local shareholders. As stated in ASC 850, Related Party Disclosures, transactions involving related parties cannot necessarily be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s-length basis, as the requisite conditions of competitive, free-market dealings may not exist. We continue to review all of these arrangements.
We consider our related parties to be those shareholders who have direct control and/or influence and other parties that can significantly influence management; a “connected” party is one for whom we are aware of the existence of an immediate family or business connection to a shareholder. We have entered into related party transactions in all of our markets. For detailed discussion of all such transactions, see Part II, Item 8, Note 20, “Related Party Transactions”.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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 cross currency swap agreements with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc. (see Part II, Item 8, Note 11, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements”) under which we periodically exchange Czech koruna for Euro with the intention of reducing our exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. We do not consider that there is any risk to our liquidity if either of our counterparties were unable to meet their respective rights under the swap agreements because we would be able to convert the CZK we receive from our subsidiary into Euros at the prevailing exchange rate rather than the rate included in the swap.
The fair value of these instruments as at December 31, 2010 and 2009 was a liability of US$ 9.2 million and US$ 8.6 million, respectively.
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 are approximately equivalent in value to a portion of the Euro-denominated interest payments on our Floating Rates and our 2009 Fixed Rate Notes (see Part II, Item 8, Note 6, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”). 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 ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and so changes in their fair value are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and in the Con solidated Balance Sheet in other non-current liabilities.
Interest Rate Risk Management
As at December 31, 2010, approximately 14% of the carrying value of our debt provides for interest at a spread above a base rate of EURIBOR or PRIBOR, which mitigates the impact of an increase in interbank rates on our overall debt.
Interest Rate Table as at December 31, 2010
| | Expected Maturity Dates | |
| | 2011 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2014 | | | 2015 | | | Thereafter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Debt in Euro (000’s) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed Rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 561,600 | |
Average Interest Rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 10.83 | % |
Variable Rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 148,000 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Average Interest Rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2.9 | % | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Debt in US$ (000’s) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed Rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | 440,200 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Average Interest Rate | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3.50 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Variable Interest Rate Sensitivity as at December 31, 2010
| | | | | | | | Yearly interest charge if interest rates increase by (US$ 000s): | |
Value of Debt as at December 31, 2010 (US$ 000’s) | | Interest Rate as at December 31, 2010 | | | Yearly Interest Charge (US$ 000’s) | | | | 1% | % | | | 2% | | | | 3% | | | | 4% | % | | | 5% | |
$ 197,758 | | | 2.9% | | | $ | 5,735 | | | $ | 7,713 | | | $ | 9,690 | | | $ | 11,668 | | | $ | 13,645 | | | $ | 15,623 | |
(EUR 148.0 million) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
(Financial Statements and Supplementary data begin on the following page and end on the page immediately preceding Item 9.)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 23, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
DELOITTE LLP
London, United Kingdom
February 23, 2011
Part II. Financial Information
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(US$ 000’s)
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 244,050 | | | $ | 445,954 | |
Accounts receivable, net (Note 6) | | | 209,142 | | | | 180,983 | |
Program rights, net | | | 80,206 | | | | 73,922 | |
Assets held for sale | | | - | | | | 86,349 | |
Other current assets (Note 7) | | | 78,687 | | | | 94,253 | |
Total current assets | | | 612,085 | | | | 881,461 | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 8) | | | 250,902 | | | | 274,710 | |
Program rights, net | | | 228,855 | | | | 182,601 | |
Goodwill (Note 4) | | | 1,221,302 | | | | 1,136,273 | |
Broadcast licenses and other intangible assets, net (Note 4) | | | 595,641 | | | | 353,243 | |
Other non-current assets (Note 7) | | | 31,765 | | | | 44,499 | |
Total non-current assets | | | 2,328,465 | | | | 1,991,326 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,940,550 | | | $ | 2,872,787 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(US$ 000’s)
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 9) | | $ | 224,058 | | | $ | 199,175 | |
Current portion of long-term debt and other financing arrangements (Note 5) | | | 13,562 | | | | 117,910 | |
Liabilities held for sale | | | - | | | | 22,193 | |
Other current liabilities (Note 10) | | | 5,456 | | | | 12,840 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 243,076 | | | | 352,118 | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Long-term portion of long-term debt and other financing arrangements (Note 5) | | | 1,346,222 | | | | 1,259,958 | |
Other non-current liabilities (Note 10) | | | 103,500 | | | | 88,871 | |
Total non-current liabilities | | | 1,449,722 | | | | 1,348,829 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
EQUITY: | | | | | | | | |
CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | |
Nil shares of Preferred Stock of $0.08 each (December 31, 2009 – nil) | | | - | | | | - | |
56,878,489 shares of Class A Common Stock of $0.08 each (December 31, 2009 –56,046,176) | | | 4,550 | | | | 4,484 | |
7,490,936 shares of Class B Common Stock of $0.08 each (December 31, 2009 –7,490,936) | | | 599 | | | | 599 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 1,377,803 | | | | 1,410,587 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (233,818 | ) | | | (333,993 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 77,745 | | | | 95,912 | |
Total CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity | | | 1,226,879 | | | | 1,177,589 | |
Noncontrolling interests | | | 20,873 | | | | (5,749 | ) |
Total equity | | | 1,247,752 | | | | 1,171,840 | |
Total liabilities and equity | | $ | 2,940,550 | | | $ | 2,872,787 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Net revenues | | $ | 737,134 | | | $ | 681,945 | | | $ | 920,476 | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 123,339 | | | | 116,575 | | | | 122,008 | |
Cost of programming | | | 390,303 | | | | 341,201 | | | | 347,148 | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | | | 54,415 | | | | 51,591 | | | | 48,582 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles (Note 4) | | | 25,987 | | | | 19,919 | | | | 33,864 | |
Cost of revenues | | | 594,044 | | | | 529,286 | | | | 551,602 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 119,816 | | | | 109,787 | | | | 120,517 | |
Impairment charge (Note 4) | | | 397 | | | | 81,843 | | | | 64,891 | |
Operating income / (loss) | | | 22,877 | | | | (38,971 | ) | | | 183,466 | |
Interest income | | | 2,238 | | | | 2,876 | | | | 9,650 | |
Interest expense (Note 14) | | | (133,505 | ) | | | (115,771 | ) | | | (82,387 | ) |
Foreign currency exchange (loss) / gain, net | | | (5,030 | ) | | | 82,920 | | | | (35,570 | ) |
Change in fair value of derivatives (Note 11) | | | 1,164 | | | | 1,315 | | | | 6,360 | |
Other income | | | 357 | | | | 1,385 | | | | 2,631 | |
(Loss) / income from continuing operations before tax | | | (111,899 | ) | | | (66,246 | ) | | | 84,150 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (5,025 | ) | | | (4,737 | ) | | | (42,208 | ) |
(Loss) / income from continuing operations | | | (116,924 | ) | | | (70,983 | ) | | | 41,942 | |
Discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 18) | | | (3,922 | ) | | | (36,824 | ) | | | (309,421 | ) |
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations (Note 18) | | | 217,619 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Income / (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 213,697 | | | | (36,824 | ) | | | (309,421 | ) |
Net income / (loss) | | | 96,773 | | | | (107,807 | ) | | | (267,479 | ) |
Net (income) / loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | 3,402 | | | | 10,650 | | | | (2,067 | ) |
Net Income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | 100,175 | | | $ | (97,157 | ) | | $ | (269,546 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income / (loss) | | | 96,773 | | | | (107,807 | ) | | | (267,479 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | | | (17,586 | ) | | | (106,604 | ) | | | (88,609 | ) |
Obligation to repurchase shares | | | - | | | | - | | | | 488 | |
Comprehensive income / (loss) | | $ | 79,187 | | | $ | (214,411 | ) | | $ | (355,600 | ) |
Comprehensive (income) / loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | 2,821 | | | | 11,076 | | | | (2,071 | ) |
Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | 82,008 | | | $ | (203,335 | ) | | $ | (357,671 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (continued)
(US$ 000’s, except share and per share data)
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
PER SHARE DATA (Note 16): | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) / income per share: | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations attributable to CME Ltd. - Basic | | $ | (1.77 | ) | | $ | (1.11 | ) | | $ | 0.94 | |
Continuing operations attributable to CME Ltd. - Diluted | | | (1.77 | ) | | | (1.11 | ) | | | 0.93 | |
Discontinued operations attributable to CME Ltd. - Basic | | | 3.34 | | | | (0.68 | ) | | | (7.31 | ) |
Discontinued operations attributable to CME Ltd. - Diluted | | | 3.34 | | | | (0.68 | ) | | | (7.25 | ) |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. – Basic | | | 1.57 | | | | (1.79 | ) | | | (6.37 | ) |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. – Diluted | | $ | 1.57 | | | $ | (1.79 | ) | | $ | (6.32 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares used in computing per share amounts (000’s): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 64,029 | | | | 54,344 | | | | 42,328 | |
Diluted | | | 64,029 | | | | 54,344 | | | | 42,683 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (US$ 000’s)
| | | | | | | | CME Ltd. | | | | | | | |
| | Class A Common Stock | | | Class B Common Stock | | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | | Retained Earnings | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | | | Noncontrolling Interests | | | Total Equity | |
| | Number of shares | | | Par value | | | Number of shares | | | Par value | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2007 | | | 36,003,198 | | | $ | 2,880 | | | | 6,312,839 | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 1,051,336 | | | $ | 54,871 | | | $ | 290,215 | | | $ | 23,155 | | | $ | 1,422,962 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,133 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,133 | |
Stock options exercised | | | 21,075 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,220 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,222 | |
Purchase and extinguishment of capped call options | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (41,157 | ) | | | (22,161 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (63,318 | ) |
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (18,861 | ) | | | (18,861 | ) |
Dividends | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (3,178 | ) | | | (3,178 | ) |
Bifurcation of equity option embedded in 2008 convertible notes | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 108,085 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 108,085 | |
Net (loss) / income | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (269,546 | ) | | | - | | | | 2,067 | | | | (267,479 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (88,613 | ) | | | 4 | | | | (88,609 | ) |
Obligation to repurchase shares | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 488 | | | | - | | | | 488 | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2008 | | | 36,024,273 | | | $ | 2,882 | | | | 6,312,839 | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 1,126,617 | | | $ | (236,836 | ) | | $ | 202,090 | | | $ | 3,187 | | | $ | 1,098,445 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,180 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,180 | |
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (24,090 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,965 | | | | (20,125 | ) |
Shares issued, net of fees | | | 14,500,000 | | | | 1,160 | | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 360 | | | | 232,848 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 234,368 | |
Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment (Note 3) | | | 2,200,000 | | | | 176 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 55,264 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 55,440 | |
Warrants issued in connection with the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment (Note 3) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 13,768 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 13,768 | |
Conversion of class B shares (Note 12) | | | 3,321,903 | | | | 266 | | | | (3,321,903 | ) | | | (266 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Dividends | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,825 | ) | | | (1,825 | ) |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (97,157 | ) | | | - | | | | (10,650 | ) | | | (107,807 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (106,178 | ) | | | (426 | ) | | | (106,604 | ) |
BALANCE, December 31, 2009 | | | 56,046,176 | | | $ | 4,484 | | | | 7,490,936 | | | $ | 599 | | | $ | 1,410,587 | | | $ | (333,993 | ) | | $ | 95,912 | | | $ | (5,749 | ) | | $ | 1,171,840 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (continued)
(US$ 000’s)
| | | | | | | | CME Ltd. | | | | | | | |
| | Class A Common Stock | | | Class B Common Stock | | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | | Retained Earnings | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | | | Noncontrolling Interest | | | Total Equity | |
| | Number of shares | | | Par value | | | Number of shares | | | Par value | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2009 | | | 56,046,176 | | | $ | 4,484 | | | | 7,490,936 | | | $ | 599 | | | $ | 1,410,587 | | | $ | (333,993 | ) | | $ | 95,912 | | | $ | (5,749 | ) | | $ | 1,171,840 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,415 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,415 | |
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests – Pro.BG business (Note 3) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (34,696 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 31,446 | | | | (3,250 | ) |
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests – Pro TV, MPI and MVI (Note 3) | | | 800,000 | | | | 64 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (5,568 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (684 | ) | | | (6,188 | ) |
Adjustments – Media Pro Entertainment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,146 | ) | | | (1,146 | ) |
Stock options exercised | | | 32,313 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 589 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 591 | |
Debt costs write off – 2008 Convertible Notes (Note 5) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (127 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (127 | ) |
Other | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (397 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (397 | ) |
Dividends | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (173 | ) | | | (173 | ) |
Net income / (loss) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 100,175 | | | | - | | | | (3,402 | ) | | | 96,773 | |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (18,167 | ) | | | 581 | | | | (17,586 | ) |
BALANCE, December 31, 2010 | | | 56,878,489 | | | $ | 4,550 | | | | 7,490,936 | | | $ | 599 | | | $ | 1,377,803 | | | $ | (233,818 | ) | | $ | 77,745 | | | $ | 20,873 | | | $ | 1,247,752 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(US$ 000’s)
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | |
Net income / (loss) | | $ | 96,773 | | | $ | (107,807 | ) | | $ | (267,479 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income / (loss) to net cash (used in) / generated from operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Income) / loss from discontinued operations (Note 18) | | | (213,697 | ) | | | 36,824 | | | | 309,421 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 362,937 | | | | 286,081 | | | | 273,173 | |
Impairment charge (Note 4) | | | 397 | | | | 81,843 | | | | 64,891 | |
Loss on disposal of fixed assets | | | (59 | ) | | | 635 | | | | - | |
Stock-based compensation (Note 15) | | | 6,837 | | | | 6,218 | | | | 6,107 | |
Change in fair value of derivatives (Note 11) | | | (1,164 | ) | | | (1,315 | ) | | | (6,360 | ) |
Foreign currency exchange loss / (gain), net | | | 5,030 | | | | (82,920 | ) | | | 35,570 | |
Net change in (net of effects of acquisitions and disposals of businesses): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (19,544 | ) | | | 44,963 | | | | (20,559 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (4,930 | ) | | | (66,754 | ) | | | (19,459 | ) |
Program rights | | | (289,453 | ) | | | (168,310 | ) | | | (198,113 | ) |
Other assets | | | 18,687 | | | | 3,704 | | | | (10,302 | ) |
Income taxes payable | | | (1,255 | ) | | | (9,797 | ) | | | (15,765 | ) |
Deferred taxes | | | (8,531 | ) | | | (14,587 | ) | | | (11,750 | ) |
VAT and other taxes payable | | | (1,642 | ) | | | (1,588 | ) | | | (1,888 | ) |
Net cash (used in) / generated from continuing operating activities | | | (49,614 | ) | | | 7,190 | | | | 137,487 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | | | (45,987 | ) | | | (47,957 | ) | | | (75,793 | ) |
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment | | | 115 | | | | 888 | | | | 403 | |
Investments in subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates | | | (410,898 | ) | | | (17,765 | ) | | | (179,979 | ) |
Loans and advances to related parties | | | - | | | | (10,295 | ) | | | 1,990 | |
Net cash used in continuing investing activities | | | (456,770 | ) | | | (75,129 | ) | | | (253,379 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock, net of fees | | | - | | | | 234,368 | | | | - | |
Issuance of Senior Notes, net of fees | | | 225,433 | | | | 634,048 | | | | 463,560 | |
Transfers from restricted cash | | | 696 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Redemption or repayment of Senior Notes | | | (101,473 | ) | | | (371,073 | ) | | | - | |
Purchase of capped call option | | | - | | | | - | | | | (63,318 | ) |
Proceeds from credit facilities | | | 200,218 | | | | 266,472 | | | | 222,919 | |
Payment of credit facilities and capital leases | | | (312,199 | ) | | | (287,551 | ) | | | (176,615 | ) |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | | | 591 | | | | - | | | | 1,222 | |
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest | | | (6,467 | ) | | | - | | | | - | |
Excess tax benefits from stock based payment arrangements | | | 667 | | | | 269 | | | | 1,026 | |
Distributions paid to holders of noncontrolling interests | | | (128 | ) | | | (1,506 | ) | | | (4,408 | ) |
Net cash received from continuing financing activities | | | 7,338 | | | | 475,027 | | | | 444,386 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET CASH USED IN DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | (5,921 | ) | | | (39,855 | ) | | | (5,204 | ) |
NET CASH GENERATED FROM / (USED) IN DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | 307,790 | | | | (1,982 | ) | | | (3,367 | ) |
NET CASH USED IN DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | - | | | | (22,224 | ) | | | (332,380 | ) |
Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on cash | | | (4,727 | ) | | | 8,504 | | | | (21,279 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | (201,904 | ) | | | 351,531 | | | | (33,736 | ) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | | | 445,954 | | | | 94,423 | | | | 128,159 | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | | $ | 244,050 | | | $ | 445,954 | | | $ | 94,423 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid for interest | | $ | 100,901 | | | $ | 61,940 | | | $ | 55,331 | |
Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds) | | $ | 14,714 | | | $ | 28,440 | | | $ | 72,974 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of 800,000 shares of Class A common stock in connection with acquisition of noncontrolling interest (Note 3) | | $ | 18,520 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Issuance of call option in connection with restructuring of Pro.BG business (Note 3) | | $ | 2,970 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Issuance of equity in connection with the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment (Note 3) | | $ | - | | | $ | 55,440 | | | $ | - | |
Issuance of warrants in connection with the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment (Note 3) | | $ | - | | | $ | 13,768 | | | $ | - | |
Contribution of interest in connection with the acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment (Note 3) | | $ | - | | | $ | 19,236 | | | $ | - | |
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment under capital lease | | $ | 203 | | | $ | 144 | | | $ | 554 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (“CME Ltd.”) a Bermuda corporation, was formed in June 1994. References to the "Company", "we", "us" or "our" refer to CME Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries listed below. Our assets are held through a series of Dutch and Curaçao holding companies. We are a vertically integrated media and entertainment company operating leading broadcasting, new media and content businesses in Central and Eastern Europe. At December 31, 2010, our principal operations were located in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia. On April 7, 2010 we disposed of our operations in Ukraine (see Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals” and Note 18, “Discontinued Operations”).
