Meredith Corporation Reports Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter Results

Meredith Corporation Reports Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter Results

Local Media Posts Record 3rd Quarter Profit; Current Dividend Yield Approximately 5%

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), the leading media and marketing company serving American women, today reported fiscal 2012 third quarter earnings per share of $0.47, including a special charge of $0.19 per share. Excluding the special charge, earnings per share were $0.66, in-line with Meredith's previously stated expectations. Revenues increased to $346 million. These results compare to fiscal 2011 third quarter earnings per share of $0.67 and revenues of $339 million.

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"We are very pleased with the ongoing strong performance of our local television business, and encouraged by improving national media advertising trends as calendar 2012 progresses," said Meredith Chairman and CEO Stephen M. Lacy. "We continue to accelerate the execution of digital and video initiatives across our businesses, including expanding our tablet offerings, introducing new mobile apps, and increasing original video programming."

Lacy noted several business highlights achieved during the quarter:

-- Local Media Group non-political advertising revenues grew 5 percent, the
10th consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Operating profit
grew more than 70 percent to $23 million, a record for a fiscal third
quarter and, combined with a 4 percent decrease in expenses, produced a
strong 37 percent EBITDA margin.
-- National Media Group advertising revenues grew 2 percent and circulation
revenues increased 15 percent. Growth was fueled by the recent
acquisitions of Allrecipes.com, EveryDay with Rachael Ray and FamilyFun.
Excluding the recent acquisitions, advertising revenues were down 7
percent and circulation revenues grew 3 percent.
-- Digital advertising revenues in both the National and Local media groups
rose 70 percent. Growth in the National Media Group was driven equally
by existing Meredith Women's Network websites and the addition of
Allrecipes.com.
-- Consumer engagement remained strong across the Company. Meredith
magazine readership increased to a record 115 million, and Meredith's
local television station group produced a strong February ratings book.
Additionally, Meredith delivered record website traffic across its
digital activities, including more than 40 million unique visitors in
March, reflecting the inclusion of Allrecipes.com.
To realize the full value of recent acquisitions and as part of an ongoing process to improve its operations, Meredith recorded a special charge in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 with two primary components:

-- $2.5 million ($1.5 million after tax, or $0.03 per share) related to
transaction costs associated with its $175 million acquisition of
Allrecipes.com, the world's largest digital food brand.
-- $12.2 million ($7.1 million after tax, or $0.16 per share) related
primarily to business realignments in the National Media Group following
a series of recent acquisitions, including selected workforce reductions
and vacated lease space. The purpose of this realignment is to optimize
performance; achieve cost efficiencies; and accelerate go-to-market
strategies across multiple platforms, including print, video, digital,
mobile and social.
"The media and marketing landscape continues to evolve, and we are aligning our businesses - which we've substantially augmented through a series of strategic acquisitions and initiatives - to best serve our consumers and customers on whatever platform they choose," Lacy said. "We've led the way among media companies at creating a true multiplatform business, and we fully intend to realize the maximum financial potential of our expanded portfolio as part of our commitment to Total Shareholder Return."

Key elements to Meredith's Total Shareholder Return financial strategy include (1) A current annual dividend of $1.53 per share, which is currently yielding approximately 5 percent; (2) A $100 million share repurchase program; and (3) Ongoing strategic investments to drive incremental revenue and profit growth over time.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, earnings per share were $1.65. Excluding the special charge recorded in the third quarter, earnings per share were $1.84. These results compare to earnings per share of $2.12 in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, when Meredith recorded $31 million, or $0.42 per share, more political advertising revenues. Total revenues were $1 billion in both periods.

OPERATING DETAIL

LOCAL MEDIA GROUP

Fiscal 2012 third quarter Local Media Group operating profit was a record $23 million, compared to $13 million in the year-ago period, an increase of 71 percent. Total revenues increased 10 percent to $78 million, compared to $71 million. Expenses declined 4 percent, helping drive a group EBITDA margin of 37 percent.

