Our Mission
We are Meredith Corporation, a publicly held media and marketing company founded upon service to
our customers and committed to building value for our shareholders.
Our cornerstone is a commitment to service journalism. From that, we have built businesses that serve
well-defined readers and viewers, deliver the messages of advertisers and extend our brand franchises
and expertise to related markets.
Our products and services distinguish themselves on the basis of quality, customer service and value
that can be trusted.
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2016 Annual Report
Financial Highlights
Corporate Information
Years Ended June 30 (In millions except per share data)
GAAP Results
Revenues
Income from operations
Net earnings
Earnings per share
Total assets
Total debt
Non-GAAP Results
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
$ 1,650 $
1,594 $
1,469 $
1,471 $
1,377
131
34
0.75
2,628
695
242
137
3.02
187
114
2.50
2,843
2,544
795
715
211
124
2.74
2,140
350
186
104
2.31
2,016
380
Adjusted earnings per share (1)
$
3.30 $
3.30 $
2.80 $
2.91 $
2.50
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
351
300
246
256
230
Revenue
5-Year CAGR: 5%
Free Cash Flow(3)
5-Year CAGR: 19%
Dividend Per Share(4)
5-Year CAGR: 7%
$2,000
$1,650
$1,594
1,500
$1,471 $1,469
$1,377
1,000
500
0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
$250
200
150
100
50
0
$230
$161
$149
$143
$113
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
$2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0
$1.98
$1.83
$1.73
$1.63
$1.53
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Non-GAAP amounts are not in accordance with GAAP (accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America). While management
believes these measures contribute to an understanding of the Company’s financial performance, they should not be considered in isolation or as a
substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in the Appendix
immediately following the included Form 10-K.
(1) All years adjusted for special items.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets.
(3) Free cash flow is net earnings before depreciation, amortization, and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets less additions to property,
plant, and equipment.
(4) Annualized dividend per share at end of fiscal year.
MEREDITH CORPORATION
Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; meredith.com)
has been committed to service journalism for nearly
115 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution
platforms – including broadcast television, print, digital,
mobile, tablets and video – to provide consumers with
content they desire and to deliver the messages of its
advertising and marketing partners.
ANNUAL MEETING
Holders of Meredith Corporation stock are invited
to attend the annual meeting of shareholders at
10 a.m. Central Standard Time on November 9, 2016,
at the Company’s principal office, 1716 Locust Street,
Des Moines, IA.
STOCK EXCHANGE
Common stock of Meredith Corporation is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange. The exchange symbol
for Meredith is MDP. CUSIP Number: 589433101. Class
B stock of Meredith Corporation (issued as a dividend
on common stock in December 1986) is not listed.
The transfer of Class B stock is limited to the lineal
descendants of original owners, their spouses or trusts/
family partnerships for the benefit of those persons.
Requests for transfer to any other person or entity
will require a share-for-share conversion to common
stock. Conversion prior to sale is recommended. CUSIP
Number: 589433200. The Company’s Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York
Stock Exchange that he is not aware of any violation
by the Company of the New York Stock Exchange
Corporate Governance Listing Standards. The most
recently required certification was submitted to the
exchange on December 10, 2015.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., PO Box 64854, St. Paul, MN
55164-0854 or 1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101,
Mendota Heights, MN 55120-4100, 800-468-9716 or
651-450-4064, email: stocktransfer@wellsfargo.com
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Meredith Corporation offers a dividend reinvestment
plan that automatically reinvests shareholder dividends
for the purchase of additional shares of stock. To obtain
more information or to join the plan, contact Wells Fargo
at 800-468-9716 or write to the preceding addresses.
FORM 10-K
A copy of the Meredith Corporation Fiscal 2016 Annual
Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) is included in this report and available
at meredith.com. Additional copies are available without
charge to shareholders by calling 515-284-3000. The
Company has filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on
Form 10-K the certification of its chief executive officer
and chief financial officer required by Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
QUARTERLY INFORMATION
To receive copies of Meredith Corporation quarterly SEC
filings, earnings releases and dividend releases, please
visit meredith.com, or call 515-284-3000.
INVESTOR CONTACT
Meredith Corporation Investor Relations,
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023,
515-284-3000, meredith.com
NATIONAL MEDIA
LOCAL MEDIA
®
®
TM
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
Atlanta
Phoenix
St. Louis
Portland
Nashville
Hartford - New Haven
Kansas City
Greenville - Asheville
Las Vegas
Mobile - Pensacola
Flint - Saginaw
Springfield - Holyoke
To Our Shareholders
On behalf of Meredith Corporation and our more
than 3,700 employees, we want to thank you for your
investment in our Company. As a shareholder, you’ve
entrusted us with your financial resources. That’s a
responsibility we take very seriously.
At Meredith, we are executing a strategic plan that
strengthens our connection with consumers and
delivers a superior return for our shareholders.
Fiscal 2016 was a year of strong growth in revenues
and cash flow. We generated record revenues of $1.65
billion, a 3 percent increase over fiscal 2015. Fiscal 2016
earnings per share (EPS) were $0.75 - which includes
special items primarily related to non-cash impairments -
compared to $3.02 in fiscal 2015. Excluding special items
in both years, we delivered EPS of $3.30, matching fiscal
2015 even though we recorded $31 million – or $0.42
per share – less of incremental, high-margin political
advertising revenues in fiscal 2016.
Several accomplishments stand out in fiscal 2016:
■ We expanded our audiences across media platforms
and increased our reach to Millennial women.
– In our television portfolio, nine of our stations
ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in late news viewership,
and eight stations ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in
morning news, according to the May 2016 data
compiled by Nielsen.
– Readership across our magazine portfolio grew to
a record 127 million, according to the Spring 2016
GfK Mediamark Research & Intelligence Report.
– Traffic to our digital sites increased to more
than 80 million monthly unique visitors, according
to comScore.
– Our reach to Millennial women grew to 72
percent of U.S. female Millennials, a jump of
nearly 10 percentage points.
– Meredith’s multi-channel reach to American
women hit an all-time high of 102 million.
Additionally, Meredith’s database grew to 125
million American consumers.
■ We grew non-political, magazine and digital
advertising revenues. Local Media Group
non-political advertising revenues increased in the
mid-single digits, and the group’s digital advertising
revenues were up in the low-teens. National Media
Group magazine advertising revenues grew in the
low-single digits, and the group’s digital advertising
revenues were up in the mid-teens.
■ We increased revenues from businesses not
dependent on traditional advertising. Our Local
Media Group delivered growth in retransmission
consent fees and contribution by renewing
retransmission consent agreements with pay
television providers at higher rates. Our brand
licensing activities delivered record performance in
fiscal 2016 and are now ranked No. 2 in the world,
according to License! Global magazine.
■ Finally, we continued to execute our Total
Shareholder Return strategy. We grew our dividend
for the 23rd straight year, increasing it in February by
8 percent to $1.98 per share on an annualized basis.
We’ve paid an annual dividend for 69 straight years,
and it’s currently yielding approximately 3.5 percent.
We also strengthened our balance sheet by paying
down $100 million of debt.
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During fiscal 2016, Meredith’s reach to American women
across media channels reached an all-time high of 102
million. Our growth was fueled by the popularity of
our brands with Millennial women, who are embracing
these brands as they get married, purchase their first
homes and start families.
Today Meredith reaches 26 million Millennial women, which
represents 72 percent of all women in this generation – up
nearly 10 percentage points in one year. To continue to
grow our reach to members of this audience, we’re using
more video and speaking to them in their own voice with
personalities they recognize.
Meredith Corporation 2016 Annual Report | 1
Our Plans for Fiscal 2017
■ Generating more profit from consumers. Our
As we look to fiscal year 2017, we anticipate generating
record earnings per share driven by a diverse range
of business activities. These include a robust political
advertising cycle, higher retransmission contribution and
strong digital advertising growth across the enterprise.
To achieve this goal, our Local Media Group’s strategic
priorities consist of:
■ Continuing to strengthen our local programming,
and monetizing audience gains through increased
advertising revenues. We continued to add news
hours across our portfolio, increasing them from 270
hours in 2005 to 660 hours today.
■ Maximizing our opportunity for political advertising
revenues. While we are still early in the campaign
cycle, we anticipate delivering between $40 and $50
million of political advertising revenues. That would
represent a strong increase over the last presidential
election year.
■ Monetizing our fast-growing digital platforms.
We’re adding more video and focusing on monetizing
our mobile traffic, which grew nearly 40 percent in
fiscal 2016. We’ve tripled digital advertising revenues
in our Local Media Group over the last six years, and
believe we have room for continued strong growth.
■ Renegotiating favorable retransmission
agreements with cable, satellite and telecom
providers. About 40 percent of our subscribers
are up for renewal in fiscal 2017. Since most of our
major network affiliation agreement renewals are in
fiscal 2018, we expect to continue to deliver higher
retransmission contribution and margins.
In our National Media Group, we are focused on these
strategic priorities:
■ Ensuring that our content remains relevant,
and that we grow our reach with the Millennial
generation. We now reach nearly 75 percent of
women in this important demographic, and expect
continued growth as many start families and buy
their first homes.
■ Growing total advertising revenues and increasing
our share of market. In print, our share in our
competitive set is at an all-time historical high of 41
percent. Our digital strategy focuses on delivering
premium branded content, accumulating rich and
differentiated first-party data, and using advertising
technology to put the right message in front of the
right consumer at the right time.
2 | Meredith Corporation 2016 Annual Report
major magazine circulation opportunity comes from
transitioning our nearly 30 million subscribers to an
auto-renewal business model, which is nearly twice
as profitable as traditional subscription sales. Today,
about 15 percent of our new subscription orders are
auto-renewal, so the potential benefit is great.
■ Growing brand licensing and other non-advertising
sources of revenue. This business is anchored by our
relationship with Walmart, and we recently renewed
our licensing agreement for three more years. We
have more than 3,000 Better Homes and Gardens
(BHG) branded SKUs available at 4,000 Walmart stores
nationwide and at Walmart.com. We are expanding
this program to Mexico and China. Additionally,
we have a BHG-branded real estate program with
Realogy that now includes more than 250 offices and
10,000 agents. Finally, we continue to launch new
partnerships, including an EatingWell frozen food line;
a line of women’s fitness apparel carrying our Shape
brand; and a line of Allrecipes-branded cookware.
GROWING DIGITAL ADVERTISING
National Media
Group digital
advertising
revenue as a
percent of the
group’s total
advertising is
growing strongly.
26%
16%
10%
7%
2010 2012 2014 2016
Fiscal Year
In fiscal 2016, digital advertising revenues increased
more than 15 percent across the Company. In our
National Media Group, digital advertising revenues
increased 16 percent and now account for 26 percent
of total advertising revenues. In our Local Media Group,
digital advertising revenues grew 13 percent as we
executed a series of growth strategies focused on
driving higher advertising rates.
Looking to fiscal 2017 and beyond, video will be an
important initiative as it provides more premium
advertising inventory and helps us increase our reach
to the Millennial generation.
BRAND LICENSING EXPANSION
Meredith’s brand licensing business delivered record
performance, led by strong sales of Better Homes
and Gardens (BHG) branded products at Walmart
stores across the U.S., walmart.com, and an emerging
presence in Mexico and China. We recently renewed
our long-standing relationship with Walmart through
fiscal 2019. Additionally, Meredith renewed its
licensing relationship with FTD Companies.
We continue to expand our BHG-branded Real Estate
program, which now features more than 300 offices
and more than 10,000 agents across the U.S., Canada
and the Bahamas. We also formed new licensing
relationships based on the EatingWell brand for a line
of frozen food; Shape for a line of fitness apparel; and
Allrecipes for a line of cookware.
Based on sales transactions, Meredith’s brand
licensing activities are now ranked No. 2 in the
world, according to License! Global magazine.
Our Long-Term Vision
Looking to fiscal 2017 and beyond, we will continue to focus
on producing consistently strong free cash flow, driven by:
■ A great group of television stations in large,
fast-growing markets.
■ Trusted national brands with an unrivaled reach
to women, particularly Millennials.
■ A profitable and growing digital business.
■ A vibrant and growing licensing business based
on our very strong brands; and
■ A strong and proven management team with a very
successful record of generating strong free cash flow
and growing shareholder value.
Our talented and creative employees play a vital role in
Meredith’s success. They include our inventive content
creators, innovative sales and marketing professionals,
dedicated support groups and committed management
team. Our workforce is the best in the media industry,
underscored by our 114-year track record of success.
In closing, we continue to be highly confident in the strength
and resilience of Meredith’s diversified business model. We
have a proven track record of developing our existing brands
and profitably integrating acquired properties. We have a
long history of prudent capital stewardship and an ongoing
commitment to Total Shareholder Return.
It is our mission and pledge to protect and grow the
value of your investment in Meredith over time.
Sincerely,
Stephen M. Lacy
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Mell Meredith Frazier
Vice Chairman
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENTS
As part of Meredith’s executive development and succession planning process, the Meredith Board of Directors elected
Thomas H. Harty as President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2016. In his new role, Harty, 53, will oversee
Meredith’s National and Local Media Groups. He will continue to report to Meredith Chairman and CEO Stephen M. Lacy,
allowing Lacy, 62, to focus more on long-term strategy, business expansion and acquisition activities.
The Board also elected Jonathan B. Werther, 47, to succeed Harty as National Media Group President. Werther previously
served as President of Meredith Digital.
“During his tenure at Meredith, Tom has led initiatives to strengthen our media brands and grow diversified revenue
sources such as digital, brand licensing and marketing services,” said Lacy. “Working together with Local Media Group
President Paul Karpowicz and Jon Werther, I’m confident Tom can continue to grow Meredith’s position as one of
America’s leading media and marketing companies.”
Meredith Corporation 2016 Annual Report | 3
Board of Directors
Donald A. Baer 1, 2
Mr. Baer, 61, a director since
2014, is worldwide chairman and
chief executive officer of Burson-
Marsteller, a member of WPP PLC,
one of the world’s largest strategic
communications businesses.
Mell Meredith Frazier 3, 4
Ms. Frazier, 60, a director since
2000, is vice chairman of Meredith
Corporation and chair of the
Meredith Corporation Foundation.
Stephen M. Lacy
Mr. Lacy, 62, a director since
2004, is chairman and chief
executive officer of Meredith
Corporation, the leading media
and marketing company
serving American women.
Donald C. Berg 1, 2
Mr. Berg, 61, a director since 2012,
is the retired chief financial officer of
Brown-Forman Corporation, a U.S.
based producer and marketer of fine
quality beverage alcohol brands and
one of the largest companies in the
global wine and spirits industry.
Frederick B. Henry 3, 4
Mr. Henry, 70, a director since
1969, is president of the Bohen
Foundation, a private charitable
foundation.
Philip A. Marineau 1, 4
Mr. Marineau, 69, a director
since 1998, is a partner at LNK
Partners, a private equity firm.
OUR COMMITMENT
TO THE ENVIRONMENT
As a leading marketing
communications company,
consumers come to our brands
for timeless advice about food,
decorating, building, parenting,
gardening, beauty, crafts,
health and well-being, and
more. We realize that to take
care of our homes and families,
we must take care of the
planet. Meredith has in place a
number of sustainable business
practices, as well as a network
of environmental sustainability
ambassadors whose goal is to
recommend ongoing changes
that will enable us to be an even
more responsible member of
the global community. To see
our progress, please visit our
corporate social responsibility
report at meredith.com.
Mary Sue Coleman 1, 2
Dr. Coleman, 72, a director since
1997, is president of the Association
of American Universities, and the
former president of the University of
Michigan and the University of Iowa.
Dr. Coleman will retire from
the Board of Directors, effective
in November 2016. We thank
Mary Sue for her contributions
to the Company.
Joel W. Johnson 2, 3
Mr. Johnson, 73, a director since
1994, is the retired chairman, chief
executive officer and president of
Hormel Foods Corporation, a
leading producer of meat and
other products.
Elizabeth E. Tallett 3, 4
Ms. Tallett, 67, a director since
2008, is a consultant to early
stage pharmaceutical and
healthcare companies.
Officers
Stephen M. Lacy
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Thomas H. Harty
President and
Chief Operating Officer
Paul A. Karpowicz
President, Local Media Group
Jonathan B. Werther
President, National Media Group
Joseph H. Ceryanec
Chief Financial Officer
John S. Zieser
Chief Development Officer
and General Counsel
Steven M. Cappaert
Corporate Controller
Committee Assignments
1 Audit 2 Finance 3 Nominating/Governance 4 Compensation
4 | Meredith Corporation 2016 Annual Report
2016
Form 10-K
MEREDITH CORPORATION
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016
Commission file number 1-5128
MEREDITH CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Iowa
42-0410230
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa
(Address of principal executive offices)
50309-3023
(ZIP Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (515) 284-3000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, par value $1
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of class
Class B Common Stock, par value $1
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 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 o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "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 Exchange Act). Yes o No x
The registrant estimates that the aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant at
December 31, 2015, was $1,557,000,000 based upon the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange at that date.
Shares of stock outstanding at July 31, 2016
Common shares..............................................
Class B shares ................................................
Total common and Class B shares .................
39,286,518
5,283,303
44,569,821
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
November 9, 2016, are incorporated by reference in Part III to the extent described therein.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Part I
Business ...................................................................................................
Description of Business
Local Media ........................................................................................
National Media ...................................................................................
Executive Officers of the Company.........................................................
Employees................................................................................................
Other ........................................................................................................
Available Information ..............................................................................
Forward Looking Statements...................................................................
Risk Factors .............................................................................................
Unresolved Staff Comments....................................................................
Properties .................................................................................................
Legal Proceedings....................................................................................
Mine Safety Disclosures ..........................................................................
Part II
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder
Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ............................
Selected Financial Data ...........................................................................
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations..................................................
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.................
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .......................................
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure .................................................
Controls and Procedures ..........................................................................
Other Information ....................................................................................
Part III
Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance .....................
Executive Compensation .........................................................................
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters..................................
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and
Director Independence........................................................................
Principal Accounting Fees and Services..................................................
Part IV
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.................................................
Signatures ........................................................................................................................
1
3
6
9
10
10
10
10
11
14
14
14
14
15
17
18
38
40
88
88
89
89
90
90
90
90
91
96
Meredith Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Form 10-K) as Meredith, the Company, we, our, and us.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Meredith Corporation has been committed to service journalism for nearly 115 years. Meredith began in 1902 as an
agricultural publisher. In 1924, the Company published the first issue of Better Homes and Gardens. The Company
entered the television broadcasting business in 1948. Today, Meredith uses multiple media outlets—including
broadcast television, print, digital, mobile, and video—to provide consumers with content they desire and to deliver
the messages of our advertising and marketing partners. The Company is incorporated under the laws of the State of
Iowa. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MDP.
The Company operates two business segments: local media and national media. Our local media segment consists
of 16 owned television stations and one operated television station located across the United States (U.S.)
concentrated in fast growing markets with related digital and mobile media assets. The owned television stations
consist of seven CBS affiliates, five FOX affiliates, two MyNetworkTV affiliates, one NBC affiliate, one ABC
affiliate, and one independent station. Local media's digital presence includes 13 websites, 13 mobile-optimized
websites, and nearly 40 applications (apps) focused on news, sports, and weather-related information.
Our national media segment includes leading national consumer media brands delivered via multiple media
platforms including print magazines and digital and mobile media, brand licensing activities, database-related
activities, and business-to-business marketing products and services. It focuses on the food, home, parenthood, and
health markets and is a leading publisher of magazines serving women. In fiscal 2016, we published in print more
than 20 subscription magazines, including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Family Circle, Allrecipes, Rachael
Ray Every Day, Martha Stewart Living, Shape, and FamilyFun, and nearly 140 special interest publications. Twenty
of our brands are also available as digital editions on one or more of the six major digital newsstands and on major
tablet devices. The national media segment's extensive digital media presence consists of nearly 50 websites, more
than 30 mobile-optimized websites, and nearly 15 apps. Of those websites and apps, the Allrecipes brand accounts
for 19 web and mobile sites serving 23 countries in 12 languages, and 2 mobile apps across multiple countries and
platforms. The national media segment also includes digital and customer relationship marketing, which provides
specialized marketing products and services to some of America's leading companies; a large consumer database;
brand licensing activities; and other related operations.
Financial information about industry segments can be found in Item 7-Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Item 8-Financial Statements and Supplementary Data under
Note 15.
The Company's largest revenue source is advertising. National and local economic conditions affect the magnitude
of our advertising revenues. Both local media and national media revenues and operating results can be affected by
changes in the demand for advertising and consumer demand for our products. Television advertising is seasonal
and cyclical to some extent, traditionally generating higher revenues in the second and fourth fiscal quarters and
during key political contests and major sporting events. Magazine circulation revenues are generally affected by
national and regional economic conditions and competition from other forms of media.
1
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
In September 2015, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Media General, Inc. (Media General). In
January 2016, this agreement was terminated.
In December 2015, Meredith entered into a new 10-year contract with Sequential Brands Group, Inc. to license the
Martha Stewart media properties. This agreement replaced the October 2014 agreement with Martha Stewart Living
Omnimedia (which was acquired by Sequential Brands Group, Inc. in 2015). Under the new agreement, Meredith
assumed the cross-platform editorial responsibilities for the Martha Stewart media properties. Martha Stewart
Living is published 10 times annually with a rate base of 2.1 million. Martha Stewart Weddings, a quarterly
publication, is the #1-selling bridal magazine on newsstands.
Allrecipes magazine's rate base was increased to 1.25 million with the September/October 2015 issue and then to
1.3 million with the February/March 2016 issue. This latest increase represented a 160 percent increase in rate base
since the magazine's launch in 2013.
In January 2016, Meredith announced an analytical alliance with Nielsen to measure the total Return on Advertising
Spend for native digital advertising campaigns on Allrecipes.com and other Meredith digital properties. This
measurement capability combines Meredith Shopper Marketing's ability to deliver and measure offers at the store
level with Nielsen's Similarities Market Test service, which works to determine the extent in-market activities are
driving sales. These insights and analytics allow marketers to better navigate the digital space to understand
promotions that lead to purchases.
In January 2016, Meredith announced the launch of two brand licensing programs under the Shape and EatingWell
brands. Meredith partnered with Apparel Bridge LLC to create SHAPE® Active, an activewear collection designed
for women. The collection is available at selected digital and small specialty retailers, with additional retail partners
expected. Under the EatingWell brand, Meredith entered into a multi-year licensing partnership with Bellisio Foods,
Inc. to produce a line of healthy frozen food products that focus on single-serve meals, with expansions planned
into other products. These products will debut in supermarkets and retail grocery stores nationwide in fall 2016.
The Company discontinued the use of the American Baby brand following its combination with Fit Pregnancy to
create a new brand called Fit Pregnancy and Baby. The new magazine covers a range of topics important to new
moms including beauty, nutrition, health, style, and infant development.
In May 2016, Meredith was named the second largest global licensor by License!Global magazine. Meredith moved
to the second place ranking after its fourth year of being ranked.
In fiscal 2016, we successfully renewed agreements with cable systems, satellite, and telecommunications
companies that covered approximately 40 percent of subscribers. Additionally, we successfully completed new
network affiliation agreements with CBS in our Hartford, Springfield, and St. Louis markets.
2
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Local Media
Local media contributed 33 percent of Meredith's consolidated revenues in fiscal 2016. Information about the
Company's television stations at June 30, 2016, follows:
DMA
National
Rank 1
Network
Affiliation
Virtual
Channel
Expiration
Date of FCC
License
46
4-1-2021
Average
Audience
Share 2
4.6 %
Station,
Market
WGCL-TV
Atlanta, GA
KPHO-TV
Phoenix, AZ
KTVK
Phoenix, AZ
KMOV
St. Louis, MO
KPTV
Portland, OR
KPDX
Portland, OR
WSMV-TV
Nashville, TN
WFSB
Hartford, CT
New Haven, CT
KCTV
Kansas City, MO
KSMO-TV
Kansas City, MO
WHNS
Greenville, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Asheville, NC
Anderson, SC
KVVU-TV
Las Vegas, NV
WALA-TV
Mobile, AL
Pensacola, FL
9
12
12
21
24
24
29
30
33
33
37
40
58
CBS
CBS
Independent
CBS
FOX
MyNetworkTV
NBC
CBS
CBS
MyNetworkTV
FOX
FOX
FOX
10-1-2022
6.1 %
10-1-2022
3.6 %
2-1-2022
10.3 %
2-1-2023
2-1-2023
8-1-2021
5.2 %
2.4 %
8.0 %
4-1-2023
11.5 %
2-1-2022
2-1-2022
9.2 %
0.9 %
12-1-2020
4.2 %
10-1-2022
4.8 %
4-1-2021
7.4 %
5
3
4
12
49
4
3
5
62
21
5
10
3
DMA
National
Rank 1
Network
Affiliation
Virtual
Channel
Expiration
Date of FCC
License
Average
Audience
Share 2
71
CBS
5
10-1-2021
14.3 %
116
116
ABC
FOX
CBS
40
40.2
3
4-1-2023
10.5 %
3.2 %
4-1-2023
7.3 %
Station,
Market
WNEM-TV
Flint, MI
Saginaw, MI
Bay City, MI
WGGB-TV
Springfield, MA
Holyoke, MA
WSHM-LD
Springfield, MA
Holyoke, MA
1 Designated Market Area (DMA) is a registered trademark of, and is defined by, Nielsen Media Research. The national rank is
from the 2015-2016 DMA ranking.
2 Average audience share represents the estimated percentage of households using television tuned to the station in the DMA.
The percentages shown reflect the average total day shares (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.) for the November 2015, February 2016,
and May 2016 measurement periods.
Operations
The principal sources of the local media segment's revenues are: 1) local non-political advertising focusing on the
immediate geographic area of the stations; 2) national non-political advertising; 3) political advertising which is
cyclical with peaks occurring in our odd fiscal years (e.g. fiscal 2015, fiscal 2017) and particularly in our second
fiscal quarter of those years; 4) retransmission of our television signals by cable systems, satellite, and
telecommunications companies; 5) digital advertising on the stations' web, mobile websites, and apps; and 6) station
operation management fees.
The stations sell commercial time to both local/regional and national advertisers. Rates for spot advertising are
influenced primarily by the market size, number of competitors including in-market broadcasters, audience share,
and audience demographics. The larger a station's audience share in any particular daypart, the more leverage a
station has in setting advertising rates. Generally, as supply and demand fluctuate in the market, so do a station's
advertising rates. Most national advertising is sold by an independent representative firm. The sales staff at each
station generates local/regional advertising revenues.
Typically 40 to 50 percent of a market's television advertising revenue is generated during local newscasts. Station
personnel are continually working to grow their news ratings, which in turn will augment revenues. The Company
broadcasts local newscasts in high definition in all of our markets.
Meredith's 16 national network affiliations at our television stations also influence advertising rates. Generally, a
network affiliation agreement provides a station the exclusive right to broadcast network programming in its local
service area. In return, the network has the right to sell most of the commercial advertising aired during network
programs.
Our CBS affiliation agreements expire in August 2017 and June 2020. The MyNetworkTV affiliation agreements
expire in September 2018. Our FOX affiliation in Springfield, Massachusetts is currently extended while under
renewal negotiations; all other FOX affiliation agreements expire in December 2017. Our NBC affiliation
agreement expires in December 2017 and our ABC affiliation agreement expires in December 2019. On top of
increases in fiscal 2015, programming fees paid to CBS and FOX increased significantly in fiscal 2016. These
payments are in essence a portion of the retransmission fees that Meredith receives from cable, satellite, and
telecommunications service providers, which pay Meredith to carry our television programming in our markets.
4
These stations generally also pay networks for certain programming and services such as marquee sports
(professional football, college basketball, and Olympics) and news services. The Company's FOX affiliates also pay
the FOX network for additional advertising spots during prime-time programming. While Meredith's relations with
the networks historically have been very good, the Company can make no assurances they will remain so over time.