Our subsidiaries, equity-accounted affiliates and cost investments as at December 31, 2010 were:
Company Name | | Voting Interest | | Jurisdiction of Organization | Subsidiary / Equity-Accounted Affiliate |
| | | | | |
CME Bulgaria B.V. (“CME Bulgaria”) | | | 94.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
Top Tone Media S.A. | | | 100.00 | % | Luxembourg | Subsidiary |
Zopal S.A. | | | 100.00 | % | Luxembourg | Subsidiary |
PRO BG MEDIA EOOD (“Pro.BG”) | | | 100.00 | % | Bulgaria | Subsidiary |
LG Consult EOOD | | | 100.00 | % | Bulgaria | Subsidiary |
Ring TV EAD (“Ring TV”) | | | 100.00 | % | Bulgaria | Subsidiary |
TV Europe B.V. | | | 94.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
BTV Media Group EAD (“BTV Media”) | | | 94.00 | % | Bulgaria | Subsidiary |
Triada Communications EOOD (“Triada”) | | | 94.00 | % | Bulgaria | Subsidiary |
Radiocompany C.J. OOD (“RCJ”) | | | 69.56 | % | Bulgaria | Subsidiary |
Balkan Media Group AD | | | 21.62 | % | Bulgaria | Cost Investment |
| | | | | | |
Nova TV d.d. | | | 100.00 | % | Croatia | Subsidiary |
Operativna Kompanija d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Croatia | Subsidiary |
Internet Dnevnik d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Croatia | Subsidiary |
| | | | | | |
CET 21 spol. s r.o. (“CET 21”) | | | 100.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
Jyxo, s.r.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
BLOG Internet, s.r.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
Mediafax s.r.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
| | | | | | |
CME Investments B.V. (“CME Investments”) | | | 100.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
Media Pro International S.A. (“MPI”) | | | 100.00 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Media Vision S.R.L (“MVI”) | | | 100.00 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Pro TV S.A. (“Pro TV”) | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Sport Radio TV Media SRL | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Campus Radio S.R.L. | | | 20.00 | % | Romania | Equity-Accounted Affiliate |
Music Television System S.R.L. | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
| | | | | | |
CME Slovak Holdings B.V. (“CME SH”) | | | 100.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
A.R.J., a.s. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
MARKÍZA-SLOVAKIA., spol. s r.o. (“Markiza”) | | | 100.00 | % | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
GAMATEX., spol. s r.o. v likvidácii | | | 100.00 | % | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary (in liquidation) |
A.D.A.M., a.s. v likvidácii | | | 100.00 | % | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary (in liquidation) |
MEDIA INVEST, spol. s r.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
EMAIL.SK s.r.o. | | | 80 | % | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
PMT, s r.o. | | | 31.50 | % | Slovak Republic | Cost investment |
| | | | | | |
MMTV 1 d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
Produkcija Plus d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
POP TV d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
Kanal A d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
Euro 3 TV d.o.o. | | | 42.00 | % | Slovenia | Equity-Accounted Affiliate |
TELEVIDEO d.o.o. (trading as POP BRIO) (“Televideo”) | | | 100.00 | % | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
| | | | | | |
CME Media Pro B.V. | | | 100.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
Meda Pro Sofia EOOD | | | 100.00 | % | Bulgaria | Subsidiary |
Media Pro Audio Visual d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Croatia | Subsidiary |
Media Pro Pictures s.r.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
Zmĕna, s.r.o. | | | 51.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
Taková normální rodinka, s.r.o. | | | 51.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
Čertova nevěsta, s.r.o. | | | 51.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
Pro Video Film and Distribution Kft. | | | 100.0000 | % | Hungary | Subsidiary |
Media Pro Pictures S.A. | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Media Pro Distribution S.R.L. | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Media Pro Music Entertainment S.R.L. | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Pro Video S.R.L. | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Hollywood Multiplex Operation S.R.L. | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Domino Production S.R.L. | | | 51.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Studiourile Media Pro S.A. | | | 92.2054 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Promance International S.R.L. | | | 100.0000 | % | Romania | Subsidiary |
Media Pro Slovakia, spol. s r.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovak Republic | Subsidiary |
CME Media Pro Ljubljana, d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Slovenia | Subsidiary |
| | | | | | |
Central European Media Enterprises N.V. (“CME NV”) | | | 100.00 | % | Curaçao | Subsidiary |
Central European Media Enterprises II B.V. | | | 100.00 | % | Curaçao | Subsidiary |
CME Media Enterprises B.V. (“CME BV”) | | | 100.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
CME Programming B.V. | | | 100.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
CME Development Financing B.V. | | | 100.00 | % | Netherlands | Subsidiary |
CME Media Services Limited | | | 100.00 | % | United Kingdom | Subsidiary |
CME Services s.r.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Czech Republic | Subsidiary |
| | | | | | |
CME Development Corporation | | | 100.00 | % | Delaware (USA) | Subsidiary |
CME SR d.o.o. | | | 100.00 | % | Serbia | Subsidiary |
CME Austria GmbH | | | 100.00 | % | Austria | Subsidiary |
Glavred-Media LLC (“Glavred”) | | | 10.00 | % | Ukraine | Cost Investment |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
The significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CME 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 entities in which we hold less than a majority voting interest but over which we have the ability to exercise control. Entities in which we hold less than a majority voting interest but over which we exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Other investments are accounted for using the cost method.
Discontinued Operations
On April 7, 2010, we completed the sale of our former operations in the Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited, a company beneficially owned by Igor Kolomoisky, a CME Ltd. shareholder and a member of our Board of Directors, for total consideration of $308.0 million. The results of our former Ukraine operations have therefore been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (see Note 18, “Discontinued Operations”).
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery of products has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. A bad debt provision is maintained for estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make payments.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Revenues are recognized net of discounts and customer sales incentives. Our principal revenue streams and their respective accounting treatments are discussed below:
Advertising revenue
Revenues primarily result from the sale of advertising time. Television advertising revenue is recognized as the commercials are aired. In many countries, we commit to provide advertisers with certain rating levels in connection with their advertising. Revenue is recorded net of estimated shortfalls, which are usually settled by providing the advertiser additional advertising time. Discounts and agency commissions are recognized at the point when the advertising is broadcast and are reflected as a reduction to gross revenue.
Program distribution revenue
Program distribution revenue is recognized when the relevant agreement has been entered into, the product is available to telecast or for delivery, the license period has begun, collectability of the cash is reasonably assured and all of our contractual obligations have been satisfied. Revenues from home video sales are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that video units are made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns. Theatrical revenues are recognized as the films are exhibited.
Subscription revenues
Subscriber fees from cable operators and direct-to-home broadcasters are recognized as revenue over the period for which the channels are provided and to which the fees relate. Subscriber revenue is recognized as contracted, based upon the level of subscribers.
Barter transactions
We enter into barter transactions which represent advertising time or other services exchanged for non-cash goods and/or other services, such as promotional items, advertising, supplies and equipment. Revenue from barter transactions is recognized as income when the services have been provided. Expenses are recognized when goods or services are received or used. We record barter transactions at the fair value of goods or services received or advertising surrendered, whichever is more readily determinable. Barter revenue amounted to US$ 2.7 million, US$ 2.9 million and US$ 4.6 million for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. Cash that is subject to restrictions is classified as restricted cash.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives assigned to each major asset category as below:
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Asset category | Estimated useful life |
Land | Indefinite |
Buildings | 25 years |
Machinery, fixtures and equipment | 4 - 8 years |
Other equipment | 3 – 8 years |
Software licenses | 3 – 5 years |
Construction-in-progress is not depreciated until put into use. Capital leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the related lease term or the life of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value, less costs of disposal.
Long-Lived Assets Including Intangible Assets with Finite Lives
Long-lived assets include property, plant, equipment and intangible assets with finite lives.
In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, we review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying values of long-lived assets are considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than their carrying values. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value.
Program Rights
Purchased program rights
Purchased program rights and the related liabilities are recorded at their gross value when the license period begins and the programs are available for broadcast.
Purchased program rights are classified as current or non-current assets based on anticipated usage, while the related program rights liability is classified as current or non-current according to the payment terms of the license agreement.
Program rights are evaluated to determine if expected revenues are sufficient to cover the unamortized portion of the program. To the extent that expected revenues are insufficient, the program rights are written down to their net realizable value.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Program rights are amortized on a systematic basis over their expected useful lives, depending on their categorization. The appropriateness of the amortization profiles are reviewed regularly and are as follows:
| | Amortization % | |
Type of programming | | Run 1 | | | Run 2 | | | Run 3 | | | Run 4 | | | Run 5 | |
Special blockbuster | | | 30% | | | | 25% | | | | 20% | | | | 15% | | | | 10% | |
Films and series, 2 runs | | | 65% | | | | 35% | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Films and series, 3 runs | | | 60% | | | | 30% | | | | 10% | | | | - | | | | - | |
Concerts, documentaries, sports events, etc. | | | 100% | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
A “special blockbuster” must meet specific requirements to be classified as such, while the number of runs in other films and series is generally described in the license agreement.
Produced program rights
Program rights that are produced by us consist of deferred film and television costs including direct costs, production overhead and development costs. The costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. The amount of capitalized film costs recognized as cost of revenues for a given film as it is exhibited in various markets is determined using the film forecast method. The proportion of costs recognized is equal to the proportion of the revenue recognized compared to the total revenue expected to be generated throughout the product’s life cycle (the “Ultimate Revenues”). Our process for evaluating Ultimate Revenues is tailored to the potential we believe a title has for generating multiple revenues. The majority of our production is intended primarily for exploitation b y our own broadcasters. In such cases, we consider mainly the free television window in our calculation of the ultimate revenue. For produced and acquired feature films or other projects where we have a supportable expectation of generating multiple revenue streams, we base our estimates of Ultimate Revenues for each film on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the actors and actresses, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings) and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. These estimates are updated based available on the progress of the film’s production and upon release, the actual results of each film.
Produced program rights are amortized on an individual production basis using the ratio of the current period’s gross revenues to estimated remaining total Ultimate Revenues from such programs. Such program rights are stated at the lower of cost less accumulated amortization or fair value. Program rights are evaluated to determine if expected revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation costs) are sufficient to cover the unamortized portion of the program. To the extent that expected revenues are insufficient, the program rights are written down to their fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the fair value of net tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination.
In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, we evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment exists when the carrying value of a reporting unit (including its goodwill), exceeds its fair value after adjusting for any impairments of long-lived assets or indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Goodwill impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value which is calculated by deducting the fair value of all assets, including recognized and unrecognized intangible assets from the fair value of the reporting unit. We have three operating segments, which are also our reportable segments as described in Note 17, “Segment Data”. We have determined that we have ten reporting units whose fair value is determined based on estimates of future cash flows discounted at appropriate rates and on publicly available information, where appropriate. In the assessment of discounted future cash flows the following data is used: management plans for a period of at least five years, a terminal value at the end of this period assuming an inflationary perpetual growth rate, and a discount rate selected with reference to the relevant cost of capital.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of certain acquired broadcast licenses and trademarks. Broadcast licenses are assigned indefinite lives after consideration of the following conditions:
· | we intend to renew the licenses into the foreseeable future and we have precedents of renewals or reasonable expectation of renewals; |
· | we do not expect any substantial cost to be incurred as part of a future license renewal and no costs have been incurred in the renewals to date; and |
· | we have not experienced any historical evidence of a compelling challenge to our holding these licenses. |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized. We evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Under ASC Topic 350, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method as set out in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. 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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized. In evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations.
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we recognize in the consolidated financial statements those tax positions determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions and we recognize, when applicable, both accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign Currency
Translation of financial statements
Our reporting currency and functional currency is the dollar. The financial statements of our operations whose functional currency is other than the dollar are translated from such functional currency to dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities, and at weighted average rates for the period for revenues and expenses, including gains and losses. Translational gains and losses are charged or credited to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss), a component of Equity.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Transactions in foreign currencies
Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in foreign currency exchange (loss) / gain, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period during which they arise.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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.
Leases
Leases are classified as either capital or operating. Those leases that transfer substantially all benefits and risks of ownership of the property to us are accounted for as capital leases. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases.
Capital leases are accounted for as assets and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Commitments to repay the principal amounts arising under capital lease obligations are included in current liabilities to the extent that the amount is repayable within one year; otherwise the principal is included in non-current liabilities. The capitalized lease obligation reflects the present value of future lease payments. The financing element of the lease payments is charged to interest expense over the term of the lease.
Operating lease costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Financial Instruments
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying value of financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. The fair value of our Senior Debt (as defined hereinafter) is included in Note 5, “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”.
Derivative financial instruments
We use derivative financial instruments for the purpose of mitigating currency risks, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. As a policy, we do not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor do we hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps are used to mitigate exposures to currency fluctuations on certain short-term transactions generally denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. These contracts are marked to market at the balance sheet date, and the resultant unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, together with realized gains and losses arising on settlement of these contracts.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for under ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which requires the recognition of stock-based compensation at fair value. We calculate the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognize the compensation cost over the vesting period of the award.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Contingencies
Contingencies are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 450, Contingencies. The estimated loss from a loss contingency such as a legal proceeding or claim is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a loss contingency is made if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred.
Discontinued Operations
We present our results of operations, financial position and cash flows of operations that have either been sold or that meet the criteria for “held-for-sale accounting” as discontinued operations. At the time an operation qualifies for held-for-sale accounting, the operation is evaluated to determine whether or not the carrying value exceeds its fair value less cost to sell. Any loss as a result of carrying value in excess of fair value less cost to sell is recorded in the period the operation meets held-for-sale accounting. Management judgment is required to (1) assess the criteria required to meet held-for-sale accounting, and (2) estimate fair value. Changes to the operation could cause it to no longer qualify for held-for-sale accounting and changes to fair value could result in an increase or decrease to previously recognized losses.
On April 7, 2010, we completed the sale of our former operations in the Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited, a company beneficially owned by Igor Kolomoisky, a CME Ltd. shareholder and a member of our Board of Directors, for total consideration of $308.0 million. The results of our former Ukraine operations have therefore been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 18, “Discontinued Operations”).
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense incurred for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled US$ 8.6 million, US$ 12.5 million and US$ 13.3 million, respectively.
Earnings Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.
Noncontrolling Interests
On January 1, 2009, we adopted amendments to Topic 810, Consolidation, with respect to the accounting and reporting for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements. The amendment clarified that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and required consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated statement of income, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. We applied this guidance prosp ectively from January 1, 2009, except for the provisions related to the presentation of noncontrolling interests, which have been applied retrospectively for all periods presented.
Convertible Debt
On January 1, 2009, we adopted the amendment to ASC Topic 470, Debt which clarified the accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (including partial cash settlement) upon conversion. Issuers were required to account separately for the liability and equity components of certain convertible debt instruments in a manner that reflects the issuer's non-convertible debt (unsecured debt) borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized. The amendment also required bifurcation of a component of the debt including allocated issuance costs, classification of that component in equity and the accretion of the resulting discount on the debt and the allocated acquisition costs to be recognized as part of interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operation s. We applied this authoritative guidance retrospectively and restated opening equity in 2009 to reflect revised equity and liability balances on issuance of our 2008 Convertible Notes (as defined hereinafter).
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Business Combinations
On January 1, 2009, we adopted amendments to the authoritative guidance of Topic 805, Business Combinations, which established principles and requirements for how the acquirer: (a) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (b) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (c) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The guidance required contingent consideration to be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, changes in fair value to be recognized in earnings until settled. It also required acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs to be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition. We have applied this guidance to our business combinations in 2010.
On January 1, 2009, we adopted authoritative guidance related to the accounting for defensive intangible assets included within ASC Topic 350. The guidance addressed the accounting for an intangible asset acquired in a business combination or asset acquisition that an entity does not intend to use or intends to hold to prevent others from obtaining access (a defensive intangible asset). The guidance dictates that a defensive intangible asset would need to be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting and is assigned a useful life based on the period over which the asset diminishes in value. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
On January 1, 2009, we also adopted authoritative guidance related to the determination of the useful life of intangible assets included within ASC Topic 350 which aims to improve consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset, especially where the underlying arrangement includes renewal or extension terms. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial position or results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2010, Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2010-29, “Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” was issued. The amendments in this ASU clarify the acquisition date that should be used for reporting the pro forma financial information disclosures in Topic 805 when comparative financial statements are presented. The amendments specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The ASU also requires a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments that are directly attributable to the business combination(s). This ASU is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. This guidance will impact our disclosures for future acquisitions, but there will be no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
In December 2010, ASU 2010-28, “When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts” was issued. The amendments in this ASU modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test after assessing whether or not it is more likely than not that the reporting units’ goodwill is impaired. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist are to be considered. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. The amendments in this ASU will impact our financial position and results of operations to the extent that we have reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts in the future.
In July 2010, ASU 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses” was issued. This ASU enhances disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses in order to assist financial statement users in assessing an entity’s credit risk exposures and evaluating the adequacy of its allowance for credit losses. The amendments in this ASU affect all entities with financing receivables, excluding short-term trade accounts receivable or receivables measured at fair value or lower of cost or fair value. The required disclosures of this ASU are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. Adoption of this ASU did not have any i mpact on our financial position or results of operations.
In April 2010, ASU 2010-13, “Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades” was issued. This ASU amends ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. This ASU will not have any impact on our financial position or results of operations.
3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
Acquisition of the bTV group
On April 19, 2010, we completed the acquisition of the bTV group in Bulgaria from News Netherlands B.V. through our subsidiary, CME Bulgaria. The acquisition was comprised of (i) 100.0% of BTV Media (formerly Balkan News Corporation EAD), which, at the time of the acquisition, owned a 74.0% interest in Radio Company C.J. OOD (“RCJ”) and (ii) 100.0% of TV Europe B.V., which owned 100.0% of Triada (prior to its merger into BTV Media in February 2011). BTV Media operates and broadcasts the BTV, BTV CINEMA and BTV COMEDY television channels and RCJ operates several radio stations in Bulgaria. As discussed below, we currently own 94.0% of the bTV group. BTV is the leading television channel in Bulgaria and through this acquisition, we have continued to implement our operating model whose success is bas ed on audience leadership and high operating leverage across multichannel television, internet and content.
Using the proceeds from the sale of our former operations in Ukraine (as described below), we acquired the bTV group on a debt-free basis for cash consideration of US$ 409.9 million. We incurred approximately US$ 4.4 million of costs related to this acquisition, which are included within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
We performed a fair value exercise to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities and separately identifiable intangible assets as at April 19, 2010, which has been finalized as of December 31, 2010. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
| | Fair value on acquisition | |
| | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 485 | |
Restricted cash | | | 3,560 | |
Broadcast licenses (1) | | | 178,158 | |
Trademark (2) | | | 74,066 | |
Customer relationships (3) | | | 37,322 | |
Programming rights | | | 6,383 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 8,579 | |
Other assets, net (4) | | | 14,851 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | (29,100 | ) |
Goodwill (5) | | | 115,641 | |
Total purchase price | | $ | 409,945 | |
(1) License agreements are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated life of 24 years.
