UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form10-Q
 
   
þ
 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20072008
OR
o
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from          to          
 
Commission File Number000-51205
 
DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
   
State of Delaware
 20-2471174
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
12300 Liberty Boulevard
Englewood, Colorado
 
Englewood, Colorado80112
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(720) 875-4000
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrantregistrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, as definedor a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in RuleRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer oNon-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
The number of outstanding shares of Discovery Holding Company’s common stock as of April 30, 20072008 was:
 
Series A common stock 268,336,850268,091,082 shares; and
Series B common stock 11,934,09613,138,236 shares.
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 6. Exhibits
SIGNATURESCertification of John C. Malone
EXHIBIT INDEXCertification of David J.A. Flowers
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Christopher W. Shean
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
pursuant to Section 1350 Certification906


 
DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
                
 March 31,
 December 31,
  March 31,
 December 31,
 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
ASSETS
ASSETS
ASSETS
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents $150,477   154,775  $222,577   209,449 
Trade receivables, net  148,634   147,436   172,624   144,342 
Prepaid expenses  12,516   11,522   15,324   14,815 
Other current assets  3,832   3,629   3,752   3,101 
          
Total current assets  315,459   317,362   414,277   371,707 
Investments in marketable securities  52,505   51,837      23,545 
Investment in Discovery Communications, Inc. (“Discovery” or “DCI”) (note 7)  3,150,457   3,129,157 
Investment in Discovery Communications Holding, LLC (“Discovery”) (note 6)  3,330,030   3,271,553 
Property and equipment, net  285,172   280,775   262,744   269,742 
Goodwill (note 6)  2,074,882   2,074,789 
Goodwill (note 5)  1,909,823   1,909,823 
Other assets, net  16,759   17,062   18,964   19,382 
          
Total assets $5,895,234   5,870,982  $5,935,838   5,865,752 
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable $35,232   43,656  $48,555   26,298 
Accrued payroll and related liabilities  27,448   32,292   22,839   26,127 
Other accrued liabilities  29,164   29,924   42,536   42,761 
Deferred revenue  18,077   16,015   23,472   24,951 
          
Total current liabilities  109,921   121,887   137,402   120,137 
Deferred income tax liabilities  1,184,639   1,174,594   1,252,033   1,228,942 
Other liabilities  30,227   25,237   21,830   22,352 
          
Total liabilities  1,324,787   1,321,718   1,411,265   1,371,431 
          
Commitments and contingencies (notes 8 and 9)         
Commitments and contingencies (note 8)         
Stockholders’ equity:                
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued            
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 268,275,679 shares at March 31, 2007 and 268,194,966 shares at December 31, 2006  2,683   2,682 
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 11,947,000 shares at March 31, 2007 and 12,025,088 shares at December 31, 2006  119   120 
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 269,180,104 shares at March 31, 2008 and 269,159,928 shares at December 31, 2007  2,692   2,691 
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 11,869,696 shares at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007  119   119 
Series C common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; no shares issued            
Additional paid-in capital  5,714,548   5,714,379   5,728,701   5,728,213 
Accumulated deficit  (1,164,627)  (1,183,831)  (1,219,492)  (1,253,483)
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings  17,724   15,914   12,553   16,781 
          
Total stockholders’ equity  4,570,447   4,549,264   4,524,573   4,494,321 
          
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $5,895,234   5,870,982  $5,935,838   5,865,752 
          
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-1


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings
(unaudited)
 
                
 Three Months Ended
  Three Months Ended
 
 March 31,  March 31, 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands, except per share amounts  amounts in thousands, except per share amounts 
Net revenue $173,882   153,568  $189,305   173,882 
     
Operating expenses:                
Cost of services  118,026   97,599   138,060   121,542 
Selling, general, and administrative, including stock-based compensation
(notes 2 and 10)
  41,520   43,171 
Selling, general, and administrative, including stock-based
compensation (notes 3 and 9)
  41,155   38,004 
Restructuring and other charges  1,257    
Gain on sale of operating assets  (34)     (78)  (34)
Depreciation and amortization  15,571   15,655   16,540   15,571 
          
  175,083   156,425   196,934   175,083 
          
Operating loss  (1,201)  (2,857)  (7,629)  (1,201)
Other income:                
Share of earnings of Discovery (note 7)  21,557   21,173 
Share of earnings of Discovery (note 6)  66,402   21,557 
Other income, net  9,297   1,950   1,684   9,297 
          
  30,854   23,123   68,086   30,854 
          
Earnings before income taxes  29,653   20,266   60,457   29,653 
Income tax expense  (9,189)  (8,651)  (26,466)  (9,189)
          
Net earnings  20,464   11,615   33,991   20,464 
          
Other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes:        
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes:        
Foreign currency translation adjustments  1,354   2,637   4,009   1,354 
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period  456   787 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period  (8,237)  456 
          
Other comprehensive earnings  1,810   3,424 
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)  (4,228)  1,810 
          
Comprehensive earnings $22,274   15,039  $29,763   22,274 
          
Basic and diluted earnings per common share (note 3) $.07   .04 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share — Series A and Series B (note 4) $.12   .07 
          
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-2


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
 
                
 Three Months Ended
  Three Months Ended
 
 March 31,  March 31, 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net earnings $20,464   11,615  $33,991   20,464 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  15,571   15,655   16,540   15,571 
Stock-based compensation  966   546   (116)  966 
Share of earnings of Discovery  (21,557)  (21,173)  (66,402)  (21,557)
Gain on lease buyout  (6,992)        (6,992)
Deferred income tax expense  8,508   8,293   25,754   8,508 
Other non-cash charges (credits), net  (487)  353 
Other non-cash credits, net  (502)  (487)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:                
Trade receivables  (1,082)  (4,836)  (28,048)  (1,082)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (1,197)  (4,012)  (1,157)  (1,197)
Payables and other liabilities  (11,629)  3,827   17,769   (11,629)
          
Net cash provided by operating activities  2,565   10,268 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  (2,171)  2,565 
          
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Capital expenditures  (13,407)  (13,802)  (8,552)  (13,407)
Proceeds from lease buyout  7,138    
Net purchases of marketable securities  (665)  (49,175)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (notes 4 and 5)     (46,793)
Cash proceeds from lease buyout     7,138 
Net sales (purchases) of marketable securities  23,545   (665)
Other investing activities, net  90   (27)  145   90 
          
Net cash used in investing activities  (6,844)  (109,797)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  15,138   (6,844)
          
Cash flows used in financing activities — other financing activities, net  (19)  (2)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Net cash from option exercises  329    
Other financing activities, net  (168)  (19)
          
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (4,298)  (99,531)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities  161   (19)
     
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  13,128   (4,298)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  154,775   250,352   209,449   154,775 
          
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $150,477   150,821  $222,577   150,477 
          
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-3


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

Three months ended March 31, 20072008
(unaudited)
 
                                 
                    Accumulated
    
              Additional
     Other
  Total
 
  Preferred
  Common Stock  Paid-in
  Accumulated
  comprehensive
  Stockholders’
 
  Stock  Series A  Series B  Series C  Capital  Deficit  Earnings  Equity 
           amounts in thousands       
 
Balance at January 1, 2007 $   2,682   120      5,714,379   (1,183,831)  15,914   4,549,264 
Net earnings                 20,464      20,464 
Other comprehensive earnings                    1,810   1,810 
Stock compensation              137         137 
Cumulative effect of accounting change (note 8)                 (1,260)     (1,260)
Conversion of Series B to Series A     1   (1)               
Stock option exercises              32         32 
                                 
Balance at March 31, 2007 $   2,683   119      5,714,548   (1,164,627)  17,724   4,570,447 
                                 
                                 
                    Accumulated
    
              Additional
     Other
  Total
 
  Preferred
  Common stock  Paid-in
  Accumulated
  Comprehensive
  Stockholders’
 
  Stock  Series A  Series B  Series C  Capital  Deficit  Earnings  Equity 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Balance at January 1, 2008 $   2,691   119      5,728,213   (1,253,483)  16,781   4,494,321 
Net earnings                 33,991      33,991 
Other comprehensive loss                    (4,228)  (4,228)
Stock compensation              160         160 
Stock option exercises     1         328         329 
                                 
Balance at March 31, 2008 $   2,692   119      5,728,701   (1,219,492)  12,553   4,524,573 
                                 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-4


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES


Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2007
(unaudited2008
(unaudited)
 
(1)  Basis of Presentation
(1)  Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Discovery Holding Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“DHC” or the “Company”). DHC’s two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries are Ascent Media Group, LLC (“Ascent Media”) and AccentHealth,Ascent Media CANS, LLC (dba AccentHealth) (“AccentHealth”). DHC also has a 50%662/3% ownership interest in Discovery, previously a 50% interest through May 14, 2007, which it accounts for as an equity method investment.investment (see note 6). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Ascent Media is comprised of two operating segments. Ascent Media’s creative services group provides services necessary to complete the creation of original content, including feature films, mini-series, television shows, television commercials, music videos, promotional and identity campaigns, and corporate communications programming. The group manipulates or enhances original visual images or audio captured in principal photography orand creates new three dimensional images, animation sequences, or sound effects. In addition, the creative services group provides a full complement of facilities and services necessary to optimize, archive, manage, and repurpose completed media assets for global distribution via freight, satellite, fiber and the Internet. The network services group provides the facilities and services necessary to assemble and distribute programming content for cable and broadcast networks via fiber, satellite and the Internet to viewersprogramming providers in North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, the network services group provides systems integration, design, consulting, engineering and project management services.
 
Substantially all of the assets of AccentHealth were acquired by a subsidiary of DHC in January 2006, and are included as part of the network services group for financial reporting purposes. AccentHealth operates an advertising-supported captive audience television network in doctor office waiting rooms nationwide.nationwide, and is included as part of the network services group for financial reporting purposes.
 
Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides original and purchased cable and satellite television programming across multiple platforms in the United States and overmore than 170 other countries.countries, including television networks offering customized programming in 35 languages. Discovery also develops and sells branded commerceconsumer and educational product linesproducts and services in the United States.States and internationally, and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of website properties and other digital services.
 
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report onForm 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2006.2007.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period. The significant estimates made in preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, and the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.


