SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

xQuarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2005

or

 

¨Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period fromto

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 001-32352

 


NEWS CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


 

Delaware 26-0075658

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 852-7000

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filed, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer    x Accelerated filer    ¨ Non-accelerated filer    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of February 6,May 9, 2006, 2,190,537,3732,166,089,195 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 1,010,096,530987,948,111 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

 



NEWS CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page

Part I.

 

Financial Information

  
 Item 1. 

Financial Statements

  
  

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 20042005

  3
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets at DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 (unaudited) and June 30, 2005 (audited)

  4
  

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 20042005

  5
  

Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

  6
 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  4548
 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  6570
 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

  6671

Part II.

 

Other Information

  
 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

  6671
 

Item1A.

Item 1A.
 

Risk Factors

  6671
 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  6671
 

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  6772
 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  6772
 Item 5. 

Other Information

  6772
 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

  6772
 

Signature

 6973

NEWS CORPORATION

NEWS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

   For the three months
ended December 31,


  For the six months
ended December 31,


 
       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

 

Revenues

  $6,665  $6,562  $12,347  $11,708 

Expenses:

                 

Operating

   4,471   4,485   8,110   7,865 

Selling, general and administrative

   978   938   1,937   1,797 

Depreciation and amortization

   197   149   372   277 

Other operating charges

   99   36   99   49 
   


 


 


 


Operating income

   920   954   1,829   1,720 

Other (Expense) Income:

                 

Interest expense, net

   (141)  (137)  (269)  (262)

Equity earnings of affiliates

   160   48   346   63 

Other, net

   62   (114)  73   77 
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,001   751   1,979   1,598 

Income tax expense

   (292)  (276)  (674)  (456)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (15)  (89)  (31)  (131)
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

   694   386   1,274   1,011 

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax

   381   —     381   —   
   


 


 


 


Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   1,075   386   1,655   1,011 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   —     —     (1,013)  —   
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $1,075  $386  $642  $1,011 
   


 


 


 


Basic earnings per share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

                 

Class A

  $0.23  $0.14  $0.41  $0.37 

Class B

  $0.19  $0.12  $0.35  $0.31 

Net income

                 

Class A

  $0.35  $0.14  $0.21  $0.37 

Class B

  $0.29  $0.12  $0.17  $0.31 

Diluted earnings per share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

                 

Class A

  $0.22  $0.14  $0.41  $0.36 

Class B

  $0.19  $0.11  $0.34  $0.30 

Net income

                 

Class A

  $0.35  $0.14  $0.21  $0.36 

Class B

  $0.29  $0.11  $0.17  $0.30 

   For the three months
ended March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
   2006  2005  2006  2005 

Revenues

  $6,198  $6,043  $18,545  $17,751 

Expenses:

     

Operating

   4,006   4,060   12,116   11,925 

Selling, general and administrative

   989   918   2,926   2,715 

Depreciation and amortization

   189   176   561   453 

Other operating charges

   3   —     102   49 
                 

Operating income

   1,011   889   2,840   2,609 

Other income (expense):

     

Interest expense, net

   (141)  (143)  (410)  (405)

Equity earnings of affiliates

   264   91   610   154 

Other, net

   170   (62)  243   15 
                 

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,304   775   3,283   2,373 

Income tax expense

   (471)  (317)  (1,145)  (773)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (13)  (58)  (44)  (189)
                 

Income from continuing operations

   820   400   2,094   1,411 

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax

   —     —     381   —   
                 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   820   400   2,475   1,411 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   —     —     (1,013)  —   
                 

Net income

  $820  $400  $1,462  $1,411 
                 

Basic earnings per share:

     

Income from continuing operations

     

Class A

  $0.27  $0.14  $0.68  $0.51 

Class B

  $0.23  $0.12  $0.57  $0.43 

Net income

     

Class A

  $0.27  $0.14  $0.48  $0.51 

Class B

  $0.23  $0.12  $0.40  $0.43 

Diluted earnings per share:

     

Income from continuing operations

     

Class A

  $0.27  $0.14  $0.68  $0.50 

Class B

  $0.22  $0.12  $0.57  $0.42 

Net income

     

Class A

  $0.27  $0.14  $0.48  $0.50 

Class B

  $0.22  $0.12  $0.40  $0.42 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NEWS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share and per share amounts)

 

   At December 31,
2005


  At June 30,
2005


 
   (unaudited)  (audited) 

Assets

         

Current Assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $5,243  $6,470 

Receivables, net

   5,433   4,353 

Inventories, net

   1,917   1,516 

Other

   385   440 
   


 


Total Current Assets

   12,978   12,779 

Non-Current Assets:

         

Receivables

   708   673 

Investments

   10,414   10,268 

Inventories, net

   2,598   2,366 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   4,454   4,346 

Intangible assets

   11,189   12,517 

Goodwill

   12,167   10,944 

Other non-current assets

   933   799 
   


 


Total Non-Current Assets

   42,463   41,913 
   


 


Total Assets

  $55,441  $54,692 
   


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

         

Current Liabilities:

         

Borrowings

  $944  $912 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   3,956   3,564 

Participations, residuals and royalties payable

   1,277   1,051 

Program rights payable

   745   696 

Deferred revenue

   510   426 
   


 


Total Current Liabilities

   7,432   6,649 
   


 


Non-current Liabilities:

         

Borrowings

   11,260   10,087 

Other liabilities

   3,492   3,543 

Deferred income taxes

   4,434   4,817 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   224   219 

Commitments and contingencies

         

Stockholders’ Equity:

         

Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, 6,000,000,000 shares authorized, 2,191,342,381 shares and 2,237,072,659 shares issued and outstanding, net of 1,761,945,527 and 1,739,914,819 treasury shares at par at December 31, and June 30, 2005, respectively

   22   22 

Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 3,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,011,238,230 shares and 1,029,576,988 shares issued and outstanding, net of 313,721,702 treasury shares at par at December 31, and June 30, 2005

   10   10 

Additional paid-in capital

   28,858   30,044 

Accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (291)  (699)
   


 


Total Stockholders’ Equity

   28,599   29,377 
   


 


Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $55,441  $54,692 
   


 


   At March 31,
2006
  At June 30,
2005
 
   (unaudited)  (audited) 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $5,324  $6,470 

Receivables, net

   4,893   4,353 

Inventories, net

   1,817   1,516 

Other

   368   440 
         

Total current assets

   12,402   12,779 
         

Non-current assets:

    

Receivables

   703   673 

Investments

   10,393   10,268 

Inventories, net

   2,872   2,366 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   4,505   4,346 

Intangible assets

   11,280   12,517 

Goodwill

   12,148   10,944 

Other non-current assets

   962   799 
         

Total non-current assets

   42,863   41,913 
         

Total assets

  $55,265  $54,692 
         

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Borrowings

  $57  $912 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   3,966   3,564 

Participations, residuals and royalties payable

   1,218   1,051 

Program rights payable

   878   696 

Deferred revenue

   526   426 
         

Total current liabilities

   6,645   6,649 
         

Non-current liabilities:

    

Borrowings

   11,368   10,087 

Other liabilities

   3,714   3,543 

Deferred income taxes

   4,782   4,817 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   242   219 

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 6,000,000,000 shares authorized, 2,170,118,495 shares and 2,237,072,659 shares issued and outstanding, net of 1,761,942,441 and 1,739,914,819 treasury shares at par at March 31, 2006 and June 30, 2005, respectively

   22   22 

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 3,000,000,000 shares authorized, 990,559,958 shares and 1,029,576,988 shares issued and outstanding, net of 313,721,702 treasury shares at par at March 31, 2006 and June 30, 2005

   10   10 

Additional paid-in capital

   28,179   30,044 

Retained earnings (deficit) and accumulated other comprehensive loss

   303   (699)
         

Total stockholders’ equity

   28,514   29,377 
         

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $55,265  $54,692 
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NEWS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 

   For the six months ended
December 31,


 
       2005    

      2004    

 

Operating activities:

         

Net income

  $642  $1,011 

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax

   (381)  —   

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   1,013   —   
   


 


Income from continuing operations

   1,274   1,011 

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:

         

Depreciation and amortization

   372   277 

Amortization of cable distribution investments

   53   58 

Equity earnings of affiliates

   (346)  (63)

Cash distributions received from investees

   94   52 

Other, net

   (73)  (77)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   31   131 

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

         

Receivables and other assets

   (1,280)  (1,026)

Inventories, net

   (833)  (276)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   1,169   893 
   


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

   461   980 
   


 


Investing activities:

         

Property, plant and equipment, net of acquisitions

   (412)  (425)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (1,576)  (114)

Investments in equity affiliates

   (29)  (61)

Other investments

   (40)  (30)

Proceeds from sale of investments and other non-current assets

   115   544 

Proceeds from disposition of discontinued operations

   395   —   
   


 


Net cash used in investing activities

   (1,547)  (86)
   


 


Financing activities:

         

Borrowings

   1,149   1,755 

Repayment of borrowings

   (7)  (1,829)

Cash on deposit

   —     275 

Issuance of shares

   73   37 

Repurchase of shares

   (1,067)  —   

Dividends paid

   (241)  (121)
   


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (93)  117 
   


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,179)  1,011 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   6,470   4,051 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

   (48)  133 
   


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $5,243  $5,195 
   


 


   For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
   2006  2005 

Operating activities:

   

Net income

  $1,462  $1,411 

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax

   (381)  —   

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   1,013   —   
         

Income from continuing operations

   2,094   1,411 

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

   561   453 

Amortization of cable distribution investments

   78   86 

Equity earnings of affiliates

   (610)  (154)

Cash distributions received from investees

   111   78 

Other, net

   (243)  (15)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   44   189 

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

   

Receivables and other assets

   (692)  (612)

Inventories, net

   (995)  20 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   1,701   857 
         

Net cash provided by operating activities

   2,049   2,313 
         

Investing activities:

   

Property, plant and equipment, net of acquisitions

   (648)  (710)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (1,578)  (141)

Investments in equity affiliates

   (39)  (142)

Other investments

   (46)  (30)

Proceeds from sale of investments and other non-current assets

   404   643 

Proceeds from disposition of discontinued operations

   395   —   
         

Net cash used in investing activities

   (1,512)  (380)
         

Financing activities:

   

Borrowings

   1,149   1,776 

Repayment of borrowings

   (839)  (2,095)

Cash on deposit

   —     275 

Issuance of shares

   110   65 

Repurchase of shares

   (1,810)  —   

Dividends paid

   (246)  (124)
         

Net cash used in provided by financing activities

   (1,636)  (103)
         

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,099)  1,830 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   6,470   4,051 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

   (47)  112 
         

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $5,324  $5,993 
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NEWS CORPORATION

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

On November 12, 2004, a new Delaware corporation named News Corporation (for periods after November 12, 2004, the “Company”) became, through a wholly-owned subsidiary named News Australia Holdings Pty Ltd (“News Australia Holdings”), the parent of News Holdings Limited (formerly known as The News Corporation Limited), an Australian corporation (“TNCL” or for periods prior to November 12, 2004, the “Company”). These transactions are collectively referred to as the “Reorganization.”

In the Reorganization, all outstanding TNCL ordinary shares and preferred limited voting ordinary shares were cancelled and shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (“Class A Common Stock”) and Class B common stock (“Class B Common Stock”), were issued in exchange on a one-for-two share basis. The financial statements have been presented as if the one-for-two share exchange took place on July 1, 2004.

News Corporation is a diversified entertainment and media company. The Company manages and reports its businesses in eight segments, which are: Filmed Entertainment, Television, Cable Network Programming, Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, Magazines and Inserts, Newspapers, Book Publishing and Other.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these unaudited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 1, 2005.

The financial statements include the accounts of News Corporation and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Equity investments in which the Company exercises significant influence but does not exercise control and areis not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company is not able to exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the cost method.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain fiscal 2005 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2006 presentation.

The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to each reporting date. As such, all references to DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and DecemberMarch 31, 20042005 relate to the three and sixnine month periods ended January 1,April 2, 2006 and January 2,March 27, 2005, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of DecemberMarch 31st.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 1—Basis of Presentation (continued)

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” total comprehensive income for the Company consists of the following:

 

   For the three months
ended December 31,


  For the six months
ended December 31,


       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

   (in millions)

Net income, as reported

  $1,075  $386  $642  $1,011

Other comprehensive income:

                

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (268)  487   (185)  543

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities, net of tax

   (7)  28   (49)  20
   


 

  


 

Total comprehensive income

  $800  $901  $408  $1,574
   


 

  


 

   For the three months
ended March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
   2006  2005  2006  2005
   (in millions)

Net income, as reported

  $820  $400  $1,462  $1,411

Other comprehensive income:

     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (39)  (22)  (224)  521

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities, net of tax

   (9)  17   (58)  37
                

Total comprehensive income

  $772  $395  $1,180  $1,969
                

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act includes a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate foreign earnings at anthe favorable effective 5.25% tax rate.rate of 5.25%. Such repatriations must occur in either an enterprise’s last tax year that began before the enactment date or the first tax year that begins during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a FASB Staff Position (“FSP”), 109-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP 109-2”). FSP 109-2 allows companies additional time to evaluate the effect of the Act as to whether unrepatriated foreign earnings continue to qualify for the SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,”Taxes” exception regarding non-recognition of deferred tax liabilities and requires explanatory disclosures from those who need the additional time.

Under the Act, the maximum amount that the Company can repatriate under the favorable tax treatment is $500 million, which results in a tax benefit to the Company of approximately $150 million. Through DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Company has provided deferred taxes on a portion of undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries, at the statutory federal rate, in anticipation of repatriating these earnings in the future. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, approximately $340$380 million of this income is planned to be repatriated at the favorable effective tax rate of 5.25%, and. This has resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $100$113 million which is included in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006. The Company is still evaluating the repatriation of the remaining balance of approximately $160$120 million allowed under the Act. If the Company does repatriate the full amount, it will recognize an additional $50$37 million tax benefit due to the favorable tax rate. The amounts repatriated will be used to compensate non-executive U.S. employees for services performed within the United States.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.”3” (“SFAS No. 154”). This standard establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to the newly adopted accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 will become effective for the Company for accounting changes and corrections of errors beginning in fiscal 2007.

In November 2005, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” (“FSP 115-1”) which addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary and the measurement of an

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—Basis of Presentation (continued)

impairment loss. FSP 115-1 also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. The guidance in FSP 115-1 amends FASB Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.” FSP 115-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating what the effect that the adoption of the FSP 115-1 will have on its consolidated financial statements, but the Company does not believe the adoption of FSP 115-1 willdid not have a material impact.impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments” (“SFAS No. 155”). SFAS No. 155 amends SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.” SFAS No. 155, among other things: permits the fair value remeasurement of any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation; clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 133; and establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. SFAS No. 155 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 2—Acquisitions and Disposals

Fiscal 2006 Acquisitions

In September 2005, the Company acquired the 25% stake in News Out of Home (“NOOH”) that it did not already own from Capital International Global Emerging Markets Private Equity Fund, L.P. for approximately $175 million in cash. This acquisition increased the Company’s ownership of NOOH to 100%. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired of approximately $133 million has been preliminarily allocated to certain identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, which in accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,”(“ (“SFAS No. 142”)are not being amortized. The allocation of the excess purchase price is not final and is subject to changes upon completion of final valuations of certain assets and liabilities.

In order to increase the Company’s Internet presence, the Company purchased several Internet companies during September and October 2005fiscal 2006 through its recently formed Fox Interactive Media (“FIM”) division. The amount of goodwill resulting from Internet acquisitions during the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was approximately $1.2 billion and primarily related to the following fiscal 2006 transactions:

In September 2005, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common and preferred stock of Intermix Media, Inc. (“Intermix”) for approximately $580 million in cash. Under an existing stockholders’ agreement between Intermix, MySpace, Inc. (“MySpace”), an Internet entertainment company, and certain other stockholders of MySpace, in July 2005 Intermix exercised its option in July 2005 to acquire the outstanding 47% equity interest of MySpace that it did not already own for approximately $70 million in cash which closed in October 2005. This transaction increased Intermix’s ownership in MySpace to 100%. In a related intercompany restructuring, the Company issued approximately 19 million shares of Class A Common Stock, which are considered treasury shares, to one of its subsidiaries. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired from Intermix was approximately $640$642 million, of which $564approximately $570 million has been preliminarily allocated to goodwill.

In September 2005, the Company acquired Scout Media, Inc., the parent company of Scout.com, the country’s leading independent online sports network, and Scout Publishing, producer of widely read local sports magazines in the United States, for approximately $60 million, of which $59 million has been preliminarily allocated to goodwill.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2—Acquisitions and Disposals (continued)

 

In October 2005, the Company acquired IGN Entertainment, Inc., a leading community-based Internet media and services company for video games and other forms of digital entertainment, for approximately $620 million in cash and approximately $30 million to be paid in cash pending the satisfaction of certain conditions. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was approximately $613$619 million, of which $542approximately $550 million has been preliminarily allocated to goodwill.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the excess purchase price that has been preliminarily allocated to goodwill is not being amortized for all of the acquisitions noted above. The allocation of the excess purchase price is not final and is subject to changes upon completion of final valuations of certain assets and liabilities. A future reduction in goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets could reduce future earnings as a result of additional amortization. For every $100 million reduction in

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets, Depreciation and amortization expense would increase by approximately $10 million per year, representing amortization expense assuming an average useful life of ten years.

Fiscal 2006 Disposals

In October 2005, the Company sold its TSL Education Ltd. division (“TSL”), which included The Times Educational Supplement and other newspapers, magazines, websites and exhibitions aimed at teachers and education professionals in the United Kingdom, to Exponent Private Equity for cash consideration of approximately $395 million. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $381 million in Gain on disposition of discontinued operations in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations. The net income, assets, liabilities and cash flow attributable to the TSL operations are not material to the Company in any of the periods presented and accordingly have not been presented separately. The provision for income taxes of $0 reported in discontinued operations differs from the amount computed using the statutory income tax rate, due to the tax being offset by a release of a valuation allowance that was applied to an existing deferred tax asset established for capital losses, which because of the TSL transaction can now be utilized. Therefore, there iswill be no resulting tax liability.

In February 2004, the Company sold the Los Angeles Dodgers (“Dodgers”) and related properties to entities owned by Frank McCourt (the “McCourt Entities”) for $421 million in consideration. Part of the consideration delivered by the McCourt Entities at closing was a $125 million note secured by certain real estate in Boston, Massachusetts. In March 2006, the McCourt Entities remitted the real estate to the Company in full satisfaction of the note, including accrued interest of $20 million. This real estate consists of approximately 23 acres located in the Seaport District of Boston, Massachusetts. In conjunction with this transfer, the Company assumed $36 million in debt and the obligation to purchase an adjacent parcel of land. The Company recorded the assets and liabilities received at fair value upon closing. No gain or loss was recognized as the net fair value of the land approximated the value of the note. The Company currently intends to further develop this real estate for sale.

Fiscal 2005 Transactions

Incorporation in the United States

In April 2004, the Company announced that it would pursue a reorganization that would change the Company’s place of incorporation from Australia to the United States. In August 2004, the Company announced that a Special Committee of non-executive Directors and the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) had unanimously recommended the proposed reorganization of the Company. On October 26, 2004, the reorganization was approved by the Company’s stockholders and option holders and on November 3, 2004, the Federal Court of Australia also approved the reorganization.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2—Acquisitions and Disposals (continued)

 

On November 12, 2004, the proposed reorganization was accomplished under Australian law whereby the holders of TNCL’s ordinary and preferred limited voting ordinary shares, including those ordinary shares and preferred limited voting ordinary shares represented by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), had their shares cancelled and received in exchange shares of voting and non-voting common stock of News Corporation at a one-for-two ratio. Reorganization costs expensed during fiscal 2005 amounted to $49 million and were included in Other operating chargecharges in the Other segment in the consolidated statements of operations. Of these costs, $13 million and $36 million were expensed in the first and second quarter of fiscal 2005, respectively.

In connection with this reorganization, the Company acquired from the A.E. Harris Trust (the “Harris Trust”) the approximate 58% interest in Queensland Press Pty Ltd. (“QPL”) not already owned by the Company through the acquisition of the Cruden Group of companies. The principal assets of the Cruden Group were shares of the Company and a 58% interest in QPL. QPL owns a publishing business which includes two metropolitan and eight regional newspapers in Queensland, Australia, as well as shares of the Company. The consideration for the acquisition of the net assets of the Cruden Group, excluding shares of the Company owned directly through the Cruden Group and indirectly (through QPL) by the Cruden Group, was the issuance of approximately 61 million shares of Class B Common Stock valued at approximately $1.0 billion and the assumption of approximately $400 million of debt. All of the debt assumed was retired in November 2004. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired of approximately $1.3 billion has been allocated to newspaper mastheads and goodwill, which in accordance with SFAS No. 142 are not being amortized. As a result of the purchase of this interest in QPL, the Company’s ownership interest in QPL increased from 42% to 100% and accordingly on November 12, 2004, the Company ceased to equity account for QPL. The results of QPL have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from November 12, 2004, the date of acquisition.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

As a result of the Reorganization, News Corporation became the new parent company of TNCL. News Corporation has a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange and secondary listings on the Australian Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.

In exchange for approximately 78 million shares of Class A Common Stock and approximately 247 million shares of Class B Common Stock owned directly through the Cruden Group and indirectly (through QPL) by the Cruden Group, the Harris Trust received shares of News Corporation in the same exchange ratio as all other TNCL stockholders in the Reorganization. The shares of News Corporation non-voting stock that the Harris Trust received were reduced by the number of shares equal in value to the net debt and certain other net liabilities of the Cruden Group which were assumed by the Company in the transaction. The shares issued to the Harris Trust were approximately 61 million shares of Class A Common Stock and approximately 247 million shares of Class B Common Stock with an approximate aggregate value of $6 billion, and the Company assumed approximately $250 million of net debt and certain other net liabilities of the Cruden Group. All of the debt assumed was retired in November 2004.

The 61 million shares of Class A Common Stock issued to the Harris Trust were based on agreed estimates. The Company agreed to compensate the Harris Trust for any difference between the estimated amounts and the actual amounts (the “Adjustment Amount”) after the completion of the Company’s reincorporation to the United States, and it was subsequently agreed that the Company would issue to the Harris Trust additional shares of Class A Common Stock of approximately equivalent value to the Adjustment Amount. The Adjustment Amount owed to the Harris Trust was approximately an additional $32 million. Following approval by shareholdersstockholders on October 21, 2005, a total of approximately two million additional shares of Class A Common Stock were issued to the Harris Trust on October 27, 2005 to provide for the difference between the estimated and actual amounts. The number of shares was determined based on the New York Stock Exchange closing price of the Class A Common Stock on October 25, 2005.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2—Acquisitions and Disposals (continued)

 

The Company shares acquired through the acquisition of the Cruden Group, as well as the shares which were indirectly owned by the Company through its 42% ownership interest in QPL prior to the acquisition, are considered treasury shares. The treasury shares are accounted for using the par value method. Shares of Class A Common Stock and shares of Class B Common Stock related to this transaction that were held in treasury at DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 were approximately 109 million and 314 million, respectively. Immediately following the Reorganization, the Harris Trust owned approximately 29.5% of the voting shares of News Corporation.

Fox Entertainment Group Acquisition

In March 2005, Fox Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed its offer to the holders of Class A common stock of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (“FEG”) to exchange 2.04 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock for each outstanding share of FEG’s Class A common stock validly tendered and not withdrawn in the exchange offer (the “Offer”). Shortly thereafter, the Company effected a merger of FEG with and into Fox Acquisition Corp. Each share of FEG Class A common stock not acquired in the Offer, other than the shares already owned by the Company, was converted in the merger into 2.04 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The Company issued approximately 357 million shares of News Corporation’s Class A Common Stock valued at approximately $6.3 billion in exchange for the outstanding shares of FEG Class A common stock, resulting in an excess purchase price of approximately $2.9 billion. After the consummation of the Offer and the subsequent merger, Fox Acquisition Corp. changed its name to “Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.” As a result of the Offer, the Company’s ownership interest increased from approximately 82% to 100%. This acquisition of the remaining non-controlling interests in FEG has been accounted for under the purchase method in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”).

