9DEC201416063963
Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Financial Report And Shareholder Letter
14JAN201515462037
Dear Shareholders,
From the first day in this job I’ve understood what an honor and responsibility it is to be Disney’s CEO; but over the last
nine years I’ve come to truly appreciate what an unbelievable privilege it is to lead this phenomenal company. It’s always been
my belief that, once the people who work here believed in their own greatness, there was virtually nothing we couldn’t
accomplish. And they have proven me right time and time again. Given our track record of achievement and the incredibly
dynamic times we live in, I can honestly say I’ve never been more optimistic or enthusiastic about what lies ahead for The Walt
Disney Company.
We just delivered the best results in the history of this legendary company, marking our fourth fiscal year of record
performance in a row, and our stock price has recently been trading higher than ever, which speaks to our sustained success as
well as our optimism and belief in Disney’s potential to keep growing and creating value over the long term.
Our Studio delivered some of the biggest movies of 2014, and surpassed $4 billion in global box office for the second
year in a row. Our Parks and Resorts continued to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation to take the guest experience
to a whole new level of excellence, achieving record worldwide attendance and delivering double-digit earnings growth.
ESPN further strengthened its claim to the number one sports brand with long-term rights deals for the best in sports and the
launch of a new SEC network into 70 million homes. ABC emerged stronger than ever with its most successful season in
recent memory, driven in part by great shows from our own ABC Studios, and ABC News once again outperformed the
competition and set the standard of excellence for broadcast journalism. Disney Consumer Products leveraged 11 branded
franchises driving more than a billion dollars each in retail sales to generate double-digit earnings growth, and the popularity of
Disney Infinity and new mobile games led our Interactive business to profitability.
Disney was also widely recognized as one of the world’s most admired and respected companies, an achievement I’m
especially proud of because it reflects more than just our strong performance. It speaks to our integrity and unwavering
commitment to act ethically and operate responsibly wherever we do business. For us, doing good is essential to doing well.
We know that being a good global citizen is what you expect from our brand and, just as importantly, it’s something we expect
from ourselves.
We’ve reached this level of sustained success by focusing on three strategic priorities that unlock the limitless potential
of this remarkable company: unparalleled creativity, innovative technology, and global expansion. Since embracing this
strategy nine years ago, Disney has delivered some of the world’s most extraordinary entertainment experiences as well as
significant growth and a total shareholder return of 317%.
The acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm gave us more than an unprecedented portfolio of fantastic branded
content. They also brought some incredibly innovative storytellers to Disney, who’ve served as catalysts to expand our
creativity in new directions.
Our international teams have done a great job expanding our presence in new markets, staying true to our brand values
while ensuring our content is accessible and relevant to consumers around the world. Our historic investment in Shanghai is the
largest example of this in action; our resort and The Walt Disney Company in China are both authentically Disney, yet
distinctly Chinese.
In the last several years, technology has become a true game changer, elevating our creativity and expanding our ability
to connect with consumers in every corner of the world.
One of the reasons I’ve always loved the media and entertainment business is because it is constantly evolving,
influencing the world as it redefines itself with each new advance in technology. It’s what first drew me to ABC, and what
keeps me even more engaged and enthusiastic 40 years later. In fact, there has been more transformational change in the last
five years than in the first 35 years of my career combined.
We’re successfully navigating this rapid evolution because we decided early on to embrace technology and the disruptive
change it brings as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. As a result, we’re driving change on a number of fronts,
adopting and developing technology that inspires creativity and empowers storytellers to dream bigger. They, in turn,
challenge our technologists to push beyond what’s possible today and unleash even more creative potential, allowing us to
create a future unlimited by anything other than our own imagination.
I can’t think of a single one of our businesses that isn’t being fundamentally influenced or transformed by new
technology – from tools giving artists the ability to individually animate thousands of unique snow crystals in Frozen, to
MagicBands that change how millions of our guests experience Disney World, to digital platforms that allow us all to take
movies, TV shows, and even news and live sports coverage with us wherever we go.
The result of all this new technology is a brand new golden age for content. And with our unparalleled pipeline of global
franchises and branded content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ABC and ESPN, I’m confident The Walt Disney
Company is uniquely well positioned for continued growth in this dynamic era.
Our Studio is a perfect example. In Fiscal 2014 we released four of the year’s biggest movies: Marvel’s Captain
America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy, Disney’s Maleficent, and Disney Animation’s Frozen, which
achieved almost $1.3 billion in global box office, making it the highest grossing animated movie ever released.
We’re already off to a strong start in Fiscal 2015, with Big Hero 6 and Into the Woods. In March we’ll bring one of
Disney’s most beloved characters to life in a new way for a new generation with our first-ever live-action Cinderella, and you
can also look forward to seeing George Clooney in Tomorrowland this May.
I can’t wait for you to see Pixar’s Inside Out. It opens in June and it’s one of the most brilliant and original movies Pixar
has ever made – which is truly saying something, given the studio’s legendary achievements. We’re also very excited about
the Thanksgiving release of The Good Dinosaur, another original movie from the phenomenal storytellers at Pixar, as well as
Finding Dory, the long-awaited sequel to Finding Nemo, and Disney Animation’s Zootopia in 2016. And we’re absolutely
thrilled that John Lasseter is returning to the director’s chair to create a fourth Toy Story movie, bringing back some of his
favorite characters in a brand new big screen adventure.
Since joining Disney, Marvel’s brand of storytelling has an unbroken record of success – the five movies we’ve
distributed so far have averaged almost a billion each at the global box office, and we’ll bring you another 11 incredible stories
over the next four years. Fans expect Marvel movies to be spectacular entertainment experiences and, having seen some of the
upcoming releases, I’m certain they won’t be disappointed. This May, Marvel’s Avengers will be back in Avengers: Age of
Ultron, and we’ll follow that with the debut of Ant-Man in July.
Captain America returns in 2016, followed by the introduction of Doctor Strange; and like Marvel fans everywhere,
we’re looking forward to Thor: Ragnarok in 2017, along with the second Guardians of the Galaxy and the debut of Black
Panther. The excitement continues in 2018, with Captain Marvel, Inhumans, and Avengers: Infinity War (Part I), and we’ll
finish the Infinity War story with Part II in 2019.
We are well aware that for many Star Wars fans the first 11 months of 2015 will be little more than a countdown to the
December 18th release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It’s really impossible to capture the full magnitude of the global
excitement around this movie. As you know, we released a very brief “teaser” trailer at Thanksgiving – which was quickly
downloaded more than 110 million times. The more than 40 million tribute videos that fans posted in response in just a matter
of days reflect an emotional connection to this franchise that transcends geography and generations.
As one of the few people allowed to visit the set during filming….and one of the fewer who’s seen most of the footage…
I can assure the millions of Star Wars fans who have spent the last decade hoping for a new movie this one will be worth the
wait. And it’s only the beginning of a new era of exceptional Star Wars storytelling; next year we’ll release our first standalone
movie based on these characters, followed by Star Wars: Episode VIII in 2017, and we’ll finish this trilogy with Episode IX in
2019.
In 2014, ESPN celebrated its 35th anniversary and, with an extraordinary portfolio of long-term rights, we’re confident it
will continue to be the worldwide leader in sports for many years to come. From the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball
to the SEC, ACC, Pac-12, Big 12, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open Tennis -- if it’s important to sports fans, it’s on ESPN. ESPN
kicked off the new year with the first-ever College Football Playoff – and, in true ESPN fashion, gave fans even more than
they’d hoped for with an innovative “Megacast” serving up fantastic game coverage a dozen different ways across an
assortment of convenient platforms. Football fans responded in unprecedented numbers; the semifinals set a cable ratings
record, which was immediately smashed when more than 33.4 million fans -- the largest audience in the history of cable
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television -- tuned in for the National Championship. What a great way to start a new annual tradition, and it certainly bodes
well for the future of this fantastic event.
And I am proud to say that ABC was the only major network to grow its audience year-over-year in the critical
November sweeps, and also has bragging rights to 6 of the top 15 entertainment shows on broadcast television this season. At
ABC News, Good Morning America remains the nation’s favorite morning show and, since its September debut, the audience
for World News with David Muir continues to grow.
Disney Channel is a powerful daily touchstone for the Disney brand in hundreds of millions of homes worldwide; and
preschoolers and parents alike are embracing Disney Junior’s storytelling, making characters like Sofia the First and Doc
McStuffins household names and valuable franchises for our company.
In addition to creating quality content, we are committed to experimenting, innovating, and leading the way onto new
platforms to put our content within easy reach of viewers wherever they are, whenever they watch, and on whatever new device
comes next.
The powerful combination of technology and creativity has always been integral to Disney Parks and Resorts, allowing
us to create immersive experiences that bring guests into their favorite stories. One of the best parts of my job is the chance to
spend time with Imagineers and other innovators discussing the possibilities ahead for our parks. The incredible technology
we’re developing today opens up even more opportunities to enhance that experience with fantastic attractions that engage all
the senses and take the storytelling to a whole new level.
I wish I could give you a glimpse of the amazing wonders we’re bringing to life for our guests – especially in our new
park in Shanghai and expansion in Orlando -- but it’s simply too soon to share. All I can say right now is: prepare to be even
more amazed.
Our new attractions are already delighting guests in Hong Kong and Tokyo, and we’ve got more developments on the
way to make these resorts even more spectacular. And as we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Disneyland – the park
that started it all – it’s wonderful to see millions of guests having more fun than ever since we transformed Disney California
Adventure with Cars Land and other world-class attractions.
Disney World broke attendance records this year, as our guests enjoyed the enhanced and expanded Fantasyland and
embraced the chance to personalize their experience with MyMagic+. Almost 10 million guests have sported our MagicBands,
unlocking a new level of convenience and having more fun in the parks, and they overwhelmingly say the experience is
“excellent.”
We’re closer than ever to welcoming our first guests at our Shanghai Disney Resort. This resort is very meaningful to
me personally; I’ve spent 15 years working with incredibly talented people to take it from an ambitious idea into what we
believe will be one of the most spectacular Disney experiences yet and an important part of our future.
It’s been thrilling to watch this extraordinary dream rise from the ground toward the sky. With each milestone in our
progress it becomes even more evident that this resort will exceed even our wildest expectations. The castle alone is cause for
awe. It’s the largest we’ve ever built and, having seen it up close, I can tell you the size and majesty is truly breathtaking. And
that’s just one single element in what will be one of the most artistically and technologically complex resorts we’ve ever
created.
Our Consumer Products team is also combining next-generation technology with Disney’s creativity to elevate
storytelling for a new generation, transforming the merchandising, retail, and publishing industries in the process. Our
Consumer Products division had record performance in Fiscal 2014, with a bit of help from the unprecedented success of
Frozen. This story certainly captured the world’s imagination, along with our hearts, and the global demand for these beloved
characters continues to grow. During the holiday season Frozen outpaced previous sales records in several categories; the
franchise is so powerful, one Elsa doll alone generated retail sales of $26 million in the U.S.
Every day, I have the great honor of working with the 180,000 talented cast members and employees around the world
who constantly push the envelope of excellence to make Disney everything it is today. We share a passion for this
extraordinary company, as well as a belief in its greatness and an unbridled excitement for the future ahead of us. They
deserve the highest praise, and will always have my sincere gratitude.
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On behalf of everyone at The Walt Disney Company, I thank you for your continued support and assure you that we will
continue to challenge ourselves to set the standard for excellence in family entertainment, to make a positive impact as a
corporate citizen of the world, and to earn your trust and respect every day not only for what we achieve, but for how we do it.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Iger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company
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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 September 27, 2014
Commission File Number 1-11605
Incorporated in Delaware
500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California 91521
(818) 560-1000
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $.01 par value
I.R.S. Employer Identification
No.
95-4545390
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act. Yes
No
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
No
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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes
No
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
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 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. [
]
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 (Check one).
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing price on the last business day of
the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter as reported on the New York Stock Exchange-Composite
Transactions) was $137.5 billion. All executive officers and directors of the registrant and all persons filing a Schedule 13D with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect to registrant’s common stock have been deemed, solely for the purpose of
the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.
There were 1,695,710,842 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 13, 2014.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the
2015 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders.
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 1.
Business
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
ITEM 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
ITEM 2.
Properties
ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings
ITEM 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Executive Officers of the Company
PART I
PART II
ITEM 5.
Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
ITEM 6.
Selected Financial Data
ITEM 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
ITEM 9A.
Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9B.
Other Information
ITEM 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
ITEM 11.
Executive Compensation
PART III
ITEM 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
ITEM 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
ITEM 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
ITEM 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
Consolidated Financial Information — The Walt Disney Company
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ITEM 1. Business
PART I
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with
operations in five business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products and
Interactive. On May 7, 2014, the Company acquired Maker Studios, Inc. (Maker), a leading network of online video content.
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Maker results are included primarily in our Media Networks and Studio
Entertainment segments. For convenience, the terms “Company” and “we” are used to refer collectively to the parent company
and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted.
Information on the Company’s revenues, segment operating income and identifiable assets appears in Note 1 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof. The Company employed approximately 180,000 people as of
September 27, 2014.
MEDIA NETWORKS
The Media Networks segment includes broadcast and cable television networks, television production operations,
television distribution, domestic television stations and radio networks and stations.
The businesses in the Media Networks segment generate revenue from fees charged to cable, satellite and
telecommunications service providers (Multi-channel Video Programming Distributors or MVPDs) and television stations
affiliated with our domestic broadcast television network, from the sale to advertisers of time in programs for commercial
announcements and from other sources such as the sale and distribution of television programming. Significant operating
expenses include programming and production costs, technical support costs, distribution costs and operating labor.
Cable Networks
Our cable networks include ESPN, the Disney Channels and ABC Family. We also operate the UTV/Bindass networks in
India. The cable networks group produces its own programs or acquires rights from third-parties to air programs on our
networks. The Company also has interests in joint ventures that operate cable and broadcast programming services and are
accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Cable networks derive the majority of their revenues from fees charged to MVPDs for the right to deliver our
programming to their customers (Subscribers) and, for certain networks (primarily ESPN and ABC Family), the sale to
advertisers of time in network programs for commercial announcements. Generally, the Company’s cable networks operate
under multi-year agreements with MVPDs that include contractually determined fees. The amounts that we can charge to
MVPDs for our cable network services are largely dependent on the quality and quantity of programming that we can provide
and the competitive market. The ability to sell time for commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily
dependent on the size and nature of the audience that the network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser
demand. We also sell programming developed by our cable networks worldwide in pay and syndication television markets and
in physical (DVD and Blu-ray) and electronic formats.
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The Company’s significant cable networks, along with the estimated number of subscribers as of September 27, 2014 are
set forth in the following table:
ESPN (80% owned)
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPNU
ESPNEWS
SEC Network
ESPN Classic
ESPN channels internationally
Disney Channels (100% owned)
Disney Channel - Domestic
Disney Channels – International
Disney Junior – Domestic
Disney Junior – International
Disney XD - Domestic
Disney XD – International
ABC Family (100% owned)
A&E Television Networks (AETN) (50% owned)
A&E
HISTORY
Lifetime
Lifetime Movie Network (LMN)
H2
FYI
Estimated
Subscribers
(in millions) (1)
95
95
74
73
63
27
115
97
185
74
108
80
115
94
97
97
96
82
70
65
(1) Estimated domestic subscriber counts are according to Nielsen Media Research, except for the SEC Network, which is
not yet measured by Nielsen Media Research. For our international channels and the SEC Network, subscriber counts
are based on internal management reports.
ESPN
ESPN is a multimedia sports entertainment company that operates eight 24-hour domestic television sports networks:
ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU (a network devoted to college sports), ESPNEWS, the recently launched SEC Network (a sports
programming network dedicated to Southeastern Conference college athletics), ESPN Classic, the regionally focused Longhorn
Network (a network dedicated to The University of Texas athletics) and ESPN Deportes (a Spanish language network), which
are all simulcast in high definition except ESPN Classic. ESPN programs the sports schedule on the ABC Television Network,
which is branded ESPN on ABC. ESPN owns 16 television networks outside of the United States (primarily in Latin America)
that allow ESPN to reach sports fans in over 60 countries and territories in four languages. In addition, ESPN holds a 30%
equity interest in CTV Specialty Television, Inc., which owns television networks in Canada, including The Sports Network,
The Sports Network 2, Le Réseau des Sports (RDS), RDS2, RDS Info, ESPN Classic Canada, the NHL Network and
Discovery Canada.
ESPN holds rights for various professional and college sports programming including the National Football League
(NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the College Football Playoffs, major
college football and basketball conferences, National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), the Wimbledon
Championships, US Open Tennis and the British Open and Masters golf tournaments.
ESPN also operates:
• ESPN.com – which delivers comprehensive sports news, information and video each month through its national hub
and six local sites – ESPNBoston.com, ESPNChicago.com, ESPNDallas.com, ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com,
ESPNLosAngeles.com and ESPNNewYork.com
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• WatchESPN – which delivers live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, ESPNEWS, SEC Network, Longhorn
Network and ESPN Deportes on computers and mobile devices and is currently accessible in 75 million households
• ESPN3 – which is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network and is a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive
sports events annually. It is accessible at WatchESPN and streamed through various third party services
• ESPN Mobile Properties – which delivers content, including live game coverage, alerts and highlights, to mobile
devices
• ESPN Events – which owns and operates a large portfolio of collegiate sporting events worldwide
• ESPN Radio – which distributes talk and play by play programming and is one of the largest sports radio networks in
the U.S. ESPN Radio network programming is carried on more than 500 terrestrial stations including four ESPN
owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas and on satellite and internet radio
• ESPN The Magazine – which is a bi-weekly sports magazine
• ESPN Enterprises – which develops branded licensing opportunities
•
espnW – which provides an online destination for female sports fans
Disney Channels
The Disney Channels includes over 100 channels available in 34 languages and 164 countries/territories. Branded
channels include Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney Cinemagic and DLife. Disney Channels also operates
Radio Disney and has content available through subscription and video-on-demand services and online through our websites:
DisneyChannel.com, DisneyXD.com, DisneyJunior.com and RadioDisney.com. Programming for these networks includes
internally developed and acquired programming. WatchDisneyChannel, WatchDisneyJunior and WatchDisneyXD launched in
the U.S. in 2012 and provide a way for subscribers of MVPDs to watch the channel feed either live or on a delayed basis
through a computer or mobile device. Select Disney Channel content is also available without a MVPD subscription.
Disney Channel - Disney Channel is a cable network airing original series and movie programming targeted to kids ages
2 to 14. In the U.S., Disney Channel airs 24 hours a day. Disney Channel develops and produces shows for exhibition on its
network, including live-action comedy series, animated programming and preschool series as well as original movies. Live-
action comedy series include Austin & Ally, Dog with a Blog, I Didn’t Do It, Girl Meets World, Jessie and Liv & Maddie.
Disney Channel animated programs include Gravity Falls, Phineas and Ferb, Wander Over Yonder and series for preschoolers
including Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Sofia the First. Disney
Channel also airs programming and content from Disney’s theatrical film and television programming library.
Disney Junior - Disney Junior is a cable network that airs programming for kids ages 2 to 7 and their parents and
caregivers, featuring animated and live-action programming that blends Disney’s storytelling and characters with learning. In
the U.S., Disney Junior airs 24 hours a day. Programming focuses on early math and language skills, healthy eating and social
skills. Disney Junior also airs as a programming block on the Disney Channel. Original Disney Junior animated series include
Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, Henry Hugglemonster, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Sheriff Callie’s
Wild West and Sofia the First.
Disney XD - Disney XD is a cable channel airing a mix of live-action and animated original programming for kids ages 6
to 14. In the U.S., Disney XD airs 24 hours a day. Programming includes live-action series Kickin’ It, Lab Rats and Mighty
Med and animated series Gravity Falls, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate
Spider-Man Web Warriors, Phineas and Ferb, Randy Cunningham 9th Grade Ninja, Star Wars Rebels, The 7D and Wander
Over Yonder.
Disney Cinemagic - Disney Cinemagic is a premium subscription service available in certain countries in Europe airing
Disney movies, classic and newer Disney cartoons and shorts as well as animated television series.
Radio Disney - Radio Disney is a 24-hour radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families reaching listeners through
its Los Angeles based national broadcast, Sirius XM, RadioDisney.com, TuneIn, the Radio Disney iPhone, iPad and Android
apps, iTunes Radio Tuner and Aha Radio. Radio Disney operates from a terrestrial radio station in Los Angeles. The Company
owns 23 additional terrestrial Radio Disney stations in the U.S. Radio Disney is also available throughout Latin America on
two owned terrestrial stations and through agreements with third-party radio stations. In August 2014, the Company announced
its intention to sell all of its U.S. based terrestrial Radio Disney stations, except for its Los Angeles station.
Seven TV - On November 18, 2011, the Company acquired a 49% interest in Seven TV for $300 million. Seven TV is a
broadcast television network that was converted to an advertising-supported, free-to-air Disney Channel in Russia following
the acquisition. In October 2014, new regulations were adopted in Russia that prohibit more than 20% foreign ownership of
media companies and could require the Company to divest a portion of its interest by January 2016. The Company is
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evaluating its options with respect to these regulations and, depending on the outcome, we could have an impairment of some
or all of our investment. The Company’s share of the financial results of Seven TV is reported as “Equity in the income of
investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Das Vierte - In fiscal 2013, the Company acquired the Das Vierte channel in Germany and converted it to an advertising-
supported, free-to-air Disney Channel in fiscal 2014.
ABC Family
ABC Family is a domestic cable network that targets viewers in the 14 to 34 age demographic. ABC Family produces
original live-action programming including the returning series Switched at Birth, The Fosters, Melissa & Joey and Baby
Daddy as well as the new original series Chasing Life, Young and Hungry and Mystery Girls. ABC Family also acquires
programming from third parties including the returning series Pretty Little Liars. Additionally, ABC Family airs content from
our owned theatrical film library and features branded holiday programming events such as “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25
Days of Christmas”.
WatchABCFamily launched in the U.S. in 2014 and provides a way for subscribers of MVPDs to watch the channel feed
either live or on a delayed basis through a computer or mobile device. Select ABC Family content is also available without a
MVPD subscription. ABCFamily.com also provides online extensions to ABC Family programming such as Pretty Dirty
Secrets, which is an extension of Pretty Little Liars.
SOAPnet
SOAPnet ceased operations on December 31, 2013, and all MVPDs that carried SOAPnet have transitioned to now carry
the Disney Junior Network.
Hungama
Hungama is a kids general entertainment cable network in India, which features a mix of anime, Hindi-language series
and game shows.
UTV Networks
In India, we operate the Bindass, UTV World Movies, UTV Action, UTV Movies and UTV Stars cable television
channels. UTV Stars was converted to Bindass Play in October 2014.
AETN
The A&E Television Networks (AETN), a joint venture owned 50% by the Company and 50% by the Hearst Corporation,
operates a variety of cable networks including:
• A&E – which offers entertainment programming including reality series, original movies, dramatic series and justice
shows
• HISTORY – which offers original non-fiction series and event-driven specials
• Lifetime – which is devoted to women’s lifestyle programming
• LMN – which is a 24-hour movie channel
• H2 – which focuses on the culture and history of various countries throughout the world from the perspective of locals
• FYI – which offers contemporary lifestyle programming
• Lifetime Real Women – which is a 24-hour cable network with programming focusing on women
Internationally, AETN programming is available in over 150 countries. The Company’s share of AETN’s financial results
is reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Broadcasting
Our broadcasting business includes a domestic broadcast network, television production and distribution operations and
eight owned domestic television stations. The Company also has a 33% interest in Hulu LLC (Hulu), a venture that distributes
film and television content on the internet, and a 50% effective interest in Fusion, a news, pop culture and lifestyle television
and digital network targeted at millennials.
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Domestic Broadcast Television Network
The Company operates the ABC Television Network (ABC), which as of September 27, 2014, had affiliation agreements
with 240 local television stations reaching 99% of all U.S. television households. ABC broadcasts programs in the following
“dayparts”: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports.
ABC produces its own programs and also acquires programming rights from third parties as well as entities that are
owned by or affiliated with the Company. ABC derives the majority of its revenues from the sale to advertisers of time in
network programs for commercial announcements. The ability to sell time for commercial announcements and the rates
received are primarily dependent on the size and nature of the audience that the network can deliver to the advertiser as well as
overall advertiser demand for time on network broadcasts. ABC also receives fees for its broadcast feed from affiliated
television stations.
ABC.com is the official website of ABC and provides access to full-length episodes of ABC shows online. The Watch
ABC app provides subscribers of participating MVPDs access to the participating local ABC TV linear feed along with full-
length episodes of ABC programming on mobile devices. Non-subscribers have access to a more limited range of programming
and do not get access to the linear feed. ABCNews.com provides in-depth worldwide news coverage online and video-on-
demand news reports from ABC News broadcasts. ABC News also has an agreement to provide news content to Yahoo! News.
Television Production
The Company produces the majority of its original live-action television programming under the ABC Studios label.
Program development is carried out in collaboration with independent writers, producers and creative teams, with a focus on
half-hour comedies and one-hour dramas, primarily for primetime broadcasts. Primetime programming produced either for our
networks or for third parties for the 2014/2015 television season includes the returning one-hour dramas: Castle, Criminal
Minds, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Grey’s Anatomy, Nashville, Once Upon a Time, Resurrection, Revenge and Scandal;
and the returning half-hour comedy Cougar Town. New primetime series include the one-hour dramas: How to Get Away With
Murder and Red Band Society, and half-hour comedies, Black-ish and Benched. Additionally, the drama series American
Crime, Astronauts Wives Club, Marvel’s Agent Carter, Marvel’s Daredevil and Jessica Jones (produced for Netflix), Secrets
and Lies and Whispers and the comedy Galavant are in production for mid-season or summer launch. The Company also
produces the late night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, a variety of primetime specials for network television and live-action
syndicated programming.
Syndicated programming includes the daytime talk show Live! with Kelly and Michael and the game show, Who Wants to
Be a Millionaire. The Company also produces news programming including World News Tonight, 20/20, Nightline, Good
Morning America and This Week with George Stephanopoulos and programming for daytime such as General Hospital, The
View and The Chew.
Television Distribution
We distribute the Company’s productions worldwide in pay and syndication television markets, in DVD and Blu-ray
formats and also online via Hulu and third-party services.
Domestic Television Stations
The Company owns eight television stations, six of which are located in the top-ten markets in the U.S. The television
stations derive the majority of their revenues from the sale to advertisers of time in station programming for commercial
announcements. The stations also receive retransmission fees from MVPDs for the right to deliver the stations’ programming to
the MVPD’s subscribers. All of our television stations are affiliated with ABC and collectively reach 23% of the nation’s
television households. Each owned station broadcasts three digital channels: the first consists of local, ABC and syndicated
programming; the second is the Live Well Network in standard definition; and the third is the Live Well Network in high
definition.
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Details for the stations we own are as follows:
TV Station
WABC
KABC
WLS
WPVI
KGO
KTRK
WTVD
KFSN
Market
New York, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
Philadelphia, PA
San Francisco, CA
Houston, TX
Raleigh-Durham, NC
Fresno, CA
Television
Market
Ranking(1)
1
2
3
4
6
10
24
55
(1) Based on Nielsen Media Research, U.S. Television Household Estimates, January 1, 2014
Hulu
Hulu is a joint venture owned one-third each by Fox Entertainment Group, NBCUniversal and the Company. Its
principal business is to aggregate television and film entertainment for viewing on the internet. Hulu offers a free service and a
subscription-based service, Hulu Plus. The Hulu Plus service offers more content and less commercial time than the free
service. In July 2013, Fox Entertainment Group, NBCUniversal and the Company agreed to provide Hulu with $750 million in
cash to fund Hulu’s operations and investments for future growth, of which $380 million has been provided as of September
27, 2014. The Company has contributed $134 million of its $257 million share of this cash commitment. (See Note 3 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.) The Company’s share of Hulu’s financial results is reported as “Equity in the income of
investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fusion
In October 2013, the Company and Univision jointly launched Fusion, a news, pop culture and lifestyle television and
digital network targeted at millennials. The network had 17 million subscribers as of September 27, 2014. The Company’s
share of Fusion’s financial results is reported as "Equity in the income of investees" in the Company’s Consolidated Statements
of Income.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s Media Networks businesses compete for viewers primarily with other television and cable networks,
independent television stations and other media, such as DVD and Blu-ray formats, video games and the internet. With respect
to the sale of advertising time, our broadcasting operations, certain of our cable networks and our television and radio stations
compete with other television networks and radio stations, independent television stations, MVPDs and other advertising media
such as newspapers, magazines, billboards and the internet. Our television and radio stations primarily compete for audiences
in individual market areas. A television or radio station in one market generally does not compete directly with stations in other
markets.
The growth in the number of networks distributed by MVPDs has resulted in increased competitive pressures for
advertising revenues for our broadcast and cable networks. The Company’s cable networks also face competition from other
cable networks for carriage by MVPDs. The Company’s contractual agreements with MVPDs are renewed or renegotiated from
time to time in the ordinary course of business. Consolidation and other market conditions in the cable and satellite distribution
industry and other factors may adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain contractual terms for the
distribution of its various cable programming services that are as favorable as those currently in place.
The Company’s Media Networks businesses also compete for the acquisition of sports and other programming. The
market for programming is very competitive, particularly for sports programming. The Company currently has sports rights
agreements with the NFL, NBA, MLB, college football (including college football bowl games) and basketball conferences,
NASCAR, and also for golf, tennis and soccer programming.
The Company’s internet websites and digital products compete with other websites and entertainment products in their
respective categories.
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Advertising revenues at Media Networks are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership levels.
Revenues are typically somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer months. Affiliate revenues are
typically collected ratably throughout the year. Certain affiliate revenues at ESPN have in the past been deferred until annual
programming commitments are met. These commitments have typically been satisfied during the second half of the Company’s
fiscal year, which generally resulted in higher revenue recognition during this period. As of October 2014, most MVPD
contracts no longer have annual programming commitments that would result in the deferral of revenues during the fiscal year.
Federal Regulation
Television and radio broadcasting are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
under federal laws and regulations, including the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Violation of FCC regulations can
result in substantial monetary forfeitures, limited renewals of licenses and, in egregious cases, denial of license renewal or
revocation of a license. FCC regulations that affect our Media Networks segment include the following:
• Licensing of television and radio stations. Each of the television and radio stations we own must be licensed by the
FCC. These licenses are granted for periods of up to eight years, and we must obtain renewal of licenses as they expire
in order to continue operating the stations. We (and the acquiring entity in the case of a divestiture) must also obtain
FCC approval whenever we seek to have a license transferred in connection with the acquisition or divestiture of a
station. The FCC may decline to renew or approve the transfer of a license in certain circumstances and may delay
renewals while permitting a licensee to continue operating. The FCC has delayed renewals for a number of broadcast
licensees, including a number of our licenses, in recent years while permitting the licensees to continue operating.
Although we have received such renewals and approvals in the past or have been permitted to continue operations
when renewal is delayed, there can be no assurance that this will be the case in the future.
• Television and radio station ownership limits. The FCC imposes limitations on the number of television stations and
radio stations we can own in a specific market, on the combined number of television and radio stations we can own in
a single market and on the aggregate percentage of the national audience that can be reached by television stations we
own. Currently:
FCC regulations may restrict our ability to own more than one television station in a market, depending on the size
and nature of the market. We do not own more than one television station in any of the markets in which we own a
television station.
Federal statutes permit our television stations in the aggregate to reach a maximum of 39% of the national
audience (for this purpose, FCC regulations attribute to UHF television stations only 50% of the television
households in their market). For purposes of the FCC’s rules, our eight stations reach approximately 21% of the
national audience. Although the FCC is currently considering a proposal to repeal or revise the UHF discount, the
outcome of that rulemaking would not affect our operations because our eight stations would only be deemed to
reach approximately 23% of the national audience, if the UHF discount did not apply.
FCC regulations in some cases impose restrictions on our ability to acquire additional radio or television stations
in the markets in which we own radio stations, but we do not believe any such limitations are material to our
current operating plans.
• Dual networks. FCC rules currently prohibit any of the four major television networks — ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC
— from being under common ownership or control.
• Regulation of programming. The FCC regulates broadcast programming by, among other things, banning “indecent”
programming, regulating political advertising and imposing commercial time limits during children’s programming.
Penalties for broadcasting indecent programming can range up to $325,000 per indecent utterance or image per
station.
Federal legislation and FCC rules also limit the amount of commercial matter that may be shown on broadcast or cable
channels during programming designed for children 12 years of age and younger. In addition, broadcast channels are
generally required to provide a minimum of three hours per week of programming that has as a “significant purpose”
meeting the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and younger. FCC rules also give
television station owners the right to reject or refuse network programming in certain circumstances or to substitute
programming that the licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance.
