1
This report (including all exhibits)
consists of a total of 17 pages, of which this
page is number 1. The exhibit index is on page 14.
FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly
Period Ended October 2, 1994 Commission File Number 1-6714
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THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 53-0182885
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1150 15th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20071
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(202) 334-6000
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X . No .
-------- -------
Shares outstanding at November 1, 1994:
Class A Common Stock 1,843,250 Shares
Class B Common Stock 9,628,284 Shares
2
2.
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited) for the Thirteen and Thirty-nine
Weeks Ended October 2, 1994 and
October 3, 1993................................ 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
at October 2, 1994 and January 2, 1994......... 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited) for the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
October 2, 1994 and October 3, 1993............ 5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited).................................... 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition............. 7
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 5 Other Information ................................... 14
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K .................... 14
Signatures ..................................................... 15
Exhibit 11...................................................... 16
Exhibit 27 (Electronic Filing Only)............................. 17
3
3.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
------------------------- --------------------------
OCT. 2, OCT. 3, OCT. 2, OCT. 3,
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 1994 1993 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- --------
OPERATING REVENUES
ADVERTISING $245,042 $208,972 $ 718,920 $ 656,652
CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIBER 107,522 110,091 326,784 336,298
OTHER 47,262 45,059 117,390 109,583
------- ------- --------- ---------
399,826 364,122 1,163,094 1,102,533
------- ------- --------- ---------
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
OPERATING 215,295 199,287 631,078 587,967
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE 95,045 90,990 281,162 288,722
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION OF
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 15,663 14,773 45,733 44,855
AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER
INTANGIBLES 7,570 4,058 18,103 12,183
------- ------- --------- ---------
333,573 309,108 976,076 933,727
------- ------- --------- ---------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 66,253 55,014 187,018 168,806
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS (LOSSES) OF AFFILIATES 11,091 (11) 7,917 (2,397)
INTEREST INCOME 1,427 2,653 7,022 7,747
INTEREST EXPENSE (1,332) (1,029) (4,180) (3,460)
OTHER 508 19,266 3,114 19,853
------- ------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE
EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 77,947 75,893 200,891 190,549
------- ------- --------- ---------
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
CURRENT 31,165 32,259 85,891 81,487
DEFERRED (670) (1,209) (2,521) (2,277)
------- ------- --------- ---------
30,495 31,050 83,370 79,210
------- ------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 47,452 44,843 117,521 111,339
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN METHOD
OF ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES - - - 11,600
------- ------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME $ 47,452 $ 44,843 $ 117,521 $ 122,939
======= ======= ========= =========
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE $ 4.13 $ 3.82 $ 10.11 $ 9.47
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE - - - .98
------- ------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME $ 4.13 $ 3.82 $ 10.11 $ 10.45
======= ======= ========= =========
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE $ 2.10 $ 2.10 $ 4.20 $ 4.20
======= ======= ========= =========
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING 11,492 11,731 11,627 11,760
4
4.
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
OCTOBER 2, JANUARY 2,
(IN THOUSANDS) 1994 1994
---------- -----------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ 132,982 $ 171,512
MARKETABLE SECURITIES 15,029 258,412
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, LESS ESTIMATED RETURNS,
DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS AND ALLOWANCES 166,506 140,518
INVENTORIES 18,573 16,419
PROGRAM RIGHTS 22,129 15,460
OTHER CURRENT ASSETS 18,170 23,253
--------- ---------
373,389 625,574
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES 173,126 155,251
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDINGS 181,499 166,433
MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND FIXTURES 613,014 579,423
LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS 13,587 29,287
--------- ---------
808,100 775,143
LESS ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (491,129) (469,359)
--------- ---------
316,971 305,784
LAND 32,287 28,799
CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS 73,250 29,135
--------- ---------
422,508 363,718
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES,
LESS ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION 520,414 309,157
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS 210,942 168,804
--------- ---------
$1,700,379 $1,622,504
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES $ 183,859 $ 163,553
FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES 18,012 15,726
DEFERRED SUBSCRIPTION REVENUE 76,111 79,254
DIVIDENDS DECLARED 12,061 --
--------- ---------
290,043 258,533
OTHER LIABILITIES 212,554 191,088
LONG-TERM DEBT 50,318 51,768
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 35,162 33,696
--------- ---------
588,077 535,085
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CAPITAL STOCK 20,000 20,000
CAPITAL IN EXCESS OF PAR VALUE 21,227 21,354
RETAINED EARNINGS 1,639,346 1,570,546
UNREALIZED GAIN ON AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
SECURITIES 5,284 --
CUMULATIVE FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
ADJUSTMENT 6,562 2,908
COST OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK HELD IN TREASURY (580,117) (527,389)
--------- ---------
1,112,302 1,087,419
--------- ---------
$1,700,379 $1,622,504
========= =========
5
5.