Retransmission revenue is generated from cable, satellite, and telecommunications service providers who pay
Meredith for access to our television station signals so that they may retransmit our signals and charge their
subscribers for this programming. These fees increased in fiscal 2016 primarily due to renegotiations of expiring
contracts and negotiated contract step-ups on existing contracts effective during the year.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has permitted broadcast television station licensees to use their
digital spectrum for a wide variety of services such as high-definition television programming, audio, data, mobile
applications, and other types of communication, subject to the requirement that each broadcaster provide at least
one free video channel equal in quality to the current technical standards. Several of our stations are broadcasting
one or more additional programming streams on their digital channel. Examples include: three markets have
MyNetworkTV, two of our markets air the LAFF network, eight of our markets carry COZI TV network, four
broadcast Escape network, Springfield airs the FOX network, and two markets air local news and weather.
The costs of television programming are significant. In addition to network affiliation fees, there are two principal
programming costs for Meredith: locally produced programming, including local news; and purchased syndicated
programming. The Company continues to increase our locally produced news and entertainment programming to
control content and costs and to attract advertisers. Syndicated programming costs are based largely on demand
from stations in the market and can fluctuate significantly.
Competition
Meredith's television stations compete directly for advertising dollars and programming in their respective markets
with other local television stations, radio stations, cable television providers, and digital websites and mobile sites.
Other mass media providers such as newspapers and their websites are also competitors. Advertisers compare
market share, audience demographics, and advertising rates, and take into account audience acceptance of a
station's programming, whether local, network, or syndicated.
Regulation
The ownership, operation, and sale of broadcast television stations, including those licensed to the Company, are
subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which engages in extensive regulation of the broadcasting industry under
authority granted by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act), including authority to
promulgate rules and regulations governing broadcasting. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve
the public interest. Among other things, the FCC assigns frequency bands; determines stations' locations and
operating parameters; issues, renews, revokes, and modifies station licenses; regulates and limits changes in
ownership or control of station licenses; regulates equipment used by stations; regulates station employment
practices; regulates certain program content, including commercial matters in children's programming; has the
authority to impose penalties for violations of its rules or the Communications Act; and imposes annual fees on
stations. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, as well as to the FCC's rules, public notices, and
rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations.
Broadcast licenses are granted for eight-year periods. The Communications Act directs the FCC to renew a
broadcast license if the station has served the public interest and is in substantial compliance with the provisions of
the Communications Act and FCC rules and policies. Management believes the Company is in substantial
compliance with all applicable provisions of the Communications Act and FCC rules and policies and knows of no
reason why Meredith's broadcast station licenses will not be renewed.
The FCC has, on occasion, changed the rules related to local ownership of media assets, including rules relating to
the ownership of one or more television stations in a market. The FCC's media ownership rules are subject to
5
further review by the FCC, various court appeals, petitions for reconsideration before the FCC, and possible actions
by Congress. We cannot predict the impact of any of these developments on our business.
The Communications Act and the FCC also regulate relationships between television broadcasters and cable,
satellite, and telecommunications television providers. Under these provisions, most cable systems must devote a
specified portion of their channel capacity to the carriage of the signals of local television stations that elect to
exercise this right to mandatory carriage. Alternatively, television stations may elect to restrict cable systems from
carrying their signals without their written permission, referred to as retransmission consent. Congress and the FCC
have established and implemented generally similar market-specific requirements for mandatory carriage of local
television stations by satellite television providers when those providers choose to provide a market's local
television signals. These rules, including related rules on exclusivity, good faith bargaining, and "over-the-top"
carriage are subject to further review by the FCC and possible actions by Congress. We cannot predict the impact of
any of these developments on our business.
The FCC proposed a plan, called the National Broadband Plan, to increase the amount of spectrum available in the
United States for wireless broadband use. In furtherance of the National Broadband Plan, Congress enacted, and the
President signed into law, legislation authorizing the FCC to conduct a “reverse auction” for which television
broadcast licensees could submit bids to receive compensation in return for relinquishing all or a portion of their
rights in the television spectrum of their full service and/or Class A stations. Under the new law, the FCC may hold
one reverse auction, and another auction for the newly freed spectrum. The FCC must complete both auctions by
2022. In May 2014, the FCC adopted a Report and Order setting forth the basic framework for the reverse auction
and the subsequent repacking of broadcast television signals into a new television band plan. The reverse auction
began on May 31, 2016. Further actions from the FCC are expected in the coming months.
Even if a television licensee does not participate in the reverse auction, the results of the auction could materially
impact a station's operations. The FCC has the authority to force a television station to change channels and/or
modify its coverage area to allow the FCC to rededicate certain channels within the television band for wireless
broadband use. We cannot predict whether or how this action will affect the Company or our television stations.
In addition to the National Broadband Plan, Congress and the FCC have under consideration, and in the future may
adopt, new laws, regulations, and policies regarding a wide variety of other matters that also could affect, directly or
indirectly, the operation, ownership transferability, and profitability of the Company's broadcast stations and affect
the ability of the Company to acquire additional stations. In addition to the matters noted above, these could include
spectrum usage fees, regulation of political advertising rates, restrictions on the advertising of certain products
(such as alcoholic beverages), program content restrictions, and ownership rule changes.
Other matters that could potentially affect the Company's broadcast properties include technological innovations
and developments generally affecting competition in the mass communications industry for viewers or advertisers,
such as home video recording devices and players, satellite radio and television services, cable television systems,
newspapers, outdoor advertising, and internet-delivered video programming services.
The information provided in this section is not intended to be inclusive of all regulatory provisions currently in
effect. Statutory provisions and FCC regulations are subject to change, and any such changes could affect future
operations and profitability of the Company's local media segment. Management cannot predict what regulations or
legislation may be adopted, nor can management estimate the effect any such changes would have on the
Company's television broadcasting operations.
National Media
National media contributed 67 percent of Meredith's consolidated revenues in fiscal 2016. Better Homes and
Gardens magazine, our flagship brand, continues to account for a significant percentage of revenues and operating
profit of the national media segment and the Company.
6
Magazines
Information for our major subscription magazine titles as of June 30, 2016, follows:
Title
Description
Frequency
per Year
Year-end
Rate Base 1
Better Homes and Gardens
Family Circle
Shape
Parents
FamilyFun
Martha Stewart Living
Fit Pregnancy and Baby
Rachael Ray Every Day
Allrecipes
EatingWell
Midwest Living
Ser Padres
Traditional Home
Siempre Mujer
Successful Farming
Wood
Women's service
Women's service
Women's lifestyle
Parenthood
Parenthood
Women's service
Parenthood
Women's lifestyle and food
Food
Women's lifestyle and food
Travel and lifestyle
Hispanic parenthood
Home decorating
Hispanic women's lifestyle
Farming business
Woodworking
12
12
10
12
9
10
11
10
6
6
6
8
8
6
13
7
7,600,000
4,000,000
2,500,000
2,200,000
2,100,000
2,050,000
2,000,000
1,700,000
1,300,000
1,000,000
950,000
850,000
850,000
550,000
390,000
380,000
1 Rate base is the circulation guaranteed to advertisers. Actual circulation generally exceeds rate base and for most of the Company's
titles is tracked by the Alliance for Audited Media, which issues periodic statements for audited magazines.
In addition to these major magazine titles, we published nearly 140 special interest publications under
approximately 90 titles in fiscal 2016, primarily under the Better Homes and Gardens brand. The titles are issued
from one to six times annually and sold primarily on newsstands. A limited number of subscriptions are also sold to
certain special interest publications. The following special interest titles were published quarterly or more
frequently: American Patchwork & Quilting; Country Gardens; Diabetic Living; Do It Yourself; Eat This, Not
That!; and Quilts & More.
Magazine Advertising—Advertising revenues are generated primarily from sales to clients engaged in consumer
marketing. Many of Meredith's larger magazines offer regional and demographic editions that contain similar
editorial content but allow advertisers to customize messages to specific markets or audiences. The Company sells
two primary types of magazine advertising: display and direct-response. Advertisements are either run-of-press
(printed along with the editorial portions of the magazine) or inserts (preprinted pages). Most of the national media
segment's advertising revenues are derived from run-of-press display advertising. Meredith also possesses strategic
marketing capabilities, which provide clients and their agencies with access to all of Meredith’s media platforms
and capabilities, including print, television, digital, video, mobile, consumer events, and custom marketing. Our
team of creative and marketing experts delivers innovative solutions across multiple media channels that meet each
client's unique advertising and promotional requirements.
Magazine Circulation—Subscriptions obtained through direct-mail solicitation, agencies, insert cards, the internet,
and other means are Meredith's largest source of circulation revenues. Revenue per subscription and related
expenses can vary significantly by source. Some subscription sources generate lower revenues than other sources,
but have proportionately lower related costs. The majority of subscription magazines are also sold by single copy.
Single copies sold on newsstands are distributed primarily through magazine wholesalers, who have the right to
receive credit from the Company for magazines returned to them by retailers.
7
Digital and Mobile Media
We have 20 of our titles available as digital editions, with an audience of approximately 890,000. Digital
subscriptions and single copy sales collectively represent 3 percent of our total rate base.
National media's nearly 50 websites and more than 30 mobile-optimized websites provide ideas and inspiration.
These branded websites focus on the topics that women care about most—food, home, entertaining, and meeting
the needs of moms—and on delivering powerful content geared toward lifestyle topics such as health, beauty, style,
and wellness. Digital traffic across our various platforms averaged 71 million unique monthly visitors in fiscal
2016. Our brands have a strong social networking presence as well. In fiscal 2016, national media reached over 28
million Facebook fans, nearly 11 million Twitter followers, and 5 million Pinterest followers.
Other Sources of Revenues
Other revenues are derived from digital and customer relationship marketing, other custom publishing projects,
brand licensing agreements, and ancillary products and services.
Meredith Xcelerated Marketing—Meredith Xcelerated Marketing (MXM) is a strategic and creative agency with
digital expertise across all channels. MXM provides fully-integrated marketing solutions for some of the world's top
brands, including Kraft, Lowe's, TGI Friday’s, and NBC Universal. MXM's revenue is independent of advertising
and circulation, though sometimes its services are sold as part of larger programs that include advertising
components.
Brand Licensing—Meredith owns a portfolio of valuable registered trademarks. Meredith brand licensing
generates royalty revenue through multiple long term licensing agreements with retailers, manufacturers and service
providers. Brand licensing extends the reach of Meredith brands into additional consumer channels in the U.S. and
abroad.
In place for many years, Meredith has a direct-to-retail licensing agreement with Walmart for Better Homes and
Gardens-branded products sold at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Walmart) in the U.S., Walmart.com, and emerging in
Mexico and China. We recently extended our licensing agreement with Walmart through 2019. Meredith also has a
long-term agreement to license the Better Homes and Gardens brand to Realogy Corporation, which continues to
build a residential real estate franchise system as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, LLC. The network now
includes more than 300 offices and more than 10,000 agents across the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas.
During fiscal 2016, Meredith announced two new licensing programs. The first is a line of healthy frozen food
entrées by Bellisio Foods, Inc. sold under the EatingWell brand. The program will be available at retail in the
second-half of calendar 2016, and therefore, did not contribute to fiscal 2016 results. The second new licensing
program is a line of women's activewear clothing by Apparel Bridge sold under the Shape brand. It debuted
digitally and at a small number of specialty retail stores in the weeks leading to the close of fiscal 2016, and
therefore did not meaningfully contribute to fiscal 2016 results.
Meredith's national media brands are currently distributed in more than 80 countries, including a localized presence
in more than 30 countries such as Australia, China, India, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey.
The Company continues to pursue activities that will serve consumers and advertisers while also extending and
strengthening the reach and vitality of our brands.
Meredith has licensed exclusive global rights to publish and distribute books based on our consumer-leading
brands, including the powerful Better Homes and Gardens imprint, to a book publisher. Meredith creates book
content and retains all approval and content rights while the publisher is responsible for book layout and design,
printing, sales and marketing, distribution, and inventory management. Meredith receives royalties based on net
sales subject to a guaranteed minimum.
8
Production and Delivery
Paper, printing, and postage costs accounted for 25 percent of the national media segment's fiscal 2016 operating
expenses.
Coated publication paper is the major raw material essential to the national media segment. We directly purchase all
of the paper for our magazine production and custom publishing business. The Company has contractual
agreements with major paper manufacturers to ensure adequate supplies for planned publishing requirements. The
price of paper is driven by overall market conditions and is therefore difficult to predict. In fiscal 2016, average
paper prices decreased 2 percent. They declined 3 percent in fiscal 2015 and 4 percent in fiscal 2014. Management
anticipates paper prices will be stable during fiscal 2017 and that fiscal 2017 average paper prices will be relatively
flat compared to fiscal 2016 given no significant shifts in the current supply and demand structure are anticipated.
Meredith has multi-year printing contracts with two major domestic printers for the printing of our magazines.
Postage is a significant expense of the national media segment. We continually seek the most economical and
effective methods for mail delivery, including cost-saving strategies that leverage work-sharing opportunities
offered within the postal rate structure. Periodical postage accounts for over 80 percent of Meredith's postage costs,
while other mail items—direct mail, replies, and bills—account for nearly 20 percent. The Governors of the United
States Postal Service (USPS) review prices for mailing services annually and adjust postage rates periodically. In
general, postage rate changes are capped by law at the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index
(CPI). The most recent rate change was effective in April 2016, which was a rare reduction in postage. The change
was not CPI driven, rather it rolled-back the temporary 4.3 percent exigent increase that was implemented in
January 2014 to allow the USPS to recover losses associated with the recent recession. Prior to fiscal 2016, postage
prices had risen in each of Meredith's last five fiscal years. While we expect postage prices to again increase in
January 2017, due to a legislatively mandated calendar 2017 review by the Postal Regulatory Commission could
potentially result in adjustments to the current rate setting regime. The impact of any such change would most likely
be effective with the January 2018 increase.
Meredith continues to work independently and with others to encourage and help the USPS find and implement
efficiencies to contain rate increases. We cannot, however, predict future changes in the postal rates or the impact
they will have on our national media business.
Subscription fulfillment services for Meredith's national media segment are provided by third parties. National
magazine newsstand distribution services are provided by third parties through multi-year agreements.
Competition
Publishing is a highly competitive business. The Company's magazines and related publishing products and services
compete with other mass media, including the internet and many other leisure-time activities. Competition for
advertising dollars is based primarily on advertising rates, circulation levels, reader demographics, advertiser
results, and sales team effectiveness. Competition for readers is based principally on editorial content, marketing
skills, price, and customer service. While competition is strong for established titles, gaining readership for newer
magazines and specialty publications is especially competitive.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Executive officers are elected to one year terms each November. The current executive officers of the Company are:
Stephen M. Lacy—Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (August 10, 2016 - present) and a director of the
Company since 2004. Formerly Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (2010 - 2016). Age 62.
Thomas H. Harty—President and Chief Operating Officer (August 10, 2016 - Present). Formerly President,
National Media Group (2010 - 2016). Age 53.
9
Paul A. Karpowicz—President, Local Media Group (2005 - present). Age 63.
Jonathan B. Werther—President, National Media Group (August 10, 2016 - present). Formerly EVP/President
Meredith Digital (2013-2016) and Chief Strategy Officer (2012-2013). Prior to joining Meredith, Mr. Werther
served as President of Simulmedia (2010-2012). Age 47.
Joseph H. Ceryanec—Vice President-Chief Financial Officer (2008 - present). Age 55.
John S. Zieser—Chief Development Officer/General Counsel and Secretary (2006 - present). Age 57.
EMPLOYEES
As of June 30, 2016, the Company had approximately 3,600 full-time and 130 part-time employees. Only a small
percentage of our workforce is unionized. We consider relations with our employees to be good.
OTHER
Name recognition and the public image of the Company's trademarks (e.g., Better Homes and Gardens and Parents)
and television station call letters are vital to the success of our ongoing operations and to the introduction of new
businesses. The Company protects our brands by aggressively defending our trademarks and call letters.
The Company had no material expenses for research and development during the past three fiscal years. Revenues
from individual customers and revenues, operating profits, and identifiable assets of foreign operations were not
significant. Compliance with federal, state, and local provisions relating to the discharge of materials into the
environment and to the protection of the environment had no material effect on capital expenditures, earnings, or
the Company's competitive position.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company's corporate website is meredith.com. The content of our website is not incorporated by reference into
this Form 10-K. Meredith makes available free of charge through our website our Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as
reasonably practical after such documents are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Meredith also
makes available on our website our corporate governance information including charters of all of our Board
Committees, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Code of Ethics, and our Bylaws. Copies of such documents
are also available free of charge upon written request.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-K, including the sections titled Item 1-Business, Item 1A-Risk Factors, and Item 7-Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements
that relate to future events or our future financial performance. We may also make written and oral forward-looking
statements in our SEC filings and elsewhere. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, trends, and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those items described in Item 1A-Risk Factors below, those
identified elsewhere in this document, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in our SEC filings.
We have tried, where possible, to identify such statements by using words such as believe, expect, intend, estimate,
may, anticipate, will, likely, project, plan, and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future
10
operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statements are and will be based upon our then-current
expectations, estimates, and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such
statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements that are part of
this filing; actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. The Company undertakes no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events, or otherwise.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K, investors should
consider carefully the following risk factors when investing in our securities. In addition to the risks described
below, there may be additional risks that we have not yet perceived or that we currently believe are immaterial.
Advertising represents the largest portion of our revenues and advertising demand may fluctuate from
period to period. In fiscal 2016, 55 percent of our revenues were derived from advertising. Advertising constitutes
71 percent of our local media revenues and 48 percent of our national media revenues. Demand for advertising is
highly dependent upon the strength of the U.S. economy. During an economic downturn, demand for advertising
may decrease. The growth in alternative forms of media, particularly electronic media including those based on the
internet, has increased the competition for advertising dollars, which could in turn reduce expenditures for
magazine and television advertising or suppress advertising rates.
Circulation revenues represent a significant portion of our revenues. Magazine circulation is another significant
source of revenue, representing 20 percent of total revenues and 30 percent of national media revenues. Preserving
the number of copies sold is critical for maintaining advertising sales. Magazines face increasing competition from
alternative forms of media and entertainment. As a result, sales of magazines through subscriptions and at the
newsstand could decline. As publishers compete for subscribers, subscription prices could decrease and marketing
expenditures may increase.
Technology in the media industry continues to evolve rapidly. Advances in technology have led to an increasing
number of alternative methods for the delivery of content and have driven consumer demand and expectations in
unanticipated directions. If we are unable to exploit new and existing technologies to distinguish our products and
services from those of our competitors or adapt to new distribution methods that provide optimal user experiences,
our business, financial condition, and prospects may be adversely affected. Technology developments also pose
other challenges that could adversely affect our revenues and competitive position. New delivery platforms may
lead to pricing restrictions, the loss of distribution control, and the loss of a direct relationship with consumers. We
may also be adversely affected if the use of technology developed to block the display of advertising on websites
proliferates. In addition, technologies such as subscription streaming media services and mobile video are
increasing competition for household audiences and advertisers. This competition may make it difficult for us to
grow or maintain our broadcasting and print revenues, which we believe may challenge us to expand the
contribution of our digital businesses.
Our websites and internal networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized persons accessing our systems, which
could disrupt our operations. The Company uses computers in substantially all aspects of our business operations.
Our website activities involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information, which we endeavor to
protect from unauthorized access. However, it is possible that unauthorized persons may be able to circumvent our
protections and misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions or malfunctions in our digital
operations. We invest in security resources and technology to protect our data and business processes against risk of
data security breaches and cyber-attack, but the techniques used to attempt attacks are constantly changing. A
breach or successful attack could have a negative impact on our operations or business reputation.
11
Evolving privacy and information security laws and regulations may impair our ability to market to
consumers. Meredith's consumer database includes first-party data that is used to market our products to our
customers and is also rented to or used on behalf of marketing and advertising clients. As public awareness shifts to
data gathering and usage, privacy rights, and data protection, new laws and regulations may be passed that would
restrict or prevent us from utilizing this data. Such restrictions could reduce or eliminate this resource for generating
revenue for the Company.
World events may result in unexpected adverse operating results for our local media segment. Our local
media results could be affected adversely by world events such as wars, political unrest, acts of terrorism, and
natural disasters. Such events can result in significant declines in advertising revenues as the stations will not
broadcast or will limit broadcasting of commercials during times of crisis. In addition, our stations may have higher
newsgathering costs related to coverage of the events.
Our local media operations are subject to FCC regulation. Our broadcasting stations operate under licenses
granted by the FCC. The FCC regulates many aspects of television station operations including employment
practices, political advertising, indecency and obscenity, programming, signal carriage, and various technical
matters. Violations of these regulations could result in penalties and fines. Changes in these regulations could
impact the results of our operations. The FCC also regulates the ownership of television stations. Changes in the
ownership rules could adversely affect our ability to consummate future transactions. Details regarding regulation
and its impact on our local media operations are provided in Item 1-Business beginning on page 5.
Loss of or changes in affiliation agreements could adversely affect operating results for our local media
segment. Due to the quality of the programming provided by the networks, stations that are affiliated with a
network generally have higher ratings than unaffiliated independent stations in the same market. As a result, it is
important for stations to maintain their network affiliations. Most of our stations have network affiliation
agreements. Seven are affiliated with CBS, five with FOX, two with MyNetworkTV, one with NBC, and one with
ABC. These television networks produce and distribute programming in exchange for each of our stations'
commitment to air the programming at specified times and for commercial announcement time during the
programming. In most cases, we also make cash payments to the networks. These payments are in essence a portion
of the retransmission fees that Meredith receives from cable, satellite, and telecommunications service providers,
which pay Meredith to carry our television programming in our markets. The non-renewal or termination of any of
our network affiliation agreements would prevent us from being able to carry programming of the affiliate network.
This loss of programming would require us to obtain replacement programming, which may involve higher costs
and/or which may not be as attractive to our audiences, resulting in reduced revenues. Furthermore, the non-renewal
of any retransmission consent agreement with a major cable, satellite, or telecommunications service provider could
adversely affect the economics of our relationship with the applicable network(s), advertising revenues, and our
local brands. If renewed, our network affiliation agreements and our retransmission agreements may be renewed on
terms that are less favorable to us. Our CBS affiliation agreements expire in August 2017 and June 2020. The
MyNetworkTV affiliation agreements expire in September 2018. Our Fox affiliation in Springfield, Massachusetts
is extended and being negotiated to be renewed currently, all other FOX affiliation agreements expire in December
2017. Our NBC affiliation agreement expires in December 2017 and our ABC affiliation agreement expires in
December 2019.
Client relationships are important to our brand licensing and consumer relationship marketing businesses.
Our ability to maintain existing client relationships and generate new clients depends significantly on the quality of
our products and services, our reputation, and the continuity of Company and client personnel. Dissatisfaction with
our products and services, damage to our reputation, or changes in key personnel could result in a loss of business.
Paper and postage prices are difficult to predict and control. Paper and postage represent significant
components of our total cost to produce, distribute, and market our printed products. In fiscal 2016, these expenses
accounted for 18 percent of national media's operating costs. Paper is a commodity and its price can be subject to
significant volatility. All of our paper supply contracts currently provide for price adjustments based on prevailing
market prices; however, we historically have been able to realize favorable paper pricing through volume discounts.
12
The USPS distributes substantially all of our subscription magazines and many of our marketing materials. Postal
rates are dependent on the operating efficiency of the USPS and on legislative mandates imposed upon the USPS.
Although we work with others in the industry and through trade organizations to encourage the USPS to implement
efficiencies that will minimize rate increases, we cannot predict with certainty the magnitude of future price
changes for paper and postage. Further, we may not be able to pass such increases on to our customers.
Acquisitions pose inherent financial and other risks and challenges. As a part of our strategic plan, we have
acquired businesses and we expect to continue acquiring businesses in the future. These acquisitions can involve a
number of risks and challenges, any of which could cause significant operating inefficiencies and adversely affect
our growth and profitability. Such risks and challenges include underperformance relative to our expectations and
the price paid for the acquisition; unanticipated demands on our management and operational resources; difficulty
in integrating personnel, operations, and systems; retention of customers of the combined businesses; assumption of
contingent liabilities; and acquisition-related earnings charges. If our acquisitions are not successful, we may record
impairment charges. Our ability to continue to make acquisitions will depend upon our success at identifying
suitable targets, which requires substantial judgment in assessing their values, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities, and
potential profitability, as well as the availability of suitable candidates at acceptable prices and whether restrictions
are imposed by regulations. Moreover, competition for certain types of acquisitions is significant, particularly in the
fields of broadcast stations and digital media. Even if successfully negotiated, closed, and integrated, certain
acquisitions may not advance our business strategy and may fall short of expected return on investment targets.
Further impairment of goodwill and intangible assets is possible, depending upon future operating results
and the value of the Company's stock. Although the Company wrote down its goodwill and intangible assets in
the national media segment by $155.8 million in fiscal 2016, further impairment charges are possible. We test our
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment during the fourth quarter of every fiscal year and on
an interim basis if indicators of impairment exist. Factors which influence the evaluation include, among many
things, the Company's stock price and expected future operating results. If the carrying value of a reporting unit or
an intangible asset is no longer deemed to be recoverable, a potentially material impairment charge could be
incurred. At June 30, 2016, goodwill and intangible assets totaled $1.8 billion, or 68 percent of Meredith's total
assets, with $1.0 billion in the national media segment and $0.8 billion in the local media segment. The review of
goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level. The Company has three reporting units, local media, magazine
brands, and MXM. As of May 31, 2016, the date that management last performed our annual review of impairment
of goodwill and intangible assets, there were no qualitative factors that indicated that a quantitative impairment
analysis was needed for the the local media reporting unit. The fair value of the magazine brands reporting unit
exceeded its net assets by approximately 20 percent. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined
that the MXM reporting unit was impaired. The resulting evaluation determined that the carrying value of MXM's
goodwill exceeded its estimated fair value and an impairment charge of $116.9 million was recorded by the
Company. Changes in key assumptions about the economy or business prospects used to estimate fair value or other
changes in market conditions could result in additional impairment charges. Although these charges would be non-
cash in nature and would not affect the Company's operations or cash flow, they would reduce stockholders' equity
and reported results of operations in the period charged.
We have two classes of stock with different voting rights. We have two classes of stock: common stock and Class
B stock. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share and account for 43 percent of the voting power.
Holders of Class B stock are entitled to ten votes per share and account for the remaining 57 percent of the voting
power. There are restrictions on who can own Class B stock. The majority of Class B shares are held by members of
Meredith's founding family. Control by a limited number of holders may make the Company a less attractive
takeover target, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. This voting control also
prevents other shareholders from exercising significant influence over certain of the Company's business decisions.
The preceding risk factors should not be construed as a complete list of factors that
may affect our future operations and financial results.
13
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Meredith is headquartered in Des Moines, IA. The Company owns buildings at 1716 and 1615 Locust Street and is
the sole occupant of these buildings. The Company believes these facilities are adequate for their intended use.
The local media segment operates from facilities in the following locations: Atlanta, GA; Phoenix, AZ; St. Louis,
MO; Beaverton, OR; Nashville, TN; Rocky Hill, CT; Fairway, KS; Greenville, SC; Henderson, NV; Mobile, AL;
Saginaw, MI; and Springfield, MA. The Company believes these properties are adequate for their intended use. The
property in St. Louis is leased, while the other properties are owned by the Company. Each of the broadcast stations
also maintains one or more owned or leased transmitter sites.
The national media segment operates mainly from the Des Moines offices and from a leased facility in New York,
NY. The New York facility is used primarily as advertising sales offices for all Meredith magazines and as
headquarters for Family Circle, Shape, Parents, FamilyFun, Fit Pregnancy and Baby, Rachael Ray Every Day, and
Siempre Mujer properties. Allrecipes operates out of leased space in Seattle, WA. We have also entered into leases
for magazine editorial offices, MXM operations, and national media sales offices in the states of California,
Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia. The Company believes these facilities are sufficient to
meet our current and expected future requirements.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are various legal proceedings pending against the Company arising from the ordinary course of business. In
the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from existing litigation and claims are not expected to have a
material effect on the Company's earnings, financial position, or liquidity.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
14
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER
MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
MARKET INFORMATION, DIVIDENDS, AND HOLDERS
The principal market for trading Meredith's common stock is the New York Stock Exchange (trading symbol MDP).