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company has allocated the purchase price of $2.9 billion to finite-lived intangible assets, indefinite-lived intangibles, goodwill and deferred tax liabilities which are included in the Filmed Entertainment, Television, Cable Network Programming and Other segments.

In connection with the Offer and subsequent merger, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company tendered the shares of Fox Class A common stock and Fox Class B common stock that it owned prior to the acquisition to Fox Acquisition Corp. in exchange for News Corporation Class A Common Stock at the same exchange ratio as was provided in the Offer for shares of Fox Class A common stock. As a result of the exchange, the wholly-owned subsidiary owns 1,631 million shares of News Corporation’s Class A Common Stock, with an approximate value of $8 billion, which are reflected as treasury shares. The treasury shares are accounted for using the par value method.

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 assume that the acquisitions of FEG and QPL were completed as of July 1, 2003.

The Company has

   For the year ended June 30,
   2005  2004
   (in millions, except
per share amounts)

Revenues

  24,020  21,151

Net Income

  2,316  1,781

Earnings per share—basic

    

Class A

  0.74  0.59

Class B

  0.62  0.49

Earnings per share—diluted

    

Class A

  0.73  0.59

Class B

  0.61  0.49

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2—Acquisitions and Disposals (continued)

Pro forma data may not yet finalized the evaluation and allocationbe indicative of the purchase price asresults that would have been obtained had these events actually occurred at the appraisals associated withbeginning of the valuation of tangible and intangible assets are not yet complete. The Company has preliminarily allocated the purchase price to certain finite-lived intangible assets which are being amortized, and certain indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill, which are not being amortized in accordance with SFAS No. 142, until the final allocation is complete. These assets are included in the Filmed Entertainment, Television, Cable Network Programming and Other segments. A future reduction in goodwill for additional valueperiods presented, nor does it intend to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets could reducea projection of future earnings as a result of additional amortization. For every $100 million reduction in goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets, Depreciation and amortization expense would increase by approximately $10 million per year representing amortization expense assuming an average useful life of ten years.

results.

Other Fiscal 2005 Transactions

In September 2004, the Company purchased Telecom Italia S.p.A.’s (“Telecom Italia”) 20% interest in SKY Italia for cash consideration of $108 million, (€88 million), thereby increasing the Company’s ownership interest in SKY Italia to 100%.

Note 3—United Kingdom Redundancy Program

In fiscal 2005, the Company announced its intentionsintention to invest in new printing plants in the United Kingdom to take advantage of technological and market changes. As the new automated technology comes on line, the Company expects lower production costs and improved newspaper quality, including expanded color.

In conjunction with this project, during the three months ended December 31, 2005, the Company received formal approval for the construction of the main new plant which was the last contingency, thereby committing the Company to a redundancy program (the “Program”) for certain production employees at the Company’s United KingdomU.K. newspaper operations. The Program is in response to the reduced workforce that will be required as new printing presses and the new printing facilities eventually come on line. As a result of this Program, the Company expects to reduce its production workforce by approximately 65%, and as of DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, approximately 700 employees in the United Kingdom have already voluntarily accepted severance agreements and are expected to leave the Company primarily in fiscal 2007 and 2008.

In accordance with SFAS No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements & Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” the Company recorded a redundancy provision of approximately $99$102 million, which includes accretion expense of $3 million, during the second quarter of fiscalnine months ended March 31, 2006 in Other operating charges and Non-current other liabilities in the unaudited consolidated financial statements. Through fiscal 2008, theThe Company willexpects to record an additional provision of approximately $35$30 million through fiscal 2008 to record accretion on the redundancy provision and to recognize any retention bonuses earned. A majority of the Program’s costs are expected to be paid in cash to employees in fiscal 2008.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 4—Inventories, net

 

The Company’s inventory was comprised of the following:

 

  

At

December 31,

2005


 

At

June 30,

2005


   At
March 31,
2006
 At
June 30,
2005
 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Current inventories:

      

Raw materials

  $147  $132   $137  $132 

Work and projects in progress

   42   55    44   55 

Finished goods

   136   123    131   123 

Programming rights

   1,624   1,235    1,539   1,235 
  


 


       
   1,949   1,545    1,851   1,545 

Less: inventory reserve

   (32)  (29)   (34)  (29)
  


 


       

Total current inventories, net

   1,917   1,516    1,817   1,516 
  


 


       

Non-current inventories:

      

Filmed entertainment costs:

      

Films:

      

Released (including acquired film libraries)

   655   733    690   733 

Completed, not released

   79   234    65   234 

In production

   491   218    569   218 

In development or preproduction

   105   90    105   90 
  


 


       
   1,330   1,275    1,429   1,275 
  


 


       

Television productions:

      

Released (including acquired libraries)

   505   470    523   470 

Completed, not released

   —     14    —     14 

In production

   249   149    181   149 

In development or preproduction

   —     2    1   2 
  


 


       
   754   635    705   635 
  


 


       

Total filmed entertainment costs, less accumulated amortization

   2,084   1,910    2,134   1,910 

Programming rights

   514   456    738   456 
  


 


       

Total non-current inventories

   2,598   2,366    2,872   2,366 
  


 


       

Total inventories, net

  $4,515  $3,882   $4,689  $3,882 
  


 


       

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 5—Investments

 

The Company’s investments were comprised of the following:

 

 Ownership
Percentage


 

At

December 31,

2005


 

At

June 30,
2005


     Ownership
Percentage
 At
March 31,
2006
  At
June 30,
2005
 (in millions)        (in millions)
Equity investments:      
The DIRECTV Group, Inc.(1) DBS operator principally in the U.S. 34% $6,732 $6,688  DBS operator principally in the U.S.  37%(3) $6,692  $6,688
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.(1) U.S. print and electronic guidance company 41%  637  608  U.S. print and electronic guidance company  41%  640   608
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc(1) U.K. DBS operator    38% (3)  884  787  U.K. DBS operator  38%(4)  990   787
China Network Systems Taiwan cable TV operator various  232  225  Taiwan cable TV operator  various  235   225
Sky Network Television Ltd. New Zealand media company 44%  268  254  New Zealand media company  44%  239   254
National Geographic Channel (US)(2) U.S. cable channel 67%  318  320  U.S. cable channel  67%  292   320
National Geographic International International cable channel 50%  137  133  International cable channel  50%  96   133
Other equity method investments various  662  627    various  678   627
Cost method investments various  544  626    various  531   626
 

 

         
 $10,414 $10,268     $10,393  $10,268
 

 

         

(1)The market values of the Company’s investments in The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (“DIRECTV”), Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. (“Gemstar-TV Guide”) and British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“BSkyB”) were $6,642$7,715 million, $457$535 million and $5,854$6,444 million, respectively, at DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006.
(2)The Company does not consolidate this entity as it does not hold a majority on the Board of Directors, is unable to dictate operating decision-making and the National Geographic Channel is not a variable interest entity.
(3)The Company’s ownership in DIRECTV increased from approximately 34% at June 30, 2005 to approximately 37% at March 31, 2006.
(4)The Company’s ownership in BSkyB increased from approximately 37% at June 30, 2005.2005 to approximately 38% at March 31, 2006.

During the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, Gemstar-TV GuideGuide’s common stock has experienced significant volatility in its market value from a high of $3.76 per share to a low of $2.40 per share. Subsequent to March 31, 2006 through May 8, 2006, Gemstar-TV Guide’s common stock traded between $3.65 per share and DIRECTV experienced declines in their$3.03 per share which represented a market values.value that represented approximately 100% and 83% of the Company’s carrying value at March 31, 2006, respectively. As a result of these declines,this volatility, the Company’s carrying valuesvalue in Gemstar-TV Guide and DIRECTV exceed theirexceeded its market value by approximately $180$105 million at March 31, 2006 and $90approximately $18 million respectively.

at May 8, 2006.

In determining if the decline in Gemstar-TV Guide’s and DIRECTV’s market value was other than temporary, the Company considered a number of factors: (1) the financial condition, operating performance and near term prospects of the investee; (2) the reason for the decline in fair value, be it general market conditions, industry specific or investee specific; (3) analysts’ ratings and estimates of 12 month share price targets for the investee; (4) the length of the time and the extent to which the investee’s market value has been less than the carrying value of the Company’s investment; and (5) the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5—Investments (continued)

for a recovery in fair value.value and (6) the recent volatility of Gemstar-TV Guide’s share price. Upon review, the Company has determined that at this time the impairment in the value of its investmentsinvestment in Gemstar-TV Guide and DIRECTV areis temporary.

TheDue to the volatility of Gemstar-TV Guide’s common stock, the Company will continue to monitor these investmentsthis investment for possible future impairments.

impairment.

Fiscal Year 2006 Acquisitions and Disposals

In July 2005, the Company sold its entire cost investment in China Netcom Group Corporation (“China Netcom”). The Company’s 77 million shares of1% investment in China Netcom werewas sold for total consideration of approximately $112 million. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $52 million on this sale in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 included in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

2006.

Fiscal Year 2005 Acquisitions and Disposals

In October 2004, the Company and its then 34% investee, DIRECTV, announced a series of transactions with Grupo Televisa, Globopar and Liberty Media International, Inc. that willwould result in the reorganization of the companies’ direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite television platforms in Latin America. The transactions willwould result in DIRECTV Latin America and Sky Latin America consolidating their two DTH platforms into a single platform in each of the major territories served in the region. As part of these transactions, DIRECTV willwould acquire News Corporation’s interests in Sky Brasil, Innova and Sky Multi-Country Partners. As theThe Sky Multi-Country Partners transaction has closed during fiscal 2005 and the Company recordedrecognized a pre-tax loss of approximately $55 million on this transaction at that time. In February 2006, the Company completed its previously announced sale of its investment in Innova, a Mexican DTH platform, to DIRECTV for $285 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain during the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20042006 of $55approximately $206 million, which wasis included in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations. Upon the completionThe balance of the reorganization of the other platforms, whichgain is subjectdeferred due to the necessary governmental approvals,Company’s investment in DIRECTV, the Company expects to record a gain. As a resultacquirer of these transactions, the Company’s transponder lease guarantee increased by $175 million.Innova. Upon the closing of the Latin American DTH reorganization transactions,Innova transaction, the Company will bewas released from theboth its Innova transponder lease guarantees.

guarantee and its guarantee under Innova’s credit agreement.

In December 2004, the Company sold its 20% investment in Rogers Sportsnet to Rogers Broadcasting Limited for $41 million. Rogers Sportsnet operates regional sports networks in Canada covering local sports events plus national programming. For the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2004,2005, the Company recognized a gain of $39 million on this sale in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

In January 2005, STAR completed the acquisition of approximately 26% in Balaji Telefilms Limited, a television content production company in India for $34 million. Balaji’s shares are listed for trading on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai and the National Stock Exchange of India.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5—Investments (continued)

 

Summarized financial information for significant equity affiliates, determined in accordance with Regulation S-X, accounted for under the equity method is as follows:

 

   For the three months
ended December 31,


  For the six months
ended December 31,


 
       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Revenues

  $5,542  $3,362  $10,601  $6,224 

Operating (loss) income

   566   (437)  1,106   (1,987)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of accounting changes

   356   (283)  700   (1,209)

Net income (loss)

   356   (283)  700   (1,292)

   For the three months
ended March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
   2006  2005  2006  2005 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Revenues

  $5,038  $3,148  $15,639  $9,372 

Operating (loss) income

   824   (54)  1,930   (2,049)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of accounting changes

   500   (41)  1,200   (1,255)

Net income (loss)

   500   (41)  1,200   (1,338)

Note 6—Intangible Assets

Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Topic No. D-108 “Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill” (“D-108”). D-108 requires companies who have applied the residual value method in the valuation of acquired identifiable intangibles for purchase accounting and impairment testing to now use a direct value method. As a result of the adoption, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $1.6 billion ($1.0 billion net of tax, or ($0.32)0.33) per diluted share of Class A Common Stock and ($0.27) per diluted share of Class B Common Stock), to reduce the intangible balances attributable to its television stations’ Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses. As required, this charge has been reflected as a cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax in the unaudited consolidated statement of operations.

At June 30, 2005, the Company’s FCC licenses were valued at approximately $8.5 billion. The Company’s FCC licenses are recorded as intangible assets with indefinite lives and are not subject to amortization. As of DecemberAt March 31, 2005,2006, the Company’s FCC licenses were valued at approximately $6.9 billion, reflecting a $1.6 billion reduction of the intangible balances attributable to its television stations’ FCC licenses due to the adoption of D-108 which requires the application of a direct value method to determine the fair value of assets other than goodwill.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 7—Borrowings

LYONs

In February 2001, the Company issued Liquid Yield Option Notes (“LYONs™”) which pay no interest and have an aggregate principal amount at maturity of $1,515 million representing a yield of 3.5% per annum on the issue price. The holders may exchange the notes at any time into Class A Common Stock or, at the option of the Company, the cash equivalent thereof at a fixed exchange rate of 24.2966 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 note. The notes arewere redeemable at the option of the holders on February 28, 2006 at a price of $594.25. The LYONs are also redeemable at the option of the holders on February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2016 at a price of $594.25, $706.82 and $840.73, respectively. The Company, at its election, may satisfy the redemption amounts in cash, Class A Common Stock or any combination thereof. The Company has given notice to holders that any notes tendered on

On February 28, 2006, will be92% of the LYONs were redeemed for cash at the specified redemption amounts. The notes, which have been recorded at a discount, are being accreted usingamount of $594.25 per LYON. Accordingly, the effective interest rate method andCompany paid an aggregate of approximately $831 million to the holders of the LYONs that had exercised this redemption option. LYONs with a carrying value of $896approximately

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 7—Borrowings (continued)

$69 million at Decemberremained outstanding as of March 31, 20052006. The pro-rata portion of unamortized deferred financing costs relating to the redeemed LYONs approximating $13 million was recognized and are included in Borrowings within current liabilities.

Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2006.

Notes due 2035

In December 2005, the Company issued $1,150 million of 6.40% Senior Notes due 2035. The Company received proceeds of approximately $1,133 million on the issuance of this debt, net of expenses. These notes arewere issued under the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented, among News America Incorporated, the Company, and the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.

Note 8—Stockholders’ Equity

Rights of Holders of Common Stock

The Company has two classes of Common Stock that are authorized and outstanding, non-voting Class A Common Stock and voting Class B Common Stock. Class A Common Stock carry the right to dividends in the amount equal to 120% of the aggregate of all dividends declared on a share of Class B Common Stock. Class A Common Stock retain this right through fiscal year 2007. Subsequent to the final fiscal 2007 dividend payment, shares of Class A Common Stock will cease to carry any rights to a greater dividend than shares of Class B Common Stock.

In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or a portion thereof, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to its shareholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by Class A Common Stock stockholders and Class B Common Stock stockholders, respectively. In the event of any merger or consolidation with or into another entity the holders of Class A Common Stock and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive substantially identical per share consideration.

In August 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) determined to extend the expiration date of the Company’s stockholder rights plan that it had adopted in November 2004 for an additional two-year period. On April 13, 2006, the Company agreed to a settlement of a lawsuit regarding the extension of its stockholder rights plan. (See Note 11 Contingencies for more information on the settlement).

Preferred Stock Authorization

The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01, of which 9,000,000 preferred shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of March 31, 2006, there were no shares of preferred stock, including Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, issued and outstanding. The Board has the authority, without any further vote or action by the stockholders, to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the number of shares, designations, relative rights (including voting rights), preferences, qualifications and limitations of such series to the full extent permitted by Delaware law.

Dividends

The Company declared a dividend of $0.07 per share for Class A Common Stock and $0.08 per share for Class B Common Stock in the three months ended September 30, 2005, which was paid in October 2005 to stockholders of record on September 14, 2005. The total aggregate dividend paid in October 2005 to stockholders was approximately $240 million.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8—Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

 

The Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per Class A Common Stock and a dividend of $0.05 per Class B Common Stock in the three months ended March 31, 2006, which was paid in April 2006 to stockholders of record on March 15, 2006. The total aggregate dividend paid in April 2006 to stockholders was approximately $180 million.

Repurchase Program

In June 2005, the Company announced a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of $3 billion in Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Below is a summary ofThe remaining authorized amount at March 31, 2006, excluding commissions under the Company’s purchases of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock from the announcement of the stock repurchase program through December 31, 2005:

   

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased


  Average Price
per Share


  Total Cost of
Purchase


  Remaining
Authorized


 
   (in millions, except for share and per share amounts) 

Class A Common Stock

  65,776,849  $15.72  $1,034     

Class B Common Stock

  33,537,928   16.94   568     
   
      


 


Total

  99,314,777      $1,602(1) $1,400(2)
   
      


 



(1)Of this amount, $1,067 million was repurchased in the six months ended December 31, 2005.
(2)The remaining authorized amount at December 31, 2005 is excluding commission.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

is approximately $658 million. (See Note 17 Subsequent Events for update to repurchase program authorization.)

Note 9—Stock Option PlansEquity Based Compensation

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004),Share-Based Payment(“ “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123, as amended, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”), and supersedes APB No. 25, Accounting“Accounting for Stock Issued to EmployeesEmployees” (“APB 25”). SFAS 123R eliminates the alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting that was provided in SFAS 123, which generally resulted in no compensation expense recorded in the financial statements related to the issuance of stock options. SFAS 123R requires that the cost resulting from all share-basedstock-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. SFAS 123R establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for share-basedstock-based payment arrangements and requires all companies to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for generally all share-basedstock-based payment transactions with employees.

In July 2005, the Company adopted SFAS 123R using a modified prospective application, as permitted under SFAS 123R. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Under this application, the Company is required to record compensation expense for all awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption.

News Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Company has adoptedUnder the News Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) under which stock based, stock-based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other types of awards, may be granted. Such equity grants under the 2005 Plan will generally vest over a four-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. The Company’s employees and directors are entitled to participate in the 2005 Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) will determine the recipients, type of award to be granted and amounts of awards to be granted under the 2005 Plan. Stock options awarded under the 2005 Plan will be granted at exercise prices which are equal to or exceed the market price at the date of grant. The 2005 Plan replaced the Company’s existing News Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan under which no additional stock options will be granted. The maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued under the 2005 Plan is 165 million shares. The remaining shares available for issuance under the 2005 Plan at DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 were approximately 150149 million. The Company will issue new shares of Class A Common Stock for award exercises.

The fair value of stock based compensation under the 2005 Plan will be calculated according to the type of award issued.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9—Equity Based Compensation (continued)

 

Stock options and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) issued under the 2005 Plan or under the NDS Group plc (“NDS”), executive share option schemes will be fair valued using a Black-Scholes option valuation method that uses the following assumptions: expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Class A Common Stock;Stock or NDS’s Series A ordinary shares, as applicable; expected term of awards granted is derived from the historical activity of the Company’s or NDS’s awards, as applicable, and represents the period of time that the awards granted are expected to be outstanding; weighted average risk-free interest rate is an average of the interest rates of U.S. government bonds with similar lives on the dates of the option grants; and dividend yield wasis calculated as an average of a ten year history of the Company’s yearly dividend divided by the fiscal year’s average closing stock price.

RSU awards are grants that entitle the holder to shares of Class A Common Stock as the award vests, subject to the 2005 Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may establish. RSUs issued under the 2005 Plan are fair valued based upon the fair market value of Class A Common Stock on the grant date. Any person who holds RSUs shall have no ownership interest in the shares of Class A Common Stock to which such RSUs relate until and unless shares of Class A Common Stock are delivered to the holder. All shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for cancelled or forfeited stock-based compensationRSU awards or for awards that are settled in cash become available for future grants. Certain RSU awards are settled in cash and are subject to terms and conditions of the 2005 Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may establish.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

During the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Company issued 15.315.9 million RSUs which primarily vest over four years. The RSUs will be payable in shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, upon vesting, except for approximately 3.0 million RSUs that will be settled in cash.

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s RSUs to be settled in stock:

 

   

Restricted

Stock Units


  

Weighted

Average

Grant-Date

Fair Value


(Shares in thousands)

       

Unvested restricted stock units at July 1, 2005

  —    $—  

Granted

  12,322   15.26

Cancelled

  (42)  15.24
   

 

Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2005

  12,280  $15.26
   

 

   Restricted
Stock Units
  Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

(Shares in thousands)

   

Unvested restricted stock units at July 1, 2005

  —    $—  

Granted

  12,887   15.30

Cancelled

  (123)  15.24
       

Unvested restricted stock units at March 31, 2006

  12,764  $15.30
       

News Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan and 2004 Replacement Stock Option Plan

As a result of the Reincorporation, all preferred limited voting ordinary shares which the Company issued stock options over were cancelled and holders received in exchange stock options for shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company on a one-for-two basis with no change in the original terms under the News Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan and 2004 Replacement Stock Option Plan (collectively, the “2004 Plan”). In addition, all other outstanding stock options to purchase preferred limited voting ordinary shares were adjusted to be exercisable into shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the one-for-two share exchange. Prior to the Reincorporation, stock options were granted to employees with Australian dollar exercise prices.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9—Equity Based Compensation (continued)

 

Under the 2004 Plan, equity grants generally vest over a four-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. The equity awards granted prior to June 30, 2005 have exercise prices, which are equal to or exceed the market price at the date of grant valued, in Australian dollars. No future grants will be issued under the 2004 Plan and the 2004 Plan automatically terminates in 2014.

The fair value of each outstanding stock option award under the 2004 Plan was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the following assumptions; expected volatility was based on historical volatility of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; expected term of stock options granted was derived from the historical activity of the Company’s stock options and represented the period of time that stock options granted were expected to be outstanding; weighted average risk-free interest rate was an average of the interest rates of Australian government bonds with similar lives on the dates of the stock option grants; and dividend yield was calculated as an average of a ten year history of the Company’s yearly dividend divided by the fiscal year’s average closing stock price.

Other

The Company operates an employee share ownership scheme in the United Kingdom.Kingdom (“UK Sharesave Scheme”). This planscheme enables employees to enter into a fixed-term savings contract with independent financial institutions linked to an option for Class A Common Stock. The savings contracts can range from three to seven years with an average expected life of four years.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

During the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company granted approximately 341 thousand stock options and approximately 1.4 million stock options under this scheme, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s stock option transactions:transactions for all News Corporation’s stock option plans:

 

   

Shares (in

thousands)


  

Weighted

average

exercise price

(in US$)


  

Weighted

average

exercise price

(in A$)


  

Weighted

average

remaining

contractual

term (in

years)


  

Aggregate

intrinsic

value (in US$

millions)


Outstanding at July 1, 2005

  131,367  $13.97  $23.35       

Granted

  —     —     —         

Exercised

  (5,307)  10.17   16.04       

Cancelled

  (4,120)  14.18   24.68       
   

 

  

       

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

  121,940  $14.13  $23.83  5.2  $172.9
   

 

  

  
  

Vested and unvested expected to vest at December 31, 2005

  121,940  $14.13  $23.83  5.2  $172.9
   

 

  

  
  

Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2005

  113,655  $14.44  $24.36  5.6  $126.3
   

 

  

  
  

   Shares (in
thousands)
  Weighted
average
exercise
price (in
US$)
  Weighted
average
exercise
price (in A$)
  Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term (in
years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value (in
US$ millions)

Outstanding at July 1, 2005

  131,367  $13.97  $23.35    

Granted

  341   12.68   *    

Exercised

  (7,932)  10.14   15.95    

Cancelled

  (4,727)  14.08   24.49    
               

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

  119,049  $14.22  $23.98  5.0  $284.4
                  

Vested and unvested expected to vest at March 31, 2006

  119,049  $14.22  $23.98  5.0  $284.4
                  

Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2006

  110,754  $14.54  $24.55  5.3  $229.7
                  

*Granted under 2005 Plan in U.S. dollars.

The weighted average exercise prices for the stock options presented above are in Australian dollars. The U.S. dollar equivalents above have been converted at historical exchange rates; therefore, the proceeds from the exercise of these stock options may differ due to fluctuations in exchange rates in periods subsequent to the date of the grants.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9—Equity Based Compensation (continued)

No stock options were granted in the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2006 and 2005, other than under the UK Sharesave Scheme, as noted above.