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------------
OCTOBER 2, OCTOBER 3,
(IN THOUSANDS) 1994 1993
---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
NET INCOME $ 117,521 $ 122,939
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH
PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLE -- (11,600)
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION OF PROPERTY, PLANT
AND EQUIPMENT 45,733 44,855
AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES 18,103 12,183
AMORTIZATION OF PROGRAM RIGHTS 15,923 14,218
PROVISION FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS 43,563 42,011
GAIN ON SALE OF BUSINESS -- (13,371)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN INTEREST AND INCOME
TAXES PAYABLE 982 (5,125)
PROVISION FOR DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (2,521) (2,277)
CHANGE IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
(INCREASE) IN ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (69,171) (65,829)
(INCREASE) DECREASE IN INVENTORIES (2,154) 315
INCREASE IN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED
LIABILITIES 18,428 7,287
OTHER (12,637) (1,722)
-------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 173,770 143,884
-------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
NET PROCEEDS FROM SALE OF BUSINESS -- 64,947
PURCHASES OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (64,862) (63,978)
PURCHASES OF MARKETABLE SECURITIES (14,657) (367,983)
PROCEEDS FROM SALES OF MARKETABLE SECURITIES 256,617 407,837
INVESTMENTS IN CERTAIN BUSINESSES (284,089) (1,591)
PAYMENTS FOR PROGRAM RIGHTS (14,819) (15,708)
OTHER 249 121
-------- -------
NET CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (121,561) 23,645
-------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS ON DEBT (1,400) --
DIVIDENDS PAID (36,660) (37,079)
COMMON SHARES REPURCHASED (52,679) (23,133)
OTHER -- 61
-------- -------
NET CASH (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (90,739) (60,151)
-------- -------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (38,530) 107,378
BEGINNING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 171,512 86,840
-------- -------
ENDING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ 132,982 $ 194,218
======== =======
6
6.
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1: RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, WHEN EXAMINED ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, REFLECT THE
SEASONALITY OF ADVERTISING THAT AFFECTS THE NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINE AND
BROADCASTING OPERATIONS. ADVERTISING REVENUES IN THE SECOND AND FOURTH QUARTERS
ARE TYPICALLY HIGHER THAN FIRST AND THIRD QUARTER REVENUES. ALL ADJUSTMENTS
REFLECTED IN THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE OF A NORMAL RECURRING NATURE.
NOTE 2: SUMMARIZED COMBINED (UNAUDITED) RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THIRD
QUARTER AND YEAR-TO-DATE OF 1994 AND 1993 FOR THE COMPANY'S AFFILIATES ARE AS
FOLLOWS (IN THOUSANDS):
THIRD QUARTER YEAR-TO-DATE
-------------------------- --------------------------
1994 1993 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATING REVENUES $195,459 $164,103 $556,120 $492,425
OPERATING INCOME 14,396 9,460 31,066 18,088
NET INCOME (LOSS) 22,480 3,614 22,240 4,472
NOTE 3: IN APRIL 1994 THE COMPANY ACQUIRED SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS
COMPRISING THE BUSINESSES OF TELEVISION STATIONS KPRC-TV, AN NBC AFFILIATE IN
HOUSTON, TEXAS, AND KSAT-TV, AN ABC AFFILIATE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, FOR $253
MILLION IN CASH. THE TRANSACTION WAS ACCOUNTED FOR AS A PURCHASE AND THE
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE TELEVISION STATIONS WERE INCLUDED WITH THOSE OF
THE COMPANY FOR THE PERIOD SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF ACQUISITION.