I-5


 
(2)  Stock Options and Other Long-Term Incentive CompensationDISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(2)  Newhouse Transaction and Ascent Spin Off
In December 2007, DHC announced that it had signed a non-binding letter of intent with Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership (“Advance/Newhouse”) to combine their respective stakes in Discovery. As currently contemplated by the non-binding letter of intent, the transaction, if completed, would involve the following steps:
• DHC will spin-off to its shareholders a wholly-owned subsidiary holding substantially all of DHC’s cash, AccentHealth and Ascent Media, except for those businesses of Ascent Media that provide sound, music, mixing, sound effects and other related services (the “Ascent Media Spin Off”);
• Immediately following the Ascent Media Spin Off, DHC will combine with a new holding company(“New DHC”), and DHC’s existing shareholders will receive shares of common stock of New DHC;
• As part of this transaction, Advance/Newhouse will contribute its interests in Discovery and Animal Planet to New DHC in exchange for preferred stock of New DHC that, immediately after the closing of the transactions, will be convertible at any time into shares initially representing one-third of the outstanding shares of common stock of New DHC on an as-converted basis. The preferred stock held by Advance/Newhouse will entitle it to elect three members to New DHCs board of directors and to exercise approval rights with respect to the taking of specified actions by New DHC and Discovery.
Although no assurance can be given, consummation of this transaction is expected in the third quarter of 2008. The Ascent Media Spin Off was approved in connection with the proposed transaction between DHC and Advance/Newhouse, and it is a condition of the Ascent Media Spin Off that the agreement between DHC and Advance/Newhouse be in effect and that all conditions precedent to that transaction (other than the Ascent Media Spin Off) shall have been satisfied.
It is currently expected that the Ascent Media Spin Off will be effected for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free distribution to DHC’s shareholders and be accounted for at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distribution. Subsequent to the completion of the Ascent Media Spin Off, the historical results of operations of Ascent Media prior to the Ascent Media Spin Off will be included in discontinued operations in DHC’s consolidated financial statements. The acquisition of Advance/Newhouse’s interests in Discovery and Animal Planet will result in New DHC owning 100% of Discovery, and accordingly, New DHC will consolidate Discovery’s financial position and results of operations effective with the closing of the transaction. Pursuant to FASB TechnicalBulletin 85-5, the contribution of interests to New DHC will be treated as a non-substantive merger, and therefore, interests will be recorded at carry over basis.
(3)  Stock Options and Other Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Stock Options
 
On July 21, 2005, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”) completed the spin off of the capital stock of DHC (the “Spin Off”). The Spin Off was effected as a dividend by Liberty to holders of its Series A and Series B common stock of shares of DHC Series A and Series B common stock, respectively. Approximately 268.1 million shares of DHC Series A common stock and 12.1 million shares of DHC Series B common stock were issued in the Spin Off.


I-5


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

The Spin Off did not involve the payment of any consideration by the holders of Liberty common stock and is intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction.
As a result of the Spin Off and related adjustments to Liberty’s stock incentive awards, options (“Spin Off DHC Awards”) to acquire an aggregate of approximately 2.0 million shares of DHC Series A common stock and 3.0 million shares of DHC Series B common stock were issued to employees of Liberty. In addition, employees of Ascent Media who held stock options or stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to acquire shares of Liberty common stock prior to the Spin Off continue to hold such options. DHC is responsible for all stock options related to DHC common stock, and Liberty is responsible for all incentive awards related to Liberty common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company records stock-based compensation for all stock incentive awards held by DHC’s and its subsidiaries’ employees regardlessemployees. The majority of whether such awards relate to DHC common stock or Liberty common stock. Any stock-based compensation recorded by DHC with respect to Libertythese stock incentive awards is treated as a capital transaction with the offsetwere issued on or prior to stock-based compensation expense reflected as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital.
The Company accounts for stockDHC’s spin off from Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”) on July 21, 2005 (the “2005 Spin Off”). Stock option awards pursuantgrants have also been issued to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004),“Share-Based Payments” (“Statement 123R”). Statement 123R generally requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and to recognize that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the award).
Liberty calculated the grant-date fair value for all of its awards using the Black-Scholes Model. Liberty calculated the expected term of the awards using the methodology included in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The volatility used in the calculation is based on the implied volatility of publicly traded Liberty options with a similar term (generally 20% — 21%). Liberty used the risk-free rate for Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject options. The Company has allocated the grant-date fair value of the Liberty awards to the Spin Off DHC Awards based on the relative trading prices of DHC and Liberty common stock after the Spin Off.
On May 4, 2006, each of the non-employee directors of DHC and to the president of DHC subsequent to that date. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, stock-based compensation related to these awards was granted 10,000 options$160,000 and $137,000, respectively.


I-6


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to purchase DHC Series A common stock with an exercise price of $14.48. Such options vest one year from the date of grant, terminate 10 years from the date of grant and had a grant-date fair value of $4.47 per share, as determined by the Black-Scholes Model.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
As of March 31, 2007,2008, the following DHC options were outstanding and vested:
 
                                
   Weighted
   Weighted
    Weighted
   Weighted
   Average
   Average
    Average
   Average
 DHC
 Exercise
 DHC
 Exercise
  DHC
 Exercise
 DHC
 Exercise
 Series A Price Series B Price  Series A Price Series B Price
Outstanding  1,874,365  $15.41   2,996,525  $18.87   1,132,036  $15.31   2,996,525  $18.87 
                  
Exercisable  1,401,272  $16.13   2,876,525  $18.99   908,002  $15.45   2,936,525  $18.93 
                  
 
As of March 31, 2007,2008, the total compensation cost related to unvested equity awards was $960,000.$379,000. Such amount will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 1.31.1 years.
 
2006 Ascent Media Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
Effective August 3, 2006, Ascent Media adopted its 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan provides the terms and conditions for the grant of, and payment with respect to, Phantom Appreciation Rights (“PARs”) granted to certain officers and other key personnel of Ascent Media. The value of a single PAR (“PAR Value”) is calculated asequal to the positive amount (if any) of (a) the sum of (i) 6% of cumulative free cash flow (as defined in the 2006 Plan) over a period of up to six years, divided by 500,000500,000; plus (ii) 5% of the increase in the calculated value of Ascent Media, based on a formula set forth in the 2006 Plan, divided by 10,000,000; over (b) a


I-6


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

baseline value determined at the time of grant, divided by 10,000,000.grant. The 2006 Plan is administered by a committee that consists of two individuals appointed by DHC. Grants are determined by the committee, with the first grant occurring on August 3, 2006. The maximum number of PARs that may be granted under the 2006 Plan is 500,000, and there were 423,500483,500 PARs granted as of March 31, 2007.2008. The PARs vest quarterly over a three year period, and are payable on March 31, 2012 (or, if earlier, on the six-month anniversary of a grantee’s termination of employment without cause). Ascent Media will recordrecords a liability and a charge to expense based on the PAR Value and percent vested at each reporting period. As of March 31, 2007, Ascent Media had recorded a liability of $841,000.
 
(3)  Earnings Per Common Share
(4)  Earnings Per Common Share — Series A and Series B
 
Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is 281,044,000 and 2006 is 280,222,000, and 279,950,000, respectively. Dilutive EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented. Due to the relative insignificance of the dilutive securities in 20072008 and 2006,2007, their inclusion does not impact the EPS amount as reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
(4)  Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
     
  Three Months
 
  Ended
 
  March 31, 2006 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Cash paid for acquisitions:    
Fair value of assets acquired $48,264 
Net liabilities assumed  (1,471)
     
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $46,793 
     
(5)  Acquisition
Effective January 27, 2006, one of DHC’s subsidiaries acquired substantially all of the assets of AccentHealth, LLC’s healthcare media business for cash consideration of $46,793,000. AccentHealth operates an advertising-supported captive audience television network in doctor office waiting rooms nationwide. The Company recorded goodwill of $32,224,000 and other intangible assets of $9,800,000 in connection with this acquisition. Other intangible assets are included in Other assets, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The excess purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired is attributable to the growth potential of AccentHealth and expected compatibility with Ascent Media’s existing network services group.
For financial reporting purposes, the acquisition is deemed to have occurred on February 1, 2006. The results of operations of AccentHealth have been included in the consolidated results of DHC as part of the network services group since the date of acquisition. On a pro forma basis, the results of operations of AccentHealth are not significant to those of DHC for the three months ended March 31, 2006.


I-7


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

(6)  Goodwill
(5)  Goodwill
 
Goodwill is comprised of the following:
 
                
 March 31,
 December 31,
  March 31,
 December 31,
 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Goodwill                
Creative Services group $106,599   106,599  $106,599   106,599 
Network Services group  197,283   197,190   32,224   32,224 
Discovery  1,771,000   1,771,000   1,771,000   1,771,000 
          
Total goodwill $2,074,882   2,074,789  $1,909,823   1,909,823 
          
 
GAAP requires companies to allocate enterprise-level goodwill to all reporting units, including equity method investments. Accordingly, the Company has allocated $1,771,000,000 of enterprise-level goodwill to its investment


I-7


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
in Discovery. This allocation is performed for goodwill impairment testing purposes only and does not change the reported carrying value of the investment. However, to the extent that all or a portion of an equity method investment is disposed of in the future, the allocated portion of goodwill will be relieved and included in the calculation of the gain or loss on disposal.
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2007. However, the effective date of SFAS 157 has been deferred to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years, and DHC has elected the deferral provision, as it relates to fair value measurement requirements for (i) nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis (e.g. asset retirement obligations, restructuring liabilities and assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations) and (ii) fair value measurements required for impairments under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”
(6)  (7)  Investment in Discovery
Discovery was formed in the second quarter of 2007 as part of a restructuring (the “DCI Restructuring”) completed by Discovery Communications, Inc. (“DCI”). In the DCI Restructuring, DCI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery, and the former shareholders of DCI, including DHC, became members of Discovery. Discovery is the successor reporting entity to DCI. In connection with the DCI Restructuring, Discovery applied “pushdown” accounting and each shareholder’s basis in DCI as of May 14, 2007 has been pushed down to Discovery. The result was $4.3 billion in goodwill being recorded by Discovery. Since goodwill is not amortizable, there is no current income statement impact for this change in basis.
 
The Company has a 50% ownership interest in Discovery and accounts for its investment using the equity method of accounting. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides original and purchased video programming across multiple platforms in the United States and in overmore than 170 other countries.countries, including television networks offering customized programming in 35 languages. Discovery also develops and sells branded commerceconsumer and educational product linesproducts and services in the United States.States and internationally, and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of website properties and other digital services.
 
