Meredith Reports Fiscal 2021 Second Quarter And First Half Results

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; Meredith.com) today reported fiscal 2021 second quarter and first half results as summarized below:


                                                                                                                 Three Months                            
       
              Six Months




            
              Periods ended December 31, 2020                                                  Results           Variance from        Results              Variance from
                                                                                                                 Prior Year                                Prior Year

    ---                                                                                                                                                                        ---


            
              (In millions)



            Total revenues                                                                                              $
            901.5              11                                       $
     1,595.0        4
                                                                                                                                                      %                                                        %





            Earnings from continuing operations                                                           148.5                              
          F                                   190.8             
     F



            Net special items 1,2                                                                           4.5                         (58)                                      12.3              (39)
                                                                                                                                           %                                                          %

    ---


            Earnings from continuing operations before special items (2)                                  153.0                              
          F                                   203.1             
     F

    ---


            Adjusted EBITDA (2)                                                                           304.4                           57                                      447.6                41
                                                                                                                                           %                                                          %



            Net cash provided by operating activities                                                     182.9                              
          F                                   261.8             
     F



            Free cash flow (2)                                                                            174.3                              
          F                                   243.9             
     F

    ---

    F represents favorable improvements greater than 100%. U represents unfavorability greater than 100%



              
                1               Special items
                                             primarily
                                             consist of
                                             restructuring
                                             costs and a
                                             pension
                                             settlement
                                             charge for
                                             the three
                                             months and
                                             severance and
                                             restructuring
                                             costs for the
                                             six months
                                             ended
                                             December 31,
                                             2020



              
                2               See Tables 1-
                                             4 for
                                             supplemental
                                             disclosures
                                             regarding
                                             non-GAAP
                                             financial
                                             measures

"Our audiences are engaging with Meredith's trusted brands more than ever before, and our advertisers are responding in kind - both factors driving our record second quarter revenue and profit performance even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact certain aspects of our business," said Meredith Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tom Harty. "Of particular note, National Media Group digital advertising revenues surpassed magazine advertising for the first time, marking a historic accomplishment and a critical piece of our long-term strategy.

"Our newer licensing and ecommerce initiatives produced strong results; Local Media Group political advertising revenues exceeded our expectations; and magazine and non-political spot television advertising continued to recover sequentially," Harty continued. "Finally, our efforts to enhance financial flexibility and manage costs, particularly within our legacy magazine business, continue to produce tangible results including growth in operating profit and free cash flow and net debt reduction."

Fiscal 2021 second quarter revenues grew 11 percent to a record $902 million from the prior-year period. Highlights from the second quarter of fiscal 2021 included:

    --  A 22 percent increase in National Media Group digital advertising
        revenues from the prior-year period. Sessions to Meredith's owned and
        operated and network sites grew 16 percent from the prior-year period,
        led by the PEOPLE, Allrecipes, Martha Stewart Living, and InStyle
        brands.
    --  A 96 percent increase in Local Media Group political spot and digital
        advertising from the prior election cycle two years ago. Performance was
        led by the Phoenix and Atlanta markets, which combined accounted for
        approximately 60 percent of total political advertising revenues.
    --  A 34 percent increase in National Media Group digital consumer/licensing
        revenues from the prior-year period. Performance was driven by Apple
        News+, strong sales of Better Homes & Gardens-branded products at
        Walmart stores across the United States and at Walmart.com, and
        ecommerce via other retail partners.
    --  Continued sequential year-over-year improvement in Meredith's magazine
        and non-political television advertising platforms. Both comparable
        National Media Group magazine advertising and Local Media Group
        non-political advertising revenues declined in the mid-teens from the
        prior-year period.

As a result of this performance, fiscal 2021 second quarter earnings from continuing operations more than doubled to $149 million from the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA grew 57 percent to $304 million.

Fiscal 2021 second quarter cash flow from operations and free cash flow each more than doubled to $183 million and $174 million, respectively, from the prior-year period, as Meredith benefited from record revenues, lower employee-related items, and lower restructuring payments.