Looking more closely at non-political advertising performance in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the year-ago period:

-- Revenues rose 5 percent to $67 million, the 10th-straight quarter of
year-over-year improvement. Growth was strongest at Meredith's stations
in Las Vegas (FOX), Phoenix (CBS) and Nashville (NBC).
-- Automotive advertising category revenues grew 4 percent, on top of 13
percent growth in the year-ago period. Professional services, the
second-largest category, grew 11 percent.
-- Digital advertising revenues increased 70 percent, driven by enhanced
sales initiatives and product offerings.
Meredith's television stations delivered very strong year-over-year ratings growth during the most recent February measurement period in the important adults ages 25 to 54 demographic. Of note:

-- WFSB (CBS Hartford) enhanced its No. 1 ranking in all news periods and
day parts, and is once again well-positioned to capture substantial
political advertising dollars.
-- KCTV (CBS Kansas City) delivered growth in afternoon, evening and late
news.
-- KPHO (CBS Phoenix) delivered double-digit ratings growth in morning,
afternoon and evening news.
-- KVVU (FOX Las Vegas) and WHNS (FOX Greenville, SC) both delivered
double-digit ratings growth in morning and late news.
Other revenues grew nearly 40 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, driven primarily by Meredith's management of Peachtree TV (WPCH-TV) in Atlanta, which began on March 28, 2011. Meredith Video Studios, producer of the nationally-syndicated The Better Show, also contributed to the revenue gains.

"Our Local Media group is doing an excellent job of increasing ratings and translating them into advertising revenues, consistently ranking us among the leading station groups in advertising revenue gains," said Meredith Local Media Group President Paul Karpowicz. "Additionally, we are augmenting results with revenues from Meredith Video Studios, operation of Turner's Peachtree TV in Atlanta, and retransmission consent fees from subscription television operators."

For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, Local Media Group operating profit was $61 million and revenues were $232 million. These results compare to operating profit of $69 million and revenues of $244 million in the year-ago period. Meredith recorded $31 million less of political advertising revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 than in the year-ago period, which is expected in an off-election year. Expenses declined 3 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 from the year-ago period, helping drive an overall EBITDA margin of 34 percent.

NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP

Fiscal 2012 third quarter National Media Group operating profit was $23 million, including a special charge of $13 million. Excluding the special charge, operating profit was $37 million. Revenues were $268 million. These results compare to operating profit of $48 million and revenues of $268 million in the year-ago period.

Looking more closely at National Media Group advertising performance in the third quarter of fiscal 2012:

-- Advertising revenues grew 2 percent to $123 million. Excluding the
recent acquisitions, advertising revenues were down 7 percent. The
over-the-counter drug and media and entertainment categories were
stronger, offsetting weak prescription drug and retail advertising. The
food and beverage category, which is Meredith's largest, grew during the
quarter, bolstered by the acquisitions.
-- Digital advertising revenues grew 70 percent, as the digital food
category was particularly strong. Meredith Women's Network properties
accounted for approximately half of that growth, with the balance
contributed by the addition of Allrecipes.com to Meredith's strong
digital portfolio.
-- Meredith began implementing the Meredith Engagement Dividend program
during the quarter with several inaugural accounts including
Kimberly-Clark, Tyson Foods and Mars Petcare. This innovative program
guarantees marketers a return on their advertising investment in
Meredith magazines by combining The Nielsen Company's Homescan data with
Meredith's 85-million name database to prove advertising in Meredith
titles increases retail sales.
Circulation revenues grew 15 percent and circulation contribution grew 12 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the year-ago period, driven largely by the recent acquisitions. Excluding these acquisitions, circulation revenues grew 3 percent. Meredith generated 2 million digital orders for print magazine subscriptions during the first nine months of fiscal 2012, up 150 percent compared to the year-ago period. Meredith is particularly focused on driving digital subscriptions and paperless transactions because of cost-saving and up-selling opportunities, and is on pace to generate a record 2.6 million digital orders for full fiscal 2012. Meredith realizes approximately $5 in incremental profit per digital order.

Meredith delivered strong gains in single copy and subscription sales of digital tablet editions, as well as growth in downloads of its mobile apps during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Currently, 21 of Meredith's subscription brands and many special interest titles are distributed via tablet devices, including iPad, Kindle Fire and Nook Color. To date, Meredith's 20 mobile and tablet apps have generated nearly 20 million downloads, including the Better Homes and Gardens Must-Have Recipes app, which has generated 1 million downloads in its first 4 months.