On March 29,May 14, 2007, Discovery announced that it had entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent withand Cox Communications Holdings, Inc. (“Cox”), a completed an exchange of Cox’s 25% shareholder of Discovery, pursuant to which Discovery would redeem Cox’s ownership interest in Discovery for all of the capital stock of a subsidiary of Discovery that will holdheld Travel Channel, travelchannel.com Antenna Audio and approximately $1.275$1.3 billion in cash.cash (the “Cox Transaction”). Discovery expects to raiseraised the cash amountcomponent through additional debt financing, and expects to retireretired the equity sharesmembership interest previously owned by Cox. Completion of the transaction is subject to negotiation of definitive documents and various conditions, including regulatory clearances and approvals. Upon completion of thethis transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007, the Company would ownDHC owns a 662/3% interest in Discovery and Advance/Newhouse owns a 331/3% interest in Discovery.
In connection with the Cox Transaction, DHC reallocated its excess basis related to its investment in Discovery. Such allocation process was completed in the first quarter of 2008 and resulted in approximately 48% of the excess basis created by the Cox Transaction being allocated to intangible assets with determinable useful lives. Amortization of such intangible assets aggregated $3,744,000 (net of related taxes) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and is included in DHC’s share of earnings of Discovery.
DHC would continuecontinues to account for its investment in Discovery using the equity method of accounting due to governance rights possessed by Advance/Newhouse which would restrict DHC’s ability to control Discovery. From January 1, 2007 through May 14, 2007, DHC recorded its 50% share of the earnings of DCI. Subsequent to May 14, 2007, DHC has recorded its 662/3% share of the earnings of Discovery.
 
DHC’s carrying value for Discovery was $3,150,457,000 at March 31, 2007. In addition, as described in note 6, enterprise-level goodwill of $1,771,000,000 has been allocatedDHC does not have access to the investment in Discovery.cash Discovery generates from its operations, unless Discovery makes a distribution with respect to its membership interests or makes other payments or advances to its members. Prior to


I-8


 
DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

May 14, 2007, DCI did not pay any dividends on its capital stock, and since that date, Discovery has not made any distributions to its members, and DHC does not have sufficient voting control to cause Discovery to make distributions or make other payments or advances to DHC.
DHC’s carrying value for Discovery was $3,330,030,000 at March 31, 2008. In addition, as described in note 5, enterprise-level goodwill of $1,771,000,000 has been allocated to the investment in Discovery.
 
Summarized financial information for DCIDiscovery is as follows:
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
                
 March 31,
 December 31,
  March 31,
 December 31,
 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Cash and cash equivalents $71,285   52,263  $68,654   44,951 
Other current assets  904,398   918,373   1,021,658   1,032,282 
Property and equipment, net  417,286   424,041   379,125   397,430 
Goodwill and intangible assets  455,906   472,939   5,041,554   5,051,843 
Programming rights, long term  1,253,539   1,253,553   1,045,593   1,048,193 
Other assets  446,736   255,384   364,753   385,731 
          
Total assets $3,549,150   3,376,553  $7,921,337   7,960,430 
          
Current liabilities $567,276   734,524  $681,805   850,495 
Long term debt  2,896,186   2,633,237   4,088,607   4,109,085 
Other liabilities  257,790   175,255   300,610   243,867 
Mandatorily redeemable equity in subsidiaries  46,586   94,825   48,721   48,721 
Stockholders’ deficit  (218,688)  (261,288)
Members’ equity  2,801,594   2,708,262 
          
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $3,549,150   3,376,553 
Total liabilities and members’ equity $7,921,337   7,960,430 
          
Consolidated Statements of Operations
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2007  2006 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue $727,826   659,601 
Cost of revenue  (257,027)  (240,342)
Selling, general and administrative  (291,002)  (274,348)
Restructuring and other charges  (10,999)   
Equity-based compensation  (11,721)  (5,169)
Depreciation and amortization  (35,188)  (30,135)
         
Operating income  121,889   109,607 
Interest expense  (44,556)  (49,006)
Other income, net  2,407   10,005 
Income tax expense  (36,626)  (28,259)
         
Net earnings $43,114   42,347 
         
DHC’s share of net earnings $21,557   21,173 
         
(8)  Income Taxes
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or


I-9


 
DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

expected
Consolidated Statements of Operations
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2008  2007 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue $794,578   710,198 
Cost of revenue  (230,435)  (243,523)
Selling, general and administrative  (278,211)  (276,247)
Restructuring and other charges     (10,999)
Equity-based compensation  35,857   (11,721)
Depreciation and amortization  (37,720)  (32,433)
         
Operating income  284,069   135,275 
Interest expense, net  (68,720)  (44,558)
Other income (expense), net  (22,590)  2,407 
Income tax expense  (87,541)  (41,710)
         
Earnings from continuing operations  105,218   51,414 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax     (8,300)
         
Net earnings $105,218   43,114 
         
Note: In the third quarter of 2007, Discovery closed its 103 mall-based and stand-alone Discovery Channel stores. As a result, Discovery’s consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 has been prepared to be takenreflect the retail store business as discontinued operations.
(7)  Income Taxes
During the first quarter of 2008, Liberty reached an agreement with the IRS related to certain disputed tax items that arose in periods prior to DHC’s spin off from Liberty on July 21, 2005. The agreement resulted in a tax return.reduction to the initial amount of federal and California net operating losses by $28,554,000 and $49,667,000, respectively, that Liberty had allocated to DHC at the spin off date. In instances whereaddition, during the Company has taken or expectsfirst quarter of 2008, DHC reduced its reserve against the net operating losses allocated from Liberty from $11,877,000 to take$2,662,000 under FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”. However, since DHC had previously recorded a tax positionfull valuation allowance against these net operating losses, the reversal of the net operating losses, the decrease in its tax returnthe reserve on the net operating losses, and the Company believes it is more likely than not that such tax position will be upheld byreversal of the relevant taxing authority, the Company may record the benefits of such tax positioncorresponding valuation allowance resulted in itsno net impact to DHC’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Upon adoption of FIN 48, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Ascent Media, reversed $255,000 of tax liabilities included in the Company’s December 31, 2006 consolidated balance sheet with a corresponding decrease to accumulated deficit. The Company’s 50%-owned equity affiliate, Discovery, recorded a $5,011,000 net tax liability upon adoption of FIN 48, so the Company charged its 50% share, or $2,506,000, directly to accumulated deficit, net of a $991,000 deferred tax impact.
 
As of January 1, 2007,2008, the Company’s tax reserves related to unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was not significant. The Company does not expect that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease during the year ended December 31, 2007.2008.
 
When the tax law requires interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes, the Company recognizes interest expense from the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the relevant tax law. Such interest expense is included in Otherother income, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Any accrual of penalties related to underpayment of income taxes on uncertain tax positions is included in Otherother income, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of January 1, 2007,2008, accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was not significant.
 
As of March 31, 2007,2008, the Company’s tax returns for the period July 21, 2005 through December 31, 20062007 remain subject to examination by the IRS for federal income tax purposes.


I-10


 
(9)  Commitments and ContingenciesDISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(8)  Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is involved in litigation and similar claims incidental to the conduct of its business. In management’s opinion, none of the pending actions is likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries lease offices, satellite transponders and certain equipment under capital and operating lease arrangements.
 
On December 31, 2003, Ascent Media acquired the operations of Sony Electronic’s systems integration center business and related assets, which we refer to as SIC. In exchange, Sony received the right to be paid in 2008 an amount equal to 20% of the value of the combined business of Ascent Media’s wholly owned subsidiary, AF Associates, Inc. and SIC. The value of 20% of the combined business of AF Associates and SIC is estimated at $6,100,000, which liability is included in long-term Otherother accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. SIC is included in Ascent Media’s network services group.
 
(10)  Related Party Transactions
(9)  Related Party Transactions
 
In connection with the 2005 Spin Off, DHC and Liberty entered into a Services Agreement. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, Liberty provides the Company with office space and certain general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury and investor relations support. The Company reimburses Liberty for direct,out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Liberty in providing these services and for the Company’s allocable portion of facilities costs and costs associated with any shared services or personnel. Liberty and DHC have agreed that they will review cost allocations every six months and adjust such charges, if appropriate. Amounts charged to DHC by Liberty under the Services Agreement aggregated $552,000$499,000 and $565,000$552,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively.
 
Ascent Media provides services, such as satellite uplink, systems integration, origination, and post-production, to Discovery. Revenue recorded by Ascent Media for these services for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 aggregated $9,311,000 and 2006 aggregated $4,960,000, and $6,768,000, respectively.


I-10


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

(11)  Information About Operating Segments
(10)  Information About Operating Segments
 
The Company’s chief operating decision maker, or his designee (the “CODM”), has identified the Company’s reportable segments based on (i) financial information reviewed by the CODM and (ii) those operating segments that represent more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue or earnings before taxes. In addition, those equity investments whose share of earnings represent more than 10% of the Company’s earnings before taxes are considered reportable segments.
 
Based on the foregoing criteria, the Company’s business units have been aggregated into three reportable segments: the creative services group and the network services group, which are consolidated operating segments, and Discovery, which is an equity affiliate. Corporate related items and unallocated income and expenses are reflected in the corporate and other category listed below.
 
The creative services group provides various technical and creative services necessary to complete principal photography into final products, such asthe creation of original content, including feature films, movie trailers, documentaries and independent films, episodicmini-series, television TV movies and mini-series,shows, television commercials, music videos, interactive games and new digital media, promotional and identity campaigns and corporate communications. These services are referred to generally in the entertainment industry as “post-production” services. In addition, the creative services group provides a full complement of facilities and services necessary to optimize, archive, manage and repurpose completed media assets for global distribution via freight, satellite, fiber and the Internet. The network services group provides broadcast services, which are comprised ofthe facilities and services necessary to assemble and distribute programming content for cable and broadcast networks via fiber, satellite and satellitethe Internet to viewersprogramming providers in North America, Europe Asia and Latin America.Asia. Additionally, the networksnetwork services group provides systems integration, design, consulting, engineering and project management services.


I-11


 
DHC corporate related items and unallocated Ascent Media corporate expenses are reflected in the Corporate and Other column listed below. As a product of Ascent Media’s reorganization completed in the fourth quarter of 2006, the segment presentation for prior periods has been conformedDISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the current period segment presentation.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The accounting policies of the segments that are consolidated entities are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies and are consistent with GAAP.
 
The Company evaluates the performance of these operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue and operating cash flow. The Company defines operating cash flow as revenue less cost of services and selling, general and administrative expense (excluding stock and other equity-based compensation and accretion expense on asset retirement obligations). The Company believes this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses, including the businesses’ ability to service debt and capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allowsis used by management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation and amortization, stock and other equity-based compensation, accretion expense on asset retirement obligations and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, operating cash flow should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, distribution channels and marketing strategies.