The company issued 1,325,000 SARs in both fiscal 2005 and 2004.fiscal 2004 at strike prices of $15.20 and $12.99, respectively. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2006, none of the SARs have been exercised and 331,250 of the SARs issued in fiscal 2005 no stock optionsand 662,500 of the SARs issued in fiscal 2004 were vested and exercisable. No SARs have been issued under the 2005 Plan.in fiscal 2006.

NDS Option Schemes

NDS, Group plc (“NDS”), an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Company which is a publicly traded company, has three executive share option schemes (the “NDS Plans”). The NDS Plans provide for the grant of share options to purchase Series A ordinary shares in NDS with a maximum term of ten years. Share options granted under the NDS Plans vest over a four-year period. The NDS Plans authorize share options to be granted subject to a maximum of 10% of the ordinary shares of NDS on issue at the date of grant. All NDS employees are entitled to participate in the NDS Plans, however (with the exception of the employee share ownership schemes which are open to all), management determines to whom and how many share options are granted.

A summary of the NDS options:

 

   

Shares (in

thousands)


  

Weighted

average

exercise

price (in

US$)


  

Weighted

average

remaining

contractual

term (in

years)


  

Aggregate

intrinsic

value (in

US$ millions)


Outstanding at July 1, 2005

  4,338  $18.17       

Granted

  —     —         

Exercised

  (801)  11.99       

Cancelled

  (20)  15.79       
   

 

       

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

  3,517  $19.59  6.1  $76
   

 

  
  

Vested and unvested expected to vest at December 31, 2005

  3,501  $19.59  6.1  $76
   

 

  
  

Exercisable at December 31, 2005

  2,918  $19.88  5.7  $62
   

 

  
  

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   Shares (in
thousands)
  Weighted
average
exercise
price (in
US$)
  Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term (in
years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value (in
US$ millions)

Outstanding at July 1, 2005

  4,338  $18.17    

Granted

  941   43.13    

Exercised

  (1,239)  13.05    

Cancelled

  (28)  18.44    
           

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

  4,012  $25.61  7.0  $106
              

Vested and unvested expected to vest at March 31, 2006

  3,982  $25.55  6.9  $106
              

Exercisable at March 31, 2006

  2,461  $20.59  5.7  $78
              

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised for all of the Company’s plans, including the NDS plans, presented during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was $41$68 million and $24$39 million, respectively.

As a result of the adoption of SFAS 123R,Equity based compensation recorded for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005, the expense related to stock-based compensation2006 was $30$37 million and $51$88 million, respectively. During the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Company received $73$110 million in cash from stock option exercises and recognized a tax benefit of $12$17 million on stock options exercised for all plans presented.

At DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Company’s total compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, RSUs and RSUsSARs not yet recognized for all plans presented is approximately $243$257 million, a portion of which is expected to be recognized within the current fiscal year, with the remainder to be recognized over the next three fiscal years. Compensation expense on all stock-based awards is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the entire award.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9—Equity Based Compensation (continued)

 

Compensation Expense

On May 3, 2005, the Compensation Committee approved the acceleration of vesting of unvested out-of-the-money stock options granted under the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan. The affected stock options are those with exercise prices greater than A$19.74 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (as traded on the Australian Stock Exchange in the form of CHESS Depositary Interests) on May 2, 2005. Prior to the Reorganization, stock options were granted to employees with Australian dollar exercise prices. As a result of this action, the vesting of approximately 19,862,000 previously unvested stock options were accelerated and were immediately exercisable. None of the unvested stock options held by directors, some of whom have stock options with exercise prices in excess of A$19.74, were accelerated.

The Compensation Committee’s decision to accelerate the vesting of these stock options was in anticipation of the related compensation expense that would be recorded subsequent to the Company’s adoption of SFAS 123R. In addition, the Compensation Committee considered that because these stock options had exercise prices in excess of the prevailing market value on May 2, 2005, they were not fully achieving their original objectives of incentive compensation and employee retention, and it believed that the acceleration would have a positive effect on employee morale. Incremental expense of approximately $100 million ($65 million, net of tax) associated with the acceleration was recorded in the fourth quarter fiscal 2005 pro forma disclosure.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The following table reflects the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions for stock-based employee compensation prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R on July 1, 2004. These pro forma effects may not be representative of future amounts since the estimated fair value of stock options on the date of grant is amortized to expense over the vesting period, additionalperiod. Additional stock options may be granted in future years and the vesting of certain options was accelerated on May 3, 2005 (see above).

 

  For the three
months ended
December 31,
2004


 For the six
months ended
December 31,
2004


   For the three
months ended
March 31,
2005
 For the nine
months ended
March 31,
2005
 

Net income, as reported

  $386  $1,011   $400  $1,411 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

   (15)  (33)   (18)  (51)
  


 


       

Pro forma net income

  $371  $978   $382  $1,360 
  


 


       

Basic earnings per share:

      

As reported:

      

Class A

  $0.14  $0.37   $0.14  $0.51 

Class B

  $0.12  $0.31   $0.12  $0.43 

Pro forma:

      

Class A

  $0.13  $0.35   $0.14  $0.49 

Class B

  $0.11  $0.30   $0.12  $0.41 

Diluted earnings per share:

      

As reported:

      

Class A

  $0.14  $0.36   $0.14  $0.50 

Class B

  $0.11  $0.30   $0.12  $0.42 

Pro forma:

      

Class A

  $0.13  $0.35   $0.14  $0.48 

Class B

  $0.11  $0.29   $0.11  $0.40 

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10—Commitments and Guarantees

 

Commitments

As a result of the FIM acquisitions that occurred in September and October 2005, the Company has commitments under certain contractual arrangements to make future payments of up to a maximum of $135$148 million as of DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006. These commitments are comprised of operating leases, capital expenditures and contractual employee obligations.

In December 2005, the Company signed a new broadcast rights agreement with the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”) for certain races and exclusive rights for certain ancillary content for an eight year term, commencing in calendar year 2007 in the amount of $1.7 billion.

Sky Italia entered into a new operating lease agreement in January 2006 for a newly developed property in Milan, Italy currently under construction for an initial 12-year term which is expected to commence in fiscal 2007 with an automatic renewal option for an additional 12-year term through fiscal 2031. The lease includes an annual increase based on a cost of living index as defined by the contract commencing with the payment of the rental fee in the second year. Total payments relating to this lease are expected to approximate $375 million.

Other than noted above,previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s commitments have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 filed with the SEC on September 1, 2005.

Guarantees

The Company had guaranteed a transponder lease for Innova, an equity affiliate of the Company. The Company also guaranteed $46 million of the obligations of Innova under a credit agreement. Upon the closing of the sale of Innova during the third quarter of 2006, the Company was released from these guarantees.

TheOther than previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s guarantees have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 filed with the SEC on September 1, 2005.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 11—Contingencies

Stockholder Litigation

On October 6, 2005, 13 professionally managed investment funds that own the Company’s stock filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against the Company and its individual directors. The complaint, captionedUnisuper et al. v. News Corp., C.A. No. 1699-N, raised claims of breach of contract, promissory estoppel, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty relating to the Board’s policy concerning the Company’s stockholder rights plan, and the August 2005 decision of the Board to extend the expiration of the existing stockholder rights plan until November 8, 2007. The plaintiffs are seeking, among other things: (1)

On April 13, 2006, the Company announced that it had entered into a declaration thatsettlement agreement with the amendment extendingplaintiffs. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the trial and all remaining proceedings in the litigation will be postponed pending a stockholder vote on a rights plan until November 8, 2007 is null and void, and (2) an order permanently enjoiningto be held at the defendants from extendingCompany’s annual stockholders meeting in October 2006 (the “Annual Meeting”). If stockholders vote in favor of the stockholder rights plan, without first obtaining approval from the Company’s stockholders.litigation will be dismissed. If stockholders vote against the rights plan, the Company has the right to treat the vote as advisory and proceed with the litigation.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11—Contingencies (continued)

 

Also onAt the Annual Meeting, an extension of the existing rights plan to October 6, 2005,2008 will be proposed, with the plaintiffs movedCompany having the right to extend the rights plan for expedited proceedings, requestingone year if the situation with Liberty Media Corporation, which led to the adoption of the rights plan, remains unresolved. If the Company’s stockholders vote in favor of the rights plan, then at the expiration of the existing rights plan or any other rights plan, the Company may adopt subsequent rights plans of one-year duration without stockholder approval, subject to interim periods of nine months between rights plans. If during or prior to any interim period, any stockholder (i) acquires 5 percent or more of the Company’s voting stock, (ii) offers to purchase voting stock or assets that would result in their owning 30 percent or more of the Company’s voting stock or assets or (iii) in certain other circumstances, the Company may immediately adopt a new rights plan of one-year duration. The Company may, of course, also adopt new rights plans or extend existing rights plans of unlimited duration with stockholder approval. The provisions discussed in this paragraph shall be in effect until the twentieth anniversary of the Annual Meeting. The terms of the settlement agreement are not intended to limit, restrict or eliminate the ability of the Company’s stockholders under applicable Delaware law to amend the Company’s certificate of incorporation in any manner. As part of the settlement, the Company has agreed to pay the plaintiffs’ attorneys fees and expenses in the litigation.

On April 18, 2006, the Delaware Court of Chancery entered a scheduling order (the “Scheduling Order”) (i) preliminarily approving the lawsuit as a class action on behalf of the class of Plaintiffs (the “Class”) set an expedited trial date. The Courtforth in the Stipulation of Chancery denied this request. On October 22, 2005,Settlement and (ii) setting the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The Court of Chancery heard oral argument on that motion on November 10, 2005, and issued its decision on December 20, 2005. Specifically, the Court of Chancery granted the Company’s motion to dismiss as to plaintiffs’ claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty, and denied the motion to dismiss with respect to the plaintiffs’ claims for breach of contract and promissory estoppel.

Thereafter, on December 29, 2005, the Company filed a motion requesting leave to take an interlocutory appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court from the Court of Chancery’s decision to deny the Company’s motion to dismiss the claims for breach of contract and promissory estoppel. The Company also moveddate for a stayhearing for the purposes of: (a) determining whether the action should be certified as a class action, (b) determining whether the terms of all proceedings pending such an appeal. On January 19, 2006, the Court of Chancery granted the Company’s motions. On January 27, 2006, the Delaware Supreme Court declined to accept the Company’s interlocutory appeal. Thus, proceedings will continueproposed settlement are fair, reasonable and in the Courtbest interests of Chancery on the two claims that were not dismissed fromClass, and (c) considering the litigation.

application of Plaintiffs’ counsel for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses. The duration and outcome of this litigation cannot be determined at this time. However, the Company believes that the remaining two claims in the lawsuit are without merit, and the Company will continue to vigorously defend against them.

settlement hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2006

DIRECTV

TNCL was named as a defendant in a Revised Amended Consolidated Complaint filed on May 7, 2004 in a lawsuit captionedIn re General Motors (Hughes) Stockholders Litigation, filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, Consolidated Civil Action No. 20269-NC. The lawsuit relates to TNCL’s acquisition of stock in Hughes on December 22, 2003 which was subsequently transferred to FEG. The complaint alleges that TNCL aided and abetted an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Board of Directors of General Motors (“GM”) allegedly owed to a class of certain GM stockholders. The plaintiffs allegedly seek “appropriate equitable relief… including rescissory remedies to the extent feasible…” The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against claims brought against TNCL in the lawsuit. The Company also believes it is entitled to indemnification by GM under the agreements related to the transaction. On August 30, 2004, TNCL filed a brief in support of its motion to dismiss the complaint. On October 18, 2004, the plaintiffs filed their opposition to the motion. The Company filed its reply on November 17, 2004. The oral argument was heard on March 7, 2005. On May 4, 2005, the court issued its decision granting the motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs have appealed the decision and the Company has cross-appealed on jurisdictional and improper service issues. Oral argument on the appeal took place on December 21, 2005. The court has not yet issued its decision.Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the decision on March 20, 2006.

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

NDS

Echostar Litigation

On June 6, 2003, Echostar Communications Corporation, Echostar Satellite Corporation, Echostar Technologies Corporation and Nagrastar L.L.C. (collectively, “Echostar”) filed an action against NDS in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Echostar filed an amended complaint on October 8, 2003, which purported to allege claims for violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), the Communications Act of 1934 (“CA”), the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, California’s Unfair Competition statute and the federal RICO statute. The complaint also purported to allege claims for civil conspiracy, misappropriation of trade secrets and interference with prospective business advantage. The complaint sought injunctive relief, unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and restitution. On December 22, 2003, all of the claims were dismissed by the court, except for the DMCA, CA and unfair competition claims, and the court limited these claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostar’s original complaint.

After Echostar filed a second amended complaint, NDS filed a motion to dismiss this complaint on March 31, 2004. On July 21, 2004, the court issued an order directing Echostar to, among other things, file a third amended complaint within ten days correcting various deficiencies noted in the second amended complaint. Echostar filed its third amended complaint on August 4, 2004. On August 6, 2004, the court ruled that NDS was free to file a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint, which NDS did on September 20, 2004. The hearing occurred on January 3, 2005. On February 28, 2005, the court issued an order treating NDS’s motion to dismiss as a motion for a more definite statement, granting the motion and giving Echostar until March 30, 2005 to file a fourth amended compliant correcting various deficiencies noted in the third amended complaint. On March 30, 2005, Echostar filed a fourth amended complaint, which NDS moved to dismiss. On July 27, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part NDS’s motion to dismiss, and again limited Echostar’s surviving claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostar’s original complaint. NDS believes these surviving claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

On October 24, 2005, NDS filed its Amended Answer with Counterclaims, alleging that Echostar misappropriated NDS’s trade secrets, violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and engaged in unfair competition. On November 8, 2005, Echostar moved to dismiss NDS’s counterclaims for conversion and claim and delivery, arguing that these claims were preempted and time-barred. Echostar also moved for a more definite statement of NDS’s trade secret misappropriation claim. On December 8, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part Echostar’s motion to dismiss and for a more definite statement, but granted NDS leave to file amended counterclaims. On December 13, 2005, NDS filed its Second Amended Answer with Counterclaims, which Echostar answered on December 27, 2005. The court has set this case to go to trial in April of 2008.

The International Electronic Technology Corp. Litigation

On April 18, 1997, International Electronic Technology Corp. (“IETC”) filed suit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against NDS’s customers, Hughes, DIRECTV, Inc. and Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., alleging infringement of one U.S. patent and seeking unspecified damages and injunction.

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Note 11—Contingencies (continued)

 

Although not a party to this case, NDS has assumed the defense and agreed to indemnify the named defendants. The defendants have raised defenses, including non-infringement and invalidity. On September 22, 2005, the court issued an order construing certain terms in the patent as a matter of law, after an extensive delay due to the death of two judges previously assigned to the case. Following receipt of the claim construction order, defendants notified IETC that they intended to file a motion for summary judgment of non-infringement based on

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

the claim construction. During a status conference with the court on January 9, 2006, IETC requested that defendants’ motion be deferred to permit it to seek additional document discovery. The court denied this request, and ordered IETC to make its request in response to defendants’ summary judgment motion. Defendants’ motion for summary judgment was filed on January 30, 2006.

On March 9, 2006, the court granted defendants’ motion, and judgment for defendants was entered on March 24, 2006. IETC has filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Intermix

Downloads

On April 28, 2005, the Attorney General of the State of New York (the “NY AG”) commenced an action against Intermix for allegedly unlawful and deceptive acts and practices associated with Intermix’ distribution of toolbar, redirect and contextual ad serving applications (“downloads”). The NY AG asserted that Intermix and/or third parties distributed downloads that were installed by users without sufficient notice or consent and in a manner that made it difficult to locate and remove the programs. The petition sought disgorgement of profits, civil penalties and other remedies. In June 2005, Intermix announced an agreement in principle with the NY AG pursuant to which Intermix would pay a total of $7.5 million to the State of New York and would be prohibited from resuming distribution of its adware, redirect and toolbar programs. In September 2005, Intermix and the NY AG entered into a stipulation for entry of a Consent Order and Judgment memorializing the terms of the settlement, and the court entered the Consent Order and Judgment in October 2005. Intermix did not admit any wrongdoing or liability in connection with settlement of the matter. Intermix had voluntarily suspended distribution of the relevant applications in April 2005, and the payments to the State of New York exceed any and all profits associated with Intermix’ distribution of the subject downloadable applications.

In May 2005, Intermix was served with a Statement of Claim filed by an individual in the Federal Court of Canada in Montreal. The plaintiff in the action purports to act on behalf of an unspecified class of individuals who have been allegedly damaged by Intermix’ violation of provisions of Canada’s 1985 Competition Act in connection with Intermix’ distribution of downloads. The plaintiff is seeking an award of unjust enrichment, civil penalties and costs in unspecified amounts. Intermix has filed a motion seeking dismissal of the lawsuit on the grounds that the court lacks jurisdiction over the alleged claims and over Intermix and that the alleged claims of the plaintiff are factually baseless.frivolous and vexatious. Intermix disputes the allegations of the Statement of Claim, believes they are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

A similar complaint was also filed by an individual, Thomas Kerrins, against Intermix in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Mr. Kerrins purports to act on behalf of all United States residents who, during the period from July 25, 2002 to the present, had spyware or adware put onto their computers by Intermix. The complaint alleges claims of trespass, unjust enrichment, violation of a California penal statute concerning unauthorized access to computers, computer systems and data, and unfair and deceptive business practices. The plaintiff is seeking an order certifying a class and appointing a class representative and class counsel, injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and an award of unspecified damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. Intermix filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the ground that, among others, the complaint fails to state a viable cause of action against Intermix. Prior to the hearing on the motion to dismiss,

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11—Contingencies (continued)

plaintiff amended his complaint. On November 14, 2005, Intermix filed a motion to dismiss plaintiff’s first amended complaint. This motion to dismiss was granted in part, and denied in part. The Judge denied Intermix’ request to dismiss all class allegations and claims for trespass to chattels and violation of California Penal Code section 502 but dismissed with prejudice the claims for unjust enrichment and violation of California Business and Professions Code section 17200.

Trial has been set for January 23, 2007.

In April 2005, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office (the “City”) approached Intermix about its downloadable software practices and threatened to file an action against Intermix. In or about June 2005, the City

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

verbally informed Intermix that, in light of its proposed settlement with the NY AG, the City would not seek a monetary penalty. Then on August 31, 2005, the City provided a written offer to Intermix reiterating that it would not seek a monetary penalty in the threatened action if Intermix completed a settlement with the NY AG. On September 29, 2005, the day after Intermix finalized its settlement with the NY AG on the terms directed by the City’s August 31 proposal, the City changed its position and informed Intermix that it would seek to impose a monetary penalty. Intermix refused to agree to the imposition of a penalty. On November 17, 2005, the City filed a complaint against Intermix for equitable relief and civil penalties pursuant to California Business and Professions Code sections 17200 and 17500. On November 23, 2005, Intermix filed a verified answer denying the City’s allegations. The City Attorney filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings as to Intermix’s sixth affirmative defense (lack of standing/jurisdiction). That motion is set for hearing on May 19, 2006. The City Attorney also filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings as to Intermix’s first and third affirmative defenses (release and equitable estoppel). That motion is set for hearing on May 23, 2006. Intermix filed a motion for summary judgment or, in the alternative summary adjudication, seeking dismissal of the City Attorney’s causes of action for false/misleading advertising and unfair business practices. Intermix’s motion is set for hearing on May 23, 2006. Trial has been set for November 6, 2006. Intermix believes the City’s claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.

FIM Transaction

On August 26, 2005, a purported class action lawsuit, captionedRon Sheppard v. Richard Rosenblatt et. al., was filed in the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles. In addition to Mr. Rosenblatt, Intermix’ former Chief Executive Officer and a former Intermix director, the lawsuit names as defendants all of the other then incumbent members of the Intermix Board and certain entities affiliated with VantagePoint Venture Partners, a former major Intermix stockholder. The complaint alleged that in pursuing the FIM Transaction and approving the merger agreement, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Intermix stockholders by, among other things, engaging in self-dealing and failing to obtain the highest price reasonably available for Intermix and its stockholders. The complaint further alleged that the merger agreement resulted from a flawed process and that the defendants tailored the terms of the merger to advance their own interests. On August 30, 2005, a similar purported class action lawsuit, captionedJohn Friedmann v. Intermix Media, Inc. et. al.,was filed in the same Court naming as defendants all of the same individuals and entities named in theSheppard action, as well as Intermix. TheFriedmann complaint included substantially similar claims and allegations as those asserted in theSheppard action.

Prior to the consummation of The FIM Transaction was consummated on September 30, 2005, plaintiff in theFriedmann action conducted expedited discovery and filed a motion with the court seeking to enjoin the acquisition. Plaintiff withdrew his motion after Intermix filed supplemental proxy materials augmenting certain information included by Intermix in its proxy statement distributed to Intermix stockholders in connection with seeking stockholder approval of the FIM Transaction. On September 23, 2005, Mr. Greenspan announced his presentation of an alternative acquisition proposal to the Intermix board of directors which, on September 26, 2005, the board publicly rejected. Plaintiff thereafter applied to the court for an order delaying the vote by Intermix stockholders on the FIM Transaction in order to afford Intermix stockholders additional time to consider the Greenspan proposal. The Court denied the plaintiff’s request and Intermix stockholders approved the FIM Transaction on September 30, 2005.

TheFriedmann andSheppard lawsuits have since beenwere subsequently consolidated and, on January 17, 2006, a consolidated amended complaint was filed January 17, 2006.(the “Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation”). The plaintiffs in the consolidated action are seeking various forms of declaratory relief, damages, disgorgement and fees and costs. The defendants have filed demurrers seeking dismissal of all claims in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. Intermix believes that the lawsuits described above areIntermix Media Shareholder Litigation is meritless and intends to vigorously defend against the claims and allegations in the complaints.

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11—Contingencies (continued)

 

In November 2005, plaintiff in a derivative action captionedLeBoyer v. Greenspan et al. pending against various former Intermix directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California filed a First Amended Class and Derivative Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”). The original derivative action was filed in May 2003 and arose out of Intermix’ restatement of quarterly financial results for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Plaintiff asserted breach of fiduciary duty and related claims in connection with the restatement. Until the filing of the Amended Complaint, the action had been stayed by mutual agreement

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

of the parties since its inception pending determination of whether plaintiffs in a related securities class action lawsuit (the “Securities Litigation”) would be able to state a claim against the defendants. The Securities Litigation was dismissed pursuant to a class settlement in September 2005. In addition, a substantially similar derivative action filed in Los Angeles Superior Court was dismissed based on inability of the plaintiffs to adequately plead demand futility. In the Amended Complaint, in addition to the previously pleaded restatement-related allegations and derivative claims, plaintiff includes various allegations and purported class claims arising out of the FIM Transaction, which are substantially similar to those asserted in theFriedmann andSheppard lawsuits. Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The Amended Complaint also adds as defendants the individuals and entities named in theFriedmann andSheppard lawsuits Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation that were not already defendants in the matter. Plaintiff seeks unspecified damages, disgorgement, costs and fees. Intermix believes that the plaintiff in the action lacks standing to pursue any claims in a derivative capacity and, notwithstanding, that the lawsuit is generally without merit and Intermix intends to vigorously defend itself, and expects that the individual defendants will vigorously defend themselves in the matter.

Greenspan Litigation

See On February 10, 2005, Brad Greenspan, Intermix’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer who was asked to resign as CEO and was removed as Chairman in the fall of 2003, filed a derivative complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against Intermix, various of its former directors and officers, VantagePoint Venture Partners, a former large stockholder of Intermix (“VantagePoint”), and certain of VantagePoint’s principals and affiliates. The complaint alleged claims of libel and fraud against Intermix and various of its then current and former officers and directors, claims of intentional interference with contract and prospective economic advantage, unfair competition and fraud against VantagePoint and certain of its affiliates and principals and claims alleging that Intermix’s forecasts of profitability leading up to its January 2004 annual stockholder meeting and associated proxy contest waged by Mr. Greenspan were false and misleading. These claims generally related to Intermix’s decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003, Mr. Greenspan’s contemporaneous separation from Intermix and matters arising during the proxy contest. The complaint also alleged that Intermix’s acquisition of the assets of a company known as Supernation LLC (“Supernation”) in July 2004 involved breaches of fiduciary duty. Mr. Greenspan sought remittance of compensation received by the various then current and former Intermix director and officer defendants, unspecified damages, removal of various Intermix directors, disgorgement of unspecified profits, reformation of the Supernation purchase, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Intermix and the other defendants filed motions challenging the validity of the action and Mr. Greenspan’s ability to pursue it. Mr. Greenspan voluntarily dismissed this action in October 2005.