Fiscal 2021 first half revenues grew 4 percent to $1.6 billion from the prior-year period. Earnings from continuing operations more than doubled to $191 million. Adjusted EBITDA grew 41 percent to $448 million.

Meredith had cash and cash equivalents of $379 million as of December 31, 2020, up from $201 million at September 30, 2020, and maintained a zero balance on its $350 million revolving credit facility. Net debt reduction remains Meredith's No. 1 priority.

"We continue to benefit from the strength and durability of our diversified portfolio of brands and businesses," Harty said. "We are excited to serve our consumers with high quality content from brands they can trust, and we are continually evolving our premium content and distribution to reach consumers where they are, leading to heightened engagement and stronger results for our advertising and marketing clients. Additionally, we are consistently able to identify opportunities to benefit from consumer related revenue streams, empowered by our audience reach of more than 190 million engaged consumers, including nearly 95 percent of adult women in the United States."

CONFERENCE CALL PRESENTATION SLIDES AND WEBCAST

Meredith will post a presentation containing further detail on fiscal 2021 second quarter and first half results to the investor relations section of Meredith.com on February 4, 2021, at approximately 7:00 a.m. EST and host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. EST. A webcast will be accessible to the public on the Company's website, and a replay will be available for two weeks. A transcript will also be available at Meredith.com.

RATIONALE FOR USE AND ACCESS TO NON-GAAP RESULTS

Management uses and presents GAAP and non-GAAP results to evaluate and communicate its performance. Non-GAAP measures should not be construed as alternatives to GAAP measures. Free cash flow, earnings from continuing operations before special items, operating profit before special items, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and comparable results are common supplemental measures of performance used by investors and financial analysts.

Management believes that free cash flow, earnings from continuing operations before special items, operating profit before special items, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and comparable results provide additional analytical tools. Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. This metric has been included as a measure of the Company's liquidity and ability to fund its operations. Earnings from continuing operations before special items and operating profit before special items remove the impact of special items on earnings from continuing operations and operating profit. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and special items. These special items have been removed as they have been deemed to be non-operational in nature. Comparable results remove the impact of portfolio changes in our magazine business to facilitate year-over-year comparisons. Management does not use adjusted EBITDA as a measure of liquidity or funds available for management's discretionary use because it excludes certain contractual and nondiscretionary expenditures.

Results before special items are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. While these adjusted results are not a substitute for reported results under GAAP, management believes this information is useful as an aid to further understand Meredith's current performance, performance trends, and financial condition. Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP measures are attached to this press release and available at Meredith.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on management's current knowledge and estimates of factors affecting the Company and its operations. Statements in this release that are forward-looking include, but are not limited to, the Company's continued growth in operating profit, cash flow, and debt reduction. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as may, should, expects, provides, anticipates, assumes, can, will, meets, could, likely, intends, might, predicts, seeks, would, believes, estimates, plans, continues, guidance, or outlook, or variations of these words or similar expressions.

Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could adversely affect future results include, but are not limited to, market conditions, including the availability of debt capital and the terms upon which such debt can be secured, if at all; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, its customers and its suppliers; downturns in global, national and/or local economies; a softening of the domestic advertising market; world, national or local events that could disrupt broadcast television; increased consolidation among major advertisers or other events depressing the level of advertising spending; the unexpected loss or insolvency of one or more major clients or vendors; the integration of acquired businesses; changes in consumer reading, purchasing and/or television viewing patterns; increases in paper, postage, printing, syndicated programming or other costs; changes in television network affiliation agreements; technological developments affecting products or methods of distribution; changes in government regulations affecting the Company's industries; increases in interest rates; the consequences of acquisitions and/or dispositions; the Company's ability to comply with the terms of its debt financing; and the risk factors contained in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and the Company's other filings with the SEC. Such risk factors may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on the Company's business and the global economy. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