There is no separate public trading market for Meredith's Class B stock, which is convertible share for share at any
time into common stock. Holders of both classes of stock receive equal dividends per share.
The range of trading prices for the Company's common stock and the dividends per share paid during each quarter
of the past two fiscal years are presented below.
Fiscal 2016
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal 2015
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
$
$
High
Low
Dividends
$
53.11
47.70
48.00
52.49
$
39.40
38.80
35.03
44.80
0.4575
0.4575
0.4950
0.4950
High
Low
Dividends
$
50.24
55.75
57.22
55.56
$
42.69
41.95
49.63
50.25
0.4325
0.4325
0.4575
0.4575
Meredith stock became publicly traded in 1946, and quarterly dividends have been paid continuously since 1947.
Meredith has increased our dividend for 23 consecutive years. It is currently anticipated that comparable dividends
will continue to be paid in the future.
On July 31, 2016, there were approximately 1,020 holders of record of the Company's common stock and 550
holders of record of Class B stock.
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RETURN
The following graph compares the performance of the Company's common stock during the period July 1, 2011, to
June 30, 2016, with the Standard and Poor's (S&P) MidCap 400 Index and with a peer group of companies engaged
in multimedia businesses primarily with publishing and/or television broadcasting in common with the Company.
The peer group was revised this fiscal year to include Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. and Time Inc. (since
June 9, 2014, the date its stock began trading) and to remove Graham Holding Company and Martha Stewart Living
Omnimedia, Inc., which was acquired by Sequential Brands Group, Inc. effective December 4, 2015. Graham
15
Holding Company was removed from the peer group as it is no longer substantially in the same businesses as the
Company. The graph includes both the revised peer group (New Peer Group) and the peer group used in the prior
year (Old Peer Group).
The S&P MidCap 400 Index is comprised of 400 mid-sized U.S. companies with a market cap in the range of $1.4
billion to $5.9 billion in primarily the financial, information technology, industrial, and consumer discretionary
industries weighted by market capitalization. The New Peer Group selected by the Company for comparison, which
is also weighted by market capitalization, is comprised of Media General, Inc.; Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc.,
TEGNA Inc.; The E.W. Scripps Company, and Time Inc. The Old Peer Group, which is also weighted by market
capitalization, is comprised of Graham Holding Company; Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.; Media
General, Inc.; TEGNA Inc.; and The E.W. Scripps Company.
The graph depicts the results for investing $100 in the Company's common stock, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, the
New Peer Group, and the Old Peer Group at closing prices on June 30, 2011, assuming dividends were reinvested.
16
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company's repurchases of common stock during the
quarter ended June 30, 2016.
Period
April 1 to
April 30, 2016
May 1 to
May 31, 2016
June 1 to
June 30, 2016
Total
(a)
Total number
of shares
purchased 1, 2
(b)
Average price
paid
per share
(c)
Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
programs
(d)
Approximate dollar value
of shares that may yet be
purchased under the
programs
48,750
$
49.80
269,809
29,662
348,221
50.94
51.23
50.80
6,635
91,514
4,469
102,618
(in thousands)
$
88,752
84,187
83,958
1 The number of shares purchased includes 5,192 shares in April 2016, 31,514 shares in May 2016, and 3,501 shares in June 2016
delivered or deemed to be delivered to us in satisfaction of tax withholding on option exercises and the vesting of restricted shares. These
shares are included as part of our repurchase program and reduce the repurchase authority granted by our Board. The number of shares
repurchased excludes shares we reacquired pursuant to forfeitures of restricted stock.
2 The number of shares purchased includes 42,115 shares in April 2016, 178,295 shares in May 2016, and 25,193 shares in June 2016
deemed to be delivered to us on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options. These shares do not reduce the repurchase
authority granted by our Board.
In May 2014, Meredith announced the Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million in
additional shares of the Company's stock through public and private transactions. The table above reflects the
amounts that may be repurchased under this authorization.
For more information on the Company's share repurchase program, see Item 7-Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the heading "Share Repurchase Program" on
page 34.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Selected financial data for the fiscal years 2012 through 2016 are contained under the heading "Five-Year Financial
History with Selected Financial Data" beginning on page 87 and are primarily derived from consolidated financial
statements for those years. Information contained in that table is not necessarily indicative of results of operations in
future years 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 of this Form 10-K.
17
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) consists of the
following sections:
Executive Overview ............................................................
Results of Operations ..........................................................
Liquidity and Capital Resources .........................................
Critical Accounting Policies................................................
Accounting and Reporting Developments ..........................
Page
18
22
31
35
38
MD&A should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Form 10-K, including Item 1-Business, Item 6-
Selected Financial Data, and Item 8-Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. MD&A contains forward-
looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements
are based upon our current expectations and could be affected by many risks, uncertainties, and changes in
circumstances including the uncertainties and risk factors described throughout this filing, particularly in Item 1A-
Risk Factors. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-
looking statements are set forth under the heading “Forward Looking Statements" in Item 1-Business.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Meredith has been committed to service journalism for nearly 115 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution
platforms – including broadcast television, print, digital, mobile, and video – to provide consumers with content
they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners.
Meredith operates two business segments. The local media segment includes 16 owned television stations and one
managed station reaching 11 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing
markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25 markets—including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Portland—
and 13 in Top 50 markets. Meredith’s stations produce more than 660 hours of local news and entertainment content
each week, and operate leading local digital destinations.
Meredith’s national media segment reaches more than 100 million unduplicated women, including nearly 75
percent of U.S. millennial women. Meredith is the leader in creating content across media platforms in key
consumer interest areas such as food, home, parenting, and health through well-known brands such as Better Homes
and Gardens, Allrecipes, Parents, and Shape. The national media segment features robust brand licensing activities,
including more than 3,000 SKUs of branded products at 4,000 Walmart stores across the U.S. and at Walmart.com.
Meredith Xcelerated Marketing is an award-winning, strategic, and creative agency that provides fully integrated
marketing solutions for many of the world’s top brands.
Both segments operate primarily in the U.S. and compete against similar media and other types of media on both a
local and national basis. In fiscal 2016, the national media segment accounted for 67 percent of the Company's $1.6
billion in revenues while local media segment revenues contributed 33 percent.
18
Meredith's balanced portfolio consistently generates substantial free cash flow, and the Company is committed to
growing Total Shareholder Return through dividend payments, share repurchases, and strategic business
investments. Fiscal 2016 was a year of strong growth in revenues and cash flow. We generated record revenues of
$1.65 billion, a 3 percent increase over fiscal 2015.
Fiscal 2016 business highlights included:
•
Expanding audiences across media platforms and increased reach to millennial women:
◦ Readership across our magazine portfolio grew to a record 127 million, according to the Spring
2016 GfK Mediamark Research & Intelligence Report.
◦
Traffic to our digital sites increased to more than 80 million monthly unique visitors.
◦ Our reach to U.S. millennial women grew by 9 percentage points to 72 percent of American female
millennials.
◦ Meredith’s multi-channel reach among American women hit an all-time high of 102 million.
Additionally, Meredith’s database has grown to 125 million American consumers.
◦
◦
In our television portfolio, nine of our stations ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in late news, and eight
stations ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in morning news, according to the May 2016 rating book data
compiled by Nielsen.
These audience metrics are followed closely by our advertising clients, who use them to inform
advertising rates and their return on advertising across our brands.
• Growing magazine, digital, and non-political television advertising revenue. National media's magazine
advertising revenues grew in the low-single digits and digital advertising was up in the mid-teens. Local
media's non-political advertising revenues also increased in the mid-single digits, including digital
advertising, which was up in the low-teens.
•
Increasing revenues from businesses not dependent on traditional advertising. Our brand licensing activities
delivered record performance in fiscal 2016 and are now ranked No. 2 in the world, according to License!
Global magazine. Additionally, local media delivered growth in retransmission consent fees and
contribution by renewing retransmission consent agreements with pay television providers.
• Continuing strong execution of our Total Shareholder Return strategy. We grew our dividend for the 23rd-
straight year, increasing it in February by 8 percent to $1.98 per share on an annualized basis. We’ve paid
an annual dividend for 69 straight years, and it’s currently yielding approximately 4 percent. We also
strengthened our balance sheet by paying down $100.0 million of debt.
LOCAL MEDIA
Local media derives the majority of its revenues—71 percent in fiscal 2016—from the sale of advertising both over
the air and on our stations' websites and apps. The remainder comes from television retransmission fees, station
operation management fees, television production services, and other services.
The stations sell advertising to both local/regional and national accounts. Political advertising revenues are cyclical
in that they are significantly greater during biennial election campaigns (which take place primarily in odd-
numbered fiscal years) than at other times. We generate additional revenues from internet activities and programs
focused on local interests such as community events and college and professional sports.
19
Changes in advertising revenues tend to correlate with changes in the level of economic activity in the U.S. and in
the local markets in which we operate stations, and with the cyclical changes in political advertising discussed
previously. Programming content, audience share, audience demographics, and the advertising rates charged
relative to other available advertising opportunities also affect advertising revenues. On occasion, unusual events
necessitate uninterrupted television coverage and will adversely affect spot advertising revenues.
Local media's major expense categories are employee compensation and programming fees paid to the networks.
Employee compensation represented 42 percent of local media's operating expenses in fiscal 2016. Compensation
expense is affected by salary and incentive levels, the number of employees, the costs of our various employee
benefit plans, and other factors. Programming fees paid to the networks represented 20 percent of this segment's
fiscal 2016 expenses. Sales and promotional activities, costs to produce local news programming, and general
overhead costs for facilities and technical resources accounted for most of the remaining 38 percent of local media's
fiscal 2016 operating expenses.
NATIONAL MEDIA
Advertising revenues made up 48 percent of fiscal 2016 national media revenues. These revenues were generated
from the sale of advertising space in our magazines and on our websites to clients interested in promoting their
brands, products, and services to consumers. Changes in advertising revenues tend to correlate with changes in the
level of economic activity in the U.S. Indicators of economic activity include changes in the level of gross domestic
product, consumer spending, housing starts, unemployment rates, auto sales, and interest rates. Circulation levels of
Meredith's magazines, reader demographic data, and the advertising rates charged relative to other comparable
available advertising opportunities also affect the level of advertising revenues.
Circulation revenues accounted for 30 percent of fiscal 2016 national media revenues. Circulation revenues result
from the sale of magazines to consumers through subscriptions and by single copy sales on newsstands in print
form, primarily at major retailers and grocery/drug stores, and in digital form on tablets and other media devices. In
the short term, subscription revenues, which accounted for 86 percent of circulation revenues, are less susceptible to
economic changes because subscriptions are generally sold for terms of one to three years. The same economic
factors that affect advertising revenues also can influence consumers' response to subscription offers and result in
lower revenues and/or higher costs to maintain subscriber levels over time. Subscription revenues per copy and
related costs can also vary significantly by subscription source. Some subscription sources generate lower revenues
than other sources, but have proportionately lower related costs. A key factor in our subscription success is our
industry-leading database. It contains an abundance of attributes on 125 million individuals, which represents 80
percent of American homeowners and nearly 65 percent of millennial women. The size and depth of our database is
a key to our circulation model and allows more precise consumer targeting. Newsstand revenues are more volatile
than subscription revenues and can vary significantly month to month depending on economic and other factors.
The remaining 22 percent of national media revenues came from a variety of activities that included the sale of
customer relationship marketing products and services as well as brand licensing, product sales, and other related
activities. MXM offers integrated promotional, database management, relationship, and direct marketing
capabilities for corporate customers, both in printed and digital forms. These other revenues are generally affected
by changes in the level of economic activity in the U.S. including changes in the level of gross domestic product,
consumer spending, unemployment rates, and interest rates.
National media's major expense categories are production and delivery of publications and promotional mailings
and employee compensation costs. Paper, postage, and production charges represented 25 percent of the segment's
operating expenses in fiscal 2016. The price of paper can vary significantly on the basis of worldwide demand and
supply for paper in general and for specific types of paper used by Meredith. The printing of our publications is
outsourced. We typically have multi-year contracts for the printing of our magazines, a practice which reduces price
fluctuations over the contract term. Postal rates are dependent on the operating efficiency of the USPS and on
legislative mandates imposed on the USPS. The USPS adjusted rates most recently in April 2016, which resulted in
20
a rare reduction in postage. This adjustment was the result of rolling-back the 4.3 percent exigent increase
implemented in January 2014. We currently expect an inflationary rate increase in January 2017. Meredith works
with others in the industry and through trade organizations to encourage the USPS to implement efficiencies and
contain rate increases.
Employee compensation, which includes benefits expense, represented 23 percent of national media's operating
expenses in fiscal 2016, and is affected by the same factors noted for local media. Impairment charges accounted
for 14 percent of national media's fiscal 2016 expenses. The remaining 38 percent of fiscal 2016 national media
expenses included costs for magazine newsstand distribution, advertising and promotional efforts, and overhead
costs for facilities and technology services.
FISCAL 2016 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
•
The Company recorded a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $116.9 million in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2016 to reduce the carrying value of the national media segment's goodwill related to MXM's
operations. In addition, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment of $38.9
million related to the American Baby trademark following management's decision to discontinue the use of
the American Baby brand following its combination with the Fit Pregnancy brand. These impairment
charges reduced diluted earnings per share by $2.90.
• National media revenues increased 4 percent as incremental revenue increases of $83.3 million attributable
to acquisitions more than offset revenue declines in our magazine operations which were primarily due to
declines in magazine advertising. Operating expenses increased 19 percent due primarily to the goodwill
and trademark impairment charges noted above. In addition, incremental operating expenses of $65.5
million attributable to the acquisitions more than offset operating expense declines in our magazine
operations. Due to the impairment charges, the national media segment ended fiscal 2016 with an operating
loss of $17.7 million.
•
•
Local media revenues increased 3 percent. While Meredith recorded $30.8 million less in political
advertising revenues in fiscal 2016 due to the normal cyclical nature of political advertising, higher non-
political advertising revenues and retransmission revenues attributable to acquired and comparable stations
more than offset the expected decline in political revenues. Operating profit declined 3 percent primarily
due to the cyclical decline in high-margin political advertising revenues.
In January 2016, the Company terminated its September 2015 merger agreement with Media General. In
exchange for terminating the merger agreement, the Company received $60.0 million in cash. During fiscal
2016, the Company incurred $16.5 million in merger-related expenses. This merger termination fee, net of
related merger expenses, increased diluted earnings per share by $0.59.
• Management committed to several performance improvement plans related primarily to business
realignments due to recent acquisitions and the closing of MORE magazine effective following the
publication of the April 2016 issue. These actions resulted in selected workforce reductions. In connection
with these plans, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $10.3 million, which
consisted primarily of severance and related benefit costs related to the involuntary termination of
employees.
• Diluted earnings per share decreased 75 percent to $0.75 from $3.02 in fiscal 2015.
•
In fiscal 2016, we generated $226.6 million in operating cash flows, invested $8.2 million in acquisitions of
and investments in businesses, and invested $25.0 million in capital improvements.
21
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
2016
Years ended June 30,
(In millions except per share data)
Total revenues............................................................... $ 1,649.6
1,341.9
Costs and expenses .......................................................
59.1
Depreciation and amortization .....................................
161.5
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets ....
(43.5)
Merger termination fee net of merger-related costs .....
1,519.0
Total operating expenses ..............................................
130.6
Income from operations................................................ $
33.9
Net earnings.................................................................. $
Diluted earnings per share ............................................
0.75
n/m - Not meaningful
Change
2015
Change
2014
3 % $ 1,594.2
1,294.3
4 %
56.5
5 %
1.3
n/m
—
n/m
1,352.1
12 %
242.1
(46)% $
136.8
(75)% $
3.02
(75)%
9 % $ 1,468.7
1,222.3
6 %
48.7
16 %
11.2
(89)%
—
—
1,282.2
5 %
186.5
30 % $
113.5
20 % $
2.50
21 %
OVERVIEW
Following are brief descriptions of recent acquisitions and a discussion of the trends and uncertainties that affected
our businesses. Following the Overview is an analysis of the results of operations for the local media and national
media segments and an analysis of our consolidated results of operations for the last three fiscal years.
Acquisitions
During fiscal 2015, Meredith completed several strategic acquisitions including the October 2014 acquisition of
WGGB and the December 2014 acquisition of WALA in our local media segment, and the November 2014
acquisitions of the Martha Stewart Living media properties and related digital assets (collectively Martha Stewart
Living Media Properties) and of mywedding.com, the December 2014 acquisition of Selectable Media, the
February 2015 acquisition of the Shape brand and its related digital assets, and the June 2015 acquisition of Qponix
in our national media segment. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, Shape and Fitness magazines were merged into
one publication under the Shape brand. In MD&A disclosures, references to increases due to acquisitions includes
the incremental increase of the combined Fitness/Shape magazine operations as compared to the operations of
Fitness magazine.
In December 2015, Meredith entered into a new 10-year licensing arrangement with Sequential Brands Group, Inc.,
which replaces the prior agreement for the Martha Stewart Living Media Properties. Under the new agreement,
Meredith also assumed the cross-platform editorial responsibilities for the Martha Stewart Living and Martha
Stewart Weddings media brands and related digital assets.
In the second half of fiscal 2014, Meredith completed the acquisitions of KMOV, the CBS affiliate in St. Louis,
Missouri, and KTVK, an independent station in Phoenix, Arizona.
The results of these acquisitions have been included in the Company's consolidated operating results since their
respective acquisition dates. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.
Trends and Uncertainties
Advertising demand is the Company's key uncertainty, and its fluctuation from period to period can have a material
effect on operating results. Advertising revenues accounted for 55 percent of total revenues in fiscal 2016. Other
significant uncertainties that can affect operating results include fluctuations in the cost of paper, postage rates, and
over time, television programming rights. The Company's cash flows from operating activities, our primary source
of liquidity, is adversely affected when the advertising market is weak or when costs rise. One of our priorities is to
manage our businesses prudently during expanding and contracting economic cycles to maximize shareholder
22
return over time. To manage the uncertainties inherent in our businesses, we prepare monthly internal forecasts of
anticipated results of operations and monitor the economic indicators mentioned in the Executive Overview. See
Item 1A-Risk Factors in this Form 10-K for further discussion.
LOCAL MEDIA
The following discussion reviews operating results for the Company's local media segment, which consists of 16
owned television stations and one managed station and related digital and mobile media. The local media segment
contributed 33 percent of Meredith's consolidated revenues in fiscal 2016.
Local media revenues increased 3 percent in fiscal 2016 as revenues from the acquisition of two television stations
in fiscal 2015 and strong increases in other revenues more than offset a $30.8 million cyclical reduction in political
advertising, which was expected in a non-political year. Local media operating profit declined 3 percent in fiscal
2016.
Fiscal 2015 local media revenues rose 33 percent and operating profit grew 44 percent, reflecting the acquisition of
two television stations in fiscal 2014, the acquisition of two television stations in early fiscal 2015, and increased
cyclical political advertising.
Local media operating results for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
Change
2015
Change
2014
(In millions)
Revenues...................................................................... $
Operating expenses......................................................
Operating profit ........................................................... $
548.4
(389.9)
158.5
3 % $
5 %
(3)% $
534.3
(371.6)
162.7
33% $
28%
44% $
402.8
(289.7)
113.1
Local Media Revenues
The table below presents the components of revenues for the last three fiscal years.
Years ended June 30,
(In millions)
Revenues
2016
Change
2015
Change
2014
Non-political advertising......................................... $
Political advertising.................................................
Other........................................................................
Total revenues .............................................................. $
374.1
13.0
161.3
548.4
5 % $
(70)%
20 %
3 % $
356.5
43.8
134.0
534.3
23% $
797%
25%
33% $
290.7
4.9
107.2
402.8
Local media revenues increased 3 percent in fiscal 2016. Non-political advertising revenues increased 5 percent.
Non-political advertising revenues from station acquisitions accounted for almost 75 percent of the increase.
Organic local non-political advertising revenues increased 1 percent in fiscal 2016 and organic national non-
political advertising revenues increased 2 percent. Political advertising revenues totaled $13.0 million in the current
fiscal year compared with $43.8 million in the prior year. Fluctuations in political advertising revenues at our
stations, and throughout the broadcasting industry, generally follow the biennial cycle of election campaigns.
Political advertising displaces a certain amount of non-political advertising; therefore, the revenues are not entirely
incremental. Digital advertising increased 13 percent in fiscal 2016 due to the addition of digital advertising
revenues from station acquisitions and organic growth.
23
Other revenues, which are primarily retransmission fees from cable, satellite, and telecommunications operators and
station management fees, grew 20 percent in fiscal 2016. Incremental other revenues from station acquisitions
accounted for approximately 25 percent of the increase. The remainder was primarily due to an increase in
retransmission fees of $27.6 million partially offset by a reduction in station management fees of $2.6 million.
Local media revenues increased 33 percent in fiscal 2015. The increase was due primarily to station acquisitions
and higher political advertising related to the November 2014 elections. Political advertising revenues totaled $43.8
million in fiscal 2015 compared with $4.9 million in fiscal 2014. Political revenues from station acquisitions
accounted for 25 percent of the increase in political advertising revenues. Non-political advertising revenues
increased 23 percent in fiscal 2015 due primarily to the addition of $73.8 million of non-political advertising
revenue from station acquisitions. Organic local non-political advertising revenues and organic national non-
political advertising revenues each declined 3 percent in fiscal 2015. Digital advertising increased 37 percent as
compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to station acquisitions.
Other revenues increased 25 percent in fiscal 2015 primarily due to the addition of revenues of $20.1 million from
station acquisitions and increased retransmission fees of $12.1 million.
Local Media Operating Expenses
Local media operating expenses increased 5 percent in fiscal 2016. Incremental operating expenses from station
acquisitions of $13.4 million, increased programming fees paid to affiliated networks of $9.7 million, and increased
performance based incentive accruals of $3.3 million were partially offset by reductions in employee compensation
costs of $2.2 million. In addition, the lack of $2.3 million in acquisition and disposal transaction costs as compared
to the prior year and a reduction in previously accrued restructuring costs of $2.1 million recorded in the current
year also helped offset the increases.
Fiscal 2015 local media operating expenses increased 28 percent. Approximately 90 percent of the increase was due
to the addition of operating expenses of acquired stations. In addition, an increase in programming fees paid to the
networks of $11.6 million was partially offset by a decrease in transaction costs related to station acquisitions of
$3.2 million.
Local Media Operating Profit
Fiscal 2016 local media operating profit declined 3 percent compared with fiscal 2015 primarily due to a change in
the mix of revenues from higher margin political advertising revenues to lower margin other revenues and increased
operating expenses.
Local media operating profit increased 44 percent in fiscal 2015 compared with the prior year reflecting the
addition of the station acquisitions as well as the increase in political advertising revenues.
24
NATIONAL MEDIA
The following discussion reviews operating results for our national media segment, which includes magazine
publishing, digital and customer relationship marketing, digital and mobile media, brand licensing, database-related
activities, and other related operations. The national media segment contributed 67 percent of Meredith's
consolidated revenues in fiscal 2016.
Fiscal 2016 national media revenues increased 4 percent. Costs and expenses increased 3 percent and impairment
charges of $155.8 million were recorded in the national media segment. Due to the impairment charges, the national
media operations reported an operating loss of $17.7 million in fiscal 2016. National media revenues declined 1
percent in fiscal 2015 while segment operating profit grew 8 percent.
National media operating results for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
Change
2015
Change
2014
(In millions)
Revenues ...................................................................... $ 1,101.2
Operating expenses
Costs and expenses ....................................................
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets..
Total operating expenses............................................
Operating profit (loss) .................................................. $
(963.1)
(155.8)
(1,118.9)
(17.7)
n/m - Not meaningful
National Media Revenues
4% $ 1,059.9
(1)% $ 1,065.9
3%
n/m
19%
n/m
$
(937.2)
0 %
— (100)%
(2)%
8 % $
(937.2)
122.7
(941.6)
(11.2)
(952.8)
113.1
The table below presents the components of revenues for the last three fiscal years.
Years ended June 30,
(In millions)
Revenues
2016
Change
2015
Change
2014
Advertising ............................................................. $
Circulation ..............................................................
Other .......................................................................
527.1
328.6
245.5
Total revenues ............................................................. $ 1,101.2
496.2
6 % $
313.7
5 %
250.0
(2)%
4 % $ 1,059.9
482.8
3 % $
327.2
(4)%
255.9
(2)%
(1)% $ 1,065.9
25
Advertising Revenue
The following table presents advertising page information according to Publishers Information Bureau for our
major subscription-based magazines for the last three fiscal years:
Years ended June 30,
Better Homes and Gardens .........................................
Parents.........................................................................
Family Circle...............................................................
Shape / Fitness.............................................................
Martha Stewart Living 1 ..............................................
Traditional Home ........................................................
Rachael Ray Every Day...............................................
FamilyFun ...................................................................
Midwest Living ............................................................
More 2 ..........................................................................
EatingWell ...................................................................
Fit Pregnancy and Baby / American Baby ..................
Allrecipes 3...................................................................
Ladies' Home Journal 4 ...............................................
¹ Since date of acquisition in fiscal 2015
2 Closed during fiscal 2016
3 Since date of launch in fiscal 2014
4 Prior to conversion to a special interest publication in fiscal 2014
n/m - Not meaningful
2016
1,009
994
948
905
565
496
491
418
373
296
286
254
222
—
Change
(8)%
(7)%
(1)%
26 %
88 %
1 %
(4)%
(5)%
4 %
(48)%
11 %
(18)%
35 %
—
Change
2015
(6)%
1,099
(14)%
1,074
(1)%
956
(1)%
720
301
n/m
0 %
493
(18)%
513
(19)%
441
(11)%
358
(8)%
565
(12)%
257
(11)%
309
71 %
164
— (100)%
2014
1,174
1,256
962
729
—
495
628
543
402
611
293
348
96
517
National media advertising revenues increased 6 percent in fiscal 2016. Digital advertising revenues grew 16
percent in fiscal 2016 due to acquisitions and, to a lesser extent, organic growth. Magazine advertising revenues
increased 3 percent and advertising pages increased 7 percent in fiscal 2016. Excluding incremental advertising
revenues and ad pages from acquisitions, magazine advertising revenues and ad pages declined in the mid to high-
single digits on a percentage basis. Among our core advertising categories, demand was weaker for the toiletries
and cosmetics, and retail categories while the prescription and non-prescription drugs categories showed strength.
Fiscal 2015 national media advertising revenues increased 3 percent. Digital advertising revenues increased almost
50 percent in fiscal 2015 primarily due to acquisitions, strong performance at Allrecipes.com, and organic growth.
Magazine advertising revenues declined 6 percent. Total advertising pages declined in the high-single digits on a
percentage basis. Excluding advertising revenues and page declines due to the conversion of Ladies' Home Journal
from a monthly subscription magazine to a newsstand-only special interest publication, ad revenues and pages
decreased 1 percent and 4 percent, respectively, primarily due to declines in our parenthood titles partially offset by
the addition of advertising revenues and pages from acquired magazines. Among our core advertising categories,
prescription drugs showed strength while most other categories were weaker.
Circulation Revenues
Fiscal 2016 magazine circulation revenues increased 5 percent. Subscription revenues increased in the mid-single
digits on a percentage basis primarily due to subscription revenues from acquisitions. Newsstand revenues were flat
in fiscal 2016 as increases from acquisitions were offset by overall weaker newsstand demand for most other titles.
Magazine circulation revenues decreased 4 percent in fiscal 2015. Subscription revenues declined in the low-single
digits. A decline in subscription revenues of $24.5 million from the conversion of Ladies' Home Journal from a
monthly subscription magazine to a newsstand-only special interest publication, a decline in More magazine's
subscription revenues of $3.7 million primarily due to a rate base change, and declines in several other titles due to
26
changes in subscriber source mix were partially offset by subscription revenues from acquisitions of $31.3 million.
Newsstand revenues declined approximately 20 percent in fiscal 2015. The decline in newsstand revenues was
primarily due to overall weaker demand and a wholesaler disruption in the newsstand channel.