• Cable and satellite carriage of broadcast television stations. With respect to cable systems operating within a
television station’s Designated Market Area, FCC rules require that every three years each television station elect
either “must carry” status, pursuant to which cable operators generally must carry a local television station in the
station’s market, or “retransmission consent” status, pursuant to which the cable operator must negotiate with the
7
television station to obtain the consent of the television station prior to carrying its signal. Under the Satellite Home
Viewer Improvement Act and its successors, including most recently the Satellite Television Extension and Localism
Act (STELA), which also requires the “must carry” or “retransmission consent” election, satellite carriers are
permitted to retransmit a local television station’s signal into its local market with the consent of the local television
station. Portions of these satellite laws are set to expire on December 31, 2014, but legislative deliberations are
proceeding with respect to their renewal. Under “must carry,” if a satellite carrier elects to carry one local station in a
market, the satellite carrier must carry the signals of all local television stations that also request carriage.
• Cable and satellite carriage of programming. The Communications Act and FCC rules regulate some aspects of
negotiations regarding cable and satellite retransmission consent, and some cable and satellite companies have sought
regulation of additional aspects of the carriage of programming on cable and satellite systems. New legislation, court
action or regulation in this area could, depending on its specific nature, have an impact on the Company’s operations.
The foregoing is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and other legislation and of specific
FCC rules and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, other legislation, FCC rules and public notices
and rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of the FCC’s regulatory authority.
FCC laws and regulations are subject to change, and the Company generally cannot predict whether new legislation,
court action or regulations, or a change in the extent of application or enforcement of current laws and regulations, would have
an adverse impact on our operations.
PARKS AND RESORTS
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort in California, Aulani, a
Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, the Disney Vacation Club, the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney. The Company
manages and has effective ownership interests as of September 27, 2014 of 51% in Disneyland Paris, 48% in Hong Kong
Disneyland Resort and 43% in Shanghai Disney Resort, each of which is consolidated in our financial statements. The
Company also licenses the operations of the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit
designs and develops new theme park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties.
The businesses in the Parks and Resorts segment generate revenues predominately from the sale of admissions to theme
parks, sales of food, beverage and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise vacation packages, and sales
and rentals of vacation club properties. Significant costs include labor, depreciation, costs of merchandise, food and beverage
sold, marketing and sales expense, infrastructure costs and cost of vacation club units. Infrastructure costs include information
systems expense, repairs and maintenance, utilities, property taxes, insurance and transportation.
Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Resort is located 22 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, on approximately 25,000 acres of
owned land. The resort includes theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal
Kingdom); hotels; vacation club properties; a retail, dining and entertainment complex; a sports complex; conference centers;
campgrounds; golf courses; water parks; and other recreational facilities designed to attract visitors for an extended stay.
The Walt Disney World Resort is marketed through a variety of international, national and local advertising and
promotional activities. A number of attractions and restaurants in each of the theme parks are sponsored by other corporations
through long-term agreements.
Magic Kingdom — The Magic Kingdom consists of six themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Liberty Square, Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. Each land provides a unique guest experience featuring themed
attractions, live Disney character interactions, restaurants, refreshment areas and merchandise shops. Additionally, there are
daily parades and a nighttime fireworks extravaganza, Wishes. In fiscal 2014, the Company completed its multi-year expansion
of Fantasyland that includes new themed spaces and attractions that nearly doubled the size of the area.
Epcot — Epcot consists of two major themed areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World dramatizes certain
historical developments and addresses the challenges facing the world today through pavilions devoted to showcasing science
and technology improvements, communication, energy, transportation, use of imagination, nature and food production, the
ocean environment and space. World Showcase presents a community of nations focusing on the culture, traditions and
accomplishments of people around the world. Countries represented with pavilions include Canada, China, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. Both areas feature themed attractions,
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restaurants and merchandise shops. Epcot also features Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, a nighttime entertainment
spectacular.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney’s Hollywood Studios consists of eight themed areas: Animation Courtyard,
Commissary Lane, Echo Lake, Hollywood Boulevard, Mickey Avenue, Pixar Place, Streets of America and Sunset Boulevard.
The eight areas provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood-style action through various shows and attractions and offer
themed food service and merchandise facilities. The park also features Fantasmic!, a nighttime entertainment spectacular.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Disney’s Animal Kingdom consists of a 145-foot Tree of Life centerpiece surrounded by
six themed areas: Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A., Discovery Island, Oasis and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Each themed area contains
attractions, entertainment, restaurants and merchandise shops. The park features more than 300 species of mammals, birds,
reptiles and amphibians and 3,000 varieties of vegetation. In September 2011, the Company announced an agreement with
James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox Filmed Entertainment for the exclusive global theme park rights to create
themed lands based on the AVATAR franchise with the first land planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Scheduled to open in
2017, the AVATAR-inspired land will be a part of an expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which will include new
entertainment and nighttime experiences.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — As of September 27, 2014, the Company owned and operated 18 resort hotels at
the Walt Disney World Resort, with a total of approximately 23,000 rooms and 3,000 vacation club units. Resort facilities
include 468,000 square feet of conference meeting space and Disney’s Fort Wilderness camping and recreational area, which
offers approximately 800 campsites.
The Walt Disney World Resort also hosts a 120-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex known as Downtown
Disney. Downtown Disney is home to Cirque du Soleil, DisneyQuest, the House of Blues and the 51,000-square-foot World of
Disney retail store featuring Disney-branded merchandise. A number of the Downtown Disney facilities are operated by third
parties that pay rent to the Company. The Company is currently in a multi-year expansion to transform Downtown Disney into
Disney Springs, which will provide visitors with more shopping, dining and entertainment options and is expected to open in
phases through fiscal 2016.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a 230-acre sports center that hosts professional caliber training and
competitions, festival and tournament events and interactive sports activities. The complex, which welcomes over 200 amateur
and professional events each year, accommodates multiple sporting events, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer,
softball, tennis and track and field. Its stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 9,500, is the spring training site
for MLB’s Atlanta Braves.
In the Downtown Disney Resort area, seven independently-operated hotels are situated on property leased from the
Company. These hotels include approximately 3,700 rooms. Additionally, the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney
World Dolphin hotels, which have approximately 2,300 total rooms, are independently operated on property leased from the
Company near Epcot.
Other recreational amenities and activities available at the Walt Disney World Resort include three championship golf
courses, miniature golf courses, full-service spas, tennis, sailing, water skiing, swimming, horseback riding and a number of
other noncompetitive sports and leisure time activities. The resort also includes two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon
Lagoon.
In 2014, Walt Disney World Resort launched MyMagic+, a series of technology-based tools to enhance the guest
experience. These tools include the My Disney Experience app and website, MagicBand and Disney’s FastPass+, a reservation
system for attractions and entertainment experiences. MyMagic+ is available to all guests at Walt Disney World and provides a
more personal and customized visit.
Disneyland Resort
The Company owns 461 acres and has the rights under long-term lease for use of an additional 49 acres of land in
Anaheim, California. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three
hotels and Downtown Disney, a retail, dining and entertainment complex designed to attract visitors for an extended stay.
The Disneyland Resort is marketed as a destination through international, national and local advertising and promotional
activities. A number of the attractions and restaurants at the theme parks are sponsored by other corporations through long-term
agreements.
9
Disneyland — Disneyland consists of eight themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Main Street USA, Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disneyland offers daily parades and a nighttime
entertainment spectacular, Fantasmic!.
Disney California Adventure — Disney California Adventure is adjacent to Disneyland and includes eight themed
areas: Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Pacific Wharf, Paradise Pier and “a bug’s
land”. These areas include attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disney
California Adventure offers a nighttime water spectacular, World of Color.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — Disneyland Resort includes three Company-owned and operated hotels with a
total of approximately 2,400 rooms, 50 vacation club units and 180,000 square feet of conference meeting space.
Downtown Disney, a themed 15-acre outdoor complex of entertainment, dining and shopping venues, is located adjacent
to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. A number of the Downtown Disney facilities are operated by third parties
that pay rent to the Company.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
The Company operates a mixed-use family resort on a 21-acre oceanfront property on Oahu, Hawaii. Aulani, a Disney
Resort & Spa features 351 hotel rooms, an 18,000-square-foot spa and 12,000 square feet of conference meeting space. The
resort also has 481 Disney Vacation Club units.
Disneyland Paris
The Company has a 51% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris, a 5,510-acre development located in Marne-la-
Vallée, approximately 20 miles east of Paris, France, which has been developed pursuant to a master agreement with French
governmental authorities. The Company manages and has a 40% equity interest in Euro Disney S.C.A., a publicly-traded
French entity that is the holding company for Euro Disney Associés S.C.A., the primary operating company of Disneyland
Paris in which the Company has a direct 18% ownership interest. Euro Disney S.C.A. and its subsidiaries operate Disneyland
Paris, which includes two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park); seven themed hotels; two convention
centers; a shopping, dining and entertainment complex; and a 27-hole golf facility. Of the 5,510 acres comprising the site,
approximately half have been developed to date, including the Val d’Europe development discussed below. An indirect, wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company is responsible for managing Disneyland Paris. Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. is required to
pay royalties and management fees to the Company based on the operating performance of the resort.
Disneyland Park — Disneyland Park consists of five themed areas: Adventureland, Discoveryland, Fantasyland,
Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A. These areas include themed attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and
refreshment stands. Disneyland Park also features a daily parade and a nighttime entertainment spectacular, Disney Dreams!.
Walt Disney Studios Park — Walt Disney Studios Park takes guests into the worlds of cinema, animation and television
and includes four themed areas: Backlot, Front Lot, Production Courtyard and Toon Studio. These areas each include themed
attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. In fiscal 2014, a new attraction and restaurant based
on the Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille opened in the park.
Hotels and Other Facilities — Disneyland Paris operates seven resort hotels, with a total of approximately 5,800 rooms
and 210,000 square feet of conference meeting space. In addition, several on-site hotels that are owned and operated by third
parties provide approximately 2,300 rooms.
Disneyland Paris also includes Disney Village, a retail, dining and entertainment complex of approximately 500,000
square feet, located between the theme parks and the hotels. A number of the Disney Village facilities are operated by third
parties that pay rent to a subsidiary of Euro Disney S.C.A.
Val d’Europe is a planned community that is being developed near Disneyland Paris. The development is being
completed in phases and currently includes a regional train station, hotels and a town center consisting of a shopping center as
well as office, commercial and residential space. Third parties operate these developments on land leased or purchased from
Euro Disney S.C.A. and its subsidiaries.
Pursuant to the master agreement with French government authorities, Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. and a 50% joint
venture partner, Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs, are developing Villages Nature, a new European eco-tourism destination,
which is targeted to open in phases beginning 2016.
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As of September 27, 2014, Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. had €1.8 billion in outstanding loans from the Company . In
order to improve Disneyland Paris’ financial position, Euro Disney S.C.A. announced, with the Company’s backing, a €1.0
billion recapitalization through an equity rights offering to raise €0.4 billion of equity along with the conversion of €0.6 billion
of loans from the Company into equity in Disneyland Paris. (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
The Company owns a 48% interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort through Hongkong International Theme Parks
Limited, an entity in which the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) owns a 52% majority
interest. The resort is located on 310 acres on Lantau Island and is in close proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes one theme park and two themed hotels. A separate Hong Kong subsidiary of the
Company is responsible for managing Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The Company is entitled to receive royalties and
management fees based on the operating performance of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Hong Kong Disneyland – Hong Kong Disneyland consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Grizzly
Gulch, Main Street USA, Mystic Point, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks
extravaganza, Disney in the Stars. In fiscal 2014, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort announced it will open a new themed area at
the park based on Marvel’s Iron Man franchise in late 2016.
Hotels – Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes two themed hotels with a total of 1,000 rooms. In fiscal 2014, HKDL
announced a plan to build a third hotel at the resort expected to open in 2017. (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.)
Shanghai Disney Resort
The Company and Shanghai Shendi (Group) Co., Ltd (Shendi) are constructing a Disney resort (Shanghai Disney Resort)
in the Pudong district of Shanghai, which will be located on approximately 1,000 acres and will include the Shanghai
Disneyland theme park; two themed hotels with a total of 1,220 rooms; a retail, dining and entertainment complex; and an
outdoor recreational area. The original planned investment of approximately 29 billion yuan was increased in fiscal 2014 by
approximately 5 billion yuan, primarily to fund additional attractions, entertainment and other offerings to increase capacity at
the theme park. Construction on the project began in April 2011, with the resort opening date expected to be announced in
early calendar 2015. The total investment will be funded in accordance with each partner’s equity ownership percentage, with
approximately 67% from equity contributions and 33% from shareholder loans. Shanghai Disney Resort is owned through two
joint venture companies, in which Shendi owns 57% and the Company owns 43%. An additional joint venture management
company, in which Disney has a 70% interest and Shendi a 30% interest, is responsible for creating, constructing and operating
the resort. The management company will be entitled to receive management fees based on operating performance of the resort.
Shanghai Disney Resort will also pay the Company royalties based on resort revenues.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort is located on 494 acres of land, six miles east of downtown Tokyo, Japan. The resort includes two
theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea); three Disney-branded hotels; six independently operated hotels; and a
retail, dining and entertainment complex.
The Company earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort, which is owned and operated by
Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC), a Japanese corporation in which the Company has no equity interest.
Tokyo Disneyland — Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park to open outside the U.S. Tokyo Disneyland
consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Toontown, Westernland and
World Bazaar.
Tokyo DisneySea — Tokyo DisneySea, adjacent to Tokyo Disneyland, is divided into seven “ports of call,” including
American Waterfront, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Mediterranean Harbor, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island and Port
Discovery.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — The resort includes three Disney-branded hotels with a total of more than 1,700
rooms. The resort also includes the Disney Resort Line monorail, which links the theme parks and resort hotels with Ikspiari, a
retail, dining and entertainment complex, and Bon Voyage, a Disney-themed merchandise location.
In 2014, OLC announced a 10-year investment plan for Tokyo Disney Resort, which will include an expansion of
Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland and a new themed area at Tokyo DisneySea.
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Disney Vacation Club
The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers ownership interests in 12 resort facilities located at the Walt Disney World
Resort; Disneyland Resort; Vero Beach, Florida; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Oahu, Hawaii. Available units at each
facility are offered for sale under a vacation ownership plan and are operated as hotel rooms when not occupied by vacation
club members. The Company’s vacation club units consist of a mix of units ranging from one-bedroom studios to three-
bedroom villas. Unit counts in this document are presented in terms of two-bedroom equivalents. DVC had 3,647 vacation club
units as of September 27, 2014. The Company is currently constructing a new vacation club property, Disney’s Polynesian
Villas and Bungalows, at the Walt Disney World Resort, which is expected to be completed in 2015.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is a four-ship vacation cruise line, which operates out of ports in North America and Europe.
The Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are 85,000-ton 877-stateroom ships, and the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy
are 130,000-ton 1,250-stateroom ships. DCL caters to families, children, teenagers and adults, with distinctly-themed areas and
activities for each group. Many cruise vacations include a visit to Disney’s Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private Bahamian
island.
Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney offers all-inclusive guided vacation tour packages predominantly at non-Disney sites around the
world. The Company offered 27 different excursion packages during 2014.
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering provides master planning, real estate development, attraction, entertainment and show design,
engineering support, production support, project management and other development services, including research and
development for the Company’s Parks and Resorts operations.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s theme parks and resorts as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club compete with other
forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. The profitability of the leisure-time industry may be
influenced by various factors that are not directly controllable, such as economic conditions including business cycle and
exchange rate fluctuations, travel industry trends, amount of available leisure time, oil and transportation prices, weather
patterns and natural disasters.
All of the theme parks and the associated resort facilities are operated on a year-round basis. Typically, the theme parks
and resorts business experiences fluctuations in theme park attendance and resort occupancy resulting from the seasonal nature
of vacation travel and local entertainment excursions. Peak attendance and resort occupancy generally occur during the summer
months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday periods.
STUDIO ENTERTAINMENT
The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures, direct-to-video
content, musical recordings and live stage plays.
The businesses in the Studio Entertainment segment generate revenue from the distribution of films in the theatrical,
home entertainment and television markets, the distribution of recorded music, stage play ticket sales and licensing revenues
from live entertainment events. Significant operating expenses include film cost amortization, which consists of production
cost and participations and residuals expense amortization, distribution expenses and costs of sales.
The Company distributes films primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Touchstone and Lucasfilm
banners. The Company produces and distributes Indian movies through its UTV banner.
In August 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with DreamWorks Studios (DreamWorks) to distribute live-
action motion pictures produced by DreamWorks for seven years under the Touchstone Pictures banner for which the Company
receives a distribution fee. Under this agreement, the Company has distributed eleven films to date. As part of the agreement,
the Company provided loans to DreamWorks, which as of September 27, 2014 totaled $156 million. There is an additional $90
million available to DreamWorks.
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Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Marvel, Marvel had licensed the rights to third-party studios to produce and
distribute feature films based on certain Marvel properties including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and X-Men. Under the
licensing arrangements, the third-party studios incur the costs to produce and distribute the films and the Company retains the
merchandise licensing rights. Under the licensing arrangement for Spider-Man, the Company pays the third-party studio a
licensing fee based on each film’s box office receipts, subject to specified limits. Under the licensing arrangements for The
Fantastic Four and X-Men, the third-party studio pays the Company a licensing fee, and the third-party studio receives a share
of the Company’s merchandise revenue on these properties. The Company distributes all Marvel-produced films with the
exception of The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by a third-party studio.
Prior to the Company’s acquisition, Lucasfilm produced six Star Wars films (Episodes 1 through 6). Lucasfilm retained
the rights to consumer products related to all of those films and the rights related to television and electronic distribution
formats for all of those films, with the exception of the rights for Episode 4, which are owned by a third-party studio. All of the
films are distributed by a third-party studio in the theatrical and home entertainment markets. The theatrical and home
entertainment distribution rights for these films revert back to Lucasfilm in May 2020 with the exception of Episode 4, for
which these distribution rights are retained in perpetuity by the third-party studio.
Lucasfilm also includes Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, which provide visual and audio effects and
other post-production services to the Company and third-party producers.
Theatrical Market
We produce and distribute both live-action films and full-length animated films. In the domestic theatrical market, we
generally distribute and market our filmed products directly. In most major international markets, we distribute our filmed
products directly while in other markets our films are distributed by independent distribution companies or joint ventures.
During fiscal 2015, we expect to distribute eleven of our own produced feature films domestically. As of September 27, 2014,
the Company has released domestically approximately 997 full-length live-action features and 97 full-length animated features.
The Company incurs significant marketing and advertising costs before and throughout the theatrical release of a film in
an effort to generate public awareness of the film, to increase the public’s intent to view the film and to help generate consumer
interest in the subsequent home entertainment and other ancillary markets. These costs are expensed as incurred. Therefore, we
typically incur losses on a film in the theatrical markets, including in periods prior to the theatrical release of the film.
Home Entertainment Market
In the domestic market, we distribute home entertainment releases directly under each of our motion picture banners. In
the international market, we distribute home entertainment releases under each of our motion picture banners both directly and
through independent distribution companies. In addition, we acquire and produce original content for direct-to-video release.
Domestic and international home entertainment distribution typically starts three to six months after the theatrical release
in each market. Home entertainment releases may be distributed in both physical (DVD and Blu-ray) and electronic formats.
Titles are generally sold to retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy and physical rental channels, such as Netflix. However,
distribution in the rental channels may be delayed up to 28 days after the start of home entertainment distribution.
As of September 27, 2014, we had approximately 1,400 active produced and acquired titles, including 1,000 live-action
titles and 400 animated titles, in the domestic home entertainment marketplace and approximately 2,500 active produced and
acquired titles, including 2,000 live-action titles and 500 animated titles, in the international marketplace.
Television Market
Pay-Per-View (PPV)/Video-on-Demand (VOD) — Concurrently with, or up to one month after, home entertainment
distribution begins, we license titles to PPV/VOD service providers for electronic delivery to consumers for a specified rental
period (e.g. 24 hours).
Pay Television (Pay 1) — There are generally three pay television windows. The first window is generally eighteen
months in duration and follows the PPV/VOD window. The Company has licensed exclusive domestic pay television rights to
substantially all films released theatrically through calendar year 2015 under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar and Touchstone
Pictures banners, along with films released under the Marvel banner starting with Iron Man 3 to the Starz pay television
service. DreamWorks titles distributed by the Company are licensed to Showtime under a separate agreement.
Free Television (Free 1) — The Pay 1 window is followed by a television window that may last up to 84 months.
Motion pictures are usually sold in the Free 1 window to major broadcast networks, including ABC, and basic cable services.
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Pay Television 2 (Pay 2) and Free Television 2 (Free 2) — In the U.S., Free 1 is generally followed by a twelve-month
Pay 2 window under our license arrangements with Starz and Showtime, and then by a Free 2 window that generally lasts up to
84 months. Packages of the Company’s feature films have been licensed for broadcast under multi-year agreements within the
Free 2 window. The Free 2 window is a syndication window where films are licensed both to basic cable networks, subscription
video on demand (SVOD) services and to third-party television station groups.
Pay Television 3 (Pay 3) and Free Television 3 (Free 3) — In the U.S., Free 2 is generally followed by a seven-month
Pay 3 window under our license arrangements with Starz and Showtime, and then by a Free 3 window. Packages of the
Company’s feature films have been licensed for broadcast under multi-year agreements within the Free 3 window. The Free 3
window is a syndication window where films are licensed to basic cable networks and SVOD services.
Following the conclusion of Starz’s exclusive domestic Pay 1, Pay 2 and Pay 3 television rights for films released
theatrically through the end of calendar year 2015, Netflix will have exclusive domestic pay television rights for the Pay 1 and
Pay 2 windows for films released theatrically through calendar year 2018.
International Television — The Company also licenses its films outside of the U.S. The typical windowing sequence is
consistent with the domestic cycle such that titles premiere on television in PPV/VOD then air in pay TV before airing in free
TV. Windowing strategies are developed in response to local market practices and conditions, and the exact sequence and
length of each window can vary country by country.
Disney Music Group
The Disney Music Group includes Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records, Disney Music Publishing and Buena Vista
Concerts.
Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records develop, produce, market and distribute recorded music in the U.S. and
license our music properties throughout the rest of the world. Walt Disney Records categories include infant, children’s read-
along, teen, all-family and soundtracks from film and television properties distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and Disney
Channel. Hollywood Records develops musical talent and produces and markets their recordings across a spectrum of music
genres.
The Disney Music Group commissions new music for the Company’s motion pictures and television programs, records
the songs and licenses the song and recording copyrights to others for printed music, records, audio-visual devices, public
performances and digital distribution. Buena Vista Concerts produces live musical concerts with the Company’s intellectual
property and artists signed to the Disney Music Group record labels.
Disney Music Publishing controls the copyrights of thousands of musical compositions derived from the Company’s
motion picture, television and theme park properties as well as musical compositions written by songwriters under exclusive
contract. It is responsible for the management, protection and licensing of the Disney song catalog on a worldwide basis.
Disney Theatrical Group
Disney Theatrical Group develops, produces and licenses live entertainment events. The Company has produced and
licensed Broadway productions around the world, including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Elton John & Tim
Rice’s Aida, TARZAN®, Mary Poppins (a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), The Little Mermaid and Newsies.
Disney Theatrical Group licenses the Company’s intellectual property to Feld Entertainment, the producer of Disney On
Ice and Disney Live!. Feld’s newest production, Disney on Ice: Frozen, launched in August 2014 for a North America tour.
Competition and Seasonality
The Studio Entertainment businesses compete with all forms of entertainment. A significant number of companies
produce and/or distribute theatrical and television films, exploit products in the home entertainment market, provide pay
television programming services and sponsor live theater. We also compete to obtain creative and performing talents, story
properties, advertiser support and broadcast rights that are essential to the success of our Studio Entertainment businesses.
The success of Studio Entertainment operations is heavily dependent upon public taste and preferences. In addition,
Studio Entertainment operating results fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the theatrical, home
entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including competition and the timing of
vacation and holiday periods.
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CONSUMER PRODUCTS
The Consumer Products segment engages with licensees, publishers and retailers throughout the world to design,
develop, publish, promote and sell a wide variety of products based on the Company’s intellectual property through its
Merchandise Licensing, Publishing and Retail businesses. In addition to using the Company’s film and television properties,
Consumer Products also develops its own intellectual property, which can be used across the Company’s businesses.
The Consumer Products segment generates revenue from:
•
licensing characters from our film, television and other properties to third parties for use on consumer merchandise
• wholesale revenue from publishing children’s books and magazines and comic books
•
•
•
sales of merchandise at our retail stores and wholesale business
fees charged at our English language learning centers; and
sales of merchandise at internet shopping sites
Significant costs include costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail occupancy costs.
Merchandise Licensing
The Company’s merchandise licensing operations cover a diverse range of product categories, the most significant of
which are: toys, apparel, home décor and furnishings, stationery, accessories, health and beauty, food, footwear and consumer
electronics. The Company licenses characters from its film, television and other properties for use on third-party products in
these categories and earns royalties, which are usually based on a fixed percentage of the wholesale or retail selling price of the
products. Some of the major properties licensed by the Company include: Mickey and Minnie; the Marvel properties including
Spider-Man, The Avengers and Iron Man; Disney Channel properties; Disney Princess; Star Wars; Cars; Frozen; Winnie the
Pooh; Planes; Disney Classics; Toy Story; and Monsters. The Company also provides input on the design of individual products
and creates exclusive themed and seasonal promotional campaigns for retailers based on the Company’s characters, movies and
TV shows.
Publishing
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) creates, distributes, licenses and publishes children’s books, magazine and learning
products in print and digital formats and storytelling apps in multiple countries and languages based on the Company’s branded
franchises. DPW also operates Disney English, which develops and delivers an English language learning curriculum for
Chinese children using Disney content in 33 learning centers in nine cities across China.
Marvel Publishing creates and publishes comic books, and graphic novel collections of comic books, principally in North
America in print and digital formats. Marvel Publishing also licenses the right to publish translated versions of these comic
books, principally in Europe and Latin America.
Retail
The Company markets Disney-, Marvel- and Lucasfilm-themed products through retail stores operated under the Disney
Store name and through internet sites in North America (DisneyStore.com and MarvelStore.com), Western Europe and Japan.
The stores, which are generally located in leading shopping malls and other retail complexes, carry a wide variety of Disney
merchandise and promote other businesses of the Company. The Company currently owns and operates 210 stores in North
America, 73 stores in Europe and 45 stores in Japan. The Company also offers merchandise that it designs and develops under
wholesale arrangements.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s merchandise licensing, publishing and retail businesses compete with other licensors, publishers and
retailers of character, brand and celebrity names. Operating results for the licensing and retail businesses are influenced by
seasonal consumer purchasing behavior, consumer preferences, levels of marketing and promotion and by the timing and
performance of theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts.
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INTERACTIVE
The Interactive segment creates and delivers branded entertainment and lifestyle content across interactive media
platforms. Interactive’s primary operations include the production and global distribution of multi-platform games, the
licensing of content for games and mobile devices, website management and design for other Company businesses and the
development of branded online services.
The Interactive segment generates revenue from:
•
•
•
the sale of multi-platform games to retailers and distributors and through micro transactions and subscription fees
licensing content to third-party game publishers and mobile phone providers
online advertising and sponsorships
Significant costs include product development, cost of goods sold, marketing expenses and distribution expenses.
Games
Interactive develops console, mobile and virtual world games, which are marketed and distributed on a worldwide basis.
Disney Infinity, a game that delivers Company content and features a game world that combines physical toys and story-driven
gameplay, was our significant console game in release in fiscal 2014. Mobile games are distributed on smartphones and tablets
and social networking websites and include Tsum Tsum, Frozen Free Fall and Marvel Avengers Alliance. The Company’s
virtual world game is Disney’s Club Penguin. Certain properties are also licensed to third-party video game publishers.
Other Content
Interactive licenses Disney properties and content to mobile phone carriers in Japan. In addition, we develop, publish and
distribute interactive family content through a portfolio of platforms including Disney.com, Disney on YouTube and
Babble.com and develop and publish apps for moms and families. Interactive also provides website maintenance and design for
other Company businesses.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s game business competes primarily with other publishers of game software and other types of home
entertainment. The Company’s online sites and products compete with a wide variety of other online sites and products.
Operating results for the game business fluctuate due to the performance and timing of game releases, which are determined by
several factors including theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts, competition and the timing of holiday periods.
Revenues from certain of the Company’s online and mobile operations are subject to similar seasonal trends.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
The Company’s businesses throughout the world are affected by its ability to exploit and protect against infringement of
its intellectual property, including trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Important intellectual
property includes rights in the content of motion pictures, television programs, electronic games, sound recordings, character
likenesses, theme park attractions, books and magazines. Risks related to the protection and exploitation of intellectual property
rights are set forth in Item 1A – Risk Factors.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those
reports are available without charge on our website, www.disney.com/investors, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are
filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We are providing the address to our internet site
solely for the information of investors. We do not intend the address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents
of the website into this report.
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ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
For an enterprise as large and complex as the Company, a wide range of factors could materially affect future
developments and performance. In addition to the factors affecting specific business operations identified in connection with
the description of these operations and the financial results of these operations elsewhere in this report, the most significant
factors affecting our operations include the following:
Changes in U.S., global, or regional economic conditions could have an adverse effect on the profitability of some or all
of our businesses.
A decline in economic activity in the U.S. and other regions of the world in which we do business can adversely affect
demand for any of our businesses, thus reducing our revenue and earnings. The most recent decline in economic conditions
reduced spending at our parks and resorts, purchase of and prices for advertising on our broadcast and cable networks and
owned stations, performance of our home entertainment releases, and purchases of Company-branded consumer products, and
similar impacts can be expected should such conditions recur. A decline in economic conditions could also reduce attendance at
our parks and resorts, prices that MVPDs pay for our cable programming or subscription levels for our cable programming.
Recent instability in European economies has had similar impacts on some of our European operations. Economic conditions
can also impair the ability of those with whom we do business to satisfy their obligations to us. In addition, an increase in price
levels generally, or in price levels in a particular sector such as the energy sector, could result in a shift in consumer demand
away from the entertainment and consumer products we offer, which could also adversely affect our revenues and, at the same
time, increase our costs. Changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies may reduce international demand for our products,
increase our labor or supply costs in non-U.S. markets, or reduce the U.S. dollar value of revenue we receive from other
markets, and economic or political conditions in a country could reduce our ability to hedge exposure to currency fluctuations
in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from the country.
Changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences for entertainment and consumer products could reduce demand
for our entertainment offerings and products and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
Our businesses create entertainment, travel or consumer products whose success depends substantially on consumer
tastes and preferences that change in often unpredictable ways. The success of our businesses depends on our ability to
consistently create and distribute filmed entertainment, broadcast and cable programming, online material, electronic games,
theme park attractions, hotels and other resort facilities and travel experiences and consumer products that meet the changing
preferences of the broad consumer market and respond to competition from an expanding array of choices facilitated by
technological developments in the delivery of content. Many of our businesses increasingly depend on acceptance of our
offerings and products by consumers outside the U.S., and their success therefore depends on our ability to successfully predict
and adapt to changing consumer tastes and preferences outside as well as inside the U.S. Moreover, we must often invest
substantial amounts in film production, broadcast and cable programming, electronic games, theme park attractions, cruise
ships or hotels and other resort facilities before we learn the extent to which these products will earn consumer acceptance. If
our entertainment offerings and products do not achieve sufficient consumer acceptance, our revenue from advertising sales
(which are based in part on ratings for the programs in which advertisements air) or subscription fees for broadcast and cable
programming and online services, from theatrical film receipts or home entertainment or electronic game sales, from theme
park admissions, hotel room charges and merchandise, food and beverage sales, from sales of licensed consumer products or
from sales of our other consumer products and services may decline or fail to grow to the extent we anticipate when making
investment decisions and thereby adversely affect the profitability of one or more of our businesses.
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Changes in technology and in consumer consumption patterns may affect demand for our entertainment products, the
revenue we can generate from these products or the cost of producing or distributing products.
The media entertainment and internet businesses in which we participate increasingly depend on our ability to
successfully adapt to shifting patterns of content consumption through the adoption and exploitation of new technologies. New
technologies affect the demand for our products, the manner in which our products are distributed to consumers, the sources
and nature of competing content offerings, the time and manner in which consumers acquire and view some of our
entertainment products and the options available to advertisers for reaching their desired audiences. This trend has disrupted
and challenged the business model for certain traditional forms of distribution, as evidenced by the industry-wide decline in
ratings for broadcast television, the reduction in demand for home entertainment sales of theatrical content and the
development of alternative distribution channels for broadcast and cable programming. In order to respond to these
developments, we may be required to alter our business models and there can be no assurance that we will successfully respond
to these changes, that we will not experience disruption as we develop responses to the changes, or that the business models we
develop will be as profitable as our current business models. As a result, the income from our entertainment offerings may
decline or increase at slower rates than our historical experience or our expectations when we make investments in products.
The success of our businesses is highly dependent on the existence and maintenance of intellectual property rights in the
entertainment products and services we create.
The value to us of our intellectual property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of our rights as defined by
applicable laws in the U.S. and abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or
interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of our rights, or if existing laws are changed, our ability to generate revenue
from our intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and maintaining rights may increase.
The unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights may increase the cost of protecting these rights or reduce our
revenues. New technologies such as the convergence of computing, communication, and entertainment devices, the falling
prices of devices incorporating such technologies, increased broadband internet speed and penetration and increased
availability and speed of mobile data transmission have made the unauthorized digital copying and distribution of our films,
television productions and other creative works easier and faster and enforcement of intellectual property rights more
challenging. The unauthorized use of intellectual property in the entertainment industry generally continues to be a significant
challenge for intellectual property rights holders. Inadequate laws or weak enforcement mechanisms to protect intellectual
property in one country can adversely affect the results of the Company’s operations worldwide, despite the Company’s efforts
to protect its intellectual property rights. These developments require us to devote substantial resources to protecting our
intellectual property against unlicensed use and present the risk of increased losses of revenue as a result of unlicensed
distribution of our content.
With respect to intellectual property developed by the Company and rights acquired by the Company from others, the
Company is subject to the risk of challenges to our copyright, trademark and patent rights by third parties. Successful
challenges to our rights in intellectual property may result in increased costs for obtaining rights or the loss of the opportunity
to earn revenue from the intellectual property that is the subject of challenged rights.
Protection of electronically stored data is costly and if our data is compromised in spite of this protection, we may incur
additional costs, lost opportunities and damage to our reputation.
We maintain information necessary to conduct our business, including confidential and proprietary information as well as
personal information regarding our customers and employees, in digital form. Data maintained in digital form is subject to the
risk of intrusion, tampering and theft. We develop and maintain systems to prevent this from occurring, but the development
and maintenance of these systems is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to
overcome security measures become more sophisticated. Moreover, despite our efforts, the possibility of intrusion, tampering
and theft cannot be eliminated entirely, and risks associated with each of these remain. In addition, we provide confidential,
proprietary and personal information to third parties when it is necessary to pursue business objectives. While we obtain
assurances that these third parties will protect this information and, where appropriate, monitor the protections employed by
these third parties, there is a risk the confidentiality of data held by third parties may be compromised. If our data systems are
compromised, our ability to conduct our business may be impaired, we may lose profitable opportunities or the value of those
opportunities may be diminished and, as described above, we may lose revenue as a result of unlicensed use of our intellectual
property. If personal information of our customers or employees is misappropriated, our reputation with our customers and
employees may be injured resulting in loss of business or morale, and we may incur costs to remediate possible injury to our
customers and employees or to pay fines or take other action with respect to judicial or regulatory actions arising out of the
incident.
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A variety of uncontrollable events may reduce demand for our products and services, impair our ability to provide our
products and services or increase the cost of providing our products and services.
Demand for our products and services, particularly our theme parks and resorts, is highly dependent on the general
environment for travel and tourism. The environment for travel and tourism, as well as demand for other entertainment
products, can be significantly adversely affected in the U.S., globally or in specific regions as a result of a variety of factors
beyond our control, including: adverse weather conditions arising from short-term weather patterns or long-term change,
catastrophic events or natural disasters (such as excessive heat or rain, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes);
health concerns; international, political or military developments; and terrorist attacks. These events and others, such as
fluctuations in travel and energy costs and computer virus attacks, intrusions or other widespread computing or
telecommunications failures, may also damage our ability to provide our products and services or to obtain insurance coverage
with respect to these events. In addition, we derive royalties from the sales of our licensed goods and services by third parties
and the management of businesses operated under brands licensed from the Company, and we are therefore dependent on the
successes of those third parties for that portion of our revenue. A wide variety of factors could influence the success of those
third parties and if negative factors significantly impacted a sufficient number of our licensees, that could adversely affect the
profitability of one or more of our businesses. We obtain insurance against the risk of losses relating to some of these events,
generally including physical damage to our property and resulting business interruption, certain injuries occurring on our
property and some liabilities for alleged breach of legal responsibilities. When insurance is obtained it is subject to deductibles,
exclusions, terms, conditions and limits of liability. The types and levels of coverage we obtain vary from time to time
depending on our view of the likelihood of specific types and levels of loss in relation to the cost of obtaining coverage for such
types and levels of loss.
Changes in our business strategy or restructuring of our businesses may increase our costs or otherwise affect the
profitability of our businesses.
As changes in our business environment occur we may need to adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we
may otherwise find it necessary to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. In addition, external events
including acceptance of our theatrical offerings and changes in macroeconomic conditions may impair the value of our assets.
When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value
of assets. We also make investments in existing or new businesses, including investments in international expansion of our
business and in new business lines. In recent years, such investments have included expansion and renovation of certain of our
theme park attractions and investment in Shanghai Disney Resort. Some of these investments may have short-term returns that
are negative or low and the ultimate business prospects of the businesses may be uncertain. In any of these events, our costs
may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets or returns on new investments may be
lower than prior to the change in strategy or restructuring.
Turmoil in the financial markets could increase our cost of borrowing and impede access to or increase the cost of
financing our operations and investments.
Past disruptions in the U.S. and global credit and equity markets made it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing
on acceptable terms. These conditions tended to increase the cost of borrowing and if they recur, our cost of borrowing could
increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our operations or investments. In addition, our borrowing costs can
be affected by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies that are based, in part, on the
Company’s performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these ratings
would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing. Past disruptions in the
global financial markets also impacted some of the financial institutions with which we do business. A similar decline in the
financial stability of financial institutions could affect our ability to secure credit-worthy counterparties for our interest rate and
foreign currency hedging programs and could affect our ability to settle existing contracts.
Increased competitive pressures may reduce our revenues or increase our costs.
We face substantial competition in each of our businesses from alternative providers of the products and services we offer
and from other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. We also must compete to obtain human
resources, programming and other resources we require in operating our business. For example:
• Our broadcast and cable networks, stations and online offerings compete for viewers with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services as well as with home entertainment products and internet usage.
• Our broadcast and cable networks and stations compete for the sale of advertising time with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services, and the internet, as well as with newspapers, magazines and billboards.
• Our cable networks compete for carriage of their programming with other programming providers.
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• Our broadcast and cable networks compete for the acquisition of creative talent and sports and other programming
with other broadcast and cable networks.
• Our theme parks and resorts compete for guests with all other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreation
activities.
• Our studio operations compete for customers with all other forms of entertainment.
• Our studio operations, broadcast and cable networks compete to obtain creative and performing talent, story
properties, advertiser support, broadcast rights and market share.
• Our consumer products segment competes with other licensors, publishers and retailers of character, brand and
celebrity names.
• Our interactive game operations compete with other publishers of console, online and mobile games and other types of
home entertainment.
Competition in each of these areas may increase as a result of technological developments and changes in market
structure, including consolidation of suppliers of resources and distribution channels. Increased competition may divert
consumers from our creative or other products, or to other products or other forms of entertainment, which could reduce our
revenue or increase our marketing costs. Such competition may also reduce, or limit growth in, prices for our products and
services, including advertising rates and subscription fees at our media networks, parks and resorts admissions and room rates,
and prices for consumer products from which we derive license revenues. Competition for the acquisition of resources can
increase the cost of producing our products and services.
Sustained increases in costs of pension and postretirement medical and other employee health and welfare benefits may
reduce our profitability.
With approximately 180,000 employees, our profitability is substantially affected by costs of pension benefits and current
and postretirement medical benefits. We may experience significant increases in these costs as a result of macro-economic
factors, which are beyond our control, including increases in the cost of health care. In addition, changes in investment returns
and discount rates used to calculate pension expense and related assets and liabilities can be volatile and may have an
unfavorable impact on our costs in some years. These macroeconomic factors as well as a decline in the fair value of pension
and postretirement medical plan assets may put upward pressure on the cost of providing pension and postretirement medical
benefits and may increase future funding requirements. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs,
there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the
profitability of our businesses.
Our results may be adversely affected if long-term programming or carriage contracts are not renewed on sufficiently
favorable terms.
We enter into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and the distribution of media programming and products,
including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights for sporting events and other programs, and contracts for the
distribution of our programming to content distributors. As these contracts expire, we must renew or renegotiate the contracts,
and if we are unable to renew them on acceptable terms, we may lose programming rights or distribution rights. Even if these
contracts are renewed, the cost of obtaining programming rights may increase (or increase at faster rates than our historical
experience) or the terms on which we distribute programming (including the breadth of distribution by a carrier) may reduce
revenue from distribution of programs (or increase revenue at slower rates than our historical experience). With respect to the
acquisition of programming rights, particularly sports programming rights, the impact of these long-term contracts on our
results over the term of the contracts depends on a number of factors, including the strength of advertising markets,
effectiveness of marketing efforts and the size of viewer audiences. There can be no assurance that revenues from programming
based on these rights will exceed the cost of the rights plus the other costs of producing and distributing the programming.
Changes in regulations applicable to our businesses may impair the profitability of our businesses.
Our broadcast networks and television stations are highly regulated, and each of our other businesses is subject to a
variety of U.S. and overseas regulations. These regulations include:
• U.S. FCC regulation of our television and radio networks, our national programming networks, and our owned
television stations. See Item 1 — Business — Media Networks, Federal Regulation.
• Environmental protection regulations.
• Federal, state and foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulations.
• Regulation of the safety of consumer products and theme park operations.
•
Imposition by foreign countries of trade restrictions, ownership restrictions, currency exchange controls or motion
picture or television content requirements or quotas.
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• Domestic and international tax laws or currency controls.
Changes in any of these regulations or regulatory activities in any of these areas may require us to spend additional
amounts to comply with the regulations, or may restrict our ability to offer products and services that are profitable.
Our operations outside the United States may be adversely affected by the operation of laws in those jurisdictions.
Our operations in non-U.S. jurisdictions are in many cases subject to the laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate
rather than U.S. law. Laws in some jurisdictions differ in significant respects from those in the U.S., and these differences can
affect our ability to react to changes in our business and our rights or ability to enforce rights may be different than would be
expected under U.S. law. Moreover, enforcement of laws in some overseas jurisdictions can be inconsistent and unpredictable,
which can affect both our ability to enforce our rights and to undertake activities that we believe are beneficial to our business.
In addition, the business and political climate in some jurisdictions may encourage corruption, which could reduce our ability
to compete successfully in those jurisdictions while remaining in compliance with local laws or United States anti-corruption
laws applicable to our businesses. As a result, our ability to generate revenue and our expenses in non-U.S. jurisdictions may
differ from what would be expected if U.S. law governed these operations.
Labor disputes may disrupt our operations and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
A significant number of employees in various of our businesses are covered by collective bargaining agreements,
including employees of our theme parks and resorts as well as writers, directors, actors, production personnel and others
employed in our media networks and studio operations. In addition, the employees of licensees who manufacture and retailers
who sell our consumer products, and employees of providers of programming content (such as sports leagues) may be covered
by labor agreements with their employers. In general, a labor dispute involving our employees or the employees of our
licensees or retailers who sell our consumer products or providers of programming content may disrupt our operations and
reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs.
The seasonality of certain of our businesses could exacerbate negative impacts on our operations.
Each of our businesses is normally subject to seasonal variations, as follows:
• Revenues in our Media Networks segment are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership
levels. In general, advertising revenues are somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer
months. Affiliate revenues are typically collected ratably throughout the year.
• Revenues in our Parks and Resorts segment fluctuate with changes in theme park attendance and resort occupancy
resulting from the seasonal nature of vacation travel and leisure activities. Peak attendance and resort occupancy
generally occur during the summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday
periods.
• Revenues in our Studio Entertainment segment fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the
theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including
competition and the timing of vacation and holiday periods.
• Revenues in our Consumer Products segment are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing behavior, which
generally results in higher revenues during the Company’s first fiscal quarter, and by the timing and performance of
theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts.
• Revenues in our Interactive segment fluctuate due to the timing and performance of video game releases, which are
determined by several factors, including theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts, competition and the
timing of holiday periods. Revenues from certain of our internet and mobile operations are subject to similar seasonal
trends.
Accordingly, if a short-term negative impact on our business occurs during a time of high seasonal demand (such as
hurricane damage to our parks during the summer travel season), the effect could have a disproportionate effect on the results
of that business for the year.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company has received no written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the SEC that
were issued 180 days or more preceding the end of its 2014 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.
21
ITEM 2. Properties
The Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and other properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are described
in Item 1 under the caption Parks and Resorts. Film library properties are described in Item 1 under the caption Studio
Entertainment. Television stations owned by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Media Networks.
The Company and its subsidiaries own and lease properties throughout the world. In addition to the properties noted
above, the table below provides a brief description of other significant properties and the related business segment.
Location
Burbank, CA
Burbank, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Property /
Approximate Size
Land (52 acres) &
Buildings (1,978,000 ft2)
Use
Owned Office/Production/
Warehouse
Buildings (1,218,000 ft2)
Leased Office/Warehouse
Glendale, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Land (149 acres) &
Buildings (2,789,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Warehouse
(includes 357,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Business Segment(1)
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
Interactive
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Buildings (210,000 ft2)
Land (22 acres) &
Buildings (600,000 ft2)
Buildings (342,000 ft2)
Leased Office/Warehouse
Corp/Media/P&R
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
(includes 14,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Media/Studio
Media/Studio
New York, NY
Land (5 acres) & Buildings
(1,418,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media/Corp
New York, NY
Buildings (302,000 ft2)
Bristol, CT
Bristol, CT
Emeryville, CA
Emeryville, CA
Land (117 acres) &
Buildings (962,000 ft2)
Buildings (512,000 ft2)
Land (20 acres) &
Buildings (430,000 ft2)
Buildings (89,000 ft2)
Leased Office/Production/
Theater/Warehouse
(includes 23,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Leased Office/Warehouse/
Technical
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Leased Office/Storage
(includes 16,000 ft2 sublet
to third party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/
Interactive
Media
Media
Studio
Studio
San Francisco, CA
Buildings (542,000 ft2)
Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
Studio/Media/CP/P&R/
Interactive
USA & Canada
Land and Buildings
(Multiple sites and sizes)
Owned and Leased Office/
Production/Transmitter/
Retail/Theaters/Warehouse
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
Hammersmith, England
Building (279,500 ft2)
Leased Office
Europe, Asia, Australia &
Latin America
Buildings (Multiple sites
and sizes)
Leased Office/Retail/
Warehouse
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
(1) Corp – Corporate, CP – Consumer Products, P&R – Parks and Resorts
(2) Surrounding cities include North Hollywood, CA and Sun Valley, CA
22
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
As disclosed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is engaged in certain legal matters, and
the disclosure set forth in Note 14 relating to certain legal matters is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in
various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its
businesses. Management does not expect the Company to suffer any material liability by reason of these actions.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Company
The executive officers of the Company are elected each year at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors,
which follows the annual meeting of the shareholders, and at other Board of Directors meetings, as appropriate. Each of the
executive officers has been employed by the Company in the position or positions indicated in the list and pertinent notes
below. Each of the executive officers has been employed by the Company for more than five years.
At September 27, 2014, the executive officers of the Company were as follows:
Name
Age
Title
Executive
Officer Since
Robert A. Iger
James A. Rasulo
Alan N. Braverman
Kevin A. Mayer
Christine M. McCarthy
Mary Jayne Parker
63
58
66
52
59
53
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(1)
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(2)
Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business
Development
Executive Vice President, Corporate Real Estate, Alliances and
Treasurer
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
2000
2010
2003
2005
2005
2009
(1) Mr. Iger was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer effective March 13, 2012. He was
President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2, 2005 through that date.
(2) Mr. Rasulo was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2010. He
was Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide from 2005 to 2009, and was President, Walt Disney Parks
and Resorts from 2002 to 2005.
23
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “DIS”. The following
table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported in the Bloomberg
Financial markets services.
2014
4th Quarter
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
1st Quarter
2013
4th Quarter
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
1st Quarter
Sales Price
Low
$84.87
76.31
69.85
63.10
60.41
56.15
48.80
46.53
High
$91.20
85.86
83.65
74.78
67.65
67.89
57.82
53.15
On December 4, 2013, the Company declared a $0.86 per share dividend ($1.5 billion) related to fiscal 2013 for
shareholders of record on December 16, 2013, which was paid on January 16, 2014. The Board of Directors has not declared a
dividend related to fiscal 2014 as of the date of this report.
As of September 27, 2014, the approximate number of common shareholders of record was 958,420.
The following table provides information about Company purchases of equity securities that are registered by the
Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended September 27, 2014:
Period
June 29, 2014 – July 31, 2014
August 1, 2014 – August 31, 2014
September 1, 2014 – September 27, 2014
Total
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
5,614,142
6,826,974
4,017,177
16,458,293
Weighted
Average Price
Paid per Share
$85.93
88.20
90.08
87.88
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
5,586,167
6,804,000
3,994,854
16,385,021
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs(2)
87 million
81 million
77 million
77 million
(1) 73,272 shares were purchased on the open market to provide shares to participants in the Walt Disney Investment Plan
(WDIP) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). These purchases were not made pursuant to a publicly announced
repurchase plan or program.
(2) Under a share repurchase program implemented effective June 10, 1998, the Company is authorized to repurchase
shares of its common stock. On March 22, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the repurchase
authorization to a total of 400 million shares as of that date. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
24
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
(in millions, except per share data)
Statements of income
Revenues
Net income
Net income attributable to Disney
Per common share
Earnings attributable to Disney
Diluted
Basic
Dividends
Balance sheets
Total assets
Long-term obligations
Disney shareholders’ equity
Statements of cash flows
Cash provided (used) by:
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
$
$
$
$
2014 (1)
2013 (2)
2012 (3)
2011 (4)
2010 (5)
$
$
$
$
48,813
8,004
7,501
4.26
4.31
0.86
84,186
18,618
44,958
9,780
(3,345)
(6,710)
$
$
$
$
45,041
6,636
6,136
3.38
3.42
0.75
81,241
17,337
45,429
9,452
(4,676)
(4,214)
$
$
$
$
42,278
6,173
5,682
3.13
3.17
0.60
74,898
17,876
39,759
7,966
(4,759)
(2,985)
$
$
$
$
40,893
5,258
4,807
2.52
2.56
0.40
72,124
17,717
37,385
6,994
(3,286)
(3,233)
38,063
4,313
3,963
2.03
2.07
0.35
69,206
16,234
37,519
6,578
(4,523)
(2,663)
(1) The fiscal 2014 results include a loss resulting from the foreign currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in
Venezuelan currency ($0.05 per diluted share) (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), restructuring and
impairment charges ($0.05 per diluted share), a gain on the sale of property ($0.03 per diluted share) and a portion of a
settlement of an affiliate contract dispute ($0.01 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact
of $0.06 per diluted share.
(2) During fiscal 2013, the Company completed a cash and stock acquisition for the outstanding capital stock of Lucasfilm for
$4.1 billion (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion). In addition, results for the year
include a charge related to the Celador litigation ($0.11 per diluted share) (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements), restructuring and impairment charges ($0.07 per diluted share), a charge related to an equity redemption by
Hulu (Hulu Equity Redemption) ($0.02 per diluted share) (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), favorable
tax adjustments related to an increase in the amount of prior-year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely reinvested
outside of the United States and favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings in prior years ($0.12 per diluted share)
and gains in connection with the sale of our equity interest in ESPN STAR Sports and certain businesses ($0.08 per diluted
share) (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of
$0.01 per diluted share.
(3) The fiscal 2012 results include a non-cash gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in UTV ($0.06
per diluted share) (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion), a recovery of a previously
written-off receivable from Lehman Brothers ($0.03 per diluted share), restructuring and impairment charges ($0.03 per
diluted share) and costs related to the Disneyland Paris debt refinancing (rounded to $0.00 per diluted share) (see Note 6 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements). These items collectively resulted in a net positive benefit of $0.06 per diluted share.
(4) The fiscal 2011 results include restructuring and impairment charges that rounded to $0.00 per diluted share and a net after
tax loss on the sales of businesses including Miramax ($0.02 per diluted share), which collectively resulted in a net adverse
impact of $0.02 per diluted share.
(5) During fiscal 2010, the Company completed a cash and stock acquisition for the outstanding capital stock of Marvel for
$4.2 billion. In addition, results include restructuring and impairment charges ($0.09 per diluted share), gains on the sales of
investments in two television services in Europe ($0.02 per diluted share), a gain on the sale of the Power Rangers property
($0.01 per diluted share), and an accounting gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan ($0.01 per diluted
share). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.04 per diluted share.
25
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
(in millions, except per share data)
% Change
Better/(Worse)
Revenues:
Services
Products
Total revenues
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization)
Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization)
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Total costs and expenses
Restructuring and impairment charges
Other income/(expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net
Equity in the income of investees
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests
Net income attributable to The Walt Disney
Company (Disney)
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:
Diluted
Basic
Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding:
Diluted
Basic
2014
2013
2012
$
40,246
$
37,280
$
34,625
8,567
48,813
7,761
45,041
7,653
42,278
2014
vs.
2013
8 %
10 %
8 %
(21,356)
(20,090)
(18,625)
(6)%
(5,064)
(8,565)
(2,288)
(4,944)
(8,365)
(2,192)
(4,843)
(7,960)
(1,987)
(37,273)
(35,591)
(33,415)
(140)
(31)
23
854
12,246
(4,242)
8,004
(214)
(69)
(235)
688
9,620
(2,984)
6,636
(100)
239
(369)
627
9,260
(3,087)
6,173
(2)%
(2)%
(4)%
(5)%
35 %
55 %
nm
24 %
27 %
(42)%
21 %
(503)
(500)
(491)
(1)%
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,501
4.26
4.31
1,759
1,740
$
$
$
6,136
3.38
3.42
1,813
1,792
5,682
22 %
26 %
26 %
3.13
3.17
1,818
1,794
2013
vs.
2012
8 %
1 %
7 %
(8)%
(2)%
(5)%
(10)%
(7)%
>(100)%
nm
36 %
10 %
4 %
3 %
8 %
(2)%
8 %
8 %
8 %
26
Organization of Information
Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative on the Company’s financial performance and condition that
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. It includes the following sections:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Consolidated Results and Non-Segment Items
Business Segment Results — 2014 vs. 2013
Business Segment Results — 2013 vs. 2012
Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses
Pension and Postretirement Medical Benefit Costs
Seven TV Investment
Impact of Fiscal Reporting Calendar
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Forward-Looking Statements
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS AND NON-SEGMENT ITEMS
2014 vs. 2013
Revenues for fiscal 2014 increased 8%, or $3.8 billion, to $48.8 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 22%,
or $1.4 billion, to $7.5 billion; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) for the year increased 26% or $0.88
to $4.26. The EPS increase in fiscal 2014 reflected improved operating performance, a decrease in the weighted average shares
outstanding as a result of our share repurchase program and higher investment gains.
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2014 increased 8%, or $3.0 billion, to $40.2 billion driven by the strong worldwide theatrical
performance of Frozen, higher MVPD fees (Affiliate Fees) at ESPN, Broadcasting and the domestic Disney Channels,
increased average guest spending for admissions and occupancy at our domestic parks and resorts operations, higher
advertising revenues at ESPN and an increase in merchandise licensing revenue driven by Frozen and Disney Channel
properties.
Product revenues for fiscal 2014 increased 10%, or $0.8 billion, to $8.6 billion reflecting higher worldwide home
entertainment revenues driven by Frozen, increased guest spending on food, beverage and merchandise and higher volumes at
our domestic parks and resorts operations and growth at our console games business driven by the success of Disney Infinity.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2014 increased 6%, or $1.3 billion, to $21.4 billion driven by higher programming costs at
ESPN and the ABC Television Network and an increase at our domestic parks and resorts due to MyMagic+, higher volumes
and labor cost inflation.
Cost of products for fiscal 2014 increased 2%, or $120 million, to $5.1 billion driven by higher home entertainment unit
sales, higher costs at our console games business driven by Disney Infinity and labor and other cost inflation and higher
volumes at our domestic parks and resorts operations, partially offset by lower average home entertainment per unit costs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased 2%, or $200 million, to $8.6 billion primarily due to higher
theatrical marketing expenses driven by more titles in wide release.
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 4%, or $96 million, to $2.3 billion driven by MyMagic+ at our domestic
parks and resorts operations.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $140 million and $214 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal years 2014 and
2013, respectively. Charges in 2014 were primarily due to severance costs across various of our segments and radio FCC
license impairments, which were determined in connection with the plan to sell Radio Disney stations. Charges in fiscal 2013
were due to severance, contract and lease termination costs and intangible and other asset impairments. Charges in each fiscal
year were largely driven by organizational and cost structure initiatives across various of our businesses.
27
Other Income/(Expense), net
Other income/(expense) is as follows (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements):
(in millions)
Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss
Gain on sale of property
Celador litigation charge
Gain on sale of equity interest in ESPN STAR Sports (ESS)
Other (1)
Other income/(expense), net
2014
2013
$
$
(143)
77
—
—
35
(31)
$
$
—
—
(321)
219
33
(69)
(1) Fiscal 2014 includes income of $29 million representing a portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute in the
current year and fiscal 2013 includes gains on the sale of businesses.
Interest Income/(Expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net is as follows:
(in millions)
Interest expense
Interest and investment income
Interest income/(expense), net
2014
2013
$
$
(294)
317
23
$
$
(349)
114
(235)
% Change
Better/(Worse)
16%
>100%
nm
The decrease in interest expense was due to lower effective interest rates, partially offset by higher average debt balances.
The increase in interest and investment income was primarily due to gains on sales of investments. Interest income also
benefited from income on late payments realized in connection with the settlement of an affiliate contract dispute.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees increased 24%, or $166 million, to $0.9 billion driven by the absence of a charge in the
prior year for our share of expense related to an equity redemption at Hulu LLC (Hulu Equity Redemption).
Effective Income Tax Rate
Effective income tax rate
2014
34.6%
2013
31.0%
Change
Better/(Worse)
(3.6) ppt
The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to tax benefits recognized in the prior year, which
included an increase in prior-year earnings from foreign operations indefinitely reinvested outside the United States that are
subject to tax rates lower than the federal statutory income tax rate.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year increased $3 million to $503 million driven by improved
operating results at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, partially offset by a lower noncontrolling interest impact related to ESPN.
The decrease at ESPN was due to lower net income in the current year driven by after-tax gains recognized in the prior year on
the sales of a joint venture interest and our ESPN UK business, partially offset by improved operating results.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties and management fees,
financing costs and income taxes.
28
2013 vs. 2012
Revenues for fiscal 2013 increased 7%, or $2.8 billion, to $45.0 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 8%,
or $454 million, to $6.1 billion; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) for the year increased 8% or $0.25
to $3.38. The EPS increase in fiscal 2013 reflected improved operating performance and lower net interest expense driven by
lower effective interest rates.
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2013 increased 8%, or $2.7 billion, to $37.3 billion driven by higher guest spending for
admissions, more passenger cruise ship days, higher attendance and an increase in occupied room nights at our domestic parks
and resorts operations, contractual Affiliate Fee growth at ESPN, the domestic Disney Channels and Broadcasting, the strong
theatrical performance of Wreck-It Ralph and Oz the Great and Powerful and growth at our merchandise licensing business.
Product revenues of $7.8 billion for fiscal 2013 were relatively flat compared to fiscal 2012, as higher volumes and higher
average guest spending on food, beverage and merchandise at our domestic parks and resorts operations and the success of
Disney Infinity were largely offset by a decrease in home entertainment units sold.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2013 increased 8%, or $1.5 billion, to $20.1 billion driven by higher programming costs at
ESPN and ABC primetime, higher film cost amortization driven by more theatrical releases and an increase at domestic parks
and resorts driven by new guest offerings, labor and other cost inflation and higher volumes.
Cost of products of $4.9 billion for fiscal 2013 was relatively flat compared to fiscal 2012 as higher costs due to volume
growth and labor and other cost inflation at our domestic parks and resorts operations and the success of Disney Infinity were
largely offset by lower volumes at our home entertainment business.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased 5%, or $405 million, to $8.4 billion reflected higher information
technology spending driven by MyMagic+ and higher marketing costs due to the fall launch of ABC programming and more
theatrical titles in release.
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 10%, or $205 million, to $2.2 billion driven by new guest offerings at our
domestic parks and resorts operations.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $100 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal 2012 primarily due to severance,
lease termination costs and the write-off of an intellectual property asset. These charges were largely due to organizational and
cost structure initiatives across various of our businesses.
Other Income/(Expense), net
Other income/(expense) in fiscal 2012 is as follows (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements):
(in millions)
Gain related to the acquisition of UTV
Lehman recovery
DLP debt charge
Other income/(expense), net
2012
184
79
(24)
239
$
29
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense is as follows:
(in millions)
Interest expense
Interest and investment income
Net interest expense
2013
2012
$
$
(349)
114
(235)
$
$
(472)
103
(369)
% Change
Better/(Worse)
26%
11%
36%
The decrease in interest expense was due to lower effective interest rates.
The increase in interest and investment income was due to gains on sales of investments, partially offset by higher write-
downs of investments.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees increased 10%, or $61 million, to $0.7 billion due to a charge for our share of expense
related to the Hulu Equity Redemption.
Effective Income Tax Rate
Effective income tax rate
2013
31.0%
2012
33.3%
Change
Better/(Worse)
2.3 ppt
The effective tax rate decreased 2.3 percentage points for the year primarily due to an increase in the amount of prior-
year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States that are subject to foreign tax rates
lower than the federal statutory income tax rate and from favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings in prior years.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year increased $9 million to $500 million due to higher net
income at ESPN. This increase was partially offset by a higher allocation of expense to the noncontrolling interest at Hong
Kong Disneyland Resort due to higher recognition of royalty and management fee expense. Additionally the impact of pre-
opening costs at Shanghai Disney Resort also reduced net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Certain Items Impacting Comparability
Results for fiscal 2014 were impacted by the following:
• A Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss of $143 million
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $140 million
• A $77 million gain on the sale of a property
•
Income of $29 million representing a portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute
Results for fiscal 2013 were impacted by the following:
• A $321 million charge related to the Celador litigation
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $214 million
• A $55 million charge for our share of expense related to the Hulu Equity Redemption. See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for further discussion
• A tax benefit related to an increase in the amount of prior-year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely
reinvested outside of the United States and favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings in prior years, which
together totaled $207 million
• A $219 million gain on the sale of our 50% interest in ESS and gains of $33 million on the sale of certain businesses
30
Results for fiscal 2012 were impacted by the following:
• A $184 million non-cash gain recorded in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in UTV (UTV Gain)
•
$79 million for the recovery of a receivable from Lehman Brothers that was written off in fiscal 2008 as a result of the
Lehman Brothers bankruptcy (Lehman recovery)
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $100 million
• A $24 million net charge related to the refinancing of Disneyland Paris borrowings (DLP debt charge)
A summary of the impact of these items on EPS is as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
Year Ended September 27, 2014:
Venezuela foreign currency translation loss(2)
Restructuring and impairment charges
Gain on sale of property(2)
Settlement income(2)
Other(2)
Total
Year Ended September 28, 2013:
Celador litigation charge(2)
Restructuring and impairment charges
Hulu Equity Redemption charge(3)
Gain on sale of businesses and equity interest in ESS(2)
Favorable tax adjustments
Total
Year Ended September 29, 2012:
UTV Gain(2)
Lehman recovery(2)
Restructuring and impairment charges
DLP debt charge(2)
Total
Pre-Tax
Income/(Loss)
Tax Benefit/
(Expense)
After-Tax
Income/(Loss)
EPS
Favorable/
(Adverse) (1)
$
$
$
$
$
$
(143)
(140)
77
29
6
(171)
(321)
(214)
(55)
252
—
(338)
184
79
(100)
(24)
139
$
$
$
$
$
$
53
48
(28)
(11)
(2)
60
119
78
20
(48)
207
376
(68)
(29)
37
4
(56)
$
$
$
$
$
$
(90)
(92)
49
18
4
(111)
(202)
(136)
(35)
204
207
38
116
50
(63)
(20)
83
$
$
$
$
$
$
(0.05)
(0.05)
0.03
0.01
—
(0.06)
(0.11)
(0.07)
(0.02)
0.08
0.12
(0.01)
0.06
0.03
(0.03)
—
0.06
(1) EPS is net of noncontrolling interest share, where applicable. Total may not equal the sum of the column due to
rounding.
(2) Recorded in "Other income/(expense), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3) See Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the Hulu Equity Redemption Charge.
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS — 2014 vs. 2013
Below is a discussion of the major revenue and expense categories for our business segments. Costs and expenses for
each segment consist of operating expenses, selling, general, administrative and other expenses and depreciation and
amortization. Selling, general, administrative and other costs include third-party and internal marketing expenses.
Our Media Networks segment generates revenue from Affiliate Fees charged to MVPDs and ABC affiliated stations,
advertising revenues from the sale to advertisers of time in programs for commercial announcements and other revenues, which
include the sale and distribution of television programming. Significant operating expenses include amortization of
programming, production, participations and residuals costs, technical support costs, distribution costs and operating labor.