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS PRESENT THE COMPANY'S UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2,
1994, AND OCTOBER 3, 1993, AS IF THE ACQUISITION OF THE TELEVISION STATIONS HAD
OCCURRED AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH NINE MONTH PERIOD. AMOUNTS REFLECT AN
ALLOCATION OF THE PURCHASE PRICE TO THE ACQUIRED NET TANGIBLE ASSETS, WITH THE
EXCESS BEING AMORTIZED OVER PERIODS OF BETWEEN 15 AND 20 YEARS. THE REVENUES
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS PRESENTED IN THE PRO FORMA INCOME STATEMENTS DO NOT
NECESSARILY REFLECT THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THAT WOULD ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN
OBTAINED IF THE ACQUISITION HAD OCCURRED AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH NINE MONTH
PERIOD.
PRO FORMA INCOME STATEMENTS
FOR THE NINE-MONTHS ENDED
OCT. 2, OCT. 3,
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 1994 1993
---------- ----------
OPERATING REVENUES $1,182,461 $1,150,975
NET INCOME
BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 117,711 114,131
AFTER CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 117,711 125,731
EARNINGS PER SHARE
BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE $10.12 $9.71
AFTER CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE $10.12 $10.69
IN MAY 1994 THE COMPANY ACQUIRED AN 80 PERCENT INTEREST IN MAMMOTH
MICRO PRODUCTIONS, A PRODUCER AND PUBLISHER OF MULTIMEDIA CD-ROM TITLES, FOR
$23 MILLION IN CASH. THIS TRANSACTION WAS ACCOUNTED FOR AS A PURCHASE AND,
ACCORDINGLY THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HAVE BEEN RECORDED AT THEIR ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUES AT THE DATE OF ACQUISITION. THE EXCESS OF THE COST OVER THE FAIR
VALUE OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED IS BEING AMORTIZED OVER VARIOUS PERIODS UP TO 15
YEARS. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED BUSINESS WERE INCLUDED WITH THOSE
OF THE COMPANY FOR THE PERIOD SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF ACQUISITION.
NOTE 4: DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994 THE COMPANY REPURCHASED 226,200
SHARES OF ITS CLASS B COMMON STOCK AT A COST OF $52.7 MILLION.
7
7.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
This analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto.
Revenues and expenses in the first and third quarters are customarily
lower than those in the second and fourth quarters because of significant
fluctuations in advertising volume. For that reason, the results of operations
for each quarter are compared with those of the corresponding quarter in the
preceding year.
THIRD QUARTER COMPARISONS
Net income for the third quarter of 1994 was $47.5 million, an
increase of 6 percent from net income of $44.8 million in the third quarter
last year. Earnings per share increased 8 percent to $4.13 per share, from
$3.82 per share in the third quarter of 1993, with a smaller number of shares
outstanding.
The 1994 third-quarter results include an after-tax gain of $8.4
million ($.73 per share) on the sale of land at one of the company's newsprint
affiliates. The 1993 third-quarter results included an after-tax gain of $13.4
million ($1.14 per share) on the sale of the company's cable franchises in the
United Kingdom. Excluding these one-time gains, earnings rose 24 percent in
the third quarter this year.
Revenues for the third quarter of 1994 rose 10 percent to $399.8
million, from $364.1 million in the same period last year. Advertising
revenues rose 17 percent and other revenues increased 5 percent, while
circulation and subscriber revenues fell 2 percent. The newspaper division,
Newsweek and other businesses all posted higher revenue in the third quarter
this year. The broadcast division had exceptionally strong revenue gains,
reflecting the results of the two television stations acquired on April 22 as
well as improved revenues at existing company owned stations.
Costs and expenses for the third quarter of 1994 increased 8 percent
to $333.6 million, from $309.1 million in the third quarter of 1993. Operating
expenses increased 8 percent, while selling, general and administrative
expenses increased 4.5 percent compared with the third quarter last year.
Depreciation expense increased 6 percent over the third quarter of 1993.
Approximately, 70 percent of the total increase in costs and expenses relates
to additional expenses associated with new businesses, while the remainder
reflects normal increases in the costs of operations. In the third quarter of
1994 operating income rose to $66.3 million, a 20 percent increase over $55.0
million in 1993.
8
8.
NEWSPAPER DIVISION. At the newspaper division revenues increased 6 percent in
the third quarter of 1994. Advertising revenues for the division rose 7.7
percent, with a 3.4 percent increase in advertising linage at The Washington
Post from 795,400 inches in the third quarter of 1993 to 822,200 inches in the
same period this year. Classified volume grew 6 percent in the quarter with
recruitment advertising remaining strong. Retail linage was down 3 percent,
while general rose 15 percent compared with the same period last year.