Prior to dismissing his derivative lawsuit, in August 2005, Mr. Greenspan filed another complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against the same defendants. The complaint, for breach of fiduciary duty, included substantially the same allegations made by Mr. Greenspan in the above-referenced lawsuit. Mr. Greenspan further alleged that defendants’ actions have, with the FIM Transaction, culminated in the loss of Mr. Greenspan’s interest in Intermix for a cash payment allegedly below its value. On October 31, 2005, the defendants filed motions seeking dismissal of the lawsuit on the grounds that the complaint fails to state any

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Subsequent Events11—Contingencies (continued)

cause of action. Instead of responding to these motions, Mr. Greenspan filed an amended complaint on February 21, 2006, in which Mr. Greenspan omitted certain previously named defendants and added two other former directors as defendants. In this amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan asserts seven causes of action. The first two causes of action, for additional discussionintentional interference with prospective economic advantage and violation of Contingencies.California’s Business & Professions Code section 17200, generally related to Intermix’ decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003 and allege that Mr. Greenspan was “forced” to resign. The third through sixth causes of action assert various claims for breach of fiduciary duty related to the FIM Transaction, substantially mirror the allegations in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. By Order of March 20, 2006, the court ordered that Mr. Greenspan’s claims based on the FIM Transaction be severed from the rest of his complaint and coordinated with the claims asserted in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The seventh cause of action is asserted against Intermix for indemnification. In his amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan seeks compensatory and consequential damages, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Motions to dismiss the first six causes of action have been filed. Intermix, as well as News Corporation with respect to certain claims, is obligated to defend and indemnify the defendants in the matter. Intermix believes that the claims and allegations in the complaint are without merit and expects that the defendants in the matter will vigorously defend themselves.

Patent Litigation

In October 2005, Beneficial Innovations, Inc. (“BII”) filed a first amended patent infringement complaint against an Intermix subsidiary and another unaffiliated company in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. BII alleged, on information and belief, that aspects of Intermix’s Grab.com website infringe a patent relating to a method and system for playing games on a network entitled the “702 Patent.” In the complaint, BII sought to enjoin the Intermix subsidiary from infringing the 702 Patent and sought unspecified compensatory damages, fees and costs. On April 21, 2006, the parties entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which BII’s lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice. In consideration for such dismissal with prejudice, Intermix paid $100,000 to BII on May 1, 2006, for a non-exclusive, perpetual patent license for use of all BII’s patents by News Corporation and all of its subsidiaries.

News America Marketing

On January 18, 2006, Valassis Communications, Inc. (“Valassis”) filed a complaint against News America Incorporated, News America Marketing FSI, Inc. and News America Marketing Services, In-Store, Inc. (collectively “News America”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Valassis alleges that News America possesses monopoly power in a claimed in-store advertising and promotions market (the “in-store market”) and has used that power to gain an unfair advantage over Valassis in a purported market for coupons distributed by free standing inserts (“FSIs”). Valassis alleges that News America has entrenched its monopoly power in the alleged in-store market by entering into exclusive contracts with retailers. Valassis further alleges that News America has unlawfully bundled the sale of in-store marketing products with the sale of FSIs and that such bundling constitutes unlawful tying in violation of Sections 1 and 3 of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, as amended (the “Sherman Act”). Valassis also asserts that News America has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, various state antitrust statutes and has tortiously interfered with Valassis’ actual or expected business relationships. Valassis’ complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On April 20, 2006, News America moved to dismiss Valassis’ complaint in its entirety for failure to state a cause of action. Simultaneously, News America moved to stay discovery until resolution of the motion to dismiss. News America believes Valassis’ claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11—Contingencies (continued)

 

Other

The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

The Company’s operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

Note 12—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company sponsors non-contributory pension plans and retiree health and life insurance benefit plans covering specific groups of employees. The benefits payable for the non-contributory pension plans are based primarily on a formula factoring both an employee’s years of service and pay near retirement. Participant employees are vested in the plans after five years of service. The Company’s policy for all pension plans is to fund amounts, at a minimum, in accordance with statutory requirements. During the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, the Company made discretionary contributions of $59$112 million and $85$127 million, respectively, to its pension plans. Plan assets consist principally of common stocks, marketable bonds and government securities. The retiree health and life insurance benefit plans offer medical and/or life insurance to certain full-time employees and eligible dependents that retire after fulfilling age and service requirements.

The components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows:

 

  Pension Benefits

 Postretirement Benefits

   Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 
  For the three months ended December 31,

   For the three months ended March 31, 
      2005    

     2004    

     2005    

     2004    

   2006 2005 2006 2005 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Service cost benefits earned during the period

  $20  $22  $1  $1   $21  $22  $1  $1 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligation

   26   27   2   2    26   28   2   2 

Expected return on plan assets

   (30)  (28)  —     —      (31)  (29)  —     —   

Amortization of deferred losses

   12   7   1   1    11   7   —     —   

Other

   (1)  (1)  (1)  (2)   1   —     (1)  (1)
  


 


 


 


             

Net periodic costs

  $27  $27  $3  $2   $28  $28  $2  $2 
  


 


 


 


             
  For the nine months ended March 31, 
  2006 2005 2006 2005 
  (in millions) 

Service cost benefits earned during the period

  $62  $66  $3  $3 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligation

   79   82   6   6 

Expected return on plan assets

   (92)  (85)  —     —   

Amortization of deferred losses

   34   21   2   2 

Other

   1   (2)  (4)  (5)
             

Net periodic costs

  $84  $82  $7  $6 
             

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

   

For the six months

ended December 31,


 
   2005

  2004

  2005

  2004

 
   (in millions) 

Service cost benefits earned during the period

  $41  $44  $2  $2 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligation

   53   54   4   4 

Expected return on plan assets

   (61)  (56)  —     —   

Amortization of deferred losses

   23   14   2   2 

Other

   —     (2)  (3)  (4)
   


 


 


 


Net periodic costs

  $56  $54  $5  $4 
   


 


 


 


Note 13—Other, net

 

Other, net consisted of the following:

 

  For the three months
ended December 31,


 For the six months
ended December 31,


   For the three
months ended
March 31,
 For the nine
months ended
March 31,
 
      2005    

     2004    

     2005    

     2004    

   2006 2005 2006 2005 
  (in millions) (in millions)   (in millions) (in millions) 

Gain on sale of Innova(a)

  $206  $ —    $206  $ —   

Gain on sale of China Netcom(a)

  $—    $—    $52  $—      —     —     52   —   

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(b)

   68   (86)  27   93    (35)  14   (8)  105 

LYONs deferred financing costs(c)

   (13)  —     (13)  —   

Loss on sale of Sky Multi-Country Partners(a)

   —     (55)  —     (55)   —     —     —     (55)

Gain on sale of Rogers Sportsnet(a)

   —     39   —     39    —     —     —     39 

Loss on RPP exchange(d)

   —     (77)  —     (77)

Other

   (6)  (12)  (6)  —      12   1   6   3 
  


 


 


 


             

Total Other, net

  $62  $(114) $73  $77   $170  $(62) $243  $15 
  


 


 


 


             

(a)See Note 5—Investments
(b)The Company has certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities which contain embedded derivatives. Pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” these embedded derivatives require separate accounting and, as such, changes in their fair value are recognized in Other, net.

(c)See Note 7—Borrowings
(d)The Company exchanged its 40% investment in Regional Programming Partners (“RPP”) for 60% interests in Rainbow Media Holdings’ (“Rainbow”) Fox Sports Net Ohio and Fox Sports Net Florida and Rainbow’s 50% interests in National Sports partners and National Advertising Partners.

Note 14—Segment Information

The Company is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments:

Filmed Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production of original television programming in the United States and Canada.

Television, which principally consists of the operation of 35 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (of these stations, 25 are affiliated with the FOX network, nine are affiliated with the UPN network until September 2006 and one is an independent station); the broadcasting of network programming in the United States; and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia.

Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the production and licensing of programming distributed through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite operators in the United States.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which principally consists of the distribution of premium programming services via satellite directly to subscribers in Italy.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

 

Magazines and Inserts, which principally consists of the publication of free standing inserts, which are promotional booklets containing consumer offers distributed through insertion in local Sunday newspapers in the United States and providing in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers in the United States and Canada.

Newspapers, which principally consists of the publication of four national newspapers in the United Kingdom, the publication of more than 110 newspapers in Australia, and the publication of a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper in the United States.

Book Publishing, which principally consists of the publication of English language books throughout the world.

Other, which includes NDS, a company engaged in the business of supplying open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers; Global Cricket Corporation, which has the exclusive rights to broadcast the Cricket World Cup and other related International Cricket Council cricket events through 2007; News Outdoor, an advertising business which offers display advertising in locations throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and Fox Interactive Media, which operates the Company’s Internet activities.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

 

The Company’s operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Company’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measures are segment operating income (loss) and Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization.

NEWS CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   

For the three months

ended December 31,


  

For the six months

ended December 31,


 
       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Revenues:

                 

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,607  $1,872  $3,026  $3,249 

Television

   1,596   1,564   2,644   2,568 

Cable Network Programming

   810   624   1,585   1,224 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   620   581   1,118   996 

Magazines and Inserts

   265   259   532   491 

Newspapers

   1,010   1,010   2,022   1,875 

Book Publishing

   390   377   781   741 

Other

   367   275   639   564 
   


 


 


 


Total revenues

  $6,665  $6,562  $12,347  $11,708 
   


 


 


 


Operating income (loss):

                 

Filmed Entertainment

  $299  $407  $667  $698 

Television

   183   153   343   387 

Cable Network Programming

   262   227   459   393 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (53)  (105)  (114)  (226)

Magazines and Inserts

   76   73   152   137 

Newspapers

   69   184   194   302 

Book Publishing

   77   62   147   122 

Other

   7   (47)  (19)  (93)
   


 


 


 


Total operating income

   920   954   1,829   1,720 
   


 


 


 


Interest expense, net

   (141)  (137)  (269)  (262)

Equity earnings of affiliates

   160   48   346   63 

Other, net

   62   (114)  73   77 
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,001   751   1,979   1,598 

Income tax expense

   (292)  (276)  (674)  (456)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (15)  (89)  (31)  (131)
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

   694   386   1,274   1,011 

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax

   381   —     381   —   
   


 


 


 


Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   1,075   386   1,655   1,011 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   —     —     (1,013)  —   
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $1,075  $386  $642  $1,011 
   


 


 


 


   For the three
months ended
March 31,
  For the nine
months ended
March 31,
 
   2006  2005  2006  2005 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Revenues:

     

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,388  $1,477  $4,414  $4,726 

Television

   1,347   1,414   3,991   3,982 

Cable Network Programming

   839   633   2,424   1,857 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   675   624   1,793   1,620 

Magazines and Inserts

   300   283   832   774 

Newspapers

   1,015   1,062   3,037   2,937 

Book Publishing

   275   300   1,056   1,041 

Other

   359   250   998   814 
                 

Total revenues

  $6,198  $6,043  $18,545  $17,751 
                 

Operating income (loss):

     

Filmed Entertainment

  $225  $251  $892  $949 

Television

   286   221   629   608 

Cable Network Programming

   211   172   670   565 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   69   (21)  (45)  (247)

Magazines and Inserts

   90   79   242   216 

Newspapers

   153   186   347   488 

Book Publishing

   26   30   173   152 

Other

   (49)  (29)  (68)  (122)
                 

Total operating income

   1,011   889   2,840   2,609 
                 

Interest expense, net

   (141)  (143)  (410)  (405)

Equity earnings of affiliates

   264   91   610   154 

Other, net

   170   (62)  243   15 
                 

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,304   775   3,283   2,373 

Income tax expense

   (471)  (317)  (1,145)  (773)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (13)  (58)  (44)  (189)
                 

Income from continuing operations

   820   400   2,094   1,411 

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax

   —     —     381   —   
                 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   820   400   2,475   1,411 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   —     —     (1,013)  —   
                 

Net income

  $820  $400  $1,462  $1,411 
                 

Interest expense, net, Equity earnings of affiliates, Other, net, Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax and Income tax expense are not allocated to segments, as they are not under the control of segment management.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

 

Intersegment revenues, generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment, of approximately $210$242 million and $143$219 million for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, respectively, and of approximately $395$637 million and $319$538 million for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment. Intersegment operating profit, generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment, of approximately $9$6 million and operating losses of approximately $2 million for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and 2004 andintersegment operating profits of approximately $21$27 million and $28$26 million for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment.

   For the three months ended March 31, 2006 
   Operating income
(loss)
  Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
(loss) before
depreciation and
amortization
 
   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $225  $17  $—    $242 

Television

   286   24   —     310 

Cable Network Programming

   211   13   25   249 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   69   37   —     106 

Magazines and Inserts

   90   2   —     92 

Newspapers

   153   65   —     218 

Book Publishing

   26   2   —     28 

Other

   (49)  29   —     (20)
                 

Total

  $1,011  $189  $25  $1,225 
                 
   For the three months ended March 31, 2005 
   Operating income
(loss)
  Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
(loss) before
depreciation and
amortization
 
   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $251  $14  $—    $265 

Television

   221   20   —     241 

Cable Network Programming

   172   10   28   210 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (21)  42   —     21 

Magazines and Inserts

   79   1   —     80 

Newspapers

   186   70   —     256 

Book Publishing

   30   1   —     31 

Other

   (29)  18   —     (11)
                 

Total

  $889  $176  $28  $1,093 
                 

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

 

  For the three months ended December 31, 2005

   For the nine months ended March 31, 2006 
  

Operating income

(loss)


 

Depreciation and

amortization


  

Amortization of

cable distribution

investments


  

Operating income

(loss) before

depreciation and

amortization


   Operating income
(loss)
 Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
(loss) before
depreciation and
amortization
 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $299  $27  $—    $326   $892  $63  $—    $955 

Television

   183   23   —     206    629   66   —     695 

Cable Network Programming

   262   13   26   301    670   38   78   786 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (53)  43   —     (10)   (45)  121   —     76 

Magazines and Inserts

   76   1   —     77    242   5   —     247 

Newspapers

   69   65   —     134    347   196   —     543 

Book Publishing

   77   1   —     78    173   5   —     178 

Other

   7   24   —     31    (68)  67   —     (1)
  


 

  

  


             

Total

  $920  $197  $26  $1,143   $2,840  $561  $78  $3,479 
  


 

  

  


             
  For the three months ended December 31, 2004

   For the nine months ended March 31, 2005 
  

Operating income

(loss)


 

Depreciation and

amortization


  

Amortization of

cable distribution

investments


  

Operating income

(loss) before

depreciation and

amortization


   Operating income
(loss)
 Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
(loss) before
depreciation and
amortization
 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $407  $13  $—    $420   $949  $39  $—    $988 

Television

   153   21   —     174    608   61   —     669 

Cable Network Programming

   227   10   28   265    565   30   86   681 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (105)  40   —     (65)   (247)  114   —     (133)

Magazines and Inserts

   73   1   —     74    216   4   —     220 

Newspapers

   184   46   —     230    488   151   —     639 

Book Publishing

   62   2   —     64    152   4   —     156 

Other

   (47)  16   —     (31)   (122)  50   —     (72)
  


 

  

  


             

Total

  $954  $149  $28  $1,131   $2,609  $453  $86  $3,148 
  


 

  

  


             
  For the six months ended December 31, 2005

 
  

Operating income

(loss)


 

Depreciation and

amortization


  

Amortization of

cable distribution

investments


  

Operating income

(loss) before

depreciation and

amortization


 
  (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $667  $46  $—    $713 

Television

   343   42   —     385 

Cable Network Programming

   459   25   53   537 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (114)  84   —     (30)

Magazines and Inserts

   152   3   —     155 

Newspapers

   194   131   —     325 

Book Publishing

   147   3   —     150 

Other

   (19)  38   —     19 
  


 

  

  


Total

  $1,829  $372  $53  $2,254 
  


 

  

  


NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

 

   For the six months ended December 31, 2004

 
   Operating income
(loss)


  

Depreciation and

amortization


  

Amortization of

cable distribution

investments


  

Operating income

(loss) before

depreciation and

amortization


 
   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $698  $25  $—    $723 

Television

   387   41   —     428 

Cable Network Programming

   393   20   58   471 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (226)  72   —     (154)

Magazines and Inserts

   137   3   —     140 

Newspapers

   302   81   —     383 

Book Publishing

   122   3   —     125 

Other

   (93)  32   —     (61)
   


 

  

  


Total

  $1,720  $277  $58  $2,055 
   


 

  

  


  

At December 31,

2005


  

At June 30,

2005


  At March 31,
2006
  At June 30,
2005
  (in millions)  (in millions)

Total assets:

          

Filmed Entertainment

  $6,934  $5,971  $6,810  $5,971

Television(1)

   13,152   14,275   13,180   14,275

Cable Network Programming

   7,211   7,065   7,260   7,065

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   1,998   1,862   2,067   1,862

Magazines and Inserts

   1,281   1,253   1,283   1,253

Newspapers

   4,996   5,195   4,717   5,195

Book Publishing

   1,510   1,382   1,452   1,382

Other

   7,945   7,421   8,103   7,421

Investments

   10,414   10,268   10,393   10,268
  

  

      

Total assets

  $55,441  $54,692  $55,265  $54,692
  

  

      

Goodwill and Intangible assets, net:

          

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,754  $1,807  $2,050  $1,807

Television(1)

   10,332   11,892   10,269   11,892

Cable Network Programming

   4,955   4,929   4,885   4,929

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   526   537   536   537

Magazines and Inserts

   1,004   1,002   1,004   1,002

Newspapers

   1,684   1,724   1,649   1,724

Book Publishing

   501   501   501   501

Other

   2,600   1,069   2,534   1,069
  

  

      

Total goodwill and intangibles, net

  $23,356  $23,461  $23,428  $23,461
  

  

      

(1)See Note 6—Intangible Assets.

Note 15—Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed individually for the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Net income is apportioned to both Class A stockholders and Class B stockholders on the ratio of 1.2 to 1,

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

respectively, in accordance with the rights of the stockholders as described in the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation. In order to give effect to this apportionment when determining EPS, the weighted average Class A shares is increased by 20% (the “Adjusted Class”) and is then compared to the sum of the weighted average Class B shares and the weighted average Adjusted Class. The resulting percentage is then applied to the Net income to determine the apportionment for the Class A stockholders with the balance attributable to the Class B stockholders.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15—Earnings Per Share (continued)

 

EPS has been presented in the two-class presentation, as the shares of Class B Common Stock participate in dividends with the shares of Class A Common Stock.

The following table setstables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (in millions, except per share amounts and %):

 

   

For the three months

ended December 31,


  

For the six months

ended December 31,


 
       2005

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Income from continuing operations

  $694  $386  $1,274  $1,011 

Perpetual preference dividends

   —     (3)  —     (10)
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations available to shareholders—basic

   694   383   1,274   1,001 

Interest on convertible debt

   5   5   10   10 

Other

   (1)  —     (1)  —   
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations available to shareholders—diluted

  $698  $388  $1,283  $1,011 
   


 


 


 


   For the three
months ended
March 31,
   2006  2005
   (in millions)

Income from continuing operations available to shareholders—basic

  $820  $400

Interest on convertible debt(a)

   —     4
        

Income from continuing operations available to shareholders—diluted

  $820  $404
        

Net income available to shareholders—basic

  $820  $400

Interest on convertible debt(a)

   —     4
        

Net income available to shareholders—diluted

  $820  $404
        

(a)In February 2006, the Company redeemed 92% of the LYONs for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. (See Note 7 Borrowings)

 

   For the three months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  69%  31% 100%

Allocation of income from continuing operations—basic

   500   194  694   265   118  383 

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of income from continuing operations—diluted

   507   191  698   272   116  388 

Weighted average shares-basic

   2,206   1,025  3,231   1,901   1,016  2,917 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares-diluted

   2,255   1,025  3,280   1,976   1,016  2,992 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Income from continuing operations—basic

  $0.23  $0.19     $0.14  $0.12    
   


 


    


 


   

Income from continuing operations—diluted

  $0.22  $0.19     $0.14  $0.11    
   


 


    


 


   
   For the three months ended March 31,
   2006  2005
   Class A  Class B  Total  Class A  Class B  Total
   (in millions, except per share data)

Allocation of income—basic:

            

Income from continuing operations

  $593  $227  $820  $273  $127  $400

Net income available to shareholders

  $593  $227  $820  $273  $127  $400

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,622   1,004   3,626   2,272   1,045   3,317

Allocation of income—diluted:

            

Income from continuing operations

  $594  $226  $820  $280  $124  $404

Net income available to shareholders

  $594  $226  $820  $280  $124  $404

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,643   1,004   3,647   2,359   1,045   3,404

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,185   1,004   3,189   1,893   1,045   2,938

Stock options

   18   —     18   36   —     36

Convertible debt(a)

   —     —     —     37   —     37
                        

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,203   1,004   3,207   1,966   1,045   3,011

Earnings per share—basic:

            

Income from continuing operations

  $0.27  $0.23    $0.14  $0.12  

Net income

  $0.27  $0.23    $0.14  $0.12  

Earnings per share—diluted:

            

Income from continuing operations

  $0.27  $0.22    $0.14  $0.12  

Net income

  $0.27  $0.22    $0.14  $0.12  

(a)In February 2006, the Company redeemed 92% of the LYONs for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. (See Note 7 Borrowings) The remaining LYONs which are convertible into approximately 2.8 million shares were not included in the earnings per share computations because the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 15—Earnings Per Share (continued)

 

   For the six months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of income from continuing opeartions—basic

   919   355  1,274   696   305  1,001 

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of income from continuing operations—diluted

   932   351  1,283   711   300  1,011 

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,220   1,027  3,247   1,902   998  2,900 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,277   1,027  3,304   1,974   998  2,972 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Income from continuing operations—basic

  $0.41  $0.35     $0.37  $0.31    
   


 


    


 


   

Income from continuing operations—diluted

  $0.41  $0.34     $0.36  $0.30    
   


 


    


 


   

   

For the three months

ended December 31,


  

For the six months

ended December 31,


       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

   (in millions)  (in millions)

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

  $381  $—    $381  $—  

   For the three months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  69%  31% 100%

Allocation of gain on disposition of discontinued operations—basic

   275   106  381   —     —    —   

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of gain on disposition of discontinued operations—diluted

   276   105  381   —     —    —   

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,206   1,025  3,231   1,901   1,016  2,917 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,255   1,025  3,280   1,976   1,016  2,992 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations—basic

  $0.12  $0.10     $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations—diluted

  $0.12  $0.10     $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   
   For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
   2006  2005 
   (in millions) 

Income from continuing operations

  $2,094  $1,411 

Perpetual preference dividends(a)

   —     (10)
         

Income from continuing operations available to shareholders—basic

   2,094   1,401 

Interest on convertible debt(b)

   —     14 

Other

   (1)  —   
         

Income from continuing operations available to shareholders—diluted

  $2,093  $1,415 
         

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

  $381  $—   

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

  $(1,013) $—   

Net income

  $1,462  $1,411 

Perpetual preference dividends(a)

   —     (10)
         

Net income available to shareholders—basic

   1,462   1,401 

Interest on convertible debt(b)

   —     14 

Other

   (1) 
         

Net income available to shareholders—diluted

  $1,461  $1,415 
         

(a)In November 2004, the Company redeemed the adjustable rate cumulative perpetual preference shares and the guaranteed 8.625% perpetual preference shares for $345 million at par.
(b)In February 2006, the Company redeemed 92% of the LYONs for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. (See Note 7 Borrowings)

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 15—Earnings Per Share (continued)

 

   For the six months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation gain on of disposition of discontinued operations—basic

   275   106  381   —     —    —   

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of gain on disposition of discontinued operations—diluted

   277   104  381   —     —    —   

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,220   1,027  3,247   1,902   998  2,900 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,277   1,027  3,304   1,974   998  2,972 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations—basic

  $0.12  $0.10     $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations—diluted