(2) The trademark is deemed to have an indefinite life.
(3) Customer relationships are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated life of 15 years.
(4) Amount includes US$ 21.0 million of acquired receivables which represent the best estimate of the US$ 21.0 million contractual cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date.
(5) No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The following table presents unaudited pro forma results of operations of CME Ltd. as if the acquisition of the bTV group had occurred as of January 1, 2009. This pro forma financial information is not indicative of the results of operations that the Company would have attained had the acquisition of the bTV group occurred as of January 1, 2009, nor is the pro forma financial information indicative of the results of operations that may occur in the future:
| | For the years ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 759,287 | | | $ | 773,966 | |
Net income / (loss) | | | 98,945 | | | | (92,190 | ) |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. | | | 102,347 | | | | (81,540 | ) |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. – basic and diluted earnings per share | | | 1.60 | | | | (1.50 | ) |
Weighted average common shares – basic and diluted earnings per share | | | 64,029 | | | | 54,344 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The bTV group reported revenues of US$ 58.3 million in the period since acquisition on April 19, 2010. The financial information for the bTV group is reflected within the broadcast segment and the related goodwill associated with the bTV group acquisition has been assigned to the Bulgaria broadcast reporting unit.
Restructuring of the Pro.BG business
On April 19, 2010, we entered into an amended sale and purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with Top Tone Media Holdings Limited (“Top Tone Holdings”) and Mr. Krassimir Guergov to restructure the operations of the BTV ACTION (formerly PRO.BG) and RING TV channels (together, the “Pro.BG business”). On April 22, 2010, pursuant to the SPA, Top Tone Holdings transferred to us its 20.0% interest in each of Top Tone Media S.A. and Zopal S.A and purchased a 6.0% interest in CME Bulgaria from us for US$ 17.7 million, and pursuant to a deed of termination, we terminated our existing agreements in respect of the Pro.BG business with Top Tone Holdings and Mr. Guergov for consideration of US$ 18.0 million. This resulted in a net cash payment of approximately US$ 0.3 million to Top Tone Holdings. Following the restruct uring of the Pro.BG business, we own 94.0% of the bTV group and 100.0% of the Pro.BG business, which we since have combined with the bTV group operations.
On April 22, 2010, we also entered into an investment agreement with Top Tone Holdings which included a share option agreement that gives it the right to acquire up to an additional 4.0% of CME Bulgaria (i) for a one-year period from April 22, 2010 for US$ 2.95 million for each 1% interest acquired (up to an aggregate amount of US$ 11.8 million) and (ii) from April 22, 2011 until April 22, 2013, at a price to be determined by an independent valuation. We measured the fair value of this call option of Top Tone Holdings using a binomial option pricing model and a liability for its fair value of US$ 3.0 million was recorded at the date of the transaction. Subsequent changes in fair value are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivative s and Hedging for the first year of the call option. After the first year, the strike price of the call option will be the fair value of the underlying and, as a result, the value of the option will be zero and no further changes will be reflected in the income statement (see Note 11, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements”).
Also pursuant to the share option agreement, Top Tone Holdings has the right to put its entire interest to us and we have the right to call from Top Tone Holdings its entire interest from April 22, 2013, in each case at a price to be determined by an independent valuation. This option is recognized at fair value of US$ nil.
We concluded that these transactions should be accounted for together as the acquisition of a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary where control is maintained under ASC Topic 810. Accordingly, we recognized the excess of the fair value of the consideration over the adjustment to noncontrolling interest as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
The amounts allocated to consideration for the acquisition of the 20.0% noncontrolling interest in the Pro.BG business in exchange for the 6.0% noncontrolling interest in CME Bulgaria (with a fair value of US$ 17.7 million at the date of the transaction) consisted of a net cash payment of US$ 0.3 million and US$ 3.0 million for the fair value of the option granted to Top Tone Holdings. The balance of the noncontrolling interest recorded at the date of acquisition was an accumulated loss of approximately US$ 13.7 million which resulted in a US$ 34.7 million reduction to additional paid-in capital.
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
On May 24, 2010, we acquired the remaining approximately 5.0% ownership interest in each of Pro TV, MPI and MVI from Adrian Sarbu, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors, thereby increasing our ownership interests in each company to 100.0%. Consideration for the noncontrolling interest acquired was US$ 24.7 million, consisting of a cash payment of approximately US$ 6.2 million and the issuance of 800,000 shares of our Class A common stock (with a fair value of US$ 18.5 million at the date of acquisition). We concluded that this transaction should be accounted as the acquisition of a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary where control is maintained under ASC Topic 810. Accordingly we recognized the excess of the fair value of the consideration over the adjustment to noncontrolling interest as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. The balance of noncontrolling interest recorded at the date of acquisition was accumulated income of US$ 0.7 million, thereby resulting in a US$ 24.0 million reduction to additional paid-in capital.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
In connection with this transaction, the put option agreements of July 2004, which gave Mr. Sarbu the right to sell us his remaining shareholding in Pro TV and MPI, were terminated.
Disposal of operations in Ukraine
On April 7, 2010, we completed the sale of our former operations in Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited, a company beneficially owned by Igor Kolomoisky, for total gross proceeds of $308.0 million (see Note 18, “Discontinued Operations”).
Acquisition of Media Pro Entertainment
In order to progress our strategy to become a vertically integrated media company, on December 9, 2009, we acquired the companies comprising the Media Pro Entertainment business (“MPE”) from Alerria Management Company S.A. (“Alerria”) (formerly known as Media Pro Management S.A.) and Metrodome B.V. (“Metrodome”) (formerly known as Media Pro B.V.), two companies beneficially owned by Adrian Sarbu. The MPE acquisition was primarily comprised of Media Pro Pictures S.A., Studiourile Media Pro S.A., Pro Video S.R.L., Media Pro Distribution S.R.L. and Media Pro Pictures s.r.o. MPE produces and distributes television and film content and owns studio and production facilities and cinemas in Central and Eastern Europe.
Following the acquisition, we integrated our existing fiction, reality and entertainment television production units with the MPE entities and created a dedicated content segment called Media Pro Entertainment consisting of fiction, reality and entertainment production services and distribution operations across all of our territories. This acquisition provided us with a proven source of content which will allow us to create new content and further diversify our revenue streams. This acquisition has and is expected to deliver significant synergies over the medium-term, including in cost, quality and availability of local production for our operating segments.
Total consideration was comprised of US$ 10.0 million in cash, 2.2 million shares of our Class A common stock with a fair value of US$ 55.4 million at the date of acquisition and warrants to purchase up to 850,000 shares of our Class A common stock at a price of US$ 21.75 per share, valued at US$ 13.8 million at the date of acquisition. In connection with the acquisition, CME Investments transferred a 10.0% interest in Metrodome and 8.7% interest in Alerria that it previously owned to Mr. Sarbu for no additional consideration, together valued at US$ 19.2 million at the date of acquisition.
We measured the fair value of the warrants on acquistion using the Black Scholes method using the following assumptions, which are consistent with those used to estimate the value of stock options as disclosed in Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation”.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Market Price | | $ | 25.20 | |
Exercise Price | | $ | 21.75 | |
Expected Term | | 6 years | |
Volatility | | | 67.8 | % |
Dividend Rate | | | 0 | % |
Risk Free Rate | | | 1.67 | % |
Warrant value | | $ | 16.198 | |
Number of warrants | | | 850,000 | |
Total Value | | $ | 13,768 | |
At the date of the acquisition, we determined that the warrants met the definition of an equity instrument within the scope of ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and consequently recognized them on issuance at fair value within Additional Paid-In Capital. Subsequent changes in fair value have not been, and will not be, recognized as long as the instruments continue to be classified within Equity.
We performed a fair value exercise to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities and separately identifiable intangible assets as at December 9, 2009, which was finalized as of December 31, 2010 after resolving certain tax positions. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
| | Fair Value on Date of Acquisition (in US$’000’s) | |
| | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 6,638 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 77,495 | |
Program rights | | | 17,802 | |
Trademarks | | | 7,254 | |
Other intangible assets subject to amortization (1) | | | 4,992 | |
Deferred tax assets | | | 7,424 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | (18,808 | ) |
Other net liabilities (2) | | | (54,614 | ) |
Noncontrolling interest | | | (2,916 | ) |
Goodwill (3) | | | 53,178 | |
Total purchase price | | $ | 98,445 | |
(1) The other intangible assets subject to amortization consist of favorable lease agreements which are being amortized over the life of the lease using the effective interest method.
(2) Amount includes US$ 16.4 million of acquired receivables, which represents the best estimate of the US$ 18.8 million contractual cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date.
(3) No goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
Acquisition of Televideo
On September 2, 2009, we acquired the remaining 80.0% ownership interest in TELEVIDEO d.o.o. in Slovenia for cash consideration of EUR 1.2 million (approximately US$ 1.7 million at the date of acquisition). TELEVIDEO d.o.o. operates the POP BRIO channel (formerly TV PIKA) in Slovenia, a female-orientated general cable channel. In connection with this transaction we allocated EUR 0.2 million (approximately US$ 0.3 million) to trademarks and EUR 1.7 million (approximately US$ 2.4 million) to goodwill.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Acquisition of KINO noncontrolling interest
In the fourth quarter of 2008, in accordance with our stated objectives of establishing multi-channel broadcasting platforms in all of our markets and acquiring the remaining noncontrolling interests in our channels, we reached an agreement with our former minority partners in Ukraine to acquire 100.0% of the KINO channel in Ukraine and to transfer to them our interest in the CITI channel, a local station broadcasting in the Kiev region. In connection with this agreement, we segregated the broadcasting licenses and other assets of the KINO channel and transferred them to Gravis-Kino LLC, a new entity spun off from Gravis LLC (“Gravis”), which previously operated both the KINO and the CITI channels. Between January 14, 2009 and February 10, 2009, we acquired a 100.0% interest in the KINO channel by acquiring from our minority partners certain interests in Ukraine companies and selling to them for a de minimis amount our interest in Gravis, which owned the broadcasting licenses and other assets of the CITI channel. The total consideration paid by us for these interests was US$ 10.0 million, including a payment of US$ 1.5 million for the use of studios, offices and equipment of Gravis and the provision of other transitional services through December 31, 2009. In addition, on February 10, 2009, we acquired from an entity controlled by Alexander Tretyakov, our former partner in KINO and CITI, a 10.0% ownership interest in Glavred for US$ 12.8 million. Glavred owns a number of websites and print publications as well as a radio station. Igor Kolomoisky indirectly holds a 90% interest in Glavred.
We concluded that these transactions should be accounted for together as the acquisition of a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary where control is maintained under ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. Accordingly we recognized the excess of the fair value of the consideration over the adjustment to noncontrolling interest as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
The amounts allocated to consideration for KINO totaled approximately US$ 23.9 million, represented by the fair value of the net assets of the CITI channel transferred (US$ 1.1 million), cash payments of US$ 8.5 million for the equity interests, US$ 1.5 million for transitional services, and the US$ 12.8 million we paid for the investment in Glavred, which we concluded formed part of the consideration. We determined the Glavred investment to have a fair value of US$ nil at the date of acquisition.
The balance of noncontrolling interest recorded at the date of acquisition was US$ nil because the operations had been loss-making. Therefore, the full consideration of US$ 23.9 million was recognized as a reduction to equity.
As described above, we disposed of our Ukraine operations in 2010.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill:
Goodwill by reporting unit as at December 31, 2010 and 2009 is summarized as follows:
| | Gross balance December 31, 2009 | | | Accumulated impairment losses | | | Balance, December 31, 2009 | | | Additions/ Adjustments | | | Foreign currency | | | Balance, December 31, 2010 | | | Accumulated impairment losses | | | Gross balance December 31, 2010 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast segment: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 64,044 | | | $ | (64,044 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | 115,641 | | | $ | (1,308 | ) | | $ | 114,333 | | | $ | (64,044 | ) | | $ | 178,377 | |
Croatia | | | 11,211 | | | | (10,454 | ) | | | 757 | | | | - | | | | (60 | ) | | | 697 | | | | (10,454 | ) | | | 11,151 | |
Czech Republic | | | 936,268 | | | | - | | | | 936,268 | | | | - | | | | (19,123 | ) | | | 917,145 | | | | - | | | | 917,145 | |
Romania | | | 69,825 | | | | - | | | | 69,825 | | | | - | | | | (5,848 | ) | | | 63,977 | | | | - | | | | 63,977 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 62,990 | | | | - | | | | 62,990 | | | | - | | | | (4,565 | ) | | | 58,425 | | | | - | | | | 58,425 | |
Slovenia | | | 20,398 | | | | - | | | | 20,398 | | | | - | | | | (1,478 | ) | | | 18,920 | | | | - | | | | 18,920 | |
Media Pro Entertainment segment: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fiction and Reality and Entertainment | | | 18,537 | | | | - | | | | 18,537 | | | | (3,394 | ) | | | (1,101 | ) | | | 14,042 | | | | - | | | | 14,042 | |
Production Services | | | 9,950 | | | | - | | | | 9,950 | | | | 6,327 | | | | (1,485 | ) | | | 14,792 | | | | - | | | | 14,792 | |
Distribution and Exhibition | | | 17,548 | | | | - | | | | 17,548 | | | | 3,223 | | | | (1,800 | ) | | | 18,971 | | | | - | | | | 18,971 | |
Total | | $ | 1,210,771 | | | $ | (74,498 | ) | | $ | 1,136,273 | | | $ | 121,797 | | | $ | (36,768 | ) | | $ | 1,221,302 | | | $ | (74,498 | ) | | $ | 1,295,801 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Broadcast licenses and other intangible assets:
The net book value of our broadcast licenses and other intangible assets as at December 31, 2010 and 2009 is summarized as follows:
| | Indefinite-Lived Broadcast Licenses | | | Amortized Broadcast Licenses | | | Trademarks | | | Customer Relationships | | | Other | | | Total | |
Balance, December 31, 2008 | | $ | 59,856 | | | $ | 237,677 | | | $ | 66,857 | | | $ | 67,723 | | | $ | 7,491 | | | $ | 439,604 | |
Additions | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,543 | | | | - | | | | 4,992 | | | | 12,535 | |
Impairment | | | - | | | | (75,788 | ) | | | (76 | ) | | | - | | | | (4,882 | ) | | | (80,746 | ) |
Amortization | | | - | | | | (11,418 | ) | | | (501 | ) | | | (7,207 | ) | | | (793 | ) | | | (19,919 | ) |
Foreign currency movements | | | (1,350 | ) | | | 2,017 | | | | 757 | | | | 861 | | | | (516 | ) | | | 1,769 | |
Balance, December 31, 2009 | | $ | 58,506 | | | $ | 152,488 | | | $ | 74,580 | | | $ | 61,377 | | | $ | 6,292 | | | $ | 353,243 | |
Additions | | | - | | | | 178,158 | | | | 74,066 | | | | 37,322 | | | | - | | | | 289,546 | |
Impairment | | | - | | | | - | | | | (397 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (397 | ) |
Amortization | | | - | | | | (15,133 | ) | | | (1,516 | ) | | | (8,249 | ) | | | (1,089 | ) | | | (25,987 | ) |
Foreign currency movements | | | (4,670 | ) | | | (5,968 | ) | | | (5,061 | ) | | | (4,654 | ) | | | (411 | ) | | | (20,764 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | $ | 53,836 | | | $ | 309,545 | | | $ | 141,672 | | | $ | 85,796 | | | $ | 4,792 | | | $ | 595,641 | |
Our broadcast licenses in Croatia, Romania and Slovenia have indefinite lives and they are subject to annual impairment reviews. The licenses in Bulgaria have an estimated economic useful life of, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over, twenty-four years. Licenses in the Czech Republic have an estimated economic useful life of, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over, twenty years. The license in the Slovak Republic has an estimated economic useful life of, and is amortized on a straight-line basis over, thirteen years. Costs to renew our amortized broadcast licenses are capitalized while costs to maintain our amortized broadcast licenses are expensed as incurred.
Customer relationships are deemed to have an economic useful life of, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over, five to fifteen years. Trademarks have an indefinite life, with the exception of those acquired trademarks which we do not intend to use, which have an economic life of, and are being amortized over, between two and five years using the declining balance method. The amortized trademarks had a carrying amount of US$ 5.8 million and US$ 7.5 million as at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The gross value and accumulated amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangible assets was as follows at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
Gross value | | $ | 538,884 | | | $ | 338,055 | |
Accumulated amortization | | | (132,955 | ) | | | (110,403 | ) |
Net book value of amortized intangible assets | | $ | 405,929 | | | $ | 227,652 | |
Indefinite-lived broadcast licenses and trademarks | | | 189,712 | | | | 125,591 | |
Total broadcast licenses and other intangible assets, net | | $ | 595,641 | | | $ | 353,243 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The estimated amortization expense for our intangible assets with finite lives as of December 31, 2010 is as follows:
2011 | | $ | 29,145 | |
2012 | | | 28,341 | |
2013 | | | 27,881 | |
2014 | | | 26,796 | |
2015 | | | 25,586 | |
Impairment of Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets:
Process of reviewing goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment.
We review both goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year in accordance with ASC Topic 350. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level and each indefinite-lived intangible asset is evaluated individually. Long-lived assets are evaluated at the asset group level under ASC Topic 360 when there is an indication that they may be impaired.
Whenever events occur which suggest any asset in a reporting unit may be impaired, an evaluation of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, together with the associated long-lived assets of each asset group, is performed. Outside our annual review, there are a number of factors which could trigger an impairment review, including:
| · | under-performance of operating segments or changes in projected results; |
| · | changes in the manner of utilization of an asset; |
| · | severe and sustained declines in the traded price of our Class A common stock that are not attributable to factors other than the underlying value of our assets; |
| · | negative market conditions or economic trends; and |
| · | specific events, such as new legislation, new entrants, changes in technology or adverse legal judgments that we believe could have a negative impact on our business. |
In testing the goodwill of each reporting unit, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying value of its assets, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the fair value of the reporting unit is then measured against the fair value of its underlying assets and liabilities, excluding goodwill, to estimate an implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined using discounted estimated future cash flow models. Our expectations of these cash flows are developed during our long - and short-range business planning processes and incorporate several variables, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flows of a typical market participant, future market revenue and long-term growt h projections, estimated market share for the typical participant and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The cash flow model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis of the media industry and includes adjustments for market risk.