National Media Group President Tom Harty said Meredith is making significant strides in three key areas:

-- Delivering strengthening advertising revenues in print and digital as
calendar 2012 progresses.
-- Successfully executing a selective consolidation strategy in the
magazine industry by buying attractive properties at reasonable prices,
and subsequently optimizing their performance and cost structure.
-- Growing its digital footprint, as demonstrated by aggressive tablet and
mobile expansion, and the acquisition of Allrecipes.com.
"Today, the Meredith Women's Digital Network is the largest premium owned-and-operated property in both the Food and the Women's Lifestyle categories," Harty said. "There isn't another media company that can provide advertisers with the expert content and extensive female reach that Meredith can offer in the digital space."

National Media Group other revenues in the fiscal 2012 third quarter were $68 million, compared to $80 million in the year-ago period. This was due primarily to select clients within Meredith Xcelerated Marketing scaling back programs in response to current economic conditions.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, National Media Group operating profit was $95 million. Excluding the special charge recorded in the third quarter, operating profit was $109 million. Revenues were $771 million. These results compare to operating profit of $130 million and revenues of $803 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. Expenses declined 2 percent, excluding the special charge.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

For the trailing 12 month period ending March 31, 2012, Meredith generated nearly $180 million in cash flow from operations and repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of Company stock.

Total debt was $420 million at March 31, 2012, reflecting the recent addition of $175 million for the acquisition of Allrecipes.com. Meredith's debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 1.8 to 1, and the weighted average interest rate was 3.9 percent at March 31, 2012.

Fiscal 2012 third quarter unallocated corporate expenses declined more than 15 percent compared to the prior-year period, and were down more than 10 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared to the prior-year period.

All earnings per share figures in the text of this release are diluted. Both basic and diluted earnings per share can be found in the attached Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

OUTLOOK

Looking at the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the year-ago period:

-- With two of three magazine issues closed, Meredith expects fourth
quarter National Media Group advertising revenue to grow in the low
teens, down in the mid-single digits excluding the recent acquisitions.
-- With nine weeks remaining in the quarter, Local Media Group
non-political advertising revenues are currently pacing up in the
mid-single digits.
In Meredith's most recent outlook, released on January 24, the Company estimated fiscal 2012 full-year earnings per share to range between $2.45 to $2.65, including approximately $0.10 per share of dilution related to Allrecipes.com.

With just over two months remaining in fiscal 2012, Meredith expects full year fiscal 2012 earnings per share before the special charge to range from $2.47 to $2.50, in-line with previously stated expectations. This range now includes approximately $0.12 of dilution related to Allrecipes.com.

Looking just at the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, Meredith expects earnings per share to range from $0.63 to $0.66. This range now includes approximately $0.10 of dilution related to Allrecipes.com.

A number of uncertainties remain that may affect Meredith's outlook as stated in this press release for the fourth fiscal quarter and full year of fiscal 2012. These uncertainties are referenced below under "Safe Harbor" and in certain filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONFERENCE CALL WEBCAST

Meredith will host a conference call on April 25, 2012 at 11 a.m. EDT to discuss third quarter fiscal 2012 results. A live webcast will be accessible to the public on the Company's website, www.meredith.com, and a replay will be available for two weeks. A transcript will be available within 48 hours of the call at www.meredith.com.

RATIONALE FOR USE AND ACCESS TO NON-GAAP RESULTS

Management uses and presents GAAP and non-GAAP results to evaluate and communicate the performance of the Company. Non-GAAP measures should not be construed as alternatives to GAAP measures. EBITDA is a common supplemental measure of performance used by investors and financial analysts. Management believes that EBITDA provides an additional analytical tool to clarify the Company's results from core operations and delineate underlying trends. Meredith does not use EBITDA as a measure of liquidity or funds available for management's discretionary use because they include certain contractual and non-discretionary expenditures.

Results excluding the special charge recorded in fiscal 2012 are also supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes the special charge is not reflective of Meredith's ongoing business activities. While results excluding the special charge are not a substitute for reported results under GAAP, management believes this information is useful as an aid in better understanding Meredith's current performance, performance trends and financial condition. Reconciliations of non-GAAP to GAAP measures are included in the attached tables. The attached condensed consolidated financial statements and reconciliation tables will be made available at www.meredith.com.