Other Revenues
Other revenues declined 2 percent in fiscal 2016 as a decrease in MXM revenues of $12.6 million was mostly offset
by increases in content and web development revenues in our magazine operations of $4.8 million and an increase
in brand licensing revenues of $2.5 million.
Fiscal 2015 other revenues decreased 2 percent primarily due to declines in list rental revenues in our magazine
operations.
National Media Costs and Expenses
National media costs and expenses increased 3 percent in fiscal 2016. Incremental operating expenses from
acquisitions of $65.5 million and a pension settlement charge of $3.3 million were partially offset by reductions in
paper costs of $7.4 million. Paper expense declined due to both a decrease in the volume of paper used and due to a
low-single digit decline in average paper prices as compared to the prior year. In addition, non-payroll related
editorial costs declined $7.0 million, employee compensation costs decreased $5.9 million, postage and other
delivery costs were down $5.5 million, and processing costs decreased $3.3 million. Consistent with the decrease in
MXM revenues, MXM operating expenses declined $8.5 million.
Fiscal 2015 national media costs and expenses were flat as compared to fiscal 2014. The conversion of Ladies'
Home Journal reduced operating expenses by $48.1 million. Circulation expenses declined $9.2 million. Paper
costs declined $8.4 million primarily due to a decrease in printing volumes. In addition to the decrease in the
volume of paper used, paper expense also decreased due to a low-single digit decline in average paper prices as
compared to fiscal 2014. Payroll and related costs declined $4.4 million and editorial costs decreased $4.0 million.
These declines were mostly offset by the addition of expenses from acquisitions of $66.3 million.
National Media Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the national media segment recorded a pre-tax, non-cash impairment
charge of $116.9 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill related to MXM's operations and a pre-tax, non-
cash impairment charge of $38.9 million related to its American Baby trademark following management's decision
to discontinue the use of the American Baby brand following its combination with the Fit Pregnancy brand.
National Media Operating Profit (Loss)
National media operations resulted in a $17.7 million loss in fiscal 2016 reflecting the $155.8 million non-cash
impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of its goodwill and one of its trademarks. Absent the impairment
charges, national media operating profit would have been $138.1 million, an increase of 13 percent from fiscal
2015. That increase is primarily due to incremental operating profit from acquisitions of $17.8 million more than
offsetting a $4.2 million decline in MXM 's operating profit.
National media operating profit grew 8 percent in fiscal 2015. Operating profit from acquisitions of $17.9 million,
improved operating results in our digital operations of $11.3 million, the lack of a $10.3 million intangible
impairment charge as recorded in the prior year, and increased MXM operating profit of $4.0 million more than
offset a decline of magazine operating results of $31.6 million.
27
UNALLOCATED CORPORATE EXPENSES
Unallocated corporate expenses are general corporate overhead expenses not attributable to the operating groups.
These expenses for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
Change
2015
Change
2014
(In millions)
Costs and expenses .....................................................
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets ..
Merger termination fee net of merger-related costs....
Unallocated corporate expenses .................................
n/m - Not meaningful
$ 48.0
5.7
(43.5)
$ 10.2
11 %
n/m
n/m
(76)%
$ 43.2
—
—
$ 43.2
9%
—
—
9%
$ 39.7
—
—
$ 39.7
Unallocated corporate costs and expenses increased 11 percent as compared to the prior year primarily due to
increases in performance-based incentive accruals of $2.9 million, consulting costs of $1.6 million, and other small
increases in various expense categories.
During fiscal 2016, the Company's two corporate airplanes met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and as
such were written down to their estimate fair value less costs to sell. This resulted in a $5.7 million impairment
charge.
During fiscal 2016, the Company received $60.0 million of cash in conjunction with the termination of the Media
General merger and incurred $16.5 million in merger-related expenses.
Unallocated corporate expenses increased 9 percent in fiscal 2015 compared with fiscal 2014. Increases in
performance-based incentive accruals of $1.5 million, charitable contributions of $1.5 million, and other small
increases in various expense categories were partially offset by a reduction in consulting costs of $2.4 million.
CONSOLIDATED
Consolidated Operating Expenses
Consolidated operating expenses for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
Change
2015
Change
2014
(In millions)
611.8
Production, distribution, and editorial ........................ $
730.1
Selling, general, and administrative ...........................
59.1
Depreciation and amortization....................................
161.5
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets ..
(43.5)
Merger termination fee net of merger-related costs....
Operating expenses..................................................... $ 1,519.0
n/m - Not meaningful
2% $
5%
5%
n/m
598.9
695.4
56.5
1.3
—
n/m
12% $ 1,352.1
567.0
6 % $
655.3
6 %
48.7
16 %
11.2
(89)%
—
—
5 % $ 1,282.2
Production, Distribution, and Editorial Costs
Fiscal 2016 production, distribution, and editorial costs increased 2 percent. The addition of expenses of acquired
businesses of $31.0 million and increases in programming fees paid to affiliated networks of $9.7 million, more
than offset declines in paper expenses of $7.4 million, non-payroll related editorial costs of $7.0 million, postage
and other delivery costs of $5.5 million, and processing costs of $3.3 million.
28
Production, distribution, and editorial costs increased 6 percent in fiscal 2015. Additional expenses from acquired
businesses of $61.9 million and increases in programming fees paid to the networks of $11.6 million were partially
offset by a reduction in Ladies Home Journal expenses of $22.8 million and declines in paper expense of $8.4
million and editorial expenses of $4.0 million. In addition, MXM expenses declined $10.1 million primarily due to
a change in product mix.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 5 percent in fiscal 2016. The addition of expenses from
acquired businesses of $43.0 million, increased performance-based incentive accruals of $6.3 million, and a pension
settlement charge of $5.6 million more than offset declines in employee compensation costs of $12.8 million, lower
severance and related benefit accruals of $4.9 million, and a $3.1 million reduction in previously accrued
restructuring accruals.
Fiscal 2015 selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 6 percent. The addition of acquisition expenses
of $64.9 million, increases in performance-based incentive accruals of $6.0 million, and increases in charitable
contributions of $1.5 million more than offset a reduction in Ladies Home Journal expenses of $25.3 million and a
decline in circulation expenses of $9.2 million. MXM expenses increased $5.4 million primarily due to a change in
product mix.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 5 percent in fiscal 2016 due primarily to increased depreciation
and amortization from acquisitions of $4.9 million partially offset by certain intangible assets related to prior
acquisitions becoming fully amortized.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 16 percent in fiscal 2015 primarily due to depreciation and
amortization from acquisitions of $12.0 million. Partially offsetting this increase, certain intangible assets related to
acquisitions in fiscal 2012 became fully amortized in the prior year or current year resulting in $2.9 million less
amortization expense in fiscal 2015.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the national media segment recorded a pre-tax, non-cash impairment
charge of $116.9 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill related to MXM's operations and a pre-tax, non-
cash impairment charge of $38.9 million related to its American Baby trademark. In addition, during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company's two corporate airplanes met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and as
such were written down to their estimate fair value less costs to sell. This resulted in an impairment charge of $5.7
million.
Merger Termination Fee Net of Merger-related Costs
Merger termination fee net of merger-related costs for fiscal 2016 includes $60.0 million received in exchange for
terminating the Media General merger agreement reduced by $16.5 million in merger-related expenses.
Operating Expenses
Employee compensation including benefits was the largest component of our operating expenses in fiscal 2016.
Employee compensation represented 31 percent of total operating expenses in fiscal 2016, compared to 34 percent
in fiscal 2015, and 33 percent in fiscal 2014. National media paper, production, and postage combined expense was
the second largest component of our operating costs in fiscal 2016, representing 18 percent of the total. In fiscal
2015, these expenses represented 20 percent and in fiscal 2014, they were 23 percent. In fiscal 2016, the impairment
of goodwill and other long-lived assets was the third largest component representing 11 percent of total fiscal 2016
operating expenses. Absent the impairment charges, employee compensation including benefits represented 34
percent and national media paper, production, and postage combined expense represented 20 percent of total
operating costs.
29
Income from Operations
Income from operations decreased 46 percent in fiscal 2016 primarily due to the non-cash impairment charges of
$161.5 million described above, merger-related expenses of $16.5 million, lower operating profits before
acquisitions in our local media segment of $16.4 million due primarily to the cyclical nature of political revenues,
and a decline in MXM's operating results of $4.2 million. Partially offsetting these were the receipt of merger
related fees of $60.0 million, incremental operating profit from acquisitions of $24.2 million, the reduction in the
severance and benefits accrual of $4.9 million.
Income from operations rose 30 percent in fiscal 2015. The addition of acquisitions' operating profits of $49.0
million, higher operating profits in our local media segment of $15.5 million, improved operating results in our
national media digital operations of $11.3 million, the lack an impairment charge of $10.3 million as recorded in
fiscal 2014, and increased MXM operating profits of $4.0 million were partially offset by declines in the operating
results of our magazine operations of $31.6 million.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense was $20.4 million in fiscal 2016, $19.4 million in fiscal 2015, and $12.2 million in fiscal 2014.
Average long-term debt outstanding was $766.4 million in fiscal 2016, $780.3 million in fiscal 2015, and $428.8
million in fiscal 2014. The Company's approximate weighted average interest rate was 2.7 percent in fiscal 2016,
2.5 percent in fiscal 2015, and 2.7 percent in fiscal 2014. The fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 weighted average rates
includes the effects of derivative financial instruments.
Income Taxes
The Company's effective tax rate was 69.2 percent in fiscal 2016, 38.6 percent in fiscal 2015, and 34.9 percent in
fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment of goodwill of $116.9 million, of which
approximately 20 percent was deductible for income tax purposes. The fiscal 2015 effective tax rate was higher
than the fiscal 2014 rate because the fiscal 2014 rate reflected tax benefits realized due to expiring federal and state
statutes of limitations and federal tax benefits from the restructuring of Meredith's international operations.
Net Earnings and Earnings per Share
Net earnings were $33.9 million ($0.75 per diluted share) in fiscal 2016, down 75 percent from $136.8 million
($3.02 per diluted share) in fiscal 2015. The decrease in net earnings was primarily due to the impairment charges
and other changes in income from operations as discussed above and a higher effective tax rate due to the limited
tax deductibility of the goodwill impairment. Both average basic and diluted shares outstanding increased slightly.
Net earnings were $136.8 million ($3.02 per diluted share) in fiscal 2015, up 20 percent from $113.5 million ($2.50
per diluted share) in fiscal 2014. The increase in net earnings was primarily due to the growth in income from
operations as discussed above, reduced by increased interest expense and higher taxes. Both average basic and
diluted shares outstanding decreased slightly.
30
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities ................... $ 226.6
(31.5)
Cash flows from investing activities....................
(193.0)
Cash flows from financing activities ...................
2.1
Net cash flows...................................................... $
Cash and cash equivalents ................................... $
25.0
695.0
Long-term debt (including current portion) ........
889.0
Shareholders' equity.............................................
44%
Debt to total capitalization...................................
$ 192.3
(206.8)
0.7
$ (13.8)
22.8
$
795.0
951.9
46%
$ 178.1
(442.3)
273.1
8.9
36.6
715.0
891.7
45%
$
$
OVERVIEW
Meredith's primary source of liquidity is cash generated by operating activities. Debt financing is typically used for
significant acquisitions. Our core businesses—television broadcasting and magazine advertising—have been strong
cash generators. Despite the introduction of many new technologies, we believe these businesses will continue to
have strong market appeal for the foreseeable future. As is true in any business, changes in the level of demand for
magazine and television advertising or other products as well as changes in costs can have a significant effect on
operating results and cash flows.
Historically, Meredith has been able to absorb normal business downturns without significant increases in debt, and
management believes the Company will continue to do so. We expect cash on hand, internally generated cash flow,
and available credit from financing agreements will provide adequate funds for operating and recurring cash needs
(e.g., working capital, capital expenditures, debt repayments, and cash dividends) into the foreseeable future. At
June 30, 2016, we had up to $160.0 million available under our revolving credit facility and up to $20.0 million
available under our asset-backed bank facility (depending on levels of accounts receivable). While there are no
guarantees that we will be able to replace current credit agreements when they expire, we expect to be able to do so.
SOURCES AND USES OF CASH
Cash and cash equivalents increased $2.1 million in fiscal 2016; they decreased $13.8 million in fiscal 2015 and
increased $8.9 million in fiscal 2014. Over the three-year period, net cash provided by operating activities was used
for acquisitions, debt repayments, dividends, stock repurchases, and capital investments.
Operating Activities
The largest single component of operating cash inflows is cash received from advertising customers. Advertising
accounted for more than 50 percent of total revenues in each of the past three fiscal years. Other sources of
operating cash inflows include cash received from magazine circulation sales and other revenue transactions such as
retransmission consent fees, customer relationship marketing, brand licensing, and product sales. Operating cash
outflows include payments to vendors and employees and payments of interest and income taxes. Our most
significant vendor payments are for production and delivery of publications and promotional mailings, network
programming fees, employee benefits (including pension plans), broadcasting programming rights, and other
services and supplies.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $226.6 million in fiscal 2016 compared with $192.3 million in fiscal
2015. The increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to increased net earnings (excluding the
31
impact of non-cash impairment charges). The increase in net earnings reflects the merger termination fee less
merger-related expenses and associated taxes.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $192.3 million in fiscal 2015 compared with $178.1 million in fiscal
2014. The change is primarily due to increased net earnings and an increase in deferred income taxes.
Changes in the Company's cash contributions to qualified defined benefit pension plans can have a significant effect
on cash provided by operations. During fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, we made a $5.0 million contribution in each
fiscal year. We made no contributions in fiscal 2014. We do not anticipate a required contribution in fiscal 2017.
Investing Activities
Investing cash inflows generally include proceeds from the sale of assets or a business. Investing cash outflows
generally include payments for the acquisition of new businesses; investments; and additions to property, plant, and
equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $31.5 million in fiscal 2016 from $206.8 million in fiscal 2015
primarily due to fewer acquisitions of businesses in the current year.
Net cash used in investing activities was $206.8 million in fiscal 2015 compared to $442.3 million in fiscal 2014 as
less cash was used in fiscal 2015 related to the acquisitions. In addition, Meredith received proceeds from the sale
of assets in fiscal 2015. No such sales occurred in fiscal 2014.
Financing Activities
Financing cash inflows generally include borrowings under debt agreements and proceeds from the exercise of
common stock options issued under share-based compensation plans. Financing cash outflows generally include the
repayment of long-term debt, repurchases of Company stock, and the payment of dividends.
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $193.0 million in fiscal 2016, compared with net cash provided by
financing activities of $0.7 million in the prior year. The change in cash flows from financing activities is primarily
due to a net $100.0 million of debt being paid down in the current year compared to a net $80.0 million of debt
being issued in the prior year.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $0.7 million in fiscal 2015, compared with $273.1 million in fiscal
2014. The change in cash from financing activities is primarily due to net debt proceeds of $80.0 million in fiscal
2015 compared to net debt proceeds $365.0 million in fiscal 2014. The debt incurred in both fiscal 2015 and fiscal
2014 was used primarily to fund acquisitions.
Long-term Debt
At June 30, 2016, long-term debt outstanding totaled $695.0 million ($225.0 million under a term loan, $250.0
million in floating-rate unsecured senior notes, $100.0 million in fixed-rate unsecured senior notes, $80.0 million
under an asset-backed bank facility, and $40.0 million outstanding under a revolving credit facility).
During fiscal 2015, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge variable interest rate risk on
the $250.0 million floating-rate senior notes and on $50.0 million of the term loan. The expiration of the swaps is as
follows: $50.0 million in August 2018, $100.0 million in March 2019, and $150.0 million in August 2019. Under
the swaps the Company will pay fixed rates of interest (1.36 percent on the swap maturing in August 2018, 1.53
percent on the swap maturing in March 2019, and 1.76 percent on the swaps maturing in August 2019) and receive
variable rates of interest based on the one to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (0.45 percent on
the swap maturing in August 2018, 0.65 percent on the swap maturing in March 2019, and 0.69 percent on the
swaps maturing in August 2019 as of June 30, 2016) on the $300.0 million notional amount of indebtedness.
32
The revolving credit facility has a capacity of up to $200.0 million. Both the revolving credit facility and the term
loan have a five-year term which will expire in March 2019. The interest rate under both the revolving credit
facility and the term loan is variable based on LIBOR and Meredith's debt to trailing 12 month EBITDA (earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the debt agreement) ratio. As of June 30, 2016,
the weighted average interest rate was 2.13 percent for the revolving credit facility and term loan, after taking into
account the effect of outstanding interest rate swap agreements. The term loan is payable in quarterly installments
based on an amortization schedule as set forth in the agreement. At June 30, 2016, $225.0 million was outstanding
under the term loan and $40.0 million was outstanding under the revolver. Of the term loan, $25.0 million is due in
the next 12 months. We expect to repay this with cash from operations and credit available under existing credit
agreements.
The floating-rate unsecured senior notes are due in December 2022 and February 2024. The weighted average
effective interest rate for $150.0 million of the floating-rate unsecured senior notes was 3.26 percent at June 30,
2016, after taking into account the effect of outstanding interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average
effective interest rate for $100.0 million of the floating-rate unsecured senior notes was 3.03 percent at June 30,
2016, after taking into account the effect of the outstanding interest rate swap agreement. None of the floating-rate
senior notes are due in the next 12 months.
Of the fixed-rate unsecured senior notes, $50.0 million is due in the next 12 months. We expect to repay the senior
notes with cash from operations and credit available under existing credit agreements. The fixed-rate senior notes
are repayable in amounts of $50.0 million and are due on March 1, 2017, and March 1, 2018. The fixed-rate senior
notes carry an interest rate of 3.04 percent.
In connection with the asset-backed bank facility, we entered into a revolving agreement. Under this agreement, we
currently sell all of our rights, title, and interest in the majority of our accounts receivable related to advertising and
miscellaneous revenues to Meredith Funding Corporation, a special-purpose entity established to purchase accounts
receivable from Meredith. At June 30, 2016, $169.5 million of accounts receivable net of reserves were outstanding
under the agreement. Meredith Funding Corporation in turn sells receivable interests to a major national bank. In
consideration of the sale, Meredith receives cash and a subordinated note that bears interest at the prime rate, 3.50
percent at June 30, 2016, from Meredith Funding Corporation. As of June 30, 2016, the asset-backed bank facility
had a capacity of up to $100.0 million (depending on levels of accounts receivable). The interest rate on the asset-
backed bank facility is variable based on LIBOR plus a fixed spread. The interest rate was 1.35 percent as of
June 30, 2016. In October 2015, we renewed our asset-backed bank facility for an additional two-year period on
terms substantially similar to those previously in place. The renewed facility will expire in October 2017.
We believe our debt agreements are material to discussions of Meredith's liquidity. All of our debt agreements
include financial covenants, and failure to comply with any such covenants could result in the debt becoming
payable on demand. A summary of the most significant financial covenants and their status at June 30, 2016, is as
follows:
Ratio of debt to trailing 12 month EBITDA1
Ratio of EBITDA1 to interest expense
Required at
June 30, 2015
Less than 3.75
Greater than 2.75
Actual at
June 30, 2016
2.32
14.85
1 EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the debt agreements.
The Company was in compliance with these and all other financial covenants at June 30, 2016.
33
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our principal contractual obligations as of June 30, 2016:
Contractual obligations
Payments Due by Period
Total
Less than
1 Year
1-3
Years
4-5
Years
After 5
Years
(In millions)
Long-term debt............................................................ $
Debt interest 1..............................................................
Broadcast rights and network programming 2.............
Contingent consideration 3 ..........................................
Operating leases ..........................................................
Purchase obligations and other 4 .................................
695.0
$
73.2
284.2
62.5
126.9
33.3
75.0
15.6
112.2
5.0
16.5
15.8
$
370.0
$
— $
250.0
24.3
128.0
56.5
28.5
10.2
15.8
42.6
1.0
27.5
3.5
17.5
1.4
—
54.4
3.8
Total contractual cash obligations............................... $ 1,275.1
$
240.1
$
617.5
$
90.4
$
327.1
1 Debt interest represents semi-annual interest payments due on fixed-rate senior notes outstanding at June 30, 2016 and estimated
interest payments on variable-rate term loan and variable-rate private placement senior notes outstanding at June 30, 2016. Interest
payments on variable-rate debt is estimated using the effective interest rate including projected payments related to interest rate swaps
as of June 30, 2016.
2 Commitments for broadcasting rights and network programming consist of future rights to broadcast television programming and
future programming costs pursuant to network affiliate agreements. Broadcast rights include $33.0 million owed for broadcast rights
that are not currently available for airing and are therefore not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016.
3 While it is not certain if or when these contingent acquisition payments will be made, we have included the payments in the table based
on our best estimates of the amounts and dates when the contingencies may be resolved.
4 Purchase obligations and other includes expected postretirement benefit payments.
Due to uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with unrecognized tax benefits at
June 30, 2016, the Company is unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement.
Therefore, $46.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligations table
above. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of income taxes.
Purchase obligations represent legally binding agreements to purchase goods and services that specify all significant
terms. Outstanding purchase orders, which represent authorizations to purchase goods and services but are not
legally binding, are not included in purchase obligations. We believe current cash balances, cash generated by future
operating activities, and cash available under current credit agreements will be sufficient to meet our contractual
cash obligations and other operating cash requirements for the foreseeable future. Projections of future cash flows
are, however, subject to substantial uncertainty as discussed throughout MD&A and particularly in Item 1A-Risk
Factors beginning on page 11. Debt agreements may be renewed or refinanced if we determine it is advantageous to
do so. We also have commitments in the form of standby letters of credit totaling $1.2 million that expire within one
year.
Share Repurchase Program
We have maintained a program of Company share repurchases for 28 years. In fiscal 2016, we spent $31.1 million
to repurchase an aggregate of 650,000 shares of Meredith Corporation common and Class B stock at then current
market prices. We spent $46.8 million to repurchase an aggregate of 924,000 shares in fiscal 2015 and $78.2 million
to repurchase an aggregate of 1,640,000 shares in fiscal 2014. We expect to continue repurchasing shares from time
to time subject to market conditions. In May 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0
million in additional shares of the Company's stock through public and private transactions. As of June 30, 2016,
$84.0 million remained available under the current authorizations for future repurchases. The status of the
34
repurchase program is reviewed at each quarterly Board of Directors meeting. See Item 5-Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities of this Form 10-K for detailed information on share repurchases during the quarter ended June 30,
2016.
Dividends
Meredith has paid quarterly dividends continuously since 1947 and we have increased our dividend annually for 23
consecutive years. The last increase occurred in February 2016 when the Board of Directors approved the quarterly
dividend of 49.50 cents per share effective with the dividend payable in March 2016. Given the current number of
shares outstanding, the increase will result in additional dividend payments of approximately $6.7 million annually.
Dividend payments totaled $86.1 million, or $1.905 per share, in fiscal 2016 compared with $80.0 million, or
$1.780 per share, in fiscal 2015, and $75.4 million, or $1.680 per share, in fiscal 2014.
Capital Expenditures
Spending for property, plant, and equipment totaled $25.0 million in fiscal 2016, $33.2 million in fiscal 2015, and
$24.8 million in fiscal 2014. Spending for all fiscal years primarily related to assets acquired in the normal course
of business. The Company has no material commitments for capital expenditures. We expect funds for future capital
expenditures to come from operating activities or, if necessary, borrowings under credit agreements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Meredith's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes. Some of these estimates and assumptions are inherently difficult to make and subjective in
nature. We base our estimates on historical experience, recent trends, our expectations for future performance, and
other assumptions as appropriate. We reevaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis; actual results, however, may
vary from these estimates.
The following are the accounting policies that management believes are most critical to the preparation of our
consolidated financial statements and require management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments. In
addition, there are other items within the consolidated financial statements that require estimation but are not
deemed to be critical accounting policies. Changes in the estimates used in these and other items could have a
material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company has a significant amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets that are reviewed at least
annually for impairment. At June 30, 2016, goodwill and intangible assets totaled $1.8 billion, or 68 percent of
Meredith's total assets, with $1.0 billion in the national media segment and $0.8 billion in the local media segment.
The impairment analysis of these assets is considered critical because of their significance to the Company and our
local media and national media segments.
Management is required to evaluate goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment on an annual
basis or when events occur or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying value exceeds the fair value. In
reviewing goodwill for impairment, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is
more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model which requires us to estimate the future cash flows
expected to be generated by the reporting unit or to result from the use of the assets. These estimates depend upon
35
assumptions about future revenues (including projections of overall market growth and our share of market),
estimated costs, and appropriate discount rates where applicable. Our assumptions are based on historical data,
various internal estimates, and a variety of external sources and are consistent with the assumptions used in both our
short-term financial forecasts and long-term strategic plans. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used,
future cash flow projections can vary within a range of outcomes. Changes in key assumptions about the local
media and national media businesses and their prospects or changes in market conditions could result in an
impairment charge. See Item 1A.-Risk Factors for other factors which could affect our assumptions.
As of May 31, 2016, the date that management last performed our annual review of impairment of goodwill and
intangible assets, there were no qualitative factors that indicated that a quantitative impairment analysis was needed
for the local media reporting unit. At May 31, 2016, management elected to perform the quantitative goodwill
impairment test for the magazine brands reporting unit. The first step of this test is to compare the fair value of a
reporting unit to its carrying value. In reviewing other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the
Company compares the fair value of the asset to the asset’s carrying value. The fair value of the magazine brands
reporting unit exceeded its net assets by approximately 20 percent.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that triggering events, including reduced operating
and cash flow forecasts, required us to perform an evaluation of goodwill for the MXM reporting unit for
impairment. Due to the timing of the triggering events, this testing was performed in conjunction with the
Company's annual impairment testing as of May 31, 2016. This evaluation resulted in the carrying value of MXM's
goodwill having a carrying value that exceeded its estimate fair value. As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax
non-cash impairment charge of $116.9 million to reduce the carrying value of MXM's goodwill.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $38.9 million on
the national media segment's American Baby trademark. Management determined that this trademark was fully
impaired as part of management's decision to discontinue the use of the American Baby brand following its
combination with the Fit Pregnancy brand.
See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
BROADCAST RIGHTS
Broadcast rights, which consist primarily of rights to broadcast syndicated programs and feature films, are recorded
at cost when the programs become available for airing. Amortization of broadcast rights is generally recorded on an
accelerated basis over the contract period. Broadcast rights valued at $8.8 million were included in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016. In addition, we had entered into contracts valued at $33.0 million not included in
the Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016, because the related programming was not yet available for airing.
Broadcast rights are valued at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value. The determination of net
realizable value requires us to estimate future net revenues expected to be earned as a result of airing of the
programming. Future revenues can be affected by changes in the level of advertising demand, competition from
other television stations or other media, changes in television programming ratings, changes in the planned usage of
programming materials, and other factors. Changes in such key assumptions could result in an impairment charge.
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
Meredith has noncontributory pension plans covering substantially all employees. These plans include qualified
(funded) plans as well as nonqualified (unfunded) plans. These plans provide participating employees with
retirement benefits in accordance with benefit provision formulas. The nonqualified plans provide retirement
benefits only to certain highly compensated employees. Meredith also sponsors defined healthcare and life
insurance plans that provide benefits to eligible retirees.
36
The accounting for pension and postretirement plans is actuarially based and includes assumptions regarding
expected returns on plan assets, discount rates, and the rate of increase in healthcare costs. We consider the
accounting for pension and postretirement plans critical to Meredith and both of our segments because of the
number of significant judgments required. More information on our assumptions and our methodology in arriving at
these assumptions can be found in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements. Changes in key assumptions
could materially affect the associated assets, liabilities, and benefit expenses. Depending on the assumptions and
estimates used, these balances could vary within a range of outcomes. We monitor trends in the marketplace and
rely on guidance from employee benefit specialists to arrive at reasonable estimates. These estimates are reviewed
annually and updated as needed. Nevertheless, the estimates are subjective and may vary from actual results.