  $0.12  $0.10     $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   

   For the three months
ended December 31,


  For the six months
ended December 31,


       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

   (in millions)  (in millions)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

  $—    $—    $(1,013) $—  

   For the three months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  69%  31% 100%

Allocation of cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—basic

   —     —    —     —     —    —   

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—diluted

   —     —    —     —     —    —   

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,206   1,025  3,231   1,901   1,016  2,917 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,255   1,025  3,280   1,976   1,016  2,992 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—basic

  $—    $—       $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—diluted

  $—    $—       $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   
   For the nine months ended March 31,
   2006  2005
   Class A  Class B  Total  Class A  Class B  Total
   (in millions, except per share data)

Allocation of income—basic:

         

Income from continuing operations

  $1,512  $582  $2,094  $970  $431  $1,401

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

   275   106   381   —     —     —  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   (732)  (281)  (1,013)  —     —     —  

Net income available to shareholders

  $1,056  $406  $1,462  $970  $431  $1,401

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,650   1,020   3,670   2,279   1,014   3,293

Allocation of income—diluted:

         

Income from continuing operations

  $1,515  $578  $2,093  $990  $425  $1,415

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

   276   105   381   —     —     —  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   (733)  (280)  (1,013)  —     —     —  

Net income available to shareholders

  $1,058  $403  $1,461  $990  $425  $1,415

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,672   1,020   3,692   2,363   1,014   3,377

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,208   1,020   3,228   1,899   1,014   2,913

Stock options

   19   —     19   33   —     33

Convertible debt(a)

   —     —     —     37   —     37
                        

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,227   1,020   3,247   1,969   1,014   2,983

Earnings per share—basic:

         

Income from continuing operations

  $0.68  $0.57   $0.51  $0.43  

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

  $0.12  $0.10   $—    $—    

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

  $(0.33) $(0.28)  $—    $—    

Net income

  $0.48  $0.40   $0.51  $0.43  

Earnings per share—diluted:

         

Income from continuing operations

  $0.68  $0.57   $0.50  $0.42  

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

  $0.12  $0.10   $—    $—    

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

  $(0.33) $(0.27)  $—    $—    

Net income

  $0.48  $0.40   $0.50  $0.42  

(a)In February 2006, the Company redeemed 92% of the LYONs for cash at the specified redemption amount of $594.25 per LYON. (See Note 7 Borrowings) The remaining LYONs which are convertible into approximately 2.8 million shares were not included in the earnings per share computations because the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

   For the six months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—basic

   (731)  (282) (1,013)  —     —    —   

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—diluted

   (736)  (277) (1,013)  —     —    —   

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,220   1,027  3,247   1,902   998  2,900 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,277   1,027  3,304   1,974   998  2,972 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—basic

  $(0.33) $(0.27)    $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—diluted

  $(0.32) $(0.27)    $—    $—      
   


 


    


 


   

   For the three months
ended December 31,


  For the six months
ended December 31,


 
       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Net income

  $1,075  $386  $642  $1,011 

Perpetual preference dividends

   —     (3)  —     (10)
   


 


 


 


Net income available to shareholders—basic

   1,075   383   642   1,001 

Interest on convertible debt

   5   5   10   10 

Other

   (1)  —     (1)  —   
   


 


 


 


Net income available to shareholders—diluted

  $1,079  $388  $651  $1,011 
   


 


 


 


   For the three months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  69%  31% 100%

Allocation of net income—basic

   775   300  1,075   265   118  383 

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of net income—diluted

   783   296  1,079   272   116  388 

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,206   1,025  3,231   1,901   1,016  2,917 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,255   1,025  3,280   1,976   1,016  2,992 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Net income—basic

  $0.35  $0.29     $0.14  $0.12    
   


 


    


 


   

Net income—diluted

  $0.35  $0.29     $0.14  $0.11    
   


 


    


 


   

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   For the six months ended December 31,

 
   2005

  2004

 
   Class A

  Class B

  Total

  Class A

  Class B

  Total

 
   (in millions, except % and per share data) 

Allocation percent—basic

   72%  28% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of net income—basic

   463   179  642   696   305  1,001 

Allocation percent—diluted

   73%  27% 100%  70%  30% 100%

Allocation of net income—diluted

   473   178  651   711   300  1,011 

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,220   1,027  3,247   1,902   998  2,900 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,277   1,027  3,304   1,974   998  2,972 
   


 


 

 


 


 

Earnings per share:

                       

Net income—basic

  $0.21  $0.17     $0.37  $0.31    
   


 


    


 


   

Net income—diluted

  $0.21  $0.17     $0.36  $0.30    
   


 


    


 


   

Note 16—Additional Financial Information

 

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net consists of:

 

   For the three months
ended December 31,


  For the six months
ended December 31,


 
       2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Interest income

  $55  $40  $116  $82 

Interest expense

   (204)  (186)  (398)  (362)

Interest capitalized

   8   9   13   18 
   


 


 


 


Interest expense, net

  $(141) $(137) $(269) $(262)
   


 


 


 


   For the three months
ended March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
   2006  2005  2006  2005 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Interest income

  $66  $50  $182  $132 

Interest expense

   (217)  (201)  (615)  (563)

Interest capitalized

   10   8   23   26 
                 

Interest expense, net

  $(141) $(143) $(410) $(405)
                 

Supplemental Cash Flows Information

 

  

For the six months

ended December 31,


   For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
      2005    

     2004    

   2006 2005 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Cash paid for income taxes

  $236  $205   $407  $324 

Cash paid for interest

   337   305    469   461 

Supplemental information on businesses acquired:

      

Fair value of assets acquired

   1,704   1,633    1,725   8,022 

Cash acquired

   25   46    25   33 

Less: Liabilities assumed

   (133)  (800)   (152)  (778)

Consideration payable

   —     (1)   —     —   

Minority interest acquired

   38   82    39   —   

Cash paid

   (1,601)  (160)   (1,604)  (174)
  


 


       

Fair value of stock consideration issued to third parties

   33   800 

Treasury stock acquired

   —     5,559 
  


 


Fair value of stock consideration

  $33  $6,359   $33  $7,103 
  


 


       

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 17—Subsequent Events

 

A dividend of $0.06 per Class A Common Stock and a dividend of $0.05 per Class B Common Stock has been declared and is payable onIn April 19, 2006 to stockholders of record on March 15, 2006.

In January 2006, CBS Corp., owner of the UPN network (“UPN”), and Time Warner Inc., owner of the WB network (the “WB”), announced that UPN and the WB will combine to form a new network (the “new network”), which is expected to launch in September 2006. The Company currently owns nine major-market television stations that are affiliated with UPN. The Company’s affiliation agreement with UPN is set to expire in August 2006 and the affected stations are not expected to be affiliated with the new network. As such, the Company will have to find other programming to broadcast on these stations. To the extent that the Company is not successful launching new programming on the affected stations, the Company’s operating results in the Television segment may be adversely impacted.

On January 18, 2006, Valassis Communications, Inc. (“Valassis”) filed suit against News America Incorporated, News America Marketing FSI, LLC and News America Marketing In-Store, Inc. (collectively “News America”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Valassis alleges that News America possesses monopoly power in a claimed in-store advertising and promotions market (the “in-store market”) and has used that power to gain an unfair advantage over Valassis in a purported market for coupons distributed by free standing inserts (“FSIs”). Valassis alleges that News America has entrenched its monopoly power in the in-store market by entering into exclusive contracts with retailers. Valassis further alleges that News America has unlawfully bundled the sale of in-store advertising and promotions with the sale of FSIs and that such bundling constitutes unlawful tying in violation of Sections 1 and 3 of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, as amended (the “Sherman Act”). Valassis also has asserted that News America has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, various state antitrust statutes and has tortiously interfered with Valassis’ actual or expected business relationships. The plaintiff’s complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. News America believes Valassis’ claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

On January 31, 2006, the Company reached an agreement to sellsold Sky Radio Limited, a commercial radio station group in the Netherlands and Germany, to Telegraaf Media Groep N.V. and ING Corporate Investments Participaties B.V., for cash consideration of approximately $225 million. The Company expects to record a gain uponon the closingsale of this transaction.Sky Radio Limited.

In May 2006, the Company acquired a regional cable sports channel for approximately $375 million from Time Warner Inc. This channel has rights to the National Hockey League’s Atlanta Thrashers and shares rights to Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves and the National Basketball Association’s Atlanta Hawks with one of the Company’s existing regional sports networks.

On June 13, 2005, the Company announced that its Board approved a stock repurchase program, under which the Company was authorized to acquire up to an aggregate of $3.0 billion in the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock. In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board had authorized increasing the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6.0 billion.

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information

On June 27, 2003, News America Incorporated (“NAI”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of News Corporation, entered into a $1.75 billion Five Year Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, as syndication agent, and the lenders named therein. News Corporation, FEG Holdings, Inc., Fox Entertainment Group, Inc., News America Marketing FSI, LLC, News Publishing Australia Limited and News Australia Holdings Pty Limited are guarantors (the “Guarantors”) under the Credit Agreement.

The guarantors are wholly owned by the Company or NAI and the guarantees provided are full and unconditional and joint and several.

The Credit Agreement provides a $1.75 billion revolving credit facility with a sub-limit of $600 million available for the issuance of letters of credit, and expires on June 30, 2008. Borrowings are in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. dollars or Euros. The significant terms of the Credit Agreement include the requirement that the Company maintain specific gearing and interest coverage ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company pays a facility fee of 0.15% regardless of facility usage. The Company pays interest of a margin over LIBOR for borrowings and a letter of credit fee of 0.60%. The Company is subject to an additional fee of 0.125% if borrowings under the facility exceed 25% of the committed facility. The interest and fees are based on the Company’s current debt rating.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Guarantors presently guarantee the senior public indebtedness of NAI. The supplemental condensed consolidating financial information of the Guarantors should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein.

In accordance with SEC rules and regulations, the Company uses the equity method to account for the results of all of the non-guarantor subsidiaries, representing substantially all of the Company’s consolidated results of operations, excluding certain intercompany eliminations.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of NAI, News Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors of News Corporation, the non-guarantor subsidiaries of News Corporation and the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006

(US$ in millions)

 

   News America
Incorporated


  News
Corporation


  Guarantor

  Non-Guarantor

  Reclassifications
and Eliminations


  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries


 

Revenues

  3  —    316  12,028  —    12,347 

Expenses

  103  —    210  10,205  —    10,518 
   

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

  (100) —    106  1,823  —    1,829 
   

 

 

 

 

 

Other (Expense) Income:

                   

Interest expense, net

  (957) (35) 223  500  —    (269)

Equity earnings (losses) of affiliates

  (1) —    19  328  —    346 

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

  624  719  293  —    (1,636) —   

Other, net

  26  (42) 18  71  —    73 
   

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

  (408) 642  659  2,722  (1,636) 1,979 

Income tax (expense) benefit

  139  —    (225) (927) 339  (674)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

  —    —    —    (31) —    (31)
   

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  (269) 642  434  1,764  (1,297) 1,274 

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

  —    —    —    381  —    381 
   

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

  (269) 642  434  2,145  (1,297) 1,655 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

  —    —    —    (1,013) —    (1,013)
   

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  (269) 642  434  1,132  (1,297) 642 
   

 

 

 

 

 

   News America
Incorporated
  News
Corporation
  Guarantor  Non-Guarantor  Reclassifications
and Eliminations
  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
 

Revenues

  5  —    493  18,047  —    18,545 

Expenses

  159  —    329  15,217  —    15,705 
                   

Operating income (loss)

  (154) —    164  2,830  —    2,840 
                   

Other (Expense) Income:

       

Interest expense, net

  (1,196) (75) 116  745  —    (410)

Equity earnings (losses) of affiliates

  —    —    21  589  —    610 

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

  1,037  1,607  1,760  —    (4,404) —   

Other, net

  36  (70) 22  255  —    243 
                   

Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

  (277) 1,462  2,083  4,419  (4,404) 3,283 

Income tax (expense) benefit

  97  —    (727) (1,542) 1,027  (1,145)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

  —    —    —    (44) —    (44)
                   

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  (180) 1,462  1,356  2,833  (3,377) 2,094 

Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations

  —    —    —    381  —    381 
                   

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

  (180) 1,462  1,356  3,214  (3,377) 2,475 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

  —    —    —    (1,013) —    (1,013)
                   

Net income (loss)

  (180) 1,462  1,356  2,201  (3,377) 1,462 
                   

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the six monthsnine month period ended DecemberMarch 31, 20042005

(US$ in millions)

 

   News America
Incorporated


  News
Corporation


  Guarantor

  Non-Guarantor

  Reclassifications
and Eliminations


  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries


 

Revenues

  3  —    305  11,400  —    11,708 

Expenses

  143  —    217  9,628  —    9,988 
   

 
  

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

  (140) —    88  1,772  —    1,720 
   

 
  

 

 

 

Other (Expense) Income:

                   

Interest expense, net

  (1,440) —    347  831  —    (262)

Equity earnings of affiliate

  —    —    7  56  —    63 

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

  1,661  1,011  2,272  —    (4,944) —   

Other, net

  114  —    (3) (34) —    77 
   

 
  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

  195  1,011  2,711  2,625  (4,944) 1,598 

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (68) —    (948) (916) 1,476  (456)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

  —    —    (118) (13) —    (131)
   

 
  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  127  1,011  1,645  1,696  (3,468) 1,011 
   

 
  

 

 

 

  News America
Incorporated
  News
Corporation
 Guarantor  Non-Guarantor  Reclassifications
and Eliminations
  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
 

Revenues

 3  —   494  17,254  —    17,751 

Expenses

 185  —   353  14,604  —    15,142 
                 

Operating income (loss)

 (182) —   141  2,650  —    2,609 
                 

Other (Expense) Income:

      

Interest expense, net

 (1,425) —   454  566  —    (405)

Equity earnings (losses) of affiliates, net

 —    —   3  151  —    154 

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

 1,603  1,411 736  —    (3,750) —   

Other, net

 132  —   15  (132) —    15 
                 

Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority subsidiaries

 128  1,411 1,349  3,235  (3,750) 2,373 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 (45) —   (472) (1,132) 876  (773)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

 —    —   (184) (5) —    (189)
                 

Net income (loss)

 83  1,411 693  2,098  (2,874) 1,411 
                 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At DecemberMarch 31, 20052006

(US$ in millions)

 

   News America
Incorporated


  News
Corporation


  Guarantor

  Non-Guarantor

  Reclassifications
and Eliminations


  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries


Assets:

                  

Current Assets:

                  

Cash and cash equivalents

  2,300  2  —    2,941  —    5,243

Receivables, net

  25  —    —    5,408  —    5,433

Inventories, net

  —    —    57  1,860  —    1,917

Other

  22  —    —    357  6  385
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

  2,347  2  57  10,566  6  12,978
   
  
  

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets:

                  

Receivables

  1  —    —    707  —    708

Inventories, net

  —    —    —    2,598  —    2,598

Property, plant and equipment, net

  85  —    1  4,368  —    4,454

Intangible assets

  121  —    70  10,998  —    11,189

Goodwill

  —    —    —    12,167  —    12,167

Other non-current assets

  137  —    —    796  —    933

Investments

                  

Investments in associated companies and Other investments

  123  —    1,263  9,028  —    10,414

Intragroup investments

  45,112  76,640  74,127  15,297  (211,176) —  
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments

  45,235  76,640  75,390  24,325  (211,176) 10,414
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Non-Current Assets

  45,579  76,640  75,461  55,959  (211,176) 42,463
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  47,926  76,642  75,518  66,525  (211,170) 55,441
   
  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                  

Current Liabilities:

                  

Borrowings

  895  —    —    49  —    944

Other current liabilities

  256  —    1,239  4,634  359  6,488
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

  1,151  —    1,239  4,683  359  7,432

Non-current Liabilities:

                  

Borrowings

  11,134  —    —    126  —    11,260

Other liabilities

  —    —    1,055  6,471  400  7,926

Intercompany

  12,526  1,837  (5,117) (9,246) —    —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

  —    —    —    224  —    224

Stockholders’ Equity

  23,115  74,805  78,341  64,267  (211,929) 28,599
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  47,926  76,642  75,518  66,525  (211,170) 55,441
   
  
  

 

 

 

  News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Guarantor  Non-Guarantor  Reclassifications
and Eliminations
  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries

Assets:

      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

 2,530 1 —    2,793  —    5,324

Receivables, net

 26 —   —    4,867  —    4,893

Inventories, net

 —   —   52  1,765  —    1,817

Other

 10 —   —    337  21  368
               

Total Current Assets

 2,566 1 52  9,762  21  12,402
               

Non-Current Assets:

      

Receivables

 1 —   —    702  —    703

Inventories, net

 —   —   —    2,872  —    2,872

Property, plant and equipment, net

 85 —   1  4,419  —    4,505

Intangible assets

 121 —   70  11,089  —    11,280

Goodwill

 —   —   —    12,148  —    12,148

Other

 134 —   —    828  —    962

Investments

      

Investments in associated companies and Other investments

 121 —   1,259  9,013  —    10,393

Intragroup investments

 43,302 78,399 75,493  15,585  (212,779) —  
               

Total Investments

 43,423 78,399 76,752  24,598  (212,779) 10,393
               

Total Non-Current Assets

 43,764 78,399 76,823  56,656  (212,779) 42,863
               

Total Assets

 46,330 78,400 76,875  66,418  (212,758) 55,265
               

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Current Liabilities:

      

Borrowings

 —   —   —    57  —    57

Other current liabilities

 309 178 1,230  4,573  298  6,588
               

Total Current Liabilities

 309 178 1,230  4,642  298  6,645

Non-Current Liabilities:

      

Borrowings

 11,215 —   —    153  —    11,368

Other non-current liabilities

 537 —   1,578  5,944  437  8,496

Intercompany

 13,127 3,208 (5,103) (11,232) —    —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

 —   —   —    242  —    242

Stockholders’ Equity

 21,142 75,014 79,170  66,681  (213,493) 28,514
               

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 46,330 78,400 76,875  66,418  (212,758) 55,265
               

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At June 30, 2005

(US$ in millions)

 

   News America
Incorporated


  News
Corporation


  Guarantor

  Non-Guarantor

  Reclassifications
and Eliminations


  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries


Assets:

                  

Current Assets:

                  

Cash and cash equivalents

  4,234  —    —    2,236  —    6,470

Receivables, net

  22  —    —    4,331  —    4,353

Inventories, net

  —    —    56  1,460  —    1,516

Deferred income taxes

  —    —    —    —    155  155

Other

  1  —    —    284  —    285
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

  4,257  —    56  8,311  155  12,779
   
  
  

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets:

                  

Receivables

  1  —    —    672  —    673

Inventories, net

  —    —    —    2,366  —    2,366

Property, plant and equipment, net

  86  —    9  4,251  —    4,346

Intangible assets

  132  —    69  12,316  —    12,517

Goodwill

  —    —    —    10,944  —    10,944

Other

  130  —    —    669  —    799

Investments

                  

Investments in associated companies and Other investments

  109  —    1,245  8,914  —    10,268

Intragroup investments

  44,445  75,622  73,917  15,735  (209,719) —  
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments

  44,554  75,622  75,162  24,649  (209,719) 10,268
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Non-Current Assets

  44,903  75,622  75,240  55,867  (209,719) 41,913
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  49,160  75,622  75,296  64,178  (209,564) 54,692
   
  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                  

Current Liabilities:

                  

Borrowings

  880  —    —    32  —    912

Other current liabilities

  316  —    1,246  4,081  94  5,737
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

  1,196  —    1,246  4,113  94  6,649

Non-Current Liabilities:

                  

Borrowings

  9,958  —    —    129  —    10,087

Other non-current liabilities

  —    —    1,799  8,361  (1,800) 8,360

Intercompany

  15,180  593  (4,987) (10,786) —    —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

  —    —    —    219  —    219

Stockholders’ Equity

  22,826  75,029  77,238  62,142  (207,858) 29,377
   
  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  49,160  75,622  75,296  64,178  (209,564) 54,692
   
  
  

 

 

 

  News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Guarantor  Non-Guarantor  Reclassifications
and Eliminations
  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries

Assets:

      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

 4,234 —   —    2,236  —    6,470

Receivables, net

 22 —   —    4,331  —    4,353

Inventories, net

 —   —   56  1,460  —    1,516

Other

 1 —   —    284  155  440
               

Total Current Assets

 4,257 —   56  8,311  155  12,779
               

Non-Current Assets:

      

Receivables

 1 —   —    672  —    673

Inventories, net

 —   —   —    2,366  —    2,366

Property, plant and equipment, net

 86 —   9  4,251  —    4,346

Intangible assets

 132 —   69  12,316  —    12,517

Goodwill

 —   —   —    10,944  —    10,944

Other

 130 —   —    669  —    799

Investments

      

Investments in associated companies and Other investments

 109 —   1,245  8,914  —    10,268

Intragroup investments

 44,445 75,622 73,917  15,735  (209,719) —  
               

Total Investments

 44,554 75,622 75,162  24,649  (209,719) 10,268
               

Total Non-Current Assets

 44,903 75,622 75,240  55,867  (209,719) 41,913
               

Total Assets

 49,160 75,622 75,296  64,178  (209,564) 54,692
               

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Current Liabilities:

      

Borrowings

 880 —   —    32  —    912

Other current liabilities

 316 —   1,246  4,081  94  5,737
               

Total Current Liabilities

 1,196 —   1,246  4,113  94  6,649

Non-Current Liabilities:

      

Borrowings

 9,958 —   —    129  —    10,087

Other non-current liabilities

 —   —   1,799  8,361  (1,800) 8,360

Intercompany

 15,180 593 (4,987) (10,786) —    —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

 —   —   —    219  —    219

Stockholders’ Equity

 22,826 75,029 77,238  62,142  (207,858) 29,377
               

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 49,160 75,622 75,296  64,178  (209,564) 54,692
               

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006

(US$ in millions)

 

   News America
Incorporated


  News
Corporation


  Guarantor

  Non-Guarantor

  Reclassifications
and Eliminations


  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries


 

Operating activities:

                   
   

 

 
  

 
  

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  (3,062) 1,243  —    2,280  —    461 
   

 

 
  

 
  

Investing and other activities:

                   

Property, plant and equipment

  (7) —    —    (405) —    (412)

Investments

  2  —    —    (1,647) —    (1,645)

Proceeds from sale of investments, non-current assets and business disposals

  —    —    —    510  —    510 
   

 

 
  

 
  

Net cash used in investing activities

  (5) —    —    (1,542) —    (1,547)
   

 

 
  

 
  

Financing activities:

                   

Issuance of debt

  1,133  —    —    16  —    1,149 

Repayment of debt

  —    —    —    (7) —    (7)

Issuance of shares

  —    63  —    10  —    73 

Repurchase of shares

  —    (1,067) —    —    —    (1,067)

Dividends paid

  —    (237) —    (4) —    (241)
   

 

 
  

 
  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  1,133  (1,241) —    15  —    (93)
   

 

 
  

 
  

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

  (1,934) 2  —    753  —    (1,179)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  4,234  —    —    2,236  —    6,470 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

  —    —    —    (48) —    (48)
   

 

 
  

 
  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  2,300  2  —    2,941  —    5,243 
   

 

 
  

 
  

  News America
Incorporated
  News
Corporation
  Guarantor Non-Guarantor  Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
 

Operating activities:

      

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 (2,002) 1,956  —   2,095  —   2,049 
                

Investing and other activities:

      

Property, plant and equipment

 (6) —    —   (642) —   (648)

Investments

 2  —    —   (1,665) —   (1,663)

Proceeds from sale of investments, non-current assets and business disposals

 —    —    —   799  —   799 
                

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 (4) —    —   (1,508) —   (1,512)
                

Financing activities:

      

Issuance of debt

 1,133  —    —   16  —   1,149 

Repayment of debt

 (831) —    —   (8) —   (839)

Issuance of shares

 —    94  —   16  —   110 

Repurchase of shares

 —    (1,810) —   —    —   (1,810)

Dividends paid

 —    (239) —   (7) —   (246)
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 302  (1,955) —   17  —   (1,636)
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 (1,704) 1  —   604  —   (1,099)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 4,234  —    —   2,236  —   6,470 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

 —    —    —   (47) —   (47)
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 2,530  1  —   2,793  —   5,324 
                

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the sixnine month period ended DecemberMarch 31, 20042005

(US$ in millions)

 

  News America
Incorporated


  News
Corporation


  Guarantor

  Non-Guarantor

  Reclassifications
and Eliminations


 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries


 

Operating activities:

                 
  

 

 

 

 
 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 (569) 72  125  1,352  —   980 
  

 

 

 

 
 

Investing and other activities:

                 

Property, plant and equipment

 (1) —    (3) (421) —   (425)

Investments

 (3) —    (122) (80) —   (205)

Proceeds from sale of investments, non-current assets and business disposals

 14  —    —    530  —   544 
  

 

 

 

 
 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 10  —    (125) 29  —   (86)
  

 

 

 

 
 

Financing activities:

                 

Issuance of debt

 1,743  —    —    12  —   1,755 

Repayment of debt

 (15) —    —    (1,814) —   (1,829)

Cash on deposit

 275  —    —    —    —   275 

Issuance of shares

 —    30  —    7  —   37 

Dividends paid

 —    (100) —    (21) —   (121)
  

 

 

 

 
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 2,003  (70) —    (1,816) —   117 
  

 

 

 

 
 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 1,444  2  —    (435) —   1,011 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 1,972  —    3  2,076  —   4,051 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

 —    —    —    133  —   133 
  

 

 

 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 3,416  2  3  1,774  —   5,195 
  

 

 

 

 
 

  News America
Incorporated
  News
Corporation
  Guarantor  Non-Guarantor  Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
 

Operating activities:

      

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 145  47  (93) 2,214  —   2,313 
                 

Investing and other activities:

      

Property, plant and equipment

 (1) —    (4) (705) —   (710)

Investments

 (136) —    (4) (173) —   (313)

Proceeds from sale of investments, non-current assets and business disposals

 14  —    98  531  —   643 
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 (123) —    90  (347) —   (380)
                 

Financing activities:

      

Issuance of debt

 1,743  —    —    33  —   1,776 

Repayment of debt

 (135) —    —    (1,960) —   (2,095)

Cash on deposit

 275  —    —    —    —   275 

Issuance of shares

 —    54  —    11  —   65 

Dividends paid

 —    (101) —    (23) —   (124)
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 1,883  (47) —    (1,939) —   (103)
                 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 1,905  —    (3) (72) —   1,830 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 1,972  —    3  2,076  —   4,051 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

 —    —    —    112  —   112 
                 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 3,877  —    —    2,116  —   5,993 
                 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)STATEMENTS

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Notes to Supplemental Guarantor Information

(1) Guarantors consist of the Company and the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company:

(1)Guarantors consist of the Company and the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company:

 

Subsidiaries


  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation


  

Principal Business


News Australia Holdings Pty Ltd

  

Australia

  A subsidiary of News Corporation, which holds all of the stock of News Holdings Limited (formerly known as The News Corporation Limited),

News Publishing Australia Limited

  

Delaware, USA

  U.S. holding company, which owns 100% of NAI.