SAFE HARBOR

This release contains certain forward-looking statements 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 announcement that are forward-looking include, but are not limited to, the statements regarding advertising revenues and investment spending, along with the Company's revenue and earnings per share outlook for the fourth fiscal quarter and full year fiscal 2012.

Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could adversely affect future results include, but are not limited to, downturns in 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; 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; unexpected changes in interest rates; and the consequences of acquisitions and/or dispositions. 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; www.meredith.com) is the leading media and marketing company serving American women. Meredith features multiple well-known national brands - including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Family Circle, Allrecipes.com, Ladies' Home Journal, Fitness, More, American Baby, EveryDay with Rachael Ray and FamilyFun - along with local television brands in fast-growing markets. Meredith is the industry leader in creating content in key consumer interest areas such as home, family, food, health and wellness and self-development. Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms - including print, television, digital, mobile, tablets, and video - to give consumers content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners.

Additionally, Meredith uses its many assets to create powerful custom marketing solutions for many of the nation's top brands and companies. Meredith Xcelerated Marketing has significantly added to its capabilities in recent years through the acquisition of cutting-edge companies in digital, mobile, social, healthcare, database, and international marketing. Most recently, Meredith made a strategic investment in London-based Iris Worldwide, a leader in experiential marketing.

A hallmark of Meredith's business model and financial profile is its ability to consistently generate substantial free cash flow by leveraging the strength of its multi-platform portfolio. Meredith is committed to increasing Total Shareholder Return through dividend payments, share repurchases and strategic business investments. Meredith has paid a dividend for 65 straight years and increased its dividend for 19 consecutive years. Meredith currently pays an annual dividend of $1.53 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of approximately 5 percent.

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

Three Months Nine Months
------------ -----------
Periods Ended March
31, 2012 2011 2012 2011
------------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands except
per share data)
Revenues
Advertising $191,472 $185,210 $559,425 $603,790
Circulation 76,331 66,453 206,822 196,130
All other 77,710 87,218 235,892 247,634
Total revenues 345,513 338,881 1,002,139 1,047,554
-------------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses
Production,
distribution, and
editorial 136,454 134,437 401,757 414,529
Selling, general, and
administrative 159,352 142,130 437,257 432,568
Depreciation and
amortization 11,407 9,965 31,744 29,413
Total operating
expenses 307,213 286,532 870,758 876,510
--------------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income from
operations 38,300 52,349 131,381 171,044
Interest expense (3,283) (3,147) (8,899) (10,009)
---------------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Earnings from
continuing
operations before
income taxes 35,017 49,202 122,482 161,035
Income taxes (13,848) (18,026) (48,092) (62,700)
------------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Earnings from
continuing
operations 21,169 31,176 74,390 98,335
Loss from
discontinued
operations, net of
taxes - (339) - (1,234)
Net earnings $21,169 $30,837 $74,390 $97,101
------------ ------- ------- ------- -------

Basic earnings per
share
Earnings from
continuing
operations $0.47 $0.69 $1.66 $2.16
Discontinued
operations - (0.01) - (0.03)
Basic earnings per
share $0.47 $0.68 $1.66 $2.13
------------------ ----- ----- ----- -----
Basic average shares
outstanding 44,800 45,594 44,882 45,550
-------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------

Diluted earnings per
share
Earnings from
continuing
operations $0.47 $0.68 $1.65 $2.14
Discontinued
operations - (0.01) - (0.02)
Diluted earnings per
share $0.47 $0.67 $1.65 $2.12
-------------------- ----- ----- ----- -----
Diluted average
shares outstanding 45,296 45,998 45,141 45,888
------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------

Dividends paid per
share $0.3825 $0.2550 $1.0200 $0.7150
------------------ ------- ------- ------- -------

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Segment Information (Unaudited)

Three Months Nine Months
------------ -----------
Periods Ended March
31, 2012 2011 2012 2011
------------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Revenues
National media group
Advertising $122,977 $120,997 $354,614 $378,851
Circulation 76,331 66,453 206,822 196,130
Other revenues 68,295 80,436 209,094 228,103
Total national media
group 267,603 267,886 770,530 803,084
--------------------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Local media group
Non-political
advertising 66,652 63,531 201,311 190,655
Political
advertising 1,843 682 3,500 34,284
Other revenues 9,415 6,782 26,798 19,531
Total local media group 77,910 70,995 231,609 244,470
----------------------- ------ ------ ------- -------
Total revenues $345,513 $338,881 $1,002,139 $1,047,554
-------------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------