Meredith will use a long-term rate of return on assets of 8.0 percent in developing fiscal 2017 pension costs, the
same as used in fiscal 2016. The fiscal 2016 rate was based on various factors that include but are not limited to the
plans' asset allocations, a review of historical capital market performance, historical plan performance, current
market factors such as inflation and interest rates, and a forecast of expected future asset returns. The pension plan
assets earned 1.0 percent in fiscal 2016 and 2.7 percent in fiscal 2015. If we had decreased our expected long-term
rate of return on plan assets by 0.5 percent in fiscal 2016, our pension expense would have increased by
$0.6 million.
Meredith will use a discount rate of 2.98 percent in developing the fiscal 2017 pension costs, down from a rate of
3.75 percent used in fiscal 2016. If we had decreased the discount rate by 0.5 percent in fiscal 2016, our pension
expense would have increased by $0.6 million.
Assumed rates of increase in healthcare cost levels have a significant effect on postretirement benefit costs. A one-
percentage-point increase in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have resulted in an increase of $0.5
million in the postretirement benefit obligation at June 30, 2016, and no increase in the aggregate service and
interest cost components of fiscal 2016 expense.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues from the newsstand sale of magazines are recorded net of our best estimate of expected product returns.
Net revenues from newsstand sales totaled 4 percent of fiscal 2016 national media segment revenues. Allowances
for returns are subject to considerable variability. Return allowances may exceed 65 percent for magazines sold on
the newsstand. Estimation of these allowances for future returns is considered critical to the national media segment
and the Company as a whole because of the potential impact on revenues.
Estimates of magazine newsstand returns are based on historical experience and current marketplace conditions.
Allowances for returns are adjusted continually on the basis of actual results. Unexpected changes in return levels
may result in adjustments to net revenues.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE
Meredith has a stock incentive plan that permits us to grant various types of share-based incentives to key
employees and directors. The primary types of incentives granted under the plan are stock options and restricted
stock units. Share-based compensation expense totaled $12.8 million in fiscal 2016. As of June 30, 2016, unearned
compensation cost was $4.7 million for restricted stock units, $2.6 million for stock options, and $0.5 million for
restricted stock. These costs will be recognized over weighted average periods of 1.7 years, 1.6 years, and 0.9 years,
respectively.
Restricted shares and units are valued at the market value of traded shares on the date of grant. The valuation of
stock options requires numerous assumptions. We determine the fair value of each option as of the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model requires inputs for the expected volatility of our stock
37
price, expected life of the option, and expected dividend yield, among others. We base our assumptions on historical
data, expected market conditions, and other factors. In some instances, a range of assumptions is used to reflect
differences in behavior among various groups of employees. In addition, we estimate the number of options and
restricted stock units expected to eventually vest. This is based primarily on past experience.
We consider the accounting for share-based compensation expense critical to Meredith and both of our segments
because of the number of significant judgments required. More information on our assumptions can be found in
Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. Changes in these assumptions could materially affect the share-
based compensation expense recognized as well as various liability and equity balances.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are recorded for the amount of taxes payable for the current year and include deferred tax assets and
liabilities for the effect of temporary differences between the financial and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities
using enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Income tax expense was 69.2 percent of earnings
before income taxes in fiscal 2016. Net deferred tax liabilities totaled $336.3 million, or 19 percent of total
liabilities, at June 30, 2016.
We consider accounting for income taxes critical to our operations because management is required to make
significant subjective judgments in developing our provision for income taxes, including the determination of
deferred tax assets and liabilities, any valuation allowances that may be required against deferred tax assets, and
reserves for uncertain tax positions.
The Company operates in numerous taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in each of these jurisdictions. These
audits can involve complex issues that tend to require an extended period of time to resolve and may eventually
result in an increase or decrease to amounts previously paid to the taxing jurisdictions. Any such audits are not
expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS
ADOPTED OR PENDING ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
There were no new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during the fiscal year which have had or are
expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2017. See Note 1
to the consolidated financial statements for further detail on applicable accounting pronouncements that were
adopted in fiscal 2016 or will be effective in future fiscal years.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Meredith is exposed to certain market risks as a result of our use of financial instruments, in particular the potential
market value loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. The Company does not utilize financial instruments
for trading purposes and does not hold any derivative financial instruments that could expose the Company to
significant market risk. There have been no significant changes in the market risk exposures since June 30, 2015.
38
Interest Rates
We generally manage our risk associated with interest rate movements through the use of a combination of variable
and fixed-rate debt. At June 30, 2016, Meredith had $100.0 million outstanding in fixed-rate, long-term debt. In
addition, Meredith has effectively converted the $250.0 million floating-rate senior notes and $50.0 million of the
term loan to fixed-rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps. Since the interest rate swaps hedge the variability
of interest payments on variable-rate debt with the same terms, they qualify for cash flow hedge accounting
treatment. There are no earnings or liquidity risks associated with the Company's fixed-rate debt. The fair value of
the fixed-rate debt (based on discounted cash flows reflecting borrowing rates currently available for debt with
similar terms and maturities) varies with fluctuations in interest rates. A 10 percent decrease in interest rates would
have changed the fair value of the fixed-rate debt to $100.8 million from $100.5 million at June 30, 2016.
At June 30, 2016, $595.0 million of our debt was variable-rate debt before consideration of the impact of the swaps.
The Company is subject to earnings and liquidity risks for changes in the interest rate on the portion of this debt that
is not hedged by interest rate swaps. A 10 percent increase in interest rates would increase annual interest expense
by $0.5 million.
The fair value of the interest rate swaps is the estimated amount, based on discounted cash flows, the Company
would pay or receive to terminate the swap agreements. We intend to continue to meet the conditions for hedge
accounting. However, if hedges were not to be highly effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged
risk, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives used as hedges could have an impact on our consolidated net
earnings.
Broadcast Rights Payable
The Company enters into broadcast rights contracts for our television stations. As a rule, these contracts are on a
market-by-market basis and subject to terms and conditions of the seller of the broadcast rights. These procured
rights generally are sold to the highest bidder in each market, and the process is very competitive. There are no
earnings or liquidity risks associated with broadcast rights payable. Fair values are determined using discounted
cash flows. At June 30, 2016, a 10 percent decrease in interest rates would have resulted in a $0.2 million increase
in the fair value of the available broadcast rights payable and the unavailable broadcast rights commitments.
39
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..................................................................................
Page
41
Report of Management ..........................................................................................................................................
44
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and 2015...........................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014 ...........................
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014 ...
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014 ........
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014.......................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...................................................................................................
45
47
48
49
50
52
Five-Year Financial History with Selected Financial Data....................................................................................
87
Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts .............................................................................................
88
40
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Meredith Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Meredith Corporation and subsidiaries (the
Company) as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive
income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2016. In
connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the consolidated financial
statement schedule, Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. We also have audited the Company's internal
control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule, 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 included in Item 9A (Controls and Procedures). Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on
the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements
included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our
audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Meredith Corporation and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2016, in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
41
respects, the information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO).
Des Moines, Iowa
August 26, 2016
42
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43
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Assets
(In thousands)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents .......................................................................................... $
June 30,
2016
2015
24,970
$
22,833
273,927
20,678
133,338
4,220
24,023
481,156
Accounts receivable
(net of allowances of $8,331 in 2016 and $8,495 in 2015)....................................
Inventories...................................................................................................................
Current portion of subscription acquisition costs .......................................................
Current portion of broadcast rights .............................................................................
Other current assets.....................................................................................................
Total current assets ...................................................................................................
Property, plant, and equipment
24,697
Land ............................................................................................................................
149,950
Buildings and improvements ......................................................................................
332,314
Machinery and equipment...........................................................................................
14,317
Leasehold improvements ............................................................................................
8,774
Construction in progress .............................................................................................
530,052
Total property, plant, and equipment ..........................................................................
(339,099)
Less accumulated depreciation ...................................................................................
190,953
Net property, plant, and equipment ........................................................................
95,960
Subscription acquisition costs.....................................................................................
4,565
Broadcast rights ..........................................................................................................
58,645
Other assets .................................................................................................................
913,877
Intangible assets, net ...................................................................................................
883,129
Goodwill .....................................................................................................................
Total assets ................................................................................................................. $ 2,628,285
284,646
24,681
122,350
4,516
23,505
482,531
24,858
151,320
324,185
14,284
12,975
527,622
(313,886)
213,736
103,842
1,795
67,750
972,382
1,001,246
$ 2,843,282
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
45
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
June 30,
2016
2015
(In thousands except per share data)
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt .............................................................................. $
Current portion of long-term broadcast rights payable ..............................................
Accounts payable .......................................................................................................
Accrued expenses
Compensation and benefits ....................................................................................
Distribution expenses.............................................................................................
Other taxes and expenses .......................................................................................
Total accrued expenses ..........................................................................................
Current portion of unearned subscription revenues ...................................................
Total current liabilities.............................................................................................
Long-term debt...........................................................................................................
Long-term broadcast rights payable...........................................................................
Unearned subscription revenues.................................................................................
Deferred income taxes................................................................................................
Other noncurrent liabilities.........................................................................................
Total liabilities...........................................................................................................
Shareholders' equity
Series preferred stock, par value $1 per share
75,000
4,649
82,107
$
62,500
4,776
93,944
71,135
10,779
34,863
116,777
199,359
477,892
620,000
5,524
128,534
336,346
170,946
1,739,242
71,233
13,056
79,366
163,655
206,126
531,001
732,500
2,998
151,221
311,645
162,067
1,891,432
Authorized 5,000 shares; none issued....................................................................
—
—
Common stock, par value $1 per share
Authorized 80,000 shares; issued and outstanding 39,272 shares in 2016
(excluding 24,607 treasury shares) and 37,657 shares in 2015 (excluding
24,451 treasury shares) ..........................................................................................
Class B stock, par value $1 per share, convertible to common stock
39,272
37,657
Authorized 15,000 shares; issued and outstanding 5,284 shares in 2016 and
5,284
6,963 shares in 2015 ..............................................................................................
54,282
Additional paid-in capital...........................................................................................
818,706
Retained earnings .......................................................................................................
(28,501)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss.....................................................................
889,043
Total shareholders' equity .......................................................................................
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ............................................................... $ 2,628,285
6,963
49,019
870,859
(12,648)
951,850
$ 2,843,282
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
46
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
914,202
328,599
406,827
1,649,628
$
896,548
313,685
383,943
1,594,176
$
778,391
327,214
363,103
1,468,708
(In thousands except per share data)
Revenues
Advertising ......................................................................................... $
Circulation ..........................................................................................
All other..............................................................................................
Total revenues ..............................................................................
Operating expenses
Production, distribution, and editorial ................................................
Selling, general, and administrative ...................................................
Depreciation and amortization............................................................
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets ..........................
Merger termination fee net of merger-related costs............................
Total operating expenses ..............................................................
Income from operations ...................................................................
Interest expense, net ...........................................................................
Earnings before income taxes.............................................................
Income taxes .......................................................................................
Net earnings....................................................................................... $
611,872
730,074
59,152
161,462
(43,541)
1,519,019
130,609
(20,402)
110,207
(76,270)
33,937
Basic earnings per share .................................................................. $
Basic average shares outstanding .......................................................
0.76
44,606
Diluted earnings per share ............................................................... $
Diluted average shares outstanding ....................................................
0.75
45,357
598,941
695,319
56,546
1,258
—
1,352,064
242,112
(19,352)
222,760
(85,969)
136,791
3.07
44,522
3.02
45,323
$
$
$
567,024
655,241
48,726
11,202
—
1,282,193
186,515
(12,176)
174,339
(60,798)
113,541
2.54
44,636
2.50
45,410
$
$
$
Dividends paid per share .................................................................... $
1.905
$
1.780
$
1.680
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
47
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In thousands)
Net earnings ........................................................................................ $
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans activity .....................
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps ................................................
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes ............
Comprehensive income .................................................................... $
33,937
$
136,791
$
113,541
(12,752)
(3,101)
(15,853)
18,084
(2,591)
(1,299)
(3,890)
132,901
7,583
—
7,583
121,124
$
$
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
48
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
Common
Stock - $1
(In thousands except per share data)
par value
Balance at June 30, 2013 ......................... $ 36,242
—
Net earnings ...............................................
Other comprehensive income, net of tax ...
—
Stock issued under various incentive
plans, net of forfeitures ..............................
Purchases of Company stock .....................
Share-based compensation.........................
Conversion of class B to common stock....
Dividends paid, $1.680 per share
1,550
(1,639)
—
623
Common stock ....................................
Class B stock.......................................
Tax deficiency from incentive plans ..........
Balance at June 30, 2014 .........................
Net earnings ...............................................
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax.........
Stock issued under various incentive
plans, net of forfeitures ..............................
Purchases of Company stock .....................
Share-based compensation.........................
Conversion of class B to common stock....
Dividends paid, $1.780 per share
Common stock ....................................
Class B stock.......................................
Tax benefit from incentive plans................
Balance at June 30, 2015 .........................
Net earnings ...............................................
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax.........
Stock issued under various incentive
plans, net of forfeitures ..............................
Purchases of Company stock .....................
Share-based compensation.........................
Conversion of class B to common stock....
Dividends paid, $1.905 per share
Common stock ......................................
Class B stock .........................................
Tax benefit from incentive plans................
—
—
—
36,776
—
—
1,069
(924)
—
736
—
—
—
37,657
587
(648)
—
1,676
—
—
—
Class B
Stock - $1
par value
8,324
$
—
—
—
(1)
—
(623)
—
—
—
7,700
—
—
—
(1)
—
(736)
—
—
—
6,963
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
$
50,170
Retained
Earnings
$ 775,901
— 113,541
—
—
57,335
(76,586)
12,224
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,259)
41,884
(61,949)
(13,443)
—
814,050
— 136,791
—
—
40,182
(45,839)
12,515
—
—
—
277
49,019
—
—
—
—
(67,276)
(12,706)
—
870,859
33,937
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(3)
—
(1,676)
20,292
(30,429)
12,757
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,643
(72,874)
(13,216)
—
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(16,341)
$
—
7,583
Total
$ 854,296
113,541
7,583
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(8,758)
—
(3,890)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(12,648)
—
(15,853)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
58,885
(78,226)
12,224
—
(61,949)
(13,443)
(1,259)
891,652
136,791
(3,890)
41,251
(46,764)
12,515
—
(67,276)
(12,706)
277
951,850
33,937
(15,853)
20,879
(31,080)
12,757
—
(72,874)
(13,216)
2,643
Balance at June 30, 2016 ......................... $ 39,272
$
5,284
$
54,282
$ 818,706
$
(28,501)
$ 889,043
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
49
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended June 30,
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings ................................................................................................. $
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided
by operating activities
2016
2015
2014
33,937
$ 136,791
$ 113,541
Depreciation ..........................................................................................
Amortization..........................................................................................
Share-based compensation ....................................................................
Deferred income taxes ...........................................................................
Amortization of broadcast rights ...........................................................
Payments for broadcast rights ...............................................................
Write-down of impaired assets ..............................................................
Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration ................................
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments ...................................
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions/dispositions
Accounts receivable ........................................................................
Inventories.......................................................................................
Other current assets.........................................................................
Subscription acquisition costs.........................................................
Other assets .....................................................................................
Accounts payable ............................................................................
Accrued expenses and other liabilities............................................
Unearned subscription revenues .....................................................
Other noncurrent liabilities .............................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities ....................................................
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of and investments in businesses......................................
Additions to property, plant, and equipment .........................................
Proceeds from disposition of assets.......................................................
Net cash used in investing activities ............................................................
Cash flows from financing activities
39,430
19,722
12,757
9,094
16,735
(16,865)
161,997
(4,104)
(4,241)
10,718
3,468
(518)
(3,106)
4,906
(11,892)
(16,638)
(31,272)
2,469
226,597
(8,186)
(25,035)
1,767
(31,454)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt ............................................
Repayments of long-term debt ..............................................................
Dividends paid.......................................................................................
Purchases of Company stock.................................................................
Proceeds from common stock issued ....................................................
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments ...................................
Other ......................................................................................................
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities .....................................
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ..................................
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ..........................................
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ................................................ $
167,500
(267,500)
(86,090)
(31,080)
20,879
4,241
(956)
(193,006)
2,137
22,833
24,970
38,918
17,628
12,515
47,220
16,576
(16,364)
3,142
(1,500)
(6,471)
(18,991)
(1,013)
(6,501)
(27,766)
(391)
10,040
13,866
(19,093)
(6,259)
192,347
35,627
13,099
12,224
25,178
8,785
(10,332)
11,447
(5,700)
(4,855)
(2,430)
4,133
2,100
(1,011)
5,620
1,598
4,208
(30,013)
(5,129)
178,090
(257,030)
(33,245)
83,434
(206,841)
470,000
(390,000)
(79,982)
(46,764)
41,251
6,471
(236)
740
(13,754)
36,587
22,833
$
(417,461)
(24,822)
—
(442,283)
666,000
(301,000)
(75,392)
(78,226)
58,885
4,855
(2,016)
273,106
8,913
27,674
$ 36,587
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
50
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
Years ended June 30,
(In thousands)
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid
2016
2015
2014
Interest ............................................................................................ $
Income taxes ...................................................................................
20,235
72,979
$
19,111
40,419
$
11,271
34,957
Non-cash transactions
Broadcast rights financed by contracts payable .............................
19,264
15,300
9,985
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
51
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations—Meredith Corporation (Meredith or the Company) is a diversified media company focused
primarily on the home and family marketplace. The Company has two segments: local media and national media.
The Company's local media segment includes 16 owned television stations and one managed television station and
related digital and mobile media operations. The national media segment includes magazine publishing, custom
content and customer relationship marketing, digital and mobile media, brand licensing, database-related activities,
and other related operations. Meredith's operations are primarily diversified geographically within the United States
(U.S.) and the Company has a broad customer base.
Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Meredith Corporation
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Meredith
does not have any off-balance sheet financing activities. The Company's use of special-purpose entities is limited to
Meredith Funding Corporation, whose activities are fully consolidated in Meredith's consolidated financial
statements (See Note 6).
Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The Company bases its estimates on historical
experience, management expectations for future performance, and other assumptions as appropriate. Key areas
affected by estimates include the assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill and other
intangible assets, which is based on such factors as estimated future cash flows; the determination of the net
realizable value of broadcast rights, which is based on estimated future revenues; provisions for returns of
magazines sold, which are based on historical experience and current marketplace conditions; pension and
postretirement benefit expenses, which are actuarially determined and include assumptions regarding discount rates,
expected returns on plan assets, and rates of increase in compensation and healthcare costs; and share-based
compensation expense, which is based on numerous assumptions including future stock price volatility and
employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior. While the Company re-evaluates
its estimates on an ongoing basis, actual results may vary from those estimates.
Reclassifications—Certain prior years' amounts related to impairments of long-lived assets have been reclassified
to conform to the current year's Consolidated Statements of Earnings presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less are
considered to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair
value.
Accounts Receivable—The Company's accounts receivable are primarily due from advertisers. Credit is extended
to clients based on an evaluation of each client's creditworthiness and financial condition; collateral is not required.
The Company maintains allowances for uncollectible accounts, rebates, rate adjustments, returns, and discounts.
The allowance for uncollectible accounts is based on the aging of such receivables and any known specific
collectability exposures. Accounts are written off when deemed uncollectible. Allowances for rebates, rate
adjustments, returns, and discounts are generally based on historical experience and current market conditions.
Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally limited due to the large number of
geographically diverse clients and individually small balances.
Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the last-in first-out (LIFO)
basis for paper and on the first-in first-out or average basis for all other inventories.
52
Subscription Acquisition Costs—Subscription acquisition costs primarily represent magazine agency
commissions. These costs are deferred and amortized over the related subscription term, typically one to two years.
In addition, direct-response advertising costs that are intended to solicit subscriptions and are expected to result in
probable future benefits are capitalized. These costs are amortized over the period during which future benefits are
expected to be received. The asset balance of the capitalized direct-response advertising costs is reviewed quarterly
to ensure the amount is realizable. Any write-downs resulting from this review are expensed as subscription
acquisition advertising costs in the current period. Capitalized direct-response advertising costs were $5.5 million at
June 30, 2016 and $5.9 million at June 30, 2015. There were no material write-downs of capitalized direct-response
advertising costs in any of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2016.
Property, Plant, and Equipment—Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Costs of replacements and
major improvements are capitalized, and maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
Depreciation expense is provided primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets: 5-45 years for buildings and improvements and 3-20 years for machinery and equipment. The costs of
leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful lives or the terms of the respective leases.
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant, and equipment was $39.4 million in fiscal 2016, $38.9 million in
fiscal 2015, and $35.6 million in fiscal 2014.
In fiscal 2016, management committed to a plan to sell the Company's two corporate airplanes and has classified
them as held for sale at June 30, 2016. The $2.8 million estimated fair value at June 30, 2016, of these airplanes is
included in the machinery and equipment line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are being actively
marketed and are expected to be sold within one year. A loss of $5.7 million was recorded in the impairment of
goodwill and other long-lived assets line in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in fiscal 2016 as the result of
the assets being recorded at fair market value less costs to sell in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Broadcast Rights—Broadcast rights consist principally of rights to broadcast syndicated programs, sports, and
feature films. The total cost of these rights is recorded as an asset and as a liability when programs become
available for broadcast. The current portion of broadcast rights represents those rights available for broadcast that
are expected to be amortized in the succeeding year. These rights are valued at the lower of unamortized cost or
estimated net realizable value, and are generally charged to operations on an accelerated basis over the contract
period. Impairments of unamortized costs to net realizable value are included in production, distribution, and
editorial expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. There were no material impairments
to unamortized costs in fiscals 2016, 2015, or 2014. Future write-offs can vary based on changes in consumer
viewing trends and the availability and costs of other programming.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill—Amortizable intangible assets consist primarily of network affiliation
agreements, retransmission agreements, and advertiser relationships. Intangible assets with finite lives are
amortized over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of an intangible asset is the period over which the asset
is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. Network affiliation agreements are amortized
over the period of time the agreements are expected to remain in place, assuming renewals without material
modifications to the original terms and conditions (generally 25 to 40 years from the original acquisition date).
Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives include Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadcast licenses.
These licenses are granted for a term of up to eight years, but are renewable if the Company provides at least an
average level of service to its customers and complies with the applicable FCC rules and policies and the
Communications Act of 1934. The Company has been successful in every one of its past license renewal requests
and has incurred only minimal costs in the process. The Company expects the television broadcasting business to
continue indefinitely; therefore, the cash flows from the broadcast licenses are also expected to continue
indefinitely.
Goodwill and certain other intangible assets (FCC broadcast licenses and trademarks), which have indefinite lives,
are not amortized but tested for impairment annually or when events occur or circumstances change that would
53
indicate the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The review of goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level.
The Company has three reporting units, local media, magazine brands, and Meredith Xcelerated Marketing (MXM).
We also assess, at least annually, whether assets classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets continue to have
indefinite lives.
At May 31, 2016, the date the Company last performed our annual evaluation of impairment of goodwill,
management elected to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test for the magazine brands and MXM
reporting units, and a qualitative assessment for the local media reporting unit. The first step of the quantitative test
is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. In reviewing other indefinite-lived intangible
assets for impairment, the Company compares the fair value of the asset to the asset’s carrying value. In the
qualitative assessment, we evaluate the reporting unit to determine if there are cost, legal and regulatory, market or
industry, or other macroeconomic factors that would lead us to believe that the carrying value of reporting unit is
more likely than not more than its fair value.
Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model, which requires us to estimate the future cash flows
expected to be generated by the reporting unit or to result from the use of the asset. These estimates include
assumptions about future revenues (including projections of overall market growth and our share of market),
estimated costs, and appropriate discount rates where applicable. Our assumptions are based on historical data,
various internal estimates, and a variety of external sources and are consistent with the assumptions used in both our
short-term financial forecasts and long-term strategic plans. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used,
future cash flow projections can vary within a range of outcomes. Changes in key assumptions about the magazine
brands and MXM and their prospects or changes in market conditions could result in an impairment charge.
Additional information regarding intangible assets and goodwill including a discussion of the impairment charges
taken in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2014 on goodwill and trademarks is provided in Note 4.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets—Long-lived assets (primarily property, plant, and equipment and amortizable
intangible assets) are reviewed for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of an
asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the forecasted undiscounted cash flows
of the operation to which the assets relate to the carrying amount of the assets. Tests for impairment or
recoverability require significant management judgment, and future events affecting cash flows and market
conditions could result in impairment losses.
Derivative Financial Instruments—Meredith does not engage in derivative or hedging activities, except to hedge
interest rate risk on debt as described in Note 6. Fundamental to our approach to risk management is the desire to
minimize exposure to volatility in interest costs of variable rate debt, which can impact our earnings and cash flows.
In fiscal 2015, we entered into interest rate swap agreements with counterparties that are major financial
institutions. These agreements effectively fix the variable rate cash flow on $300.0 million of a combination of our
variable-rate private placement senior notes and bank term loan. We designated and accounted for the interest rate
swaps as cash flow hedges in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging.
The effective portion of the change in the fair value of interest rate swaps is reported in other comprehensive
income (loss). The gain or loss included in other comprehensive income (loss) is subsequently reclassified into net
earnings on the same line in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as the hedged item in the same period that the
hedge transaction affects net earnings. The ineffective portion of a change in fair value of the interest rate swaps
would be reported in interest expense. During fiscal 2016, the interest rate swap agreements were considered
effective hedges and there were no material gains or losses recognized in earnings for hedge ineffectiveness.
Revenue Recognition—The Company's primary source of revenue is advertising. Other sources include circulation
and other revenues.
Advertising revenues—Advertising revenues are recognized when advertisements are published (defined as an
issue's on-sale date) or aired by the broadcasting station, net of agency commissions and net of provisions for
estimated rebates, rate adjustments, and discounts. Barter revenues are included in advertising revenue and are also
recognized when the commercials are broadcast. Barter advertising revenues and the offsetting expense are
54
recognized at the fair value of the advertising surrendered, as determined by similar cash transactions. Barter
advertising revenues were not material in any period. Digital advertising revenues are recognized ratably over the
contract period or as services are delivered.
Circulation revenues—Circulation revenues include magazine single copy and subscription revenue. Single copy
revenue is recognized upon publication, net of provisions for estimated returns. The Company bases its estimates
for returns on historical experience and current marketplace conditions. Revenues from magazine subscriptions are
deferred and recognized proportionately as products are distributed to subscribers.
Other revenues—Revenues from customer relationship marketing and other custom programs are recognized when
the products or services are delivered. In addition, the Company participates in certain arrangements containing
multiple deliverables. The guidance for accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements requires that overall
arrangement consideration be allocated to each deliverable (unit of accounting) in the revenue arrangement based
on the relative selling price as determined by vendor specific objective evidence, third-party evidence, or estimated
selling price. The related revenue is recognized when each specific deliverable of the arrangement is delivered.
Brand licensing-based revenues are accrued generally monthly or quarterly based on the specific mechanisms of
each contract. Payments are generally made by the Company's partners on a quarterly basis. Generally, revenues are
accrued based on estimated sales and adjusted as actual sales are reported by partners. These adjustments are
typically recorded within three months of the initial estimates and have not been material. Any minimum guarantees
are typically earned evenly over the fiscal year. Retransmission revenues are recognized over the contract period
based on the negotiated fee.
In certain instances, revenues are recorded gross in accordance with GAAP although the Company receives cash for
a lesser amount due to the netting of certain expenses. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue
recognition are deferred as liabilities and recognized as revenue in the period earned.
Contingent Consideration—The Company estimates and records the acquisition date estimated fair value of
contingent consideration as part of purchase price consideration for acquisitions. Additionally, each reporting
period, the Company estimates changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, and any change in fair value is
recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. An increase in the earn-out expected to be paid will result in
a charge to operations in the quarter that the anticipated fair value of contingent consideration increases, while a
decrease in the earn-out expected to be paid will result in a credit to operations in the quarter that the anticipated
fair value of contingent consideration decreases. The estimate of the fair value of contingent consideration requires
subjective assumptions to be made of future operating results, discount rates, and probabilities assigned to various
potential operating result scenarios. Future revisions to these assumptions could materially change the estimate of
the fair value of contingent consideration and, therefore, materially affect the Company’s future financial results.