FEG Holdings, Inc.

  

Delaware, USA

  A subsidiary of NAI.

News America Marketing FSI, LLC

  

Delaware, USA

  Publishes free-standing inserts.

Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.

  

Delaware, USA

  A subsidiary of News Corporation, principally engaged in the development, production and worldwide distribution of feature films and television programs, television broadcasting, and cable network programming.

(2) Investments in the Company’s subsidiaries, for purposes of the supplemental condensed consolidating presentation, are accounted for by their parent companies under the equity method of accounting whereby earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the parent company’s investment account and earnings.

(2)Investments in the Company’s subsidiaries, for purposes of the supplemental condensed consolidating presentation, are accounted for by their parent companies under the equity method of accounting whereby earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the parent company’s investment account and earnings.

(3) The guarantees of NAI’s senior public indebtedness constitute senior indebtedness of each of the guarantors thereto, including the Company, and rank pari passu with all present and future senior indebtedness of such guarantors. Because the factual basis underlying the obligations created pursuant to the various facilities and other obligations constituting senior indebtedness of the Company and the guarantors of NAI’s senior public indebtedness, including the Company, differ, it is not possible to predict how a court in bankruptcy would accord priorities among the obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries.

(3)The guarantees of NAI’s senior public indebtedness constitute senior indebtedness of each of the guarantors thereto, including the Company, and rank pari passu with all present and future senior indebtedness of such guarantors. Because the factual basis underlying the obligations created pursuant to the various facilities and other obligations constituting senior indebtedness of the Company and the guarantors of NAI’s senior public indebtedness, including the Company, differ, it is not possible to predict how a court in bankruptcy would accord priorities among the obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “believe” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this document and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of News Corporation, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting News Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations. The readers of this document are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors is set forth under the heading “Risk Factors,” in this report. News Corporation does not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review other documents filed by News Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This section should be read together with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of News Corporation and related notes set forth elsewhere herein.

REORGANIZATION

Effective November 12, 2004, the Company changed its corporate domicile from Australia to the United States and its reporting currency from the Australian dollar to the U.S. dollar (“the Reorganization”). As a result, the Company’s accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars as opposed to Australian dollars, which was the currency the Company previously used to present its financial statements, and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP.

In the Reorganization, all outstanding ordinary shares and preferred limited voting ordinary shares of The News Corporation Limited (“TNCL”) were cancelled and shares of the Company’s Class A (“Class A Common StockStock”) non-voting common stock and Class B voting common stock (“Class B Common StockStock”) of the Company were issued in exchange, respectively, on a one-for-two share basis. The financial statements have been presented as if the one-for-two share exchange took place on July 1, 2004.

INTRODUCTION

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help provide an understanding of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. MD&A is organized as follows:

 

  Overview of the Company’s Business—This section provides a general description of the Company’s businesses, as well as recent developments that have occurred either during fiscal 2006 that the Company believes are important in understanding the results of operations and financial condition or to disclose known trends.

 

  Results of Operations—This section provides an analysis of the Company’s results of operations for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 2004.2005. This analysis is presented on both a consolidated and a segment basis. In addition, a brief description of significant transactions and events that impact the comparability of the results being analyzed is provided.

 

  Liquidity and Capital Resources—This section provides an analysis of the Company’s cash flows for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 2004.2005. Included in the discussion of outstanding debt is a discussion of the amount of financial capacity available to fund the Company’s future commitments and obligations, as well as a discussion of other financing arrangements.

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS

The Company is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments:

 

Filmed Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production of original television programming in the United States and Canada.

 

Television, which principally consists of the operation of 35 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (of these stations, 25 are affiliated with the FOX network, nine are affiliated with the UPN network until September 2006 and one is an independent station); the broadcasting of network programming in the United States; and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia.

 

Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the production and licensing of programming distributed through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) operators in the United States.

 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which principally consists of the distribution of premium programming services via satellite directly to subscribers in Italy.

 

Magazines and Inserts, which principally consists of the publication of free standing inserts, which are promotional booklets containing consumer offers distributed through insertion in local Sunday newspapers in the United States and providing in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers, in the United States and Canada.

 

Newspapers, which principally consists of the publication of four national newspapers in the United Kingdom, the publication of more than 110 newspapers in Australia, and the publication of a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper in the United States.

 

Book Publishing, which principally consists of the publication of English language books throughout the world.

 

Other, which includes NDS Group plc (“NDS”), a company engaged in the business of supplying open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers; Global Cricket Corporation, which has the exclusive rights to broadcast the Cricket World Cup and other related International Cricket Council cricket events through 2007; News Outdoor, an advertising business which offers display advertising in locations throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and Fox Interactive Media, which operates the Company’s Internet activities.

Filmed Entertainment

The Filmed Entertainment segment derives revenue from the production and distribution of feature motion pictures and television series. In general, motion pictures produced or acquired for distribution by the Company are exhibited in U.S. and foreign theaters followed by DVDs, pay-per-view television, premium subscription television, network television and basic cable and syndicated television exploitation. Television series initially produced for the networks and first-run syndication are generally licensed to domestic and international markets concurrently. The more successful series are typically released in seasonal DVD box sets and later syndicated in domestic markets and international markets. The length of the revenue cycle for television series will vary depending on the number of seasons a series remains in active production and, therefore, may cause fluctuations in operating results. License fees received for television exhibition (including international and U.S. premium television and basic cable television) are recorded as revenue in the period that licensed films or programs are available for such exhibition, which may cause substantial fluctuations in operating results.

The revenues and operating results of the Filmed Entertainment segment are significantly affected by the timing of the Company’s theatrical and home entertainment releases, the number of its original and returning

television series that are aired by television networks, and the number of its television series in off-network syndication. Theatrical and home entertainment release dates are determined by several factors, including timing of vacation and holiday periods and competition in the marketplace. The distribution windows for the release of motion pictures theatrically and in various home entertainment formats have been compressing and may continue to change in the future. A general reduction in timing between theatrical and home entertainment releases could adversely affect the revenues and operating results of this segment. In seeking to manage its risk, the Company has pursued a strategy of entering into agreements to share the financing of certain films with other parties. The parties to these arrangements include studio and non-studio entities, both domestic and foreign. In several of these agreements, other parties control certain distribution rights.

Operating costs incurred by the Filmed Entertainment segment include exploitation costs, primarily theatrical prints and advertising and home entertainment marketing and manufacturing costs; the amortization of capitalized production, overhead and interest costs; and participations and talent residuals. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

The Company competes with other major studios, such as Disney, DreamWorks, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros., and independent film producers in the production and distribution of motion pictures and DVDs. As a producer and distributor of television programming, the Company competes with studios, television production groups, and independent producers and syndicators, such as Disney, Sony, NBC Universal, Warner Bros. and Paramount Television to sell programming both domestically and internationally. The Company also competes to obtain creative talent and story properties which are essential to the success of the Company’s filmed entertainment businesses.

In the operation of its businesses, the Company engages the services of writers, directors, actors and others, which are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Work stoppages and/or higher costs in connection with these agreements could adversely impact the Company’s operations.

Television and Cable Network Programming

The Company’s U.S television operations consist of the FOX Broadcasting Company (“FOX”) and the 35 television stations owned by the Company. The Company’s international television operations consist primarily of STAR Group Limited (“STAR”).

The television broadcast environment is highly competitive. The primary methods of competition in broadcast television are the development and acquisition of popular programming and the development of audience interest through programming promotion, in order to sell advertising at profitable rates. FOX competes for audience, advertising revenues and programming with other broadcast networks, such as CBS, ABC, NBC, UPN and the WB, independent television stations, cable program services, as well as other media, including DBS television services, DVDs, video games, print and the Internet. In addition, FOX competes with the other broadcast networks to secure affiliations with independently owned television stations in markets across the country. (See Other Recent Business Developments below for discussion of the announced UPN and WB network combination.combination and the launch of My Network TV.)

The television stations owned and operated by the Company compete for programming, audiences and advertising revenues with other television stations and cable networks in their respective coverage areas and, in some cases, with respect to programming, with other station groups, and in the case of advertising revenues, with other local and national media. The competitive position of the television stations owned by the Company is largely influenced by the strength of FOX, and, in particular, the primetime viewership of FOX, as well as the quality of the syndicated programs and local news programs in time periods not programmed by FOX.

In 2002, Nielsen Media Research (“Nielsen”) began to transition the existing local television ratings system to the use of Local People Meters (“LPMs”) in certain large markets. The transition to LPMs has adversely

impacted the ratings of the television stations owned by the Company in some of the markets where the transition has

occurred. In January 2006, Nielsen introduced LPMs in the Dallas and Detroit markets and plans to establish LPMs in the Atlanta market inat the end of fiscal 2007.

2006.

Generally, the Company’s cable networks, which target various demographics, derive a majority of their revenues from monthly affiliate fees received from cable television systems and DBS operators based on the number of its subscribers, net of the amortization of cable distribution investments (capitalized fees paid to a cable operator or DBS operator to facilitate the launch of a cable network). The Company defers the cable distribution investments and amortizes the amounts on a straight-line basis over the contract period. Cable television and DBS are currently the predominant means of distribution of the Company’s program services in the United States. Internationally, distribution technology varies region by region.

The Company’s cable networks compete for carriage on cable television systems, DBS operators and other distributors with other program services, as well as other uses of bandwidth, such as retransmission of free over-the-air broadcast networks, telephony and data transmission. A primary focus of competition is for distribution of the Company’s cable networksnetwork channels that are not already distributed within a particular cable television or DBS system. For such program services, distributors make decisions on the use of bandwidth based on various considerations, including amounts paid by programmers for launches, subscription fees payable by distributors and appeal to the distributors’ subscribers.

In Asia, STAR’s programming is primarily distributed via satellite to local cable operators or other pay-television platform operators for distribution to their subscribers. STAR derives its revenue from the sale of advertising time as well asand affiliate fees from these pay-television platform operators.

The most significant operating expenses of the Television segment and the Cable Network Programming segment are expenses related to acquiring and producing programming and to the production and technical expenses related to operating the technical facilities of the broadcaster or cable network. Other expenses include promotional expenses related to improving the market visibility and awareness of the broadcaster or cable network and sales commissions paid to the in-house advertising sales force, as well as salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

The Company has several multi-year sports rights agreements, including contracts with the National Football League (“NFL”) through fiscal 2012, contracts with the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”) for certain races and exclusive rights for certain ancillary content through calendar year 2014, and a contract with Major League Baseball (“MLB”) through calendar year 2006. These contracts provide the Company with the broadcast rights to certain national sporting events during their respective terms. The costs of these sports contracts are charged to expense based on the ratio of each period’s operating profits to estimated total remaining operating profit of the contract.

The profitability of these long-term national sports contracts, as discussed above, is based on the Company’s best estimates at DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 of directly attributable revenues and costs; such estimates may change in the future and such changes may be significant. Should revenues decline from estimates applied at DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, a loss will be recorded. Should revenues improve as compared to estimated revenues, the Company will have a positive operating profit related to the contract, which will be recognized over the estimated remaining contract term.

While the Company seeks to ensure compliance with federal indecency laws and related regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”), the definition of “indecency” is subject to interpretation and there can be no assurance that the Company will not broadcast programming that is ultimately determined by the FCC to violate the prohibition against indecency. Such programming could subject the Company to regulatory review or investigation, fines, adverse publicity or other sanctions, including the loss of station licenses.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

SKY Italia derives revenues principally from subscriber fees. The Company believes that the quality and variety of video, audio and interactive programming, quality of picture, access to service, customer service and

price are the key elements for gaining and maintaining market share. SKY Italia’s competition includes companies that offer video, audio, interactive programming, telephony, data and other information and entertainment services, including broadband Internet providers, digital terrestrial transmission (“DTT”) services, wireless companies and companies that are developing new technologies.

During fiscal 2005, competitive DTT services in Italy expanded to include pay-per-view offering of soccer games previously available exclusively on the SKY Italia platform. The Company is currently prohibited from providing a DTT service under regulations of the European Commission. In addition, the Italian government has previously offered a subsidy on the purchase of DTT decoders. As a result, DTT operators could entice potential SKY Italia subscribers to their system.

SKY Italia’s most significant operating expenses are those related to acquiring entertainment, movie and sports programming and subscribers and the production and technical expenses related to operating the technical facilities. Operating expenses related to sports programming are generally recognized over the course of the related sport season, which may cause fluctuations in the operating results of this segment.

Magazines and Inserts

The Magazines and Inserts segment derives revenues from the sale of advertising space in free standing inserts, in-store promotional advertising, subscriptions and production fees. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising may affect revenues. Operating expenses for the Magazines and Inserts segment include paper costs, promotional, printing, retail commissions, distribution expenses and production costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

Newspapers

The Newspapers segment derives revenues from the sale of advertising space and the sale of published newspapers. Competition for circulation is based upon the content of the newspaper, service and price. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising may affect revenues. Circulation revenues can be greatly affected by changes in competitors’ cover prices and by promotion activities. Operating expenses for the Newspapers segment include costs related to newsprint, ink, printing costs and editorial content. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

The Newspapers segment’s advertising volume and the price of newsprint are the key uncertainties whose fluctuations can have a material effect on the Company’s operating results and cash flow. The Company has to anticipate the level of advertising volume and newsprint prices in managing its businesses to maximize operating profit during expanding and contracting economic cycles. Newsprint is a basic commodity and its price is sensitive to the balance of supply and demand. The Company’s costs and expenses are affected by the cyclical increases and decreases in the price of newsprint. The newspapers published by the Company compete for readership and advertising with local and national newspapers and also compete with television, radio and other communications media alternatives in their respective locales. Competition for newspaper circulation is based on the news and editorial content of the newspaper, cover price and, from time to time, various promotions. The success of the newspapers published by the Company in competing with other newspapers and media for advertising depends upon advertisers’ judgments as to the most effective use of their advertising budgets. Competition for advertising among newspapers is based upon circulation levels, readership levels, reader demographics, advertising rates and advertiser results. Such judgments are based on factors, such as cost, availability of alternative media, circulation and quality of readership demographics.

Book Publishing

The Book Publishing segment derives revenues from the sale of adult and children’s books in the United States and internationally. The revenues and operating results of the Book Publishing segment are significantly affected by the timing of the Company’s releases and the number of its books in the marketplace. The book publishing marketplace is subject to increased periods of demand in the summer months and during the end-of-year holiday season. Each book is a separate and distinct product, and its financial success depends upon many factors, including public acceptance.

Major new title releases represent a significant portion of the Company’s sales throughout the year. Consumer books are generally sold on a fully returnable basis, resulting in the return of unsold books. In the domestic and international markets, the Company is subject to global trends and local economic conditions.

Operating expenses for the Book Publishing segment include costs related to paper, printing, authors’ royalties, editorial, art and design expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include promotional expenses, salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

The book publishing business operates in a highly competitive market and has been affected by consolidation trends. This market continues to change in response to technological innovations and other factors. Recent years have brought a number of significant mergers among the leading book publishers. The book superstore remains a significant factor in the industry contributing to the general trend toward consolidation in the retail channel. There have also been a number of mergers completed in the distribution channel. The Company must compete with other publishers, such as Random House, Penguin Group, Simon & Schuster and Time WarnerHachette Livre, for the rights to works by well-known authors and public personalities. Although the Company currently has strong positions in each of its markets, further consolidation in the book publishing industry could place the Company at a competitive disadvantage with respect to scale and resources.

Other Recent Business Developments

In January 2006, CBS Corp., owner of the UPN network (“UPN”), and Time Warner Inc., owner of the WB network (the “WB”), announced that UPN and the WB willwould combine to form a new network, (the “new network”), which is expected to launch in September 2006. The Company currently owns nine major-market television stations that are affiliated with UPN. The Company’s affiliation agreement with UPN, is set towhich affiliations expire in August 2006. In February 2006, and the affectedCompany announced it would launch My Network TV, a new primetime program network in September 2006. My Network TV will provide primetime programming to the Company’s nine stations are not expected to bethat had been affiliated with the new network. As such, the Company will haveUPN, as well as to find other programming to broadcast on thesenumerous affiliate stations. To the extent that the CompanyMy Network TV is not successful, launching new programming on the affected stations, the Company’s operating results in the Television segment may be adversely impacted.

In July 2005, the Company formed a new division, Fox Interactive Media (“FIM”), to expand the Company’s Internet presence, and increase the Company’s opportunity to participate in the growing web-based advertising market. FIM’s primary focus is to build an integrated online Internet network of premierpremiere destinations that allows users to experience, engage, customize and personalize their web experience. The Company purchased several Internet companies during September and Octoberfiscal 2006 through its FIM division.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations—For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 versus the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2004.2005.

The following table sets forth the Company’s operating results, for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 as compared to the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2004.2005.

 

  

For the three months ended

December 31,


 

For the six months ended

December 31,


   For the three months ended
March 31,
 For the nine months ended
March 31,
 
  2005

 2004

 % Change

 2005

 2004

 % Change

   2006 2005 % Change 2006 2005 % Change 
  (in millions, except % and per share amounts)   (in millions, except % and per share amounts) 

Revenues

  $6,665  $6,562  2% $12,347  $11,708  5%  $6,198  $6,043  3% $18,545  $17,751  4%

Expenses:

          

Operating

   4,471   4,485  —     8,110   7,865  3%   4,006   4,060  (1)%  12,116   11,925  2%

Selling, general and administrative

   978   938  4%  1,937   1,797  8%   989   918  8%  2,926   2,715  8%

Depreciation and amortization

   197   149  32%  372   277  34%   189   176  7%  561   453  24%

Other operating charge

   99   36  **   99   49  **    3   —    **  102   49  **
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Total operating income

  $920  $954  (4)% $1,829  $1,720  6%  $1,011  $889  14% $2,840  $2,609  9%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Interest expense, net

   (141)  (137) (3)%  (269)  (262) (3)%   (141)  (143) 1%  (410)  (405) (1)%

Equity earnings of affiliates

   160   48  **   346   63  **    264   91  **  610   154  **

Other, net

   62   (114) **   73   77  (5)%   170   (62) **  243   15  **
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,001   751      33% $1,979  $1,598  24%   1,304   775  68% $3,283  $2,373  38%

Income tax expense

   (292)  (276) (6)%  (674)  (456) (48)%   (471)  (317) (49)%  (1,145)  (773) (48)%

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (15)  (89) 83%  (31)  (131) 76%   (13)  (58) 78%  (44)  (189) 77%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Income from continuing operations

   694   386  80%  1,274   1,011  26%   820   400  **  2,094   1,411  48%

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax

   381   —    **   381   —    **    —     —    —     381   —    **
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   1,075   386  **   1,655   1,011  64%   820   400  **  2,475   1,411  75%

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   —     —    **   (1,013)  —    **    —     —    —     (1,013)  —    **
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Net income

  $1,075  $386  **  $642  $1,011  (36)%  $820  $400  ** $1,462  $1,411  4%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (1)

  $0.21  $0.13  62% $0.39  $0.34  15%  $0.26  $0.13  100% $0.64  $0.47  36%

**not meaningful
(1)Represents earnings per share based on the total weighted average shares outstanding (Class A and Class B combined) for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 2004. Class A non-voting common stock (“2005. Class A Common Stock”)Stock carry rights to a greater dividend than Class B voting common stock (“Class B Common Stock”)Stock through fiscal 2007. As such, net income available to the Company’s stockholders is allocated between ourthe Company’s two classes of common stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. InSubsequent to the final fiscal 2008,2007 dividend payment, shares of Class A Common Stock will cease to carry any rights to a greater dividend than shares of Class B Common Stock. See Note 15 Earnings Per Share.

Overview—The Company’s revenues increased 2%3% and 5%4%, for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. The increases for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 were primarily due to revenue increases at the Cable Network Programming, Television, Direct Broadcast Satellite Television and Other segments, which were partially offset by

revenue declines at the Filmed Entertainment segment. IncreasedAdditionally, reduced revenues at the NewspapersTelevision segment, primarily from the absence of the Super Bowl broadcast, also contributed tooffset the revenue increase for the sixthree months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 noted above.

Operating expenses were consistentdown 1% for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005 with the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. Operating expenses for the six months ended December 31, 2005 increased approximately 3%2006 from the corresponding period of fiscal 2005, primarily due to the absence of the sports rights associated with the broadcast of Super Bowl XXXIX in the prior fiscal year. Operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 increased approximately 2% from the corresponding period of fiscal 2005, primarily due to increased expenses at the Cable Network Programming segment and acquisitions made by the Newspaper segments,segment and FIM. These increases were partially offset by reduced operating expenses at the Filmed Entertainment segment. The increased operating expenses at the Cable Network Programming segment were due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio Regional Sports Networks (“RSNs”), and the consolidation of Fox Sports Net, a national sports program service, beginning in April 2005 and higher programming costs at the remaining RSNs and FX Network (“FX”). The increase at Newspapers segment was primarily due toIn addition, operating results include the consolidation of Queensland Press Pty Ltd (“QPL”). within the Newspapers segment and the impact of the FIM acquisitions. The operating expense reduction at the Filmed Entertainment segment was due to reduced amortization of production and participation costs, as well as reduced home entertainment marketing and manufacturing costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately 4% and 8% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005, respectively,2006 from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005, primarily due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio RSNs, Fox Sports Net and QPL. In addition, the impact of acquisitions at FIM also contributed to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses during the three and nine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006. Depreciation and amortization expense increased approximately 32%7% and 34%24% during the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005, primarily due to accelerated depreciation recognized on printing plant assets in the United Kingdom and the amortization of intangible assets acquired on the purchase of the minority interest in the Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. minority interest in March 2005, as well as incremental expenses resulting from the acquisitions at FIM noted above.