Operating profit
National media
group $23,330 $48,467 $95,131 $130,297
Local media group 22,654 13,281 60,867 68,558
Unallocated
corporate (7,684) (9,399) (24,617) (27,811)
Income from
operations $38,300 $52,349 $131,381 $171,044
----------- ------- ------- -------- --------

Depreciation and amortization
National media
group $4,615 $3,346 $11,808 $10,035
Local media group 6,299 6,109 18,463 17,853
Unallocated
corporate 493 510 1,473 1,525
Total depreciation
and amortization $11,407 $9,965 $31,744 $29,413
------------------ ------- ------ ------- -------

EBITDA(1)
National media
group $27,945 $51,813 $106,939 $140,332
Local media group 28,953 19,390 79,330 86,411
Unallocated
corporate (7,191) (8,889) (23,144) (26,286)
Total EBITDA $49,707 $62,314 $163,125 $200,457
------------ ------- ------- -------- --------

(1) EBITDA is net earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

Assets March 31,
2012 June 30,
2011
--- ----
(In thousands)
Current assets
Cash and cash
equivalents $24,674 $27,721
Accounts
receivable, net 219,156 212,365
Inventories 28,227 21,529
Current portion
of subscription
acquisition
costs 69,259 54,581
Current portion
of broadcast
rights 5,666 3,974
Other current
assets 16,618 13,568
Total current
assets 363,600 333,738
------------- ------- -------
Property, plant,
and equipment 462,355 459,257
Less accumulated
depreciation (264,892) (272,819)
---------------- -------- --------
Net property,
plant, and
equipment 197,463 186,438
Subscription
acquisition
costs 66,295 54,286
Broadcast rights 1,327 1,292
Other assets 75,880 66,940
Intangible
assets, net 581,227 545,101
Goodwill 730,062 525,034
Total assets $2,015,854 $1,712,829
------------ ---------- ----------

Liabilities and
Shareholders'
Equity
---------------
Current
liabilities
Current portion
of long-term
debt $50,000 $50,000
Current portion
of long-term
broadcast rights
payable 9,864 8,548
Accounts payable 56,023 82,878
Accrued expenses
and other
liabilities 109,084 115,735
Current portion
of unearned
subscription
revenues 186,529 151,831
--------------- ------- -------
Total current
liabilities 411,500 408,992
Long-term debt 370,000 145,000
Long-term
broadcast rights
payable 5,008 5,431
Unearned
subscription
revenues 139,002 120,024
Deferred income
taxes 185,775 160,709
Other noncurrent
liabilities 104,293 97,688
Total liabilities 1,215,578 937,844
----------------- --------- -------
Shareholders'
equity
Common stock 36,093 36,282
Class B stock 8,738 8,776
Additional paid-
in capital 54,609 58,274
Retained earnings 716,314 687,816
Accumulated other
comprehensive
loss (15,478) (16,163)
Total
shareholders'
equity 800,276 774,985
-------------- ------- -------
Total liabilities
and
shareholders'
equity $2,015,854 $1,712,829
----------------- ---------- ----------

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012 2011
--------------------------- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating
activities $105,638 $140,375
------------------------------ -------- --------

Cash flows from investing
activities
Acquisitions of businesses (243,897) (39,141)
Additions to property, plant, and
equipment (30,739) (19,625)
Other (781) -
Net cash used in investing
activities (275,417) (58,766)
-------------------------- -------- -------

Cash flows from financing
activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-
term debt 295,000 12,500
Repayments of long-term debt (70,000) (87,500)
Purchases of Company stock (16,584) (9,724)
Dividends paid (45,892) (32,681)
Proceeds from common stock issued 4,502 7,526
Excess tax benefits from share-
based payments 346 427
Other (640) (51)
Net cash used in financing
activities 166,732 (109,503)
-------------------------- ------- --------
Net decrease in cash and cash
equivalents (3,047) (27,894)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 27,721 48,574
---------------------------- ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period $24,674 $20,680
-------------------------------- ------- -------

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries Table 1
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Special Items- The following table shows results of operations excluding the special items and as reported with the difference being 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.