Preprint volume increased 15.5 percent over the third quarter of 1993; lower
rates initiated at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 1993, have attracted
advertisers to preprints from other forms of outside advertising. Circulation
revenues remained essentially unchanged compared with the third quarter of 1993
as average paid Daily circulation decreased slightly and average paid Sunday
circulation increased slightly at The Washington Post.
BROADCAST DIVISION. Revenues at the broadcast division, which include the
results of the two Texas television stations purchased at the end of April,
increased 59.5 percent over the third quarter of 1993. Local advertising
revenues increased 56 percent and national advertising revenues rose 52 percent
in the third quarter of 1994. Approximately 70 percent of the total increase
in revenue is attributable to the newly acquired television stations. Political
advertising in this election year contributed $4.0 million to the improved
revenues. Costs and expenses at the broadcast division increased 52 percent in
the third quarter of 1994 over the same period last year. The increase was due
almost entirely to the newly acquired television stations.
MAGAZINE DIVISION. Newsweek revenues in the third quarter of 1994 increased 1
percent. Advertising revenues rose 1.5 percent, primarily due to an increase in
volume at the domestic edition and higher rates at the international editions.
Circulation revenues were up 1 percent at Newsweek. In the third quarter
Newsweek published the same number of weekly issues (13) as in 1993.
CABLE DIVISION. At the cable division third quarter 1994 revenues were 4
percent lower than 1993, primarily as a result of a 7 percent decline in
subscriber revenues. This decrease in subscriber revenues is primarily a
result of the decreases in subscriber rates attributable to reregulation of the
cable industry in 1993 and 1994. Rate reductions, effective under
reregulation, went into effect on September 1,1993 and again on July 14, 1994.
Also contributing to the decrease in revenues was the September 1993 sale of
the company's cable operations in the United Kingdom. Excluding these foreign
operations, cable division revenues decreased 1 percent in the third quarter of
1994.
OTHER BUSINESSES. In the third quarter of 1994, revenues from other
businesses, principally Stanley H. Kaplan Educational Center, Pro Am Sports
System (PASS), and Legi-Slate, increased 2 percent. Revenues at Kaplan rose 1
percent over the third quarter of 1993 while enrollments decreased 9 percent.
9
9.
EQUITY IN EARNINGS AND LOSSES OF AFFILIATES. The company's equity in earnings
of affiliates in the third quarter of 1994 was income of $11.1 million,
compared with break-even results in the third quarter of 1993. The one-time
after-tax gain of $8.4 million on the sale of land at one of the company's
newsprint affiliates was the major contributor to the improvement.
NON-OPERATING ITEMS. Interest income, net of interest expense, was $.1
million, compared with $1.6 million in the same period last year. The decrease
was attributable to lower invested cash balances offset partially by higher
interest rates.
INCOME TAXES. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 1994 was
lower than the effective rate for 1993, primarily due to the effect and
accounting treatment of foreign taxes on the gain on the sale of land at one of
the company's newsprint affiliates. Income from affiliates is recorded by the
company at the company's share of after-tax net income of the affiliate. The
third quarter also includes the impact of the revised estimated effective
income tax rate for the first half of 1994.
NINE MONTH COMPARISONS
Net income in the first nine months of 1994 was $117.5 million ($10.11
per share) down from net income of $122.9 million ($10.45 per share) in the
same period last year with fewer shares outstanding.
Net income in the first nine months of 1994 included an after-tax gain
of $8.4 million ($.73 per share) on the sale of land at one of the company's
newsprint affiliates. Net income in the same period of 1993 included both an
after-tax gain of $13.4 million ($1.14 per share) on the sale of the company's
cable franchises in the United Kingdom and a one-time credit of $11.6 million
($.98 per share) resulting from the adoption of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS No. 109).
Excluding these one-time gains and credits in 1994 and 1993, earnings rose 11
percent in the first three quarters this year over the same period last year.
Total revenues for the first nine months of 1994 increased 5.5 percent
to $1,163.1 million, from $1,102.5 million in the comparable period last year.
Advertising revenues, which include the results of the two new television
stations in 1994, increased 9.5 percent, while circulation and subscriber
revenues fell 3 percent. Other revenues increased 7 percent over the first
three quarters of 1993.