Advertising Expenses—The majority of the Company's advertising expenses relate to direct-mail costs for
magazine subscription acquisition efforts. Advertising costs that are not capitalized are expensed the first time the
advertising takes place. Total advertising expenses included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings were $72.6
million in fiscal 2016, $75.8 million in fiscal 2015, and $79.5 million in fiscal 2014.
Share-based Compensation—The Company establishes fair value for its equity awards to determine their cost and
recognizes the related expense over the appropriate vesting period. The Company recognizes expense for stock
options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and shares issued under the Company's employee stock purchase
plan. See Note 11 for additional information related to share-based compensation expense.
Income Taxes—The income tax provision is calculated under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax credit carryforwards.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets
and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when such a change is enacted.
55
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being
sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely
of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in
judgment occurs.
Self-Insurance—The Company self-insures for certain medical claims, and its responsibility generally is capped
through the use of a stop loss contract with an insurance company at a certain dollar level (usually $300 thousand).
A third-party administrator is used to process claims. The Company uses actual claims data and estimates of
incurred-but-not-reported claims to calculate estimated liabilities for unsettled claims on an undiscounted basis.
Although management re-evaluates the assumptions and reviews the claims experience on an ongoing basis, actual
claims paid could vary significantly from estimated claims.
Pensions and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions—Retirement benefits are provided to employees
through pension plans sponsored by the Company. Pension benefits generally are based on the Company's
contributions and interest credits allocated to participants' accounts based on years of benefit service and annual
pensionable earnings. It is the Company's policy to fund the qualified pension plans to at least the extent required to
maintain their fully funded status. In addition, the Company provides health care and life insurance benefits for
certain retired employees, the expected costs of which are accrued over the years that the employees render
services. It is the Company's policy to fund postretirement benefits as claims are paid. Additional information is
provided in Note 8.
Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income consists of net earnings and other gains and losses affecting
shareholders' equity that, under GAAP, are excluded from net earnings. Other comprehensive income (loss)
includes changes in prior service costs and net actuarial losses from pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of
taxes, and changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of taxes, to the extent that they are
effective.
Earnings Per Share—Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average
common and Class B shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly but includes the dilutive
effect, if any, of the assumed exercise of securities, including the effect of shares issuable under the Company's
share-based incentive plans.
Merger Termination—In January 2016, the Company and Media General, Inc. (Media General) terminated their
merger agreement under which the companies would have combined to form Meredith Media General. In exchange
for terminating the merger agreement, the Company received $60.0 million in cash and an opportunity to negotiate
for the purchase of certain broadcast and digital assets owned by Media General. The $60.0 million has been
included as a credit in the merger termination fee net of merger-related costs line in the Consolidated Statements of
Earnings. The Company incurred $16.5 million of investment banking, legal, accounting, and other professional
fees and expenses in fiscal 2016 related to the terminated merger. These costs are also included in the merger
termination fee net of merger-related costs line in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements—In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
issued guidance simplifying the accounting for measurement-period adjustments related to business combinations.
The new guidance removes the requirement to restate prior periods to reflect adjustments made to provisional
amounts. Rather, adjustments to the provisional amounts are to be recognized in the reporting period they are
identified. In the period of adjustment, the portion that would have been recorded in a previous reporting period is
to be presented separately on the face of the income statement or disclosed in the notes. Prospective adoption of the
guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The
Company prospectively adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The adoption of this guidance did
not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.
In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the presentation of deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities. The new guidance no longer requires the presentation of current deferred tax assets and deferred tax
56
liabilities on a classified balance sheet, rather requiring all to be presented as non-current. The guidance is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company prospectively
adopted this guidance in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. As required by the guidance, all deferred tax assets and
liabilities are classified as non-current in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2016, which is a change
from our historical presentation whereby certain of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were classified as current
and the remainder were classified as non-current. The June 30, 2015, Consolidated Balance Sheet has not been
retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or cash
flows.
Pending Accounting Pronouncements—In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that
replaces existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue for the
transfer of promised goods or services equal to the amount it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or
services. Additionally, the guidance requires enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty
of revenue and cash flows from customer contracts. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first
quarter of fiscal 2019. Early application is not permitted and companies may choose either a full retrospective or
cumulative effect method of adoption. The Company is evaluating the method of adoption and the impact the
guidance will have on our results of operations and financial position. The FASB continues to issue amendments to
further clarify provisions of this forthcoming guidance. These amendments will be effective upon adoption of the
standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new standard requires that
debt issuance costs be recorded as a reduction from the face amount of the related debt, with amortization recorded
as interest expense, rather than recording as a deferred asset. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first
quarter of fiscal 2017. The guidance is to be retrospectively applied to all prior periods. Adoption of the new
guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of cloud computing arrangements that include a
software license. The new guidance requires capitalization of the software license fee as internal-use software if
certain criteria are met, otherwise the costs are expensed as incurred. The standard is effective for the Company in
the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Companies can chose either prospective adoption to arrangements entered into or
materially modified after the effective date, or full retrospective adoption. Adoption of the new guidance is not
expected to have a material impact on the our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that made technical corrections to the FASB
Accounting Standards Codification. These technical corrections are divided into four categories: amendments
related to differences between original guidance and the codification, guidance clarification and reference
corrections, minor structural changes to simplify the codification, and minor improvements that are not expected to
have a significant impact on current accounting practice. The amendments are effective for the Company in the first
quarter of fiscal 2017. All other changes are effective upon the issuance of the guidance. Adoption of the
amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance to improve and simplify accounting for financial instruments. The
updated guidance includes several provisions that are not applicable to the Company's consolidated financial
statements, with the exception of changes to fair value disclosure. Under the new guidance, public entities are no
longer required to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value of financial
instruments measured at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets. It also requires public entities to use the
exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. The guidance is
effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The adoption of this guidance requires a change in our
disclosures only and it is not expected to have impact on our results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that replaces existing lease accounting
standards. The new standard requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a right-of use asset, representing its
right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12
57
months. The guidance also requires qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing,
and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Treatment of lease payments in the statement of earnings and
statement of cash flows is relatively unchanged from previous guidance. The new standard is required to be applied
with a modified retrospective approach to each prior reporting period presented with various optional practical
expedients. The standard is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2019, with early application permitted. The
Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the transition to the equity method of accounting. The new
guidance eliminates the requirement to apply the equity method of accounting retrospectively when a reporting
entity obtains significant influence over a previously held investment. The new guidance is effective for the
Company during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The adoption of this guidance is currently not expected to have a
material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, as a part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for employee
share-based payments. The new guidance is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based
payment transactions, including the income tax treatment, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and
classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective in the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2018.
Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on our
consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued a standard that replaces the current incurred loss methodology for recognizing credit
losses with a current expected credit loss methodology. Under this standard, the establishment of an allowance for
credit losses reflects all relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable supportable
forecasts rather than delaying the recognition of the full amount of a credit loss until the the loss is probable of
occurring. The new standard applies to financial assets that are not accounted for at fair value, including trade
receivables. A modified-retrospective implementation of this standard is effective in the Company's first quarter of
fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is currently evaluating
the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
2. Acquisitions
Fiscal 2015
During fiscal 2015, Meredith paid $257.0 million primarily for the acquisitions of the television station WGGB, the
ABC affiliate in Springfield, Massachusetts; MyWedding LLC (Mywedding); the television station WALA, the
FOX affiliate in Mobile, Alabama-Pensacola, Florida; Selectable Media, Inc. (Selectable Media); the Shape brand
and related digital assets (collectively Shape); and the assets of Qponix, a shopper marketing platform technology.
On October 31, 2014, Meredith acquired WGGB. The results of WGGB's operations have been included in the
consolidated financial statements since that date. The fair value of the consideration, including the purchase of
working capital, totaled $52.6 million, which consisted of $49.3 million of cash and a preliminary estimate of $3.3
million of contingent consideration. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay
contingent payments based on certain future regulatory actions. We estimated the fair value of the contingent
consideration using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model. The fair value is based on significant inputs
not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement as defined in Note 14. As of June 30, 2016,
the Company estimates the future payments will range from $1.0 million to $4.0 million.
Effective November 1, 2014, Meredith completed its acquisition of Martha Stewart Living magazine and its related
digital assets (collectively Martha Stewart Living Media Properties). In addition, Meredith entered into a 10‑year
licensing arrangement with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) for the licensing of the Martha Stewart
Living trade name. The acquired business operations included sales and marketing, circulation, production, and
other non-editorial functions. Meredith sourced editorial content from MSLO. During the second quarter of fiscal
2016, the provisional amount recorded to goodwill was increased $0.1 million. On December 22, 2015, Meredith
58
entered into a new 10‑year licensing arrangement with Sequential Brands Group, Inc. This agreement replaced the
October 2014 agreement with MSLO (which was acquired by Sequential Brands Group, Inc. in 2015). Under the
new agreement, Meredith assumed the cross-platform editorial responsibilities for the Martha Stewart Living and
Martha Stewart Weddings media brands and related digital assets. In conjunction with this new agreement,
Meredith recognized $1.6 million of goodwill. The results of the Martha Stewart Living Media Properties have been
included in the consolidated financial statements since the effective dates. There was no cash consideration
exchanged in these transactions.
On November 13, 2014, Meredith acquired 100 percent of the membership interests in Mywedding. Mywedding
operates mywedding.com, one of the top wedding websites in the U.S., providing couples with a complete wedding
planning product suite. The results of Mywedding have been included in the consolidated financial statements since
that date. The acquisition-date fair value of the consideration was $42.7 million, which consisted of $20.1 million of
cash and a preliminary estimate of $22.6 million of contingent consideration. The contingent consideration
arrangement requires the Company to pay a contingent payment based on certain financial targets achieved during
fiscal 2018 primarily based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), as defined
in the acquisition agreement. The contingent consideration is not dependent on the continued employment of the
sellers. We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted discounted cash
flow model. The fair value is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3
measurement as defined in Note 14. As of June 30, 2016, the Company estimates the future payments will range
from $11.4 million to $40.0 million.
On December 19, 2014, Meredith acquired WALA. The results of WALA's operations have been included in the
consolidated financial statements since that date. The cash purchase price, including the purchase of working
capital, was $90.4 million.
On December 30, 2014, Meredith acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Selectable Media, a leading
native and engagement-based digital advertising company. The results of Selectable Media have been included in
the consolidated financial statements since that date. The acquisition-date fair value of the consideration totaled
$30.2 million, which consisted of $23.0 million of cash and a preliminary estimate of $7.2 million of contingent
consideration. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay contingent payments based
on certain financial targets over three fiscal years primarily based on revenue, as defined in the acquisition
agreement. The contingent consideration is not dependent on the continued employment of the sellers. We estimated
the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model. The fair
value is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement as
defined in Note 14. As of June 30, 2016, the Company estimates the future payments will be $8.0 million. During
fiscal 2016, the provisional amounts recorded to goodwill were decreased $2.9 million with a corresponding
increase to deferred income taxes based on an updated valuation report and other fair value determinations.
Effective February 1, 2015, Meredith completed its acquisition of Shape. Shape is the women's active lifestyle
category leader with content focusing on exercise, beauty, nutrition, health, fashion, wellness, and other lifestyle
topics to help women lead a healthier, active lifestyle. The results of Shape have been included in the consolidated
financial statements since the effective date. The acquisition-date fair value of the consideration totaled $87.4
million, which consisted of $60.0 million of cash and a preliminary estimate of $27.4 million of contingent
consideration. The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay a contingent payment based
on the achievement of certain financial targets over three fiscal years primarily based on operating profit, as defined
in the acquisition agreement. We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-
weighted discounted cash flow model. The fair value is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and
thus represent a Level 3 measurement as defined in Note 14. Although operating performance for the brand has
been strong, revised projections in advertising revenue resulted in lower projected operating profit than anticipated
at acquisition. Therefore, the Company recognized a non-cash credit to operations of $4.9 million in fiscal 2016, to
reduce the estimated contingent consideration payable. This credit was recorded in the selling, general, and
administrative expense line on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of June 30, 2016, the Company
estimates the future payments will range from $18.9 million to $24.5 million.
59
On June 19, 2015, Meredith completed the acquisition of Qponix, a leading shopper marketing data platform
technology (hereafter referred to as Meredith Shopper Marketing). The results of the business from these assets
have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. The acquisition-date fair
value of the consideration totaled $2.3 million, which consisted of $1.5 million of cash and $0.8 million of
contingent consideration. During fiscal 2016, the Company paid $0.8 million in contingent consideration, which
was the maximum amount of contingent consideration that could be earned under the asset purchase agreement.
The following table summarizes the total estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by
segment during the year ended June 30, 2015:
(In thousands)
Accounts receivable............................................
Current portion of broadcast rights.....................
Other current assets.............................................
Property, plant, and equipment ...........................
Other noncurrent assets.......................................
Intangible assets..................................................
Total identifiable assets acquired........................
Deferred subscription revenue............................
Current portion of broadcast rights.....................
Other current liabilities .......................................
Long-term liabilities ...........................................
Total liabilities assumed .....................................
Net identifiable assets acquired ..........................
Goodwill .............................................................
Net assets acquired .............................................
Local Media
Acquisitions
National Media
Acquisitions
$
5,162
1,582
133
14,391
1,907
107,476
130,651
—
(1,582)
(1,378)
(5,242)
(8,202)
122,449
17,320
$ 139,769
$
4,323
—
1,036
130
3,055
70,350
78,894
(51,428)
—
(6,808)
(56,738)
(114,974)
(36,080)
140,701
$ 104,621
Total
$
9,485
1,582
1,169
14,521
4,962
177,826
209,545
(51,428)
(1,582)
(8,186)
(61,980)
(123,176)
86,369
158,021
$ 244,390
60
The following table provides details of the acquired intangible assets by acquisition:
WGGB
Martha
Stewart Mywedding WALA
Selectable
Media
Shape
Meredith
Shopper
Marketing
Total
(In thousands)
Intangible assets
subject to amortization
National media
Advertiser relationships......... $
Customer lists ........................
Other ......................................
— $
—
—
3,200 $
1,850
—
1,600 $
—
—
— $
—
—
2,250 $
—
2,450
6,700 $
1,200
700
— $ 13,750
3,050
—
4,350
1,200
Local media
Retransmission agreements ...
Other ......................................
Total...........................................
Intangible assets not
subject to amortization
National media
Trademarks ............................
Internet domain names ..........
Local media
761
70
831
—
—
—
—
5,050
—
—
1,600
3,193
121
3,314
—
—
4,700
—
—
8,600
—
—
1,200
3,954
191
25,295
—
—
5,300
—
—
—
— 37,900
6,000
—
—
—
43,200
6,000
FCC licenses..........................
Total...........................................
Intangible assets ........................ $ 33,947 $
33,116
33,116
—
—
5,050 $
— 70,215
70,215
5,300
6,900 $ 73,529 $
—
—
— 43,900
4,700 $ 52,500 $
— 103,331
— 152,531
1,200 $ 177,826
The useful life of the advertiser relationships ranges from three to four years, the customer lists' useful lives are two
years, and other national media intangible assets' useful lives are five to seven years. The useful lives of the
retransmission agreements are six years and local media other intangible assets' useful lives are one to three years.
For all acquisitions, goodwill is attributable primarily to expected synergies and the assembled workforces.
Goodwill, with an assigned value of $136.4 million, is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes.
During fiscal 2015, acquisition related costs of $1.4 million were incurred. These costs are included in the selling,
general, and administrative line in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Fiscal 2014
During fiscal 2014, Meredith paid $417.5 million primarily for the acquisitions of the television station KMOV, the
CBS affiliate in St. Louis, Missouri and the television station KTVK, an independent station in Phoenix, Arizona.
Effective February 28, 2014, Meredith acquired KMOV. The results of KMOV's operations have been included in
the consolidated financial statements since that date. The final cash purchase price was $186.7 million, which
included an additional cash working capital adjustment payment in fiscal 2015 of $0.9 million.
Effective June 19, 2014, Meredith acquired KTVK and an interest in the assets of KASW, the CW affiliate in
Phoenix, Arizona. The final cash purchase price was $223.4 million. The final cash purchase price was allocated as
$167.4 million for KTVK and $56.0 million for the interest in KASW assets. As part of the FCC approval of the
transaction, Meredith was required to sell its interest in the KASW assets. The sale of the Company's interest in the
KASW assets was completed during fiscal 2015. The results of KTVK's operations have been included in the
consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.
61
Goodwill, with an assigned value of $51.5 million, is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes and is
attributable to expected synergies and the assembled workforces of KMOV and KTVK.
During fiscal 2014, acquisition related costs of $5.5 million were expensed in the period in which they were
incurred. These costs are included in the selling, general, and administrative line in the Consolidated Statements of
Earnings.
3. Inventories
Inventories consist of paper stock, editorial content, and books. Of total net inventory values, 54 percent at June 30,
2016, and 52 percent at June 30, 2015, were determined using the LIFO method. LIFO inventory income included
in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was $0.7 million in fiscal 2016, $0.5 million in fiscal 2015, and $0.8
million in fiscal 2014.
June 30,
2016
2015
(In thousands)
Raw materials ............................................... $ 11,698
10,107
Work in process ............................................
1,834
Finished goods..............................................
23,639
Reserve for LIFO cost valuation ..................
(2,961)
Inventories .................................................... $ 20,678
$ 13,900
12,053
2,428
28,381
(3,700)
$ 24,681
62
4. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible assets consist of the following:
June 30,
2016
2015
(In thousands)
Intangible assets
subject to amortization
National media
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Advertiser relationships .............. $ 18,610
5,230
Customer lists..............................
19,425
Other............................................
$
(10,670) $
(4,310)
(8,685)
7,940
920
10,740
$
$ 20,879
9,120
20,675
(7,660) $ 13,219
2,441
(6,679)
13,314
(7,361)
Local media
Network affiliation agreements...
Retransmission agreements.........
Other............................................
229,309
21,229
1,214
Total ................................................. $ 295,017
Intangible assets not
subject to amortization
National media
Internet domain names ................
Trademarks..................................
Local media
FCC licenses ...............................
Total .................................................
Intangible assets, net ........................
(135,789)
(6,993)
(419)
$ (166,866)
93,520
14,236
795
128,151
229,309
21,229
1,212
$ 302,424
(129,362)
(3,454)
(126)
$ (154,642)
99,947
17,775
1,086
147,782
7,827
153,215
624,684
785,726
$ 913,877
7,827
192,089
624,684
824,600
$ 972,382
Amortization expense was $19.7 million in fiscal 2016, $17.6 million in fiscal 2015, and $13.1 million in fiscal
2014. Future amortization expense for intangible assets is expected to be as follows: $18.0 million in fiscal 2017,
$15.0 million in fiscal 2018, $12.5 million in fiscal 2019, $11.6 million in fiscal 2020, and $7.6 million in fiscal
2021. Actual future amortization expense could differ from these estimates as a result of future acquisitions,
dispositions, and other factors.
During fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $38.9 million on the national media
segment's American Baby trademark. Management determined that this trademark was fully impaired as part of
management's decision to discontinue the use of the American Baby brand following its combination with the Fit
Pregnancy brand.
During fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $10.3 million on national media
intangible assets, including $9.5 million of trademarks and $0.8 million of customer lists. Management determined
these intangible assets were fully impaired as part of management's commitment to performance improvement
plans, including the conversion of Ladies' Home Journal from a subscription-based magazine to a quarterly
newsstand special interest publication and the closure of Meredith's medical sales force training business.
The impairment charges are recorded in the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets line in the
Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
63
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance at June 30, 2014
Goodwill................................................... $
Accumulated impairment losses ..............
Acquisitions..................................................
Balance at June 30, 2015
Goodwill...................................................
Accumulated impairment losses ..............
Acquisitions..................................................
Impairment ...................................................
Balance at June 30, 2016
Goodwill...................................................
Accumulated impairment losses ..............
National
Media
Local
Media
Total
789,038 $
—
789,038
143,433
51,823 $
—
51,823
16,952
840,861
—
840,861
160,385
932,471
—
932,471
(1,168)
(116,949)
(118,117)
68,775
—
68,775
—
—
—
1,001,246
—
1,001,246
(1,168)
(116,949)
(118,117)
931,303
(116,949)
814,354 $
$
68,775
—
68,775 $
1,000,078
(116,949)
883,129
During fiscal 2016, the Company performed a qualitative assessment of the local media reporting unit during its
annual impairment review as of May 31, 2016, and concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of
the Company's local media reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Therefore, the quantitative goodwill
impairment test for the local media reporting unit was not necessary in fiscal 2016.
The national media segment is comprised of two reporting units, the magazine brands reporting unit, which has
$759.4 million of goodwill, and the MXM reporting unit, which has $54.9 million of goodwill at June 30, 2016.
As of May 31, 2016, the fair value of the magazine brands reporting unit exceeded its net assets by approximately
20 percent. The fair value of the magazine brands reporting unit assumes a discount rate of 10 percent. Assumed
revenue growth rates range from approximately flat to up 2.0 percent. The assumed terminal growth rate is 2.0
percent. These assumptions are contingent upon a stable economic environment, continuing strong consumer
engagement, and a continuing shift to digital platforms. Holding other assumptions constant, a 100 basis point
increase in the discount rate would result in an estimated fair value that exceeds net assets by 5 percent. Holding
other assumptions constant, a 100 basis point decrease in the terminal growth rate would result in an estimated fair
value that exceeds net assets by 9 percent. Both of these scenarios individually indicate no impairment in the
magazine brands reporting unit.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that triggering events, including reduced operating
and cash flow forecasts, required us to perform an evaluation of goodwill for the MXM reporting unit for
impairment. Due to the timing of the triggering events, this testing was performed in conjunction with the
Company's annual impairment testing as of May 31, 2016. This evaluation indicated that the carrying value of
MXM's goodwill exceeded its estimated fair value. As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax non-cash
impairment charge of $116.9 million to reduce the carrying value of MXM's goodwill in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2016. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $9.5 million related to this charge. This impairment charge
is recorded in the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets line in the Consolidated Statements of
Earnings.
Meredith completed annual impairment reviews of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives as of
May 31, 2015 and 2014. No impairments were recorded as a result of those reviews.
64
5. Restructuring Accrual
During fiscal 2016, management committed to several performance improvement plans that resulted in selected
workforce reductions related primarily to business realignments from recent acquisitions and the closing of MORE
magazine effective following the publication of the April 2016 issue. In connection with these plans, the Company
recorded pre-tax restructuring charges of $10.3 million. The restructuring charges included severance and related
benefit costs of $9.8 million related to the involuntary termination of employees which is recorded in the selling,
general, and administrative line of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company also wrote down related
manuscript and art inventory by $0.5 million, which is recorded in the production, distribution, and editorial line of
the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The majority of severance costs are paid out over a 12-month period.
These plans affected approximately 150 employees.
During fiscal 2015, management committed to several performance improvement plans related to business
realignments resulting primarily from recent broadcast station acquisitions, recent digital business acquisitions, and
other selected workforce reductions. In connection with these plans, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring
charges of $16.6 million. The restructuring charges included severance and related benefit costs of $14.7 million
related to the involuntary termination of employees and other write-downs and accruals of $0.4 million, which are
recorded in the selling, general, and administrative line of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company
also wrote down video production fixed assets that the Company abandoned for $1.2 million, which is recorded in
the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets line of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and
manuscript and art inventory for $0.3 million, which is recorded in the production, distribution, and editorial line of
the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The majority of severance costs have been paid out. These plans affected
approximately 275 employees.
In fiscal 2014, management committed to several performance improvement plans related primarily to business
realignments including converting Ladies' Home Journal from a monthly subscription magazine to a newsstand
only quarterly special interest publication, business realignments from recent broadcast station acquisitions, the
closing of our medical sales force training business, and other selected workforce reductions. In connection with
these plans, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges of $24.5 million. The restructuring charges
includes severance and related benefit costs of $11.9 million related to the involuntary termination of employees
and other write-downs and accruals of $1.2 million, which are recorded in the selling, general, and administrative
line of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company also wrote down intangible assets by $10.3 million
(see Note 4) and fixed assets of $0.9 million, which are recorded in the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived
assets line of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and manuscript and art inventory by $0.2 million, which is
recorded in the production, distribution, and editorial line of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The majority
of severance costs have been paid out. These plans affected approximately 175 employees.
During the years ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company recorded reversals of $3.2 million, $0.1
million, $1.4 million, respectively, of excess restructuring reserves accrued in prior fiscal years. The reversals of
excess restructuring reserves are recorded in the selling, general, and administrative line of the Consolidated
Statements of Earnings.
65
Details of changes in the Company's restructuring accrual are as follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year ........................ $ 15,731
9,792
Severance accrual .........................................
—
Other accruals...............................................
(14,888)
Cash payments..............................................
(3,247)
Reversal of excess accrual............................
7,388
Balance at end of year .................................. $
$ 13,545
14,670
285
(12,664)
(105)
$ 15,731
6. Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
June 30,
(In thousands)
Variable-rate credit facilities
2016
2015
Asset-backed bank facility of $100 million, due 10/20/2017......................................... $ 80,000
40,000
Revolving credit facility of $200 million, due 3/27/2019 ..............................................
225,000
Term loan due 3/27/2019 ................................................................................................
$ 80,000
77,500
237,500
Private placement notes
—
3.04% senior notes, due 3/1/2016...................................................................................
50,000
3.04% senior notes, due 3/1/2017...................................................................................
50,000
3.04% senior notes, due 3/1/2018...................................................................................
100,000
Floating rate senior notes, due 12/19/2022.....................................................................
150,000
Floating rate senior notes, due 2/28/2024.......................................................................
695,000
Total long-term debt ..............................................................................................................
Current portion of long-term debt .........................................................................................
(75,000)
Long-term debt...................................................................................................................... $ 620,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
100,000
150,000
795,000
(62,500)
$ 732,500
The following table shows principal payments on the debt due in succeeding fiscal years:
Years ending June 30,
(In thousands)
75,000
2017 ................................................. $
75,000
2018 .................................................
295,000
2019 .................................................
—
2020 .................................................
—
2021 .................................................
250,000
Thereafter.........................................
Total long-term debt ........................ $ 695,000
In connection with the asset-backed bank facility, Meredith entered into a revolving agreement to sell all of its
rights, title, and interest in the majority of its accounts receivable related to advertising and miscellaneous revenues
66
to Meredith Funding Corporation, a special purpose entity established to purchase accounts receivable from
Meredith. At June 30, 2016, $169.5 million of accounts receivable net of reserves were outstanding under the
agreement. Meredith Funding Corporation in turn sells receivable interests to a major national bank. In
consideration of the sale, Meredith receives cash and a subordinated note, bearing interest at the prime rate, 3.50
percent at June 30, 2016, from Meredith Funding Corporation. The agreement is structured as a true sale under
which the creditors of Meredith Funding Corporation will be entitled to be satisfied out of the assets of Meredith
Funding Corporation prior to any value being returned to Meredith or its creditors. The accounts of Meredith
Funding Corporation are fully consolidated in Meredith's consolidated financial statements. The interest rate on the
asset-backed bank facility is based on a fixed spread over London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The weighted
average effective interest rate was 1.35 percent as of June 30, 2016.
In October 2015, we renewed our asset-backed bank facility for an additional two-year period on terms
substantially similar to those previously in place. The renewed facility will expire in October 2017.
Meredith has an outstanding credit agreement that provides for a revolving credit facility of $200.0 million and a
term loan of $250.0 million, with a five-year term which expires March 27, 2019. The term loan is payable in
quarterly installments based on an amortization schedule as set forth in the agreement. The credit agreement
replaced our prior revolving credit facility. In connection with this transaction, in fiscal 2014 the Company wrote
off $0.6 million of deferred financing costs to the interest expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Meredith issued $150.0 million in private placement floating-rate senior notes during fiscal 2014, which are due
February 28, 2024. In fiscal 2015, Meredith issued $100.0 million in private placement floating-rate senior notes,
which are due December 19, 2022.