ABOUT MEREDITH CORPORATION

Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), a leading media company for nearly 120 years, produces service journalism that engages audiences with essential, inspiring, and trusted content. Meredith reaches consumers where they are across multiple platforms including digital, video, magazine, and broadcast television. Meredith's National Media Group reaches nearly 95 percent of all U.S. women and more than 190 million unduplicated American consumers every month through such iconic brands as PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, Allrecipes, Southern Living, and REAL SIMPLE. Meredith's premium digital network reaches more than 150 million consumers each month. The Company is the No. 1 U.S. magazine operator with 36 million subscribers and the No. 2 global licensor with robust brand licensing activities that include a Better Homes & Gardens partnership with Walmart. Meredith's Local Media Group portfolio includes 17 television stations reaching 11 percent of U.S. households and 30 million viewers. Meredith's portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation's Top 25 markets, including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Portland, and 13 stations in the Top 50.



              
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


              
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)




                                                                                                 Three Months             
      
           Six Months




              
                Periods ended December 31,                                  2020                  2019          2020                     2019

    ---                                                                                                                                            ---


              
                (In millions except per share data)



              
                Revenues



              Advertising related                                                           $
      525.1                           $
          427.3            $
         883.6  $
      806.9



              Consumer related                                                        358.0                         348.9                         676.7          672.0



              Other                                                                    18.4                          34.3                          34.7           56.8

    ---


              Total revenues                                                          901.5                         810.5                       1,595.0        1,535.7

    ---


              
                Operating expenses



              Production, distribution, and editorial                                 266.5                         280.1                         507.6          553.8



              Selling, general, and administrative                                    332.6                         338.4                         643.8          669.2



              Acquisition, disposition, and restructuring related activities            4.2                         (0.5)                         18.3           13.6



              Depreciation and amortization                                            49.8                          58.6                          98.8          117.1



              Impairment of long-lived assets                                             -                                                                     5.2

    ---


              Total operating expenses                                                653.1                         676.6                       1,268.5        1,358.9

    ---


              
                Income from operations                                     248.4                         133.9                         326.5          176.8



              Non-operating income (expense), net                                       0.2                         (7.2)                          5.8            1.4



              Interest expense, net                                                  (43.1)                       (36.9)                       (86.6)        (75.8)

    ---


              Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes                 205.5                          89.8                         245.7          102.4



              Income tax expense                                                     (57.0)                       (27.7)                       (54.9)        (28.2)

    ---


              Earnings from continuing operations                                     148.5                          62.1                         190.8           74.2



              Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                      -                       (24.3)                                     (30.3)

    ---


              
                Net earnings                                                     $
      148.5                            $
          37.8            $
         190.8   $
      43.9

    ---




              
                Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common
    shareholders



              Continuing operations                                                          $
      3.04                            $
          0.93             $
         3.93   $
      0.75



              Discontinued operations                                                     -                       (0.54)                                     (0.66)

    ---


              
                Basic earnings per common share                                   $
      3.04                            $
          0.39             $
         3.93   $
      0.09

    ---


              Basic average common shares outstanding                                  46.2                          45.7                          46.1           45.7

    ---




              
                Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common
    shareholders



              Continuing operations                                                          $
      3.04                            $
          0.91             $
         3.92   $
      0.75



              Discontinued operations                                                     -                       (0.51)                                     (0.66)

    ---


              
                Diluted earnings per common share                                 $
      3.04                            $
          0.40             $
         3.92   $
      0.09

    ---


              Diluted average common shares outstanding                                46.3                          47.3                          46.2           45.7

    ---



       
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


       
                Segment Information (Unaudited)




                                                                      Three Months              
           
            Six Months

                                                                                                           ---


       
                Periods ended December 31,              2020                  2019           2020                        2019

    ---                                                                                                                     ---


       
                (In millions)



       
                Revenues



       Advertising related



       National media                                            $
      295.4                            $
          302.0                 $
         523.0    $
        573.0



       Local media                                         232.6                         126.0                             363.7            235.1



       Intersegment revenue elimination                    (2.9)                        (0.7)                            (3.1)           (1.2)

    ---


       Total advertising related                           525.1                         427.3                             883.6            806.9

    ---


       Consumer related



       National media                                      265.8                         263.8                             492.9            507.3



       Local media                                          92.2                          85.1                             183.8            164.7