Total costs and expenses increased 4.5 percent during the first nine
months of 1994 to $976.1 million, from $933.7 million in the corresponding
period of 1993. Operating expenses increased 7 percent, while selling, general
and administrative expenses decreased 2.6 percent compared with the first three
quarters of 1993. Normal increases in fixed costs, such as payroll and fringe
benefits, and circulation related expenses, were partially offset by lower
newsprint
10
10.
and magazine paper expense. Approximately 70 percent of the total increase in
costs and expenses relates to additional expenses associated with new
businesses. In the first three quarters of 1994 operating income rose to
$187.0 million, an 11 percent increase over $168.8 million in the same period
last year.
NEWSPAPER DIVISION. Newspaper division revenues were up 3 percent in the first
three quarters of 1994, over the comparable period of 1993. Although
advertising volume at The Washington Post remained essentially unchanged at
2,491,300 inches in the first nine months of 1994, advertising revenues for the
division rose 4 percent in the period due to strong performances in general and
classified advertising volume and rates at The Post. Circulation revenues for
the division were also essentially unchanged when compared with the first three
quarters of 1993. Average paid Daily circulation decreased slightly and average
paid Sunday circulation increased slightly at The Washington Post compared to
the prior year.
BROADCAST DIVISION. Revenues at the broadcast division, which include the
results of the two Texas television stations purchased at the end of April,
increased 38 percent over the first nine months of 1993. In the first three
quarters of 1994 local advertising revenues rose 41 percent and national
advertising revenues increased 34 percent. Approximately two-thirds of the
total increase in revenues is attributable to the newly acquired stations.
Political advertising in this election year contributed $ 5.1 million to the
improved revenues through September and are expected to contribute
approximately $14 million to revenues for the year. Costs and expenses at the
broadcast division increased 33 percent in the first nine months of 1994
compared with the same period last year. The increase was due almost entirely
to the newly acquired television stations.
MAGAZINE DIVISION. At Newsweek revenues decreased 2 percent in the first three
quarters of 1994. The major contributor to the decline was a 3.5 percent
decrease in advertising revenues, which resulted primarily from lower rates and
volume at the domestic edition. In the first nine months of 1994, circulation
revenues remained essentially unchanged, primarily due to lower volume and less
favorable currency rates at the international editions offset by higher
domestic rates. In the first three quarters of 1994 thirty-nine weekly issues
and two newsstand-only special issues were published versus the same number of
weekly issues but only one newsstand-only special issue in the same period last
year.
CABLE DIVISION. Cable division revenues were down 3 percent in the first three
quarters of 1994. Subscriber revenues fell almost 8 percent in the first nine
months of 1994, principally due to a decrease in subscriber rates attributable
to industry reregulation discussed above. This decline was partially offset by
a 2 percent increase in basic subscribers. In 1993 results also included
operations in the United Kingdom, which were subsequently sold. Excluding
these foreign operations, cable division revenues decreased 1 percent compared
to the
11
11.
first nine months of 1993. At the end of September 1994, domestic cable
operations had 492,000 basic subscribers as compared to 481,000 basic
subscribers at the same time last year.
OTHER BUSINESSES. At the company's other businesses, revenues rose 6 percent
in the first three quarters of 1994. Improved results at Stanley H. Kaplan
Educational Centers and Moffet, Larson & Johnson were the major contributors to
the increase over 1993.
EQUITY IN EARNINGS AND LOSSES OF AFFILIATES. The company's equity in earnings
of affiliates during the first nine months of 1994 was income of $7.9 million,
compared with a loss of $2.4 million in the first nine months of 1993. The
one-time after-tax gain of $8.4 million on the sale of land at one of the
company's newsprint affiliates was the major contributor to the improvement.
NON-OPERATING ITEMS. Interest income, net of interest expense, was $2.8
million for the first three quarters of 1994 compared to $4.3 million in the
same period of last year. The decline was primarily due to lower invested cash
balances offset slightly by higher interest rates. In 1993 net interest income
included the capitalization of interest as well as higher invested cash
balances and lower interest rates.
Other income in the first three quarters of 1994 was $3.1 million,
compared with $19.9 million in the comparable period of 1993. In 1994 other
income included a gain of $2.5 million resulting from a change in the company's
ownership interest in one of its affiliates. In 1993, the company recorded a
$13.4 million after-tax gain on the sale of its cable franchises in the United
Kingdom.