31
Our Parks and Resorts segment generates revenue from the sale of admissions to theme parks, the sale of food, beverage
and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise vacation packages and sales and rentals of vacation club
properties. Significant operating expenses include operating labor, costs of sales and infrastructure costs. Infrastructure costs
include information systems expense, repairs and maintenance, utilities, property taxes, insurance and transportation.
Our Studio Entertainment segment generates revenue from the distribution of films in the theatrical, home entertainment
and television and SVOD markets (TV/SVOD), ticket sales for live stage plays, music distribution and licensing of live
entertainment events. Significant operating expenses include amortization of production, participations and residuals costs,
distribution expenses and costs of sales.
Our Consumer Products segment generates revenue from licensing characters from our film, television and other
properties to third parties for use on consumer merchandise, publishing children’s books and magazines and comic books,
operating retail stores and internet shopping sites, the sale of merchandise to retailers and operating English language learning
centers. Significant operating expenses include costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail
occupancy costs.
Our Interactive segment generates revenue from the development and sale of multi-platform games, subscriptions to and
micro transactions for online and mobile games, licensing content for Disney-branded mobile phones in Japan, and online
advertising and sponsorships. We also license our properties to third-party game publishers. Significant operating expenses
include cost of goods sold, distribution expense and product development.
(in millions)
Revenues:
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Segment operating income (loss):
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
21,152
15,099
7,278
3,985
1,299
48,813
7,321
2,663
1,549
1,356
116
13,005
$
$
$
$
20,356
14,087
5,979
3,555
1,064
45,041
6,818
2,220
661
1,112
(87)
10,724
$
$
$
$
19,436
12,920
5,825
3,252
845
42,278
6,619
1,902
722
937
(216)
9,964
% Change
Better/(Worse)
2014
vs.
2013
4%
7%
22%
12%
22%
8%
7%
20%
>100%
22%
nm
21%
2013
vs.
2012
5 %
9 %
3 %
9 %
26 %
7 %
3 %
17 %
(8)%
19 %
60 %
8 %
32
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management
uses aggregate segment operating income as a measure of the overall performance of the operating businesses. The Company
believes that information about aggregate segment operating income assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in
the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from factors other than business operations that affect
net income. The following table reconciles segment operating income to income before income taxes.
(in millions)
Segment operating income
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses
Restructuring and impairment charges
Other income/(expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net
Hulu Equity Redemption charge
Income before income taxes
2014
13,005
(611)
(140)
(31)
23
—
12,246
$
$
2013
10,724
(531)
(214)
(69)
(235)
(55)
9,620
$
$
2012
9,964
(474)
(100)
239
(369)
—
9,260
$
$
Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
% Change
Better/(Worse)
2014
vs.
2013
21 %
(15)%
35 %
55 %
nm
— %
27 %
2013
vs.
2012
8 %
(12)%
>(100)%
nm
36 %
nm
4 %
(in millions)
Revenues
Affiliate Fees
Advertising
Other
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the income of investees
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
10,632
8,031
2,489
21,152
(11,794)
(2,643)
(250)
856
7,321
$
$
10,018
7,923
2,415
20,356
(11,261)
(2,768)
(251)
742
6,818
6 %
1 %
3 %
4 %
(5)%
5 %
— %
15 %
7 %
The 6% increase in Affiliate Fee revenue was due to an increase of 8% from higher contractual rates and an increase of
1% from an increase in subscribers, partially offset by a decrease of 2% due to the sale of our ESPN UK business in the fourth
quarter of the prior year and a decrease of 1% due to unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts. The increase in
subscribers was driven by international subscriber growth and the launch of the SEC Network, partially offset by a decline in
domestic subscribers.
The 1% increase in advertising revenues was due to an increase of $165 million at Cable Networks, from $3,963 million
to $4,128 million, partially offset by a decrease of $57 million at Broadcasting, from $3,960 million to $3,903 million. The
increase at Cable Networks was driven by a 6% increase from higher rates and a 3% increase from more units delivered,
partially offset by a 4% decrease from lower ratings. The decrease in advertising revenues at Broadcasting was due to a 2%
decrease from lower units delivered, a 1% decrease due to lower owned television stations revenue and a 1% decrease from
lower network ratings, partially offset by a 2% increase due to higher network rates.
Other revenue increased $74 million from $2,415 million to $2,489 million driven by the inclusion of revenues from
Maker Studios, Lucasfilm SVOD sales and higher international program syndication fees at ESPN.
33
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $526 million from $9,703 million to
$10,229 million. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $378 million due to contractual rate
increases for sports programming rights and the airing of FIFA World Cup soccer, partially offset by a decrease as a result of
the sale of our ESPN UK business and lower production costs for international X Games events that have been discontinued.
At Broadcasting, programming and production costs increased $148 million due to a contractual rate increase for Modern
Family and higher program write-offs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $125 million from $2,768 million to $2,643 million driven by
lower marketing and labor costs. Marketing costs declined at the domestic Disney Channels and ESPN, partially offset by an
increase at the international Disney Channels driven by a new channel in Germany that was launched in January 2014 and
higher affiliate support in Latin America. Lower marketing costs at the domestic Disney Channels reflected decreased affiliate
marketing support including the absence of prior-year costs to launch the Watch Disney Channel apps. The decrease at ESPN
was due to the sale of the ESPN UK business. The reduction in labor costs was driven by lower pension costs.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees increased $114 million from $742 million to $856 million primarily due to an increase at
AETN driven by higher advertising and affiliate revenues.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 7%, or $503 million, to $7,321 million due to increases at ESPN, the domestic
Disney Channels, AETN, ABC Family, the owned television stations and the ABC Television Network, partially offset by a
decrease at the international Disney Channels.
The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
(in millions)
Revenues
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Segment operating income
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Year Ended
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
$
$
15,110
6,042
21,152
6,467
854
7,321
$
$
$
$
14,453
5,903
20,356
6,047
771
6,818
5%
2%
4%
7%
11%
7%
Restructuring and impairment charges and Other income/(expense), net
The Company recorded charges of $78 million, $85 million and $14 million related to Media Networks for fiscal years
2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2014 were due to radio FCC license and investment impairments and
severance. The severance charges resulted from organizational and cost structure initiatives. The charges in fiscal 2013 were
primarily for severance and contract settlement costs. The charges in fiscal 2012 were primarily related to severance. The fiscal
2014 radio FCC license impairments were determined in connection with the plan to sell Radio Disney stations. These charges
were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recorded a
$100 million loss related to Cable Networks in fiscal 2014 resulting from the foreign currency translation of net monetary
assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported in "Other income/(expense), net" in the Consolidated
Statements of Income.
34
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Domestic
International
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the loss of investees
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
12,329
2,770
15,099
(9,106)
(1,856)
(1,472)
(2)
2,663
$
$
11,394
2,693
14,087
(8,537)
(1,960)
(1,370)
—
2,220
8 %
3 %
7 %
(7)%
5 %
(7)%
nm
20 %
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 7%, or $1.0 billion, to $15.1 billion due to an increase of $935 million at our
domestic operations and an increase of $77 million at our international operations.
Revenue growth of 8% at our domestic operations reflected increases of 5% from higher average guest spending and 2%
from higher volumes. Increased guest spending was primarily due to higher average ticket prices for admissions at our theme
parks and for sailings at our cruise line and increased food, beverage and merchandise spending. Higher volumes were due to
attendance growth and higher occupied room nights.
Revenue growth of 3% at our international operations reflected a 4% increase from higher average guest spending and a
1% increase from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 3% decrease from lower volumes. Guest spending growth
was due to higher average ticket prices and higher merchandise, food and beverage spending. Lower volumes were due to
decreases in attendance and occupied room nights at Disneyland Paris.
The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending and hotel statistics:
Domestic
International (2)
Total
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2013
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2013
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2013
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance
Per Capita Guest Spending
Hotels (1)
Occupancy
Available Room Nights
(in thousands)
Per Room Guest Spending
3%
7%
4%
8%
(3)%
7 %
83%
79%
78 %
10,470
$280
10,558
$267
2,466
$319
(2)%
4 %
81 %
2,466
$312
1%
7%
82%
2%
7%
80%
12,936
$287
13,024
$276
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending and per room guest spending are stated at prior-year foreign currency exchange rates to
remove the impact of foreign currency translation. The euro to U.S. dollar weighted average foreign currency
exchange rate was $1.36, $1.31 and $1.30 for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $139 million from $4,094 million to $4,233 million, cost of
sales, which increased $77 million from $1,348 million to $1,425 million, and infrastructure costs, which increased $99 million
from $1,755 million to $1,854 million. The increase in operating labor was primarily due to inflation, new guest offerings,
including MyMagic+, and higher volumes, partially offset by lower pension and postretirement medical costs. The increase in
35
cost of sales was due to higher volumes and inflation. The increase in infrastructure costs was due to the roll out of MyMagic+.
In addition, other operating expenses increased driven by higher volumes.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $104 million from $1,960 million to $1,856 million due to the
absence of development costs for MyMagic+, partially offset by higher marketing and sales costs and higher pre-opening costs
at Shanghai Disney Resort. In the current year, costs for MyMagic+ are included in operating expenses as MyMagic+ has been
made available to guests. Higher marketing and sales costs were driven by marketing for new guest offerings.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to MyMagic+.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 20%, or $443 million, to $2,663 million due to growth at our domestic operations
partially offset by a decrease at Disneyland Paris.
Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Theatrical distribution
Home entertainment
Television and SVOD distribution and other
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
2,431
2,094
2,753
7,278
(3,137)
(2,456)
(136)
1,549
$
$
1,870
1,750
2,359
5,979
(3,012)
(2,145)
(161)
661
30 %
20 %
17 %
22 %
(4)%
(14)%
16 %
>100 %
The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was due to the performance of Frozen in the current year. The benefit of
three Marvel titles and Maleficent in the current year was essentially offset by one Marvel title, the animated titles Monsters
University and Wreck-It Ralph, and Oz The Great And Powerful in the prior year.
Growth in home entertainment revenue reflected a 13% increase from higher unit sales and a 9% increase from higher
average net effective pricing. Growth in unit sales was due to sales of new releases reflecting the performance of Frozen.
Higher pricing was primarily due to an increase in the current year sales mix of new releases, which have a higher relative sales
price compared to catalog titles. Net effective pricing is the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales incentives and
returns. Other significant titles in release included Monsters University, Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World, Planes and Marvel’s
Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier in the current year compared to Brave, Wreck-It Ralph, Marvel’s Iron Man 3, Oz The
Great And Powerful and Marvel’s The Avengers in the prior year.
Higher TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue reflected an increase of 16% from other revenues due to an increase at
Lucasfilm’s special effects business driven by higher volume and inclusion of a full year of results (Lucasfilm was acquired in
December 2012), higher stage play revenues due to more productions in the current year and higher music distribution revenues
reflecting the success of the Frozen soundtrack.
36
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include a decrease of $4 million in film cost amortization, from $1,806 million to $1,802 million,
driven by a lower average amortization rate due to the success of Frozen compared to titles in the prior year, which was
essentially offset by the impact of higher revenues. Operating expenses also include distribution costs and cost of goods sold,
which increased $129 million, from $1,206 million to $1,335 million. The increase was driven by higher revenues from
Lucasfilm’s special effects business, more stage play productions and increased music sales, partially offset by a decrease at
home entertainment. Lower home entertainment distribution costs and cost of goods sold were primarily due to lower average
per unit costs, which included the benefit of cost saving initiatives, partially offset by an increase in units sold.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $311 million from $2,145 million to $2,456 million primarily
due to higher theatrical marketing expenses driven by more titles in wide release.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization was due to lower amortization of intangible assets.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased $888 million to $1,549 million due to increases in home entertainment and theatrical
distribution.
Restructuring and impairment charges and Other income/(expense), net
The Company recorded charges of $7 million, $18 million and $18 million related to Studio Entertainment for fiscal
years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2014 and 2013 were primarily for severance costs from
organizational and cost structure initiatives. The charges in fiscal 2012 were primarily due to an impairment of an intangible
asset. These charges were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The
Company recorded a $31 million loss related to Studio Entertainment in fiscal 2014 resulting from the foreign currency
translation of net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported in "Other income/(expense), net" in
the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Consumer Products
Operating results for the Consumer Products segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Licensing and publishing
Retail and other
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
2,538
1,447
3,985
(1,683)
(778)
(168)
1,356
$
$
2,254
1,301
3,555
(1,566)
(731)
(146)
1,112
13 %
11 %
12 %
(7)%
(6)%
(15)%
22 %
The 13% increase in licensing and publishing revenues was due to a 12% increase from our licensing business driven by
performance of merchandise based on Frozen, Disney Channel, Mickey and Minnie, Planes and Spider-Man partially offset by
lower earned revenue from Cars and Monsters merchandise.
The 11% increase in retail and other revenue was from our retail business, due to comparable store sales growth in our
key markets, higher online sales in North America and Europe and a new wholesale distribution business in North America,
which launched in the fourth quarter of the prior year. These increases were partially offset by a decrease from store closures in
Europe.
37
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses included an increase of $39 million in cost of goods sold, from $641 million to $680 million, due to
higher sales at our retail business including the wholesale distribution business in North America. Operating expenses also
include labor, distribution and occupancy costs, which increased $60 million from $810 million to $870 million. The increase
was primarily due to higher third-party royalty expense at our merchandise licensing business and higher labor and distribution
costs at our retail business.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $47 million from $731 million to $778 million driven by higher
labor costs and higher technology development costs.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was driven by a full period of intangible asset amortization related to
Lucasfilm.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 22% to $1,356 million due to increases at our merchandise licensing and retail
businesses.
Restructuring and impairment charges and Other income/(expense), net
The Company recorded charges of $0, $49 million and $34 million related to Consumer Products for fiscal years 2014,
2013 and 2012, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were primarily due to severance costs from
organizational and cost structure initiatives. These charges were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the
Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recorded a $16 million loss related to Consumer Products in fiscal 2014
resulting from the foreign currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported
in "Other income/(expense), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Interactive
Operating results for the Interactive segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Games
Other content
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Income/(Loss)
Year Ended (1)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
1,056
243
1,299
(700)
(460)
(23)
116
$
$
812
252
1,064
(658)
(449)
(44)
(87)
30 %
(4)%
22 %
(6)%
(2)%
48 %
nm
(1) Certain reclassifications have been made to the revenue amounts presented for fiscal 2013 to conform to the fiscal 2014
presentation. The principal change was to reclassify game-related revenue from our Japan mobile business from Other
content to Games.
Revenues
Games revenues grew $244 million from $812 million to $1,056 million due to increases of 24% from sales of console
games and 10% from social/mobile games. The increase in sales of console games was due to the success of the Disney
Infinity franchise, partially offset by the performance of Epic Mickey 2 in the prior year. The current year benefited from the
launch of Disney Infinity 2.0 on September 23, 2014 and higher sales of Disney Infinity 1.0, which was launched on August 18,
2013. The increase in social/mobile games revenue was driven by performance of Tsum Tsum and Frozen Free Fall, partially
offset by a decrease as a result of discontinued games.
Revenue from other content decreased $9 million from $252 million to $243 million primarily due to the expiration of a
distribution contract in the current year and lower online advertising revenues, partially offset by an increase in revenue at our
mobile phone business in Japan. The increase in revenue at our mobile phone business in Japan was due to higher handset
sales.
38
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses reflected an $86 million increase in cost of sales from $332 million to $418 million, partially offset
by a $44 million decrease in product development from $326 million to $282 million. The increase in cost of sales was due to
higher Disney Infinity sales volume, partially offset by fewer units sold of other titles. Lower product development costs
reflected fewer titles in development and the benefit of restructuring activities.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization was driven by lower amortization of intangible assets.
Segment Operating Income/(Loss)
Segment operating results improved from a loss of $87 million to income of $116 million due to growth at our games
business and higher licensing fees from our mobile phone business in Japan.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded charges totaling $44 million, $11 million and $21 million related to Interactive for fiscal years
2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which were primarily severance costs for organizational and cost structure initiatives. These
charges were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2013 vs. 2012
Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Affiliate Fees
Advertising
Other
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the income of investees
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 28,
2013
September 29,
2012
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
10,018
7,923
2,415
20,356
(11,261)
(2,768)
(251)
742
6,818
$
$
9,360
7,699
2,377
19,436
(10,535)
(2,651)
(258)
627
6,619
7 %
3 %
2 %
5 %
(7)%
(4)%
3 %
18 %
3 %
Affiliate Fee growth of 7% was due to an increase of 7% from higher contractual rates.
Higher advertising revenues were due to an increase of $178 million at Cable Networks from $3,785 million to $3,963
million, and an increase of $46 million at Broadcasting from $3,914 million to $3,960 million. The increase at Cable Networks
reflected increases of 7% due to higher units delivered and 4% due to higher rates, partially offset by a decrease of 6% due to
lower ratings. Higher advertising revenues at Broadcasting reflected increases of 5% due to higher units delivered, 4% due to
higher network advertising rates and 1% due to growth in online advertising, partially offset by a decrease of 8% due to lower
primetime ratings.
The increase in other revenues was due to higher program sales at Broadcasting, the inclusion of revenues from
Lucasfilm and higher international program syndication fees at ESPN, partially offset by lower royalties from MVPD
distribution of our programs. Higher program sales reflected increased subscription revenues from programs distributed
through Hulu.com. Syndication sales were comparable to the prior year as increases driven by Scandal, Revenge, Katie and
Once Upon a Time were offset by decreases from Desperate Housewives, Castle and Grey’s Anatomy.
39
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $712 million from $8,991 million to
$9,703 million. At Cable Networks, an increase in programming and production costs of $468 million was primarily due to
contractual rate increases for college sports, NFL, MLB and NBA rights, production costs for new X Games events, the
addition of new college football rights and more episodes of original programming at the domestic Disney Channels. At
Broadcasting, programming and production costs increased $244 million driven by a shift of primetime hours from lower cost
reality and primetime news to higher cost original scripted programming.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $117 million from $2,651 million to $2,768 million driven by
higher marketing costs related to the fall launch of the ABC primetime season and an increase in labor related costs.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees increased to $742 million in the current year from $627 million in the prior year due to an
increase at AETN primarily due to higher advertising and affiliate revenues, partially offset by higher sales and marketing and
programming costs. The increase in equity income from AETN includes the benefit from an increase in the Company’s
ownership interest from 42% to 50%.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 3%, or $199 million, to $6.8 billion. The increase was primarily due to increases at
ESPN and the domestic Disney Channels and increased equity income from AETN, partially offset by a decrease at
Broadcasting.
The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
(in millions)
Revenues
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Segment operating income
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Year Ended
September 28,
2013
September 29,
2012
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
$
$
14,453
5,903
20,356
6,047
771
6,818
$
$
$
$
13,621
5,815
19,436
5,704
915
6,619
6 %
2 %
5 %
6 %
(16)%
3 %
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Domestic
International
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 28,
2013
September 29,
2012
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
11,394
2,693
14,087
(8,537)
(1,960)
(1,370)
2,220
$
$
10,339
2,581
12,920
(7,928)
(1,849)
(1,241)
1,902
10 %
4 %
9 %
(8)%
(6)%
(10)%
17 %
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 9%, or $1.2 billion, to $14.1 billion due to an increase of $1.1 billion at our
domestic operations and an increase of $112 million at our international operations.
40
Revenue growth of 10% at our domestic operations reflected a 5% increase from higher average guest spending and a 4%
increase from volume. Increased guest spending was due to higher average ticket prices, food, beverage and merchandise
spending, and average daily hotel room rates. Higher volume was due to park attendance growth, increased passenger cruise
days and higher occupied room nights at Walt Disney World Resort and, to a lesser extent, at the Disneyland Resort. Higher
passenger cruise days reflected the launch of the Disney Fantasy in March 2012, while the increase in occupied room nights at
Walt Disney World Resort reflected the opening of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort in May 2012.
Revenue growth of 4% at our international operations reflected a 4% increase from higher average guest spending at
Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, a 1% increase from higher Tokyo Disney Resort royalty revenue and a
1% increase due to the impact of foreign currency translation primarily due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the
euro. These increases were partially offset by a 2% decrease from lower volume. Guest spending growth was due to higher
average ticket prices, the opening of the World of Disney store in July 2012 at Disneyland Paris and higher average daily hotel
room rates. Lower volume was due to a decline in attendance and occupied room nights at Disneyland Paris, partially offset by
attendance growth at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending and hotel statistics:
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance
Per Capita Guest Spending
Hotels (1)
Occupancy
Available Room Nights
(in thousands)
Per Room Guest Spending
Domestic
International (2)
Total
Fiscal Year
2013
Fiscal Year
2012
Fiscal Year
2013
Fiscal Year
2012
Fiscal Year
2013
Fiscal Year
2012
4%
8%
79%
10,558
$267
3%
7%
81%
9,850
$257
(2)%
4 %
81 %
2,466
$309
6%
1%
85%
2,468
$299
2%
7%
80%
4%
5%
82%
13,024
$276
12,318
$266
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending and per room guest spending are stated at prior-year foreign exchange rates to remove the
impact of foreign currency translation. The euro to U.S. dollar weighted average foreign currency exchange rate was
$1.31, $1.30 and $1.39 for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased by $269 million from $3,825 million to $4,094 million, cost
of sales, which increased by $54 million from $1,294 million to $1,348 million, and infrastructure costs, which increased by
$250 million from $1,505 million to $1,755 million. Higher operating labor was due to new guest offerings and labor cost
inflation. The increase in cost of sales was primarily due to higher volumes partially offset by a lower costs per unit mix of
vacation club units, reflecting sales at the Grand Floridian, which is a higher margin property. The increase in infrastructure
costs was driven by new guest offerings and the absence of business interruption insurance proceeds collected in 2012 related
to the impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan on Tokyo Disney Resort. Significant new guest offerings that drove
increased operating labor and infrastructure costs included a full year of operating the Disney Fantasy, pre-opening costs at
Shanghai Disney Resort, the expansion of Disney California Adventure and a full year of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at
Walt Disney World Resort.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $111 million from $1,849 million to $1,960 million primarily
due to information technology spending related to MyMagic+.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to new guest offerings at Walt Disney World Resort and
Disney California Adventure, costs associated with the refurbishment of the Disney Magic and a full year of depreciation for
the Disney Fantasy.
41
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 17%, or $318 million, to $2,220 million due to increases at our domestic parks and
resorts, Disney Vacation Club and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, partially offset by a decrease at Disneyland Paris and higher
pre-opening costs at Shanghai Disney Resort.
Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Theatrical distribution
Home entertainment
Television and SVOD distribution and other
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 28,
2013
September 29,
2012
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
1,870
1,750
2,359
5,979
(3,012)
(2,145)
(161)
661
$
$
1,470
2,221
2,134
5,825
(2,908)
(2,053)
(142)
722
27 %
(21)%
11 %
3 %
(4)%
(4)%
(13)%
(8)%
Higher theatrical distribution revenues were driven by two Disney feature animation releases in the current year, Wreck-It
Ralph and Planes, compared to none in the prior year. Other significant titles in release were Marvel’s Iron Man 3, Monsters
University, Oz The Great and Powerful, The Lone Ranger and Lincoln in the current year compared to Marvel’s The Avengers,
Brave, John Carter and The Muppets in the prior year.
Lower home entertainment revenue reflected a 19% decrease from a decline in unit sales. The decrease in unit sales was
driven by the performance of Brave, Wreck-It Ralph and Marvel’s Iron Man 3 in the current year compared to Marvel’s The
Avengers, Cars 2, The Lion King Diamond Release and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in the prior year along
with lower catalog sales.
The increase in TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was driven by domestic SVOD sales of library titles in the
current year and the inclusion of Lucasfilm’s special effects business.
Cost and Expenses
Operating expenses included an increase of $121 million in film cost amortization, from $1,685 million to $1,806
million, driven by more significant titles in theatrical release in the current year, including the two feature animation releases,
and higher TV/SVOD revenues. These increases were partially offset by the impact of lower home entertainment unit sales and
lower film impairments. Lower film impairments reflected the write-down of The Lone Ranger in the current year compared to
the write-down of John Carter and higher development costs write-offs in the prior year. Operating expenses also include
distribution costs and cost of goods sold, which decreased $17 million from $1,223 million to $1,206 million driven by a
decline in home entertainment unit sales, partially offset by the inclusion of Lucasfilm’s special effects business.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $92 million from $2,053 million to $2,145 million primarily
due to higher theatrical marketing expenses driven by two Disney feature animation releases in the current year compared to
none in the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in home entertainment marketing.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to amortization of intangible assets resulting from the acquisition
of Lucasfilm.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income decreased 8% to $661 million primarily due to lower results at our home entertainment
business, partially offset by an increase in TV/SVOD distribution results and lower film cost write-downs.
42
Consumer Products
Operating results for the Consumer Products segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Licensing and publishing
Retail and other
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Income
Revenues
Year Ended
September 28,
2013
September 29,
2012
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
2,254
1,301
3,555
(1,566)
(731)
(146)
1,112
$
$
2,056
1,196
3,252
(1,514)
(686)
(115)
937
10 %
9 %
9 %
(3)%
(7)%
(27)%
19 %
The 10% increase in licensing and publishing revenues was due to increases of 8% from our licensing business and 2%
from our publishing business. The increase at licensing was due to the inclusion of revenues from Lucasfilm and the
performance of merchandise based on Disney Junior, Monsters University, Mickey and Minnie, Iron Man and Planes partially
offset by lower earned revenue from Cars and Winnie the Pooh merchandise. Merchandise Licensing growth also benefited
from higher recognition of minimum guarantees and a licensee audit settlement. The increase at publishing was due to
international sales of books based on Disney Channel properties and higher revenues at our English language learning centers
in China.
The 9% increase in retail and other revenue was from our retail business, due to comparable store sales growth in our key
markets, a new wholesale distribution business in North America, higher online sales in North America and Europe, and the
benefit of store format changes in North America and Japan. These increases were partially offset by an unfavorable impact of
foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses included an increase of $48 million in cost of goods sold, from $593 million to $641 million, due to
higher sales at our retail business. Operating expenses also include distribution, labor and occupancy costs, which decreased $4
million from $814 million to $810 million. The decrease was due to lower third-party royalty expense and the favorable impact
of foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen, partially offset by
higher labor, distribution and occupancy costs at our retail business.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $45 million from $686 million to $731 million primarily due to
the inclusion of Lucasfilm and higher technology development costs.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to amortization of intangible assets resulting from the acquisition
of Lucasfilm.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 19% to $1,112 million due to increases at our licensing, retail and publishing
businesses.
43
Interactive
Operating results for the Interactive segment are as follows:
(in millions)
Revenues
Games
Other content
Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Loss
Year Ended (1)
September 28,
2013
September 29,
2012
% Change
Better /
(Worse)
$
$
812
252
1,064
(658)
(449)
(44)
(87)
$
$
591
254
845
(583)
(429)
(49)
(216)
37 %
(1)%
26 %
(13)%
(5)%
10 %
60 %
(1) Certain reclassifications have been made to the revenue amounts presented for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 to conform to the
fiscal 2014 presentation. The principal change was to reclassify game-related revenue from our Japan mobile business from
Other content to Games.
Revenues
The increase in games revenue was due to an increase of 26% from higher self-published console game revenues due to
the fourth quarter release of Disney Infinity 1.0 and 7% due to the inclusion of Lucasfilm’s interactive games business.
Other content revenue was essentially flat as an unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation from the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen and lower online advertising revenues were offset by higher revenues
at our Japan mobile business due to a licensing agreement that started in February 2012.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses included an $80 million increase in cost of sales from $252 million to $332 million and a $5 million
decrease in product development costs from $331 million to $326 million. Higher cost of sales was due to the release of Disney
Infinity 1.0 and the inclusion of Lucasfilm.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $20 million from $429 million to $449 million due to higher
marketing costs at our console games business in connection with the release of Disney Infinity 1.0, partially offset by the
favorable impact of foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen.
Segment Operating Loss
Segment operating loss decreased from $216 million to $87 million due to improved results at our console games and
Japan mobile businesses.
CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED SHARED EXPENSES
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses are as follows:
(in millions)
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses
2014
2013
2012
$
(611)
$
(531)
$
(474)
% Change
Better/(Worse)
2014
vs.
2013
(15)%
2013
vs.
2012
(12)%
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses in fiscal 2014 increased $80 million from fiscal 2013 due to higher incentive
compensation costs and charitable contributions.
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses in fiscal 2013 increased $57 million from fiscal 2012 reflecting higher
incentive compensation costs and charitable contributions.
44
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL BENEFIT COSTS
Pension and postretirement medical benefit plan costs affect results in all of our segments, with approximately one-third
of these costs being borne by the Parks and Resorts segment. The Company recognized pension and postretirement medical
benefit plan expenses of $309 million, $698 million and $626 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The
decrease in fiscal 2014 was driven by an increase in the assumed discount rate used to measure the present value of plan
obligations. The assumed discount rate reflects market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available and was
determined by considering the average of yield curves constructed from a large population of high-quality corporate bonds. The
resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves.
In fiscal 2015, we expect pension and postretirement medical costs to increase to approximately $460 million. The
increase in pension and postretirement medical costs is driven by a lower assumed discount rate and updated assumed mortality
rates to reflect life expectancy improvements. The decrease in the discount rate and the update to our assumed mortality rates
also resulted in an increase in the underfunded status of our plans from $1.9 billion to $3.5 billion and an increase in
unrecognized pension and postretirement medical expense to $3.5 billion ($2.2 billion after tax) from $2.0 billion ($1.2 billion
after tax). If our future investment returns do not exceed our long-term expected returns and/or discount rates do not increase, a
significant portion of the unrecognized pension and postretirement medical costs will be recognized as a net actuarial loss in
our income statement over approximately the next 10 years. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further
details of the impacts of our pension and postretirement medical plans on our financial statements.
During fiscal 2014, the Company contributed $275 million to its pension and postretirement medical plans including
discretionary contributions above the minimum requirements for pension plans. The Company currently expects pension and
postretirement medical plan contributions in fiscal 2015 to total approximately $350 million to $375 million. Final minimum
funding requirements for fiscal 2015 will be determined based on our January 1, 2015 funding actuarial valuation, which will
be available in late fiscal 2015. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors” for the impact of factors affecting pension and postretirement
medical costs.
SEVEN TV INVESTMENT
On November 18, 2011, the Company acquired a 49% interest in Seven TV for $300 million. Seven TV is a broadcast
television network that was converted to an advertising-supported, free-to-air Disney Channel in Russia following the
acquisition. In October 2014, new regulations were adopted in Russia that prohibit more than 20% foreign ownership of media
companies and could require the Company to divest a portion of its interest by January 2016. The Company is evaluating its
options with respect to these regulations and, depending on the outcome, we could have an impairment of some or all of our
investment. The Company’s share of the financial results of Seven TV is reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
IMPACT OF FISCAL REPORTING CALENDAR
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 and consists of fifty-two weeks with the
exception that approximately every six years, we have a fifty-three week year. Fiscal 2015 is a fifty-three week year beginning
on September 28, 2014 and ending on October 3, 2015.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
(in millions)
Cash provided by operations
Cash used in investing activities
Cash used in financing activities
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Operating Activities
2014
2013
2012
$
$
9,780
(3,345)
(6,710)
(235)
(510)
$
$
9,452
(4,676)
(4,214)
(18)
544
$
$
7,966
(4,759)
(2,985)
(20)
202
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2014 increased 3% or $0.3 billion to $9.8 billion compared to fiscal 2013.
The increase reflected higher operating cash receipts from increased revenues across all of our segments, partially offset by
45
higher income tax payments, higher cash payments due to new contractual payment terms for sports rights payments at Media
Networks, higher programming and production spending at Media Networks and Studio Entertainment and higher payments at
Parks and Resorts. The increase in cash payments at Parks and Resorts was due to labor cost inflation and increased spending
on new guest offerings. Operating cash flows were also impacted by the absence of the Celador litigation payment made in
fiscal 2013 and lower pension contributions.
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2013 increased 19% or $1.5 billion to $9.5 billion compared to fiscal
2012. The increase reflected higher operating cash receipts from increased revenues at Parks and Resorts, Media Networks and
Consumer Products, the favorable timing of collections at Studio Entertainment, and lower pension contributions and interest
payments. The decrease in interest payments was due to a significant payment of accrued interest in connection with the fiscal
2012 refinancing of Disneyland Paris’ borrowings. These cash flow increases were partially offset by higher operating cash
payments at Studio Entertainment, Media Networks and Parks and Resorts and the payment related to the Celador litigation.
The increase in cash payments at Studio Entertainment was driven by higher film production spending and the timing of
participation payments, while the increase in cash payments at Media Networks was due to higher television programming and
production spending. The increase in cash payments at Parks and Resorts was due to higher spending on new guest offerings
and labor cost inflation, partially offset by the absence of a repurchase of vacation club mortgage receivables, which occurred
in fiscal 2012.