I-11


DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 
Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is presented in the following tables:
 
                                        
 Consolidated Reportable Segments    Consolidated Reportable Segments   
 Creative
 Network
     Equity
  Creative
 Network
     Equity
 
 Services
 Services
 Corporate
 Consolidated
 Affiliate-
  Services
 Services
 Corporate
 Consolidated
 affiliate-
 
 Group Group(1) and Other Total Discovery  group group(1) and other Total Discovery 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Three months ended March 31, 2008                    
Revenue from external customers $91,782   97,523      189,305   794,578 
Operating cash flow (deficit) $3,817   17,170   (10,948)  10,039   285,932 
Capital expenditures $3,753   3,728   1,071   8,552   13,955 
Total assets $375,690   265,268   5,294,880   5,935,838   7,921,337 
Three months ended March 31, 2007                                        
Revenue from external customers $110,712   63,170      173,882   727,826  $110,712   63,170      173,882   710,198 
Operating cash flow (deficit) $14,284   8,288   (7,210)  15,362   179,797  $14,284   8,288   (7,210)  15,362   190,428 
Capital expenditures $6,132   5,587   1,688   13,407   13,407  $6,132   5,587   1,688   13,407   13,407 
Total assets $412,284   383,532   5,099,418   5,895,234   3,549,150 
Three months ended March 31, 2006                    
Revenue from external customers $98,530   55,038      153,568   659,601 
Operating cash flow (deficit) $13,098   9,497   (9,251)  13,344   144,911 
Capital expenditures $5,595   7,603   604   13,802   7,344 
 
 
(1)Included in Network Servicesnetwork services group revenue is broadcast services revenue of $37,415,000$42,588,000 and $39,290,000$37,415,000 and systems integration revenue of $25,755,000$54,935,000 and $15,748,000$25,755,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of segment operating cash flow to earnings before income taxes.
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2007  2006 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Segment operating cash flow $15,362   13,344 
Stock-based compensation  (966)  (546)
Depreciation and amortization  (15,571)  (15,655)
Share of earnings of Discovery  21,557   21,173 
Other, net  9,271   1,950 
         
Earnings before income taxes $29,653   20,266 
         


I-12


 
DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

The following table provides a reconciliation of consolidated segment operating cash flow to earnings before income taxes.
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2008  2007 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Consolidated segment operating cash flow $10,039   15,362 
Stock-based compensation  116   (966)
Depreciation and amortization  (16,540)  (15,571)
Share of earnings of Discovery  66,402   21,557 
Other, net  440   9,271 
         
Earnings before income taxes $60,457   29,653 
         
Information as to the Company’s operations in different geographic areas is as follows:
 
                
 Three Months Ended
  Three Months Ended
 
 March 31,  March 31, 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Revenue                
United States $137,212   116,189  $150,172   137,212 
United Kingdom  30,140   32,080   33,042   30,140 
Other countries  6,530   5,299   6,091   6,530 
          
 $173,882   153,568  $189,305   173,882 
          
 
                
 March 31,
 December 31,
  March 31,
 December 31,
 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Property and equipment, net                
United States $189,798   184,052  $175,515   178,299 
United Kingdom  70,345   70,363   65,661   68,548 
Other countries  25,029   26,360   21,568   22,895 
          
 $285,172   280,775  $262,744   269,742 
          


I-13


 
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations
 
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, marketing and operating strategies, integration of acquired businesses, new service offerings, financial prospects, and anticipated sources and uses of capital. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:
 
 • general economic and business conditions and industry trends including the timing of, and spending on, feature film, television and television commercial production;
 
 • spending on domestic and foreign television advertising and spending on domestic and foreign first-run and existing content libraries;
 
 • the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which we, and the entities in which we have interests, operate;
 
 • continued consolidation of the broadband distribution and movie studio industries;
 
 • uncertainties inherent in the development and integration of new business lines acquired operations and business strategies;
• integration of acquired operations;
 
 • uncertainties associated with product and service development and market acceptance, including the development and provision of programming for new television and telecommunications technologies;
 
 • changes in the distribution and viewing of television programming, including the expanded deployment of personal video recorders, video on demand and IP television and their impact on television advertising revenue;
 
 • rapid technological changes;
 
 • future financial performance, including availability, terms and deployment of capital;
 
 • fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political unrest in international markets;
 
 • the ability of suppliers and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services;
 
 • the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation;
 
 • availability of qualified personnel;
 
 • the possibility of an industry-wide strike or other job action by or affecting a major entertainment industry union;union, or the duration of any existing strike or job action;
 
 • changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;
 
 • changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners and joint venturers;
 
 • competitor responses to our products and services, and the products and services of the entities in which we have interests; and
 
 • threatened terrorists attacks and ongoing military action in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
 
For additional risk factors, please see our Annual Report onForm 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2007. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations


I-14


with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.


I-14


 
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto; and our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report onForm 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2006.2007.
 
Overview
 
We are a holding company and our businesses and assets include consolidated subsidiaries Ascent Media Group, LLC (“Ascent Media”) and AccentHealth, which we consolidate,Ascent Media CANS, LLC (dba AccentHealth) (“AccentHealth”), and a 50%662/3% ownership interest in Discovery Communications Holding, LLC (“Discovery”), which we account for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, as described below, Discovery’s revenue is not reflected in the revenue we report in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Ascent Media
Ascent Media provides creative and network services to the media and entertainment industries.industries in the United States, the United Kingdom (“UK”) and Singapore. Ascent Media’s clients include major motion picture studios, independent producers, broadcast networks, cable programming networks, advertising agencies and other companies that produce, ownand/or distribute entertainment, news, sports, corporate, educational, industrial and advertising content. Ascent Media’s operations are organized into the following three groups: creative services, group, network services group and corporate and other.
On November 5, 2007, Writers Guild of America, East and West (“Writers Guild”) declared a strike affecting the script writing for television shows and films. The strike has had a significant adverse effect on the revenue generated by Ascent Media has few long-term or exclusive agreements with itsMedia’s creative services customers.business for services provided on new entertainment projects utilizing scripted content and the production of new television commercials. On February 10, 2008, the Writers Guild announced that its governing boards had voted to recommend the terms of a proposed new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (“AMPTP”) and suspended picketing by the Writers Guild against producers. Members of the Writers Guild voted to end the strike on February 12, 2008. On February 26, 2008, the Writers Guild announced that its members had ratified the new contract, the term of which runs through May 1, 2011. The2007-2008 television season has been significantly affected by the strike. Networks and producers have resumed production of some scripted television programming interrupted by the strike. However, it is expected that some programming will not resume production this season, if at all. Accordingly, the full impact of the strike cannot currently be determined.
 
AccentHealth, which we acquired on January 27, 2006On February 21, 2008, the Directors Guild of America announced that its members had ratified a new contract with the AMPTP for cash consideration of $46,793,000, operates an advertising-supported captive audiencea term ending June 30, 2011.
The current contract between the Screen Actors Guild and AMPTP is scheduled to expire June 30, 2008, as does the contract governing primetime dramatic television network in doctor office waiting rooms nationwide. For financial reporting purposes, the acquisition is deemed to have occurred on February 1, 2006, and the results of operations of AccentHealth have been included in our consolidated results as partprogramming for members of the network services group sinceAmerican Federation of Television and Radio Artists, which traditionally negotiates labor terms with the date of acquisition.producers in conjunction with the Screen Actors Guild.
Discovery
 
Our most significant asset is our interest in Discovery, in which we do not have a controlling financial interest.control. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides original and purchased video programming across multiple platforms in the U.S. and overmore than 170 other countries. Discovery also develops and sells branded commerceconsumer and educational product linesproducts and services in the United States. We account for our 50% ownership interest in Discovery using the equity methodStates and internationally, and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of accounting. Accordingly, ourwebsite properties and other digital services. Our share of the results of operations of Discovery is reflected in our condensed consolidated results as earnings or losses of Discovery. To assist the reader in better understanding and


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analyzing our business, we have included a separate discussion and analysis of Discovery’s results of operations and financial condition below.
 
During the second quarter of 2007, each of the shareholders of Discovery Communications, Inc (“DCI”), including our company, contributed its DCI common stock to a newly formed company, Discovery, in exchange for Discovery membership interests. Subsequent to the contribution, each of the members of Discovery held the same ownership interests in Discovery as they previously held in DCI. DCI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery, and Discovery is the successor reporting entity of DCI
On May 14, 2007, Discovery and Cox Communications Holdings, Inc. (“Cox”) completed an exchange of Cox’s 25% ownership interest in Discovery for all of the capital stock of a subsidiary of Discovery that held Travel Channel, travelchannel.com and approximately $1.3 billion in cash (the “Cox Transaction”). Discovery raised the cash component through additional debt financing, and retired the membership interest previously owned by Cox. Upon completion of this transaction, we own a 662/3% interest in Discovery and Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership (“Advance/Newhouse”) owns a 331/3% interest in Discovery. We continue to account for our investment in Discovery using the equity method of accounting due to governance rights possessed by Advance/Newhouse which restrict our ability to control Discovery.
Newhouse Transaction and Ascent Spin Off
In December 2007, we announced that we had signed a non-binding letter of intent with Advance/Newhouse to combine our respective stakes in Discovery. As currently contemplated by the non-binding letter of intent, the transaction, if completed, would involve the following steps:
• We will spin-off to our shareholders a wholly-owned subsidiary holding substantially all of DHC’s cash, AccentHealth and Ascent Media, except for those businesses of Ascent Media that provide sound, music, mixing, sound effects and other related services (the “Ascent Media Spin Off”);
• Immediately following the Ascent Media Spin Off, we will combine with a new holding company (“New DHC”), and our existing shareholders will receive shares of common stock of New DHC;
• As part of this transaction, Advance/Newhouse will contribute its interests in Discovery and Animal Planet to New DHC in exchange for preferred stock of New DHC that, immediately after the closing of the transactions, will be convertible at any time into shares initially representing one-third of the outstanding shares of common stock of New DHC on an as-converted basis. The preferred stock held by Advance/Newhouse will entitle it to elect three members to New DHC’s board of directors and to exercise approval rights with respect to the taking of specified actions by New DHC and Discovery.
Although no assurance can be given, consummation of this transaction (the “Newhouse Transaction and Ascent Spin Off”) is expected in the third quarter of 2008. The Ascent Media Spin Off was approved in connection with the proposed transaction between DHC and Advance/Newhouse, and it is a condition of the Ascent Media Spin Off that the agreement between DHC and Advance/Newhouse be in effect and that all conditions precedent to that transaction (other than the Ascent Media Spin Off) shall have been satisfied.
It is currently expected that the Ascent Media Spin Off will be effected for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free distribution to DHC’s shareholders and be accounted for at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distribution. Subsequent to the completion of the Ascent Media Spin Off, the historical results of operations of Ascent Media prior to the Ascent Media Spin Off will be included in discontinued operations in DHC’s consolidated financial statements. The acquisition of Advance/Newhouse’s interests in Discovery and Animal Planet will result in New DHC owning 100% of Discovery, and accordingly, New DHC will consolidate Discovery’s financial position and results of operations effective with the closing of the transaction. Pursuant to FASB TechnicalBulletin 85-5, the contribution of interests to New DHC will be treated as a non-substantive merger, and therefore, interests will be recorded at carry over basis.