An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill after adjusting for any impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets or long-lived assets.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. Any excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment charge.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to our estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows we expect that asset group will generate. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds our estimate of its undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the respective asset.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Impairment reviews and charges recognized in 2010
We performed our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2010 and determined that none of our reporting units were at risk of impairment. As of December 31, 2010, the fair value of all our reporting units exceeded their carrying value by more than 10.0%.
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we decided to cease operating InfoPro, a radio channel in Romania and part of our Romania Broadcast segment, and recorded an impairment charge of US$ 0.4 million to write off the carrying value of the InfoPro trademark after determining that it was not recoverable.
Impairment charges recognized in 2009
During the first and second quarter of 2009, due to the severity of the global economic downturn, continued reduction in the short and medium economic projections for our markets by external analysts, increasing reluctance of advertisers to make spending commitments, the decline in the financial performance of our stations and the decrease in the price of our shares of Class A common stock and our market capitalization, we tested our goodwill and broadcast licenses for impairment.
We recognized the following impairment charges in respect of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible and long-lived assets in the year ended December 31, 2009:
| | Amortized Trademarks | | | Amortized Broadcast Licenses | | | Other Intangible Assets | | | Other Assets | | | Total | |
Pro.BG business - continuing operations | | $ | 76 | | | $ | 75,788 | | | $ | 4,882 | | | $ | 1,097 | | | $ | 81,843 | |
We did not have any indicators of impairment in the third quarter of 2009 and therefore we did not make any further revisions to our forecasted cash flows, cash flow multiples, and discount rates for that period. We performed our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2009 and we concluded that no further impairment charges were required.
Impairment charges recognized in 2008
The impairment charge taken during the year ended December 31, 2008 was primarily due to the severe economic downturn during the fourth quarter of 2008 and, as a result, we made revisions to our forecasted cash flows and we recognized the following impairment charges in respect of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible and long-lived assets in the year ended December 31, 2008.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
| | Long-Lived Assets | | | Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets | | | | |
| | Amortized Trademarks | | | Amortized Broadcast Licenses | | | Other Intangible Assets | | | Indefinite-Lived Trademarks | | | Goodwill | | | Total | |
Pro.BG business - continuing operations | | $ | 222 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 625 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 64,044 | | | $ | 64,891 | |
Ukraine - discontinued operations | | | - | | | | 637 | | | | - | | | | 8,481 | | | | 262,743 | | | | 271,861 | |
| | $ | 222 | | | $ | 637 | | | $ | 625 | | | $ | 8,481 | | | $ | 326,787 | | | $ | 336,752 | |
5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Summary
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
Senior debt | | $ | 1,341,544 | | | $ | 1,253,928 | |
Credit facilities and capital leases | | | 18,240 | | | | 123,940 | |
Total long term debt and other financing arrangements | | | 1,359,784 | | | | 1,377,868 | |
Less current maturities | | | (13,562 | ) | | | (117,910 | ) |
Total non-current long-term debt and other financing arrangements | | $ | 1,346,222 | | | $ | 1,259,958 | |
Senior Debt
Our senior debt comprised the following as at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
| | Carrying Value | | | Fair Value | |
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | | | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EUR 170.0 million 9.0% 2010 Fixed Rate Notes | | $ | 227,154 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 235,672 | | | $ | - | |
EUR 391.6 million 11.625% 2009 Fixed Rate Notes | | | 527,414 | | | | 639,515 | | | | 533,067 | | | | 608,510 | |
EUR 148.0 million Floating Rate Notes | | | 197,758 | | | | 216,090 | | | | 170,319 | | | | 153,423 | |
USD 440.2 million 3.50% 2008 Convertible Notes | | | 389,218 | | | | 398,323 | | | | 391,888 | | | | 369,883 | |
| | $ | 1,341,544 | | | $ | 1,253,928 | | | $ | 1,330,946 | | | $ | 1,131,816 | |
On October 21, 2010, our wholly-owned subsidiary, CET 21, issued EUR 170.0 million (approximately US$ 237.5 million at the date of issuance) of 9.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “2010 Fixed Rate Notes”) and incurred fees of approximately US$ 14.0 million, of which approximately US$ 12.0 million was paid in 2010. The 2010 Fixed Rate Notes (approximately US$ 227.2 million at December 31, 2010) mature on November 1, 2017.
On September 17, 2009 we issued EUR 200.0 million (approximately US$ 267.2 million) of 11.625% senior notes due 2016 at an issue price of 98.261%, and on September 29, 2009 we issued an additional tranche of EUR 240.0 million (approximately US$ 320.7 million) senior notes due 2016 at an issue price of 102.75% (collectively the “2009 Fixed Rate Notes”). The 2009 Fixed Rate Notes mature on September 15, 2016. In October and November 2010, we repurchased a total of EUR 48.4 million (approximately US$ 67.1 million at the date of repurchase) aggregate principal amount of our 2009 Fixed Rate Notes for EUR 49.3 million (approximately US$ 68.5 million at the date of repurchase) plus accrued interest. In connection with this repurchase, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of US$ 1.5 million, which includes the write off of US$ 0.8 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, and which is included within interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
On March 10, 2008, we issued US$ 475.0 million of 3.50% Senior Convertible Notes (the “2008 Convertible Notes”). The 2008 Convertible Notes mature on March 15, 2013. On October 19, 2010, we repurchased US$ 34.8 million aggregate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes for US$ 30.7 million plus accrued interest. In connection with this repurchase, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of US$ 0.7 million, which includes the write off of US$ 0.4 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, and is included within interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See “Repurchase of 2008 Convertible Notes” below for further information. On February 18, 2011 we completed privately negotiated exchanges of US$ 206.3 million in aggre gate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes for US$ 206.3 million in aggregate principal amount of new 5.0% senior convertible notes due in 2015 (see Note 22, “Subsequent Events”).
On May 16, 2007, we issued EUR 150.0 million (approximately US$ 200.4 million) of floating rate senior notes due 2014 (the “Floating Rate Notes”, and collectively with the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes and 2009 Fixed Rate Notes, the “Senior Notes”), which bear interest at the six-month Euro Inter Bank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus 1.625%. The applicable rate at December 31, 2010 was 2.90%. The Floating Rate Notes mature on May 15, 2014. On October 19, 2010, we repurchased EUR 2.0 million (approximately US$ 2.8 million at the date of repurchase) aggregate principal amount of our Floating Rate Notes for EUR 1.6 million (approximately US$ 2.3 million at date of repurchase) plus accrued interest. In connection with this repurchase, we recorded a gain on extinguishment of US$ 0.5 million which is inclu ded within interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Fixed Rate Notes
2010 Fixed Rate Notes
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1, with the first payment due on May 1, 2011. The fair value of the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes as at December 31, 2010 was calculated by multiplying the outstanding debt by the traded market price.
The 2010 Fixed Rate Notes are secured senior obligations of CET 21 and rank equally with CET 21’s obligations under the Senior Revolving Credit Facility (defined below). The 2010 Fixed Rate Notes rank pari passu with all existing and future senior indebtedness of CET 21 and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The amounts outstanding are guaranteed by CME Ltd. and by our wholly-owned subsidiaries CME NV, CME BV, CME Investments, CME SH and Markiza and are secured by a pledge of the shares of CME NV, CME BV, CET 21, CME SH, and Media Pro Pictures s.r.o., as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes restrict the manner in which the Company’s and CET 21’s business is conducted, including the incurr ence 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 certain of 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 2010 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 2010 Fixed Rate Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount of the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The 2010 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 | |
| | | |
November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015 | | | 104.50 | % |
November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016 | | | 102.25 | % |
November 1, 2016 and thereafter | | | 100.00 | % |
Prior to November 1, 2013, up to 35% of the original principal amount of the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes can be redeemed at a price of 109.00% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest if certain conditions are met.
Certain derivative instruments, including redemption call options and change of control and asset disposition put options, have been identified as being embedded in the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes but as they are considered clearly and closely related to the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes, they are not accounted for separately.
2009 Fixed Rate Notes
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15. The fair value of the 2009 Fixed Rate Notes as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was calculated by multiplying the outstanding debt by the traded market price.
The 2009 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 CME NV and CME BV and are secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of our 2009 Fixed Rate Notes restrict the manner in which our business is conducted, including the incurrence of additional interest obligations, the making of investments, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions, entering into certain affiliate transactions and the sale of assets (see also Note 21, “Indenture Covenants”).
In the event that (A) there is a change in control by which (i) any party other than certain of 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 2009 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 2009 Fixed Rate Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount of the 2009 Fixed Rate Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
The 2009 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 | |
| | | |
September 15, 2013 to September 14, 2014 | | | 105.813 | % |
September 15, 2014 to September 14, 2015 | | | 102.906 | % |
September 15, 2015 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 2009 Fixed Rate Notes but as they are considered clearly and closely related to the 2009 Fixed Rate Notes, they are not accounted for separately. We have included the net issuance premium within the carrying value of the 2009 Fixed Rate Notes and are amortizing it through interest expense using the effective interest method.
Floating Rate Notes
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 15 and November 15. The fair value of the Floating Rate Notes as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was equal to the outstanding debt multiplied by the traded market price.
The 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 CME NV and CME BV and are secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights. The terms of our Floating Rate Notes 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 certain of 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 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 Floating Rate Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount of the Floating Rate Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of pur chase.
The Floating Rate Notes are redeemable at our option for the remainder of their life, in whole or in part, at 100.0% of their face value.
Certain derivative instruments, including redemption call options and change of control and asset disposition put options, have been identified as being embedded in the Floating Rate Notes but as they are considered clearly and closely related to the Floating Rate Notes, they are not accounted for separately.
2008 Convertible Notes
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15. The fair value of the 2008 Convertible Notes as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was calculated by multiplying the outstanding debt by the traded market price because we considered the value of the embedded conversion option to be zero since the market price of our shares was so far below the conversion price.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The 2008 Convertible 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 CME NV and CME BV and are secured by a pledge of shares of those subsidiaries as well as an assignment of certain contractual rights.
Prior to December 15, 2012, the 2008 Convertible Notes are convertible following certain events and from that date, at any time, based on an initial conversion rate of 9.5238 shares of our Class A common stock per US$ 1,000 principal amount of 2008 Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$ 105.00, or a 25% conversion premium based on the closing sale price of US$ 84.00 per share of our Class A common stock on March 4, 2008). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment if we make certain distributions to the holders of our Class A common stock, undergo certain corporate transactions or a fundamental change, and in other circumstances specified in the 2008 Convertible Notes. From time to time up to and including December 15, 2012, we will have the right to elect 0;to deliver (i) shares of our Class A common stock or (ii) cash and, if applicable, shares of our Class A common stock upon conversion of the 2008 Convertible Notes. At present, we have elected to deliver cash and, if applicable, shares of our Class A common stock. As at December 31, 2010, the 2008 Convertible Notes may not be converted. In addition, the holders of the 2008 Convertible Notes have the right to put the 2008 Convertible Notes to us for cash equal to the aggregate principal amount of the 2008 Convertible Notes plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon following the occurrence of certain specified fundamental changes (including a change of control, certain mergers, insolvency and a delisting).
In order to increase the effective conversion price of our 2008 Convertible Notes, on March 4, 2008 we purchased, for aggregate consideration of US$ 63.3 million, capped call options over 4,523,809 shares of our Class A common stock from Lehman Brothers OTC Derivatives Inc. (“Lehman OTC”), 1,583,333 shares, from BNP Paribas (“BNP”), 1,583,333 shares and from Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (“DB”), 1,357,144 shares together, the “Capped Call Options”. The amount of shares corresponds to the number of shares of our Class A common stock that would be issuable on a conversion of the 2008 Convertible Notes at the initial conversion price if we elected to settle the 2008 Convertible Notes solely in shares of Class A common stock. The Capped Call Options entitle us to receive, at our election, cas h or shares of Class A common stock with a value equal approximately to the difference between the trading price of our shares at the time the option is exercised and US$ 105.00, up to a maximum trading price of US$ 151.20. These options expire on March 15, 2013. At present, we have elected to receive shares of our Class A common stock on exercise of the Capped Call Options.
At the date of purchase, we determined that all of the Capped Call Options met the definition of an equity instrument within the scope of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and consequently recognized them on issuance at fair value within additional paid-in capital. We believe that this classification is still correct with respect to the BNP and DB Capped Call Options and have continued to recognize them within Equity. Subsequent changes in fair value have not been, and will not be, recognized as long as the instruments continue to be classified in Equity.
The bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers Holdings (“Lehman Holdings”), as guarantor under the capped call option agreement with Lehman OTC, in September 2008 was an event of default that gave us the right to early termination of the Lehman OTC Capped Call options and effectively extinguished the capped call option agreement with Lehman OTC. On March 3, 2009, we assigned our claim in the bankruptcy proceedings of Lehman Holdings and Lehman OTC to an unrelated third party for cash consideration of US$ 3.4 million, or 17.0% of the claim value, which was recognized as other income within selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations (see also Note 19, “Commitments and Contingencies: Lehman Brothers Bankruptcy Claim”).
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Prior to the termination of the Capped Call Options with Lehman OTC, we noted that no dilution would occur prior to the trading price of our Class A common stock reaching US$ 151.20. This conclusion was based on a number of assumptions, including that we would exercise all Capped Call Options simultaneously, we would continue with our election to receive shares of our Class A common stock on the exercise of the Capped Call Options, and no event that would result in an adjustment to the conversion rate of value of the options would have occurred.
Following the termination of the Lehman OTC Capped Call Options, which represented 35% of the total number of Capped Call Options we acquired on March 4, 2008, limited dilution will occur following the exercise of the remaining BNP and DB Capped Call Options if the price of shares of our Class A common stock is between US$ 105.00 per share and US$ 151.20 per share when the 2008 Convertible Notes are converted.
At December 31, 2010, the Capped Call Options could not be exercised because no conversion of any 2008 Convertible Notes had occurred. In the event any 2008 Convertible Notes had been converted at December 31, 2010, no shares of our Class A common stock would have been issuable because the closing price of our shares was below US$ 105.00 per share. The aggregate fair value of the remaining Capped Call Options with DB and BNP fell significantly at December 31, 2010 to approximately US$ 21 thousand.
In accordance with ASC 470, Debt, we calculated the value of the conversion option embedded in the 2008 Convertible Notes and accounted for it separately.
US$’000 | | Principal amount of liability component | | | Unamortized discount | | | Net carrying value | | | Equity component | |
As at December 31, 2007 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Issuance of 2008 Convertible Notes | | $ | 475,000 | | | $ | (110,752 | ) | | $ | 364,248 | | | $ | 110,752 | |
Amortization of debt issuance discount | | | - | | | | 14,556 | | | | 14,556 | | | | - | |
As at December 31, 2008 | | | 475,000 | | | | (96,196 | ) | | | 378,804 | | | | 110,752 | |
Amortization of debt issuance discount | | | - | | | | 19,519 | | | | 19,519 | | | | - | |
As at December 31, 2009 | | | 475,000 | | | | (76,677 | ) | | | 398,323 | | | | 110,752 | |
Extinguishment of debt | | | (34,800 | ) | | | 4,396 | | | | (30,404 | ) | | | - | |
Amortization of debt issuance discount | | | - | | | | 21,299 | | | | 21,299 | | | | - | |
As at December 31, 2010 | | $ | 440,200 | | | $ | (50,982 | ) | | $ | 389,218 | | | $ | 110,752 | |
The remaining issuance discount is being amortized over the life of the 2008 Convertible Notes, which mature on March 15, 2013. The effective interest rate on the liability component for all periods presented was 10.3%.
Certain other derivative instruments have been identified as being embedded in the 2008 Convertible Notes, but as they are considered to be clearly and closely related to the 2008 Convertible Notes they are not accounted for separately.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Repurchase of 2008 Convertible Notes
As noted above, we repurchased US$ 34.8 million principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes on October 19, 2010 for a cash payment of US$ 30.7 million, including transaction costs. We accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC Topic 470, which requires allocation of the cash payment between an amount in respect of the value of the liability that was extinguished and an amount in respect of the reacquisition of the equity component.
The full amount of the consideration was allocated to the liability since the fair value of that component exceeded the settlement consideration and the convertible option did not have any value as the market price of our shares on the date of extinguishment was below the conversion price of $105.0. The difference between the consideration and the net carrying amount of the liability and the allocated unamortized debt issuance costs of US$ 0.7 million was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt within interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.
The amount allocated to the extinguishment of the liability component was equal to the fair value of that component immediately prior to extinguishment, which was determined based on the future cash flows associated with the repurchased portion of the 2008 Convertible Notes discounted using the rate of return an investor would have required on our non-convertible debt with other terms substantially similar to the 2008 Convertible Notes. The most critical input used to determine the fair value of the liability component of the 2008 Convertible Notes was the discount rate used in calculating the present value of the future cash flows associated with the 2008 Convertible Notes. We used a combination of observed prices paid for similar debt and incorporated a US$ risk free rate for debt with similar remaining life to the 2008 Convertible N otes to determine an overall discount rate.
Credit Facilities and Capital Lease Obligations
Credit facilities and capital lease obligations comprised the following at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
| | | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | | |
Credit facilities | (a) – (h) | | $ | 14,004 | | | $ | 117,991 | |
Capital leases | | | | 4,236 | | | | 5,949 | |
Total credit facilities and capital leases | | | | 18,240 | | | | 123,940 | |
Less current maturities | | | | (13,562 | ) | | | (117,910 | ) |
Total non-current credit facilities and capital leases | | | $ | 4,678 | | | $ | 6,030 | |
(a) We have an uncommitted multicurrency overdraft facility for EUR 5.0 million (approximately US$ 6.7 million) from Bank Mendes Gans (“BMG”), a subsidiary of ING Bank N.V. (“ING”), as part of a cash pooling arrangement. The cash pooling arrangement with BMG enables us to receive credit across the group in respect of cash balances which our subsidiaries in The Netherlands, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia deposit with BMG. Cash deposited by our subsidiaries with BMG is pledged as security against the drawings of other subsidiaries up to the amount deposited. Under the facility, we are permitted to draw EUR 5.0 million (approximately US$ 6.7 million) in excess of amounts deposited.