During fiscal 2015, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge variable interest rate risk on
the $250.0 million floating-rate senior notes and on $50.0 million of the term loan. The expiration of the swaps is as
follows: $50.0 million in August 2018, $100.0 million in March 2019, and $150.0 million in August 2019. Under
the swaps the Company will pay fixed rates of interest (1.36 percent on the swap maturing in August 2018, 1.53
percent on the swap maturing in March 2019, and 1.76 percent on the swaps maturing in August 2019) and receive
variable rates of interest based on the one to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (0.45 percent on
the swap maturing in August 2018, 0.65 percent on the swap maturing in March 2019, and 0.69 percent on the
swaps maturing in August 2019 as of June 30, 2016) on the $300.0 million notional amount of indebtedness. The
swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. The Company evaluates the effectiveness of the hedging relationships on
an ongoing basis by recalculating changes in fair value of the derivatives and related hedged items independently.
Unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive loss to the extent the cash flow
hedges are effective. The amount of the swap that offsets the effects of interest rate changes on the related debt is
subsequently reclassified into interest expense. Any ineffective portions on cash flow hedges are recorded in interest
expense. No material ineffectiveness existed at either June 30, 2016 or 2015.
The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is the estimated amount the Company would pay or receive to
terminate the swap agreements. At June 30, 2016 and 2015, the swaps had a fair value of a net liability of $7.3
million and $2.2 million, respectively. The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of
nonperformance by counterparties to the swap agreements. This exposure is managed through diversification and
the monitoring of the creditworthiness of the counterparties. There was no potential loss that the Company would
incur on the interest rate swaps if the counterparties were to fail to meet their obligations under the agreements at
June 30, 2016, and $1.1 million at June 30, 2015. Given the strong creditworthiness of the counterparties,
management does not expect any of them to fail to meet their obligations. Additionally, the concentration of risk
with any individual counterparty is not considered significant at June 30, 2016.
The interest rates on the private placement floating-rate senior notes is based on a fixed spread over LIBOR.
Interest rates on the private placement floating-rate senior notes were 3.03 percent on the $100.0 million note and
3.26 percent on the $150.0 million note at June 30, 2016, after taking into account the effect of outstanding interest
67
rate swap agreements. As of June 30, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 2.13 percent for the revolving
credit facility and term loan, after taking into account the effect of the outstanding interest rate swap agreement. The
interest rate under both facilities is variable based on LIBOR and Meredith's debt to trailing 12 month EBITDA
(earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the debt agreement) ratio.
All of the Company's debt agreements include financial covenants and failure to comply with any such covenants
could result in the debt becoming payable on demand. The most significant financial covenants require a ratio of
debt to trailing 12 month EBITDA of less than 3.75 and a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of greater than 2.75.
The Company was in compliance with these and all other financial covenants at June 30, 2016.
Interest expense related to long-term debt totaled $19.7 million in fiscal 2016, $18.5 million in fiscal 2015, and
$10.9 million in fiscal 2014.
At June 30, 2016, Meredith had additional credit available under the asset-backed bank facility of up to $20.0
million (depending on levels of accounts receivable) and had $160.0 million of credit available under the revolving
credit facility with an option to request up to another $200.0 million. The commitment fee for the asset-backed bank
facility ranges from 0.40 percent to 0.45 percent of the unused commitment based on utilization levels. The
commitment fees for the revolving credit facility ranges from 0.125 percent to 0.25 percent of the unused
commitment based on the Company's leverage ratio. Commitment fees paid in fiscal 2016 were not material.
7. Income Taxes
The following table shows income tax expense (benefit) attributable to earnings before income taxes:
Years ended June 30,
(In thousands)
Currently payable
2016
2015
2014
Federal ................................. $ 59,173
7,263
State .....................................
30
Foreign.................................
66,466
Deferred
Federal .................................
State .....................................
Foreign.................................
8,297
1,507
—
9,804
Income taxes............................... $ 76,270
$ 39,429
4,583
35
44,047
36,314
5,608
—
41,922
$ 85,969
$ 37,615
2,764
37
40,416
18,138
2,386
(142)
20,382
$ 60,798
The differences between the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate were as follows:
Years ended June 30,
U.S. statutory tax rate ...................................................
State income taxes, less federal income tax benefits ....
Settlements - audits / tax litigation ...............................
Impairment of goodwill ................................................
Restructuring of international operations .....................
Other .............................................................................
Effective income tax rate ..............................................
2016
35.0%
3.6
(0.4)
29.3
—
1.7
69.2%
2015
35.0%
2.9
(0.1)
—
—
0.8
38.6%
2014
35.0%
2.2
(0.3)
—
(2.5)
0.5
34.9%
68
The Company's effective tax rate was 69.2 percent in fiscal 2016, 38.6 percent in fiscal 2015, and 34.9 percent in
fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment of goodwill of $116.9 million, of which
approximately 20 percent was deductible for income tax purposes. The fiscal 2014 rate reflected tax benefits
realized due to expiring federal and state statutes of limitations and federal tax benefits from the restructuring of
Meredith's international operations.
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as
follows:
June 30,
(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets
2016
2015
Accounts receivable allowances and return reserves......................... $ 12,742
45,813
Compensation and benefits ................................................................
10,598
Indirect benefit of uncertain state and foreign tax positions..............
10,571
All other assets...................................................................................
79,724
Total deferred tax assets ...........................................................................
(905)
Valuation allowance..................................................................................
Net deferred tax assets..............................................................................
78,819
Deferred tax liabilities
88,177
Subscription acquisition costs............................................................
292,871
Accumulated depreciation and amortization .....................................
23,786
Deferred gains from dispositions .......................................................
10,331
All other liabilities .............................................................................
Total deferred tax liabilities......................................................................
415,165
Net deferred tax liability........................................................................... $ 336,346
$ 15,670
35,850
9,925
7,068
68,513
(1,808)
66,705
87,036
288,952
23,908
6,842
406,738
$ 340,033
The Company's deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be fully realized except for a valuation allowance of
$0.9 million that was recorded for certain net operating losses booked in fiscal 2013.
In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the presentation of deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities. The new guidance no longer requires the presentation of current deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities on a classified balance sheet, rather requiring all to be presented as non-current. The Company
prospectively adopted this guidance in fiscal 2016. As required by the guidance, all deferred tax assets and
liabilities are classified as non-current in our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2016, which is a change
from our historical presentation whereby certain of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were classified as current
and the remainder were classified as non-current. The June 30, 2015, balance sheet has not been retrospectively
adjusted. Thus net current portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in accrued expenses-other taxes
and expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2015.
69
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as
follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year ................................. $
Increases in tax positions for prior years ...............
Decreases in tax positions for prior years..............
Increases in tax positions for current year .............
Settlements ............................................................
Lapse in statute of limitations................................
Balance at end of year ........................................... $
35,919
51
(2,334)
6,259
(97)
(1,832)
37,966
$
$
37,995
—
(2,028)
5,686
(1,853)
(3,881)
35,919
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $28.3
million as of June 30, 2016, and $27.3 million as of June 30, 2015. The uncertain tax benefit recognized during
fiscal 2016 from lapse in statute of limitations that related to income tax positions on temporary differences was
$0.9 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of
income tax expense. The amount of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $8.6
million and $7.7 million as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2016, may change significantly within the next 12
months, decreasing by an estimated range of $9.5 million to $25.1 million. The change, if any, may result primarily
from foreseeable federal and state examinations, ongoing federal and state examinations, anticipated state
settlements, expiration of various statutes of limitation, the results of tax cases, or other regulatory developments.
The Company's federal tax returns have been audited through fiscal 2002, and are closed by expiration of the statute
of limitations for fiscal 2003, fiscal 2004, and fiscal 2005. Fiscal 2006 through fiscal 2012 are under the jurisdiction
of IRS Appeals. The Company has various state income tax examinations ongoing and at various stages of
completion, but generally the state income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through fiscal 2005.
8. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
Savings and Investment Plan
Meredith maintains a 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan that permits eligible employees to contribute funds on a
pre-tax basis. The plan allows employee contributions of up to 50 percent of eligible compensation subject to the
maximum allowed under federal tax provisions. The Company matches 100 percent of the first 3 percent and 50
percent of the next 2 percent of employee contributions.
The 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan allows employees to choose among various investment options, including
the Company's common stock, for both their contributions and the Company's matching contribution. Company
contribution expense under this plan totaled $9.6 million in fiscal 2016, $9.7 million in fiscal 2015, and $9.3 million
in fiscal 2014.
Pension and Postretirement Plans
Meredith has noncontributory pension plans covering substantially all employees. These plans include qualified
(funded) plans as well as nonqualified (unfunded) plans. These plans provide participating employees with
retirement benefits in accordance with benefit provision formulas. The nonqualified plans provide retirement
70
benefits only to certain highly compensated employees. The Company also sponsors defined healthcare and life
insurance plans that provide benefits to eligible retirees.
Obligations and Funded Status
The following tables present changes in, and components of, the Company's net assets/liabilities for pension and
other postretirement benefits:
June 30,
Pension
Postretirement
2016
2015
2016
2015
(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year...................... $ 155,427
11,908
Service cost..............................................................
5,874
Interest cost..............................................................
—
Participant contributions..........................................
15,085
Actuarial loss (gain) ................................................
(26,402)
Benefits paid (including lump sums).......................
Benefit obligation, end of year ................................ $ 161,892
$ 152,608
12,173
5,582
—
(1,996)
(12,940)
$ 155,427
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year ............ $ 141,586
1,129
Actual return on plan assets.....................................
6,270
Employer contributions ...........................................
—
Participant contributions..........................................
Benefits paid (including lump sums).......................
(26,402)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year ...................... $ 122,583
$ 145,179
3,857
5,490
—
(12,940)
$ 141,586
Under funded status, end of year............................. $ (39,309) $ (13,841)
$
$
$
$
$
9,408
101
385
748
565
(1,541)
9,666
$ 10,445
117
407
802
(1,007)
(1,356)
9,408
$
— $
—
793
748
(1,541)
— $
—
—
554
802
(1,356)
—
(9,666) $
(9,408)
Benefits paid directly from Meredith assets are included in both employer contributions and benefits paid.
Fair value measurements for pension assets as of June 30, 2016, were as follows:
June 30, 2016
Total
Fair Value
Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)
Investments in registered investment companies 1.. $ 120,996
Pooled separate accounts 1 ......................................
—
1,587
$ —
Total assets at fair value .......................................... $ 122,583
1 Certain investments that are measured at fair value using NAV per share have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair
value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented as the
change in plan assets.
—
$ 65,376
$ 65,376
$ —
—
—
—
$
$
71
Fair value measurements for pension assets as of June 30, 2015, were as follows:
June 30, 2015
Total
Fair Value
Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)
Investments in registered investment companies 1.. $ 140,983
Pooled separate accounts 1 ......................................
—
603
Total assets at fair value .......................................... $ 141,586
$ —
1 Certain investments that are measured at fair value using NAV per share have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair
value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented as the
change in plan assets.
—
$ 80,229
$ 80,229
$ —
—
—
—
$
$
Refer to Note 14 for a discussion of the three levels in the hierarchy of fair values.
The following amounts are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
June 30,
(In thousands)
Other assets
Pension
Postretirement
2016
2015
2016
2015
Prepaid benefit cost..................................... $
1,458
$ 18,071
$
— $
—
Accrued expenses-compensation and benefits
Accrued benefit liability .............................
(4,703)
(2,780)
(656)
(700)
Other noncurrent liabilities
Accrued benefit liability .............................
(29,132)
Net amount recognized, end of year.................. $ (39,309) $ (13,841)
(36,064)
(9,010)
(9,666) $
$
(8,708)
(9,408)
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $144.8 million and $143.4 million at
June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The following table provides information about pension plans with projected benefit obligations and accumulated
benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
June 30,
2016
2015
(In thousands)
Projected benefit obligation .................. $ 40,867
35,225
Accumulated benefit obligation ............
100
Fair value of plan assets ........................
$ 32,012
29,099
100
72
Costs
The components of net periodic benefit costs recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as
follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
Pension
2015
2014
2016
Postretirement
2015
2014
(In thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit costs
Service cost.................................................. $ 11,908
5,874
Interest cost..................................................
(10,982)
Expected return on plan assets.....................
194
Prior service cost (credit) amortization........
628
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization ...............
—
Curtailment credit ........................................
Settlement charge.........................................
5,586
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)................ $ 13,208
$ 12,173
5,582
(11,037)
225
667
—
—
$ 7,610
$ 10,196
5,604
(9,687)
391
2,030
—
—
$ 8,534
$
$
$
101
385
—
(428)
(677)
—
—
(619) $
$
117
407
—
(432)
(433)
—
—
170
480
—
(440)
(365)
(1,511)
—
(341) $ (1,666)
The pension settlement charge recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 related to cash distributions paid by the
pension plan during fiscal 2016 exceeding a prescribed threshold. This required that a portion of pension losses
within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) be realized in the period that the related pension liabilities
were settled.
Amounts recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive loss component of shareholders' equity for Company-
sponsored plans were as follows:
June 30,
2016
2015
Pension
Postretirement
Total
Pension
Postretirement
Total
(In thousands)
Unrecognized net actuarial losses
(gains), net of taxes ........................ $ 24,267
Unrecognized prior service cost
(credit), net of taxes .......................
470
Total ............................................... $ 24,737
$ (1,305)
$ 22,962
$ 12,733
$ (2,070)
$ 10,663
(452)
$ (1,757)
18
$ 22,980
589
$ 13,322
(716)
$ (2,786)
(127)
$ 10,536
During fiscal 2017, the Company expects to recognize as part of its net periodic benefit costs $3.6 million of net
actuarial losses and $0.2 million of prior-service costs for the pension plans, and $0.3 million of net actuarial gains
and $0.4 million of prior-service credit for the postretirement plan that are included, net of taxes, in the accumulated
other comprehensive loss component of shareholders' equity at June 30, 2016.
73
Assumptions
Benefit obligations were determined using the following weighted average assumptions:
June 30,
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate ..............................................................
Rate of compensation increase...................................
Rate of increase in health care cost levels
Pension
2016
2015
Postretirement
2016
2015
2.98%
3.50%
3.75%
3.50%
3.40%
3.50%
4.20%
3.50%
Initial level ...........................................................
Ultimate level.......................................................
Years to ultimate level .........................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
7.00%
5.00%
5 years
7.00%
5.00%
6 years
n/a - Not applicable
Net periodic benefit costs were determined using the following weighted average assumptions:
Years ended June 30,
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate .........................................................
Expected return on plan assets..............................
Rate of compensation increase .............................
Rate of increase in health care cost levels
Pension
2015
2014
Postretirement
2015
2016
2014
2016
3.75% 3.57% 3.93%
8.00% 8.00% 8.00%
3.50% 3.50% 3.50%
4.20% 4.00% 4.50%
n/a
n/a
3.50% 3.50% 3.50%
n/a
Initial level......................................................
Ultimate level .................................................
Years to ultimate level ....................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
7.00% 7.00% 7.50%
5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
5 years
4 years
6 years
n/a - Not applicable
The expected return on plan assets assumption was determined, with the assistance of the Company's investment
consultants, based on a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to the plans' asset allocations,
review of historical capital market performance, historical plan performance, current market factors such as
inflation and interest rates, and a forecast of expected future asset returns. The Company reviews this long-term
assumption on a periodic basis.
Assumed rates of increase in healthcare cost have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the healthcare
plans. A change of one percentage point in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects:
(In thousands)
Effect on service and interest cost components for fiscal 2016...............
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation as of June 30, 2016 .............
$
27
458
$
(22)
(374)
One
Percentage
Point Increase
One
Percentage
Point Decrease
74
Plan Assets
The targeted and weighted average asset allocations by asset category for investments held by the Company's
pension plans are as follows:
2016 Allocation
2015 Allocation
June 30,
Domestic equity securities..............
Fixed income investments ..............
International equity securities.........
Global equity securities ..................
Fair value of plan assets..................
Target
35%
30%
25%
10%
100%
Actual
30%
32%
27%
11%
100%
Target
35%
30%
25%
10%
100%
Actual
35%
29%
25%
11%
100%
Meredith's investment policy seeks to maximize investment returns while balancing the Company's tolerance for
risk. The plan fiduciaries oversee the investment allocation process. This includes selecting investment managers,
setting long-term strategic targets, and monitoring asset allocations. Target allocation ranges are guidelines, not
limitations, and plan fiduciaries may occasionally approve allocations above or below a target range, or elect to
rebalance the portfolio within the targeted range. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and
fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across domestic and international stocks
and between growth and value stocks and small and large capitalizations. The primary investment strategy currently
employed is a dynamic target allocation method that periodically rebalances among various investment categories
depending on the current funded position. This program is designed to actively move from return-seeking
investments (such as equities) toward liability-hedging investments (such as long-duration fixed-income) as funding
levels improve. The reverse effect occurs when funding levels decrease.
Equity securities did not include any Meredith Corporation common or Class B stock at June 30, 2016 or 2015.
Cash Flows
Although we do not have a minimum funding requirement for the pension plans in fiscal 2017, the Company is
currently determining what voluntary pension plan contributions, if any, will be made in fiscal 2017. Actual
contributions will be dependent upon investment returns, changes in pension obligations, and other economic and
regulatory factors. Meredith expects to contribute $0.7 million to its postretirement plan in fiscal 2017.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
Years ending June 30,
(In thousands)
2017.......................................
2018.......................................
2019.......................................
2020.......................................
2021.......................................
2022-2026 .............................
Pension
Benefits
Postretirement
Benefits
$ 19,999
19,270
18,579
22,536
19,474
75,236
$
656
705
691
675
662
2,958
Other
The Company maintains collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements on certain key officers and
retirees. The net periodic pension cost for fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $0.4 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3
million, respectively, and the accrued liability at June 30, 2016 and 2015, was $4.6 million and $4.2 million,
respectively.
75
9. Earnings per Share
The calculation of basic earnings per share for each period is based on the weighted average number of common
and Class B shares outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for each period is
based on the weighted average number of common and Class B shares outstanding during the period plus the effect,
if any, of dilutive common stock equivalent shares.
The following table presents the calculations of earnings per share:
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In thousands except per share data)
Net earnings ................................................................. $ 33,937
44,606
Basic average shares outstanding.................................
751
Dilutive effect of stock options and equivalents ..........
Diluted average shares outstanding..............................
45,357
Earnings per share
$ 136,791
44,522
801
45,323
$ 113,541
44,636
774
45,410
Basic ........................................................................ $
Diluted .....................................................................
$
0.76
0.75
$
3.07
3.02
2.54
2.50
In addition, antidilutive options excluded from the above calculations totaled 1.3 million options for the year ended
June 30, 2016 ($49.02 weighted average exercise price), 0.9 million options for the year ended June 30, 2015
($50.52 weighted average exercise price), and 1.8 million options for the year ended June 30, 2014 ($50.54
weighted average exercise price).
10. Capital Stock
The Company has two classes of common stock outstanding: common and Class B. Each class receives equal
dividends per share. Class B stock, which has 10 votes per share, is not transferable as Class B stock except to
family members of the holder or certain other related entities. At any time, Class B stock is convertible, share for
share, into common stock with one vote per share. Class B stock transferred to persons or entities not entitled to
receive it as Class B stock will automatically be converted and issued as common stock to the transferee. The
principal market for trading the Company's common stock is the New York Stock Exchange (trading symbol MDP).
No separate public trading market exists for the Company's Class B stock.
From time to time, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company's
common stock and Class B stock. In May 2014, the Board approved the repurchase of $100.0 million of shares. As
of June 30, 2016, $84.0 million remained available under the current authorizations for future repurchases.
Repurchases of the Company's common and Class B stock are as follows:
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In thousands)
Number of shares .......................
Cost at market value................... $
651
31,080
$
925
46,764
$
1,640
78,226
Shares deemed to be delivered to the Company on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options do
not reduce the repurchase authority granted by our Board. Shares tendered for the exercise price of stock options
were 0.4 million shares at a cost of $18.0 million in fiscal 2016, 0.7 million shares at a cost of $35.6 million in
fiscal 2015, and 1.1 million shares at a cost of $54.1 million in fiscal 2014.
76
11. Common Stock and Share-based Compensation Plans
Meredith has an employee stock purchase plan and a stock incentive plan, both of which are shareholder-approved.
More detailed descriptions of these plans follows. Compensation expense recognized for these plans was $12.8
million in fiscal 2016, $12.5 million in fiscal 2015, and $12.2 million in fiscal 2014. The total income tax benefit
recognized in earnings was $4.6 million in fiscal 2016, $4.6 million in fiscal 2015, and $4.5 million in fiscal 2014.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Meredith has an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) available to substantially all employees. As of January 1,
2016, the ESPP was suspended indefinitely. The ESPP allows employees to purchase shares of Meredith common
stock through payroll deductions at the lesser of 85 percent of the fair market value of the stock on either the first or
last trading day of an offering period. The ESPP has quarterly offering periods. One million five hundred thousand
common shares are authorized and approximately 244,000 shares remain available for issuance under the ESPP.
Compensation cost for the ESPP is based on the present value of the cash discount and the fair value of the call
option component as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The term of the option is three
months, the term of the offering period. The expected stock price volatility was 36 percent in fiscal 2016, 37 percent
in fiscal 2015, and 36 percent in fiscal 2014. Information about the shares issued under this plan is as follows:
Years ended June 30,
Shares issued (in thousands) .................
Average fair value .......................... $
Average purchase price ..................
Average market price .....................
2016
45
6.77
35.94
42.91
$
2015
72
7.52
39.95
50.83
$
2014
86
7.59
40.30
48.36
Stock Incentive Plan
Meredith has a stock incentive plan that permits the Company to issue stock options, restricted stock, stock
equivalent units, restricted stock units, and performance shares to key employees and directors of the Company.
Approximately 8.7 million shares remained available for future awards under the plan as of June 30, 2016. Forfeited
awards, shares deemed to be delivered to us on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options, and
shares reacquired pursuant to tax withholding on option exercises and the vesting of restricted shares increase
shares available for future awards. The plan is designed to provide an incentive to contribute to the achievement of
long-range corporate goals; provide flexibility in motivating, attracting, and retaining employees; and to align more
closely the employees' interests with those of shareholders.
The Company has awarded restricted shares of common stock and restricted stock units to eligible key employees
and to non-employee directors under the plan. In addition, certain awards are granted based on specified levels of
Company stock ownership. All awards have restriction periods tied primarily to employment and/or service. The
awards generally vest over three or five years. The awards are recorded at the market value of traded shares on the
date of the grant as unearned compensation. The initial values of the grants, net of estimated forfeitures, are
amortized over the vesting periods.
77
The Company's restricted stock activity during the year ended June 30, 2016, was as follows:
Restricted Stock
(Shares and Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
Nonvested at June 30, 2015 .................................
Granted ................................................................
Vested...................................................................
Forfeited...............................................................
Nonvested at June 30, 2016 .................................
Shares
365
9
(185)
(10)
179
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$ 40.48
47.01
35.14
47.86
45.93
$
9,295
As of June 30, 2016, there was $0.5 million of unearned compensation cost related to restricted stock granted under
the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years. The weighted average
grant date fair value of restricted stock granted during the years ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $47.01,
$51.22, and $48.01, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended June 30, 2016, 2015,
and 2014, was $8.5 million, $7.8 million, and $6.2 million, respectively.
The Company's restricted stock unit activity during the year ended June 30, 2016, was as follows:
Restricted Stock Units
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(Shares and Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
Nonvested at June 30, 2015 .................................
Granted ................................................................
Vested...................................................................
Forfeited...............................................................
Nonvested at June 30, 2016.......................................
159
182
(2)
(20)
319
$ 46.22
44.44
45.69
45.25
45.28
$ 16,544
As of June 30, 2016, there was $4.7 million of unearned compensation cost related to restricted stock units granted
under the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The weighted
average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was
$44.44 and $46.21. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.1
million and $0.1 million.
Meredith also has outstanding stock equivalent units resulting from the deferral of compensation of employees and
directors under various deferred compensation plans. The period of deferral is specified when the deferral election
is made. These stock equivalent units are issued at the market price of the underlying stock on the date of deferral.
In addition, shares of restricted stock may be converted to stock equivalent units upon vesting.
78
The following table summarizes the activity for stock equivalent units during the year ended June 30, 2016:
Stock Equivalent Units
Units
Weighted Average
Issue Date
Fair Value
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(Units and Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
Balance at June 30, 2015 ..............................
Additions ......................................................
Converted to common stock.........................
Balance at June 30, 2016 ..............................
265
34
(3)
296
$ 36.12
41.10
29.54
36.77
$4,482
The total intrinsic value of stock equivalent units converted to common stock was $0.1 million in fiscal 2016, $0.1
million in fiscal 2015, and $0.1 million for fiscal year 2014.
Meredith has granted nonqualified stock options to certain employees and directors under the plan. The grant date
of options issued is the date the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approves the granting of the
options. The exercise price of options granted is set at the fair value of the Company's common stock on the grant
date. All options granted under the plan expire at the end of 10 years. Options granted to employees vest three years
from the date of grant and options granted to directors vest one-third each year during the three-year period from
date of grant.
A summary of stock option activity and weighted average exercise prices follows:
Stock Options
Options
(Options and Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
Outstanding July 1, 2015 ............................................
Granted........................................................................
Exercised.....................................................................
Forfeited ......................................................................
Outstanding June 30, 2016..........................................
Exercisable June 30, 2016...........................................
2,667
445
(524)
(174)
2,414
1,276
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 40.55
44.94
34.65
47.72
42.12
38.38
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
5.7
3.6
$ 24,648
18,276
The fair value of each option is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company's common stock and other factors. The expected
life of options granted incorporates historical employee exercise and termination behavior. Different expected lives
are used for separate groups of employees who have similar historical exercise patterns. The risk-free rate for
periods that coincide with the expected life of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the
time of grant.
79
The following summarizes the assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted:
Years ended June 30,
Risk-free interest rate ...................................
Expected dividend yield ...............................
Expected option life......................................
Expected stock price volatility .....................
2016
1.8-2.0%
4.00%
7 yrs
36%
2015
1.4-2.0%
4.00%
7 yrs
37%
2014
1.9-2.1%
4.20%
7 yrs
36%
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and
2014, was $10.80, $11.59, and $11.41, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years
ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $8.0 million, $14.2 million, and $9.6 million, respectively. As of June 30,
2016, there was $2.6 million in unrecognized compensation cost for stock options granted under the plan. This cost
is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment plans for the years ended June 30, 2016, 2015,
and 2014 was $18.2 million, $37.7 million, and $54.5 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the
tax deductions from option exercises totaled $3.0 million, $5.5 million, and $3.7 million, respectively, for the years
ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
12. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company occupies certain facilities and sales offices and uses certain equipment under lease agreements.
Rental expense for such leases was $20.9 million in fiscal 2016, $20.1 million in fiscal 2015, and $20.2 million in
fiscal 2014.
Below are the minimum rental commitments at June 30, 2016, under all noncancelable operating leases due in
succeeding fiscal years:
Years ending June 30,
(In thousands)
2017 ..................................................................... $
2018 .....................................................................
2019 .....................................................................
2020 .....................................................................
2021 .....................................................................
Thereafter.............................................................
Total minimum rentals ......................................... $
16,524
15,099
13,411
13,090
14,337
54,405
126,866
Most of the future lease payments relate to the lease of office facilities in New York City through December 31,
2026. In the normal course of business, leases that expire are generally renewed or replaced by leases on similar
properties.
The Company has recorded commitments for broadcast rights payable in future fiscal years. The Company also is
obligated to make payments under contracts for broadcast rights not currently available for use and therefore not
included in the consolidated financial statements. Such unavailable rights amounted to $33.0 million at June 30,
2016. The fair value of these commitments for unavailable broadcast rights, determined by the present value of
future cash flows discounted at the Company's current borrowing rate, was $31.8 million at June 30, 2016.
80
The table shows broadcast rights payments due in succeeding fiscal years:
Years ending June 30,
(In thousands)
2017 ........................................
2018 ........................................
2019 ........................................
2020 ........................................
2021 ........................................
Thereafter................................
Total amounts payable ............