Depreciation expense is as follows:
(in millions)
Media Networks
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Total Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Domestic
International
Total Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
Total depreciation expense
Amortization of intangible assets is as follows:
(in millions)
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
Total amortization of intangible assets
Film and Television Costs
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
145
93
238
1,117
353
1,470
48
59
10
239
2,064
2014
12
2
88
109
13
—
224
$
$
$
$
139
99
238
1,041
327
1,368
54
57
20
220
1,957
2013
13
2
107
89
24
—
235
$
$
$
$
141
100
241
927
314
1,241
48
55
17
182
1,784
2012
17
—
94
60
32
—
203
The Company’s Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments incur costs to acquire and produce television and
feature film programming. Film and television production costs include all internally produced content such as live-action and
animated feature films, animated direct-to-video programming, television series, television specials, theatrical stage plays or
other similar product. Programming costs include film or television product licensed for a specific period from third parties for
airing on the Company’s broadcast, cable networks and television stations. Programming assets are generally recorded when
the programming becomes available to us with a corresponding increase in programming liabilities. Accordingly, we analyze
our programming assets net of the related liability.
46
The Company’s film and television production and programming activity for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as
follows:
(in millions)
Beginning balances:
Production and programming assets
Programming liabilities
Spending:
Television program licenses and rights
Film and television production
Amortization:
Television program licenses and rights
Film and television production
Change in film and television production and
programming costs
Other non-cash activity
Ending balances:
Production and programming assets
Programming liabilities
Investing Activities
2014
2013
2012
$
$
5,417
(928)
4,489
6,241
4,221
10,462
(5,678)
(3,820)
(9,498)
964
58
6,386
(875)
5,511
$
$
5,217
(812)
4,405
5,093
3,835
8,928
(5,233)
(3,646)
(8,879)
49
35
5,417
(928)
4,489
$
$
5,031
(866)
4,165
4,763
3,385
8,148
(4,766)
(3,330)
(8,096)
52
188
5,217
(812)
4,405
Investing activities consist principally of investments in parks, resorts and other property and acquisition and divestiture
activity. The Company’s investments in parks, resorts and other property for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
(in millions)
Media Networks
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Parks and Resorts
Domestic
International
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
2014
2013
2012
$
$
172
88
1,184
1,504
63
43
5
252
3,311
$
$
176
87
1,140
970
78
45
13
287
2,796
$
$
170
85
2,242
641
79
69
27
471
3,784
Capital expenditures for the Parks and Resorts segment are principally for theme park and resort expansion, new
attractions, cruise ships, capital improvements and systems infrastructure. The increase in capital expenditures at our
international parks and resorts in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 was due to higher construction spending on the Shanghai
Disney Resort. The decrease in capital expenditures at Parks and Resorts in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily
due to the final progress payment for the Disney Fantasy cruise ship in fiscal 2012 and higher fiscal 2012 spending in
connection with the expansion of Disney California Adventure, the construction of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the
development of MyMagic+, partially offset by higher fiscal 2013 spending related to the construction of the Shanghai Disney
Resort.
Capital expenditures at Media Networks primarily reflect investments in facilities and equipment for expanding and
upgrading broadcast centers, production facilities and television station facilities.
47
Capital expenditures at Corporate primarily reflect investments in corporate facilities, information technology
infrastructure and equipment. The decrease in fiscal 2013 reflected higher spending in fiscal 2012 for corporate facilities and
information technology infrastructure.
The Company currently expects its fiscal 2015 capital expenditures will be approximately $1.5 billion higher than fiscal
2014 capital expenditures of $3.3 billion driven by increased investment at Shanghai Disney Resort. While we fully consolidate
capital expenditures for Shanghai Disney Resort, our net contribution is only 43% of the total capital expenditures. Therefore,
net of Shanghai Disney Resort partner contributions, our capital spending is expected to increase by approximately $1.1 billion.
Other Investing Activities
During fiscal 2014, acquisitions totaled $0.4 billion due to the acquisition of Maker Studios and proceeds from the sales
of investments and dispositions totaled $0.4 billion.
During fiscal 2013, acquisitions totaled $2.4 billion driven by the acquisition of Lucasfilm. Proceeds from dispositions
totaled $0.4 billion primarily due to the sale of our 50% equity interest in ESS.
During fiscal 2012, acquisitions totaled $1.1 billion driven by the acquisition of an incremental 43% interest in UTV and
a 49% interest in Seven TV in Russia. We also made a $300 million equity contribution to AETN.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $6.7 billion in fiscal 2014 compared to $4.2 billion in fiscal 2013. The net use of
cash in the current year was due to $6.5 billion of common stock repurchases and $1.5 billion in dividends, partially offset by
cash benefits associated with equity compensation awards of $0.7 billion, net borrowings of $0.6 billion and contributions from
our Shanghai Disney Resort joint venture partner of $0.6 billion. The increase in net cash used in financing activities of $2.5
billion versus the prior fiscal year was due to higher repurchases of common stock.
Cash used in financing activities was $4.2 billion in fiscal 2013 compared to $3.0 billion in fiscal 2012. The net use of
cash in fiscal 2013 was due to repurchases of common stock of $4.1 billion and dividends of $1.3 billion, partially offset by
cash benefits associated with equity compensation awards of $0.8 billion and contributions from our Shanghai Disney Resort
joint venture partner of $0.5 billion. The increase in net cash used in financing activities of $1.2 billion versus fiscal 2012 was
primarily due to higher repurchases of common stock.
During the year ended September 27, 2014, the Company’s borrowing activity was as follows:
(in millions)
Commercial paper borrowings
U.S. medium-term notes
Foreign currency denominated
debt
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
borrowings
Other
Total
September 28,
2013
Additions
Payments
$
— $
50
$
— $
13,155
1,997
(1,450)
Other
Activity
September 27,
2014
— $
11
50
13,713
509
275
349
219
—
15
$
14,288
$
2,281
$
(176)
(19)
(27)
(1,672)
$
(22)
(3)
(43)
(57)
530
253
294
$
14,840
48
The Company’s bank facilities as of September 27, 2014 were as follows:
(in millions)
Facility expiring March 2015
Facility expiring June 2017
Facility expiring March 2019
Total
Committed
Capacity
Capacity
Used
Unused
Capacity
$
$
1,500
2,250
2,250
6,000
$
$
—
—
—
—
$
$
1,500
2,250
2,250
6,000
All of the above bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread depending on the credit default
swap spread applicable to the Company’s debt, subject to a cap and floor that vary with the Company’s debt rating assigned by
Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s. The spread above LIBOR can range from 0.23% to 1.63%. The Company
also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in March 2019, which if utilized,
reduces available borrowings under this facility. As of September 27, 2014, $223 million of letters of credit had been issued of
which none were issued under this facility.
The Company may use commercial paper borrowings up to the amount of its unused bank facilities, in conjunction with
term debt issuance and operating cash flow, to retire or refinance other borrowings before or as they come due.
The Company paid a $0.86 per share dividend ($1.5 billion) during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 related to fiscal
2013. The Company paid a $0.75 per share dividend ($1.3 billion) during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 related to fiscal 2012.
The Company paid a $0.60 per share dividend ($1.1 billion) during the second quarter of fiscal 2012 related to fiscal 2011. As
of the filing date of this report, the Board of Directors had not yet declared a dividend related to fiscal 2014.
During fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 84 million shares of its common stock for $6.5 billion. During fiscal 2013,
the Company repurchased 71 million shares of its common stock for $4.1 billion. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased
72 million shares of its common stock for $3.0 billion. As of September 27, 2014, the Company had remaining authorization in
place to repurchase 77 million additional shares.
We believe that the Company’s financial condition is strong and that its cash balances, other liquid assets, operating cash
flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken together, provide adequate resources to fund
ongoing operating requirements and future capital expenditures related to the expansion of existing businesses and
development of new projects. However, the Company’s operating cash flow and access to the capital markets can be impacted
by macroeconomic factors outside of its control. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors”. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the
Company’s borrowing costs can be impacted by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies,
which are based, in significant part, on the Company’s performance as measured by certain credit metrics such as interest
coverage and leverage ratios. As of September 27, 2014, Moody’s Investors Service’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A2 and P-1, respectively, with stable outlook; Standard & Poor’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A and A-1, respectively, with stable outlook; and Fitch’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company
were A and F-1, respectively, with stable outlook. The Company’s bank facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating
to interest coverage, which the Company met on September 27, 2014, by a significant margin. The Company’s bank facilities
also specifically exclude certain entities, such as Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort,
from any representations, covenants or events of default.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has various contractual obligations, which are recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial
statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in
our consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements. For example,
the Company is contractually committed to acquire broadcast programming and make certain minimum lease payments for the
use of property under operating lease agreements.
49
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments on an undiscounted basis at
September 27, 2014 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. In addition, the table
reflects the timing of principal and interest payments on outstanding borrowings based on their contractual maturities.
Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as referenced
in the table:
Payments Due by Period
(in millions)
Borrowings (Note 8) (1)
Operating lease commitments (Note 14)
Capital lease obligations (Note 14)
Sports programming commitments (Note 14)
Broadcast programming commitments (Note 14)
Total sports and other broadcast programming
commitments
Other(2)
Total contractual obligations (3)
Total
Less than
1 Year
2-3
Years
4-5
Years
More than
5 Years
$
20,130
$
2,570
$
4,923
$
3,380
$
3,387
684
44,217
1,868
46,085
4,728
460
71
4,801
383
5,184
1,907
719
78
9,232
548
9,780
1,307
493
35
8,625
399
9,024
373
9,257
1,715
500
21,559
538
22,097
1,141
$
75,014
$
10,192
$
16,807
$
13,305
$
34,710
(1) Amounts exclude market value adjustments totaling $74 million, which are recorded in the balance sheet. Amounts
include interest payments based on contractual terms for fixed rate debt and on current interest rates for variable rate
debt. In 2023, the Company has the ability to call a debt instrument prior to its scheduled maturity, which if exercised
by the Company would reduce future interest payments by $1.1 billion.
(2) Other commitments primarily comprise contractual commitments for creative talent and employment agreements and
unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include obligations to actors, producers, sports,
television and radio personalities and executives.
(3) Contractual commitments include the following:
Liabilities recorded on the balance sheet
Commitments not recorded on the balance sheet
$
$
15,655
59,359
75,014
The Company also has obligations with respect to its pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. See Note 10 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
As a result of new sports and other programming commitments, primarily for incremental sports rights with payment
terms that range up to 11 years, and payments subsequent to year end, the Company’s sports and other broadcast programming
commitments are approximately $58 billion as of November 15, 2014.
Contingent Commitments and Contractual Guarantees
The Company has certain contractual arrangements that would require the Company to make payments or provide
funding if certain circumstances occur. The Company has recognized a $198 million liability for the fair value of contingent
consideration related to the acquisition of Maker Studios, Inc. The Company does not currently expect that other contractual
arrangements will result in any significant amounts being paid by the Company. See Notes 3, 6 and 14 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s contingent commitments and contractual guarantees.
Legal and Tax Matters
As disclosed in Notes 9 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has exposure for certain tax and
legal matters.
Disneyland Paris Refinancing
At September 27, 2014, Disneyland Paris had €1.8 billion in loans outstanding from the Company . In order to improve
Disneyland Paris’ financial position, Disneyland Paris announced, with the Company’s backing, a €1.0 billion recapitalization
through a rights offering to raise €0.4 billion of equity along with the conversion of €0.6 billion of loans from the Company
into equity in Disneyland Paris. (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
50
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We believe that the application of the following accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and
results of operations, require significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of our significant
accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Film and Television Revenues and Costs
We expense film and television production, participation and residual costs over the applicable product life cycle based
upon the ratio of the current period’s revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each
production. If our estimate of Ultimate Revenues decreases, amortization of film and television costs may be accelerated.
Conversely, if our estimate of Ultimate Revenues increases, film and television cost amortization may be slowed. For film
productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of the
initial theatrical release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from
delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later.
With respect to films intended for theatrical release, the most sensitive factor affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues
(and therefore affecting future film cost amortization and/or impairment) is theatrical performance. Revenues derived from
other markets subsequent to the theatrical release (e.g., the home entertainment or television markets) have historically been
highly correlated with the theatrical performance. Theatrical performance varies primarily based upon the public interest and
demand for a particular film, the popularity of competing films at the time of release and the level of marketing effort. Upon a
film’s release and determination of the theatrical performance, the Company’s estimates of revenues from succeeding windows
and markets are revised based on historical relationships and an analysis of current market trends. The most sensitive factor
affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues for released films is the level of expected home entertainment sales. Home
entertainment sales vary based on the number and quality of competing home entertainment products as well as the manner in
which retailers market and price our products.
With respect to television series or other television productions intended for broadcast, the most sensitive factor affecting
estimates of Ultimate Revenues is the program’s rating and the strength of the advertising market. Program ratings, which are
an indication of market acceptance, directly affect the Company’s ability to generate advertising revenues during the airing of
the program. In addition, television series with greater market acceptance are more likely to generate incremental revenues
through the eventual sale of the program rights in the syndication, international and home entertainment markets. Alternatively,
poor ratings may result in a television series cancellation, which would require an immediate write-down of any unamortized
production costs. A significant decline in the advertising market would also negatively impact our estimates.
We expense the cost of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs based on the number of
times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Amortization of those
television programming assets being amortized on a number of airings basis may be accelerated if we reduce the estimated
future airings and slowed if we increase the estimated future airings. The number of future airings of a particular program is
impacted primarily by the program’s ratings in previous airings, expected advertising rates and availability and quality of
alternative programming. Accordingly, planned usage is reviewed periodically and revised if necessary. We amortize rights
costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value of
each year in the arrangement. The estimated values of each year are based on our projections of revenues over the contract
period, which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to
each season approximate each season’s relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the applicable
season. If planned usage patterns or estimated relative values by year were to change significantly, amortization of our sports
rights costs may be accelerated or slowed.
Costs of film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated
fair values with the unamortized costs. The net realizable values of television broadcast program licenses and rights are
reviewed using a daypart methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of
day or programs of a similar type. The Company’s dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes
broadcast and cable networks). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated
basis for each cable network. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.
Estimated values are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market
conditions are less favorable than our projections, film, television and programming cost write-downs may be required.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has revenue recognition policies for its various operating segments that are appropriate to the
circumstances of each business. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of these revenue
recognition policies.
51
We reduce home entertainment and game revenues for estimated future returns of merchandise and for customer
programs and sales incentives. These estimates are based upon historical return experience, current economic trends and
projections of customer demand for and acceptance of our products. If we underestimate the level of returns and concessions in
a particular period, we may record less revenue in later periods when returns exceed the estimated amount. Conversely, if we
overestimate the level of returns and concessions for a period, we may have additional revenue in later periods when returns
and concessions are less than estimated.
We recognize revenues from advance theme park ticket sales when the tickets are used. We recognize revenues from
expiring multi-use tickets ratably over the estimated usage period. For non-expiring, multi-day tickets, we recognize revenue
over a five-year time period based on estimated usage. The estimated usage periods are derived from historical usage patterns.
If actual usage is different than our estimated usage, revenues may not be recognized in the periods the related services are
rendered. In addition, a change in usage patterns would impact the timing of revenue recognition.
Pension and Postretirement Medical Plan Actuarial Assumptions
The Company’s pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using a number of
actuarial assumptions. Two critical assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important
elements of expense and/or liability measurement, which we evaluate annually. Other assumptions include the healthcare cost
trend rate and employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and rate of compensation increase.
The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash payments for benefits as a present value on the measurement
date. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. The guideline for
setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. We decreased our discount rate to 4.40% at the end of fiscal
2014 from 5.00% at the end of fiscal 2013 to reflect market interest rate conditions at our September 27, 2014 measurement
date. This decrease in the discount rate will affect net periodic pension and postretirement medical expense in fiscal 2015. The
assumed discount rate reflects market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available. The Company’s discount rate
was determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed of a large population of high-quality corporate
bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves. A one percentage point
decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase total benefit expense for fiscal 2015 by $203 million and would increase
the projected benefit obligation at September 27, 2014 by $2.1 billion. A one percentage point increase in the assumed discount
rate would decrease total benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation by $188 million and $1.8 billion, respectively.
To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset
allocation as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. A lower expected rate of return on pension plan
assets will increase pension expense. A one percentage point change in the long-term asset return assumption would impact
fiscal 2015 annual benefit expense by $100 million.
See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our pension and postretirement medical
plans.
Goodwill, Intangible Assets, Long-Lived Assets and Investments
The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis
and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are
generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each
reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit
is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the
reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow)
corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate
valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. The discounted cash flow analyses are sensitive to our estimates of
future revenue growth and margins for these businesses. We include in the projected cash flows an estimate of the revenue we
believe the reporting unit would receive if the intellectual property developed by the reporting unit that is being used by other
reporting units was licensed to an unrelated third party at its fair market value. These amounts are not necessarily the same as
those included in segment operating results. We believe our estimates of fair value are consistent with how a marketplace
participant would value our reporting units.
In times of adverse economic conditions in the global economy, the Company’s long-term cash flow projections are
subject to a greater degree of uncertainty than usual. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
52
The Company is required to compare the fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets to their carrying amounts.
If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Fair
values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as
appropriate.
The Company tests long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once a triggering event has
occurred, the impairment test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset
for sale. The impairment test for assets held for use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the
useful life of an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest
level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and could
include assets used across multiple businesses or segments. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group’s long-
lived assets and the carrying value of the group’s long-lived assets. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the
group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its
fair value. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an
impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Determining whether a long-lived asset is impaired requires various estimates
and assumptions, including whether a triggering event has occurred, the identification of the asset groups, estimates of future
cash flows and the discount rate used to determine fair values. If we had established different asset groups or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
The Company has cost and equity investments. The fair value of these investments is dependent on the performance of
the investee companies as well as volatility inherent in the external markets for these investments. In assessing potential
impairment of these investments, we consider these factors as well as the forecasted financial performance of the investees and
market values, where available. If these forecasts are not met or market values indicate an other-than-temporary decline in
value, impairment charges may be required.
During the current year, the Company tested its goodwill and other intangible assets, investments and long-lived assets
for impairment and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $46 million related to radio FCC licenses held by businesses in
the Media Networks segment. The radio FCC license impairment charges were determined in connection with the plan to sell
Radio Disney stations and the fair value was derived from market transactions. During fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the
Company recorded impairments totaling $5 million and $0, respectively. These impairment charges were recorded in
“Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimate collectability of accounts receivable based on our analysis
of historical bad debt experience in conjunction with our assessment of the financial condition of individual companies with
which we do business. In times of domestic or global economic turmoil, our estimates and judgments with respect to the
collectability of our receivables are subject to greater uncertainty than in more stable periods. If our estimate of uncollectible
accounts is too low, costs and expenses may increase in future periods, and if it is too high, costs and expenses may decrease in
future periods.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued estimates of the probable and
estimable losses for the resolution of these claims. These estimates have been developed in consultation with outside counsel
and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible,
however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes
in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for more detailed information on litigation exposure.
Income Tax Audits
As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. From time to time,
these audits result in proposed assessments. Our determinations regarding the recognition of income tax benefits are made in
consultation with outside tax and legal counsel, where appropriate, and are based upon the technical merits of our tax positions
in consideration of applicable tax statutes and related interpretations and precedents and upon the expected outcome of
proceedings (or negotiations) with taxing and legal authorities. The tax benefits ultimately realized by the Company may differ
from those recognized in our future financial statements based on a number of factors, including the Company’s decision to
settle rather than litigate a matter, relevant legal precedent related to similar matters and the Company’s success in supporting
its filing positions with taxing authorities.
53
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding new accounting pronouncements.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or
on behalf of the Company. We may from time to time make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking,” including
statements contained in this report and other filings with the SEC and in reports to our shareholders. Such statements may, for
example, express expectations or projections about future actions that we may take, including restructuring or strategic
initiatives, or about developments beyond our control including changes in domestic or global economic conditions. These
statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions as of the time the statements are made and we
undertake no obligation to update these statements. There can be no assurance, however, that our expectations will necessarily
come to pass. Significant factors affecting these expectations are set forth under Item 1A – Risk Factors of this Report on Form
10-K.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, commodity fluctuations
and changes in the market values of its investments.
Policies and Procedures
In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage the Company’s exposure to
changes in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodities using a variety of financial instruments.
Our objectives in managing exposure to interest rate changes are to limit the impact of interest rate volatility on earnings
and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we primarily use interest rate swaps to
manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to the Company’s portfolio of borrowings. By policy, the Company targets
fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between minimum and maximum percentages.
Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flow in
order to allow management to focus on core business issues and challenges. Accordingly, the Company enters into various
contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent value of its existing foreign
currency assets, liabilities, commitments and forecasted foreign currency revenues and expenses. The Company utilizes option
strategies and forward contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies to hedge probable, but not firmly
committed, transactions. The Company also uses forward and option contracts to hedge foreign currency assets and liabilities.
The principal foreign currencies hedged are the euro, British pound, Japanese yen and Canadian dollar. Cross-currency swaps
are used to effectively convert foreign currency denominated borrowings to U.S. dollar denominated borrowings. By policy, the
Company maintains hedge coverage between minimum and maximum percentages of its forecasted foreign exchange
exposures generally for periods not to exceed four years. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S.
dollar equivalent value of the related exposures. The economic or political conditions in a country could reduce our ability to
hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from the country.
Our objectives in managing exposure to commodity fluctuations are to use commodity derivatives to reduce volatility of
earnings and cash flows arising from commodity price changes. The amounts hedged using commodity swap contracts are
based on forecasted levels of consumption of certain commodities, such as fuel oil and gasoline.
It is the Company’s policy to enter into foreign currency and interest rate derivative transactions and other financial
instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as stated above. The Company does not enter into
these transactions or any other hedging transactions for speculative purposes.
Value at Risk (VAR)
The Company utilizes a VAR model to estimate the maximum potential one-day loss in the fair value of its interest rate,
foreign exchange and market sensitive equity financial instruments. The VAR model estimates were made assuming normal
market conditions and a 95% confidence level. Various modeling techniques can be used in a VAR computation. The
Company’s computations are based on the interrelationships between movements in various interest rates, currencies and equity
prices (a variance/co-variance technique). These interrelationships were determined by observing interest rate, foreign currency
and equity market changes over the preceding quarter for the calculation of VAR amounts at fiscal year end. The model
54
includes all of the Company’s debt as well as all interest rate and foreign exchange derivative contracts and market sensitive
equity investments. Forecasted transactions, firm commitments, and accounts receivable and payable denominated in foreign
currencies, which certain of these instruments are intended to hedge, were excluded from the model.
The VAR model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual losses in fair value that will be incurred by
the Company, nor does it consider the potential effect of favorable changes in market factors.
VAR on a combined basis decreased to $51 million at September 27, 2014 from $63 million at September 28, 2013.
The estimated maximum potential one-day loss in fair value, calculated using the VAR model, is as follows (unaudited, in
millions):
Fiscal Year 2014
Year end VAR
Average VAR
Highest VAR
Lowest VAR
Beginning of year VAR (year end fiscal 2013)
Interest Rate
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
34
35
37
34
60
$
$
$
$
$
Currency
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
30
27
30
19
29
$
$
$
$
$
Equity
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
11
8
11
6
17
$
$
$
$
$
Combined
Portfolio
51
47
51
42
63
$
$
$
$
$
The VAR for Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is immaterial as of September 27, 2014 and has been
excluded from the above table.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 61.
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
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the
Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and made
known to the officers who certify the Company’s financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board
of Directors as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on their evaluation as of September 27, 2014, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the
Company have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s report set forth on page 62 is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended September 27, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
None.
55
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
PART III
Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance, the Audit Committee, the Company’s code of ethics, background of the
directors and director nominations appearing under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,”
“Committees,” “Governing Documents,” “Director Selection Process” and “Election of Directors” in the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the 2015 annual meeting of Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference.
Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
Information appearing under the captions “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and
“Compensation Tables” in the 2015 Proxy Statement (other than the “Compensation Committee Report,” which is deemed
furnished herein by reference) is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information setting forth the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing under the
caption “Stock Ownership” and information appearing under the caption “Equity Compensation Plans” in the 2015 Proxy
Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information regarding certain related transactions appearing under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related
Person Transactions” and information regarding director independence appearing under the caption “Director Independence” in
the 2015 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information appearing under the captions “Auditor Fees and Services” and “Policy for Approval of Audit and Permitted
Non-Audit Services” in the 2015 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
56
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(1) Financial Statements and Schedules
PART IV
See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 61.
(2) Exhibits
The documents set forth below are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference to the location indicated.
Exhibit
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
Bylaws of the Company
Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 14,
2014
Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of June 8, 2012
364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of March 14, 2014
Senior Debt Securities Indenture, dated as of
September 24, 2001, between the Company and Wells
Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee
Other long-term borrowing instruments are omitted
pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The
Company undertakes to furnish copies of such
instruments to the Commission upon request
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
as of October 6, 2011, between the Company and
Robert A. Iger
Amendment dated July 1, 2013 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger
Amendment dated October 2, 2014 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger
Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2010
between the Company and James A. Rasulo
Amendment dated March 17, 2011, to the Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of
January 1, 2010 between the Company and James A.
Rasulo
Employment Agreement, dated as of September 27,
2013 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman
Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2012 and
effective as of October 1, 2012 between the Company
and Kevin A. Mayer
Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2012 and
effective as of September 1, 2012 between the
Company and Jayne Parker
Description of Directors Compensation
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
Amended and Restated Director’s Retirement Policy
10.11
Form of Indemnification Agreement for certain officers
and directors
57
Location
Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company dated March 20, 2014
Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company dated June 27, 2014
Exhibit 10.12 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company, filed March 20, 2014
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed June 11, 2012
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed March 20, 2014
Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company, dated September 24, 2001
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed July 1, 2013
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed October 3, 2014
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed January 8, 2010
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company dated March 18, 2011
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company dated October 2, 2013
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012
Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended June 28, 2014
Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended January 2, 2010
Annex C to the Proxy Statement for the 1987
annual meeting of DEI
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
Exhibit
1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors
Amended and Restated 2002 Executive Performance
Plan
Management Incentive Bonus Program
Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Directors
Stock and Deferred Compensation Plan
Amended and Restated The Walt Disney Company/
Pixar 2004 Equity Incentive Plan
Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan
The Amended and Restated The Walt Disney
Productions and Associated Companies Key
Employees Deferred Compensation and Retirement
Plan
Amended and Restated Benefit Equalization Plan of
ABC, Inc.
Disney Key Employees Retirement Savings Plan
10.21
Group Personal Excess Liability Insurance Plan
10.22
Amended and Restated Severance Pay Plan
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
(Time-Based Vesting)
Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)
Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Three-Year Vesting subject to Total
Shareholder Return/EPS Growth Tests/
Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award
Agreement
Disney Savings and Investment Plan as Amended and
Restated Effective January 1, 2010
First Amendment dated December 13, 2011 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan as amended and
restated effective January 1, 2010
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
Location
Exhibit 20 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement
(No. 33-57811) of DEI, dated Feb. 23, 1995
Annex A to the Proxy Statement for the 2013
Annual Meeting of the Registrant
The portions of the tables labeled "Performance
based Bonus" in the sections of the Proxy
Statement for the 2014 annual meeting of the
Company titled "2013 Total Direct Compensation"
and "Compensation Process" and the section of the
Proxy Statement titled "Performance Goals"
Annex II to the Proxy Statement for the 2003
annual meeting of the Company
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed December 1, 2006
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company dated
March 16, 2012
Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended July 2, 2011
Exhibit 10(x) to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the period ended September 30, 1997
Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 27, 2008
Exhibit 10(aa) to the Form 10-K of the Company
for the period ended September 30, 2004
Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed January 11, 2013
Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended July 3, 2010
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 31, 2011
Second Amendment dated December 3, 2012 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan
Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 29, 2012
58
Exhibit
Location
12.1
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
21
23
31(a)
31(b)
32(a)
32(b)
101
Subsidiaries of the Company
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive
Officer of the Company in accordance with Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
The following materials from the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September
27, 2014 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting
Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of
Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated
Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Equity
and (vi) related notes
Filed herewith
Filed herewith
Filed herewith
Filed herewith
Filed herewith
Furnished herewith
Furnished herewith
Filed herewith
*
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be
retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.
59
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: November 19, 2014
By:
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ ROBERT A. IGER
(Robert A. Iger,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Principal Executive Officer
/s/ ROBERT A. IGER
(Robert A. Iger)
Principal Financial and Accounting Officers
/s/ JAMES A. RASULO
(James A. Rasulo)
Title
Date
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
November 19, 2014
Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
November 19, 2014
/s/ BRENT A. WOODFORD
Senior Vice President-Planning and Control
November 19, 2014
(Brent A. Woodford)
Directors
/s/ SUSAN E. ARNOLD
(Susan E. Arnold)
/s/ JOHN S. CHEN
(John S. Chen)
/s/ JACK DORSEY
(Jack Dorsey)
/s/ ROBERT A. IGER
(Robert A. Iger)
/s/ FRED H. LANGHAMMER
(Fred H. Langhammer)
/s/ AYLWIN B. LEWIS
(Aylwin B. Lewis)
/s/ MONICA C. LOZANO
(Monica C. Lozano)
/s/ ROBERT W. MATSCHULLAT
(Robert W. Matschullat)
/s/ SHERYL SANDBERG
(Sheryl Sandberg)
/s/ ORIN C. SMITH
(Orin C. Smith)
Director
Director
Director
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
Chairman of the Board and Director
November 19, 2014
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
60
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements of The Walt Disney Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended September 27, 2014, September 28, 2013 and
September 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended September 27, 2014, September
28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 27, 2014, September 28, 2013 and
September 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 27, 2014, September 28,
2013 and September 29, 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Summary (unaudited)
Page
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
112
All schedules are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable or the required information is included in the
financial statements or notes.
61
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such
term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that
receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors
of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition,
use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. 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.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission in 1992. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 27, 2014.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2014 has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included
herein.