As at December 31, 2010, we had deposits of US$ 20.3 million and drawings of US$ 12.3 million in the BMG cash pool. Interest is earned on deposits at the relevant money market rate and interest is payable on all drawings at the relevant money market rate plus 2.0%.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
(b) On December 21, 2009, CET 21 entered into a Facility Agreement (the “Erste Facility”) with Erste Group Bank A.G. as arranger, Česká Spořitelna, a.s. (“CSAS”) as facility agent and security agent, and each of CSAS, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic, a.s. (“UniCredit”) and BNP Paribas as original lenders. The Erste Facility was drawn in full in February 2010. On October 21, 2010, CET 21 used a portion of the net proceeds of the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes to repay in full the CZK 2.8 billion (approximately US$ 159.9 million at the date of repayment) principal outstanding under the Erste Facility plus accrued interest. We incurred US$ 1.4 million in break costs and we wrote off US$ 2.5 million in unamortized debt issuance co sts as a result of the repayment, which are included in interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
(c) On October 21, 2010, CET 21 entered into a five-year CZK 1.5 billion (approximately US$ 80.0 million) secured revolving credit facility (the “Secured Revolving Credit Facility”) with BNP Paribas S.A., J.P. Morgan plc, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, ING and CSAS, as mandated lead arrangers and original lenders, BNP Paribas S.A., as agent, BNP Paribas Trust Corporation UK Limited, as security agent, and CME Ltd., CME NV, CME BV, CME Investments, CME SH and Markiza as the original guarantors. Interest under the facility is calculated at a rate per annum of 4.50% above PRIBOR for the relevant interest period. The Secured Revolving Credit Facility will decrease to CZK 750.0 million (approximately US$ 40.0 million) on the fourth anniversary of the signing date. Drawings under the facility by CET 21 are expec ted to be used for working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes. As at December 31, 2010, we had satisfied the principal condition to utilize the Secured Revolving Credit Facility as we had repurchased, subsequent to September 30, 2010, approximately US$ 100.0 million of our long-term indebtedness. The Security Revolving Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default. The covenants include limitations on CET 21's ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make disposals and to carry out certain other types of transactions. At December 31, 2010, there were no drawings under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2010, CET 21 had an interest rate swap to hedge the interest rate exposure on the future outstanding principal outstanding under the Secured Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 11, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements”).
(d) As at December 31, 2010, there were no drawings under a CZK 300.0 million (approximately US$ 16.0 million) factoring facility with Factoring Ceska Sporitelna (“FCS”) which is available until June 30, 2011. The facility bears interest at one-month PRIBOR plus 2.5% for the period that actively assigned accounts receivable are outstanding.
(e) As at December 31, 2009, CET 21 had drawn CZK 1.2 billion (approximately US$ 65.3 million) under a credit facility granted by CSAS. The whole amount was repaid in full (approximately US$ 64.6 million at the date of repayment) with the drawings under the Erste Facility on January 22, 2010 and was subsequently cancelled.
(f) As at December 31, 2009, CET 21 had drawn CZK 250.0 million (approximately US$ 13.6 million) under a working capital facility granted by CSAS. The whole amount was repaid in full (approximately US$ 13.5 million at the date of repayment) with the drawings under the Erste Facility on January 22, 2010 and was subsequently cancelled.
(g) At December 31, 2010, Media Pro Entertainment had an aggregate principal amount of RON 9.3 million (approximately US$ 2.9 million) of loans outstanding with the Central National al Cinematografei ("CNC"), a Romanian governmental organization which provides financing for qualifying filmmaking projects. Upon acceptance of a particular project, the CNC awards an agreed level of funding to each project in the form of an interest-free loan. Loans from the CNC are typically advanced for a period of ten years and are repaid through the proceeds from the distribution of the film content. At December 31, 2010, we had 12 loans outstanding with the CNC with maturity dates ranging from 2011 to 2020. The carrying amounts at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are net of a fair value adjustment of US$ 1.2 million to reflect the interest- free nature of the loans arising on acquisition.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
(h) As at December 31, 2009, Pro Plus had drawn EUR 22.5 million (approximately US$ 32.4 million) under a revolving facility agreement entered into in July 2005 with ING, Nova Ljubljanska Banka d.d., Ljubljana and Bank Austria Creditanstalt d.d., Ljubljana. The whole amount was repaid in full in April 2010 (approximately US$ 30.2 million at date of repayment) and the revolving facility expired on July 22, 2010.
Total Group
At December 31, 2010, the maturity of our senior debt and credit facilities was as follows:
2011 | | $ | 12,508 | |
2012 | | | - | |
2013 | | | 389,218 | |
2014 | | | 198,041 | |
2015 | | | - | |
2016 and thereafter | | | 755,781 | |
Total | | $ | 1,355,548 | |
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, by year and in the aggregate, under capital leases with initial or remaining non-cancellable lease terms in excess of one year, consisted of the following at December 31, 2010:
2011 | | $ | 1,171 | |
2012 | | | 800 | |
2013 | | | 510 | |
2014 | | | 372 | |
2015 | | | 372 | |
2016 and thereafter | | | 1,582 | |
| | | 4,807 | |
Less: amount representing interest | | | (571 | ) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | | $ | 4,236 | |
6. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable comprised the following at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Third-party customers | | $ | 221,463 | | | $ | 192,906 | |
Less allowance for bad debts and credit notes | | | (13,202 | ) | | | (13,201 | ) |
Related parties | | | 884 | | | | 2,170 | |
Less allowance for bad debts and credit notes | | | (3 | ) | | | (892 | ) |
Total accounts receivable | | $ | 209,142 | | | $ | 180,983 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
We had net bad debt recoveries of US$ 0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Bad debt expense for the years ending December 31, 2009 and 2008 was US$ 2.8 million and US$ 0.4 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2010, receivables of CZK 676.0 million (approximately US$ 36.1 million) (December 31, 2009: CZK 713.5 million, approximately US$ 38.8 million), were pledged as collateral subject to a revolving credit facility and factoring agreement. Of this amount, CZK 513.2 million (approximately US$ 27.4 million) (December 31, 2009: CZK 713.5 million, approximately US$ 38.8 million), of receivables in the Czech Republic were pledged as collateral subject to a factoring agreement (see Note 5, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”).
7. OTHER ASSETS
Other current and non-current assets comprised the following at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Current: | | | | | | |
Prepaid programming | | $ | 37,692 | | | $ | 44,219 | |
Productions in progress | | | 985 | | | | 12,234 | |
Other prepaid expenses | | | 11,083 | | | | 9,431 | |
Income taxes recoverable | | | 7,956 | | | | 7,426 | |
Deferred tax | | | 3,835 | | | | 4,948 | |
VAT recoverable | | | 7,333 | | | | 6,625 | |
Capitalized debt costs | | | 5,940 | | | | 5,591 | |
Inventory | | | 2,351 | | | | 1,555 | |
Restricted Cash | | | 540 | | | | 1,046 | |
Other | | | 972 | | | | 1,178 | |
Total other current assets | | $ | 78,687 | | | $ | 94,253 | |
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Non-current: | | | | | | |
Capitalized debt costs | | $ | 26,937 | | | $ | 22,816 | |
Deferred tax | | | 1,378 | | | | 10,977 | |
Productions in progress | | | 226 | | | | 7,737 | |
Other | | | 3,224 | | | | 2,969 | |
Total other non-current assets | | $ | 31,765 | | | $ | 44,499 | |
Capitalized debt costs primarily comprise the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of our Senior Notes and 2008 Convertible Notes (see Note 5, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”), and are being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes and 2008 Convertible Notes using either the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment comprised the following at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
Land and buildings | | $ | 166,082 | | | $ | 169,568 | |
Machinery, fixtures and equipment | | | 202,447 | | | | 206,954 | |
Other equipment | | | 32,258 | | | | 33,260 | |
Software licenses | | | 40,072 | | | | 37,176 | |
Construction in progress | | | 17,044 | | | | 13,211 | |
Total cost | | | 457,903 | | | | 460,169 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation | | | (207,001 | ) | | | (185,459 | ) |
Total net book value | | $ | 250,902 | | | $ | 274,710 | |
Assets held under capital leases (included in the above) | | | | | | | | |
Land and buildings | | | 4,904 | | | | 6,079 | |
Machinery, fixtures and equipment | | | 2,587 | | | | 3,927 | |
Total cost | | | 7,491 | | | | 10,006 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation | | | (2,113 | ) | | | (2,180 | ) |
Net book value | | $ | 5,378 | | | $ | 7,826 | |
Depreciation expense for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was US$ 58.1 million, US$ 52.6 million and US$ 49.5 million, respectively.
9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities comprised the following at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 52,233 | | | $ | 42,854 | |
Programming liabilities | | | 67,396 | | | | 58,807 | |
Duties and other taxes payable | | | 17,889 | | | | 18,927 | |
Accrued staff costs | | | 23,802 | | | | 17,356 | |
Accrued interest payable | | | 27,162 | | | | 26,686 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 3,728 | | | | 3,895 | |
Accrued production costs | | | 3,035 | | | | 7,439 | |
Accrued legal contingencies and professional fees | | | 3,994 | | | | 1,589 | |
Authors’ rights | | | 9,534 | | | | 4,751 | |
Other accrued liabilities | | | 15,285 | | | | 16,871 | |
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 224,058 | | | $ | 199,175 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
10. OTHER LIABILITIES
Other current and non-current liabilities comprised the following as at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Current: | | | | | | |
Deferred revenue | | $ | 4,580 | | | $ | 7,765 | |
Consideration payable | | | - | | | | 1,614 | |
Deferred tax | | | 672 | | | | 3,319 | |
Derivative liabilities | | | 180 | | | | - | |
Other | | | 24 | | | | 142 | |
Total other current liabilities | | $ | 5,456 | | | $ | 12,840 | |
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Non-current: | | | | | | |
Deferred tax | | $ | 82,624 | | | $ | 72,715 | |
Program rights | | | 10,054 | | | | 6,876 | |
Derivative liabilities | | | 10,259 | | | | 8,567 | |
Income taxes payable | | | - | | | | 507 | |
Other | | | 563 | | | | 206 | |
Total other non-current liabilities | | $ | 103,500 | | | $ | 88,871 | |
11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to those valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820-10-35 are:
Level 1 | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted instruments. |
Level 2 | Quoted prices in markets that are not considered to be active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. |
Level 3 | Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
We evaluate the position of each financial instrument measured at fair value in the hierarchy individually based on the valuation methodology we apply. At December 31, 2010, we had the following currency and interest rate swap agreements carried at fair value using significant level 2 inputs and the call option issued in connection with the restructuring of the Pro.BG business (see Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”) which is carried at fair value using significant level 3 inputs:
Currency Swaps
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$ 570.6 million), payable on each July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15 up 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$ 502.2 million) receivable on each July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15 up to the termination date of April 15, 2012.
We reduce our exposure to movements in EUR to CZK foreign exchange rate from the Euro-denominated interest payments on our Senior Notes (see Note 5, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”) by partially converting them into CZK using these currency swap agreements. These financial instruments 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 ASC 815 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.
We value these currency swap agreements using an industry-standard currency swap pricing model which calculates the fair value on the basis of the net present value of the estimated future cash flows receivable or payable. These instruments are allocated to level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because the critical inputs to this model, including the relevant yield curves and the known contractual terms of the instrument, are readily observable.
The fair value of these instruments as at December 31, 2010 and at December 31, 2009 was a US$ 9.2 million liability and US$ 8.6 million liability, respectively. A derivative loss of US$ 0.5 million, a derivative gain of US$ 1.3 million and a derivative gain of US$ 6.4 million was recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Interest Rate Swap
On February 9, 2010, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with UniCredit and CSAS, expiring in 2013, to reduce the impact of changing interest rates on our floating rate debt that is denominated in CZK. The interest rate swap is a financial instrument that is used to minimize interest rate risk and is considered an economic hedge. The interest rate swap has not been designated as a hedging instrument so changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in other non-current liabilities.
We value the interest rate swap agreement using a valuation model which calculates the fair value on the basis of the net present value of the estimated future cash flows. The most significant input used in the valuation model is the expected PRIBOR based yield curve. This instrument is allocated to level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because the critical inputs to this model, including current interest rates, relevant yield curves and the known contractual terms of the instrument, are readily observable.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The fair value of the interest rate swap as at December 31, 2010 was a US$ 1.1 million liability. A loss of US$ 1.1 million was recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Call Option
As described in Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”, we issued a call option to Top Tone Holdings in connection with the restructuring of the Pro.BG business. We used a binomial option pricing model to value the call option liability at US$ 3.0 million as at April 19, 2010, the date we acquired the bTV group. The main inputs used in the valuation model include current risk-free interest rates and the known contractual terms of the instrument which are observable and transparent. Volatility was also used as an input into the model and was determined using management’s estimates and equity volatilities of comparable companies. The most significant input used in the model was the call option’s spot price, or the current price of the underlying asset, which is the value of the equity in CME Bulgaria and has been de termined using management’s best estimates and assumptions including discounted forecasted cash flows. This financial instrument is allocated to level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to the significance of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation model.
Subsequent changes in the fair value of the call option are recorded as a derivative gain or loss in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in other current liabilities.
The fair value of the call option as at December 31, 2010 was a US$ 0.2 million liability and the movement for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:
Level 3 | | US$ ‘000 | |
Beginning balance, January 1, 2010 | | $ | - | |
Addition | | | 2,970 | |
Gain recorded in earnings in 2010 | | | (2,790 | ) |
Ending balance, December 31, 2010 | | $ | 180 | |
12. EQUITY
Preferred Stock
5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, with a US$ 0.08 par value, were authorized as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. None were issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
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 December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. 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 th ere are no redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to such shares.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
On May 24, 2010, we issued 800,000 shares of our Class A common stock in connection with our acquisition of the remaining ownership interests of approximately 5.0% in each of Pro TV, MPI and MV from Adrian Sarbu (see Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”).
On December 9, 2009, in connection with the acquisition of the Media Pro Entertainment business from Adrian Sarbu, we issued 1,600,000 shares of Class A common stock and warrants to purchase up to 600,000 shares of Class A common stock to Alerria and 600,000 shares of Class A common stock and warrants to purchase up to 250,000 shares of Class A common stock to Metrodome.
On September 28, 2009, the general partner of CME Holdco L.P., the holder of approximately 6.3 million shares of Class B common stock and 60,000 shares of Class A common stock, issued a notice of dissolution to the partners informing them that it intended to dissolve the partnership and distribute its assets pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement. Due to the ownership restrictions with respect to shares of Class B common stock as set forth in our bye-laws, a certain amount of shares of Class B common stock were converted to shares of Class A common stock prior to the distribution of the partnership assets. Following the conversion, Adele (Guernsey) L.P., a fund affiliated with Apax Partners, received 3,168,566 shares of Class A common stock, a minority partner received 213,337 shares of Class A common stock and e ntities affiliated with Ronald Lauder received 2,990,936 shares of Class B common stock.
On May 18, 2009, we issued 14.5 million shares of Class A common stock at a price of US$ 12.00 per share and 4.5 million shares of Class B common stock at a price of US$ 15.00 per share to Time Warner Media Holdings B.V., an affiliate of Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”) for an aggregate offering price of US$ 241.5 million.
There were approximately 7.5 million shares of Class B common stock and 56.9 million shares of Class A common stock outstanding at December 31, 2010.
13. INCOME TAXES
As our investments are predominantly owned by Dutch holding companies, the components of the provision for income taxes and of the income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes have been analyzed between their Netherlands and non-Netherlands components. Similarly the Dutch corporate income tax rates have been used in the reconciliation of income taxes.
(Loss) / Income before provision for income taxes, noncontrolling interest, equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates and discontinued operations:
The Netherlands and non-Netherlands components of (loss) / income from continuing operations before income taxes are:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Domestic | | $ | (77,267 | ) | | $ | 130,185 | | | $ | (15,795 | ) |
Foreign | | | (34,632 | ) | | | (196,431 | ) | | | 99,945 | |
| | $ | (111,899 | ) | | $ | (66,246 | ) | | $ | 84,150 | |
Included in domestic income for 2009 is US $89.7 million of intercompany dividend income, with an equivalent expense included within foreign income. These dividends are neither taxable in the Netherlands nor deductible in the foreign entity.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Total tax charge for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was allocated as follows:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Income tax expense from continuing operations | | $ | 5,025 | | | $ | 4,737 | | | $ | 42,208 | |
Income tax expense / (credit) from discontinued operations | | | 30 | | | | (7,938 | ) | | | (7,747 | ) |
Total tax expense | | $ | 5,055 | | | $ | (3,201 | ) | | $ | 34,461 | |
In 2010, there were tax charges on both domestic and foreign profits because some companies are tax paying and other companies have valuation allowances in respect of their tax losses.
Income Tax Provision:
The Netherlands and non-Netherlands components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations consist of:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Current income tax expense: | | | | | | | | | |
Domestic | | $ | 549 | | | $ | 371 | | | $ | 253 | |
Foreign | | | 12,310 | | | | 18,276 | | | | 49,376 | |
| | | 12,859 | | | | 18,647 | | | | 49,629 | |
Deferred tax (benefit )/expense: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Domestic | | | - | | | | (2 | ) | | | 21 | |
Foreign | | | (7,834 | ) | | | (13,908 | ) | | | (7,442 | ) |
| | | (7,834 | ) | | | (13,910 | ) | | | (7,421 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for income taxes | | $ | 5,025 | | | $ | 4,737 | | | $ | 42,208 | |
Reconciliation of Effective Income Tax Rate:
The following is a reconciliation of income taxes, calculated at statutory Netherlands rates, to the income tax provision included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Income taxes at Netherlands rates (25.5%) | | $ | (28,521 | ) | | $ | (16,877 | ) | | $ | 21,449 | |
Jurisdictional differences in tax rates | | | 416 | | | | 25,064 | | | | 4,376 | |
Tax effect of goodwill impairment | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,050 | |
Unrecognized tax benefits | | | 2,444 | | | | 12,343 | | | | 2,916 | |
Interest expense disallowed | | | 172 | | | | - | | | | 1,150 | |
Tax effect of other permanent differences | | | 666 | | | | 956 | | | | 2,024 | |
Effect of changes in tax rates | | | - | | | | - | | | | 9 | |
Change in valuation allowance | | | 30,427 | | | | (16,349 | ) | | | 6,625 | |
Other | | | (579) | | | | (400 | ) | | | (2,391 | ) |
Provision for income taxes | | $ | 5,025 | | | $ | 4,737 | | | $ | 42,208 | |
In 2008 we recognized impairment losses against goodwill in our Bulgaria operations for which there is no tax credit. In 2009 we recognized further impairment losses against intangible assets in our Bulgaria operations for which there was a tax credit at the Bulgarian tax rate.