Accelerated depreciation recognized on printing plant assets in the United Kingdom also impacted the nine months ended March 31, 2006.

During the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, Operating income decreased 4%increased 14% and increased 6%9%, respectively, from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. The decrease in Operating income during the three months ended December 31, 2005, was primarily due to the $99revenue increases noted above. The Operating income increase for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 was offset by a $102 million redundancy provision recorded as an other operating charge during the period,fiscal 2006. The redundancy provision was recorded at the Newspapers segment, for certain U.K. employees as a result of the Company committing to a reduction in workforce, which is associated with the development of a new printing plantplants in the United Kingdom. The redundancy provision more than offset the net improvements in revenues and expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2005, noted above. The increase during the six months was due to the changes in revenues and expenses noted above, which were partially offset by the $99 million redundancy provision, also noted above.

Interest expense, net—netInterest expense, net decreased by $2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and increased $4$5 million and $7 millionin the nine months ended March 31, 2006. Interest expense increased for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005, respectively,2006, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These increases are due primarily to interest on the Company’s issuance of $1.75$1.0 billion in 6.2% senior notes due 2034 and $750 million in 5.3% senior notes due 2014 in December 2004 and $1.15 billion in 6.4% senior notes due 2035 in December 2005. These increases were more than offset in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and were partially offset in the nine months ended March 31, 2006 due to higher interest income.

Equity earnings (losses) of affiliates—Net earnings from equity affiliates for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 increased $112$173 million and $283$456 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These improvements were primarily due to increased contributions from The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (“DIRECTV”) on subscriber growth and increased pricing. DIRECTV’s results also reflect lower expenses

associated with the introduction of a new set-top receiver program. The improved results also include the recognition of a tax benefit by Innova. Additionally the net earnings from affiliates for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2006 include a favorable impact from foreign currency fluctuations at Sky Brasil and increased contributions from the British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“BSkyB”) as a result of higher DBS subscribers and increased pricing, partially offset by the unfavorable impact from foreign currency fluctuations at Sky Brasil.

, respectively.

  For the three months ended December 31,

 For the six months ended December 31,

   For the three months ended
March 31,
 For the nine months ended
March 31,
 
      2005    

     2004    

 % Change

     2005    

     2004    

 % Change

   2006  2005 % Change 2006 2005 % Change 
  (in millions, except %)   (in millions, except %) 

BSkyB

  $86  $64  34% $186  $142  31%  $100  $107  (7)% $286  $249  15%

DIRECTV

   19   (77) **   28   (177) **    61   (40) **  89   (217) **

Sky Brasil

   (10)  12  **   4   25  (84)%   19   (2) **  23   23  —   

Innova

   41   6  **  61   17  **

FOXTEL

   (1)  (7) 86%  (3)  (14) 79%   2   (3) **  (1)  (17) 94%

Other equity affiliates

   66   56  18%  131   87  51%   41   23  78%  152   99  54%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Total equity earnings of affiliates

  $160  $48  **  $346  $63  **   $264  $91  ** $610  $154  **
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

**not meaningful

Other, net—Other, net forconsisted of the three months ended December 31, 2005 was primarily comprised of $68 million of unrealized gains in fair value on the Company’s exchangeable securities, as compared to $86 million of unrealized losses included in the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. Other, net for the six months ended December 31, 2005 was primarily comprised of a $52 million gain on the sale of a cost method investment in China Netcom Group Corporation that occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 and unrealized gains in fair value on the Company’s exchangeable securities of approximately $27 million. The three and six months ended December 31, 2004 included a $55 million loss on the sale of Sky Multi-Country Partners, partially offset by a $39 million gain on the sale of Rogers Sportsnet. The six months ended December 31, 2004 also included unrealized gains in fair value on the Company’s exchangeable securities of approximately $93 million.following:

 

   For the three
months ended
March 31,
  For the nine
months ended
March 31,
 
   2006  2005  2006  2005 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Gain on sale of Innova(a)

  $206  $—    $206  $—   

Gain on sale of China Netcom(a)

   —     —     52   —   

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(b)

   (35)  14   (8)  105 

LYONs deferred financing costs(c)

   (13)  —     (13)  —   

Loss on sale of Sky Multi-Country Partners(a)

   —     —     —     (55)

Gain on sale of Rogers Sportsnet(a)

   —     —     —     39 

Loss on RPP exchange(d)

   —     (77)  —     (77)

Other

   12   1   6   3 
                 

Total Other, net

  $170  $(62) $243  $15 
                 

(a)See Note 5—Investments
(b)The Company has certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities which contain embedded derivatives. Pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” these embedded derivatives require separate accounting and, as such, changes in their fair value are recognized in Other, net.
(c)See Note 7—Borrowings
(d)The Company exchanged its 40% investment in Regional Programming Partners (“RPP”) for 60% interests in Rainbow Media Holdings’ (“Rainbow”) Fox Sports Net Ohio and Fox Sports Net Florida and Rainbow’s 50% interests in National Sports partners and National Advertising Partners.

Income tax expense—The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was 29.2%36.1% which was higher than the U.S. Statutory rate due to the state and 34.1%, respectively.foreign income taxes. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 was 34.9%. The effective tax rates for the fiscal 2006 periods are lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due toreflect the positive impact of the Company’s application of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“AJCA”). The Company reflected a tax benefit of approximately $100$11 million relating toand $113 million in the AJCAthree and nine months ended March 31, 2006, respectively, primarily resulting from the reduction of prior tax accruals relating to the planned repatriation of foreign earnings at the lower rate of 5.25% under the AJCA.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was lower than the effective tax rate of 36.8%40.9% for the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 due to the impact of the AJCA noted above. The effective tax rate for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was higher than the effective tax rate for the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 of 28.6%32.6%, primarily due to the impact on the effective rate of the resolution of foreign income tax audits in September 2004.

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax—Minority interest expense improved by $74$45 million and $100$145 million for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These improvements are primarily due to the acquisition of minority shareholdersshares of Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (“FEG”) in fiscal 2005.

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax—In October 2005, the Company sold its TSL Education Ltd. division, which primarily included The Times Educational Supplement publication in the United Kingdom to Exponent Private Equity for cash consideration of approximately $395 million. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $381 million, net of tax of $0, in Gain on disposition of discontinued operations in the unaudited consolidated statementsstatement of operations.operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.

The provision for income taxes reported in discontinued operations of $0 differs from the amount computed using the statutory income tax rate, due to the tax being offset by a release of a valuation allowance that was applied to an existing deferred tax asset established for capital losses, which because of the TSL transaction can now be utilized. Therefore, there iswill be no resulting tax liability.

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax—Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Topic No. D-108, “Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other Than Goodwill” (“D-108”). D-108 requires companies who have applied the residual value method in the valuation of acquired identifiable intangibles for purchase accounting and impairment testing to now use a direct value method. As a result of the adoption, the Company recorded a charge of $1.6 billion ($1 billion net of tax, or ($0.32)0.33) per share of Class A Common Stock and ($0.27) per share of Class B Common Stock), to reduce the intangible balances attributable to its television stations’ FCC licenses. This charge has been reflected as a cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Net income—incomeNet income increased $689$420 million and decreased $369$51 million for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These increases were primarily due to increases in Operating income, Equity earnings from affiliates and Other income, as well as lower minority interest expense. The improvementNet income increase for the threenine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005 primarily reflects2006 also includes the gainGain on the disposition of discontinued operations an increase in equity earnings from affiliates, increased other income and lower minority interest expense,is partially offset by the decrease in operating income. The decline for the six months ended December 31, 2005 primarily reflects the cumulativeCumulative effect of accounting change, partially offset by the gain on disposition of discontinued operations, an increase in equity earnings from affiliates, lower minority interest expense and the increase in operating income.change.

Segment Analysis:

The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues and operating income by segment, for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, as compared to the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2004.2005.

 

  For the three months ended
December 31,


 For the six months ended
December 31,


   For the three months ended
March 31,
 For the nine months ended
March 31,
 
  2005

 2004

 %
Change


 2005

 2004

 %
Change


   2006 2005 % Change 2006 2005 % Change 
  (in millions, except %)   (in millions, except %) 

Revenues:

       

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,607  $1,872  (14)% $3,026  $3,249  (7)%  $1,388  $1,477  (6)% $4,414  $4,726  (7)%

Television

   1,596   1,564  2%  2,644   2,568  3%   1,347   1,414  (5)%  3,991   3,982  —   

Cable Network Programming

   810   624  30%  1,585   1,224  29%   839   633  33%  2,424   1,857  31%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   620   581  7%  1,118   996  12%   675   624  8%  1,793   1,620  11%

Magazines and Inserts

   265   259  2%  532   491  8%   300   283  6%  832   774  7%

Newspapers

   1,010   1,010  —     2,022   1,875  8%   1,015   1,062  (4)%  3,037   2,937  3%

Book Publishing

   390   377  3%  781   741  5%   275   300  (8)%  1,056   1,041  1%

Other

   367   275  33%  639   564  13%   359   250  44%  998   814  23%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Total revenues

  $6,665  $6,562  2% $12,347  $11,708  5%  $6,198  $6,043  3% $18,545  $17,751  4%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Operating (loss) income:

   

Operating income (loss):

       

Filmed Entertainment

  $299  $407  (27)% $667  $698  (4)%  $225  $251  (10)% $892  $949  (6)%

Television

   183   153  20%  343   387  (11)%   286   221  29%  629   608  3%

Cable Network Programming

   262   227  15%  459   393  17%   211   172  23%  670   565  19%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (53)  (105) 50%  (114)  (226) 50%   69   (21) **  (45)  (247) 82%

Magazines and Inserts

   76   73  4%  152   137  11%   90   79  14%  242   216  12%

Newspapers

   69   184  (63)%  194   302  (36)%   153   186  (18)%  347   488  (29)%

Book Publishing

   77   62  24%  147   122  20%   26   30  (13)%  173   152  14%

Other

   7   (47) **  (19)  (93) 80%   (49)  (29) (69)%  (68)  (122) 44%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

Total operating (loss) income

  $920  $954  (4)% $1,829  $1,720  6%

Total operating income (loss)

  $1,011  $889  14% $2,840  $2,609  9%
  


 


 

 


 


 

                   

**not meaningful

Filmed Entertainment (25%(24% and 28%27% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively)

For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, revenues at the Filmed Entertainment segment decreased $265$89 million, or 14%6%, and $223$312 million, or 7%, respectively, as compared withto the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These decreases are primarily due to decreases in worldwide home entertainment revenues which declined 21%of 26% and 12%17% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005 principally due to a lower number of releases in the current period.driven by fewer film home entertainment releases. The three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2006 included the domestic home entertainment releases ofWalk the Line andTransporter 2,as well as the continued performance of Fantastic Four. The three months ended March 31, 2005 included the worldwide home entertainment releasesrelease ofFantastic FourAlien vs. Predator,Kingdom of Heaven, 24and Family Guyand two distribution releases,Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sithdomestic release ofFat Albert andMr. & Mrs. Smith.Taxi, The three months ended December 31, 2004 had a higher volumeas well as carryover performance of releases,prior year titles includingThe Day After Tomorrow, I,Robot, Garfield Dodgeball, andNapoleon Dynamite. Home entertainment revenue from television titles, includingFamily Guy and24, slightly offset the catalog performance of theStar Wars Trilogy. Partially offsetting the decrease in worldwidefilm home entertainment revenues in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 was an increase in domestic theatrical revenue attributed principally to the releases ofWalk the Line,The Family Stone,Cheaper by the Dozen 2 andThe Ringer, as compared to the releases ofSideways, Kinsey, Taxi,Flight of the Phoenix andFat Albertin the second quarter of fiscal 2005.decreases. Domestic theatrical revenues for the sixthree and nine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 were consistent with domestic theatrical revenues for the first halfcorresponding periods of fiscal 2005.

Home entertainment revenues generated from the sale and distribution of film and television titles in the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 were 70%77% and 30%23%, respectively, of total home entertainment revenues. Home entertainment revenues generated from the sale and distribution of film and television titles in the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 were 73%74% and 27%26%, respectively.respectively, of total home entertainment revenues.

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2005,Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment segment Operating incomefor the three and nine months ended March 31, 2006 decreased $108$26 million, or 27%10%, and $31$57 million, or 4%6%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These reductions wereThe reduction in Operating income was due to lower home entertainment revenue, as noted above, and higher theatrical releasing costs, partially offset by lower home entertainment marketing and manufacturing costs and lower amortization of production and participation costs directly associated with the decrease in revenues noted above.

Television(21% and 22% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively)2005)

For the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Television segment reported a revenue increasesdecrease of $32$67 million, or 2%5%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. Revenue for the Television segment for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 remained consistent with revenues of the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2006, the Television segment reported increases in Operating income of $65 million, or 29%, and $76$21 million, or 3%, respectively, from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005.

Revenues at the Company’s U.S. television operations decreased 6% and 2% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. ForThese decreases are primarily due to the threebroadcast of the Super Bowl and six months ended December 31,Daytona 500 in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 the Television segment reported an increase of $30 million, or 20%, and a decrease of $44 million, or 11%,with no comparable events in Operating income, respectively, from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005.

Revenues at the Company’s U.S. television operations increased for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. Advertising revenues increased2006. Offsetting these decreases is an increase in primetime net advertising revenue as a result of higher prime timeprimetime ratings and continued growth in local news programming versus the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. Operating Incomeincome at the Company’s U.S. television operations for the three and nine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 increased approximately 24%3% and 5%, respectively, from the second quartercorresponding periods of fiscal 2005. This is attributableThese increases are mainly due to a decrease in operating expensesthe absence of programming costs for the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 that were broadcast in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 as compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2005, due topartially offset by the timing of off-air media costs relating to the earlier launch of the fall prime time line-up on FOX as compared to fiscal 2005. Operating income for the Company’s U.S. television operations for the six months ended December 31, 2005 decreased revenues noted above and by approximately 10% as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. Expenses increased for the first half of fiscal 2006 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 due to higher programming costs for returning series andshows, local news expansions, music license fees and new sports programming on the Company’s UPN affiliated stations.

Revenues for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 at the Company’s international television operations increased over the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These increases were primarily driven by

higher advertising and subscription revenues from India.revenues. Operating income for the Company’s international television operations increased for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 over the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005, primarily driven by increased revenues, as noted above, which were partially offset by increased programming costs associated with the launch of new channels and programming.

Cable Network Programming (13% and 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively)

For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, revenues for the Cable Network Programming segment increased $186$206 million, or 30%33%, and $361$567 million, or 29%31%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. For the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006, Fox News Channel’s (“Fox News”), the FX’sFX Network’s (“FX”) and the RSNs’Regional Sports Networks’ (“RSNs”) revenues increased 12%18%, 23%13% and 38%48%, respectively, from the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2005. For the first half of fiscalnine months ended March 31, 2006, Fox News’, FX’s and the RSNs’ revenues increased 14%15%, 21%18% and 34%38%, respectively, from the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 period.

2005.

Fox News’ advertising revenuerevenues increased 7%8% and 12%11% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, primarily driven by higher pricing and higher volume. Net affiliate revenue increased 7% and 8% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005, respectively,2006, as a result of increases in subscribers and average rates per subscriber from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, Fox News reached approximately 8889 million Nielsen households.

FX’s advertising revenues increased 27%16% and 25%22% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. The increases were driven by higher pricing and higher

volume in both the quarter,three and nine months ended March 31, 2006, as well as higher volumepricing in the first halfthird quarter of fiscal 2006 as compared to the respective periods of fiscal 2005. For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, net affiliate revenue increased 19%11% and 18%16%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005, reflecting an increase in average rates per subscriber and DBS subscribers. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, FX reached approximately 8788 million Nielsen households, a 3% increase over the corresponding period of fiscal 2005.

households.

RSNs’ advertising revenues increased 24%34% and 29%31% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These increases were primarily due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio RSNs acquired in April 2005 and the resumption of NHLNational Hockey League (“NHL”) games in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 after the cancellation of the 2004-05 National Hockey League (“NHL”)NHL season. In addition, there was an increase in MLB eventspricing in the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. Affiliate revenues increased 41%51% and 35%40% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These increases arewere primarily due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio RSNs, the absence of allowances recorded in the prior year related to the cancellation of the 2004-05 NHL season, an increase in DBS subscribers and higher average rates per subscriber.

The Cable Network Programming segment Operating income increased $35$39 million, or 15%23%, and $66$105 million, or 17%19% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These improvements were primarily driven by the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by higher programming expenses. Programming expenses increased primarily due to the consolidation of the Florida and Ohio RSNs and Fox Sports Net in April 2005 and the programming costs associated with the resumption of NHL games after the cancellation of the 2004-05 season. Also contributing to this increase were newly acquired series and more original programming at FX. In addition, for the first half of fiscal 2006, marketing expenses increased at FX for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 due to increased promotion costs for its new original series as well as returning shows in the first quarter of fiscal 2006.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television(10% and 9% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005)2005, respectively)

For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, SKY Italia revenues increased $39$51 million, or 7%8%, and $122$173 million, or 12%11%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2005, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar resulted in decreases of approximately 7% and 4% of revenues, respectively, and 8% and 4% of operating results, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. This revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase of approximately 500,000 subscribers over the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. During the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006, SKY Italia added 200,000approximately 112,000 net subscribers, which resulted in SKY Italia’s subscriber base totaling 3.6more than 3.7 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006. The total churn in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006 was approximately 70,00066,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of approximately 3.7 million, as compared to churn of approximately 62,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of approximately 3.2 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. The total churn for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 was approximately 250,000 on an average subscriber base of 3.5 million, as compared to churn of approximately 70,000210,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 33.0 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. Subscriber churn for the period represents the number of SKY Italia subscribers whose service iswas disconnected during the period. The total churn for the six months ended December 31, 2005 was approximately 186,000 on an average subscriber base of 3.5 million as compared to churn of approximately 150,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 2.9 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2005.

Average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”) for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was approximately €45€46 and approximately €41, respectively, which is consistent with the€43, respectively. The ARPU for the three months ended March 31, 2006 improved by approximately €1 over the corresponding periodsperiod in the prior year due to a nearly €2 price increase during the second quarter of fiscal 2005.2006. The ARPU for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 was consistent with that of the corresponding period of the prior year. SKY Italia calculates ARPU by dividing total subscriber-related revenues for the period by the average subscribers for the period and dividing that amount by the number of months in the period. Subscriber-related revenues are comprised of total subscription revenue, pay-per-view revenue and equipment rental revenue for the period. Average subscribers are calculated for the period by adding the beginning and ending subscribers for the period and dividing by two.

Subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“SAC”) increased fromof approximately €245€235 in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 to approximately €275 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006 duewas relatively flat as compared to higher costs associated with the free installation offer for new subscribers.corresponding prior year. SAC is calculated by dividing total subscriber acquisition costs for a period by the number of gross SKY Italia subscribers during the period. Subscriber acquisition costs include the cost of the commissions paid to retailers and other distributors, the cost of equipment sold directly by SKY Italia to subscribers and the costs related to installation and acquisition advertising, net of any upfront activation fee. SKY Italia excludes the value of equipment capitalized under SKY Italia’s equipment lease program, as well as payments and the value of returned equipment related to disconnected lease program subscribers from subscriber acquisition costs.

During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar resulted in decreases of approximately 8% and 3% in revenues and operating income as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar resulted in decreases of approximately 5% in both revenues and operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005.

For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005, operating losses2006, Operating results at SKY Italia improved by $52$90 million or 50%, and $112$202 million, or 50%,respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. These improvements were primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by higher operating expenses as a result ofprogramming costs due to the increased volumesubscriber base and higher selling expenses due to higher new subscriber selection of the free installation offer and a $12 million charge resulting from an arbitration settlement on certain programming rights.

additional channels.

Magazines and Inserts(4% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005)

For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 revenues at the Magazines and Inserts segment increased $6$17 million, or 2%6%, and $41$58 million, or 8%7%, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005, respectively. The increase in the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 primarily resulted from an increase in sales of the Company’s In-Store advertising businessin-store marketing products due to higher demand for its In-Store shelf advertising products in supermarkets, partially offset by lower volume and revenue rates infor the publication of free standing insert division.inserts. For the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005, volume increases in the free standing inserts division, as well as2006, an increase in demand for the Company’s In-Storein-Store shelf products and an increase in international volume resulted in an increase in revenues partially offset by lower rates for the publication of free standing inserts as compared to the first halfnine months of fiscal 2005.

Operating income for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 increased $3$11 million, or 4%14%, and $15$26 million, or 11%12%, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005, respectively. The increases were primarily due to volume increases at the In-Store advertising business,in in-store marketing products, partially offset by lower rates for the publication of free standing inserts, as noted above, and a lower revenue ratesoperating profit margin due to changes in product mix as the free standing insert division, as noted above.

inserts yield a lower profit margin than sales of in-store marketing products.

Newspapers(16% and 17% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005)2005, respectively)

The Newspapers segment revenues remained consistentdecreased $47 million, or 4%, for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and increased $100 million, or 3%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2005 and increased $1472005. Operating income decreased $33 million, or 8%18%, and $141 million, or 29%, for the sixthree and nine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2005, Operating income decreased $115 million, or 63%, and $108 million, or 36%, respectively, from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. During the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar resulted in decreases of approximately 3% and 4%6% in both revenues and operating income respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. The valuestrengthening of the U.S. dollar duringresulted in decreases of approximately 2% in both revenues and operating income for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005, was consistent with that of2006 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005.

For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, U.K. newspapers’ revenues decreased 5%8% and 10%6%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. For the three and sixnine months ended December

March 31, 2005,2006, U.K. newspapers’ advertising revenues decreased from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005 as a result of a general weakness in the U.K. advertising market. Revenues also decreased due to the absence of revenue from TSL Education Ltd., which the Company sold in October 2005. Circulation revenues increased over the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005 due to cover price increases across all titles and higher net circulation onThe SunTimes andThe Timesin the nine months ended March 31, 2006 as a result of promotional activities. U.K. newspapers’ Operating income at the U.K. newspapers decreased 32%29% and 44%80% for the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. TheThese decreases are principallyprimarily due to the absence of operating profit due to the sale of the Company’s TSL Education Ltd. division in October 2005 and costs incurred in fiscal 2006 associated with the launch of a consumer magazine division. Also contributing to the decrease in Operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 was the increased depreciation and other costs associated with the development of new printing plants in the United Kingdom and a $99 million redundancy provision of $102 million recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 for certain U.K. production employees as a result of the Company committing to a reduction in workforce expected to occur in fiscal 2007 and 2008. The Company expects annualized personnel cost savings of approximately $65 million when the U.K. workforce reduction is completed. Also contributing to the decrease in operating income were increased promotional costs onThe Sun, The Times andThe News of the World and higher newsprint costs.

For the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Australian newspapers’ revenues were consistent with the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. For the nine months ended March 31, 2006, the Australian newspapers’ revenues increased 12% and 26%16%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2005. The increases during the three and six months ended December 31, 2005, are primarilymainly due to the consolidation of the results of QPL beginning in November 2004. ImprovedAlso contributing to this increase was improved display and classified advertising revenues, also contributed toalong with the increase duringimpact of cover price increases at the sixmajor weekend newspapers. Operating income decreased 5% for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2006, primarily due to movement in exchange rates. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was consistent with the corresponding period of fiscal 2005, with display and classified advertising growth being offset by higher editorial and production costs. The increase in operating income of 16% for the nine months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. The advertising revenue increase during the six months ended December 31, 2005, was driven by the continued stable economic conditions in Australia and new sales initiatives, resulting in gains in national and classified advertising. The Australian newspapers Operating income increased 9% and 29%, respectively, for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 as comparedprimarily attributable to the corresponding periodsconsolidation of fiscal 2005 primarily due to the revenue increases noted above offset by increased personnel and promotional costs.

QPL beginning in November 2004.