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Operating Cash Flow
 
We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue and operating cash flow. We define operating cash flow as revenue less cost of services and selling, general and administrative expense (excluding stock and other equity-based compensation and accretion expense on asset retirement obligations). We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses, including their ability to invest in ongoing capital expenditures and service any debt. In addition, this measure allowsis used by management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation and amortization, stock and other equity-based compensation, accretion expense on asset retirement obligations, restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, operating cash flow should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See note 1110 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of operating cash flow to earnings before income taxes.
 
Results of Operations
 
Our condensed consolidated results of operations include 100% of theAscent Media’s and AccentHealth’s results of Ascent Media and AccentHealth,operations, general and administrative expenses incurred at the DHC corporate level, and our 50% share of earnings of Discovery.


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OurAscent Media’s creative services group generates revenue is primarily generated from fees for video and audio post production, special effects and editorial services for the television, feature film and advertising industries. Generally, these services pertain to the completion of feature films, television programs and advertisements.television commercials. These projects normally span from a few days to three months or more in length, and fees for these projects typically range from $10,000 to $1,000,000 per project. Additionally, the creative services group provides owners of film libraries a broad range of restoration, preservation, archiving, professional mastering and duplication services. The scope of these creative services vary in duration from one day to several months depending on the nature of the service, and fees typically range from less than $1,000 to $100,000 per project. The creative services group includes Ascent Media’s digital media distribution center, which is developing new digital service products and businessesprovides file-based services in areas such as digital imaging, digital vault, distribution services and interactive media.media to new and existing distribution platforms.
 
OurThe network services group’s revenue consists of fees relating to facilities and services necessary to assemble and transport programming for cable and broadcast networks across the world via fiber, satellite and the Internet. The group’s revenues arerevenue is also driven by systems integration and field support services, technology consulting services, design and implementation of advanced video systems, engineering project management, technical help desk and field service. This operating segment also includes the operations of AccentHealth, which operates an advertising-supported captive audience television network in doctor office waiting rooms nationwide. Approximately 60%44% of the network services group’s revenue relates to AccentHealth, broadcast services, satellite operations and fiber services that are earned monthly under long-term contracts ranging generally from one to seven years. Additionally, approximately 40%56% of revenue relates to systems integration and engineering services that are provided on a project basis over terms generally ranging from three to twelve months.


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Corporate related items and expenses are reflected in Corporate and other, below. Cost of services and operating expenses consist primarily of production wages, facility costs and other direct costs and selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
                
 Three Months Ended
  Three Months Ended
 
 March 31,  March 31, 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Segment Revenue                
Creative Services group $110,712   98,530  $91,782   110,712 
Network Services group  63,170   55,038   97,523   63,170 
Corporate and other            
          
 $173,882   153,568  $189,305   173,882 
          
Segment Operating Cash Flow                
Creative Services group $14,284   13,098  $3,817   14,284 
Network Services group  8,288   9,497   17,170   8,288 
Corporate and other  (7,210)  (9,251)  (10,948)  (7,210)
          
 $15,362   13,344  $10,039   15,362 
          
 
Revenue.  Total revenue increased $20,314,000$15,423,000 or 13.2%8.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2007,2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The creative services group revenue increased $12,182,000decreased $18,930,000 or 17.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2007,2008, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. This increaseThe decrease in creative services revenue was due to (i) an increasea decrease of $6,241,000 in commercial revenue driven primarily by strong U.S. demand, (ii) an increase of $3,727,000 in feature revenue driven by increased titles for post production and audio services, (iii) an increase of $864,000 in media services driven by growth in digital vaulting and digital distribution services, offset by lower traditional media, lab and DVD services and (iv) favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $2,075,000. These revenue increases were offset by a slight decrease$10,742,000 in television post production services in the U.S. driven primarily by the Writers Guild strike, (ii) lower feature revenue of $4,210,000 driven by smaller feature sound projects, (iii) a decrease of $2,573,000 in commercial revenue driven by strong worldwide demand in the prior year period and (iv) a decrease of $857,000 in U.K. television revenue driven by declines in the broadcast work.
 
The network services group revenue increased $8,132,000$34,353,000 or 54.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2007,2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in revenue was due to (i) an increase of $10,008,000$29,180,000 in system integration services revenue due to the timing of and increase in the number of large projects, (ii) an increase of $1,985,000 driven by AccentHealth which was acquired in February 2006 and (iii) favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates


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of $1,363,000. These increases in revenue were partially offset by (i) a decrease of $2,342,000$3,071,000 in content distribution revenue primarilyin the U.S. and U.K. and (iii) an increase of $2,382,000 driven by AccentHealth due to the termination of certain distribution contractscontinued growth in the U.K. and (ii) other revenue decrease of $2,882,000 primarily due to a large one-time project in 2006.digital network.
 
Cost of Services.  Cost of services increased $20,427,000$16,518,000 or 20.9%13.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2007,2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. A significant portion of the increase was attributable to network services resulting from higher volumes of system integration services, which have a higher percentage of equipment costs. The increase is attributable to higher costs acrosswas partially offset by lower cost of services in creative services and networkdriven by decreases in television production services groups primarily in production material, production personnel and equipment expenses resulting from increased volumes. Additionally, changes in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in an increase of $2,157,000.impacted by the Writers Guild strike. As a percent of revenue, cost of services was 67.9%72.9% and 63.6%69.9% for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively. The percentage increase wasis a result of revenue mix primarily driven by the higher production material costs for system integration projects, at the network services group and by more labor intensive commercial and feature projects in thewhich have lower margins. Additionally, creative services group. These material and labor costs have increased atdecreased to a faster ratelesser degree than revenue contributing to a lower operating cash flow margin.during the period of the Writers Guild strike, with certain fixed costs remaining regardless of the decline in revenue.
 
Selling, General and Administrative.  DHC’sOur selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), including corporate expenses of both DHC and Ascent Media but excluding stock-based compensation and accretion expense on asset retirement obligations, decreased $2,131,000increased $4,228,000 or 5.0%11.4% for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decline for the three month periodincrease was mainly driven by lower professional feesDHC corporate expenses, which increased $3,227,000 over the corresponding prior year period as a result of legal and lower personnel costs.accounting costs related to the Newhouse Transaction and Ascent Spin Off. As a percent of revenue, SG&A was 23.3%21.8% and 27.8%21.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.


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Restructuring Charges.  During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Ascent Media recorded restructuring charges of $1,257,000 related to severance and 2006, respectively,facility costs in conjunction with the decrease partially resulting from the restructuring which occurredclosing its operations in the third and fourth quarters of 2006, lowering headcount and personnel costs.Mexico. No such charges were recorded in 2007.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.  The decreaseincrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 is due to a combination ofdepreciation on new assets placed in service partially offset by assets becoming fully depreciated partially offset by depreciation on new capital expenditures.depreciated.
 
Stock-Based Compensation.  Stock-based compensation was a benefit of $116,000 and an expense of $966,000 for the three months ended March��31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Effective August 3, 2006, Ascent Media adopted its 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan provides the terms and conditions for the grant of, and payment with respect to, Phantom Appreciation Rights (“PARs”) granted to certain officers and other key personnel of Ascent Media. The maximum number of PARs that may be granted under the 2006 Plan is 500,000, and there were 423,500483,500 PARs granted as of March 31, 2007. For the three months ended March 31, 2007,2008. Ascent Media recorded $841,000 of 2006 Plan expense.
On July 21, 2005, Liberty completed the spin offbenefit of the capital stock$276,000 and expense of DHC. As a result of the Spin Off and related adjustments to Liberty’s stock incentive awards, options to acquire an aggregate of approximately 2.0 million shares of DHC Series A common stock and 3.0 million shares of DHC Series B common stock were issued to employees of Liberty. In addition, employees of Ascent Media who held stock options or stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to acquire shares of Liberty common stock prior to the Spin Off continue to hold such options. SAR expense was a credit of $12,000$841,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, DHC is responsible for all2008 and 2007, respectively. For Discovery Holding Company stock options related to DHC common stock, and Liberty is responsible for all incentive awards related to Liberty common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company records stock-based compensation for all stock incentive awards held by DHC’s and its subsidiaries’certain of our employees, regardless of whether such awards relate to DHC common stock or Liberty common stock. Any stock-based compensationwe also recorded by DHC with respect to Liberty stock incentive awards is treated as a capital transaction with the offset to stock-based compensation expense reflected as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital. Stock-based compensation expense was$160,000 and $137,000 and $546,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively.
 
As of March 31, 2007,2008, the total compensation cost related to unvested equity awards was $960,000.$379,000. Such amount will be recognized in our consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 1.31.1 years.
 
Share of Earnings of Discovery.  From January 1, 2007 through May 14, 2007, we recorded our 50% share of the earnings of DCI. Subsequent to May 14, 2007, we recorded our 662/3% share of the earnings of Discovery. Our share of earnings of Discovery was consistentincreased $44,845,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase is mainly due to Discovery’s performance in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the prior year period. The increase also resulted from a $17,536,000 impact from our ownership interest in Discovery increasing from 50% to 662/3%.
In connection with the Cox Transaction, we reallocated our excess basis related to our investment in Discovery. Such allocation process was completed in the first quarter of 2008 and 2006, increasing $384,000 or 1.8%.resulted in approximately 48% of the excess basis created by the Cox Transaction being allocated to intangible assets with determinable useful lives. Amortization of such intangible assets aggregated $3,744,000 (net of related taxes) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and is included in our share of earnings of Discovery.
 
We have provided a more detailed discussion of Discovery’s results of operations below.


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Other Income.  During the first quarter of 2007, we were bought out ofour landlord terminated an operating lease for one of our production facilities in New York andexchange for a cash payment. In connection with such termination we recorded a $6,992,000 gain, on this transaction, representing the cash we received less the net book value of leasehold improvements which were retired. No such transaction was recorded in 2008.
 
Income Taxes.  Our effective tax rate was 31.0%43.8% and 42.7%31.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our income tax expense for 2008 was higher than the federal income tax rate of 35% due to state and 2006, respectively.foreign tax expense. Our income tax expense for 2007 is lower than the federal income tax rate of 35% due to a reduction in the valuation allowance from the usage of net operating loss carryforwards to offset taxable income in the first quarter of 2007. Our income tax expense for 2006 was higher than the federal income tax rate of 35% due to state and foreign tax expense.
 