62
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries (the Company) at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 27, 2014 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2014, based on criteria established in
Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
in 1992 (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included
in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express
opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated
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 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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 19, 2014
63
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)
2014
2013
2012
$
40,246
$
37,280
$
34,625
8,567
48,813
7,761
45,041
7,653
42,278
Revenues:
Services
Products
Total revenues
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
(21,356)
(20,090)
(18,625)
(5,064)
(8,565)
(2,288)
(4,944)
(8,365)
(2,192)
(4,843)
(7,960)
(1,987)
(37,273)
(35,591)
(33,415)
Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Total costs and expenses
Restructuring and impairment charges
Other income/(expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net
Equity in the income of investees
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(140)
(31)
23
854
12,246
(4,242)
8,004
(503)
Net income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney)
$
7,501
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:
Diluted
Basic
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding:
Diluted
Basic
$
$
4.26
4.31
1,759
1,740
(214)
(69)
(235)
688
9,620
(2,984)
6,636
(500)
6,136
3.38
3.42
1,813
1,792
$
$
$
(100)
239
(369)
627
9,260
(3,087)
6,173
(491)
5,682
3.13
3.17
1,818
1,794
$
$
$
Dividends declared per share
$
0.86
$
0.75
$
0.60
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
64
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
Net Income
$
8,004
$
6,636
$
6,173
2014
2013
2012
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Market value adjustments for investments
Market value adjustments for hedges
Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments
Foreign currency translation and other
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests
5
121
(925)
(18)
(817)
7,187
(503)
36
92
135
1,963
(80)
2,110
8,746
(500)
(31)
(3)
2
(609)
(41)
(651)
5,522
(491)
15
Comprehensive income attributable to Disney
$
6,720
$
8,215
$
5,046
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
65
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share data)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Inventories
Television costs and advances
Deferred income taxes
Other current assets
Total current assets
Film and television costs
Investments
Parks, resorts and other property
Attractions, buildings and equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Projects in progress
Land
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
Current portion of borrowings
Unearned royalties and other advances
Total current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred income taxes
Other long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value
Authorized – 100 million shares, Issued – none
Common stock, $.01 par value
Authorized – 4.6 billion shares, Issued – 2.8 billion shares
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock, at cost, 1.1 billion shares at September 27, 2014 and 1.0 billion
shares at September 28, 2013
Total Disney Shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
66
$
$
$
$
3,421
7,822
1,574
1,061
497
801
15,176
5,325
2,696
42,263
(23,722)
18,541
3,553
1,238
23,332
7,434
27,881
2,342
84,186
7,595
2,164
3,533
13,292
12,676
4,098
5,942
—
34,301
53,734
(1,968)
86,067
(41,109)
44,958
3,220
48,178
84,186
$
$
$
$
3,931
6,967
1,487
634
485
605
14,109
4,783
2,849
41,192
(22,459)
18,733
2,476
1,171
22,380
7,370
27,324
2,426
81,241
6,803
1,512
3,389
11,704
12,776
4,050
4,561
—
33,440
47,758
(1,187)
80,011
(34,582)
45,429
2,721
48,150
81,241
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
2014
2013
2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
Depreciation and amortization
Gains on sales of investments, dispositions and acquisitions
Deferred income taxes
Equity in the income of investees
Cash distributions received from equity investees
Net change in film and television costs and advances
Equity-based compensation
Other
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables
Inventories
Other assets
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
Income taxes
Cash provided by operations
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investments in parks, resorts and other property
Sales of investments/proceeds from dispositions
Acquisitions
Other
Cash used in investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Commercial paper borrowings/(repayments), net
Borrowings
Reduction of borrowings
Dividends
Repurchases of common stock
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Other
Cash used in financing activities
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
$
$
$
$
8,004
2,288
(299)
517
(854)
718
(964)
408
234
(480)
(81)
(151)
536
(96)
9,780
(3,311)
395
(402)
(27)
(3,345)
50
2,231
(1,648)
(1,508)
(6,527)
404
288
(6,710)
(235)
(510)
3,931
3,421
310
3,483
$
$
$
$
6,636
2,192
(325)
92
(688)
694
(49)
402
395
(374)
51
(30)
367
89
9,452
(2,796)
479
(2,443)
84
(4,676)
(2,050)
3,931
(1,502)
(1,324)
(4,087)
587
231
(4,214)
(18)
544
3,387
3,931
316
2,531
$
$
$
$
6,173
1,987
(198)
472
(627)
663
(52)
408
231
(108)
18
(151)
(608)
(242)
7,966
(3,784)
110
(1,088)
3
(4,759)
467
3,779
(3,822)
(1,076)
(3,015)
1,008
(326)
(2,985)
(20)
202
3,185
3,387
718
2,630
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
67
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions)
Equity Attributable to Disney
Shares
Common
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Treasury
Stock
Total
Disney
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance at October 1, 2011
1,808
$
30,296
$
38,375
$
(2,630)
$ (28,656)
$
37,385
$
2,068
$
39,453
Comprehensive income
Equity compensation activity
Common stock repurchases
Dividends
Distributions and other
—
44
(72)
—
—
—
5,682
(636)
1,415
—
16
4
—
—
(1,092)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,046
1,415
(3,015)
(3,015)
(1,076)
—
—
476
—
—
—
5,522
1,415
(3,015)
(1,076)
4
(345)
(341)
Balance at September 29, 2012
1,780
$
31,731
$
42,965
$
(3,266)
$ (31,671)
$
39,759
$
2,199
$
41,958
Comprehensive income
Equity compensation activity
Common stock repurchases
Dividends
Acquisition of Lucasfilm
Contributions
Distributions and other
—
27
(71)
—
37
—
—
—
6,136
2,079
1,007
—
18
679
—
5
—
—
(1,342)
—
—
(1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,215
1,007
(4,087)
(4,087)
—
(1,324)
1,176
1,855
—
—
—
4
531
—
—
—
6
505
(520)
8,746
1,007
(4,087)
(1,324)
1,861
505
(516)
Balance at September 28, 2013
1,773
$
33,440
$
47,758
$
(1,187)
$ (34,582)
$
45,429
$
2,721
$
48,150
Comprehensive income
Equity compensation activity
Common stock repurchases
Dividends
Contributions
Distributions and other
—
18
(84)
—
—
—
—
844
—
17
—
—
7,501
(781)
—
—
(1,525)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,720
844
(6,527)
(6,527)
—
—
—
(1,508)
—
—
467
—
—
—
608
(576)
7,187
844
(6,527)
(1,508)
608
(576)
Balance at September 27, 2014
1,707
$
34,301
$
53,734
$
(1,968)
$ (41,109)
$
44,958
$
3,220
$
48,178
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
68
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
1 Description of the Business and Segment Information
The Walt Disney Company, together with the subsidiaries through which businesses are conducted (the Company), is a
diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in the following business segments: Media Networks, Parks and
Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products and Interactive.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Media Networks
The Company operates cable programming services including the ESPN, Disney Channels, ABC Family and UTV/
Bindass networks, broadcast businesses, which include the ABC TV Network and eight owned television stations, radio
businesses consisting of the ESPN Radio Network, Radio Disney Network and 30 owned and operated Radio Disney and
ESPN radio stations. In August 2014, the Company announced its intention to sell 23 of its 24 U.S. based Radio Disney
stations. The ABC TV and ESPN Radio Networks have affiliated stations providing coverage to consumers throughout the U.S.
The Company also produces original live-action and animated television programming, which may be sold in network, first-run
syndication, pay and international television markets, on DVD and Blu-ray formats and through online services. The Company
has interests in media businesses that are accounted for under the equity method including A&E Television Networks LLC,
Seven TV, CTV Specialty Television, Inc., Hulu LLC and Fusion. Our Media Networks business also operates branded internet
sites.
Parks and Resorts
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. The
Walt Disney World Resort includes four theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s
Animal Kingdom), 18 resort hotels, a retail, dining and entertainment complex, a sports complex, conference centers,
campgrounds, water parks and other recreational facilities. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and
Disney California Adventure), three resort hotels and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. Internationally, as of
September 27, 2014, the Company manages and has a 51% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris, which includes
two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park), seven themed hotels, two convention centers, a shopping,
dining and entertainment complex and a 27-hole golf facility. The Company manages and has a 48% ownership interest in
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL), which includes one theme park and two resort hotels. The Company has a 43%
ownership interest in Shanghai Disney Resort, which is currently under construction, and a 70% ownership interest in the
management company of Shanghai Disney Resort. The Company also earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo
Disneyland Resort, which includes two theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) and three Disney-branded
hotels, and is owned and operated by an unrelated Japanese corporation. The Company manages and markets vacation club
ownership interests through the Disney Vacation Club, operates the Disney Cruise Line, the Adventures by Disney guided
group vacations business and Aulani, a hotel and vacation club resort in Hawaii. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering
unit designs and develops theme park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties.
Studio Entertainment
The Company produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures for worldwide distribution to the
theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. The Company distributes these products through its own distribution and
marketing companies in the U.S. and both directly and through independent companies and joint ventures in foreign markets
primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Touchstone, Lucasfilm and UTV banners. We distribute certain motion
pictures for DreamWorks under our Touchstone Pictures banner. The Company also produces stage plays and musical
recordings, licenses and produces live entertainment events and provides visual and audio effects and other post-production
services.
Consumer Products
The Company licenses its trade names, characters and visual and literary properties to various retailers, show promoters
and publishers throughout the world. The Company also engages in retail, online and wholesale distribution of products
through The Disney Store and DisneyStore.com. We operate The Disney Store in North America, Europe and Japan. The
Company publishes entertainment and educational books and magazines and comic books for children and families and
operates English language learning centers in China.
69
Interactive
The Company creates and delivers branded entertainment and lifestyle content across interactive media platforms. The
primary operations include the production and global distribution of multi-platform games, the licensing of game content, and
the development of branded online services.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The operating segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which separate financial information is
available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by the Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate
resources and in assessing performance.
Segment operating results reflect earnings before corporate and unallocated shared expenses, restructuring and
impairment charges, other income/(expense), interest income/(expense), income taxes and noncontrolling interests. Segment
operating income includes equity in the income of investees. Corporate and unallocated shared expenses principally consist of
corporate functions, executive management and certain unallocated administrative support functions.
Equity in the income of investees included in segment operating results is as follows:
Media Networks
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Parks and Resorts
Equity in the income of investees included in segment operating
income
2014
2013
2012
$
$
895
(39)
(2)
854
$
$
788
(46)
—
742
$
$
664
(37)
—
627
In fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $55 million charge for our share of expense related to an equity redemption at
Hulu LLC (Hulu Equity Redemption). This charge is recorded in Equity in the income of investees in the Consolidated
Statement of Income but has been excluded from segment operating income. See Note 3 for further discussion of the
transaction.
The following segment results include allocations of certain costs, including information technology, pension, legal and
other shared services costs, which are allocated based on metrics designed to correlate with consumption. These allocations are
agreed-upon amounts between the businesses and may differ from amounts that would be negotiated in arm’s length
transactions. In addition, all significant intersegment transactions have been eliminated except that Studio Entertainment
revenues and operating income include an allocation of Consumer Products and Interactive revenues, which is meant to reflect
royalties on revenue generated by Consumer Products and Interactive on merchandise based on intellectual property from
certain Studio Entertainment films.
70
Revenues
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Third parties
Intersegment
Consumer Products
Third parties
Intersegment
Interactive
Third parties
Intersegment
Total consolidated revenues
Segment operating income (loss)
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Total segment operating income
Reconciliation of segment operating income to
income before income taxes
Segment operating income
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses
Restructuring and impairment charges
Other income/(expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net
Hulu Equity Redemption charge
Income before income taxes
Capital expenditures
Media Networks
Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Parks and Resorts
Domestic
International
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
Total capital expenditures
2014
2013
2012
$
21,152
15,099
$
20,356
14,087
$
19,436
12,920
6,988
290
7,278
4,274
(289)
3,985
1,300
(1)
1,299
48,813
7,321
2,663
1,549
1,356
116
13,005
13,005
(611)
(140)
(31)
23
—
12,246
172
88
1,184
1,504
63
43
5
252
3,311
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,721
258
5,979
3,811
(256)
3,555
1,066
(2)
1,064
45,041
6,818
2,220
661
1,112
(87)
10,724
10,724
(531)
(214)
(69)
(235)
(55)
9,620
176
87
1,140
970
78
45
13
287
2,796
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,566
259
5,825
3,499
(247)
3,252
857
(12)
845
42,278
6,619
1,902
722
937
(216)
9,964
9,964
(474)
(100)
239
(369)
—
9,260
170
85
2,242
641
79
69
27
471
3,784
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
71
Depreciation expense
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Domestic
International
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
Total depreciation expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
Total amortization of intangible assets
Identifiable assets(1)
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate(2)
Total consolidated assets
Supplemental revenue data
Affiliate Fees
Advertising
Retail merchandise, food and beverage
Theme park admissions
Revenues
United States and Canada
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America and Other
Segment operating income
United States and Canada
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America and Other
2014
2013
2012
$
238
$
238
$
241
1,117
353
48
59
10
239
2,064
12
2
88
109
13
—
224
29,887
23,335
15,155
7,526
2,259
6,024
84,186
10,632
8,094
5,598
5,114
36,769
6,505
3,930
1,609
48,813
9,594
1,581
1,342
488
13,005
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,041
327
54
57
20
220
1,957
13
2
107
89
24
—
235
28,627
22,056
14,750
7,506
2,311
5,991
81,241
10,018
8,006
5,185
4,704
34,021
6,181
3,333
1,506
45,041
7,871
1,361
1,016
476
10,724
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
927
314
48
55
17
182
1,784
17
—
94
60
32
—
203
9,360
7,773
4,849
4,225
31,770
6,223
2,990
1,295
42,278
6,991
1,692
835
446
9,964
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
72
Long-lived assets (3)
United States and Canada
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America and Other
2014
2013
$
$
52,947
8,733
5,084
217
66,981
$
$
53,225
7,552
3,909
215
64,901
(1) Identifiable assets include amounts associated with equity method investments, goodwill and intangible assets. Equity
method investments by segment are as follows:
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
Goodwill and intangible assets by segment are as follows:
Media Networks
Parks and Resorts
Studio Entertainment
Consumer Products
Interactive
Corporate
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
2,321
28
2
1
—
124
2,476
2014
18,270
379
8,679
6,187
1,670
130
35,315
$
$
$
$
2,369
15
2
1
—
20
2,407
2013
17,782
342
8,425
6,262
1,753
130
34,694
(2) Primarily fixed assets, deferred tax assets, cash and cash equivalents and investments
(3) Long-lived assets are total assets less the following: current assets, long-term receivables, deferred taxes, financial
investments and derivatives
2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of The Walt Disney Company and its
majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company enters into relationships or investments with other entities in which it does not have majority ownership.
In certain instances, the entity in which the Company has a relationship or investment may be a variable interest entity (VIE).
A VIE is consolidated in the financial statements if the Company has the power to direct activities that most significantly
impact the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses (as defined by ASC 810-10-25-38) or the
right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland
Resort (HKDL) and Shanghai Disney Resort (collectively the International Theme Parks) are VIEs. Company subsidiaries (the
Management Companies) have management agreements with the International Theme Parks, which provide the Management
Companies, subject to certain protective rights of joint venture partners, with the ability to direct the day-to-day operating
activities and the development of business strategies that we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of the
International Theme Parks. In addition, the Management Companies receive management fees under these arrangements that
we believe could be significant to the International Theme Parks. Therefore, although the Company has less than a 50% direct
ownership interest in the International Theme Parks, the Company has consolidated the International Theme Parks in its
financial statements.
73
Reporting Period
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 and consists of fifty-two weeks with the
exception that approximately every six years, we have a fifty-three week year. When a fifty-three week year occurs, the
Company reports the additional week in the fourth quarter. 2014, 2013 and 2012 were fifty-two week fiscal years. Fiscal 2015
will be a fifty-three week year beginning on September 28, 2014 and ending on October 3, 2015.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 financial statements and notes to conform to
the fiscal 2014 presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual
results may differ from those estimates.
Revenues and Costs from Services and Products
The Company generates revenue from the sale of both services and tangible products and revenues and operating costs
are classified under these two categories in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Certain costs related to both the sale of
services and tangible products are not specifically allocated between the service or tangible product revenue streams but are
attributed to the principal revenue stream. The cost of services and tangible products exclude depreciation and amortization.
Significant service revenues include:
• Affiliate fees
• Advertising revenues
• Revenue from the licensing and distribution of film and television properties
• Admissions to our theme parks, charges for room nights at hotels and sales of cruise vacation packages
• Licensing of intellectual property in our consumer products and publishing businesses
Significant operating costs related to the sale of services include:
• Amortization of programming, production, participations and residuals costs
• Distribution costs
• Operating labor
• Facilities and infrastructure costs
Significant tangible product revenues include:
• The sale of food, beverage and merchandise at our retail locations
• The sale of DVDs, Blu-ray discs and video game discs and accessories
• The sale of books and magazines
Significant operating costs related to the sale of tangible products include:
• Costs of goods sold
• Amortization of programming, production, participations and residuals costs
• Distribution costs
• Operating labor
• Retail occupancy costs
• Game development costs
Revenue Recognition
Television advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Revenues from television subscription
services related to the Company’s primary cable programming services are recognized as services are provided. Certain of the
Company’s contracts with cable and satellite operators include annual programming commitments. In these cases, recognition
of revenues subject to the commitments is deferred until the annual commitments are satisfied, which generally results in
higher revenue recognition in the second half of the year.
Revenues from advance theme park ticket sales are recognized when the tickets are used. Revenues from expiring multi-
use tickets are recognized ratably over the estimated usage period. For non-expiring, multi-day tickets, revenues are
74
recognized over a five-year time period based on estimated usage. The estimated usage periods are derived from historical
usage patterns.
Revenues from the theatrical distribution of motion pictures are recognized when motion pictures are exhibited.
Revenues from home entertainment and video game sales, net of anticipated returns and customer incentives, are recognized on
the date that units are made available for sale by retailers. Revenues from the licensing of feature films and television
programming are recorded when the content is available for telecast by the licensee and when certain other conditions are met.
Revenues from the sale of electronic formats of feature films and television programming are recognized when the product is
received by the consumer.
Merchandise licensing advances and guarantee royalty payments are recognized based on the contractual royalty rate
when the licensed product is sold by the licensee. Non-refundable advances and minimum guarantee royalty payments in
excess of royalties earned are generally recognized as revenue at the end of the contract period.
Revenues from our branded online and mobile operations are recognized as services are rendered. Advertising revenues
at our internet operations are recognized when advertisements are viewed online.
Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented in the Consolidated Statements of
Income on a net basis.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. The
allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our analysis of trends in overall receivables aging, specific identification
of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, past collection experience and current economic trends.
Advertising Expense
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.8 billion,
$2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or
less.
Investments
Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-
maturity” and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity and marketable equity securities are
considered “available-for-sale” and recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI). All other equity securities are accounted for using either the cost method or the equity
method.
The Company regularly reviews its investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other
than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written
down to fair value.
Translation Policy
The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for the majority of our international operations. The local currency is the
functional currency for the International Theme Parks, international locations of The Disney Stores, our UTV businesses in
India, our English language learning centers in China and certain international equity method investments.
For U.S. dollar functional currency locations, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at
end-of-period exchange rates, except for non-monetary balance sheet accounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange
rates. Revenue and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses
related to the non-monetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from
foreign currency remeasurement are included in income.
For local currency functional locations, assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period rates while revenues and
expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting
cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of AOCI.
75
Inventories
Inventory primarily includes vacation timeshare units, merchandise, materials and supplies. Carrying amounts of vacation
ownership units are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Carrying amounts of merchandise, materials and
supplies inventories are generally determined on a moving average cost basis and are recorded at the lower of cost or market.
Film and Television Costs
Film and television costs include capitalizable production costs, production overhead, interest, development costs and
acquired production costs and are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. Acquired
programming costs for the Company’s cable and broadcast television networks are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated
amortization, or net realizable value. Acquired television broadcast program licenses and rights are recorded when the license
period begins and the program is available for use. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs are expensed as
incurred.
Film and television production, participation and residual costs are expensed over the applicable product life cycle based
upon the ratio of the current period’s revenues to estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each production.
For film productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of
the initial theatrical release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from
delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later. For acquired
film libraries, remaining revenues include amounts to be earned for up to twenty years from the date of acquisition. Costs of
film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated fair values with
the unamortized costs. The Company bases these fair value measurements on the Company’s assumptions about how market
participants would price the asset at the balance sheet date, which may be different than the amounts ultimately realized in
future periods. The amount by which the unamortized costs of film and television productions exceed their estimated fair
values is written off. Film development costs for projects that have been abandoned or have not been set for production within
three years are generally written off.
The costs of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs are expensed based on the number
of times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Rights costs for
multi-year sports programming arrangements are amortized during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value
of each year in the arrangement. The estimated values of each year are based on our projections of revenues over the contract
period, which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to
each season approximate each season’s relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the applicable
season. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.
The net realizable values of network television broadcast program licenses and rights are reviewed using a daypart
methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of day or programs of a
similar type. The Company’s dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes broadcast and cable). The
net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated basis for each cable network.
Internal-Use Software Costs
The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project stage of developing or acquiring internal use software,
such as research and feasibility studies as well as costs incurred in the post-implementation/operational stage, such as
maintenance and training. Capitalization of software development costs occurs only after the preliminary-project stage is
complete, management authorizes the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used
for the function intended. As of September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, capitalized software costs, net of accumulated
depreciation, totaled $761 million and $831 million, respectively. The capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis
over the estimated useful life of the software, ranging from 3-10 years.
Software Product Development Costs
Software product development costs incurred prior to reaching technological feasibility are expensed. We have
determined that technological feasibility of our video game software is generally not established until substantially all product
development is complete.
76
Parks, Resorts and Other Property
Parks, resorts and other property are carried at historical cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over
estimated useful lives as follows:
Attractions
Buildings and improvements
Leasehold improvements
Land improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
25 – 40 years
20 – 40 years
Life of lease or asset life if less
20 – 40 years
3 – 25 years
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis
and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are
generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each
reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit
is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the
reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow)
corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate
valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. We include in the projected cash flows an estimate of the revenue we
believe the reporting unit would receive if the intellectual property developed by the reporting unit that is being used by other
reporting units was licensed to an unrelated third party at its fair market value. These amounts are not necessarily the same as
those included in segment operating results.
In times of adverse economic conditions in the global economy, the Company’s long-term cash flow projections are
subject to a greater degree of uncertainty than usual. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
The Company is required to compare the fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets to their carrying amounts.
If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Fair
values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as
appropriate.
The Company tests long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once a triggering event has
occurred, the impairment test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset
for sale. The impairment test for assets held for use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the
useful life of an asset group against the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the
lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and
could include assets used across multiple businesses or segments. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group’s long-
lived assets and the carrying value of the group’s long-lived assets. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the
group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amount, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its
fair value. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an
impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company tested its goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment.
During fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $46 million related to radio FCC licenses held
by businesses in the Media Networks segment and were determined in connection with the plan to sell Radio Disney stations.
During fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded impairments totaling $5 million and $0, respectively. These
impairment charges were recorded in Restructuring and impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Amortizable intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 40 years. The costs to
periodically renew our intangible assets are expensed as incurred. The Company has determined that there are currently no
legal, competitive, economic or other factors that materially limit the useful life of our FCC licenses and trademarks.
77
The Company expects its aggregate annual amortization expense for existing amortizable intangible assets for fiscal years
2015 through 2019 to be as follows:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
$
218
206
194
191
186
Risk Management Contracts
In the normal course of business, the Company employs a variety of financial instruments (derivatives) including interest
rate and cross-currency swap agreements and forward and option contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedges and hedged items as well as its risk management
objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. There are two types of derivatives into which the
Company enters: hedges of fair value exposure and hedges of cash flow exposure. Hedges of fair value exposure are entered
into in order to hedge the fair value of a recognized asset, liability, or a firm commitment. Hedges of cash flow exposure are
entered into in order to hedge a forecasted transaction (e.g. forecasted revenue) or the variability of cash flows to be paid or
received, related to a recognized liability or asset (e.g. floating rate debt).
The Company designates and assigns the derivatives as hedges of forecasted transactions, specific assets or specific
liabilities. When hedged assets or liabilities are sold or extinguished or the forecasted transactions being hedged occur or are no
longer expected to occur, the Company recognizes the gain or loss on the designated derivatives.
The Company’s hedge positions are measured at fair value on the balance sheet. Realized gains and losses from hedges
are classified in the income statement consistent with the accounting treatment of the items being hedged. The Company
accrues the differential for interest rate swaps to be paid or received under the agreements as interest rates change as
adjustments to interest expense over the lives of the swaps. Gains and losses on the termination of effective swap agreements,
prior to their original maturity, are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying hedged
transactions.
The Company enters into derivatives that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. These
derivatives are intended to offset certain economic exposures of the Company and are carried at fair value with changes in
value recorded in earnings. Cash flows from hedging activities are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
under the same category as the cash flows from the related assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions (see Notes 8 and 16).
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded with respect to temporary differences in the accounting treatment
of items for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. Where, based on the weight of available evidence, it is
more likely than not that some amount of recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established
for the amount that, in management’s judgment, is sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely
than not to be realized.
A tax position must meet a minimum probability threshold before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The
minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable
taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the
position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of
being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Earnings Per Share
The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net
income attributable to Disney by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is
based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year, which is
calculated using the treasury-stock method for equity-based awards (Awards). Common equivalent shares are excluded from
the computation in periods for which they have an anti-dilutive effect. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the
average market price over the period are anti-dilutive and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.
78
A reconciliation of the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding and the number
of Awards excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as they were anti-dilutive, are as follows:
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding (basic)
Weighted average dilutive impact of Awards
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding (diluted)
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share
2014
2013
2012
1,740
19
1,759
6
1,792
21
1,813
2
1,794
24
1,818
10
3 Acquisitions
Maker Studios
On May 7, 2014, the Company acquired Maker Studios, Inc. (Maker), a leading network of online video content, for
approximately $500 million of cash consideration, subject to certain conditions and adjustments. Maker shareholders may also
receive up to $450 million of additional cash if Maker achieves certain performance targets for calendar years 2014 and 2015.
The Company recognized a $198 million liability for the fair value of the contingent consideration (determined by a probability
weighting of potential payouts). Subsequent changes in the estimated fair value, if any, will be recognized in earnings. The
Company is in the process of finalizing the valuation of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and the fair value of the
contingent consideration. The majority of the purchase price has initially been allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for
tax purposes. Goodwill reflects the synergies expected from enhancing the presence of Disney’s franchises and brands through
the use of Maker’s distribution platform, advanced technology and business intelligence capability. The revenue and net
income of Maker, which are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the closing through
September 27, 2014, are not material.
Lucasfilm
On December 21, 2012, the Company acquired Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC (Lucasfilm), a privately held entertainment company.
This acquisition will allow Disney to utilize Lucasfilm’s content across our multiple platforms, businesses and markets, which
we believe will generate growth as well as significant long-term value.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Disney issued 37.1 million shares and made a cash payment of $2.2 billion.
Based on the $50.00 per share closing price of Disney shares on December 21, 2012, the transaction had a value of $4.1 billion.
The following table summarizes our allocation of the purchase price to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets
acquired and liabilities assumed. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values and the related deferred income tax
liability was allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes.
(in billions)
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Deferred income tax liability
Estimated
Fair Value
$
$
2.6
2.3
(0.8)
4.1
Intangible assets primarily consist of intellectual property based on the Star Wars franchise with an estimated useful life
of approximately 40 years. The goodwill reflects the value to Disney from leveraging Lucasfilm intellectual property across our
distribution channels, taking advantage of Disney’s established global reach.
Hulu
On October 5, 2012, Hulu LLC (Hulu) redeemed Providence Equity Partners’ 10% equity interest in Hulu for $200
million, increasing the Company’s ownership interest in Hulu from 29% to 32%. In connection with the transaction, Hulu
incurred a charge of approximately $174 million primarily related to employee equity-based compensation and borrowed $338
million under a five-year term loan, which was guaranteed by the Company and the other partners. The Company’s share of
the charge totaled $55 million and was recorded in equity in the income of investees in fiscal 2013.
79
In July 2013, Fox Entertainment Group, NBCUniversal and the Company agreed to provide Hulu with $750 million in
cash to fund Hulu’s operations and investments for future growth, of which the Company’s share is $257 million. To date, the
Company has contributed $134 million, increasing its ownership to 33%, and will continue to guarantee its share of Hulu’s
$338 million term loan.
The Company accounts for its interest in Hulu as an equity method investment.
AETN
A&E Television Networks LLC (AETN) is a joint venture that operates multiple cable programming services, which was
owned 42.1% by the Company, 42.1% by the Hearst Corporation (Hearst) and 15.8% by NBCUniversal until August 2012
when AETN redeemed NBCUniversal’s equity interest for approximately $3.0 billion. The redemption was financed with third-
party borrowings and equity contributions of $300 million each from the Company and Hearst. As a result of the transaction,
the Company’s and Hearst’s ownership interest each increased to 50%. The Company accounts for its interest in AETN as an
equity method investment.
UTV
Pursuant to a delisting offer process governed by Indian law, on February 2, 2012, the Company paid $377 million to
purchase publicly held shares and all of the shares held by the founder of UTV Software Communications Limited (UTV), a
media and entertainment company headquartered in India. The Company also assumed approximately $300 million of UTV’s
borrowings. The purchase increased the Company’s ownership interest to 93% from 50%. As a result, the Company changed its
accounting for UTV from an equity investment to a consolidated subsidiary. The acquisition of UTV supports the Company’s
strategic priority of increasing its brand presence and reach in key international markets.
Upon consolidation, the Company recognized a non-cash gain of $184 million ($116 million after tax) as a result of
adjusting the carrying value of the Company’s 50% equity investment to its estimated fair value of $405 million. The gain was
recorded in Other income/(expense), net in the fiscal 2012 Consolidated Statement of Income. The fair value was determined
based on the Company’s internal valuation of the UTV business using an income approach (discounted cash flow model),
which the Company believes provides the most appropriate indicator of fair value.
The Company’s allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired
and liabilities assumed resulted in the majority of the purchase price being allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for tax
purposes. The goodwill reflects the synergies and increased Indian market penetration expected from combining the operations
of UTV and the Company.
Since the February 2012 delisting process, the Company has acquired an incremental 6% interest for $74 million, which
has increased the Company’s ownership to over 99%.
Seven TV
On November 18, 2011, the Company acquired a 49% ownership interest in Seven TV for $300 million. Seven TV is a
broadcast television network that was converted to an advertising-supported, free-to-air Disney Channel in Russia following
the acquisition. In October 2014, new regulations were adopted in Russia that prohibit more than 20% foreign ownership of
media companies and could require the Company to divest a portion of its interest by January 2016. The Company is
evaluating its options with respect to these regulations and, depending on the outcome, we could have an impairment of some
or all of our investment. The Company accounts for its interest in Seven TV as an equity method investment.
80
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 are as
follows:
Balance at Sept. 29, 2012
$
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Other, net
Balance at Sept. 28, 2013
$
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Other, net (1)
Balance at Sept. 27, 2014 $
Media
Networks
16,131
21
(9)
(72)
16,071
270
—
37
16,378
$
$
$
Parks and
Resorts
172
81
—
—
253
15
—
23
291
Studio
Entertainment
5,680
$
975
—
(64)
6,591
219
—
46
6,856
$
$
Consumer
Products
1,794
1,149
(3)
2
2,942
4
—
21
2,967
$
$
$
Interactive
1,333
155
—
(21)
1,467
39
—
(117)
1,389
$
$
$
Total
25,110
2,381
(12)
(155)
27,324
547
—
10
27,881
$
$
$
(1) Includes the reallocation of $120 million of goodwill from the Interactive segment to other operating segments as a
result of restructuring the Interactive segment.
4 Dispositions and Other Income/(Expense)
Other income/(expense)
Other income/(expense) is as follows:
Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss
Gain on sale of property
Celador litigation charge
Gain on sale of equity interest in ESS
Gain related to the acquisition of UTV
Lehman recovery
Disneyland Paris debt charge
Other
Other income/(expense), net
Venezuela foreign currency loss
2014
2013
2012
$
$
(143)
77
—
—
—
—
—
35
(31)
$
$
—
—
(321)
219
—
—
—
33
(69)
$
$
—
—
—
—
184
79
(24)
—
239
The Company has operations in Venezuela, including film and television distribution and merchandise licensing and has
net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan bolivares (BsF), which primarily consist of cash. The Venezuelan government
(Government) has foreign currency exchange controls, which centralize the purchase and sale of all foreign currency at an
official rate determined by the Government, currently 6.3 BsF per U.S. dollar. Although the Company has historically been
unable to repatriate its cash at the official rate, we translated our net monetary assets at the official rate through December 28,
2013. In January 2014, the Government announced that currency arising from certain transactions could be exchanged at an
alternative rate (SICAD 1), which fluctuates based on Government-run auctions. The ability to convert currency in the SICAD
1 market is dependent on market factors and Government discretion, and the Company does not believe it can successfully
convert material amounts of currency at this rate. In March 2014, the Government launched a new currency exchange market
(SICAD 2), which allowed entities to submit a daily application to exchange foreign currency with financial institutions that are
registered with the Venezuelan central bank. Foreign currency exchange rates under SICAD 2 fluctuate daily. The ability to
convert in the SICAD 2 market is also dependent on market factors including the availability of U.S. dollars. Although a small
portion of the Company’s cash may be eligible to be exchanged at SICAD 1, the majority is only eligible for exchange at
SICAD 2. Accordingly, as of March 29, 2014, the Company began translating its BsF denominated net monetary assets at the
SICAD 2 rate resulting in a loss of $143 million in the second quarter of the current year based on the SICAD 2 rate at
March 29, 2014, which was 50.9 BsF per U.S. dollar. The SICAD 2 rate on September 27, 2014 was 50.0 BsF per U.S. dollar
and the Company had net monetary assets of approximately 1.4 billion BsF on September 27, 2014.
81
Celador litigation charge
In connection with the Company’s litigation with Celador International Ltd., the Company recorded a $321 million charge
in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
ESPN STAR Sports
On November 7, 2012, the Company sold its 50% equity interest in ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) to the joint venture partner
of ESS for $335 million resulting in a gain of $219 million ($125 million after tax and allocation to noncontrolling interest) in
fiscal 2013.
UTV
In connection with the Company’s acquisition of UTV, the Company recorded a $184 million gain in fiscal 2012. See
Note 3 for further discussion of the transaction.
Lehman
The Company recovered $79 million of previously written-off receivables in connection with the Lehman Brothers
bankruptcy in fiscal 2012.
Disneyland Paris
In fiscal 2012, the Company recorded a net charge of $24 million on the repayment of the third-party bank debt held at
Disneyland Paris.
Other
During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company sold its interest in various equity method investments and
businesses for total proceeds of $4 million, $61 million and $15 million, respectively and recognized pre-tax gains of $6
million, $33 million and $0 million, respectively. During fiscal 2014, the Company also recognized $29 million representing a
portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute.
5 Investments
Investments consist of the following:
Investments, equity basis
Investments, other
Investments, Equity Basis
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
$
$
2,476
220
2,696
$
$
2,407
442
2,849
A summary of combined financial information for equity investments, which primarily includes media investments such
as AETN, CTV Specialty Television, Inc. and Seven TV, is as follows:
Results of Operations:
Revenues
Net income
2014
2013
2012
$
$
6,573
2,003
$
$
6,231
1,470
$
$
5,923
1,528
82
Balance Sheet
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
September 29,
2012
$
$
$
$
2,640
6,294
8,934
1,504
3,298
4,132
8,934
$
$
$
$
2,662
5,495
8,157
1,357
3,368
3,432
8,157
$
$
$
$
2,714
5,674
8,388
1,360
3,531
3,497
8,388
As of September 27, 2014, the book value of the Company’s equity method investments exceeded our share of the book
value of the investees’ underlying net assets by approximately $0.5 billion, which represents amortizable intangible assets and
goodwill arising from acquisitions.