Periods Ended March 31, 2012 Three Months Nine Months
---------------------------- ------------ -----------
Excluding Special Special Items As Reported Excluding Special Special Items As Reported
Items Items
----- -----
(In thousands except per share data)
Revenues
Advertising $191,472 $ - $191,472 $559,425 $ - $559,425
Circulation 76,331 - 76,331 206,822 - 206,822
All other 77,710 - 77,710 235,892 - 235,892
Total revenues 345,513 - 345,513 1,002,139 - 1,002,139
-------------- ------- --- ------- --------- --- ---------
Operating expenses
Production, distribution, and editorial 136,429 25 (a) 136,454 401,732 25 (a) 401,757
Selling, general, and administrative 144,707 14,645 (b) 159,352 422,612 14,645 (b) 437,257
Depreciation and amortization 11,407 - 11,407 31,744 - 31,744
Total operating expenses 292,543 14,670 307,213 856,088 14,670 870,758
------------------------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Income from operations 52,970 (14,670) 38,300 146,051 (14,670) 131,381
Interest expense, net (3,283) - (3,283) (8,899) - (8,899)
--------------------- ------ --- ------ ------ --- ------
Earnings before income taxes 49,687 (14,670) 35,017 137,152 (14,670) 122,482
Income taxes (19,888) 6,040 (13,848) (54,132) 6,040 (48,092)
------------ ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
Net earnings $29,799 $(8,630) $21,169 $83,020 $(8,630) $74,390
------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------

Basic earnings per share $0.66 $(0.19) $0.47 $1.85 $(0.19) $1.66
------------------------
Basic average shares outstanding 44,800 44,800 44,800 44,882 44,882 44,882
-------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

Diluted earnings per share $0.66 $(0.19) $0.47 $1.84 $(0.19) $1.65
--------------------------
Diluted average shares outstanding 45,296 45,296 45,296 45,141 45,141 45,141
---------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

(a) Write-down of art and manuscript inventory
(b) Severance costs of $10.0 million, Allrecipes.com acquisition costs of $2.5 million, vacated lease accruals of $2.7 million, and other net
miscellaneous write-downs and accruals of $0.5 million partially offset by a $1.0 million reduction in contingent consideration payable.

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries Table 2
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Special Items- The following table shows results of operations excluding the special items and as reported with the difference being 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.

Periods Ended March 31, 2012 Three Months Nine Months
---------------------------- ------------ -----------
Excluding Special Items As Reported Excluding Special Items As Reported
Special Items Special Items
------------- -------------
(In thousands)
Revenues
National media group
Advertising $122,977 $ - $122,977 $354,614 $ - $354,614
Circulation 76,331 - 76,331 206,822 - 206,822
Other revenues 68,295 - 68,295 209,094 - 209,094
Total national media group 267,603 - 267,603 770,530 - 770,530
-------------------------- ------- --- ------- ------- --- -------
Local media group
Non-political advertising 66,652 - 66,652 201,311 - 201,311
Political advertising 1,843 - 1,843 3,500 - 3,500
Other revenues 9,415 - 9,415 26,798 - 26,798
Total local media group 77,910 - 77,910 231,609 - 231,609
----------------------- ------ --- ------ ------- --- -------
Total revenues $345,513 $ - $345,513 $1,002,139 $ - $1,002,139
-------------- -------- -------------- -------- ---------- ---------------- ----------

Operating profit
National media group $36,811 $(13,481) (a) $23,330 $108,612 $(13,481) (a) $95,131
Local media group 23,843 (1,189) (b) 22,654 62,056 (1,189) (b) 60,867
Unallocated corporate (7,684) - (7,684) (24,617) - (24,617)
Income from operations $52,970 $(14,670) $38,300 $146,051 $(14,670) $131,381
---------------------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------

Depreciation and amortization
National media group $4,615 $ - $4,615 $11,808 $ - $11,808
Local media group 6,299 - 6,299 18,463 - 18,463
Unallocated corporate 493 - 493 1,473 - 1,473
Total depreciation and amortization $11,407 $ - $11,407 $31,744 $ - $31,744
----------------------------------- ------- -------------- ------- ------- ---------------- -------