During the first quarter of 2008, Liberty reached an agreement with the IRS related to certain tax items that arose in periods prior to our spin off from Liberty on July 21, 2005. The agreement resulted in a reduction to the initial amount of federal and California net operating losses by $28,554,000 and $49,667,000, respectively, that Liberty allocated to DHC at the spin off date. However, since we had previously recorded a full valuation allowance against these net operating losses, the reversal of both the net operating losses and the corresponding valuation allowance resulted in no net impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Net Earnings.Earnings (Loss).  Our net earnings increased from $11,615,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $20,464,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007.2007 to $33,991,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008. Such increase is due to the other aforementioned fluctuations in revenue, expenses and expenses.other income.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary sources of funds are cash on hand and cash flows from operating activities. During the three months ended March 31, 2007,2008, our primary use of cash was capital expenditures of $13,407,000. Of the foregoing 2007 capital expenditures, $3,338,000 relates$8,552,000 to the buildout of Ascent Media’s existing facilities for specific customer contracts. The remainder of our capital expenditures relate to purchases ofpurchase new equipment and the upgrade of existing facilities and equipment.equipment at Ascent Media and AccentHealth. We currently expect to spend up to an additional $69,500,000$40,000,000 for capital expenditures in 2007,2008, which we expect will be funded with Ascent Media’s and AccentHealth’s cash from operations and cash on hand. At March 31, 2007,2008, we have approximately $154.7$223 million of corporate cash, and short-term investments. Forfor the foreseeable future, we expect to have sufficient available cash balances and net cash from operating activities to meet our working capital needs and capital expenditure requirements. We intend to seek external equity or debt financing in the event any new investment opportunities, additional capital expenditures or our operations require additional funds, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on terms that are acceptable to us.
 
We do not have access to the cash Discovery generates from its operations, unless Discovery paysmakes a dividend on its capital stock or otherwise distributes cashdistribution with respect to its stockholders. Historically, Discovery hasmembership interests or makes other payments or advances to its members. Prior to May 14, 2007, DCI did not paidpay any dividends on its capital stock, and since that date, Discovery has not made any distributions to its members, and we do not have sufficient voting control to cause Discovery to pay dividendsmake distributions or make other payments or advances to us.
 
Discovery
 
We holdEffective May 15, 2007 and as a 50%result of the Cox Transaction, our ownership interest in Discovery increased from 50% to 662/3%, and we continue to account for this investment using the equity method of accounting.accounting due to governance rights which restrict our ability to control Discovery. Accordingly, in our condensed consolidated financial statements we record our share of Discovery’s net income or loss available to common shareholdersmembers and reflect this activity in one line item in our condensed consolidated statement of operations as “Share of earnings of Discovery.” The following financial information of Discovery for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 and 20062007 and related discussion is presented to provide the reader with additional analysis of the operating results and financial position of Discovery. Because we do not control the decision-making process or business management practices of Discovery, we rely on Discovery to provide us with financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP that we use in the application of the equity method. The following discussion and analysis of Discovery’s operations and financial position has been prepared based on information that we receive from Discovery and represents our views and understanding of its operating performance and financial position based on such information. Discovery is not a separately traded public company, and we do not have the ability to cause Discovery’s management to prepare its own management’s discussion and analysis for our purposes. Accordingly, we note that the material presented in this section might be different if Discovery’s management had prepared it.
 
The following discussion of Discovery’s results of operations is presented on a consolidated basis. In orderin two parts to provide aassist the reader in better understanding Discovery’s operations. The first section is an overall discussion of Discovery’s operations, we have also includedconsolidated operating results. The second section includes a summarized presentationmore detailed discussion of revenue and operating cash flow activity of Discovery’s three operating groups:divisions: Discovery networks U.S., or U.S. networks, Discovery networks international, or international networks, and Discovery commerce education and other.


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The U.S. networks is Discovery’s largest division, which owns and operates 12 cable and satellite channels and provides distribution and advertising sales services for BBC America and distribution services for BBC World News. International networks manages a portfolio of channels, led by the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet brands, that are distributed in virtually every pay-television market in the world via an infrastructure that includes major operational centers in London, Singapore, New Delhi and Miami. Discovery commerce, education and other includes Discovery’s retail chain store operations and otherdirect-to-consumer marketing activities, as well as Discovery education, which manages Discovery’s distribution of education content to schools and consumers.education.
 
On March 29, 2007, Consolidated Results
Discovery announced that it had entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent with Cox, a 25% shareholder of Discovery, pursuant to which Discovery would redeem Cox’s ownership interest in Discovery for all of the capital stock of a subsidiary of Discovery that will hold Travel Channel, travelchannel.com, Antenna Audio and approximately $1.275 billion in cash. Discovery expects to raise the cash amount through additional financing, and expects to retire the equity shares previously owned by Cox. Completion of the transaction is subject to negotiation of definitive documents and various conditions, including regulatory clearances and approvals. Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to closewas formed in the second quarter of 2007 as part of a restructuring (the “DCI Restructuring”) completed by Discovery Communications, Inc. (“DCI”). In the Company would ownDCI Restructuring, DCI became a 662/3% interestwholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery, and the former shareholders of DCI, including DHC, became members of Discovery. Discovery is the successor reporting entity to DCI. In connection with the DCI Restructuring, Discovery applied “pushdown” accounting and each shareholder’s basis in DCI as of May 14, 2007 has been pushed down to


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Discovery resulting in $4.3 billion of goodwill being recorded by Discovery. DHC would continue to accountSince goodwill is not amortizable, there is no current income statement impact for its investment using the equity method of accounting due to governance rights which would restrict DHC’s ability to control Discovery.this change in basis.
 
During 2007, Discovery undertook broad restructuring activities to better position its portfolio of assets and to facilitate growth and enhanced profitability. These activities resulted in additional operating expenses that impact the comparability of results from 2007 to 2008. The more significant items include fourth quarter 2007 content impairment charges of $129,091,000 at U.S. Networks and $9,976,000 at Education which both impacted content amortization expense when comparing expenses in the first quarter of 2008 to those in the corresponding prior year period. Additionally, a $10,999,000 restructuring charge was recorded in the first quarter of 2007, with no similar charge recorded in 2008.
Consolidated Results of Discovery
 
                
 Three Months Ended
  Three Months Ended
 
 March 31,  March 31, 
 2007 2006  2008 2007 
 amounts in thousands  amounts in thousands 
Revenue:                
Advertising $289,769   267,028  $304,129   289,769 
Distribution  369,879   346,014   402,683   369,879 
Other  68,178   46,559   87,766   50,550 
          
Total revenue  727,826   659,601   794,578   710,198 
          
Expenses:                
Cost of revenue  (257,027)  (240,342)  (230,435)  (243,523)
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense  (291,002)  (274,348)  (278,211)  (276,247)
          
Operating cash flow  179,797   144,911   285,932   190,428 
Restructuring and other charges  (10,999)   
Expenses arising from long-term incentive plans  (11,721)  (5,169)
Restructuring charges     (10,999)
Benefit (expense) arising from long-term incentive plans  35,857   (11,721)
Depreciation and amortization  (35,188)  (30,135)  (37,720)  (32,433)
          
Operating income  121,889   109,607   284,069   135,275 
Other income (expense):                
Interest expense, net  (44,556)  (49,006)  (68,720)  (44,558)
Unrealized gains from derivative instruments, net  1,065   6,725 
Unrealized gains (losses) from derivative instruments, net  (16,095)  1,065 
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries  (707)  1,878   (6,806)  (707)
Other  2,049   1,402   311   2,049 
          
Earnings before income taxes  79,740   70,606 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes  192,759   93,124 
Income tax expense  (36,626)  (28,259)  (87,541)  (41,710)
          
Net earnings $43,114   42,347 
Income from continuing operations  105,218   51,414 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes     (8,300)
          
Net income $105,218   43,114 
     


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Business Segment Results of Discovery
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2007  2006 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue:        
U.S. networks $485,613   443,434 
International networks  207,796   193,216 
Discovery commerce, education and other  34,417   22,951 
         
Total revenue $727,826   659,601 
         
Operating Cash Flow:        
U.S. networks $180,431   152,117 
International networks  19,496   31,146 
Discovery commerce, education and other  (20,130)  (38,352)
         
Total operating cash flow $179,797   144,911 
         
Note: Discovery commerce, education and other includes intercompany eliminations.
 
Revenue.  Discovery’s consolidated revenue increased 10%12% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, due to increases of 74% in other revenue, 9% in distribution revenue, and 5% in advertising revenue. Other revenue primarily increased as a result of (i) a $16,435,000 increase in ancillary revenue from a joint venture primarily due to an unprecedented level of seasonal sales driven by the success of the Planet Earth programming in 2007, which is not expected to continue at the same level, (ii) $8,688,000 earned by U.S. networks’ representation of Travel Channel, and (iii) the impact of the acquisition of HowStuffWorks in December 2007. Increased distribution revenue is primarily due to international networks subscriber growth and favorable exchange rates, combined with annual contract increases for the fully distributed


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U.S. networks, offset by the disposition of Travel Channel. Increases in advertising revenue were primarily due to higher viewership in Europe and the impact of favorable exchange rates, higher cash sellouts and higher scatter rates across most networks at the U.S. networks, offset by the disposition of Travel Channel. Program ratings are an indication of consumer acceptance and directly affect Discovery’s ability to generate revenue during the airing of its programs. If programs do not achieve sufficient acceptance, the revenue from advertising sales may decline.
Cost of revenue.  Cost of revenue, which includes content amortization and other production related expenses in addition to distribution and merchandising costs, decreased 5% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. IncreasedThe decrease is primarily a result of (i) an $18,319,000 decrease from the disposition of Travel Channel and (ii) the effect of the $129,091,000 content impairment charge recorded in 2007 at U.S. networks which decreased content amortization expense by $17,702,000 for the first quarter of 2008 compared to the corresponding prior year period. Partially offsetting the decrease is the impact of International networks’ continued investment to support additional local feeds for growth in local ad sales, and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates. As a result of the foregoing fluctuations, cost of revenue was dueas a percent of revenue decreased to a 7% increase29% in distribution revenue, a 9% increase2008 from 34% in advertising revenue and a 46% increase in other revenue during the same period.2007.
 