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The following table shows the significant components included in deferred income taxes as at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Assets: | | | | | | |
Tax benefit of loss carry-forwards and other tax credits | | $ | 90,532 | | | $ | 58,561 | |
Programming rights | | | 10,322 | | | | 12,339 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 3,132 | | | | 1,538 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 4,975 | | | | 5,968 | |
Other | | | 9,864 | | | | 6,782 | |
Gross deferred tax assets | | | 118,825 | | | | 85,188 | |
Valuation allowance | | | (90,553 | ) | | | (60,146 | ) |
Net deferred tax assets | | | 28,272 | | | | 25,042 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast licenses, trademarks and customer relationships | | $ | (78,751 | ) | | $ | (57,899 | ) |
Property, plant and equipment | | | (11,304 | ) | | | (8,289 | ) |
Programming rights | | | (8,742 | ) | | | (8,580 | ) |
Temporary difference due to timing | | | (7,558 | ) | | | (10,383 | ) |
Total deferred tax liabilities | | | (106,355 | ) | | | (85,151 | ) |
Net deferred income tax liability | | $ | (78,083 | ) | | $ | (60,109 | ) |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Deferred tax is recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows:
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
Net current deferred tax assets | | $ | 3,835 | | | $ | 4,948 | |
Net non-current deferred tax assets | | | 1,378 | | | | 10,977 | |
| | | 5,213 | | | | 15,925 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net current deferred tax liabilities | | | (672 | ) | | | (3,319 | ) |
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities | | | (82,624 | ) | | | (72,715 | ) |
| | | (83,296 | ) | | | (76,034 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net deferred income tax liability | | $ | (78,083 | ) | | $ | (60,109 | ) |
We provided a valuation allowance against potential deferred tax assets of US$ 90.6 million and US$ 60.1 million as at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, since it has been determined by management, based on the weight of all available evidence, that it is more likely than not that the benefits associated with these assets will not be realized.
During 2010, we had the following movements on valuation allowances:
Balance at December 31, 2009 | | $ | 60,146 | |
Charged to costs and expenses | | | 30,427 | |
Foreign exchange | | | (20 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2010 | | $ | 90,553 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
As of December 31, 2010 we have operating loss carry-forwards that will expire in the following periods:
Year | | 2011 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2014 | | | | 2015 - 27 | | | Indefinite | |
Austria | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 10,294 | |
Bulgaria | | | 2,646 | | | | 4,012 | | | | 17,153 | | | | 39,049 | | | | 45,432 | | | | - | |
Croatia | | | 8,804 | | | | 24,418 | | | | 13,735 | | | | 11,950 | | | | 9,841 | | | | - | |
Czech Republic | | | 30 | | | | 51 | | | | 7,383 | | | | 5,743 | | | | 6,670 | | | | - | |
Hungary | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 36 | | | | 24 | | | | - | |
Netherlands | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,411 | | | | 10,743 | | | | 182,817 | | | | - | |
Romania | | | - | | | | 1,306 | | | | 2,618 | | | | 6,132 | | | | 24,015 | | | | - | |
Slovakia | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 10,561 | | | | - | |
Slovenia | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 11,948 | |
United Kingdom | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,514 | |
United States | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,250 | | | | - | |
Total | | $ | 11,480 | | | $ | 29,787 | | | $ | 46,300 | | | $ | 73,653 | | | $ | 284,610 | | | $ | 25,756 | |
The losses are subject to examination by the tax authorities and to restriction on their utilization. In particular, the losses can only be utilized against profits arising in the legal entity in which they arose.
We have provided valuation allowances against most of the above loss carry-forwards. However, valuation allowances have not been provided against the loss carry-forwards in Slovakia on the basis that we consider it more likely than not that we will utilize these tax benefits. The tax benefits associated with the losses in the United Kingdom and the United States are only recognized in the financial statements as they are utilized.
We have not provided income taxes or withholding taxes on US$ 504.6 million (2009: US$ 527.4 million) of cumulative undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries and affiliates as these earnings are either permanently reinvested in the companies concerned or can be recovered tax-free. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of taxes that might be payable on the distribution of these earnings.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2007 | | $ | 1,381 | |
Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period | | | 1,104 | |
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period | | | 1,999 | |
Decreases resulting from the expiry of the statute of limitations | | | (187 | ) |
Other | | | (27 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2008 | | | 4,270 | |
Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period | | | 95 | |
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period | | | 12,843 | |
Decreases resulting from the expiry of the statute of limitations | | | (595 | ) |
Other | | | 23 | |
Balance at December 31, 2009 | | | 16,636 | |
Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period | | | (428 | ) |
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period | | | 2,872 | |
Settlements with tax authorities | | | (252 | ) |
Other | | | (170 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2010 | | $ | 18,658 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The total amount of unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate amounts to US$ 0.1 million. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will not decrease within 12 months of the reporting date as a result of tax audits closing and statutes of limitations expiring.
Our subsidiaries file income tax returns in The Netherlands and various other tax jurisdictions including the United States. As at December 31, 2010, analyzed by major tax jurisdictions, our subsidiaries are generally no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before:
Country | | | Year |
Bulgaria | | | 2003 |
Croatia | | | 2006 |
Czech Republic | | | 2008 |
Netherlands | | | 2007 |
Romania | | | 2006 |
Slovak Republic | | | 2005 |
Slovenia | | | 2005 |
United States | | | 2009 |
United Kingdom | | | 2009 |
We recognize, when applicable, both accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The liability for accrued interest and penalties was nil and US$ 0.2 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2010 of US$ 0.2 million is a result of settlements with the tax authorities.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
14. INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense comprised the following for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 respectively:
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Interest on Senior Notes | | $ | 75,783 | | | $ | 52,478 | | | $ | 43,962 | |
Interest on 2008 Convertible Notes | | | 16,378 | | | | 16,625 | | | | 13,439 | |
Interest on credit facilities and other financing arrangements | | | 9,040 | | | | 8,169 | | | | 6,004 | |
| | | 101,201 | | | | 77,272 | | | | 63,405 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs | | | 5,706 | | | | 9,565 | | | | 4,426 | |
Amortization of issuance discount on 2008 Convertible Notes | | | 21,299 | | | | 19,519 | | | | 14,556 | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net | | | 5,299 | | | | 9,415 | | | | - | |
| | | 32,304 | | | | 38,499 | | | | 18,982 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest expense | | $ | 133,505 | | | $ | 115,771 | | | $ | 82,387 | |
15. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
6,000,000 shares have been authorized for issuance in respect of equity awards under our Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (“the Plan”). Under the Plan, awards are made to employees at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and to directors pursuant to an annual automatic grant under the Plan or at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Grants of options allow the holders to purchase shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock at an exercise price, which is generally the market price prevailing at the date of the grant, with vesting between one and four years after the awards are granted.
Pursuant to the Plan, employees and members of our Board of Directors were awarded options during the year ended December 31, 2010. The fair value of these 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 (%) | | | Fair Value (US$/share) | | | Exercise Price (US$/share) | |
March 1, 2010 | | | 125,000 | | | | 2.28 | | | | 5.25 | | | | 54.6 | | | | 13.41 | | | | 26.80 | |
March 16, 2010 | | | 150,000 | | | | 2.37 | | | | 5.25 | | | | 54.6 | | | | 14.91 | | | | 29.73 | |
June 15, 2010 | | | 305,000 | | | | 2.10 | | | | 5.25 | | | | 55.4 | | | | 12.00 | | | | 23.85 | |
June 15, 2010 | | | 105,000 | | | | 1.26 | | | | 3.0 | | | | 67.8 | | | | 10.82 | | | | 23.85 | |
June 15, 2010 | | | 5,000 | | | | 1.26 | | | | 3.0 | | | | 67.8 | | | | 10.50 | | | | 25.04 | |
September 14, 2010 | | | 15,000 | | | | 0.77 | | | | 3.0 | | | | 68.2 | | | | 10.70 | | | | 23.67 | |
September 14, 2010 | | | 15,000 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 5.25 | | | | 55.6 | | | | 11.73 | | | | 23.67 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
When options are vested, holders may exercise them at any time up to the maximum contractual life of the instrument which is specified in the option agreement. At December 31, 2010, the maximum life of options that had been issued under the Plan was 10 years. Upon providing the appropriate written notification, holders pay the exercise price and receive shares. Shares delivered under the Plan are newly issued shares. We received US$ 0.6 million in cash from the awards that were exercised in 2010 which had an intrinsic value of US$ $0.2 million. No options were exercised in 2009. We received US$ 1.2 million in cash from the awards that were exercised in 2008 which had an intrinsic value of US$ 0.8 million. The income tax benefits realized thereon was nil in 2010 and US$ 0.1 million in 2008.
The exercise of stock options has generated a net operating loss brought forward in our Delaware subsidiary of US$ 7.4 million at January 1, 2010 and US$ 8.5 million at January 1, 2009. In the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, tax benefits of US$ 0.7 million and US$ 0.3 million, respectively, were recognized in respect of the utilization of part of this loss, and were recorded as additional paid-in capital, net of US$ 0.1 million and US$ 0.3 million of transfers related to the write-off of deferred tax assets arising upon forfeitures for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The losses are subject to examination by the tax authorities and to restriction on their utilization.
Under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, 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.
The charge for stock-based compensation in our Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation charged | | | 6,837 | | | | 6,218 | | | | 6,107 | |
Income tax benefit recognized | | | - | | | | (317 | ) | | | (641 | ) |
As of December 31, 2010, there was US$ 9.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
A summary of option activity for the year ended December 31, 2010 is presented below:
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2010 | | | 2,000,750 | | | $ | 39.59 | | | | 5.24 | | | $ | 5,645 | |
Granted | | | 720,000 | | | | 25.59 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Exercised | | | (32,313 | ) | | | 18.31 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited | | | (149,375 | ) | | | 47.28 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 | | | 2,539,062 | | | $ | 35.44 | | | | 4.95 | | | $ | 2,189 | |
Vested or expected to vest | | | 2,436,335 | | | | 35.83 | | | | 4.88 | | | | 2,134 | |
Exercisable at December 31, 2010 | | | 1,426,247 | | | $ | 42.53 | | | | 3.85 | | | $ | 1,761 | |
Under the provisions of ASC 718, the fair value of stock options that are expected to vest is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognized ratably over the requisite servicing period. The calculation of compensation cost requires the use of several significant assumptions which are calculated as follows:
| · | Expected forfeitures. ASC 718 requires that compensation cost only be calculated on those instruments that are expected to vest in the future. The number of options that actually vest will usually differ from the total number issued because employees forfeit options when they do not meet the service conditions stipulated in the agreement. Since all forfeitures result from failure to meet service conditions, we have calculated the forfeiture rate by reference to the historical employee turnover rate. |
| · | Expected volatility. Expected volatility has been calculated based on an analysis of the historical stock price volatility of the company and its peers for the preceding period corresponding to the options’ expected life. We consider this basis to represent the best indicator of expected volatility over the life of the option. |
| · | Expected term. The expected term of options granted has been calculated following the “shortcut” method as outlined in ASC 718 because our options meet the definition of “plain vanilla” therein. Since insufficient data about holder exercise behavior is available to make estimates of expected term, we have continued to apply the shortcut method in accordance with ASC 718. |
The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for grants made in the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Risk-free interest rate | | | 2.02 | % | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.51 | % |
Expected term (years) | | | 4.9 | | | | 3.9 | | | | 4.6 | |
Expected volatility | | | 57.26 | % | | | 57.20 | % | | | 45.18 | % |
Dividend yield | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
Weighted-average fair value | | $ | 12.64 | | | $ | 8.31 | | | $ | 12.31 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The following table summarizes information about stock option activity during 2010, 2009, and 2008:
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price (US$/share) | | | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price (US$/share) | | | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price (US$/share) | |
Outstanding at beginning of year | | | 2,000,750 | | | $ | 39.59 | | | | 1,439,042 | | | $ | 50.81 | | | | 1,176,117 | | | $ | 56.72 | |
Awards granted | | | 720,000 | | | | 25.59 | | | | 691,875 | | | | 18.68 | | | | 342,000 | | | | 35.92 | |
Awards exercised | | | (32,313 | ) | | | 18.31 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (21,075 | ) | | | 57.97 | |
Awards forfeited | | | (149,375 | ) | | | 47.28 | | | | (130,167 | ) | | | 52.48 | | | | (58,000 | ) | | | 80.39 | |
Outstanding at end of year | | | 2,539,062 | | | $ | 35.44 | | | | 2,000,750 | | | $ | 39.59 | | | | 1,439,042 | | | $ | 50.81 | |
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010:
| | Options outstanding | |
Range of exercise prices | | Shares | | | Average remaining contractual life (years) | | | Aggregate intrinsic value (US$) | | | Weighted average exercise price (US$) | |
$ 0.01 - 20.00 | | | 656,937 | | | | 3.62 | | | $ | 2,163 | | | $ | 17.06 | |
$ 20.01 - 40.00 | | | 1,251,625 | | | | 6.12 | | | | 26 | | | | 24.42 | |
$ 40.01 - 60.00 | | | 218,125 | | | | 4.78 | | | | - | | | | 52.70 | |
$ 60.01 - 80.00 | | | 196,500 | | | | 3.34 | | | | - | | | | 67.09 | |
$ 80.01 - 100.00 | | | 30,000 | | | | 1.43 | | | | - | | | | 90.54 | |
$ 100.01 - 120.00 | | | 185,875 | | | | 4.19 | | | | - | | | | 111.97 | |
Total | | | 2,539,062 | | | | 4.95 | | | $ | 2,189 | | | $ | 35.44 | |
The following table summarizes information about stock options exercisable at December 31, 2010:
| | Options exercisable | |
Range of exercise prices | | Shares | | | Average remaining contractual life (years) | | | Aggregate intrinsic value (US$) | | | Weighted average exercise price (US$) | |
$ 0.01 - 20.00 | | | 512,372 | | | | 3.41 | | | $ | 1,754 | | | $ | 16.93 | |
$ 20.01 - 40.00 | | | 316,875 | | | | 4.39 | | | | 6 | | | | 23.93 | |
$ 40.01 - 60.00 | | | 218,125 | | | | 4.78 | | | | - | | | | 52.70 | |
$ 60.01 - 80.00 | | | 196,500 | | | | 3.34 | | | | - | | | | 67.09 | |
$ 80.01 - 100.00 | | | 30,000 | | | | 1.43 | | | | - | | | | 90.54 | |
$ 100.01 - 120.00 | | | 152,375 | | | | 4.03 | | | | - | | | | 111.62 | |
Total | | | 1,426,247 | | | | 3.85 | | | $ | 1,760 | | | $ | 42.53 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
16. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Net (loss) / income from continuing operations attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | (113,522 | ) | | $ | (60,333 | ) | | $ | 39,875 | |
Net income / (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 213,697 | | | | (36,824 | ) | | | (309,421 | ) |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | 100,175 | | | $ | (97,157 | ) | | $ | (269,546 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock (000’s) | | | 64,029 | | | | 54,344 | | | | 42,328 | |
Dilutive effect of employee stock options (000’s) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 355 | |
Common stock and common stock equivalents (000’s) | | | 64,029 | | | | 54,344 | | | | 42,683 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income / (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 1.57 | | | | (1.79 | ) | | | (6.37 | ) |
Diluted | | | 1.57 | | | | (1.79 | ) | | | (6.32 | ) |
At December 31, 2010, 1,827,408 (December 31, 2009: 1,328,052) stock options and warrants were antidilutive to income from continuing operations and excluded from the calculation of earnings per share. These may become dilutive in the future. Shares of Class A common stock potentially issuable under our 2008 Convertible Notes may also become dilutive in the future, although they were antidilutive to income at December 31, 2010.
17. SEGMENT DATA
Since January 1, 2010, we have managed our business on a divisional basis, with three operating segments which are also our reportable segments: Broadcast, New Media and Media Pro Entertainment, and all historic financial information has been presented on this basis. The new business segments reflect how the Company’s operations are managed, how operating performance within the Company is evaluated by senior management and the structure of our internal financial reporting. Supplemental geographic information on the performance of our Broadcast segment is provided due to the significance of our broadcast operations to CME Ltd. Management believes this information is useful to users of the financial statements.
Our Broadcast segment generates revenue from advertising fees and our New Media segment generates revenues from display and video advertising, paid premium content and subscriptions. Our Media Pro Entertainment segment generates revenues through the sale of production services to independent film-makers and through the sale of broadcast and distribution rights to third parties. Media Pro Entertainment also develops, produces and distributes television and film content which is shown on our television channels. In addition, the distribution and exhibition activities of Media Pro Entertainment generate revenues from the distribution of rights to film content to third party clients, from the exhibition of films in our theaters and from the sale of DVD and Blu Ray discs to wholesale and retail clients.
We evaluate the performance of our segments based on Net Revenues and OIBDA. OIBDA, which includes program rights amortization costs, is determined as operating income / (loss) before depreciation and amortization of intangible assets. In the past, our definition of EBITDA excluded foreign currency exchange gains and losses and changes in the fair value of derivatives. In effect, the amount arrived at by excluding those two items as well as interest and taxes from earnings is equal to OIBDA. Items that are not allocated to our segments for purposes of evaluating their performance and therefore are not included in their OIBDA, include stock-based compensation and certain unusual or infrequent items (e.g., impairments of assets or investments).
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Our key performance measure of the efficiency of our segments is OIBDA margin. OIBDA margin is the ratio of OIBDA to Net Revenues.
We believe OIBDA 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 operations. OIBDA is also used as a component in determining management bonuses. Intersegment revenues and profits have been eliminated in consolidation.
OIBDA may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies.