Investments, Other
As of September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the Company held $100 million and $305 million, respectively, of
securities classified as available-for-sale, $81 million and $101 million, respectively, of non-publicly traded cost-method
investments and $39 million and $36 million, respectively of investments in leveraged leases.
In fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company had realized gains of $165 million and $40 million, respectively, on
available-for-sale securities. In fiscal 2012, the Company had no significant realized gains or losses on available-for-sale
securities.
In fiscal year 2014, the Company had realized gains of $53 million on non-publicly traded cost-method investments. In
fiscal 2013 and 2012, the Company had no significant realized gain or losses on non-publicly traded cost-method investments.
In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $13 million, $37 million and $11
million, respectively, to reflect other-than-temporary losses in value of certain investments.
Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale and non-publicly traded cost-method investments are reported in Interest
income/(expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
6 International Theme Park Investments
The Company has a 51% effective ownership interest in the operations of Disneyland Paris, a 48% ownership interest in
the operations of HKDL and a 43% ownership interest in the operations of Shanghai Disney Resort, all of which are VIEs
consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. See Note 2 for the Company’s policy on consolidating VIEs.
83
The following tables present summarized balance sheet information for the Company as of September 27, 2014 and
September 28, 2013, reflecting the impact of consolidating the International Theme Parks balance sheets.
As of September 27, 2014
Before
International
Theme Parks
Consolidation
International
Theme Parks
and
Adjustments
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Total current assets
Investments/Advances
Parks, resorts and other property
Other assets
Total assets
Current portion of borrowings
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities
Equity
Total liabilities and equity
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Total current assets
Investments/Advances
Parks, resorts and other property
Other assets
Total assets
Current portion of borrowings
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities
Equity
Total liabilities and equity
$
$
$
$
2,645
11,452
14,097
6,627
17,081
42,958
80,763
2,164
10,318
12,482
12,423
9,859
45,999
80,763
Before
International
Theme Parks
Consolidation
3,325
$
9,896
13,221
6,415
17,117
41,879
78,632
$
$
$
1,512
9,622
11,134
12,501
8,466
46,531
78,632
84
$
$
$
$
776
303
1,079
(3,931)
6,251
24
3,423
—
810
810
253
181
2,179
3,423
$
$
$
$
$
As of September 28, 2013
International
Theme Parks
and
Adjustments
606
282
888
(3,566)
5,263
24
2,609
$
$
$
$
$
—
570
570
275
145
1,619
2,609
$
$
Total
3,421
11,755
15,176
2,696
23,332
42,982
84,186
2,164
11,128
13,292
12,676
10,040
48,178
84,186
Total
3,931
10,178
14,109
2,849
22,380
41,903
81,241
1,512
10,192
11,704
12,776
8,611
48,150
81,241
The following table presents summarized income statement information of the Company for the year ended
September 27, 2014, reflecting the impact of consolidating the International Theme Parks income statements.
Revenues
Cost and expenses
Restructuring and impairment charges
Other income/(expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net
Equity in the income of investees
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income
Before
International
Theme Parks
Consolidation(1)
$
46,455
(34,910)
(140)
(31)
73
819
12,266
(4,225)
8,041
$
International
Theme Parks
and
Adjustments
2,358
(2,363)
—
—
(50)
35
(20)
(17)
(37)
$
$
Total
48,813
(37,273)
(140)
(31)
23
854
12,246
(4,242)
8,004
$
$
(1) These amounts include the International Theme Parks under the equity method of accounting. As such, royalty and
management fee income from these operations is included in Revenues and our share of their net income/(loss) is
included in Equity in the income of investees. There were $86 million of royalties and management fees recognized
for the year ended September 27, 2014.
The following table presents summarized cash flow statement information of the Company for the year ended
September 27, 2014, reflecting the impact of consolidating the International Theme Parks cash flow statements.
Cash provided by operations
Investments in parks, resorts and other property
Cash (used in)/provided by other investing activities
Cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Disneyland Paris
Before
International
Theme Parks
Consolidation
9,294
$
(1,808)
(620)
(7,318)
(228)
(680)
3,325
2,645
$
International
Theme Parks
and
Adjustments
486
(1,503)
586
608
(7)
170
606
776
$
$
Total
9,780
(3,311)
(34)
(6,710)
(235)
(510)
3,931
3,421
$
$
In September 2012, the Company provided Disneyland Paris with €1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) of intercompany loans,
which were used to repay its outstanding third-party bank debt and resulted in a net charge of $24 million. The Company has
also provided Disneyland Paris lines of credit totaling €350 million ($444 million ), one of which bears interest at EURIBOR
and expires in two tranches (€100 million in 2015 and €150 million in 2018) and another €100 million credit line which bears
interest at EURIBOR plus 2.0% and expires in 2017. The balance outstanding under the lines of credit was €180 million ( $228
million) at September 27, 2014. The total outstanding balance of loans provided to Disneyland Paris, including amounts
outstanding under the lines of credit, was €1.8 billion ($2.3 billion ) as of September 27, 2014.
In October 2014, Disneyland Paris announced, with the Company’s backing, a €1.0 billion ($1.3 billion ) recapitalization
consisting of the following:
• An equity rights offering to raise approximately €0.4 billion ($0.5 billion) in cash proceeds of which the Company will
fund approximately €0.2 billion ($0.3 billion). To the extent the other Disneyland Paris shareholders choose not to
participate in the rights offering, the Company will also purchase the unsubscribed shares.
• The Company will convert €0.6 billion ($0.8 billion) of its loans to Disneyland Paris into equity.
85
• The Company will be required to make a mandatory tender offer to the other Disneyland Paris shareholders to
purchase their shares at a price, which is subject to French regulatory approval. Based on the proposed price of €1.25
per share, the Company may be required to purchase up to an additional €0.3 billion ($0.4 billion ) in shares.
• To mitigate the dilution caused by the loan conversion, the Disneyland Paris shareholders will have the right to
purchase shares from the Company at the price used to convert debt to equity.
• The Company will replace the existing lines of credit with a new consolidated €350 million line of credit bearing
interest at EURIBOR plus 2.0% and maturing in 2023.
The Company’s ownership interest in Disneyland Paris after the proposed recapitalization will depend on the number of
Disneyland Paris shareholders that participate in the rights offering, accept the Company’s tender offer, and/or exercise their
anti-dilution rights to purchase Disneyland Paris shares from the Company. The Company will have a minimum effective
ownership interest of 51% after the above transaction.
The transaction is subject to regulatory and Disneyland Paris shareholders’ approval. If approved, it is expected to be
completed in fiscal 2015.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
In July 2009, the Company entered into a capital realignment and expansion plan for HKDL with the Government of the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), HKDL’s majority shareholder. The expansion cost approximately $0.5
billion, was completed in 2013 and was financed equally by the Company and HKSAR. As a result the Company’s equity
interest in HKDL increased from 43% to 48%.
In addition, HKSAR holds a right to receive additional shares over time if HKDL exceeds certain return on asset
performance targets. The amount of additional shares HKSAR can receive varies to the extent certain performance targets are
exceeded but is capped on both an annual and cumulative basis. Based on the number of shares currently outstanding, these
additional shares could decrease the Company’s equity interest to no less than 38% over a period no shorter than 18 years.
As HKDL exceeded their performance targets in fiscal 2014, HKSAR is entitled to receive an additional equity interest of
approximately 1.0 percentage point in fiscal 2015.
HKDL plans to build a third hotel at the resort, which is expected to open in 2017 and cost approximately $550 million.
To fund the construction, the Company will contribute approximately $219 million of equity, and HKSAR will convert an equal
amount of its outstanding loan to HKDL into equity. Additionally, the Company and HKSAR will provide shareholder loans of
up to approximately $149 million and $104 million, respectively. The loans will mature on dates from fiscal 2022 through
fiscal 2025 and bear interest at a rate of three month HIBOR plus 2%.
Shanghai Disney Resort
The Company and Shanghai Shendi (Group) Co., Ltd (Shendi) are constructing a Disney Resort (Shanghai Disney
Resort) in the Pudong district of Shanghai that includes a theme park, two hotels and a retail, dining and entertainment area.
The original planned investment of approximately 29 billion yuan ($4.7 billion) was increased in 2014 by approximately 5
billion yuan ($0.8 billion), primarily to fund additional attractions, entertainment and other offerings to increase capacity at the
theme park. Construction on the project began in April 2011, with the resort opening date expected to be announced in early
calendar 2015.
The total investment in Shanghai Disney Resort will be funded in accordance with each partner’s ownership percentage,
with approximately 67% from equity contributions and 33% from shareholder loans. Shanghai Disney Resort is owned
through two joint venture companies, in which Shendi owns 57% and the Company owns 43%. An additional joint venture, in
which the Company has a 70% interest and Shendi a 30% interest, is responsible for creating, constructing and operating
Shanghai Disney Resort.
86
7 Film and Television Costs and Advances
Film and television costs and advances are as follows:
Theatrical film costs
Released, less amortization
Completed, not released
In-process
In development or pre-production
Television costs
Released, less amortization
Completed, not released
In-process
In development or pre-production
Television programming rights and advances
Less current portion
Non-current portion
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
$
$
1,371
42
2,023
299
3,735
609
319
227
11
1,166
1,485
6,386
1,061
5,325
$
$
1,382
20
1,670
271
3,343
514
311
196
6
1,027
1,047
5,417
634
4,783
Based on management’s total gross revenue estimates as of September 27, 2014, approximately 83% of unamortized film
and television costs for released productions (excluding amounts allocated to acquired film and television libraries) is expected
to be amortized during the next three years. Approximately $0.8 billion of accrued participation and residual liabilities will be
paid in fiscal year 2015. The Company expects to amortize, based on current estimates, approximately $1.1 billion in
capitalized film and television production costs during fiscal 2015.
At September 27, 2014, acquired film and television libraries have remaining unamortized costs of $211 million, which
are generally amortized straight-line over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 11 years.
87
8 Borrowings
The Company’s borrowings at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, including the impact of interest rate and
cross-currency swaps, are summarized below:
Commercial paper
U.S. medium-term notes
Foreign currency denominated debt
Capital Cities/ABC debt
Other (4)
HKDL borrowings
Total borrowings
Less current portion
2014
2013
$
50
$
—
13,713
13,155
530
110
184
14,587
253
14,840
2,164
509
111
238
14,013
275
14,288
1,512
2014
Pay
Floating
Interest rate
and Cross-
Currency
Swaps (2)
—
$
6,800
294
—
—
7,094
—
7,094
—
Stated
Interest
Rate (1)
—
2.73%
5.71%
8.75%
—
2.88%
4.13%
2.91%
1.70%
Effective
Interest
Rate (3)
0.09%
Swap
Maturities
2.10% 2015 - 2023
2017
5.19%
6.02%
—
2.24%
3.30%
2.27%
1.51%
Total long-term borrowings
$
12,676
$
12,776
$
7,094
(1) The stated interest rate represents the weighted-average coupon rate for each category of borrowings. For floating rate
borrowings, interest rates are the rates in effect at September 27, 2014; these rates are not necessarily an indication of
future interest rates.
(2) Amounts represent notional values of interest rate and cross-currency swaps outstanding as of September 27, 2014.
(3) The effective interest rate includes the impact of existing and terminated interest rate and cross-currency swaps,
purchase accounting adjustments and debt issuance discounts and costs.
(4) Includes market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges totaling $74 million and $117 million at
September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively.
Commercial Paper
At September 27, 2014, the Company had $50 million of commercial paper debt outstanding and had bank facilities with
a syndicate of lenders to support commercial paper borrowings as follows:
Facility expiring March 2015
Facility expiring June 2017
Facility expiring March 2019
Total
Committed
Capacity
Capacity
Used
Unused
Capacity
$
$
1,500
2,250
2,250
6,000
$
$
—
—
—
—
$
$
1,500
2,250
2,250
6,000
All of the above bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread depending on the credit default
swap spread applicable to the Company’s debt, subject to a cap and floor that vary with the Company’s debt rating assigned by
Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s. The spread above LIBOR can range from 0.23% to 1.63%. The Company
also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in March 2019, which if utilized,
reduces available borrowings under this facility. As of September 27, 2014, the Company has issued $223 million of letters of
credit of which none were issued under this facility. The facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating to interest
coverage, which the Company met on September 27, 2014 by a significant margin, and specifically exclude certain entities,
including the International Theme Parks, from any representations, covenants, or events of default.
88
Shelf Registration Statement
At September 27, 2014, the Company had a shelf registration statement in place, which allows the Company to issue
various types of debt instruments, such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes,
redeemable notes, global notes, and dual currency or other indexed notes. Issuances under the shelf registration will require the
filing of a prospectus supplement identifying the amount and terms of the securities to be issued. Our ability to issue debt is
subject to market conditions and other factors impacting our borrowing capacity.
U.S. Medium-Term Note Program
At September 27, 2014, the total debt outstanding under the U.S. medium-term note program was $13.7 billion. The
maturities of current outstanding borrowings range from 1 to 79 years. The debt outstanding includes $12.6 billion of fixed rate
notes, which have stated interest rates that range from 0.45% to 7.55% and $1.1 billion of floating rate notes that bear interest
at U.S. LIBOR plus or minus a spread. At September 27, 2014, the effective rate on floating rate notes was 0.38%.
European Medium-Term Note Program
At September 27, 2014, the Company had a European medium-term note program, which allows the Company to issue
various types of debt instruments such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes,
redeemable notes and index linked or dual currency notes. Capacity under the program is $4.0 billion, subject to market
conditions and other factors impacting our borrowing capacity. Capacity under the program replenishes as outstanding debt
under the program is repaid. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the program at September 27, 2014.
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt
At September 27, 2014, the Company had CAD 328 million ($294 million) of debt outstanding, which was borrowed in
connection with the acquisition of Club Penguin Entertainment, Inc. in July 2007. This borrowing bears interest at the Canadian
Dealer Offered Rate plus 0.83% (2.10% at September 27, 2014) and matures in 2017.
In July 2008, the Company borrowed JPY 54 billion ($538 million) of floating rate loans that had an interest rate of
Japanese LIBOR plus 0.42% and which matured in 2013.
In September 2014, the Company renewed short-term credit facilities of Indian Rupee (INR) 11.4 billion ($185 million),
which bears interest at rates determined at the time of drawdown and expire in 2015. At September 27, 2014, the Company has
borrowed INR 5.4 billion ($88 million) under the short-term credit facilities, which bears interest at an average rate of 9.73%.
Additionally, the Company had INR 9.1 billion ($148 million) of borrowings outstanding at September 27, 2014, which bears
interest at an average rate of 10.49%, subject to annual revisions, and matures in September 2015.
Capital Cities/ABC Debt
In connection with the Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. acquisition in 1996, the Company assumed debt previously issued by
Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. At September 27, 2014, the outstanding balance was $110 million, matures in 2021 and has a stated
interest rate of 8.75%.
HKDL Borrowings
HKDL has an unsecured loan facility of HK$2.0 billion ($253 million) from the HKSAR scheduled to mature on dates
through September 30, 2022; however, earlier repayment may occur depending on future operations and capital expenditures of
the park. The interest rate on this loan is subject to biannual revisions, but is capped at an annual rate of 7.625% (until March
2022) and 8.50% (until September 2022). As of September 27, 2014, the rate on the loans was 4.13%. As part of a plan to
construct a third hotel at HKDL, HKSAR has committed to convert approximately $219 million of this loan to equity in
HKDL. See Note 6 for further discussion of the transaction.
89
Total borrowings excluding market value adjustments, have the following scheduled maturities:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Before
International
Theme Parks
Consolidation
2,160
$
2,015
2,140
1,297
1,501
5,400
14,513
$
International
Theme Parks
—
23
24
25
30
151
253
$
$
Total
2,160
2,038
2,164
1,322
1,531
5,551
14,766
$
$
The Company capitalizes interest on assets constructed for its parks, resorts and other property and on theatrical
productions. In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, total interest capitalized was $73 million, $77 million and $92 million,
respectively. Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $294 million, $349 million
and $472 million, respectively.
9 Income Taxes
Income Before Income Taxes
Domestic (including U.S. exports)
Foreign subsidiaries
Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
Current
Federal
State
Foreign (1)
Deferred
Federal
State
Foreign
(1) Includes foreign withholding taxes
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
11,376
870
12,246
2,932
206
600
3,738
409
81
14
504
4,242
$
$
$
$
8,972
648
9,620
2,354
98
474
2,926
29
61
(32)
58
2,984
$
$
$
$
8,105
1,155
9,260
1,975
227
422
2,624
465
(2)
—
463
3,087
90
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Accrued liabilities
Foreign subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interest net operating losses
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciable, amortizable and other property
Licensing revenues
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax liability
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
$
$
(2,281)
(755)
(657)
(535)
(4,228)
6,183
351
223
6,757
2,529
1,045
3,574
$
$
(2,019)
(795)
(632)
(482)
(3,928)
5,987
325
139
6,451
2,523
1,042
3,565
The valuation allowance primarily relates to a $657 million noncontrolling interest share of deferred tax assets due to
International Theme Parks’ net operating losses, which have an indefinite carryforward period in France and Hong Kong and a
five-year carryforward period in China. The ultimate recognition of the noncontrolling interest share of the net operating losses
would not have an impact on net income attributable to Disney as any income tax benefit would be offset by a charge to
noncontrolling interests in the income statement.
The Company has recognized deferred income tax assets on the difference between its tax basis in the investment and the
financial statement carrying value of the International Theme Parks. Disneyland Paris and the Company have proposed a €1.0
billion recapitalization plan (see Note 6 for further discussion of the transaction). If the proposed recapitalization plan is
finalized in fiscal 2015, the Company would likely be required to write-off its deferred tax asset related to Disneyland Paris of
approximately $360 million. In addition, the Company would then account for the deferred taxes based on the underlying tax
attributes of Disneyland Paris. As Disneyland Paris has had a history of tax losses, the Company may be required to record a
valuation allowance on any deferred tax assets.
As of September 27, 2014, the Company had undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $1.9 billion
for which deferred taxes have not been provided. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings for the foreseeable future. If
these amounts were distributed to the United States, in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to
additional U.S. income taxes. Assuming the permanently reinvested foreign earnings were repatriated under laws and rates
applicable at 2014 fiscal year end, the incremental federal tax applicable to the earnings would be approximately $377 million.
A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the federal rate is as follows:
Federal income tax rate
State taxes, net of federal benefit
Domestic production activity deduction
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory
U.S. federal rate
Other, including tax reserves and related interest
2014
2013
2012
35.0 %
2.0
(2.1)
(0.7)
0.4
34.6 %
35.0 %
1.8
(2.5)
(1.9)
(1.4)
31.0 %
35.0 %
2.0
(2.5)
(0.5)
(0.7)
33.3 %
91
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the related accrual for
interest, is as follows:
Balance at the beginning of the year
Increases for current year tax positions
Increases for prior year tax positions
Decreases in prior year tax positions
Settlements with taxing authorities
Balance at the end of the year
2014
2013
2012
$
$
1,120
51
133
(487)
(14)
803
$
$
668
222
365
(9)
(126)
1,120
$
$
718
85
26
(68)
(93)
668
The fiscal year-end 2014, 2013 and 2012 balances include $453 million, $449 million and $452 million, respectively, that
if recognized, would reduce our income tax expense and effective tax rate. These amounts are net of the offsetting benefits
from other tax jurisdictions.
As of the end of fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $216 million, $211 million and $209 million, respectively,
in accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company
accrued additional interest of $25 million, $42 million and $25 million, respectively, and recorded reductions in accrued interest
of $21 million, $55 million and $12 million, respectively, as a result of audit settlements and other prior-year adjustments. The
Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years prior to 2010 and is no longer subject to
examination in any of its major state or foreign tax jurisdictions for years prior to 2004.
In the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could change due to the resolution
of certain tax matters, which could include payments on those tax matters. These resolutions and payments could reduce our
unrecognized tax benefits by $44 million.
In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, income tax benefits attributable to equity-based compensation transactions exceeded
the amounts recorded based on grant date fair value. Accordingly, $255 million, $204 million and $120 million were credited to
shareholders’ equity, respectively in these years.
10 Pension and Other Benefit Programs
The Company maintains pension and postretirement medical benefit plans covering certain of its employees not covered
by union or industry-wide plans. The Company’s defined benefit pension plan covers employees hired prior to January 1,
2012. For employees hired after this date, the Company has a defined contribution plan. Benefits under these pension plans
are generally based on years of service and/or compensation and generally require three years of vesting service. Employees
generally hired after January 1, 1987 for certain of our media businesses and other employees generally hired after January 1,
1994 are not eligible for postretirement medical benefits.
92
Defined Benefit Plans
The following chart summarizes the benefit obligations, assets, funded status and balance sheet impacts associated with
the defined benefit pension and postretirement medical benefit plans based upon the actuarial valuations prepared as of
September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013.
Projected benefit obligations
Beginning obligations
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial gain / (loss)
Plan amendments and other
Benefits paid
Ending obligations
Fair value of plans’ assets
Beginning fair value
Actual return on plan assets
Contributions
Benefits paid
Expenses and other
Ending fair value
Underfunded status of the plans
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Pension Plans
Postretirement Medical Plans
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(10,066)
(277)
(488)
(1,643)
(22)
306
(12,190)
8,965
883
258
(306)
(35)
9,765
(2,425)
70
(29)
(2,466)
(2,425)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(11,530)
(349)
(433)
2,044
(60)
262
(10,066)
8,049
807
397
(262)
(26)
8,965
(1,101)
234
(46)
(1,289)
(1,101)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1,325)
(10)
(65)
(202)
(9)
44
(1,567)
508
49
17
(44)
8
538
(1,029)
—
(14)
(1,015)
(1,029)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1,748)
(18)
(66)
476
(9)
40
(1,325)
388
45
108
(40)
7
508
(817)
—
(15)
(802)
(817)
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
Service costs
Interest costs
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior year service costs
Recognized net actuarial loss / (gain)
Net periodic benefit cost
Pension Plans
Postretirement Medical Plans
2014
2013
2012
2014
2013
2012
$
$
277
488
(645)
14
145
279
$
$
349
433
(604)
10
418
606
$
$
278
440
(514)
12
309
525
$
$
10
65
(36)
(2)
(7)
30
$
$
18
66
(30)
(2)
40
92
$
$
21
74
(23)
(2)
31
101
93
Key assumptions are as follows:
Pension Plans
Postretirement Medical Plans
2014
2013
2012
2014
2013
2012
Discount rate
Rate of return on plan assets
Rate of salary increase
Year 1 increase in cost of benefits
Rate of increase to which the cost of
benefits is assumed to decline (the
ultimate trend rate)
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate
trend rate
4.40%
7.50%
4.00%
n/a
n/a
n/a
5.00%
7.50%
4.00%
3.85%
7.75%
4.00%
n/a
n/a
4.40%
7.50%
n/a
7.00%
5.00%
7.50%
3.85%
7.75%
n/a
n/a
7.25%
7.50%
n/a
n/a
n/a
4.25%
4.25%
4.50%
n/a
2028
2027
2026
In addition to the assumptions in the above table, assumed mortality is also a key assumption in determining benefit
obligations. At September 27, 2014, the Company updated the assumed mortality rates to reflect life expectancy
improvements.
Net periodic benefit cost is based on assumptions determined at the prior-year end measurement date.
AOCI, before tax, as of September 27, 2014 consists of the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net
periodic benefit cost:
Prior service (cost) / credit
Net actuarial loss
Total amounts included in AOCI
Prepaid / (accrued) pension cost
Net balance sheet liability
Pension Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans
$
$
(87)
(3,270)
(3,357)
932
(2,425)
$
$
2
(127)
(125)
(904)
(1,029)
Total
(85)
(3,397)
(3,482)
28
(3,454)
$
$
Amounts included in AOCI, before tax, as of September 27, 2014 that are expected to be recognized as components of
net periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2015 are:
Prior service (cost) / credit
Net actuarial loss
Total
Plan Funded Status
Pension Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans
Total
$
$
(16)
(251)
(267)
$
$
1
(10)
(9)
$
$
(15)
(261)
(276)
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for pension plans
with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $9.7 billion, $8.8 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively, as of
September 27, 2014 and $864 million, $797 million and $2 million as of September 28, 2013, respectively.
For pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation and
aggregate fair value of plan assets were $9.7 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively, as of September 27, 2014 and $7.9 billion
and $6.6 billion as of September 28, 2013, respectively.
The Company’s total accumulated pension benefit obligations at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were $11.2
billion and $9.3 billion, respectively, of which 98% and 97%, respectively, was vested.
The accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for postretirement medical plans
with accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.6 billion and $0.5 billion,
respectively, at September 27, 2014 and $1.3 billion and $0.5 billion, respectively, at September 28, 2013.
94
Plan Assets
A significant portion of the assets of the Company’s defined benefit plans are managed on a commingled basis in a third-
party master trust. The investment policy and allocation of the assets in the master trust were approved by the Company’s
Investment and Administrative Committee, which has oversight responsibility for the Company’s retirement plans. The
investment policy ranges for the major asset classes are as follows:
Asset Class
Equity investments
Fixed income investments
Alternative investments
Diversified
Distressed
Private equity/venture capital
Real estate
Commodity
Total alternative investments
Cash & money market funds
Minimum
Maximum
31%
20%
—%
—%
—%
—%
—%
15%
—%
60%
40%
10%
10%
12%
15%
10%
30%
10%
The primary investment objective for the assets within the master trust is the prudent and cost effective management of
assets to satisfy benefit obligations to plan participants. Financial risks are managed through diversification of plan assets,
selection of investment managers and through the investment guidelines incorporated in investment management agreements.
Assets are monitored to ensure that investment returns are commensurate with risks taken.
The long-term asset allocation policy for the master trust was established taking into consideration a variety of factors
that include, but are not limited to, the average age of participants, the number of retirees, the duration of liabilities and the
expected payout ratio. Liquidity needs of the master trust are generally managed using cash generated by investments or by
liquidating securities.
Assets are generally managed by external investment managers, and we have investment management agreements with
respect to securities in the master trust. These agreements include account guidelines that establish permitted securities and risk
controls commensurate with the account’s investment strategy. Some agreements permit the use of derivative securities
(futures, options, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps) that enable investment managers to enhance returns and manage
exposures within their accounts.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants and is classified in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in
markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value
drivers are observable in active markets
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value
drivers are unobservable
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets reported at fair value. There have been no
changes in the methodologies used at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013.
Level 1 investments are valued based on observable market prices on the last trading day of the year. Investments in
common and preferred stocks are valued based on the securities exchange-listed price or a broker’s quote in an active market.
Investments in U.S. Treasury securities are valued based on a broker’s quote in an active market.
Level 2 investments in certain government and federal agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities (MBS), asset-backed
securities and corporate bonds are valued using a broker’s quote in a non-active market or an evaluated price based on a
compilation of reported market information, such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads and estimated default rates.
95
Derivative financial instruments are valued based on models that incorporate observable inputs for the underlying securities,
such as interest rates. Shares in money market and mutual funds and certain diversified alternative investments are valued at the
net asset value of the shares held by the Plan at year-end based on the fair value of the underlying investments.
Level 3 investments primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, which are valued based on the master trust’s
pro-rata share of the partnerships’ underlying net investment holdings as reported in the partnerships’ financial statements. The
investments held by the partnerships are recorded at fair value and the partnerships’ financial statements are generally audited
annually. The fair values of the underlying investments are estimated using significant unobservable inputs (e.g., discounted
cash flow models or relative valuation methods that incorporate comparable market information such as earnings and cash flow
multiples from similar publicly traded companies or real estate properties).
The Company’s defined benefit plan assets are summarized by level in the following tables:
Description
Level 1
Level 2
As of September 27, 2014
Level 3
Total
Plan Asset Mix
Equities:
Domestic small cap
Domestic mid/large cap (1)
International
Fixed income
Corporate bonds
Government and federal agency
bonds, notes and MBS
MBS & asset-backed securities
Alternative investments
Diversified
Distressed
Private equity/venture capital
Real estate
Derivatives and other, net
Cash & money market funds
$
212
$
1,667
1,354
—
993
—
90
—
—
—
121
133
Total
$
4,570
$
$
— $
—
—
—
—
—
112
151
634
369
—
—
$
1,266
$
313
1,887
2,404
694
1,609
162
676
192
634
369
131
1,232
10,303
3%
18%
23%
7%
16%
1%
7%
2%
6%
4%
1%
12%
100%
101
220
1,050
694
616
162
474
41
—
—
10
1,099
4,467
96
Description
Level 1
Level 2
As of September 28, 2013
Level 3
Total
Plan Asset Mix
Equities:
Domestic small cap
Domestic mid/large cap (1)
International
Fixed income
Corporate bonds
Government and federal agency
bonds, notes and MBS
MBS & asset-backed securities
Alternative investments
Diversified
Distressed
Private equity/venture capital
Real estate
Derivatives and other, net
Cash & money market funds
$
220
$
— $
— $
1,730
1,271
—
802
—
85
—
—
—
116
44
134
708
667
770
322
439
—
—
—
3
884
—
—
—
—
—
93
153
673
359
—
—
220
1,864
1,979
667
1,572
322
617
153
673
359
119
928
Total
$
4,268
$
3,927
$
1,278
$
9,473
2%
19%
21%
7%
17%
3%
7%
2%
7%
4%
1%
10%
100%
(1) Includes 2.9 million shares of Company common stock valued at $255 million (2% of total plan assets) and $185
million (2% of total plan assets) at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively.
Changes in Level 3 assets for the years ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 are as follows:
Balance at Sept. 29, 2012
Additions
Distributions
Gain / (loss)
Balance at Sept. 28, 2013
Additions
Distributions
Gain / (loss)
Balance at Sept. 27, 2014
Diversified
100
6
(9)
(4)
93
25
(3)
(3)
112
$
$
$
$
$
$
Distressed
194
23
(73)
9
153
30
(37)
5
151
Alternative Investments
Private
equity/venture
capital
$
$
$
623
115
(73)
8
673
72
(89)
(22)
634
$
$
$
Real
estate
Total
328
46
(43)
28
359
42
(61)
29
369
$
$
$
1,245
190
(198)
41
1,278
169
(190)
9
1,266
Uncalled Capital Commitments
Alternative investments held by the master trust include interests in limited partnerships that have rights to make capital
calls to the limited partners. In such cases, the master trust is obligated to make a cash contribution to the limited partnership.
At September 27, 2014, the total committed capital still uncalled and unpaid was $762 million.
Plan Contributions
During fiscal 2014, the Company made contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans totaling $275
million, which included discretionary contributions above the minimum requirements for pension plans. The Company
currently expects to make $350 million to $375 million of pension and postretirement medical plan contributions in fiscal 2015.
Final minimum funding requirements for fiscal 2015 will be determined based on our January 1, 2015 funding actuarial
valuation, which we expect to receive during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
97
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following table presents estimated future benefit payments for the next ten fiscal years:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 – 2024
$
Pension
Plans
409
412
441
471
503
3,033
Postretirement
Medical Plans(1)
$
42
44
48
51
56
343
(1) Estimated future benefit payments are net of expected Medicare subsidy receipts of $68 million.
Assumptions
Actuarial assumptions, such as the discount rate, long-term rate of return on plan assets and the healthcare cost trend rate,
have a significant effect on the amounts reported for net periodic benefit cost as well as the related benefit obligations.
Discount Rate — The assumed discount rate for pension and postretirement medical plans reflects the market rates for
high-quality corporate bonds currently available. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering the average of
pension yield curves constructed of a large population of high quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the
matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves.
Long-term rate of return on plan assets — The long-term rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of long-term
returns on an investment portfolio consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and alternative investments. When
determining the long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers long-term rates of return on the asset classes
(both historical and forecasted) in which the Company expects the pension funds to be invested. The following long-term rates
of return by asset class were considered in setting the long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption:
Equity Securities
Debt Securities
Alternative Investments
7% — 11%
3% — 5%
8% — 12%
Healthcare cost trend rate — The Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for healthcare costs to
determine the healthcare cost trend rates for the postretirement medical benefit plans. For the 2014 actuarial valuation, we
assumed a 7.00% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare claims with the rate decreasing in even
increments over fourteen years until reaching 4.25%.
Sensitivity — A one percentage point (ppt) change in the key assumptions would have had the following effects on the
projected benefit obligations for pension and postretirement medical plans as of September 27, 2014 and on cost for fiscal
2015:
Increase/(decrease)
1 ppt decrease
1 ppt increase
Assumed Healthcare
Cost Trend Rate
Net Periodic
Postretirement
Medical Cost
Projected
Benefit
$
Obligations
(221)
277
Discount Rate
Benefit
Expense
Projected
Benefit
Obligations
Expected
Long-Term
Rate of Return
On Assets
Benefit
Expense
$
$
203
(188)
2,091
(1,823)
$
$
100
(100)
(29)
32
98
Multiemployer Pension Plans
The Company participates in a number of multiemployer pension plans under union and industry-wide collective
bargaining agreements that cover our union-represented employees and expenses its contributions to these plans as incurred.