Recorded
Commitments
Unavailable
Rights
$
4,649
1,234
1,064
1,053
795
1,378
$ 10,173
$ 11,140
12,822
5,751
2,863
419
—
$ 32,995
The Company is involved in certain litigation and claims arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of
management, liabilities, if any, arising from existing litigation and claims are not expected to have a material effect
on the Company's earnings, financial position, or liquidity.
13. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events
and circumstances from nonowner sources. Comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings as well as items of
other comprehensive income (loss).
The following table summarizes the items of other comprehensive income (loss) and the accumulated other
comprehensive loss balances:
Minimum
Pension/Post
Retirement
Liability
Adjustments
Interest
Rate
Swaps
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(In thousands)
Balance at June 30, 2013....................................... $
Current-year adjustments, pretax......................
Tax expense.......................................................
Other comprehensive income.....................
Balance at June 30, 2014.......................................
Current-year adjustments, pretax......................
Tax benefit ........................................................
Other comprehensive loss ..........................
Balance at June 30, 2015.......................................
Current-year adjustments, pretax......................
Tax benefit ........................................................
Other comprehensive loss ..........................
Balance at June 30, 2016....................................... $
(16,341)
12,310
(4,727)
7,583
(8,758)
(4,206)
1,615
(2,591)
(11,349)
(20,703)
7,951
(12,752)
(24,101)
$
$
— $
—
—
—
—
(2,109)
810
(1,299)
(1,299)
(5,034)
1,933
(3,101)
(4,400)
$
(16,341)
12,310
(4,727)
7,583
(8,758)
(6,315)
2,425
(3,890)
(12,648)
(25,737)
9,884
(15,853)
(28,501)
81
14. Fair Value Measurement
Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Specifically, it establishes a
hierarchy prioritizing the use of inputs in valuation techniques. The defined levels within the hierarchy are as
follows:
• Level 1 Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
• Level 2
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly
observable;
• Level 3 Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on valuation models with significant unobservable
pricing inputs and which result in the use of management estimates.
The following table sets forth the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments
not measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
(In thousands)
Broadcast rights payable....................................... $
Long-term debt .....................................................
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2015
Carrying
Value
10,173
695,000
$
Fair Value
9,655
695,533
Carrying
Value
$
7,774
795,000
$
Fair Value
7,490
797,121
The fair value of broadcast rights payable was determined using the present value of expected future cash flows
discounted at the Company's current borrowing rate with inputs included in Level 3. The fair value of long-term
debt was determined using the present value of expected future cash flows using borrowing rates currently available
for debt with similar terms and maturities with inputs included in Level 2.
As of June 30, 2016, the Company had assets related to its qualified pension plans measured at fair value. The
required disclosures regarding such assets are presented within Note 8. In addition, the Company has liabilities
related to contingent consideration payables that are valued at estimated fair value as discussed in Note 2 and
interest rate swaps discussed in Note 6. In fiscal 2016, the Company committed to a plan to sell the Company's two
corporate airplanes. In conjunction with that plan, the Company wrote the assets to fair value. The Company does
not have any other assets or liabilities recognized at fair value.
The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
(In thousands)
Machinery and equipment
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2015
Corporate airplanes 1 ....................................... $
2,800
$
—
Other assets
Interest rate swaps ...........................................
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Contingent consideration.................................
Interest rate swaps ...........................................
Other noncurrent liabilities
Contingent consideration.................................
Interest rate swaps ...........................................
—
—
2,768
56,631
4,511
1,139
800
3,295
60,735
—
1 Consistent with the decision to sell the corporate airplanes, these assets were adjusted to fair
value in fiscal 2016, therefore, there is no fair market value measurement for fiscal 2015.
82
The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined based on discounted cash flows derived using market observable
inputs including swap curves that are included in Level 2. The fair value of the contingent consideration and the
corporate airplanes is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents Level 3
measurements.
The following table represents the changes in the fair value of Level 3 contingent consideration and corporate
airplanes for the year ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015.
June 30,
2016
2015
(in thousands)
Contingent consideration
Balance at beginning of year ................................................... $
Additions due to acquisitions...................................................
Payments..................................................................................
Change in present value of contingent consideration 1............
Balance at end of year
$
Corporate airplanes 2
Balance at beginning of period ................................................ $
Fair market value adjustment of corporate airplanes...............
Balance at end of year.............................................................. $
61,535
—
(800)
(4,104)
56,631
8,439
(5,639)
2,800
$
$
$
$
1,700
61,335
—
(1,500)
61,535
—
—
—
1 Change in present value of contingent consideration is included in earning and comprised of changes in estimated
earn out payments based on projections of performance and the amortization of the present value discount.
2 Consistent with the decision to sell the corporate airplanes, these assets were adjusted to fair value in fiscal 2016,
therefore, there is no fair market value measurement for fiscal 2015.
15. Financial Information about Industry Segments
Meredith is a diversified media company focused primarily on the home and family marketplace. On the basis of
products and services, the Company has established two reportable segments: national media and local media. The
national media segment includes magazine publishing, customer relationship marketing, digital and mobile media,
brand licensing, database-related activities, and other related operations. The local media segment consists primarily
of the operations of network-affiliated television stations. Virtually all of the Company's revenues are generated in
the U.S. and substantially all of the assets reside within the U.S. There are no material intersegment transactions.
There are two principal financial measures reported to the chief executive officer (the chief operating decision
maker) for use in assessing segment performance and allocating resources. Those measures are operating profit and
EBITDA. Operating profit for segment reporting, disclosed below, is revenues less operating costs and unallocated
corporate expenses. Segment operating expenses include allocations of certain centrally incurred costs such as
employee benefits, occupancy, information systems, accounting services, internal legal staff, and human resources
administration. These costs are allocated based on actual usage or other appropriate methods, primarily number of
employees. Unallocated corporate expenses are corporate overhead expenses not attributable to the operating
groups. Interest income and expense are not allocated to the segments. In accordance with authoritative guidance on
disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information, EBITDA is not presented below.
Significant non-cash items included in segment operating expenses other than depreciation and amortization of
fixed and intangible assets is the amortization of broadcast rights in the local media segment. Broadcast rights
amortization totaled $16.7 million in fiscal 2016, $16.6 million in fiscal 2015, and $8.8 million in fiscal 2014.
83
Segment assets include intangible, fixed, and all other non-cash assets identified with each segment. Jointly used
assets such as office buildings and information technology equipment are allocated to the segments by appropriate
methods, primarily number of employees. Unallocated corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash items,
assets allocated to or identified with corporate staff departments, and other miscellaneous assets not assigned to a
segment.
The following table presents financial information by segment:
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In thousands)
Revenues
National media.................................................. $ 1,101,183
Local media.......................................................
548,445
Total revenues ................................................... $ 1,649,628
Segment profit (loss)
National media.................................................. $
Local media.......................................................
Unallocated corporate .......................................
Income from operations ....................................
Interest expense, net..........................................
Earnings before income taxes ........................... $
(17,693)
158,481
(10,179)
130,609
(20,402)
110,207
Depreciation and amortization
National media.................................................. $
Local media.......................................................
Unallocated corporate .......................................
Total depreciation and amortization ................. $
18,698
38,332
2,122
59,152
$ 1,059,852
534,324
$ 1,594,176
$ 1,065,898
402,810
$ 1,468,708
$
$
$
$
122,681
162,677
(43,246)
242,112
(19,352)
222,760
17,186
37,521
1,839
56,546
$
$
$
$
113,113
113,060
(39,658)
186,515
(12,176)
174,339
18,253
28,815
1,658
48,726
Assets
National media.................................................. $ 1,478,243
1,054,311
Local media.......................................................
Unallocated corporate .......................................
95,731
Total assets ........................................................ $ 2,628,285
$ 1,665,542
1,072,152
105,588
$ 2,843,282
$ 1,422,855
996,935
124,010
$ 2,543,800
Capital expenditures
National media.................................................. $
Local media.......................................................
Unallocated corporate .......................................
Total capital expenditures ................................. $
4,739
17,250
3,046
25,035
$
$
4,829
23,224
5,192
33,245
$
$
5,491
16,578
2,753
24,822
84
16. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
Year ended June 30, 2016
(In thousands except per share data)
Revenues
National media........................................... $
Local media ...............................................
Total revenues............................................ $
Operating profit (loss)
National media........................................... $
Local media ...............................................
Unallocated corporate................................
Income (loss) from operations................... $
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Total
258,199
126,467
384,666
22,803
29,327
(23,118)
29,012
$
$
$
$
$
266,527
139,886
406,413
33,583
40,441
(13,911)
60,113
32,519
$
$
$
$
$
281,843
140,928
422,771
$
$
294,614
141,164
435,778
$ 1,101,183
548,445
$ 1,649,628
34,781
46,150
47,107
128,038
$ (108,860) $
42,563
(20,257)
(86,554) $
$
(17,693)
158,481
(10,179)
130,609
80,904
$
(90,515) $
33,937
Net earnings (loss).................................... $
11,029
Basic earnings (loss) per share................
Diluted earnings (loss) per share ............
0.25
0.24
0.73
0.72
1.81
1.79
(2.03)
(2.03)
0.76
0.75
Dividends per share .................................
0.4575
0.4575
0.4950
0.4950
1.9050
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded $12.7 million of merger-related expenses and a pre-tax
restructuring charge of $3.4 million. Also in the first quarter, the Company recorded a reduction in contingent
consideration payable of $1.4 million and $1.1 million in reversals of excess restructuring reserves accrued in prior
fiscal years.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded $3.5 million of merger-related expenses and a pre-tax
restructuring charge of $1.0 million.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company received $60.0 million of cash in conjunction with the termination
of the Media General merger. Also in the third quarter, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $3.5
million and recorded a reduction in contingent consideration payable of $1.8 million.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment of the goodwill of the national media
segment of $116.9 million, the impairment of the American Baby trademark of $38.9 million, the write-down to fair
value of the Company's two airplanes of $5.7 million, a pension settlement charge of $5.6 million, and a pre-tax
restructuring charge of $2.4 million. Also in the fourth quarter, the Company recorded a reduction in contingent
consideration payable of $3.2 million and $1.7 million in reversals of excess restructuring reserves accrued in prior
fiscal years.
As a result of changes in shares outstanding during the year, the sum of the four quarters' earnings (loss) per share
may not necessarily equal the earnings per share for the year.
85
Year ended June 30, 2015
(In thousands except per share data)
Revenues
National media........................................... $
Local media ...............................................
Total revenues............................................ $
Operating profit.......................................
National media........................................... $
Local media ...............................................
Unallocated corporate................................
Income from operations............................. $
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Total
246,326
124,858
371,184
28,895
36,312
(12,355)
52,852
$
$
$
$
$
242,381
156,524
398,905
26,107
54,986
(12,231)
68,862
39,591
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
275,298
122,881
398,179
23,460
31,420
(7,774)
47,106
25,256
0.57
0.56
295,847
130,061
425,908
$ 1,059,852
534,324
$ 1,594,176
44,219
39,959
(10,886)
73,292
42,579
$
$
$
122,681
162,677
(43,246)
242,112
136,791
0.95
0.94
3.07
3.02
Net earnings ............................................. $
29,365
Basic earnings per share .........................
Diluted earnings per share......................
0.66
0.65
0.89
0.87
Dividends per share .................................
0.4325
0.4325
0.4575
0.4575
1.7800
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $6.7 million. Also in
the second quarter, the Company recorded a reduction in contingent consideration payable of $1.1 million.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $9.9 million.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a reduction in contingent consideration payable of $1.5
million.
86
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORY WITH SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
2016
Years ended June 30,
(In thousands except per share data)
Results of operations
Revenues .................................................................... $ 1,649,628
1,341,946
Costs and expenses.....................................................
59,152
Depreciation and amortization ...................................
161,462
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets ..
(43,541)
Merger termination fee net of merger-related costs ...
130,609
Income from operations .............................................
(20,402)
Net interest expense ...................................................
(76,270)
Income taxes...............................................................
33,937
Net earnings................................................................ $
2015
2014
2013
2012
$ 1,594,176
1,294,260
56,546
1,258
—
242,112
(19,352)
(85,969)
136,791
$
$ 1,468,708
1,222,265
48,726
11,202
—
186,515
(12,176)
(60,798)
113,541
$
$ 1,471,340
1,210,061
45,350
—
5,095
210,834
(13,430)
(73,754)
123,650
$
$ 1,376,687
1,146,590
44,326
—
—
185,771
(12,896)
(68,503)
104,372
$
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Average diluted shares outstanding ........................
$
$
Other per share information
Dividends ................................................................... $
Stock price-high .........................................................
Stock price-low ..........................................................
Financial position at June 30,
Current assets ............................................................. $
Working capital ..........................................................
Total assets .................................................................
Long-term obligations (including current portion) ....
Shareholders' equity ...................................................
Number of employees at June 30, ...........................
0.76
0.75
45,357
1.9050
53.11
35.03
481,156
3,264
2,628,285
705,173
889,043
3,790
$
$
$
$
3.07
3.02
45,323
1.7800
57.22
41.95
482,531
(48,470)
2,843,282
802,774
951,850
3,878
$
$
$
$
2.54
2.50
45,410
1.6800
53.84
40.11
493,122
10,019
2,543,800
723,838
891,652
3,639
$
$
$
$
2.78
2.74
45,085
1.5800
48.37
29.27
407,692
(48,979)
2,140,059
359,185
854,296
3,347
$
$
$
$
2.33
2.31
45,100
1.4025
35.00
21.10
359,436
(123,150)
2,016,299
390,447
797,445
3,366
NOTES TO FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORY WITH SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
General
This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related
notes included in Item 8-Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Form 10-K. Over the last five fiscal
years, we have acquired a number of companies. The results of our acquired companies have been included in our
consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. Long-term obligations include
broadcast rights payable and Company debt associated with continuing operations. Shareholders' equity includes
temporary equity where applicable.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years' amounts related have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
87
Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Reserves Deducted from Receivables in
the Consolidated Financial Statements:
(In thousands)
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2016
Additions
Balance at
beginning of
period
Charged to
costs and
expenses
Charged to
other
accounts
Deductions
Balance at
end of
period
Reserve for doubtful accounts ................... $
Reserve for returns ....................................
Total....................................................... $
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2015
Reserve for doubtful accounts ................... $
Reserve for returns ....................................
Total....................................................... $
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2014
6,523
1,972
8,495
5,464
2,349
7,813
Reserve for doubtful accounts ................... $
Reserve for returns ....................................
Total....................................................... $
6,653
3,906
10,559
$
$
$
$
$
$
4,845
3,797
8,642
5,044
4,747
9,791
3,177
4,662
7,839
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $
—
— $
— $
—
— $
(4,314) $
(4,492)
(8,806) $
(3,985) $
(5,124)
(9,109) $
— $
—
— $ (10,585) $
(4,366) $
(6,219)
7,054
1,277
8,331
6,523
1,972
8,495
5,464
2,349
7,813
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Meredith conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the
Exchange Act)) as of June 30, 2016. On the basis of this evaluation, Meredith's Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have concluded the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that
information required to be disclosed in the reports that Meredith files or submits under the Exchange Act are (i)
recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to Meredith's management, including the
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer
88
and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation
of internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework
(2013 framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). On
the basis of that evaluation, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
June 30, 2016.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the
Company's internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 41.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended
June 30, 2016, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal
control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on November 9, 2016, under the captions "Election of Directors," "Corporate Governance,"
"Meetings and Committees of the Board" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," and in
Part I of this Form 10-K beginning on page 9 under the caption "Executive Officers of the Company" and is
incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and a Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior
Financial Officers. These codes are applicable to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller,
and any persons performing similar functions. The Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the
Company's Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers are available free of charge on the Company's
corporate website at meredith.com. Copies of the codes are also available free of charge upon written request to the
Secretary of the Company. The Company will post any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or
the Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers, as well as any waivers that are required to be disclosed
by the rules of either the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the New York Stock Exchange on the
Company's corporate website.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders of the Company may recommend
nominees to the Company's Board of Directors.
89
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on November 9, 2016, under the captions "Compensation Discussion and Analysis,"
"Compensation Committee Report," "Summary Compensation Table," "Director Compensation," and
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Certain information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on November 9, 2016, under the captions "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management" and "Equity Compensation Plans” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on November 9, 2016, under the captions "Related Person Transaction Policy and
Procedures" and "Corporate Governance - Director Independence" and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is set forth in Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on November 9, 2016, under the caption "Audit Committee Disclosure" and is incorporated
herein by reference.
90
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following consolidated financial statements listed under (a) 1. and the financial statement schedule listed under
(a) 2. of the Company and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report as set forth in the Index on page 40
(Item 8).
(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedule, and Exhibits
1. Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Five-Year Financial History with Selected Financial Data
2. Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended June 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other Schedules have been omitted because the items required by such schedules are not present in
the consolidated financial statements, are covered in the consolidated financial statements or notes
thereto, or are not significant in amount.
3. Exhibits
Certain of the exhibits to this Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference, as specified:
3.1
3.2
The Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, are incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended December 31, 2003.
The Restated Bylaws, as amended, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015.
91
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of June 16, 2008, among Meredith Corporation, as issuer
and seller, and named purchasers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. First
amendment dated as of July 13, 2009, to the aforementioned agreement is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2009.
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 13, 2009, among Meredith Corporation, as issuer
and seller, and named purchasers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.
Credit Agreement dated June 16, 2010, among Meredith Corporation and a group of banks
including Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
June 18, 2010. First amendment dated as of September 12, 2012, to the aforementioned
agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10‑Q for the period ended September 30, 2012.
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 29, 2012, among Meredith Corporation, as
issuer and seller, and named purchasers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 1, 2012.
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 19, 2014, among Meredith Corporation, as
issuer and seller, and named purchasers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 28, 2014.
Credit Agreement dated March 27, 2014, among Meredith Corporation and a group of banks
including Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline
Lender, and L/C Issuer is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014. First Amendment dated
as of June 23, 2015, to the aforementioned agreement.
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 31, 2014, among Meredith Corporation, as
issuer and seller, and named purchasers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q for the period ended December 31, 2014.
10.1
Indemnification Agreement in the form entered into between the Company and its officers
and directors is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 1988.*
10.2 Meredith Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of November 8, 1993, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 1993.*
10.3
10.4
Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of April 9, 2002 among Meredith Corporation, as Sole
Initial Originator and Meredith Funding Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meredith
Corporation), as buyer is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2002.
Amended and Restated Replacement Benefit Plan effective January 1, 2001, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.*
92
10.5
10.6
Amended and Restated Supplemental Benefit Plan effective January 1, 2001, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement between Meredith Corporation and the
named employee for the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
December 31, 2004.*
10.7 Meredith Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2008.*
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
Amended and Restated Severance Agreement in the form entered into between the Company
and its executive officers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2008.*
Employment Agreement dated January 20, 2006, and re-executed August 24, 2009, between
Meredith Corporation and Stephen M. Lacy is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.
First amendment to the aforementioned agreement is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 2009.*
Employment Agreement dated August 14, 2008, and re-executed August 24, 2009, between
Meredith Corporation and John S. Zieser is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.*
Employment Agreement dated August 10, 2016, between Meredith Corporation and
Thomas H. Harty is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 12, 2016.*
First Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 25, 2011,
among Meredith Funding Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meredith Corporation)
as Seller, Meredith Corporation, as Servicer, Falcon Asset Securitization Company LLC, The
Financial Institutions from time to time party hereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
Agent, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011. First amendment dated as of
September 21, 2012, to the aforementioned agreement is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q for the period ended
September 30, 2012. Second Amendment dated as of February 18, 2015, to the
aforementioned agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015. Third
amendment dated as of October 21, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015.
Parent Guarantee from Meredith Corporation dated as of April 25, 2011, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended March 31, 2011.
Form of Continuing Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee Directors is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended December 31, 2011.*
Form of Continuing Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Non-Employee
Directors is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2011.*
93
10.16
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Meredith Corporation and the named
employee for the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
March 31, 2012.*
10.17 Meredith Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan of 2002, as amended, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
November 13, 2012.*
10.18 Meredith Corporation 2014 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2014.*
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
Form of the Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Employees for the 2014 Stock
Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2014.*
Form of the Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors for
the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8‑K filed November 18, 2014.*
Form of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Employees for the 2014 Stock Incentive
Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed November 18, 2014.*
Form of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors for the 2014
Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2014.*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement - Performance Based for the 2014 Stock
Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K filed November 18, 2014. *
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement - Time Vested for the 2014 Stock Incentive
Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed November 18, 2014.*
Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2015, between Meredith Corporation and Paul
Karpowicz is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed June 5, 2015. First amendment to the aforementioned agreement is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8‑K filed August 12, 2016.*
Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2015, between Meredith Corporation and Joseph H.
Ceryanec is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed June 5, 2015.*
Employment Agreement dated August 10, 2016, between Meredith Corporation and
Jonathan B. Werther is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 12, 2016.*
10.28 Merger Termination Agreement dated as of January 27, 2016, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended March 31, 2016.
94
21
23
31.1
31.2
32
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
The Company agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, a copy of each agreement with respect to
long-term debt of the Company for which the amount authorized thereunder does not exceed 10 percent of
the total assets of the Company on a consolidated basis.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
95
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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following tables provide reconciliations of financial measures that are not in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), or non-GAAP financial measures, used in
the annual report to shareholders to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. This information is not
part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
2013
Adjusted earnings per share ....................................... $
Special items 1 ...............................................................
Earnings per share....................................................... $
3.30 $
3.30 $
2.80 $
2.91 $
(2.55)
0.75 $
(0.28)
3.02 $
(0.30)
2.50 $
(0.17)
2.74 $
2012
2.50
(0.19)
2.31
2016
Years ended June 30,
(In thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA 2 ..................................................... $ 351,223 $ 299,916 $ 246,443 $ 256,184 $ 230,097
(44,326)
Depreciation and amortization ......................................
—
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets .....
(12,896)
Net interest expense.......................................................
Income taxes ..................................................................
(68,503)
Net earnings ................................................................. $ 33,937 $ 136,791 $ 113,541 $ 123,650 $ 104,372
(59,152)
(161,462)
(20,402)
(76,270)
(56,546)
(1,258)
(19,352)
(85,969)
(45,350)
—
(13,430)
(73,754)
(48,726)
(11,202)
(12,176)
(60,798)
2013
2015
2014
2012
Years ended June 30,
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
(In thousands)
Free cash flow 3............................................................. $ 229,516 $ 161,350 $ 148,647 $ 143,031 $ 112,980
(44,326)
Depreciation and amortization ......................................
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets .....
—
35,718
Additions to property, plant, and equipment .................
Net earnings ................................................................. $ 33,937 $ 136,791 $ 113,541 $ 123,650 $ 104,372
(59,152)
(161,462)
25,035
(45,350)
—
25,969
(56,546)
(1,258)
33,245
(48,726)
(11,202)
24,822
1
2
3
●
●
●
●
●
Fiscal 2016 special items include the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, merger-related costs, severance and
related benefit costs, a pension settlement charge and other net miscellaneous write-downs and accruals partially offset by a merger
termination fee and a reduction in previously accrued restructuring charges.
Fiscal 2015 special items include severance and related benefit costs, the write-down of impaired assets, acquisition and disposal
transaction costs, and other miscellaneous write-down and accruals.
Fiscal 2014 special items include severance and related benefit costs; the write-down of certain identifiable intangibles, fixed
assets, and art and manuscript inventory; television station acquisition transaction costs; vacated building and lease accruals; the
write-off of deferred financing costs; and other miscellaneous accruals partially offset by a tax benefit from realignment of
international operations and a reduction in previously accrued restructuring charges.
Fiscal 2013 special items include severance and related benefit costs, professional fees and expenses related to a transaction that did
not materialize, and vacated lease accruals partially offset by a reduction in previously accrued restructuring charges.
Fiscal 2012 special items include and related benefit severance costs, Allrecipes.com acquisition costs, vacated lease accruals, and
other net miscellaneous write-downs and accruals partially offset by a reduction of contingent consideration payable.
Adjusted EBITDA is net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and impairment of goodwill and other long-
lived assets.
Free cash flow is net earnings before depreciation, amortization, and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets less
additions to property, plant, and equipment.
Appendix
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
Financial Highlights
Corporate Information
Years Ended June 30 (In millions except per share data)
GAAP Results
Revenues
Income from operations
Net earnings
Earnings per share
Total assets
Total debt
Non-GAAP Results
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
$ 1,650 $
1,594 $
1,469 $
1,471 $
1,377
131
34
0.75
2,628
695
242
137
3.02
187
114
2.50
2,843
2,544
795
715
211
124
2.74
2,140
350
186
104
2.31
2,016
380
Adjusted earnings per share (1)
$
3.30 $
3.30 $
2.80 $
2.91 $
2.50
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
351
300
246
256
230
Revenue
5-Year CAGR: 5%
Free Cash Flow(3)
5-Year CAGR: 19%
Dividend Per Share(4)
5-Year CAGR: 7%
$2,000
$1,650
$1,594
1,500
$1,471 $1,469
$1,377
1,000
500
0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
$250
200
150
100
50
0
$230
$161
$149
$143
$113
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
$2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0
$1.98
$1.83
$1.73
$1.63
$1.53
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Non-GAAP amounts are not in accordance with GAAP (accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America). While management
believes these measures contribute to an understanding of the Company’s financial performance, they should not be considered in isolation or as a
substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in the Appendix
immediately following the included Form 10-K.
(1) All years adjusted for special items.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets.
(3) Free cash flow is net earnings before depreciation, amortization, and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets less additions to property,
plant, and equipment.
(4) Annualized dividend per share at end of fiscal year.
MEREDITH CORPORATION
Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; meredith.com)
has been committed to service journalism for nearly
115 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution
platforms – including broadcast television, print, digital,
mobile, tablets and video – to provide consumers with
content they desire and to deliver the messages of its
advertising and marketing partners.
ANNUAL MEETING
Holders of Meredith Corporation stock are invited
to attend the annual meeting of shareholders at
10 a.m. Central Standard Time on November 9, 2016,
at the Company’s principal office, 1716 Locust Street,
Des Moines, IA.
STOCK EXCHANGE
Common stock of Meredith Corporation is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange. The exchange symbol
for Meredith is MDP. CUSIP Number: 589433101. Class
B stock of Meredith Corporation (issued as a dividend
on common stock in December 1986) is not listed.
The transfer of Class B stock is limited to the lineal
descendants of original owners, their spouses or trusts/
family partnerships for the benefit of those persons.
Requests for transfer to any other person or entity
will require a share-for-share conversion to common
stock. Conversion prior to sale is recommended. CUSIP
Number: 589433200. The Company’s Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York
Stock Exchange that he is not aware of any violation
by the Company of the New York Stock Exchange
Corporate Governance Listing Standards. The most
recently required certification was submitted to the
exchange on December 10, 2015.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., PO Box 64854, St. Paul, MN
55164-0854 or 1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101,
Mendota Heights, MN 55120-4100, 800-468-9716 or
651-450-4064, email: stocktransfer@wellsfargo.com
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Meredith Corporation offers a dividend reinvestment
plan that automatically reinvests shareholder dividends
for the purchase of additional shares of stock. To obtain
more information or to join the plan, contact Wells Fargo
at 800-468-9716 or write to the preceding addresses.
FORM 10-K
A copy of the Meredith Corporation Fiscal 2016 Annual
Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) is included in this report and available
at meredith.com. Additional copies are available without
charge to shareholders by calling 515-284-3000. The
Company has filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on
Form 10-K the certification of its chief executive officer
and chief financial officer required by Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
QUARTERLY INFORMATION
To receive copies of Meredith Corporation quarterly SEC
filings, earnings releases and dividend releases, please
visit meredith.com, or call 515-284-3000.
INVESTOR CONTACT
Meredith Corporation Investor Relations,
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023,
515-284-3000, meredith.com
NATIONAL MEDIA
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Our Mission
We are Meredith Corporation, a publicly held media and marketing company founded upon service to
our customers and committed to building value for our shareholders.
Our cornerstone is a commitment to service journalism. From that, we have built businesses that serve
well-defined readers and viewers, deliver the messages of advertisers and extend our brand franchises
and expertise to related markets.
Our products and services distinguish themselves on the basis of quality, customer service and value
that can be trusted.
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2016 Annual Report