Below are tables showing our Net Revenues, OIBDA and total assets by segment for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 for Consolidated Statement of Operations data and as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 for Consolidated Balance Sheet data:
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
Net Revenues | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast: | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 61,753 | | | $ | 3,517 | | | $ | 1,261 | |
Croatia | | | 51,350 | | | | 48,543 | | | | 54,084 | |
Czech Republic | | | 265,018 | | | | 271,733 | | | | 374,099 | |
Romania | | | 157,416 | | | | 175,409 | | | | 273,271 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 90,391 | | | | 106,479 | | | | 132,367 | |
Slovenia | | | 64,799 | | | | 63,385 | | | | 75,963 | |
Total Broadcast | | | 690,727 | | | | 669,066 | | | | 911,045 | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | 140,797 | | | | 107,683 | | | | 99,112 | |
New Media | | | 11,193 | | | | 9,935 | | | | 9,431 | |
Central | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Intersegment revenues (1) | | | (105,583 | ) | | | (104,739 | ) | | | (99,112 | ) |
Total Net Revenues | | $ | 737,134 | | | $ | 681,945 | | | $ | 920,476 | |
(1) Reflects revenues earned by the Media Pro Entertainment segment through sales to the Broadcast segment. All other revenues are third party revenues.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
OIBDA | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast: | | | | | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | (2,071 | ) | | $ | (44,471 | ) | | $ | (10,216 | ) |
Croatia | | | 2,368 | | | | 634 | | | | (4,453 | ) |
Czech Republic | | | 122,818 | | | | 130,739 | | | | 208,681 | |
Romania | | | 25,997 | | | | 39,935 | | | | 110,421 | |
Slovak Republic | | | (1,001 | ) | | | 14,965 | | | | 49,608 | |
Slovenia | | | 18,427 | | | | 15,579 | | | | 24,072 | |
Divisional operating costs | | | (2,123 | ) | | | (2,410 | ) | | | - | |
Total Broadcast | | | 164,415 | | | | 154,971 | | | | 378,113 | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | (3,005 | ) | | | 7,538 | | | | 9,416 | |
New Media | | | (6,542 | ) | | | (8,651 | ) | | | (7,050 | ) |
Central | | | (44,062 | ) | | | (38,151 | ) | | | (48,787 | ) |
Elimination | | | (3,483 | ) | | | (333 | ) | | | - | |
Total OIBDA | | $ | 107,323 | | | $ | 115,374 | | | $ | 331,692 | |
Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Operations: | | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Total OIBDA | | $ | 107,323 | | | $ | 115,374 | | | $ | 331,692 | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | | | (58,062 | ) | | | (52,583 | ) | | | (49,471 | ) |
Amortization of intangible assets | | | (25,987 | ) | | | (19,919 | ) | | | (33,864 | ) |
Impairment | | | (397 | ) | | | (81,843 | ) | | | (64,891 | ) |
Operating income / (loss) | | | 22,877 | | | | (38,971 | ) | | | 183,466 | |
Interest expense, net | | | (131,267 | ) | | | (112,895 | ) | | | (72,737 | ) |
Foreign currency exchange (loss) / gain, net | | | (5,030 | ) | | | 82,920 | | | | (35,570 | ) |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | 1,164 | | | | 1,315 | | | | 6,360 | |
Other income | | | 357 | | | | 1,385 | | | | 2,631 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (5,025 | ) | | | (4,737 | ) | | | (42,208 | ) |
(Loss) / income from continuing operations | | $ | (116,924 | ) | | $ | (70,983 | ) | | $ | 41,942 | |
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Total assets (1): | | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
Broadcast | | $ | 2,552,034 | | | $ | 2,160,361 | |
New Media | | | 2,011 | | | | 3,085 | |
Media Pro Entertainment | | | 224,934 | | | | 233,415 | |
Total Operating Segments | | | 2,788,979 | | | | 2,396,861 | |
Corporate | | | 191,503 | | | | 401,162 | |
Elimination | | | (29,932 | ) | | | (11,585 | ) |
Total | | $ | 2,940,550 | | | $ | 2,786,438 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Reconciliation to Consolidated Balance Sheets: | | | | | | | | |
Assets held for sale (2) | | | - | | | | 86,349 | |
Total assets | | $ | 2,940,550 | | | $ | 2,872,787 | |
(1) Segment assets exclude any intercompany investments.
(2) Assets held for sale at December 31, 2009 represented our former operations in Ukraine which were disposed of in April 2010.
Long-lived assets (1): | | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
Bulgaria | | $ | 18,035 | | | $ | 8,492 | |
Croatia | | | 10,017 | | | | 11,743 | |
Czech Republic | | | 61,274 | | | | 66,533 | |
Romania | | | 104,304 | | | | 123,442 | |
Slovak Republic | | | 31,664 | | | | 36,989 | |
Slovenia | | | 25,163 | | | | 26,713 | |
| | | 250,457 | | | | 273,912 | |
Corporate | | | 445 | | | | 798 | |
Total long-lived assets | | $ | 250,902 | | | $ | 274,710 | |
(1) Reflects property, plant and equipment.
We do not rely on any single major customer or group of major customers.
18. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On January 20, 2010, we entered into an agreement to sell 100.0% of our former operations in Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited, a company beneficially owned by Mr. Kolomoisky, and as a result, we determined that the operations in Ukraine represented a disposal group consistent with the provisions of ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. In 2008, we had recorded an impairment charge of US$ 271.9 million to write the carrying value of goodwill, the indefinite-lived trademark and the KINO broadcasting license to US$ nil (see Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”). We completed the sale of our operations in Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited on April 7, 2010 for total gross proceeds of US$ 308.0 million, resulting in a net gain of US$ 217.6 million, net of transaction costs of US$ 0.5 million.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
The results of all our former operations in Ukraine have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Summarized Financial Information of Discontinued Operations
Summarized operating results for the Ukraine disposal group for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Revenues | | $ | 16,888 | | | $ | 32,083 | | | $ | 101,192 | |
Cost of revenues | | | (19,473 | ) | | | (70,257 | ) | | | (123,954 | ) |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | (2,223 | ) | | | (6,301 | ) | | | (20,337 | ) |
Impairment charge | | | - | | | | - | | | | (271,861 | ) |
Operating loss | | | (4,808 | ) | | | (44,475 | ) | | | (314,960 | ) |
Foreign exchange gain / (loss) | | | 891 | | | | (458 | ) | | | (2,406 | ) |
Other income | | | 25 | | | | 171 | | | | 198 | |
Loss before tax | | | (3,892 | ) | | | (44,762 | ) | | | (317,168 | ) |
(Provision) / credit for income tax | | | (30 | ) | | | 7,938 | | | | 7,747 | |
Gain on sale | | | 217,619 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Income / (loss) from discontinued operations | | $ | 213,697 | | | $ | (36,824 | ) | | $ | (309,421 | ) |
19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
a) Station Programming Rights Agreements
At December 31, 2010, we had total commitments of US$ 420.1 million (December 31, 2009: US$ 438.6 million) in respect of our broadcast operations for future programming, including contracts signed with license periods starting after the balance sheet date. The amounts are payable as follows:
| | Total | | | Less than 1 year | | | 1-3 years | | | 3-5 years | | | More than 5 years | |
Programming purchase obligations | | $ | 420,058 | | | $ | 159,455 | | | $ | 212,699 | | | $ | 47,904 | | | $ | - | |
b) Operating Lease Commitments
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 we incurred aggregate rent on all facilities of US$ 11.7 million, US$ 8.4 million and US$ 10.2 million, respectively. Future minimum operating lease payments at December 31, 2010 for non-cancellable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year (net of amounts to be recharged to third parties) are payable as follows:
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
| | December 31, 2010 | |
| | | |
2011 | | $ | 7,640 | |
2012 | | | 5,584 | |
2013 | | | 3,154 | |
2014 | | | 2,856 | |
2015 | | | 1,599 | |
2016 and thereafter | | | 10,953 | |
Total | | $ | 31,786 | |
c) Factoring of Trade Receivables
CET 21 has a working capital credit facility of CZK 300 million (approximately US$ 16.0 million) with CSAS. This facility is secured by a pledge of receivables under the factoring agreement with FCS. As at December 31, 2010, there were no drawings under this facility.
The transfer of the receivables is accounted for as a secured borrowing under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, with the proceeds received recorded in the 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 or arbitration proceedings arising in the normal course of our business operations. Other than the claim discussed below, we are not presently a party to any such litigation or arbitration which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or operations.
Video International Termination
On March 18, 2009, Video International Company Group, CGSC (“VI”), a Russian legal entity, filed a claim in the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”) against our wholly-owned subsidiary CME BV, which was, at the time the claim was filed, the principal holding company of our former Ukrainian operations. The claim relates to the termination of an agreement between VI and CME BV dated November 30, 2006 (the “parent agreement”). The parent agreement was one of four related contracts by which VI subsidiaries, including LLC Video International-Prioritet (“Prioritet”), supplied advertising and marketing services to Studio 1+1 LLC (“Studio 1+1”) in Ukraine and International Media Services Ltd., an offshore affiliate of Studio 1+1 (“IMS”). Among these four cont racts were the advertising services agreement and the marketing services agreements both between Prioritet and Studio 1+1. On December 24, 2008, each of CME BV, Studio 1+1 and IMS provided notices of termination to their respective contract counterparties, following which each of the four contracts terminated on March 24, 2009. In connection with these terminations, Studio 1+1 was required under the advertising and marketing services agreements to pay a termination penalty equal to (i) 12% of the average monthly advertising revenues, and (ii) 6% of the average monthly sponsorship revenues, in each case for advertising and sponsorship sold by Prioritet for the six months prior to the termination date, multiplied by six. On June 1, 2009, Studio 1+1 paid UAH 13.5 million (approximately US$ 1.7 million) to Prioritet and set off UAH 7.4 million (approximately US$ 0.9 million) against amounts owing to Studio 1+1 under the advertising and marketing services agreements. In its LCIA claim, VI sought paymen t of a separate indemnity from CME BV under the parent agreement equal to the aggregate amount of Studio 1+1’s advertising revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The total amount of relief sought was US$ 58.5 million.
On September 30, 2010, a partial award was issued in the arbitration proceedings, pursuant to which VI’s claim for relief in the amount of US$ 58.5 million was dismissed and CME BV was awarded reimbursement of its legal fees and other costs in respect of the arbitration proceedings, which were received on October 27, 2010. The partial award does permit VI to bring a subsequent claim against CME BV as parent guarantor in the event that VI establishes that it is entitled to additional compensation under the advertising and marketing services agreements with Studio 1+1 and that such compensation is not satisfied by Studio 1+1. We do not believe it is likely that we will be required to make any further payment.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
b) Lehman Brothers Bankruptcy Claim
On March 4, 2008, we purchased for cash consideration of US$ 22.2 million, capped call options from Lehman OTC (see Note 5, “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”) over 1,583,333 shares of our Class A common stock which entitled us to receive, at our election following a conversion under the 2008 Convertible Notes, cash or shares of Class A common stock with a value equal to the difference between the trading price of our shares at the time the option is exercised and US$ 105.00, up to a maximum trading price of US$ 151.20.
On September 15, 2008, Lehman Holdings, the guarantor of the obligations of Lehman OTC under the capped call agreement, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy filing of Lehman Holdings, as guarantor, was an event of default and gave us the right to terminate the capped call agreement with Lehman OTC and claim for losses. We exercised this right on September 16, 2008 and claimed an amount of US$ 19.9 million, which bears interest at a rate equal to CME’s estimate of its cost of funding plus 1.0% per annum.
On October 3, 2008, Lehman OTC also filed for protection under Chapter 11. We filed claims in the bankruptcy proceedings of both Lehman Holdings and Lehman OTC. Our claim was a general unsecured claim and ranked together with similar claims.
On March 3, 2009 we assigned our claim in the bankruptcy proceedings of Lehman Holdings and Lehman OTC to an unrelated third party for cash consideration of US$ 3.4 million, or 17.0% of the claim value. Under the terms of the agreement, in certain circumstances which we consider remote, including if our claim is subsequently disallowed or adjusted by the bankruptcy court, the counterparty would be able to recoup the corresponding portion of the purchase price from us. Likewise, if the amount of recovery exceeds the amount of our claim, we may receive a portion of that recovery from the claim purchaser.
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 5.0%) be allocated to a reserve, which reserve is capped at a proportion of the registered capital of a company (ranging from 5.0% to 25.0%). The restricted net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries and equity in earnings of investments accounted for under the equity method together are less than 25.0% of consolidated net assets.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Overview
There is a limited local market for many specialist broadcasting products and services in the countries in which we operate; many of these services are provided by parties known to be connected to our local shareholders, members of our management and board of directors or our equity investees. As stated in ASC Topic 850, Related Party Disclosures, transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s-length basis, as the requisite conditions of competitive, free-market dealings may not exist. We continue to review all of these arrangements.
Related Party Groups
We consider our related parties to be those shareholders who have direct control and/or influence and other parties that can significantly influence management as well as our officers and directors; a “connected” party is one in relation to whom we are aware of the existence of a family or business connection to a shareholder. We have identified transactions with individuals or entities associated with the following individuals or entities as related party transactions: Adrian Sarbu, our President and Chief Executive Officer, a member of our Board of Directors and beneficial owner of approximately 4.9% of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock; Time Warner, beneficial owners of approximately 30.1% of our outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock; Igor Kolomoisky, beneficial owner of approximately 2.5% o f our outstanding shares of Class A common stock and a member of our Board of Directors; and Ronald S. Lauder, our non-executive Chairman of the Board who also has voting control over 67.8% of our Class A and Class B common stock.
Related Party Transactions
Adrian Sarbu
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of programming and services | | $ | 5,174 | | | $ | 36,900 | | | $ | 51,900 | |
Sales | | | 852 | | | | 900 | | | | 1,900 | |
| | As at December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Accounts Payable | | $ | 896 | | | $ | 400 | |
Accounts Receivable | | | 583 | | | | 1,500 | |
On May 24, 2010, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in each of Pro TV, MPI and MVI from Mr. Sarbu for cash consideration of US$ 6.2 million and 800,000 shares of our Class A common stock with a fair value of US$ 18.5 million at the date of the acquisition (see Note 3, “Acquisitions and Disposals”).
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
Time Warner
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of programming and services | | $ | 33,566 | | | $ | 61,800 | | | $ | 87,100 | |
Sales | | | 40 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | As at December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Accounts Payable | | $ | 50,490 | | | $ | 39,600 | |
Accounts Receivable | | | 46 | | | | - | |
Igor Kolomoisky
On April 7, 2010, we completed the sale of our operations in Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited, a company beneficially owned by Mr. Kolomoisky, for total consideration of US$ 308.0 million, resulting in a gain of US$ 217.6 million (see Note 18, “Discontinued Operations”).
Ronald S. Lauder
We have paid approximately US$ 2.9 million, including approximately US$ 0.4 million in 2010, of legal fees incurred by Ronald S. Lauder in connection with the negotiation and implementation of the investment by Time Warner Media Holding B.V. in CME Ltd. in May 2009, which included the dissolution of the CME Holdo L.P. partnership between Mr. Lauder and an affiliate of Apax Partners. In the agreements governing this investment, we had undertaken to pay the reasonable legal fees of Mr. Lauder relating to the investment. These payments were approved by a committee of independent directors of our Board.
21. INDENTURE COVENANTS
Under the terms of the indentures governing the Floating Rate Notes, the 2009 Fixed Rate Notes and the 2010 Fixed Rate Notes (the “2007 Indenture”, the “2009 Indenture” and the “2010 Indenture”, respectively), we are largely restricted from raising debt at the corporate level if the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense (both as defined in the 2007 Indenture and 2009 Indenture) (the “Coverage Ratio”) is less than 2.0 times. For this purpose, the calculation includes CME Ltd. and its subsidiaries that are “Restricted Subsidiaries.” In addition, under the 2010 Indenture, CET 21 is restricted from incurring indebtedness if the ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA of CET 21 and its Restricted Subsidiaries would exceed 2.25 times. Subsid iaries may be designated as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” and excluded from the calculation of Coverage Ratio by our Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2010, our Unrestricted Subsidiaries consisted of those subsidiaries that comprise the Pro.BG business in Bulgaria, CME Development Financing B.V. (the “Development Financing Holding Company”), the entity that funds these operations, and following the disposal of our operations in Ukraine in April 2010, CME Austria GmbH (formerly CME Ukraine Holding GMBH).
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
As at December 31, 2010, our Coverage Ratio was below 2.0 times. Therefore, our Restricted Subsidiaries are restricted from making payments or investments in total of more than EUR 80.0 million (approximately US$ 106.9 million) to our Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
There is no requirement to maintain a minimum cash balance in any of our Unrestricted Subsidiaries and we may choose to transfer cash to our Restricted Subsidiaries. Following the disposal of our former operations in Ukraine, we transferred US$ 162.9 million of cash from the Development Financing Holding Company to a Restricted Subsidiary and the total remaining US$ 21.5 million cash balance at December 31, 2010 in the Development Financing Holding Company and CME Austria GmbH remains available to our Restricted Subsidiaries at any time. We intend to maintain sufficient amounts to fund the Pro.BG business in Bulgaria until full integration of the Pro.BG business with the bTV group is complete.
If the Unrestricted Subsidiaries exhaust all available cash, it may be possible to re-designate them as Restricted Subsidiaries provided that our Coverage Ratio is not below 2.0 times on a pro-forma basis. Our Restricted Subsidiaries are not restricted in the manner or amount of funding support they may provide to the Unrestricted Subsidiaries if they are so re-designated. Such a re-designation could have adverse consequences for our Coverage Ratio. If a funding need arises for our Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and we are prevented from re-designating our operations as Restricted Subsidiaries, those operations would be required to raise debt on a stand-alone basis, attract additional equity funding, divest some or all of their assets or enter bankruptcy proceedings.
Selected financial information for CME Ltd. and its Restricted Subsidiaries and Unrestricted Subsidiaries as required by the 2009 Indenture was as follows:
| | Issuer and Restricted Subsidiaries | | | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | | | Inter-group Eliminations | | | Total | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations: | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | |
Net revenues | | $ | 735,062 | | | $ | 3,928 | | | $ | (1,856 | ) | | $ | 737,134 | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | | | 50,666 | | | | 3,749 | | | | - | | | | 54,415 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | 25,987 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 25,987 | |
Operating income / (loss) | | | 53,482 | | | | (30,560 | ) | | | (45 | ) | | | 22,877 | |
Net (loss) / income attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | (139,409 | ) | | $ | 239,629 | | | $ | (45 | ) | | $ | 100,175 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated Balance Sheet: | | As at December 31, 2010 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 219,789 | | | $ | 24,261 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 244,050 | |
Third party debt (1) | | | 1,359,330 | | | | 454 | | | | - | | | | 1,359,784 | |
Total assets | | | 3,212,077 | | | | 37,942 | | | | (309,469 | ) | | | 2,940,550 | |
Total CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity | | $ | 1,493,511 | | | $ | (36,981 | ) | | $ | (229,651 | ) | | $ | 1,226,879 | |
(1) Third party debt is defined as credit facilities and capital leases or debt with entities that are not part of the CME Ltd. consolidated group.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
| | Issuer and Restricted Subsidiaries | | | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | | | Inter-group Eliminations | | | Total | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations: | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 | |
Net revenues | | $ | 678,424 | | | $ | 3,521 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 681,945 | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | | | 48,894 | | | | 2,697 | | | | - | | | | 51,591 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | 18,373 | | | | 1,546 | | | | - | | | | 19,919 | |
Operating income / (loss) | | | 91,464 | | | | (130,435 | ) | | | - | | | | (38,971 | ) |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | 63,448 | | | $ | (160,605 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (97,157 | ) |
| |
Consolidated Balance Sheet: | | As at December 31, 2009 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 243,314 | | | $ | 202,640 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 445,954 | |
Third Party Debt (1) | | | 1,377,194 | | | | 674 | | | | - | | | | 1,377,868 | |
Total assets | | | 3,365,435 | | | | 335,623 | | | | (828,271 | ) | | | 2,872,787 | |
Total CME Ltd. shareholders’ equity | | $ | 1,683,789 | | | $ | 195,459 | | | $ | (701,659 | ) | | $ | 1,177,589 | |
(1) Third party debt is defined as credit facilities and capital leases or debt with entities that are not part of the CME Ltd. consolidated group.
| | Issuer and Restricted Subsidiaries | | | Unrestricted Subsidiaries | | | Inter-group Eliminations | | | Total | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations: | | For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 | |
Net revenues | | $ | 919,351 | | | $ | 1,125 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 920,476 | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | | | 48,047 | | | | 535 | | | | - | | | | 48,582 | |
Amortization of broadcast licenses and other intangibles | | | 30,978 | | | | 2,886 | | | | - | | | | 33,864 | |
Operating income / (loss) | | | 263,892 | | | | (80,426 | ) | | | - | | | | 183,466 | |
Net income / (loss) attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | 128,572 | | | $ | (398,118 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (269,546 | ) |
22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 31, 2011, we completed the acquisition of 100% of Pro Digital s.r.l. (“Pro Digital”), a company controlled by Adrian Sarbu and a minority shareholder, on a debt-free basis for cash consideration of EUR 0.7 million (approximately US$ 0.9 million). Pro Digital is a free-to-air broadcaster in Moldova whose broadcasts are comprised primarily of the rebroadcast of our PRO TV channel in Romania.