These plans generally provide for retirement, death and/or termination benefits for eligible employees within the applicable
collective bargaining units, based on specific eligibility/participation requirements, vesting periods and benefit formulas. The
risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans. For example:
•
•
•
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other
participating employers.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may
become the obligation of the remaining participating employers.
If the Company chooses to stop participating in these multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay those
plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan.
The Company also participates in several multiemployer health and welfare plans that cover both active and retired
employees. Health care benefits are provided to participants who meet certain eligibility requirements under the applicable
collective bargaining unit.
The following table sets forth our fiscal year contributions to multiemployer pension and health and welfare benefit plans
that were expensed during the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
Pension plans
Health & welfare plans
Total contributions
Defined Contribution Plans
2014
2013
2012
$
$
115
158
273
$
$
97
147
244
$
$
91
140
231
The Company has savings and investment plans that allow eligible employees to allocate up to 50% of their salary
through payroll deductions depending on the plan in which the employee participates. The Company matches 50% of the
employee’s contribution up to plan limits. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new defined contribution retirement
plans for employees who begin service after December 31, 2011 and are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit
pension plans. In general, the Company contributes from 3% to 9% of an employee’s compensation depending on the
employee’s age and years of service with the Company up to plan limits. In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the costs of these
plans were $87 million, $68 million and $63 million, respectively.
11 Equity
As of the filing date of this report, the Board of Directors had not yet declared a dividend related to fiscal 2014. The
Company paid a $0.86 per share dividend ($1.5 billion) during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 related to fiscal 2013. The
Company paid a $0.75 per share dividend ($1.3 billion) during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 related to fiscal 2012. The
Company paid a $0.60 per share dividend ($1.1 billion) during the second quarter of fiscal 2012 related to fiscal 2011.
During fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 84 million shares of its common stock for approximately $6.5 billion.
During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased 71 million shares of its common stock for approximately $4.1 billion. During
fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased 72 million shares of its common stock for approximately $3.0 billion. On March 22,
2011, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the amount of shares that can be repurchased to 400 million shares as of that
date. As of September 27, 2014, the Company had remaining authorization in place to repurchase 77 million additional shares.
The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
99
The following table summarizes the changes in each component of AOCI including our proportional share of equity
method investee amounts, net of 37% estimated tax:
Market Value Adjustments
Cash Flow
Hedges
Investments
6
$
Unrecognized
Pension and
Postretirement
Medical
Expense
Balance at Oct. 1, 2011
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income
Balance at Sept. 29, 2012
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income
Balance at Sept. 28, 2013
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income
Balance at Sept. 27, 2014
$
$
(54)
$
(2,625)
$
4
(7)
3
117
(25)
95
109
(104)
100
$
38
(36)
(52)
208
(73)
83
169
(48)
204
(829)
220
(3,234)
1,668
295
(1,271)
(1,022)
97
(2,196)
$
$
Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other
43
AOCI
$
(2,630)
(60)
34
17
(117)
6
(94)
18
—
(76)
(847)
211
(3,266)
1,876
203
(1,187)
(726)
(55)
(1,968)
$
Details about AOCI components reclassified to net income are as follows:
Gains/(losses) in net income:
Investments, net
Estimated tax
Affected line item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income:
Interest income/(expense), net
Income taxes
Cash flow hedges
Estimated tax
Primarily revenue
Income taxes
Pension and postretirement medical
Primarily included in the
expense
Estimated tax
computation of net periodic
benefit cost (see Note 10)
Income taxes
Foreign currency translation and
Other income/(expense), net
other
Estimated tax
Income taxes
Total reclassifications for the period
2014
2013
2012
$
$
165
(61)
104
76
(28)
48
(154)
57
(97)
—
—
—
55
$
40
(15)
25
116
(43)
73
(467)
172
(295)
(10)
4
(6)
$
11
(4)
7
57
(21)
36
(349)
129
(220)
(54)
20
(34)
$
(203)
$
(211)
At September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the Company held available-for-sale investments in unrecognized gain
positions totaling $55 million and $156 million, respectively, and no investments in significant unrecognized loss positions.
100
12 Equity-Based Compensation
Under various plans, the Company may grant stock options and other equity-based awards to executive, management and
creative personnel. The Company’s approach to long-term incentive compensation contemplates awards of stock options and
restricted stock units (RSUs). Certain RSUs awarded to senior executives vest based upon the achievement of market and/or
performance conditions (Performance RSUs).
Stock options are generally granted at exercise prices equal to or exceeding the market price at the date of grant and
become exercisable ratably over a four-year period from the grant date. The following table summarizes contractual terms for
our stock option grants:
Grant dates
Prior to January 2005
January 2005 through December 2010
After December 2010
Contractual Term
10 years
7 years
10 years
At the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, options can occasionally extend
up to 15 years after date of grant.
RSUs generally vest ratably over four years and Performance RSUs fully vest after three years, subject to achieving
market and/or performance conditions.
Equity-based award grants generally provide continued vesting, in the event of termination, for employees that reach age
60 or greater, have at least ten years of service and have held the award for at least one year.
Each share granted subject to a stock option award reduces the number of shares available under the Company’s stock
incentive plans by one share while each share granted subject to a RSU award reduces the number of shares available by two
shares. As of September 27, 2014, the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Company’s stock incentive
plans (assuming all the awards are in the form of stock options) was approximately 99 million shares and the number available
for issuance assuming all awards are in the form of RSUs was approximately 50 million shares. The Company satisfies stock
option exercises and vesting of RSUs with newly issued shares. Stock options and RSUs are generally forfeited by employees
who terminate prior to vesting.
Each year, during the first half of the year, the Company awards stock options and restricted stock units to a broad-based
group of management and creative personnel. The fair value of options is estimated based on the binomial valuation model. The
binomial valuation model takes into account variables such as volatility, dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate. The
binomial valuation model also considers the expected exercise multiple (the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which
exercises are expected to occur on average) and the termination rate (the probability of a vested option being cancelled due to
the termination of the option holder) in computing the value of the option.
In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average assumptions used in the option-valuation model were as
follows:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Termination rate
Exercise multiple
2014
2013
2012
3.0%
25%
1.37%
3.2%
1.48
1.8%
26%
1.60%
2.7%
1.41
2.0%
31%
1.56%
2.7%
1.41
Although the initial fair value of stock options is not adjusted after the grant date, changes in the Company’s assumptions
may change the value of, and therefore the expense related to, future stock option grants. The assumptions that cause the
greatest variation in fair value in the binomial valuation model are the expected volatility and expected exercise multiple.
Increases or decreases in either the expected volatility or expected exercise multiple will cause the binomial option value to
increase or decrease, respectively.
101
The volatility assumption considers both historical and implied volatility and may be impacted by the Company’s
performance as well as changes in economic and market conditions.
Compensation expense for RSUs and stock options is recognized ratably over the service period of the award.
Compensation expense for RSUs is based on the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the grant date.
Compensation expense for Performance RSUs reflects the estimated probability that the market and/or performance conditions
will be met.
The impact of stock options/rights and RSUs on income and cash flows for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, was as
follows:
Stock option/rights compensation expense (1)
RSU compensation expense
Total equity-based compensation expense (2)
Tax impact
Reduction in net income
Equity-based compensation expense capitalized during the period
Tax benefit reported in cash flow from financing activities
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
102
312
414
(139)
275
49
255
$
$
$
$
101
311
412
(139)
273
58
204
$
$
$
$
115
310
425
(145)
280
56
122
(1) Includes stock appreciation rights.
(2) Equity-based compensation expense is net of capitalized equity-based compensation and excludes amortization of
previously capitalized equity-based compensation costs. Amortization of previously capitalized equity-based
compensation totaled $68 million, $65 million and $59 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The following table summarizes information about stock option transactions (shares in millions):
Outstanding at beginning of year
Awards forfeited
Awards granted
Awards exercised
Awards expired/cancelled
Outstanding at end of year
Exercisable at end of year
2014
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Shares
41
(1)
6
(12)
—
34
15
$
$
37.06
45.61
69.74
32.64
—
44.23
33.87
The following tables summarize information about stock options vested and expected to vest at September 27, 2014
(shares in millions):
Range of Exercise Prices
$ 0 — $ 20
$ 21 — $ 30
$ 31 — $ 40
$ 41 — $ 75
Vested
Number of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
$
18.62
26.88
36.09
50.76
1
4
8
2
15
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Years of
Contractual
Life
1.2
0.9
6.0
8.2
102
Range of
Exercise
Prices
$ 0 — $ 30
$ 31 — $ 40
$ 41 — $ 55
$ 56 — $ 85
Expected to Vest
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
24.06
$
38.98
51.06
72.75
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Years of
Contractual
Life
2.9
7.0
8.3
9.2
Number of
Options (1)
1
6
6
5
18
(1) Number of options expected to vest is total unvested options less estimated forfeitures.
The following table summarizes information about RSU transactions (shares in millions):
Unvested at beginning of year
Granted (1)
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested at end of year (2)
2014
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
42.28
72.63
39.23
47.60
53.17
$
$
Units
21
5
(9)
(1)
16
(1) RSU grants include 0.3 million shares of Performance RSUs.
(2) 1.2 million of the unvested RSUs are Performance RSUs.
The weighted average grant-date fair values of options granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $19.21, $12.38 and
$10.65, respectively. The total intrinsic value (market value on date of exercise less exercise price) of options exercised and
RSUs vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $1,257 million, $1,162 million and $1,033 million, respectively. The
aggregate intrinsic values of stock options vested and expected to vest at September 27, 2014 were $807 million and $653
million, respectively.
As of September 27, 2014, there was $154 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options
and $486 million related to unvested RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years
for stock options and 1.6 years for RSUs.
Cash received from option exercises for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $404 million, $587 million and $1,008 million,
respectively. Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with option exercises and RSU vesting for 2014, 2013 and
2012 totaled $431 million, $398 million and $360 million, respectively.
103
13 Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
Current receivables
Accounts receivable
Other
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Other current assets
Prepaid expenses
Other
Parks, resorts and other property
Attractions, buildings and improvements
Leasehold improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Land improvements
Accumulated depreciation
Projects in progress
Land
Intangible assets
Character/franchise intangibles and copyrights
Other amortizable intangible assets
Accumulated amortization
Net amortizable intangible assets
FCC licenses
Trademarks
Other indefinite lived intangible assets
Other non-current assets
Receivables
Prepaid expenses
Other
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
Accounts payable
Payroll and employee benefits
Other
104
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,428
548
(154)
7,822
425
376
801
21,539
757
15,701
4,266
42,263
(23,722)
3,553
1,238
23,332
5,830
903
(1,204)
5,529
667
1,218
20
7,434
1,485
212
645
2,342
5,371
1,769
455
7,595
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,694
428
(155)
6,967
443
162
605
21,195
697
15,135
4,165
41,192
(22,459)
2,476
1,171
22,380
5,771
624
(980)
5,415
717
1,218
20
7,370
1,547
190
689
2,426
4,899
1,628
276
6,803
Other long-term liabilities
Pension and postretirement medical plan liabilities
Other
14 Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
$
$
3,481
2,461
5,942
$
$
2,091
2,470
4,561
The Company has various contractual commitments for broadcast rights for sports, feature films and other programming,
totaling approximately $46.1 billion, including approximately $0.4 billion for available programming as of September 27,
2014, and approximately $44.2 billion related to sports programming rights, primarily college football (including college bowl
games) and basketball conferences, NFL, MLB and NBA.
The Company has entered into operating leases for various real estate and equipment needs, including retail outlets and
distribution centers for consumer products, broadcast equipment and office space for general and administrative purposes.
Rental expense for operating leases during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, including common-area maintenance and
contingent rentals, was $883 million, $875 million and $863 million, respectively.
The Company also has contractual commitments for creative talent and employment agreements and unrecognized tax
benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include obligations to actors, producers, sports, television and radio
personalities and executives.
Contractual commitments for broadcast programming rights, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable
operating leases and creative talent and other commitments totaled $54.2 billion at September 27, 2014, payable as follows:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Broadcast
Programming
5,184
5,139
4,641
4,428
4,596
22,097
46,085
$
$
Operating
Leases
Other
Total
$
$
460
392
327
268
225
1,715
3,387
$
$
1,907
818
489
249
124
1,141
4,728
$
$
7,551
6,349
5,457
4,945
4,945
24,953
54,200
Certain contractual commitments, principally broadcast programming rights and operating leases, have payments that are
variable based primarily on revenues.
As a result of new broadcast programming rights commitments, primarily for incremental sports rights with payment
terms that range up to 11 years, and payments subsequent to year end, the Company’s broadcast programming commitments are
approximately $58 billion as of November 15, 2014.
105
The Company has non-cancelable capital leases, primarily for land and broadcast equipment, which had gross carrying
values of $557 million and $572 million at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. Accumulated
amortization related to these capital leases totaled $223 million and $208 million at September 27, 2014 and September 28,
2013, respectively. Future payments under these leases as of September 27, 2014 are as follows:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total minimum obligations
Less amount representing interest
Present value of net minimum obligations
Less current portion
Long-term portion
Contractual Guarantees
$
$
71
40
38
21
14
500
684
(422)
262
(33)
229
The Company has guaranteed bond issuances by the Anaheim Public Authority that were used by the City of Anaheim to
finance construction of infrastructure and a public parking facility adjacent to the Disneyland Resort. Revenues from sales,
occupancy and property taxes from the Disneyland Resort and non-Disney hotels are used by the City of Anaheim to repay the
bonds. In the event of a debt service shortfall, the Company will be responsible to fund the shortfall. As of September 27, 2014,
the remaining debt service obligation guaranteed by the Company was $334 million, of which $68 million was principal. To the
extent that tax revenues exceed the debt service payments in subsequent periods, the Company would be reimbursed for any
previously funded shortfalls. To date, tax revenues have exceeded the debt service payments for Anaheim bonds.
Legal Matters
Beef Products, Inc. v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. On September 13, 2012, plaintiffs filed an action in South
Dakota state court against certain subsidiaries and employees of the Company and others, asserting claims for defamation
arising from alleged false statements and implications, statutory and common law product disparagement, and tortious
interference with existing and prospective business relationships. The claims arise out of ABC News reports published in
March and April 2012 that discussed the subject of labeling requirements for production processes related to a product one
plaintiff produces that is added to ground beef before sale to consumers. Plaintiffs seek actual and consequential damages in
excess of $400 million, statutory damages (including treble damages) pursuant to South Dakota’s Agricultural Food Products
Disparagement Act, and punitive damages. On July 9, 2013, the Company moved in state court to dismiss all claims and on
March 27, 2014, the state court dismissed certain common law disparagement counts as preempted by South Dakota’s produce
disparagement statute, but denied the motion on the remaining claims. On April 23, 2014, the Company petitioned the South
Dakota Supreme Court to allow a discretionary appeal seeking reversal of the state court’s order permitting the remaining
common law disparagement claims to proceed and also seeking reversal of its decision to allow certain claims to proceed as
defamation claims. On May 22, 2014, the South Dakota Supreme Court denied the Company’s petition. On May 23, 2014, the
Company answered the Complaint. Trial is set for February 2017. At this time, the Company is not able to predict the ultimate
outcome of this matter, nor can it estimate the range of possible loss.
The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in
various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its
businesses.
Management does not believe that the Company has incurred a probable, material loss by reason of any of the above
actions.
Celador International Ltd. v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
In connection with the Company’s litigation with Celador International Ltd., the Company recorded a $321 million
charge in Other income/(expense), net, in fiscal 2013. This amount was paid in fiscal 2013.
106
Long-Term Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company has accounts receivable with original maturities greater than one year related to the sale of television
program rights within the Media Networks segment and vacation ownership units within the Parks and Resorts segment.
Allowances for credit losses are established against these receivables as necessary.
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from the sale of television programs based
upon a number of factors, including historical experience and the financial condition of individual companies with which we do
business. The balance of television program sales receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of an immaterial
allowance for credit losses, was $0.8 billion as of September 27, 2014. The activity in fiscal 2014 related to the allowance for
credit losses was not material.
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from sales of its vacation ownership units
based primarily on historical collection experience. Estimates of uncollectible amounts also consider the economic environment
and the age of receivables. The balance of mortgage receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of a related allowance
for credit losses of approximately 4%, was $0.7 billion as of September 27, 2014. The activity in fiscal 2014 related to the
allowance for credit losses was not material.
15 Fair Value Measurement
The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables by fair value
measurement Level. See Note 10 for the definitions of fair value and each Level within the fair value hierarchy.
Description
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Fair Value Measurement at September 27, 2014
Assets
Investments
Derivatives
Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Other
Total recorded at fair value
Fair value of borrowings
Description
Assets
Investments
Derivatives
Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Total recorded at fair value
Fair value of borrowings
$
100
$
—
$
—
—
—
—
—
100
—
117
621
(75)
(121)
—
542
14,374
$
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
(198)
(198)
901
$
$
$
100
117
621
(75)
(121)
(198)
444
15,275
Fair Value Measurement at September 28, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
305
$
—
$
170
267
(94)
(201)
142
13,630
$
$
—
—
—
—
305
—
107
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
914
$
$
$
305
170
267
(94)
(201)
447
14,544
$
$
$
$
$
The fair values of Level 2 derivatives are primarily determined by internal discounted cash flow models that use
observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign currency exchange rates. Counterparty credit risk, which is
mitigated by master netting agreements and collateral posting arrangements with certain counterparties, did not have a material
impact on derivative fair value estimates.
Level 2 borrowings, which include commercial paper and U.S. medium-term notes, are valued based on quoted prices for
similar instruments in active markets.
The fair value of the Level 3 other liabilities represents the fair value of the contingent consideration for Maker and is
determined by a probability weighting of potential payouts.
Level 3 borrowings, which include HKDL borrowings and other foreign currency denominated borrowings, are generally
valued based on historical market transactions, prevailing market interest rates and the Company’s current borrowing cost and
credit risk.
The Company’s financial instruments also include cash, cash equivalents, receivables and account payable. The carrying
values of these financial instruments approximate the fair values.
The Company also has assets that are required to be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis when the estimated
future cash flows provide indicators that the asset may be impaired. In addition, we compare the carrying values of our
indefinite-lived intangible assets to fair value on at least an annual basis. During fiscal 2014, radio FCC licenses with a
carrying value of $117 million were written down to fair value of $71 million resulting in an impairment charge of $46 million,
which was recorded in Restructuring and impairment charges in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The radio FCC license
fair values were derived from market transactions, which is a Level 3 valuation technique, and were determined in connection
with the plan to sell Radio Disney stations. During fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded film production cost
impairment charges of $100 million and $121 million, respectively. The aggregate carrying values of the films for which we
prepared the fair value analyses in fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were $142 million and $172 million, respectively. These
impairment charges are reported in Costs of services in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The film impairment charges
reflected the excess of the unamortized cost of the impaired films over their estimated fair value using discounted cash flows,
which is a Level 3 valuation technique.
Transfers of Financial Assets
Through December 4, 2008, the Company sold mortgage receivables arising from sales of its vacation ownership units
under a facility that expired on December 4, 2008 and was not renewed. In fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased these
receivables for the outstanding principal balance of $191 million, which approximated fair value.
Credit Concentrations
The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to its
financial instruments on an ongoing basis and does not currently anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.
The Company does not expect that it would realize a material loss, based on the fair value of its derivative financial
instruments as of September 27, 2014, in the event of nonperformance by any single derivative counterparty. The Company
generally enters into transactions only with derivative counterparties that have a credit rating of A- or better and requires
collateral in the event credit ratings fall below A- or in the event aggregate exposures exceed limits as defined by contract. In
addition, the Company limits the amount of investment credit exposure with any one institution.
The Company does not have material cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that have below
investment grade credit ratings. As of September 27, 2014, the Company’s balances with individual financial institutions that
exceeded 10% of the Company’s total cash and cash equivalents were 43% of total cash and cash equivalents compared to 26%
as of September 28, 2013.
The Company’s trade receivables and financial investments do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk at
September 27, 2014 due to the wide variety of customers and markets into which the Company’s products are sold, their
dispersion across geographic areas and the diversification of the Company’s portfolio among issuers.
108
16 Derivative Instruments
The Company manages its exposure to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations according to a risk
management policy. The primary risks managed with derivative instruments are interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.
The Company’s derivative positions measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables:
Derivatives designated as hedges
Foreign exchange
Interest rate
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Foreign exchange
Gross fair value of derivatives
Counterparty netting
Cash collateral (received)/posted
Net derivative positions
Derivatives designated as hedges
Foreign exchange
Interest rate
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Foreign exchange
Gross fair value of derivatives
Counterparty netting
Cash collateral (received)/posted
Net derivative positions
Current
Assets
As of September 27, 2014
Other
Accrued
Liabilities
Other Assets
Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
$
$
$
$
251
—
171
422
(144)
(80)
198
Current
Assets
146
—
15
161
(137)
(13)
11
$
$
$
$
160
117
39
316
(18)
(119)
179
$
$
(54)
(75)
(59)
(188)
154
—
(34)
As of September 28, 2013
Other
Accrued
Liabilities
Other Assets
106
170
—
276
(34)
(157)
85
$
$
(68)
(94)
(82)
(244)
143
36
(65)
$
$
$
$
(8)
—
—
(8)
8
—
—
Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
(24)
—
(27)
(51)
28
18
(5)
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through its borrowing activities. The Company’s
objective is to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and on the market value of its
borrowings. In accordance with its policy, the Company targets its fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between a
minimum and maximum percentage. The Company typically uses pay-floating and pay-fixed interest rate swaps to facilitate its
interest rate management activities.
The Company designates pay-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate borrowings effectively
converting fixed-rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings indexed to LIBOR. As of September 27, 2014 and September 28,
2013, the total notional amount of the Company’s pay-floating interest rate swaps was $6.8 billion and $5.6 billion,
respectively. The following table summarizes adjustments related to fair value hedges included in Interest income/(expense),
net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
Gain (loss) on hedged borrowings
2014
2013
2012
$
$
(38)
38
$
(180)
180
23
(23)
109
In addition, the Company realized net benefits of $93 million, $80 million and $58 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and
2012, respectively, in Interest income/expense, net related to the pay-floating interest rate swaps.
The Company may designate pay-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of interest payments on floating-rate
borrowings. Pay-fixed swaps effectively convert floating rate borrowings to fixed-rate borrowings. The unrealized gains or
losses from these cash flow hedges are deferred in AOCI and recognized in interest expense as the interest payments occur. The
Company did not have pay-fixed interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest payments at
September 27, 2014 or at September 28, 2013 and gains and losses related to pay-fixed swaps recognized in earnings for fiscal
years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were not material.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
The Company transacts business globally and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange
rates. The Company’s objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow fluctuations associated with foreign currency exchange rate
changes, enabling management to focus on core business issues and challenges.
The Company enters into option and forward contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change to
protect the value of its existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, firm commitments and forecasted but not firmly committed
foreign currency transactions. In accordance with policy, the Company hedges its forecasted foreign currency transactions for
periods generally not to exceed four years within an established minimum and maximum range of annual exposure. The gains
and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of the related forecasted transaction, asset,
liability or firm commitment. The principal currencies hedged are the euro, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar and British pound.
Cross-currency swaps are used to effectively convert foreign currency-denominated borrowings into U.S. dollar denominated
borrowings.
The Company designates foreign exchange forward and option contracts as cash flow hedges of firmly committed and
forecasted foreign currency transactions. As of September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the notional amounts of the
Company’s net foreign exchange cash flow hedges were $5.0 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively. Mark-to-market gains and
losses on these contracts are deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting
changes in the value of the foreign currency transactions. Gains and losses recognized related to ineffectiveness for fiscal years
2014, 2013 and 2012 were not material. Net deferred gains recorded in AOCI that will be reclassified to earnings in the next
twelve months totaled $200 million.
Foreign exchange risk management contracts with respect to foreign currency assets and liabilities are not designated as
hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. The notional amounts of these foreign exchange contracts at September 27,
2014 and September 28, 2013 were $4.3 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the net foreign
exchange gains or losses recognized on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and the offsetting net foreign
exchange gains or losses on the related foreign exchange contracts for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 by corresponding line
item in which they are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income:
Costs and Expenses
Interest Income/(Expense), net
2014
2013
2012
2014
2013
2012
$
(269)
$
(33)
$
(63)
$
24
$
199
$
(9)
216
(53)
$
(8)
(41)
$
9
(54)
$
(24)
—
$
(194)
5
$
—
(9)
In addition to the amounts in this table, the Company recorded a $143 million foreign currency translation loss on net
monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan BsF in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 that is reported in "Other income/
(expense), net" (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Commodity Price Risk Management
The Company is subject to the volatility of commodities prices and the Company designates certain commodity forward
contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted commodity purchases. Mark-to-market gains and losses on these contracts are
deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting changes in the value of
commodity purchases. The fair value of commodity hedging contracts at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were not
material. The related gains and losses recognized in earnings were not material for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
110
Net gains (losses) on foreign
currency denominated assets
and liabilities
Net gains (losses) on foreign
exchange risk management
contracts not designated as
hedges
Net gains (losses)
$
Risk Management – Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
The Company enters into certain other risk management contracts that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for
hedge accounting. These contracts, which include certain commodity swap contracts, are intended to offset economic exposures
of the Company and are carried at market value with any changes in value recorded in earnings. The fair value of these
contracts at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were not material. The related gains and losses recognized in
earnings were not material for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Contingent Features and Cash Collateral
The Company has master netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to certain derivative financial instrument
contracts. The Company may be required to post collateral in the event that a net liability position with a counterparty exceeds
limits defined by contract and that vary with the Company’s credit rating. In addition, these contracts may require a
counterparty to post collateral to the Company in the event that a net receivable position with a counterparty exceeds limits
defined by contract and that vary with the counterparty’s credit rating. If the Company’s or counterparty’s credit ratings were
to fall below investment grade, such counterparties or the Company would also have the right to terminate our derivative
contracts, which could lead to a net payment to or from the Company for the aggregate net value by counterparty of our
derivative contracts. The aggregate fair values of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features in a net
liability position by counterparty were $34 million and $124 million at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013,
respectively.
17 Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $140 million, $214 million and $100 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal
years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2014 are primarily due to severance and radio FCC license
impairments, which were determined in connection with the plan to sell Radio Disney stations. Charges in fiscal 2013 were
due to severance, contract and lease termination costs and intangible and other asset impairments. Charges in fiscal 2012 were
due to severance, lease termination costs and the write-off of an intellectual property asset. Charges in each fiscal year were
largely due to organizational and cost structure initiatives across various of our businesses.
18 New Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance that replaces the existing accounting standards
for revenue recognition. The guidance requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or
services. The standard is effective beginning the first quarter of the Company’s 2018 fiscal year (with early adoption not
permitted) and may be adopted either by restating all years presented in the Company’s financial statements or by recording the
impact of adoption as an adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of fiscal 2018. The Company is assessing the
potential impact this guidance will have on its financial statements.
111
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)
2014
Revenues
Segment operating income (5)
Net income
Net income attributable to Disney
Earnings per share:
Diluted
Basic
2013
Revenues
Segment operating income (5)
Net income
Net income attributable to Disney
Earnings per share:
Diluted
Basic
Q1(1)
Q2 (2)
Q3 (3)
Q4 (4)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
12,309
3,020
1,904
1,840
1.03
1.04
11,341
2,380
1,438
1,382
0.77
0.78
$
$
$
$
11,649
3,353
2,056
1,917
1.08
1.10
10,554
2,509
1,621
1,513
0.83
0.84
$
$
$
$
12,466
3,857
2,419
2,245
1.28
1.30
11,578
3,351
2,034
1,847
1.01
1.02
12,389
2,775
1,625
1,499
0.86
0.87
11,568
2,484
1,543
1,394
0.77
0.78
(1) Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 include restructuring and impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of
$0.01 on diluted earnings per share. The first quarter of fiscal 2013 includes charges related to the Celador litigation
($0.11 per diluted share) and our share of expense associated with the Hulu Equity Redemption ($0.02 per diluted share),
partially offset by a gain on the sale of our 50% interest in ESS ($0.07 per diluted share) and a tax benefit related to an
increase in the amount of prior-year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States
($0.04 per diluted share). These items had a net adverse impact of $0.02 on diluted earnings per share.
(2) Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 include a loss from Venezuelan foreign currency translation ($0.05 per diluted
share) and restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02 per diluted share), partially offset by a gain on the sale of property
($0.03 per diluted share) and income related to a portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute ($0.01 per diluted
share). These items had a net adverse impact of $0.03 on diluted earnings per share. The second quarter of fiscal 2013
includes favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings in prior years ($0.06 per diluted share), partially offset by
restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02 per diluted share). These items had a net positive impact of $0.04 on diluted
earnings per share.
(3) The third quarter of fiscal 2013 includes restructuring and impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of $0.02 on
diluted earnings per share.
(4) Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 include restructuring and impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of
$0.03 on diluted earnings per share. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 includes restructuring and impairment charges
($0.03 per diluted share), offset by a tax benefit related to an increase in the amount of prior-year foreign earnings
considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States ($0.02 per diluted share) and gains on the sale of
various businesses ($0.01 per diluted share), which collectively had no net impact on earnings per share.
(5) Segment operating results reflect earnings before corporate and unallocated shared expenses, restructuring and impairment
charges, other income/(expense), interest income/(expense), income taxes and noncontrolling interests. Segment operating
income includes equity in the income of investees.
112
Comparison of five-year cumulative total return
The following graph compares the performance of the Company’s common stock with the performance of the S&P 500
and the Media Peers index assuming $100 was invested on October 2, 2009 (the last trading day of the 2009 fiscal year)
in the Company’s common stock, the S&P 500 and the Media Peers index.
$400
$350
$300
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
October 2, 2009
October 1, 2010
September 30, 2011
September 28, 2012
September 27, 2013
September 26, 2014
$100
$100
$100
$124
$114
$122
$113
$115
$129
$200
$150
$215
$253
$180
$297
$348
$215
$357
The Walt Disney Company
S&P 500
Media Peers
15DEC201416375515
The Media Peers index is a custom index consisting of, in addition to The Walt Disney Company, media enterprises
Time Warner Inc., CBS Corporation (Class B), Viacom Inc. (Class B), Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (Class A), and
Comcast Corporation (Class A).
113
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan E. Arnold
Operating Executive
The Carlyle Group
John S. Chen
Executive Chair and Chief
Executive Officer Blackberry, Ltd.
Jack Dorsey
Chairman of the Board
Twitter, Inc. and
CEO, Square, Inc.
Robert A. Iger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company
Fred H. Langhammer
Chairman, Global Affairs
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Aylwin B. Lewis
President and Chief Executive Officer
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Monica C. Lozano
Chairman,
U.S. Hispanic Media, Inc.
Robert W. Matschullat
Former Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer
The Seagram Company Ltd.
Sheryl K. Sandberg
Chief Operating Officer
Facebook, Inc.
Orin C. Smith
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Starbucks Corporation
SENIOR CORPORATE OFFICERS
Robert A. Iger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
James A. Rasulo
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Alan N. Braverman
Senior Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Kevin A. Mayer
Executive Vice President
Corporate Strategy and Business
Development
Christine M. McCarthy
Executive Vice President
Corporate Real Estate, Alliances
and Treasurer
Zenia B. Mucha
Executive Vice President and
Chief Communications Officer
Jayne Parker
Executive Vice President and Chief Human
Resources Officer
Ronald L. Iden
Senior Vice President and
Chief Security Officer
Brent A. Woodford
Senior Vice President
Planning and Control
PRINCIPAL BUSINESSES
Alan Horn
Chairman
The Walt Disney Studios
Thomas O. Staggs
Chairman
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Anne M. Sweeney
Co-Chairman,
Disney Media Networks
President
Disney/ABC Television Group
Ben Sherwood
Co-President
Disney/ABC Television Group
John D. Skipper
Co-Chairman
Disney Media Networks,
President, ESPN, Inc.
Robert A. Chapek
President
Disney Consumer Products
Andy Bird
Chairman
Walt Disney International
James A. Pitaro
President
Disney Interactive
STOCK EXCHANGE
Disney common stock is listed for trading on the
New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol
DIS.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Broadridge Corporate
Issuer Solutions
Attention: Disney Investor Relations
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717
Phone: 1-855-553-4763
E-Mail: disneyinvestor@broadridge.com
Internet: www.disneyshareholder.com
A copy of the Company’s annual report filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(Form 10-K) will be furnished without charge
to any shareholder upon written request to the
address listed above.
DIRECT REGISTRATION SERVICES
The Walt Disney Company common stock
can be issued in direct registration (book entry
or uncertificated) form. The stock is Direct
Registration System (DRS) eligible.
114
23NOV201308451837
(cid:2) Disney
(cid:38)(cid:38)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:3)