    ---


       Total consumer related                              358.0                         348.9                             676.7            672.0

    ---


       Other



       National media                                       14.8                          31.4                              27.8             49.8



       Local media                                           3.6                           2.9                               6.9              7.0

    ---


       Total other                                          18.4                          34.3                              34.7             56.8

    ---


       
                Total revenues                               $
      901.5                            $
          810.5               $
         1,595.0  $
        1,535.7

    ---




       
                Operating profit



       National media                                            $
      114.3                            $
          100.5                 $
         145.8    $
        128.6



       Local media                                         151.7                          54.8                             215.5             93.2



       Unallocated corporate                              (17.6)                       (21.4)                           (34.8)          (45.0)

    ---


       
                Income from operations                       $
      248.4                            $
          133.9                 $
         326.5    $
        176.8

    ---




       
                Depreciation and amortization



       National media                                             $
      40.6                             $
          47.8                  $
         80.6     $
        95.2



       Local media                                           8.7                           9.9                              17.3             19.5



       Unallocated corporate                                 0.5                           0.9                               0.9              2.4

    ---


       
                Total depreciation and amortization           $
      49.8                             $
          58.6                  $
         98.8    $
        117.1

    ---




       
                Adjusted EBITDA (1)



       National media                                            $
      156.0                            $
          141.0                 $
         232.1    $
        231.6



       Local media                                         160.6                          66.7                             240.5            115.6



       Unallocated corporate                              (12.2)                       (13.7)                           (25.0)          (30.8)

    ---


       
                Total adjusted EBITDA                        $
      304.4                            $
          194.0                 $
         447.6    $
        316.4

    ---




              
                1               Adjusted EBITDA is earnings from
                                             continuing operations before
                                             interest expense, income taxes,
                                             depreciation, amortization, and
                                             special items.



       
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


       
                Segment Information (Unaudited)




                                                                    Three Months             
           
           Six Months

                                                                                                       ---


       
                Periods ended December 31,             2020                 2019          2020                       2019

    ---                                                                                                                 ---


       
                (In millions)



       
                Revenues



       National media



       Digital                                                  $
     161.2                           $
         132.2                 $
       266.3    $
       223.8



       Magazine                                           120.4                       149.4                            228.9          309.8



       Third party sales                                   13.8                        20.4                             27.8           39.4

    ---


       Total advertising related                          295.4                       302.0                            523.0          573.0

    ---


       Subscription                                       144.8                       159.8                            278.2          310.3



       Newsstand                                           40.3                        37.7                             75.4           80.3



       Licensing                                           34.5                        24.4                             58.6           44.4



       Affinity marketing                                  18.5                        20.0                             32.9           33.9



       Digital and other consumer driven                   27.7                        21.9                             47.8           38.4

    ---


       Total consumer related                             265.8                       263.8                            492.9          507.3

    ---


       Project based                                       11.1                        15.1                             21.0           29.5



       Other                                                3.7                        16.3                              6.8           20.3

    ---


       Total other                                         14.8                        31.4                             27.8           49.8

    ---


       Total national media                               576.0                       597.2                          1,043.7        1,130.1

    ---


       Local media



       Non-political spot                                  75.3                        89.5                            132.1          166.3



       Political spot                                     117.7                         4.4                            169.4            7.0



       Digital                                              4.9                         4.9                              9.2            9.1



       Third party sales                                   34.7                        27.2                             53.0           52.7

    ---


       Total advertising related                          232.6                       126.0                            363.7          235.1

    ---


       Retransmission                                      91.9                        85.1                            183.3          164.7



       Digital and other consumer driven                    0.3                                                         0.5

    ---


       Total consumer related                              92.2                        85.1                            183.8          164.7

    ---


       Other                                                3.6                         2.9                              6.9            7.0

    ---


       Total local media                                  328.4                       214.0                            554.4          406.8



       Intersegment revenue elimination                   (2.9)                      (0.7)                           (3.1)         (1.2)

    ---


       
                Total revenues                              $
     901.5                           $
         810.5               $
       1,595.0  $
       1,535.7