On February 18, 2011, we completed privately negotiated exchanges of US$ 206.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 2008 Convertible Notes for US$ 206.3 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior convertible notes due 2015. The exchanging holders of the 2008 Convertible Notes also received cash consideration including accrued interest totaling approximately US$ 30.2 million.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEDIA ENTERPRISES LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in US$ 000’s, except share data)
23. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
| | For the Year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| | First Quarter (Unaudited) | | | Second Quarter (Unaudited) | | | Third Quarter (Unaudited) | | | Fourth Quarter (Unaudited) | |
| | (US$ 000’s, except per share data) | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | $ | 143,641 | | | $ | 201,726 | | | $ | 134,354 | | | $ | 257,413 | |
Cost of revenues | | | 134,329 | | | | 146,282 | | | | 131,045 | | | | 182,388 | |
Operating (loss) / income | | | (19,133 | ) | | | 25,452 | | | | (25,345 | ) | | | 41,903 | |
Net (loss) / income from continuing operations | | | (41,986 | ) | | | (52,913 | ) | | | 3,417 | | | | (25,442 | ) |
Net (loss) / income from discontinued operations | | | (3,922 | ) | | | 217,619 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Net (loss) / income attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | (42,294 | ) | | $ | 165,169 | | | $ | 3,416 | | | $ | (26,116 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) / income per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic EPS | | $ | (0.67 | ) | | $ | 2.59 | | | $ | 0.05 | | | $ | (0.41 | ) |
Effect of dilutive securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Diluted EPS | | $ | (0.67 | ) | | $ | 2.59 | | | $ | 0.05 | | | $ | (0.41 | ) |
| | For the Year ended December 31, 2009 | |
| | First Quarter (Unaudited) | | | Second Quarter (Unaudited) | | | Third Quarter (Unaudited) | | | Fourth Quarter (Unaudited) | |
| | (US$ 000’s, except per share data) | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | $ | 136,320 | | | $ | 182,967 | | | $ | 128,235 | | | $ | 234,423 | |
Cost of revenues | | | 106,520 | | | | 126,276 | | | | 124,147 | | | | 172,343 | |
Operating (loss) / income | | | (71,284 | ) | | | 28,756 | | | | (20,731 | ) | | | 24,288 | |
Net (loss) / income from continuing operations | | | (38,105 | ) | | | 35,759 | | | | (18,357 | ) | | | (50,280 | ) |
Net loss from discontinued operations | | | (8,835 | ) | | | (13,653 | ) | | | (5,937 | ) | | | (8,399 | ) |
Net (loss) / income attributable to CME Ltd. | | $ | (44,438 | ) | | $ | 24,081 | | | $ | (21,550 | ) | | $ | (55,250 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) / income per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic EPS | | $ | (1.05 | ) | | $ | 0.47 | | | $ | (0.35 | ) | | $ | (0.89 | ) |
Effect of dilutive securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Diluted EPS | | $ | (1.05 | ) | | $ | 0.47 | | | $ | (0.35 | ) | | $ | (0.89 | ) |
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods and is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2010 and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of that date.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We have performed an assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. This assessment was performed under the direction and supervision of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, and utilized the framework established in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on that evaluation, we concluded that as of December 31, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte LLP, has audited our financial statements and issued a report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three month period ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
February 23, 2011
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd.
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 of the Company and our report dated February 23, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.
DELOITTE LLP
London, United Kingdom
February 23, 2011
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Election of Directors,” “Management,” “Corporate Governance and Board of Director Matters” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 12 relating to the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in our Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2010 about common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans.
Equity Compensation Plan Information | |
| | | (a) | | | (b) | | | (c) | |
Plan Category | | | Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | | Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | | | | 2,539,062 | (1) | | $ | 35.44 | | | | 932,231 | |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total | | | | 2,539,062 | | | $ | 35.44 | | | | 932,231 | |
__________________(1) This number consists of options outstanding at December 31, 2010 under CME’s Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Director Independence” in our Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Selection of Auditors” in our Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) The following Financial Statements of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. are included in Part Il, Item 8 of this Report:
| · | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; |
| · | Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009; |
| · | Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008; |
| · | Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008; |
| · | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008; and |
| · | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule (included at page S-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
(a)(3) The following exhibits are included in this report:
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | |
3.01* | | Memorandum of Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 3380344 on Form S-1, filed June 17, 1994). |
| | |
3.02* | | Bye-Laws of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., as amended and restated on June 3, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.02 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008). |
| | |
3.03* | | Memorandum of Increase of Share Capital (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.03 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80344 on Form S-1, filed August 19, 1994). |
| | |
3.04* | | Memorandum of Reduction of Share Capital (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.04 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80344 on Form S-1, filed September 14, 1994). |
| | |
3.05* | | Certificate of Deposit of Memorandum of Increase of Share Capital executed by the Registrar of Companies on May 20, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997). |
| | |
4.01* | | Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80344 on Form S-1, filed August 19, 1994). |
| | |
4.02* | | Indenture among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. as Issuer, Central European Media Enterprises N.V. and CME Media Enterprises B.V. as Subsidiary Guarantors, BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as Trustee, The Bank of New York as Security Trustee, Principal Paying Agent and Transfer Agent and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. as Registrar, Luxembourg Transfer Agent and Luxembourg Paying Agent, dated May 16, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.65 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007). |
| | |
4.03* | | Registration Rights Agreement among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Lehman Brothers Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., BNP Paribas and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, dated March 10, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008). |
| | |
4.04* | | Indenture among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V. and The Bank of New York, dated March 10, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008). |
| | |
4.05* | | Indenture among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. as Issuer, Central European Media Enterprises N.V. and CME Media Enterprises B.V. as Subsidiary Guarantors, The Bank of New York, acting through its London Branch, as Trustee, The Bank of New York, acting through its London Branch, as Principal Paying Agent and Transfer Agent, The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as Security Trustee and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. as Registrar, Luxembourg Transfer Agent and Luxembourg Paying Agent, dated September 17, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | |
4.06* | | Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Media Pro B.V., dated December 9, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.07 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
| | |
4.07* | | Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Media Pro Management S.A., dated December 9, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.08 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
| | |
4.08* | | Registration Rights Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and Igor Kolomoisky, dated as of August 24, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.03 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007). |
| | |
4.09* | | Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Company and Time Warner Media Holdings B.V., dated May 18, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
| | |
| | Indenture among CET 21 spol. s r.o. as Issuer, Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Slovak Holdings B.V., CME Investments B.V. and MARKÍZA-SLOVAKIA, spol. s r.o. as Guarantors, Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as Trustee, Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as Paying Agent and Transfer Agent and Citigroup Global Markets Deutschland AG as Registar, dated October 21, 2010. |
| | |
10.01*+ | | Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan, as amended on April 25, 2007 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008). |
| | |
10.02*+ | | Employee Stock Option Form (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004). |
| | |
10.03* | | Subscription Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and Igor Kolomoisky, dated August 24, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007). |
| | |
10.04* | | Pledge Agreement among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Central European Media Enterprises N.V. and The Bank of New York, dated March 10, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008). |
| | |
10.05* | | Deed of Pledge of Shares among Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V. and The Bank of New York, dated March 10, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008). |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | |
10.06* | | Capped Call Transaction between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., dated March 4, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008). |
| | |
10.07* | | Capped Call Transaction between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and BNP Paribas, dated March 4, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008). |
| | |
10.08* | | Capped Call Transaction between the Company and Lehman Brothers OTC Derivatives Inc., dated March 4, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008). |
| | |
10.09* | | Separation Agreement between CME Development Corporation and Michael Garin, dated December 14, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2008). |
| | |
10.10* | | Subscription Agreement, by and between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and TW Media Holdings LLC, dated March 22, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009). |
| | |
10.11* | | Indemnity Agreement, by and among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Ronald S. Lauder and RSL Savannah LLC, dated as of March 22, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009). |
| | |
10.12*+ | | Contract of Employment dated June 30, 2009 between CME Development Corporation and Charles Frank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009). |
| | |
10.13* | | First Amended and Restated Framework Agreement among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., CME Ukraine Holding B.V., CME Cyprus Holding Limited, Alstrom Business Corp, Michalakis Tsitsekkos, Igor Kolomoisky and Ihor Surkis, dated July 22, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
| | |
10.14* | | Framework Agreement among CME Production B.V., CME Romania B.V., Media Pro Management S.A., Media Pro B.V. and Adrian Sarbu, dated July 27, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
| | |
10.15*+ | | Contract of Employment between CME Media Services Limited and Adrian Sarbu, dated July 27, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | |
10.16* | | Dealer Manager Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, dated September 7, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
| | |
10.17* | | Tender Agency Agreement between Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Principal Tender Agent, and certain other tender agents, dated September 7, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
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10.18* | | Global Deed of Release among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., CME Media Enterprises B.V., Central European Media Enterprises N.V. and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dated September 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
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10.19* | | Contract Assignment between CME Media Enterprises B.V, Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c., dated September 17, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
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10.20* | | Pledge Agreement among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Central European Media Enterprises N.V., The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c., dated September 17, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
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10.21* | | Deed of Pledge of Shares among Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V., The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c., dated September 17, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
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10.22* | | Global Deed of Release among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., CME Media Enterprises B.V., Central European Media Enterprises N.V. and The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London Branch), dated September 29, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009). |
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10.23* | | Amendment to the Framework Agreement among CME Production B.V., CME Romania B.V., Media Pro Management S.A., Media Pro B.V. and Adrian Sarbu, dated December 9, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.66 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
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10.24* | | Subscription Agreement among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., Media Pro Management S.A. and Media Pro B.V., dated December 9, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | |
10.25* | | Share Purchase Agreement among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., CME Cyprus Holding II Limited, Igor Kolomoisky and Harley Trading Limited, dated January 20, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.68 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
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10.26* | | Termination agreement among Central European Media Enterprises Ltd., CME Ukraine Holding B.V., CME Cyprus Holding Limited, Alstrom Business Corp, Michalakis Tsitsekkos, Igor Kolomoisky and Ihor Surkis, dated January 20, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
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10.27* | | Facility Agreement among CET 21 spol. s r.o., Erste Group Bank A.G. as arranger, Česká Spořitelna, a.s. (“CSAS”) as facility agent and security agent, CSAS, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic, a.s. and BNP Paribas as original lenders and the Company, CME Slovak Holdings B.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Romania B.V. and MARKÍZA-SLOVAKIA, spol. s r.o. as original guarantors, dated December 21, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
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10.28* | | Investor Rights Agreement among the Company, Ronald S. Lauder, RSL Savannah LLC, RSL Investment LLC, RSL Investments Corporation and Time Warner Media Holdings B.V., dated May 18, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
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10.29* | | Irrevocable Voting Deed and Corporate Representative Appointment among RSL Savannah LLC, Time Warner Media Holdings B.V. and the Company, dated May 18, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.72 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
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10.30*+ | | Contract of Employment between CME Media Services Limited and Dave Sturgeon, dated June 19, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009). |
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10.31* | | Deed relating to the Sale and Purchase of Certain Media Interests in Bulgaria by and among News Netherlands B.V., News Corporation, CME Media Enterprises B.V. and Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. dated February 18, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010). |
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10.32*+ | | Contract of Employment between CME Media Services Limited and David Sach, dated February 26, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010). |
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10.33*+ | | Contract of Employment between CME Media Services Limited and Andrei Boncea, dated May 3, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010). |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
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10.34* | | Amended and Restated Sale and Purchase Agreement between CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Development Financing B.V., Top Tone Media Holdings Limited and Krassimir Guergov, dated April 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010). |
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10.35* | | Investment Agreement between CME Media Enterprises B.V, and Top Tone Media Holdings Limited, dated April 22, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010). |
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10.36* | | Deed of Termination and Release between CME Media Enterprises B.V., Top Tone Media Holdings Limited and Krassimir Guergov, dated April 22, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010). |
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10.37*+ | | Contract of Employment between CME Media Services Limited and Petr Dvorak, dated May 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010). |
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10.38* | | Sale and Purchase Agreement in respect of Pro TV S.A., Media Pro International S.A. and Media Vision S.R.L. among CME Investments B.V., Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and Adrian Sarbu, dated May 24, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010). |
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10.39*+ | | Amended and Restated Contract of Employment between CME Media Services Limited and Dave Sturgeon, dated July 27, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010). |
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| | CZK 1,500,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement among CET 21 spol. s r.o. as original borrower, BNP Paribas S.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Citibank Europe plc (acting through its Prague branch Citibank Europe plc, organizační složka), ING Bank N.V. and CSAS. as original lenders, BNP Paribas S.A., J.P. Morgan plc, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, ING Bank N.V. and CSAS. as arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A. as agent, BNP Paribas Trust Corporation UK Limited as Security Agent and th e Company, Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Slovak Holdings B.V., MARKÍZA-SLOVAKIA, spol. s r.o. and CME Investments B.V. as original guarantors, dated October 21, 2010. |
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| | Pledge Agreement among the Company, Central European Media Enterprises N.V. and BNP Paribas Trust Corporation UK Limited, dated October 21, 2010. |
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| | Deed of Pledge of Shares among Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V. and BNP Paribas Trust Corporation UK Limited, dated October 21, 2010. |
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| | Deed of Amendment to the Intercreditor Agreement dated July 21, 2006, as amended, among the Company, Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V., BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited, The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch, The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c., Citibank, N.A., London Branch, BNP Paribas Trust Corporation UK Limited and BNP Paribas S.A., dated October 21, 2010. |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
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| | Intercreditor Agreement dated October 21, 2010 among the Company, CET 21 spol. s r.o., Central European Media Enterprises N.V., CME Media Enterprises B.V., CME Slovak Holdings B.V., MARKÍZA-SLOVAKIA, spol. s r.o., CME Investments B.V., BNP Paribas S.A., Citibank Europe plc, ING Bank N.V., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., CSAS., BNP Paribas S.A. as agent, BNP Paribas Trust Corporation UK Limited as security agent and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as notes trustee, dated October 21, 2010. |
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| | Amended and Restated Contract of Employment between CME Media Services Limited and Anthony Chhoy, dated December 1, 2010 |
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| | List of subsidiaries. |
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| | Consent of Deloitte LLP. |
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24.0 | | Power of Attorney, dated as of February 23, 2011 |
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| | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| | Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only). |
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101.INS# | | XBRL Instance Document |
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101.SCH# | | XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document |
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101.CAL# | | XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document |
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101.DEF# | | XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document |
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101.LAB# | | XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document |
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101.PRE# | | XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document |
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101.INS# | | XBRL Instance Document |
* | Previously filed exhibits |
+ | Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan |
# | XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections. |
b) Exhibits: See (a)(3) above for a listing of the exhibits included as part of this report.
c) Report of Independent Registered Public Accountants on Schedule II - Schedule of Valuation Allowances. (See page S-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.)
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 23, 2011 | /s/ David Sach |
| David Sach |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | | | |
* | | Chairman of the Board of Directors | | February 23, 2011 |
Ronald S. Lauder | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | | | February 23, 2011 |
Herbert A. Granath | | Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Adrian Sarbu | | President and Chief Executive Officer | | |
Adrian Sarbu | | and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | | February 23, 2011 |
| | | | |
/s/ David Sach | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | | February 23, 2011 |
David Sach | | (Principal Financial Officer) | | |
| | | | |
/s/ David Sturgeon | | Deputy Chief Financial Officer | | February 23, 2011 |
David Sturgeon | | (Principal Accounting Officer) | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Paul T. Cappuccio | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Michael Del Nin | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Charles Frank | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Igor Kolomoisky | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Alfred W. Langer | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Fred H. Langhammer | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Bruce Maggin | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Parm Sandhu | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Caryn Seidman Becker | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Duco Sickinghe | | | | |
| | | | |
* | | Director | | February 23, 2011 |
Eric Zinterhofer | | | | |
| | | | |
*By: | /s/ David Sach |
| |
| David Sach |
| Attorney-in-fact |
S-1
Schedule II
Schedule of Valuation Allowances
(US$ 000’s)
| | Bad debt and credit note provision | | | Deferred tax allowance | |
Balance at December 31, 2007 | | $ | 12,552 | | | $ | 28,896 | |
Charged to costs and expenses | | | 436 | | | | 6,626 | |
Charged to other accounts (1) | | | (1,861 | ) | | | 11,880 | |
Foreign exchange | | | (209 | ) | | | (576 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2008 | | | 10,918 | | | | 46,826 | |
Charged to costs and expenses | | | 8,199 | | | | (16,349 | ) |
Charged to other accounts (1) | | | (5,056 | ) | | | 29,762 | |
Foreign exchange | | | 32 | | | | (93 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2009 | | | 14,093 | | | | 60,146 | |
Charged to costs and expenses | | | 5,296 | | | | 30,427 | |
Charged to other accounts (1) | | | (5,606 | ) | | | - | |
Foreign exchange | | | (578 | ) | | | (20 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2010 | | $ | 13,205 | | | $ | 90,553 | |
(1) Charged to other accounts for the bad debt and credit note provision consist primarily of accounts receivable written off and opening balance of acquired companies.
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