INCOME TAXES. The effective income tax rate for the first nine months of 1994
was essentially unchanged from the same period last year. The effective rate
for the first three quarters of 1994 reflected the impact and accounting
treatment of foreign taxes on the gain on the sale of land at one of the
company's newsprint affiliates. Income from affiliates is recorded by the
company at the company's share of after-tax net income of the affiliate. The
effective tax rate for the first nine months of 1993 included the effect of
foreign taxes on the sale of the company's cable franchises in the United
Kingdom.
12
12.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
In December 1993 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finalized
its award of a pioneer's preference for personal communications services (PCS)
to American PCS, L.P. (known as American Personal Communications or APC), a
limited partnership in which the company has a 70 percent limited partnership
interest. Under the terms of that preference, the initial award, the license
was to be awarded at no cost to the pioneer. Pursuant to the award, in January
1994, APC filed an application for a PCS license with the FCC. APC has begun
some preparatory activity, and immediately following receipt of license from
the FCC, the company expects to substantially increase the level of capital
investment in the business.
On August 9, 1994, the FCC reversed its position with respect to
awarding licenses to pioneers at no cost. Under the terms of that decision
pioneers would have to pay the lesser of either 90 percent of the winning bid
for a similar license in the same market or 90 percent of the weighted average
price of the winning bids in the 10 top markets.
APC has filed suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit challenging the authority of the FCC to require pioneers to
pay auction based fees. The U.S Court of Appeals has stayed the proceeding
pending the outcome of a proposed replacement formula contained in the General
Agreement on Trade and Tariffs ("GATT") implementing legislation currently
under consideration by the U.S. Congress. Under the GATT formula, pioneers
would have to pay 85 percent of the average price contained in winning bids for
licenses in the top 20 markets, excluding licenses for the three markets
awarded to pioneers.
The cost for the licenses and the impact on APC will not be
determinable until the completion of the judicial and legislative processes as
well as the conclusion of the FCC auction process itself. The cost for the
licenses, if any, will be in addition to the company's initial estimate of
construction costs, which could approximate $200 million.
In February 1994, the FCC issued additional new rules related to
pricing and the reregulation of the cable industry. These rules took effect on
July 14, 1994, and had the effect of reducing cable revenues. The company has
evaluated the rules and expects them to continue to impact cable revenues for
the next nine months although it does not believe their impact will have a
material effect on consolidated financial results.
Post-Newsweek Stations now has six television stations, two each
affiliated with ABC, CBS and NBC. Several of these stations have negotiated
long-term affiliation agreements during the past 15 months. As a result of
these agreements, Post-Newsweek Stations will receive significantly improved
network compensation over the life of the
13
13.
contracts, which together with the acquisition of the Texas stations, is
projected to increase materially broadcast division operating income. The full
effect of the increases began in the third quarter of 1994 and will continue to
impact revenues in subsequent periods.
During the first nine months of 1994 the company repurchased 226,200
shares of its Class B common stock at a cost of approximately $52.7 million.
The company has experienced no other significant changes in its
financial condition since the end of 1993.
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14.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Effective in October 1994, Katherine Graham, chairman of the executive
committee, resigned as a trustee of certain trusts holding Class A shares and
relinquished her right to vote certain other Class A shares held in trust.
These changes reduced the percentage of Class A shares voted by Mrs. Graham
from 52.4 percent to 29.1 percent and the combined percentage of Class A shares
voted by Mrs. Graham and Donald E. Graham, chairman and chief executive
officer, from 66.6 percent to 56.8 percent. For Federal securities law
purposes Mrs. Graham and Donald Graham might be deemed to be "control persons"
of the company.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report:
EXHIBIT FILING
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE NUMBER
11 Calculation of average number of
shares outstanding............................... 16
27 Financial Data Schedule (Electronic Filing Only). 17
(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the period covered by
this report.
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15.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
THE WASHINGTON POST COMPANY
(Registrant)
Date: November 15, 1994 /s/ Donald E. Graham
----------------- --------------------------------------
Donald E. Graham, Chairman &
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: November 15, 1994 /s/ John B. Morse, Jr.
----------------- ----------------------------------------
John B. Morse, Jr., Vice President-Finance
(Principal Financial Officer)
16
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
11 Calculation of average number of
shares outstanding
27 Financial Data Schedule