    ---



       
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


       
                Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)





       
                Assets                                            December 31,                June 30,
                                                                               2020                     2020

    ---                                                                                                 ---


       
                (In millions)



       
                Current assets



       Cash and cash equivalents                                                     $
         379.1                     $
         132.4



       Accounts receivable, net                                              542.3                            461.9



       Inventories                                                            33.8                             34.2



       Current portion of subscription acquisition costs                     222.1                            213.2



       Other current assets                                                   62.9                             43.1

    ---


       
                Total current assets                                   1,240.2                            884.8



       Property, plant, and equipment, net                                   377.4                            399.9



       Operating lease assets                                                387.6                            404.6



       Subscription acquisition costs                                        212.8                            221.6



       Other assets                                                          242.4                            232.4



       Intangible assets, net                                              1,586.3                          1,647.5



       Goodwill                                                            1,719.6                          1,719.3

    ---


       
                Total assets                                                   $
         5,766.3                   $
         5,510.1

    ---




       
                Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity



       
                Current liabilities



       Current portion of long-term debt                                               $
         4.1                       $
         4.1



       Current portion of operating lease liabilities                         35.7                             35.2



       Accounts payable                                                      124.4                            121.1



       Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                225.2                            168.1



       Current portion of unearned revenues                                  402.3                            403.2



       
                Total current liabilities                                791.7                            731.7



       Long-term debt                                                      2,985.2                          2,981.8



       Operating lease liabilities                                           449.4                            466.7



       Unearned revenues                                                     254.6                            267.5



       Deferred income taxes                                                 468.7                            463.8



       Other noncurrent liabilities                                          206.8                            210.4

    ---


       
                Total liabilities                                      5,156.4                          5,121.9

    ---




       
                Shareholders' equity



       Common stock                                                           40.5                             40.3



       Class B stock                                                           5.1                              5.1



       Additional paid-in capital                                            240.0                            227.6



       Retained earnings                                                     390.5                            197.6



       Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                 (66.2)                          (82.4)

    ---


       
                Total shareholders' equity                               609.9                            388.2

    ---


       
                Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                     $
         5,766.3                   $
         5,510.1

    ---



       
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


       
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)





       
                Six months ended December 31,                                       2020          2019

    ---                                                                                                ---


       
                (In millions)



       
                Net cash provided by operating activities                                $
     261.8               $
     72.1

    ---




       
                Cash flows from investing activities



       Acquisitions of and investments in businesses and assets, net of cash acquired      -                (23.0)



       Net proceeds from disposition of assets, net of cash sold                         5.2                   33.8



       Additions to property, plant, and equipment                                    (17.9)                (34.5)



       Other                                                                             0.7

    ---


       Net cash used in investing activities                                          (12.0)                (23.7)

    ---




       
                Cash flows from financing activities



       Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                            -                 280.0



       Repayments of long-term debt                                                    (2.0)               (260.0)



       Dividends paid                                                                      -                (83.2)



       Purchases of Company stock                                                      (0.9)                 (4.2)



       Proceeds from common stock issued                                                 0.9                    1.1



       Payment of acquisition related contingent consideration                         (1.0)



       Financing lease payments                                                        (0.7)                 (0.7)

    ---


       Net cash used in financing activities                                           (3.7)                (67.0)

    ---


       Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                      0.6                  (0.1)



       Change in cash held-for-sale                                                        -                 (5.1)

    ---


       Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                            246.7                 (23.8)



       Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                132.4                   45.0

    ---


       
                Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                               $
     379.1               $
     21.2

    ---


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
              
                Table 1



              
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


              
                Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures




                                           Special Items
                 - The following tables show earnings from continuing operations as reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and excluding the special items. Earnings from continuing operations before special items
                                            are non-GAAP measures. Management's rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release




                                                                                                                                                     Three Months                                          Six Months




              
                Periods ended December 31,                                                                            2020                             2019                      2020                            2019

    ---                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ---


              
                (In millions except per share data)



              
                Earnings from continuing operations                                                                          $
              148.5                                         $
              62.1                                         $
              190.8                                         $
              74.2