Distribution revenueSG&A expenses.  SG&A expenses, which include personnel, marketing and other general and administrative expenses, increased $13,715,000 or 7% at the U.S. networks primarily due to a 6% increase in paying subscription units combined with contractual rate increases. Launch amortization at the U.S. networks, a contra-revenue item, was $15,352,000 and $18,548,000by 1% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Many of Discovery’s domestic networks are currently distributed to substantially all of the cable television and direct broadcast satellite homes in the U.S. Accordingly, the rate of growth in U.S. distribution revenue in future periods is expected to be less than historical rates.
At the international networks, distribution revenue increased $10,150,000 or 8% for the three months ended March 31, 2007,2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Such increase was principally comprised of combined revenue growth in Europe and Asia of $20,424,000, partially offset by a $10,269,000 revenue decline in the U.K. The net increase in revenue resulted from an increase in paying subscription units of 13% combined with contractual rate increases in certain markets, partially offset by an increase in launch amortization. In January 2007 and in connection with the settlement of terms under a pre-existing distribution agreement, Discovery completed negotiations for the renewal of long-term distribution agreements for certain of its U.K. networks and paid a distributor $195.8 million. Most of the payment was attributed to the renewal period and is being amortized over a five year term. As a result, launch amortization at the international networks was $10,541,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as compared to $1,559,000 for the corresponding prior year period.
Advertising revenue, which includes revenue from paid programming, increased $20,446,000 or 10% at the U.S. networks and increased $2,183,000 or 4% at the international networks, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in advertising revenue at the U.S. networks was primarily due to higher advertising sell-out rates on certain channels and higher audience delivery on most channels, notably the Discovery Channel and TLC. The increase in internationalU.S. networks advertising revenue was due primarily to higher viewership in Europe and Latin America combined with an increased subscriber base in most markets worldwide, partially offset by a decline in advertising revenue in the U.K.
Included in other revenue is education revenue, which increased $6,931,000 or 85%, and commerce revenue, which increased $3,361,000 or 15%. The increase in education revenue comes from a combination of a 12% increase in paying school subscription units and improved customer yields as a result of the increased focus on Discovery’sdirect-to-school distribution platform,unitedstreaming, as well as the division’s other premiumdirect-to-school subscription services. The increase in commerce revenue is driven by increases in both the retail


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store business anddirect-to-consumere-commerce business. During the first quarter of 2007, Discovery initiated a strategic review of its commerce business to evaluate potential new operating alternatives with a target of reaching a conclusion in the second quarter of 2007.
Cost of Revenue.  Cost of revenue increased 7% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. As a percent of revenue, cost of revenue was 35% and 36% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The $16,685,000 increase over the prior year period primarily resulted from an $11,826,000 increase in content amortization expense due to continued investment in original productions across the U.S. networks combined with increases in Europe associated with the launch of several networksdigital media and a newfree-to-air channel in Germany branded as DMAX.
SG&A Expenses.  SG&A expenses increased 6% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as comparedan impact related to the corresponding prior year period.expansion of network teams to support the re-branding strategies for Planet Green and Investigation Discovery, offset by the disposition of Travel Channel. Also contributing to the increase is the impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. As a percent of revenue, SG&A expense was 40%35% and 42%39% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and 2006, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, SG&A expense increased $11,139,000 and $15,241,000 for U.S. networks and international networks, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, but decreased $9,890,000 for the education business. In U.S. networks, the increase is primarily due to a $10,623,000 or 22% increase in personnel expense resulting from increased headcount from 2006 acquisitions combined with compensation increases. In international networks, the increase is primarily due to an $11,959,000 or 35% increase in personnel expense, resulting from infrastructure expansions in Europe which increased headcount and office locations. In the education business, the decrease is primarily due to a $4,443,000 or 38% reduction in personnel expense as a result of business restructuring, combined with a $5,053,000 or 88% reduction in marketing expense as Discovery re-focuses the direction of the education business.
While international networks revenue increased $14,580,000, operating cash flow decreased $11,650,000 in 2007 as compared to 2006 primarily due to the acquisition of DMAX in March 2006 which incurred a $9,027,000 higher operating cash flow deficit in the first quarter of 2007 as compared to 2006.
Restructuring Charges.  During the first quarter of 2007, Discovery recorded restructuring charges of $10,999,000 related to a number of organizational and strategic adjustments. The purpose of these adjustments was to better align Discovery’s organizational structure with the company’s new strategic priorities and to respond to continuing changes within the media industry. The charge primarily results from severance due to a reduction in headcount. There was no restructuring charge in 2006.
 
Expenses Arisingarising from Long-term Incentive Plans.long-term incentive plans.  Expenses arising from long-term incentive plans are related to Discovery’s unit-based, long-term incentive plan, or LTIP, for its employees who meet certain eligibility criteria. Units are awarded to eligible employees and generally vest at a rate of 25% per year. The value of units in the LTIP is indexed to the value of DHC Series A common stock and are treated similar to a derivative by determining their fair value each reporting period. Upon redemption, participants receive a cash payment based onis calculated using the change in market price of DHC Series A common stock.Black Scholes Model. The change in unit value of LTIP awards outstanding is recorded as compensation expense over the period outstanding. CompensationUpon redemption of the LTIP awards, participants receive a cash payment based on the value of the award as described in the terms of the LTIP. In the third quarter of 2007, Discovery amended the LTIP such that the redemption dates occur annually over a 4 year period instead of bi-annually over an 8 year period. Due to the decrease in the DHC Series A common stock price during the three months ended March 31, 2008, a benefit of $40,510,000 was recorded to compensation expense aggregatedcompared to compensation expense of $11,721,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $5,169,0002007. Partially offsetting the benefit for the same period in 2006. The increasethree months ended March 31, 2008 is primarily the result$4,653,000 of increasescompensation expense arising from a long-term incentive plan related to one of Discovery’s subsidiaries, for which there was no expense in the DHC Series A common stock price offset by a decrease in expense related to the difference in value accrued for units paid or forfeited during the quarter, largely as a result of the restructuring.corresponding prior year period. If the remaining vested LTIP awards at March 31, 20072008 were redeemed, the aggregate cash payments by Discovery would be approximately $41,328,000.$65,610,000.
Restructuring charges.  During the first quarter of 2007, Discovery recorded restructuring charges of $10,999,000 related to a number of organizational and strategic adjustments which consisted mainly of severance due to a reduction in headcount. The purpose of these adjustments was to better align Discovery’s organizational structure with the company’s new strategic priorities and to respond to continuing changes within the media industry. There was no similar restructuring charge in 2008.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.amortization.  The increase in depreciation and amortization for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 is due to an increase in newintangible assets placedresulting from acquisitions combined with increases in service during 2006.Discovery’s depreciable asset base resulting from capital expenditures.
 
Other Income and Expense
 
Interest Expense.expense.  On May 14, 2007, Discovery entered into a new $1.5 billion term loan in connection with the Cox Transaction. The decreaseincrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 20072008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period is primarily a result of the new term loan. The increase is also impacted by Discovery exercising its call rights in January 2007 to acquire mandatorily redeemable securities and reversing $4.5


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$4.5 million of accrued preferred returns. Preferred returns had been recorded as a component of interest expense based on a constant rate of return through the full term.


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Unrealized Gainsgains from Derivative Instruments,derivative instruments, net.  Unrealized gains from derivative transactions relate primarily to Discovery’s use of derivative instruments to modify its exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its debt. These instrument contractsinstruments include a combination of swaps, caps, collars and swaptions.other structured instruments. As a result of unrealized mark to market adjustments, Discovery recognized $1,065,000 and $6,725,000 inan unrealized gains on these instrumentsloss of $16,095,000 during the three months ended March 31, 20072008 and 2006, respectively.an unrealized gain of $1,065,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The foreign exchange hedging instruments used by Discovery are spot, forward and option contracts. Additionally, Discovery enters into non-designated forward contracts to hedge non-dollar denominated cash flows and foreign currency balances.
 
Minority Interestsinterests in Consolidated Subsidiaries.consolidated subsidiaries.  Minority interest representsinterests primarily represent the portion of earnings of consolidated entities which are allocable to the minority partners as well as the increases and decreases in the estimated redemption value of mandatorily redeemable interests in subsidiaries which are initially recorded at fair value. The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period is the result of increased profits earned by these consolidated subsidiaries, mainly driven by royalties on the Planet Earth DVD sales.
 
Other.  Other income in 20072008 and 20062007 relates primarily to Discovery’s equity share of earnings on theirof its joint ventures.
 
Income Taxes.taxes.  Discovery’s effective tax rate was 46% and 40%45% for each of the three months ended March 31, 20072008 and 2006, respectively.2007. Discovery’s effective tax rate differed from the federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to foreign and state taxes.
 
Loss from discontinued operations.  Summarized financial information for the retail stores business included in discontinued operations is as follows (amounts in thousands):
     
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31,
 
  2007 
 
Revenue $17,628 
Operating cash flow $(10,631)
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes $(13,384)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax $(8,300)
Net earnings.  Discovery’s net earnings were $105,218,000 and $43,114,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The changes in net earnings are due to the aforementioned fluctuations in revenue and expense.
Operating Division Results
As noted above, Discovery’s operations are divided into three groups: U.S. networks, international networks and commerce and education. Corporate expenses primarily consist of corporate functions, executive management and administrative support services. Corporate expenses are excluded from segment results to enable executive management to evaluate business segment performance based upon decisions made directly by business segment executives. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified between segments to conform to Discovery’s 2008 operating structure.


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Discovery Consolidated
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2008  2007 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue
        
U.S. networks $490,837   476,762 
International networks  266,885   216,647 
Commerce and education  24,510   23,131 
Corporate and eliminations  12,346   (6,342)
         
Total revenue $794,578   710,198 
         
Operating Cash Flow
        
U.S. networks $247,492   209,914 
International networks  69,307   27,415 
Commerce and education  44   (3,485)
Corporate and eliminations  (30,911)  (43,416)
         
Total operating cash flow $285,932   190,428 
         
Operating cash flow margin  36%  27%
         
U.S. Networks
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2008  2007 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue
        
Advertising $238,792   234,611 
Distribution  223,996   225,905 
Other  28,049   16,246 
         
Total revenue  490,837   476,762 
Cost of revenue  (124,965)  (152,843)
SG&A expenses  (118,380)  (114,005)
         
Operating cash flow $247,492   209,914 
         
Operating cash flow margin  50%  44%
         
As noted above, in May 2007, Discovery exchanged its subsidiary holding the Travel Channel, travelchannel.com and approximately $1.3 billion in cash for Cox’s interest in Discovery. Accordingly, Discovery’s 2008 results of operations do not include Travel Channel. The disposal of Travel Channel does not meet the requirements for discontinued operations presentation. The following table presents U.S. networks results of operations excluding Travel Channel for all periods. This presentation is not in accordance with GAAP. However, Discovery


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believes this presentation provides a more meaningful comparison of the U.S. networks results of operations and allows the reader to better understand the U.S. networks ongoing operations.
U.S. Networks without Travel Channel
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2008  2007 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue
        
Advertising $238,792   208,972 
Distribution  223,996   211,338 
Other  28,049   15,544 
         
Total revenue  490,837   435,854 
Cost of revenue  (124,965)  (134,524)
SG&A expenses  (118,380)  (101,079)
         