EBITDA(1)
National media group $41,426 $(13,481) $27,945 $120,420 $(13,481) $106,939
Local media group 30,142 (1,189) 28,953 80,519 (1,189) 79,330
Unallocated corporate (7,191) - (7,191) (23,144) - (23,144)
Total EBITDA $64,377 $(14,670) $49,707 $177,795 $(14,670) $163,125
------------ ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------

(1) EBITDA is net earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

(a) Severance costs of $9.9 million, Allrecipes.com acquisition costs of $2.5 million, vacated lease accrual of $1.6 million, and other net
miscellaneous write-downs and accruals of $0.5 million partially offset by a $1.0 million reduction in contingent consideration payable
(b) Severance costs $0.1 million and a vacated lease accrual of $1.1 million

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries Table 3
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA
Consolidated EBITDA, which is reconciled to net earnings from continuing operations in the following tables, is defined as net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
Segment EBITDA is a measure of segment earnings before depreciation and amortization.
Segment EBITDA margin is defined as segment EBITDA divided by segment revenues.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
National Media Local Unallocated Corporate Total National Media Local Unallocated Corporate Total
Media Media
--- ---
(In thousands)
Revenues $267,603 $77,910 $ - $345,513 $770,530 $231,609 $ - $1,002,139
-------- ------- ----------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------------- ----------

Operating profit $23,330 $22,654 $(7,684) $38,300 $95,131 $60,867 $(24,617) $131,381
Depreciation and
amortization 4,615 6,299 493 11,407 11,808 18,463 1,473 31,744
--- -----
EBITDA $27,945 $28,953 $(7,191) 49,707 $106,939 $79,330 $(23,144) 163,125
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Less:
Depreciation and amortization (11,407) (31,744)
Net interest expense (3,283) (8,899)
Income taxes (13,848) (48,092)
Earnings from continuing operations $21,169 $74,390
------- -------

Segment EBITDA
margin 10.4% 37.2% 13.9% 34.3%
---- ---- ---- ----

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Nine Months Ended March 31, 2011
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
National Media Local Unallocated Corporate Total National Media Local Unallocated Corporate Total
Media Media
--- ---
(In thousands)
Revenues $267,886 $70,995 $ - $338,881 $803,084 $244,470 $ - $1,047,554
-------- ------- ----------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------------- ----------

Operating profit $48,467 $13,281 $(9,399) $52,349 $130,297 $68,558 $(27,811) $171,044
Depreciation and
amortization 3,346 6,109 510 9,965 10,035 17,853 1,525 29,413
--- -----
EBITDA $51,813 $19,390 $(8,889) 62,314 $140,332 $86,411 $(26,286) 200,457
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Less:
Depreciation and amortization (9,965) (29,413)
Net interest expense (3,147) (10,009)
Income taxes (18,026) (62,700)
Earnings from continuing operations $31,176 $98,335
------- -------

Segment EBITDA
margin 19.3% 27.3% 17.5% 35.3%
-------------- ---- ---- ---- ----

Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries Table 4
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Three Months
------------
Periods Ended March
31, 2012 2011 Change
------------------- ---- ---- ------

National Media Advertising Revenues
Excluding recent
acquisitions (1) $112,331 $120,997 (7.16)%
Recent acquisitions
(1) 10,646 -
Total $122,977 $120,997 1.64 %
======== ========

National Media Circulation Revenues
Excluding recent
acquisitions (1) $68,635 $66,453 3.28 %
Recent acquisitions
(1) 7,696 -
Total $76,331 $66,453 14.86 %
======= =======

(1)Recent acquisitions represent EveryDay with Rachael Ray, FamilyFun, and
Allrecipes.com

SOURCE Meredith Corporation

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Meredith Corporation

CONTACT: Investors, Mike Lovell, Director of Investor Relations, +1-515-284-3622, Mike.Lovell@Meredith.com, or Media, Art Slusark, Vice President/Corporate Communications, +1-515-284-3404, Art.Slusark@Meredith.com, both of Meredith Corporation

Web Site: http://www.meredith.com

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