    ---


              Special items



              Integration and restructuring costs                                                                                 3.9                                          4.0                                          7.5                                          12.4



              Severance and related benefit costs                                                                                 0.5                                          3.8                                         12.9                                           9.9



              Pension settlements                                                                                                 1.8                                          8.8                                          1.8                                           8.8



              Write-down of impaired assets                                                                                         -                                                                                                                                  5.2



              Loss (gain) on investment                                                                                             -                                                                                   (3.6)                                          1.1



              Release of lease guarantee                                                                                            -                                                                                                                                (8.0)



              Gain on sale of businesses and assets                                                                                 -                                       (8.3)                                                                                    (8.7)



              Other                                                                                                             (0.2)                                         0.4                                        (2.1)                                          0.4

    ---


              Special items subtotal                                                                                              6.0                                          8.7                                         16.5                                          21.1



              Tax expense (benefit) on special items                                                                            (1.5)                                         2.1                                        (4.2)                                        (1.1)



              Net special items                                                                                                   4.5                                         10.8                                         12.3                                          20.0

    ---


              Earnings from continuing operations before 
              special                                                             $
              153.0                                         $
              72.9                                         $
              203.1                                         $
              94.2
    items (non-GAAP)





              
                Diluted earnings per share attributable to common
    shareholders before special items (non-GAAP)



              Continuing operations                                                                                                      $
              3.04                                         $
              0.91                                          $
              3.92                                         $
              0.75



              Per share impact of net special items                                                                              0.09                                         0.23                                         0.26                                          0.44

    ---


              Earnings per share from continuing operations before                                                                       $
              3.13                                         $
              1.14                                          $
              4.18                                         $
              1.19
    special items (non-GAAP)

    ---


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
           
     Table 2



              
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


              
                Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures





              
                
                  Special Items

               The following tables show results of operations as reported under GAAP and excluding the special items. Results of operations excluding the special items are non-GAAP measures.
                Management's rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release.





              
                
                  Adjusted EBITDA

               Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, which is reconciled to net earnings in the following tables, is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes,
                depreciation, amortization, and special items.




               Segment adjusted EBITDA is a measure of segment earnings before depreciation, amortization, and special items. Segment adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as segment adjusted EBITDA
                divided by segment revenues.




                            Three months ended
                             December 31, 2020                                                   National                           Local                           Unallocated                    Total
                                                                                             Media                             Media                            Corporate

    ---                                                                                                                                                                                              ---


              
                (In millions)



              Revenues                                                                                                 $
              576.0                                                                $
      328.4

    ---




              
                Net earnings                                                                                $
              148.5



              Income tax expense                                                                    57.0



              Interest expense, net                                                                 43.1



              Non-operating income, net                                                            (0.2)



               Operating profit                                                                                         $
              114.3                                                                $
      151.7           $
       (17.6)         248.4

    ---

               Special items included in operating
                profit


               Integration and
                restructuring costs                                                                     -                                                                                                     3.9      3.9


               Severance and related
                benefit costs                                                                         0.5                                                                                                              0.5



              Other                                                                                (0.2)                                                                                                           (0.2)

    ---

               Total special items
                included in operating
                profit                                                                                0.3                                                                                                      3.9      4.2

    ---

               Operating profit before
                special items (non-
                GAAP)                                                                               114.6                                                                  151.7                             (13.7)   252.6


               Non-operating income
                (expense), net                                                                        0.8                                                                    0.2                              (0.8)     0.2


               Special item included
                in non-operating
                income (expense),                                                                       -                                                                                                     1.8      1.8
    net - pension settlement


               Depreciation and
                amortization                                                                         40.6                                                                    8.7                                0.5     49.8

    ---

               Adjusted EBITDA (non-
                GAAP)                                                                                                   $
              156.0                                                                $
      160.6           $
       (12.2)               $
     304.4

    ---



               Segment operating                                                                     19.8                                                                   46.2
                margin                                                                                  %                                                                     %


               Segment adjusted EBITDA                                                               27.1                                                                   48.9
                margin                                                                                  %                                                                     %