Operating cash flow $247,492   200,251 
         
Operating cash flow margin  50%  46%
         
The following discussion excludes the results of Travel Channel for all periods.
Revenue.  For the three months ended March 31, 2008, advertising revenue increased 14%, distribution revenue increased 6%, and other revenue increased 80%, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in advertising revenue at the U.S. networks was primarily due to higher cash sellouts and scatter market rate increases across most networks. Distribution revenue was driven by a 5% increase in average paying subscription units, principally from networks carried on the digital tier, combined with annual contractual rate increases for the fully distributed networks. Contra revenue items included in distribution revenue, such as launch amortization and marketing consideration, totaled $21,328,000 and $21,057,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. U.S. networks is currently in negotiations to renew distribution agreements for carriage of its networks involving a substantial portion of its subscribers. A failure to secure a renewal or a renewal on less favorable terms may have a material adverse effect on U.S. networks results of operations and financial position. Other revenue increased primarily from Discovery’s representation of the Travel Channel and the acquisition of How Stuff Works in December 2007.
Cost of revenue.  For the three months ended March 31, 2008, cost of revenue decreased $9,559,000 or 7%, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in content amortization expense of $13,863,000. The decrease in content amortization expense was primarily a result of the effect of the $129,091,000 content impairment charge recorded in 2007 which drove a $17,702,000 decrease in content amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Partially offsetting this reduction is new content amortization expense for programming that began to air during the three months ended March 31, 2008. Starting in the second quarter of 2008, additional content amortization expense is expected from the launch of new programming on most networks and the rebranding of certain networks.
SG&A expenses.  SG&A expenses increased $17,301,000 or 17% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase is primarily driven by $10,812,000 of expenses related to the continued investment in digital media, including acquisitions from the third and fourth quarters of 2007, and a $3,690,000 impact related to the expansion of network teams to support the re-branding strategies for Planet Green and Investigation Discovery.
Digital Media Business.  U.S. networks digital media business revenue was $12,259,000 and $5,756,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and is included in total U.S. networks revenue. Operating expenses for these businesses were $22,241,000 and $8,926,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Discovery expects to continue to invest in digital media due to its recent acquisitions of


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PetFinder.com, TreeHugger.com and HowStuffWorks.com, as well as any future organic investments in this arena, with operating cash flow losses remaining below 5% of Discovery’s consolidated operating cash flow.
International Networks
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2008  2007 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue
        
Advertising $65,295   55,067 
Distribution  178,687   143,974 
Other  22,903   17,606 
         
Total revenue  266,885   216,647 
Cost of revenue  (102,049)  (95,345)
SG&A expenses  (95,529)  (93,887)
         
Operating cash flow $69,307   27,415 
         
Operating cash flow margin  26%  13%
         
Revenue.  Distribution revenue increased 24%, or $34,713,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, principally comprised of combined revenue growth in Europe, Latin America and Asia of $22,063,000 and a favorable foreign exchange impact of $10,765,000. The increase in revenue resulted from increases in average paying subscription units of 15% primarily due to pay TV subscriber growth in many markets in Europe, combined with contractual rate increases in certain markets. Advertising revenue increased 19%, or $10,228,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2008, primarily due to higher viewership in Europe combined with an increased subscriber base in most markets worldwide and favorable foreign exchange impacts of $3,564,000. Other revenue increased 30%, or $5,297,000, primarily due to growth at Antenna Audio.
Cost of revenue.  Cost of revenue increased 7%, or $6,704,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, driven by an $8,907,000 increase in content amortization expense due to continued investment in original productions and language customization to support additional local feeds for growth in local ad sales. In addition, transponder costs were $2,488,000 higher than the corresponding prior year period due to additional feeds in Europe. These increases were partially offset by reduced spending and efficiencies in production operations of $4,711,000.
SG&A expenses.  SG&A expenses increased 2%, or $1,642,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase is primarily due to an increase in personnel costs of $5,013,000 which includes an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $2,040,000, offset by decreases in marketing and other general expenses.
For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the international networks revenue and operating cash flow were impacted favorably by changes in the exchange rates of various foreign currencies. In the event the U.S. dollar strengthens against certain foreign currencies in the future, the international networks group’s revenue and operating cash flow will be negatively impacted. Had there been no impact from changes in exchange rates, international networks would have increased revenue by 15% instead of 23% and operating expenses would have remained relatively flat during the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to 2007.


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Commerce and Education
         
  Three Months Ended
 
  March 31, 
  2008  2007 
  amounts in thousands 
 
Revenue $24,510   23,131 
Cost of revenue  (12,336)  (12,560)
SG&A expenses  (12,130)  (14,056)
         
Operating Cash Flow $44   (3,485)
         
Operating cash flow margin  0%  (15)%
         
Revenue.  Commerce and education revenue increased 6% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, primarily due to an increase in commerce revenue which was driven by continued DVD sales of Planet Earth, along with other popular series such as Human Body, Body Atlas and Dirty Jobs. Education revenue improved slightly as a result of increased streaming and other revenue driven by further penetration of core streaming businesses and new products offset by a decrease in other non-digital services.
Cost of revenue.  Cost of revenue was relatively flat for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, but decreased slightly as a percentage of revenue due to lower content amortization.
SG&A expenses.  SG&A expenses decreased $1,926,000 or 14% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, primarily due to a legal settlement occurring in the first quarter of 2007.
Corporate
Corporate operating cash flow losses decreased $12,505,000 or 29% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, primarily due to increased ancillary revenue from a joint venture primarily due to an unprecedented level of seasonal sales driven by the success of the Planet Earth programming in 2007, which is not expected to continue at the same level. Corporate costs decreased 2% driven by a reduction in headcount from corporate restructurings which occurred throughout 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Discovery used $166,931,000Discovery’s principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and $24,193,000borrowings under its credit facility, and its principal uses of cash from operations duringare for capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, and other obligations. Discovery anticipates that its operating cash flows, existing cash, cash equivalents and borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility are sufficient to meet its anticipated cash requirements for at least the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Discovery’s payment under deferred launch incentives was $196,801,000 and $13,764,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, driving a significant use of cash during the first quarter of 2007.next 12 months.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2007, Discovery spent $13,407,000 on2008, Discovery’s primary uses of cash were principal payments under its bank facilities and senior notes totaling $190,500,000, capital expenditures of $13,955,000, and paid $44,000,000 to acquire mandatorily redeemable securities related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries. During the three months ended March 31, 2006,payments under its LTIP of $12,411,000. Discovery paid $68,910,000 for business combinations, netfunded these investing and financing activities with cash from operations of the cash acquired,$68,951,000 and spent $7,343,000 on capital expenditures.bank borrowings of $165,500,000.
 
In addition to cash provided by operations, Discovery funds its activities with proceeds borrowed underDiscovery’s various debt facilities including ainclude two term loan,loans, two revolving loan facilities and various senior notes payable. DuringThe second term loan was entered into on May 14, 2007 for $1.5 billion in connection with the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, net borrowings under debt facilities were $262,912,000 and $147,949,000, respectively.Cox Transaction. Total commitments of these facilities were $4,071,000,000$5,445,000,000 at March 31, 2007.2008. Debt outstanding on these facilities aggregated $2,870,300,000$4,078,501,000 at March 31, 2007,2008, providing excess debt availability of $1,200,700,000.$1,366,499,000. Discovery’s ability to borrow the unused capacity is dependent on its continuing compliance with its covenants at the time of, and after giving effect to, a requested borrowing.
 
AllDiscovery’s $1.5 billion term andloan is secured by the assets of Discovery, excluding assets held by its subsidiaries. The remaining term loan, revolving loans and senior notes are unsecured. The debt facilities contain


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covenants that require Discoverythe respective borrowers to meet certain financial ratios and place restrictions on the payment of dividends, sale of assets, additional borrowings, mergers, and purchases of capital stock, assets and investments. Discovery has indicated that it iswas in compliance with all debt covenants atas of March 31, 2007.2008.
 
During 2007,In 2008, including amounts discussed above, Discovery expects its uses of cash to spend up to $100,000,000be approximately $266,285,000 for debt repayments, $90,000,000 for capital expenditures and approximately $180,000,000$260,000,000 for interest expenseexpense. Discovery will also be required to make payments under its current debt facilities. PaymentsLTIP Plan. However, amounts expensed and payable under the LTIP are dependent on future annual calculations of unit values which are affected primarily by changes in DHC’s stock price, annual grants of additional units, redemptions of existing units, and changes to satisfythe plan. If the remaining vested LTIP obligations are not expected toawards at March 31, 2008 were redeemed, the aggregate cash payments by Discovery would be significant in 2007.approximately $65,610,000. Discovery believes that its cash flow from operations and borrowings available under its credit facilities will be sufficient to fund its working capital requirements.cash requirements, including LTIP obligations.
 
Discovery has agreements covering leases of satellite transponders, facilities and equipment. These agreements expire at various dates through 2020. Discovery is obligated to license programming under agreements with content suppliers that expire over various dates. Discovery also has other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business.
Discovery is subject to a contractual agreement that may require Discovery to acquire the ownership interest of a minority partner. The right of this minority partner to put its interest back to Discovery for a value determined by a specified formula every three years commenced on December 31, 2002. Discovery accretes the mandatorily


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redeemable equity in a subsidiary to its estimated redemption value through the applicable redemption date. The most recent put right has been exercisable since December 2005. During 2006, Discovery was notified that the minority partner was evaluating whether to execute its rights under the agreement. As of March 31, 2007, the minority partner had not advised Discovery of its intention. Discovery is now accreting this minority interest to the December 2008 redemption date and estimates the redemption value to be $46.6 million as of March 31, 2007.
 
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Foreign Currency Risk
 
We continually monitor our economic exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates and may enter into foreign exchange agreements where and when appropriate. Substantially all of our foreign transactions are denominated in foreign currencies, including the liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries. Although our foreign transactions are not generally subject to significant foreign exchange transaction gains or losses, the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars as part of our consolidated financial reporting. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates affect our financial position and results of operations.
 
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
 
In accordance with Exchange ActRules 13a-15 and15d-15, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer, principal accounting officer and principal financial officer (the “Executives”), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 20072008 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described above that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 20072008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.


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DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
 
For information regarding institution of, or material changes in, material legal proceedings that have been reported this fiscal year, reference is made to Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report onForm 10-K, as amended, filed on February 28, 2007.15, 2008.
 
Item 6.Exhibits
Item 6.Exhibits
 
(a) Exhibits
 
     
 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.3 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 32  Section 1350 Certification*
     
 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.3 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 32  Section 1350 Certification**
 
 
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
  DISCOVERY HOLDING COMPANY
     
Date: May 9, 20078, 2008 By: 
/s/  John C. Malone

John C. Malone
Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: May 9, 20078, 2008 By: 
/s/  David J.A. Flowers

David J.A. Flowers
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
     
Date: May 9, 20078, 2008 By: 
/s/  Christopher W. Shean

Christopher W. Shean
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)


II-2


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 ofRegulation S-K):
 
     
 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.3 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 32  Section 1350 Certification*
     
 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 31.3 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
 32  Section 1350 Certification**
 
 
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.