    ---





                            Three months ended
                             December 31, 2019                                                   National                           Local                           Unallocated                    Total
                                                                                             Media                             Media                            Corporate

    ---                                                                                                                                                                                              ---


              
                (In millions)



              Revenues                                                                                                 $
              597.2                                                                $
      214.0

    ---




              
                Net earnings                                                                                 $
              37.8



              Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                                24.3




              
                Earnings from continuing operations                                      62.1



              Income tax expense                                                                    27.7



              Interest expense, net                                                                 36.9



              Non-operating expense, net                                                             7.2



               Operating profit                                                                                         $
              100.5                                                                 $
      54.8           $
       (21.4)         133.9

    ---

               Special items included in operating
                profit


               Integration and
                restructuring costs                                                                     -                                                                                                     4.0      4.0


               Severance and related
                benefit costs                                                                           -                                                                   1.7                                2.1      3.8


               Gain on sale of
                businesses and assets                                                               (8.3)                                                                                                           (8.3)



              Other                                                                                    -                                                                                                     0.4      0.4

    ---

               Total special items
                included in operating
                profit                                                                              (8.3)                                                                   1.7                                6.5    (0.1)

    ---

               Operating profit before
                special items (non-
                GAAP)                                                                                92.2                                                                   56.5                             (14.9)   133.8


               Non-operating income
                (expense), net                                                                        1.0                                                                    0.3                              (8.5)   (7.2)


               Special item included
                in non-operating
                income (expense),                                                                       -                                                                                                     8.8      8.8
    net - pension settlement charge


               Depreciation and
                amortization                                                                         47.8                                                                    9.9                                0.9     58.6

    ---

               Adjusted EBITDA (non-
                GAAP)                                                                                                   $
              141.0                                                                 $
      66.7           $
       (13.7)               $
     194.0

    ---



               Segment operating                                                                     16.8                                                                   25.6
                margin                                                                                  %                                                                     %


               Segment adjusted EBITDA                                                               23.6                                                                   31.2
                margin                                                                                  %                                                                     %

    ---


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
           
     Table 3



       
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


       
                Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures





       
                
                  Special Items

        The following tables show results of operations as reported under GAAP and excluding the special items. Results of operations excluding the special items are non-GAAP measures. Management's rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release.





       
                
                  Adjusted EBITDA


       Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, which is reconciled to net earnings in the following tables, is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and special items.





       Segment adjusted EBITDA is a measure of segment earnings before depreciation, amortization, and special items. Segment adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as segment adjusted EBITDA divided by segment revenues.





       
                Six months ended December 31, 2020                                                                                                                 National                           Local                           Unallocated                           Total
                                                                                                                                                                    Media                             Media                            Corporate

    ---                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ---


       
                (In millions)



       Revenues                                                                                                                                                                             $
              1,043.7                                                                          $
            554.4

    ---




       
                Net earnings                                                                                                                                                              $
              190.8



       Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                  54.9



       Interest expense, net                                                                                                                                               86.6



       Non-operating income, net                                                                                                                                          (5.8)




       Operating profit                                                                                                                                                                       $
              145.8                                                                          $
            215.5           $
       (34.8)         326.5

    ---


       Special items included in operating profit



       Severance and related benefit costs                                                                                                                                  5.1                                                                    7.2                                                0.6     12.9



       Integration and restructuring costs                                                                                                                                  0.2                                                                                                                      7.3      7.5



       Other                                                                                                                                                              (1.1)                                                                                                                   (1.0)   (2.1)

    ---


       Total special items included in operating profit                                                                                                                     4.2                                                                    7.2                                                6.9     18.3

    ---


       Operating profit before special items (non-GAAP)                                                                                                                   150.0                                                                  222.7                                             (27.9)   344.8



       Non-operating income, net                                                                                                                                            5.1                                                                    0.5                                                0.2      5.8



       Special items included in non-operating income, net



       Pension settlement                                                                                                                                                     -                                                                                                                     1.8      1.8



       Gain on investment                                                                                                                                                 (3.6)                                                                                                                           (3.6)

    ---


       Total special items included in non-operating income, net                                                                                                          (3.6)                                                                                                                     1.8    (1.8)



       Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                                       80.6                                                                   17.3                                                0.9     98.8

    ---


       Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)                                                                                                                                                             $
              232.1                                                                          $
            240.5           $
       (25.0)               $
     447.6

    ---




       Segment operating margin                                                                                                                                            14.0                                                                   38.9
                                                                                                                                                                               %                                                                     %



       Segment adjusted EBITDA margin                                                                                                                                      22.2                                                                   43.4
                                                                                                                                                                               %                                                                     %

    ---






       
                Six months ended December 31, 2019                                                                                                                 National                           Local                           Unallocated                           Total
                                                                                                                                                                    Media                             Media                            Corporate

    ---                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ---


       
                (In millions)



       Revenues                                                                                                                                                                             $
              1,130.1                                                                          $
            406.8

    ---




       
                Net earnings                                                                                                                                                               $
              43.9



       Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                                                                                                              30.3




       
                Earnings from continuing operations                                                                                                                    74.2



       Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                  28.2



       Interest expense, net                                                                                                                                               75.8



       Non-operating income, net                                                                                                                                          (1.4)




       Operating profit                                                                                                                                                                       $
              128.6                                                                           $
            93.2           $
       (45.0)         176.8

    ---


       Special items included in operating profit



       Integration and restructuring costs                                                                                                                                  3.0                                                                                                                      9.4     12.4



       Severance and related benefit costs                                                                                                                                  5.1                                                                    2.3                                                2.5      9.9



       Write-down of impaired assets                                                                                                                                        5.2                                                                                                                              5.2



       Gain on sale of businesses and assets                                                                                                                              (8.7)                                                                                                                           (8.7)



       Other                                                                                                                                                                  -                                                                                                                     0.4      0.4

    ---


       Total special items included in operating profit                                                                                                                     4.6                                                                    2.3                                               12.3     19.2

    ---


       Operating profit before special items (non-GAAP)                                                                                                                   133.2                                                                   95.5                                             (32.7)   196.0



       Non-operating income (expense), net                                                                                                                                 10.1                                                                    0.6                                              (9.3)     1.4



       Special items included in non-operating income (expense), net



       Pension settlement                                                                                                                                                     -                                                                                                                     8.8      8.8



       Loss on investment                                                                                                                                                   1.1                                                                                                                      1.1



       Release of lease guarantee                                                                                                                                         (8.0)                                                                                                                           (8.0)

    ---


       Total special items included in non-operating income (expense), net                                                                                                (6.9)                                                                                                                     8.8      1.9



       Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                                       95.2                                                                   19.5                                                2.4    117.1

    ---


       Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)                                                                                                                                                             $
              231.6                                                                          $
            115.6           $
       (30.8)               $
     316.4

    ---




       Segment operating margin                                                                                                                                            11.4                                                                   22.9
                                                                                                                                                                               %                                                                     %



       Segment adjusted EBITDA margin                                                                                                                                      20.5                                                                   28.4
                                                                                                                                                                               %                                                                     %

    ---


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
              
                Table 4



       
                Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries


       
                Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures




                                    Free Cash Flow
                 - The following table presents net cash provided by operating activities as reported under GAAP and additions to property, plant, and equipment also as reported under GAAP. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure. Management's rationale for
                                     presenting non-GAAP measures is included in the text of this earnings release.




                                                                                                                                   Three Months                                          Six Months

                                                                                                                                                                                ---


       
                Periods ended December 31,                                                                 2020                             2019                      2020                            2019

    ---                                                                                                                                                                                                  ---


       
                (In millions)



       Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                      $
              182.9                                         $
              85.6                                         $
              261.8                                         $
            72.1



       Less: additions to property, plant, and equipment                                                      (8.6)                                      (18.6)                                      (17.9)                                       (34.5)

    ---


       Free cash flow                                                                                                 $
              174.3                                         $
              67.0                                         $
              243.9                                         $
            37.6

    ---

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SOURCE Meredith Corporation