Book Publishing(6% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005)

For the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2006, revenues at HarperCollins decreased $25 million, or 8% from the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 due to lower volume of sales. For the nine months ended March 31, 2006, revenues at HarperCollins increased $13$15 million, or 3%, and $40 million, or 5%1%, from the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2005, respectively. These increases are2005. The increase in revenues in the nine month period is primarily attributable to more bestsellers in the quarter andfiscal 2006 than fiscal 2005 as well as the strength ofThe Chronicles of Narnia series in the Childrens divisions. During the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, HarperCollins had 4336 titles on theNew York Times Bestseller List with fivefour titles reaching the number one position. During the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, HarperCollins had 6683 titles on theNew York TimesBestseller List with ten12 titles reaching the number one position.

Operating income decreased $4 million, or 13%, for the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and increased $15$21 million, or 24%14%, and $25 million, or 20%, fromfor the nine months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005, respectively,2005. The decrease in Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was primarily due to lower volume of sales, as noted above, when compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005. The increase in Operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 was primarily attributable to the revenue increases noted above.

Other (5% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005)

For the three and sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, revenues at the Other segment increased $92$109 million, or 33%44%, and $75$184 million, or 13%23%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2005. TheThese increases were primarily driven by incremental revenues from FIM as the Company acquired Intermix Media, Inc. and Scout Media, Inc. in September 2005 and IGN Entertainment, Inc. in October 2005.FIM.

For the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Operating results improved $54loss at the Other segment increased $20 million, and $74 million, respectively,or 69%, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2005.2005, primarily as a result of FIM operating losses, principally resulting from employee retention expenses and amortization of purchased intangible assets. The Operating loss at the Other segment decreased $54 million, or 44%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005, primarily as a result of prior year results includedincluding reorganization costs in connection with the Company’s incorporation in the United States. Also contributing toStates partially offset by the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 improvements, was higherinclusion of the current year FIM operating profit from News Outdoor.

losses noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Current Financial Condition

The Company’s principal source of liquidity is internally generated funds; however, the Company has access to the worldwide capital markets, a $1.75 billion revolving credit facility and various film financing alternatives to supplement its cash flows. The availability under the revolving credit facility as of DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was reduced by letters of credit issued which totaled $166$171 million. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Company had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of approximately $5.2$5.3 billion. The Company believes that cash flows from operations will be adequate for the Company to conduct its operations. The Company’s internally generated funds are highly dependent upon the state of the advertising market and public acceptance of film and television products. Any significant decline in the advertising market or the performance of its films could adversely impact its cash flows from operations which could require the Company to seek other sources of funds including proceeds from the sale of certain assets or other alternative sources.

The principal uses of cash that affect the Company’s liquidity position include the following: investments in the production and distribution of new feature films and television programs; the acquisition of and payments under programming rights for entertainment and sports programming; paper purchases; operational expenditures; capital expenditures; interest expense; income tax payments; investments in equity affiliates; dividends; debt repayments; business acquisitions; and stock repurchases.

Sources and uses of cash

Net cash provided by operating activities for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 20042005 was as follows (in millions):

 

For the six months ended December 31,


  2005

  2004

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $461  $980
   

  

For the nine months ended March 31,

  2006  2005

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $2,049  $2,313
        

The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects the timing of the sale oflower cash collections from worldwide home entertainment product and relatedprimarily driven by a lower cash collections,number of film home entertainment releases and higher film and television production spending at the Filmed Entertainment segment andas compared to the prior year corresponding period. In addition, also contributing to this decrease was higher sports rights and higher tax payments during the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2006 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2005.

Net cash used in investing activities for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 20042005 was as follows (in millions):

 

For the six months ended December 31,


  2005

 2004

 

Property, plant and equipment

  $(412) $(425)

For the nine months ended March 31,

  2006 2005 

Property, plant and equipment, net of acquisitions

  $(648) $(710)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (1,576)  (114)   (1,578)  (141)

Investments in equity affiliates

   (29)  (61)   (39)  (142)

Other investments

   (40)  (30)   (46)  (30)

Proceeds from sale of investments and other non-current assets

   115   544    404   643 

Proceeds from disposition of discontinued operations

   395   —      395   —   
  


 


       

Net cash used in investing activities

  $(1,547) $(86)  $(1,512) $(380)
  


 


       

Cash used in investing activities during the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was higher than the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 primarily due to the acquisitions of Intermix Media, Inc. and IGN Entertainment, Inc. that occurred during the first half of fiscal 2006. The cash used in investing activities during the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 was partially offset by proceeds received from the disposition of discontinued operations as the Company sold its TSL Education Ltd. division to Exponent Private Equity for approximately $395 million in cash consideration in October 2005.

The Company has evaluated, and expects to continue to evaluate, possible acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses. Such transactions may be material and may involve cash, the Company’s securities or the assumption of additional indebtedness.

In fiscal 2005, the Company announced its intentions to invest in new printing plants in the United Kingdom and Australia to take advantage of technological and market changes. The Company intends to invest approximately $1 billion in the United Kingdom on printing plants forThe Sun,, theNews of the World,,The TimesandThe Sunday Timesand $500 million for Australian printing plants. The Company plans to fully fund the investment out of its operating cash flow. Depreciation expense on plant and equipment that will be replaced will be accelerated over the next three to four to five years.

Net cash (used in) provided byused in financing activities for the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20052006 and 20042005 was as follows (in millions):

 

For the six months ended December 31,


  2005

  2004

 

Borrowings

  $1,149  $1,755 

Repayment of borrowings

   (7)  (1,829)

Cash on deposit

   —     275 

Issuance of shares

   73   37 

Repurchase of shares

   (1,067)  —   

Dividends paid

   (241)  (121)
   


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  $(93) $117 
   


 


For the nine months ended March 31,

  2006  2005 

Borrowings

  $1,149  $1,776 

Repayment of borrowings

   (839)  (2,095)

Cash on deposit

   —     275 

Issuance of shares

   110   65 

Repurchase of shares

   (1,810)  —   

Dividends paid

   (246)  (124)
         

Net cash used in financing activities

  $(1,636) $(103)
         

Net cash used in financing activities duringfor the sixnine months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005 changed from net cash provided by financing activities in2006 was higher than the corresponding period of fiscal 2005 primarily due to the implementation of the stock repurchase program,program. The increase was offset by an increase in borrowings net borrowings inof repayments for the first half ofnine months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to the first half of fiscalnine months ended March 31, 2005.

 

Borrowings


  2005

  2006  2005

Issuances

  (in millions)

Notes due 2014

  $—    $748

Notes due 2034

   —     995

Notes due 2035

  $1,133   1,133   —  

All other

   16   16   33
  

      
  $1,149  $1,149  $1,776
  

      

In December 2005, the Company issued approximately $1,150 million of 6.40% Senior Notes due 2035. The Company received proceeds of $1,133 million on the issuance of this debt, net of expenses. These notes are issued under the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented, among News America Incorporated, the Company, and the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.

 

   2006  2005

Repayments

  (in millions)

LYONs

  $831  $—  

Cruden Group assumed debt

   —     654

New Millenium II

   —     659

Preferred Perpetual Shares

   —     345

All other

   8   437
        
  $839  $2,095
        

LYONs

The Company’sIn February 2001, the Company issued Liquid Yield Option Notes (“LYONsLYONs™”) which pay no interest and have an aggregate principal amount at maturity of $1,515 million, representing a yield of 3.5% per annum on the issue price. The holders may exchange the notes at any time into Class A Common Stock or, at the option of the Company, the cash equivalent thereof at a fixed exchange rate of 24.2966 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 note. The notes arewere redeemable at the option of the holders on February 28, 2006 at a price of $594.25. The LYONs are also redeemable at the option of the holders on February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2016 at a price of $594.25, $706.82 and $840.73, respectively. The Company, at its election, may satisfy the redemption amounts in cash, Class A Common Stock or any combination thereof. The Company has given notice to holders that any notes tendered on

On February 28, 2006, will be92% of the LYONs were redeemed by the Company for cash at the specified redemption amounts. Theamount of $594.25 per LYON. Accordingly, the Company expectspaid an aggregate of approximately $831 million to the holders of the LYONs will exercise their redemption right on February 28, 2006 and the Company currently expects to satisfythat had exercised this redemption by paying cash. If alloption. LYONs with a carrying value of approximately $69 million remained outstanding as of March 31, 2006. The pro-rata portion of unamortized deferred financing costs relating to the outstandingredeemed LYONs are redeemed,approximating $13 million was recognized and included in Other, net in the cash amount paid byunaudited consolidated statement of operations for the Company on February 28, 2006, will be approximately $900 million.

three and nine months ended March 31, 2006.

Other

The Company’s $200 million, 8.45% Senior Debentures due August 2034 may be put at the option of the holder to the Company in August 2006 at par. Additionally, theThe Company’s $240 million, 7.43% Senior Debentures due October 2026 may be put at the option of the holder to the Company in October 2006 at par. Additionally, the Company’s $200 million, 8.50% Senior Debentures due February 2025 may be put at the option of the holder to the Company in February 2007. These debentures are currently trading significantly above par and the Company believes that under the current low U.S. interest rate environment the debentures will not be put to the Company. Accordingly, the Company does not currently believe that these borrowings will impact the Company’s liquidity in the next twelve months.

Stock Repurchase Program

On June 13, 2005, the Company announced that the Board approved a stock repurchase program, under which the Company was authorized to acquire up to an aggregate of $3.0 billion in the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock. In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board authorized increasing the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6.0 billion

Ratings of the Public Debt

The table below summarizes the Company’s credit ratings as of DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006.

 

Rating Agency


  

Senior Debt


  

Outlook


Moody’s

  Baa 2  Stable

Standard & Poor’s

  BBB  Stable

Revolving Credit Agreement

On June 27, 2003, News America Incorporated (“NAI”), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $1.75 billion Five Year Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, as syndication agent, and the lenders named therein. News Corporation, FEG Holdings, Inc., Fox Entertainment Group, Inc., News America Marketing FSI, LLC, News Publishing Australia Limited and News Australia Holdings Pty Limited are guarantors (the(collectively the “Guarantors”) under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides a $1.75 billion revolving credit facility with a sub-limit of $600 million available for the issuance of letters of credit, and expires on June 30, 2008. Borrowings are in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. dollars or Euros. The significant terms of the Credit Agreement include the requirement that the Company maintain specific gearing and interest coverage ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company pays a facility fee of 0.15% regardless of facility usage. The Company pays interest of a margin over LIBOR for borrowings and a letter of credit fee of 0.60%. The Company is subject to additional fees of 0.125% if borrowings under the facility exceed 25% of the committed facility. The interest and fees are based on the Company’s current debt rating. At DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, letters of credit representing $166$171 million were issued under the Credit Agreement.

Commitments

As a result of the FIM acquisitions that occurred in September and October 2005, the Company has commitments under certain contractual arrangements to make future payments of up to a maximum of $135$148 million as of DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006. These commitments are comprised of operating leases, capital expenditures and contractual employee obligations.

In December 2005, the Company signed a new broadcast rights agreement with NASCAR for certain races and exclusive rights for certain ancillary content for an eight year term, commencing in calendar year 2007, in the amount of $1.7 billion.

Sky Italia entered into a new operating lease agreement in January 2006 for a newly developed property currently under construction in Milan, Italy for an initial 12-year term which is expected to commence in fiscal 2007 with an automatic renewal option for an additional 12-year term through fiscal 2031. The lease includes an annual increase based on a cost of living index as defined by the contract commencing with the payment of the rental fee in the second year. Total payments relating to this lease are expected to approximate $375 million.

Other than noted above,previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s commitments have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 filed with the SEC on September 1, 2005.

Guarantees

The Company had guaranteed a transponder lease for Innova, an equity affiliate of the Company. The Company also guaranteed $46 million of the obligations of Innova under a credit agreement. Upon the closing of the sale of Innova during the third quarter of 2006, the Company was released from these guarantees.

The

Other than previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s guarantees have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 filed with the SEC on September 1, 2005.

Contingencies

The Company is party to several purchase and sale arrangements, which become exercisable over the next ten years by the Company or the counter-party to the agreement. Total contingent receipts/payments under these agreements (including cash and stock) have not been included in the Company’s financial statements.

The Company currently has one significant arrangement that is exercisable. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, News Out of Home owns and operates outdoor advertising companies located in Eastern Europe and also owns 68% of Media Support Services Limited, an outdoor advertising company with operating subsidiaries located in Russia. The minority stockholders of Media Support Services Limited currently have the right to sell their interests to News Out of Home. The Company believes that nonethe exercise of the purchase andthese sale arrangements expected to take place in the next twelve monthsrights, if any, will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

The Company’s operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

Risk Factors

Prospective investors should consider carefully the risk factors set forth below before making an investment in the Company’s securities.

A Decline in Advertising Expenditures Could Cause the Company’s Revenues and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.

The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising on its television stations, broadcast and cable networks, newspapers and inserts and DBS television services. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions, as well as budgeting and buying patterns. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy in general could alter current or prospective advertisers’

spending priorities. This could causeDemand for the Company’s revenues and operating results to decline significantlyproducts is also a factor in any given period or in specific markets. Ratingdetermining advertising rates. For example, ratings points for the Company’s television stations and broadcast and cable networks and circulation levels for the Company’s newspapers are also factors that are weighed when deciding on thedetermining advertising rates, and with respect to the renegotiation ofCompany’s television stations and broadcast and television networks, when determining the affiliate rates thatreceived by the Company receives. Poor ratings can lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending.Company. In addition, newer technologies, including new video formats, streaming and downloading capabilities via the Internet, video-on-demand, personal video recorders and other devices thatand technologies are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences. Some of these devices and technologies allow users to view television or motion pictures from a remote location or on a time-delayed basis and technologies which implementprovide users the ability for users to fast-forward, rewind, pause and skip programmingprogramming. These technological developments are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences and may cause changes in consumer behavior that could affect the attractiveness of the Company’s offerings to viewers, advertisers and/or distributorsdistributors. A decrease in advertising expenditures or reduced demand for the Company’s offerings can lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could therefore, have an adverse effect on the Company’s businesses.

Acceptance of the Company’s Film and Television Programming by the Public is Difficult to Predict, Which Could Lead to Fluctuations in Revenues.

Feature film and television production and distribution are speculative businesses since the revenues derived from the production and distribution of a feature film or television series depend primarily upon its acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. The commercial success of a feature film or television series also depends upon the quality and acceptance of other competing films and television series released into the marketplace at or near the same time, the availability of a growing number of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. Further, the theatrical success of a feature film and the audience ratings for a television series are generally key factors in generating revenues from other distribution channels, such as home entertainment and premium pay television, with respect to feature films, and syndication, with respect to television series.

The Loss of Carriage Agreements Could Cause the Company’s Revenue and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.

The Company is dependent upon the maintenance of affiliation agreements with third-party owned television stations, and there can be no assurance that these affiliation agreements will be renewed in the future on terms acceptable to the Company. The loss of a significant number of these affiliation arrangements could reduce the distribution of FOX and adversely affect the Company’s ability to sell national advertising time. Similarly, the Company’s cable networks maintain affiliation and carriage arrangements that enable them to reach a large percentage of cable and direct broadcast satellite households across the United States. The loss of a significant number of these arrangements or the loss of carriage on basic programming tiers could reduce the distribution of the Company’s cable networks, which may adversely affect those networks’ revenues from subscriber fees and their ability to sell national and local advertising time.

The Inability to Renew Sports Programming Rights Could Cause the Company’s Advertising Revenue to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.

The sports rights contracts between the Company, on the one hand, and various professional sports leagues and teams, on the other, have varying duration and renewal terms. As these contracts expire, renewals on favorable terms may be sought; however, third parties may outbid the current rights holders for the rights contracts. In addition, professional sports leagues or teams may create their own networks or the renewal costs could substantially exceed the original contract cost. The loss of rights could impact the extent of the sports coverage offered by the Company and its affiliates, as it relates to FOX, and could adversely affect the Company’s advertising and affiliate revenues. Upon renewal, the Company’s results could be adversely affected if escalations in sports programming rights costs are unmatched by increases in advertising rates and, in the case of cable networks, subscriber fees.

Technological Developments May Increase the Threat of Content Piracy and Signal Theft and Limit the Company’s Ability to Protect Its Intellectual Property Rights.

The Company seeks to limit the threat of content piracy and DBS programming signal theft; however, policing unauthorized use of the Company’s products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the

steps taken by the Company may not in every case prevent the infringement by unauthorized third parties. Developments in technology, including digital copying, file compressing and the growing penetration of high-bandwidth Internet connections, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to duplicate and widely distribute pirated material. In addition, developments in software or devices that circumvent encryption technology increase the threat of unauthorized use and distribution of DBS programming signalssignals. The Company has taken, and will continue to take, a variety of actions to combat piracy and signal theft, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry associations. There can be no assurance that the

Company’s efforts to enforce its rights and protect its products, services and intellectual property will be successful in preventing content piracy or signal theft. Content piracy and signal theft present a threat to the Company’s revenues from products and services, including, but not limited to, films, television shows, books and DBS programming.

Changes in U.S. or Foreign Communications Laws and Other Regulations May Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business.

In general, the television broadcasting and multichannel video programming and distributions industries in the United States are highly regulated by federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the FCC. The FCC generally regulates, among other things, the ownership of media (including ownership by non-U.S. citizens), broadcast and multichannel video programming and technical operations of broadcast and satellite licensees. Further, the United States Congress and the FCC currently have under consideration, and may in the future adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters, including technological changes, which could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations and ownership of the Company’s U.S. media properties. Similarly, changes in regulations imposed by governments in other jurisdictions in which the Company, or entities in which the Company has an interest, operate could adversely affect its business and results of operations.

Provisions in the Company’s Corporate Documents, Delaware Law and the Ownership of the Company’s Class B Common Stock by Certain Principal Stockholders Could Delay or Prevent a Change of Control of News Corporation, Even if That Change Would be Beneficial to the Company’s Stockholders.

The existence of some provisions in the Company’s corporate documents could delay or prevent a change of control of News Corporation, even if that change would be beneficial to the Company’s stockholders. The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws, contain provisions that may make acquiring control of News Corporation difficult, including:

 

provisions relating to the classification, nomination and removal of directors;

 

a provision prohibiting stockholder action by written consent;

 

provisions regulating the ability of the Company’s stockholders to bring matters for action before annual and special meetings of the Company’s stockholders; and

 

the authorization given to the Company’s Board of Directors to issue and set the terms of preferred stock.

In addition, the Company currently has also adoptedin place a stockholder rights plan, which would cause extreme dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire a significant interest in the Company without advance approval of its Board of Directors. Further, as a result of Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch’s ability to appoint certain members of the board of directors of the corporate trustee of the A.E. Harris Trust, which beneficially owns 2.7%2.8% of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 29.4%30.0% of its Class B Common Stock, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares beneficially owned by the A.E. Harris Trust. Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of those shares. Also, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns an additional 0.7%0.8% of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 1.1% of its Class B Common Stock. Thus, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate 3.4%3.5% of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 30.5%31.1% of its Class B Common Stock.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

News Corporation has exposure to several types of market risk: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and stock prices. The Company neither holds nor issues financial instruments for trading purposes. The following sections provide quantitative information on the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and stock price risk. It makes use of sensitivity analyses that are inherently limited in estimating actual losses in fair value that can occur from changes in market conditions.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

News Corporation conducts operations in four principal currencies: the U.S. dollar, the British pound sterling, the Australian dollar and the Euro. These currencies operate as the functional currency for the Company’s U.S., U.K., Australian and Italian operations, respectively. Cash is managed centrally within each of the four regions with net earnings reinvested locally and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. To the extent such funds are not sufficient to meet working capital requirements, drawdowns in the appropriate local currency are available either under the Credit Agreement or from intercompany borrowings. Since earnings of the Company’s Australian and European operations are expected to be reinvested in those businesses indefinitely (excluding amounts that have been or will be repatriated under the American Jobs Creation Act), the Company does not hedge its investment in the net assets of those foreign operations.

At DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the Company’s outstanding financial instruments with foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure had an aggregate fair value of $95$116 million (including the Company’s non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed rate debt). The potential increase in the fair values of these instruments resulting from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would be approximately $22$21 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2005.

2006.

Interest Rates

The Company’s current financing arrangements and facilities include $12.2$11.4 billion of outstanding debt which is substantially fixed interest and the Credit Agreement, which carries variable interest. Fixed and variable rate debts are impacted differently by changes in interest rates. A change in the interest rate or yield of fixed rate debt will only impact the fair value of such debt, while a change in the interest rate of variable debt will impact interest expense, as well as the amount of cash required to service such debt. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, substantially all of the Company’s financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk was denominated in U.S. dollars and had an aggregate fair value of $13.2$12.1 billion. The potential change in fair value for these financial instruments from an adverse 10% change in quoted interest rates across all maturities, often referred to as a parallel shift in the yield curve, would be approximately $557$655 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2005.

2006.

Stock Prices

The Company has common stock investments in several publicly traded companies that are subject to market price volatility. These investments principally represent the Company’s equity affiliates and have an aggregate fair value of approximately $14,034$15,831 million as of DecemberMarch 31, 2005.2006. A hypothetical decrease in the market price of these investments of 10% would result in a fair value of approximately $12,631$14,248 million. Such a hypothetical decrease would result in a decrease in comprehensive income of approximately $7$5 million, as any changes in fair value of the Company’s equity affiliates are not recognized unless deemed other-than-temporary, as these investments are accounted for under the equity method.

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company has recorded the conversion feature embedded in its exchangeable debentures in other liabilities. At DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, the fair value of this conversion feature is $130was $161 million and is sensitive to movements in the share price of one of the Company’s publicly traded equity affiliates. A 10% increase in the price of the underlying stock, holding other factors constant, would increase the fair value of the call option by approximately $32$46 million.

PART I

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 11 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 62,67, which is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In June 2005, the Company announced a stock repurchase program under which the Company iswas authorized to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of $3 billion in Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

Below is a summary of the Company’s purchases of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock during the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2005:2006:

 

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased


  Average Price
per Share


  Total Cost of
Purchase


         (in millions)

Common Stock—October Class A

  13,416,600  15.19   204

Common Stock—November Class A

  10,239,500  14.86   152

Common Stock—November Class B

  5,732,200  15.40   88

Common Stock—December Class A

  13,067,100  15.61   204

Common Stock—December Class B

  12,606,558  16.34   206
   
     

Total

  55,061,958     $854
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
  Average Price
per Share
  Total Cost of
Purchase
         (in millions)

Common Stock—January Class A

  1,367,900  $15.61  $21

Common Stock—January Class B

  1,141,700   16.62   19

Common Stock—February Class A

  10,217,411   16.00   164

Common Stock—February Class B

  9,225,259   16.89   156

Common Stock—March Class A

  12,197,700   16.59   202

Common Stock—March Class B

  10,311,312   17.55   181
         

Total

  44,461,282    $743

The remaining authorized amount at DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2006, excluding commissions under the Company’s stock repurchase program is approximately $1.4$658 million.

In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board had authorized increasing the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6.0 billion.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) on October 21, 2005. A brief description of the matters voted upon at the Annual Meeting and the results of the voting on such matters is set forth below.

Proposal 1: The following individuals were elected as Class III Directors:

Name


  For

  Withheld

Chase Carey

  680,091,445  119,986,760

Peter Chernin

  694,227,697  108,385,267

Roderick I. Eddington

  672,506,004  122,577,461

Andrew S.B. Knight

  679,401,096  118,211,977

Proposal 2: A proposal to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006 was voted upon as follows:

For:

811,995,582

Against:

4,148,804

Abstain:

1,430,258

Proposal 3: A proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock to the A.E. Harris Trust, in lieu of cash, pursuant to an amendment to an agreement relating the Company’s reincorporation to the United States in November 2004 was voted upon as follows:

For:

457,860,038

Against:

18,039,072

Abstain:

309,762,584

Proposal 4: A proposal to approve an increase in the aggregate annual limit on the amount of fees paid to Non-Executive Directors was voted upon as follows:

For:

333,095,873

Against:

143,686,516

Abstain:

309,488,153

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits.

 

4.110.1  FormStipulation of Notes representing $1.15 billion principal amount of 6.40% Senior Notes due 2035 and Officers’ CertificateSettlement dated April 12, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation relating thereto, dated December 23, 2005, pursuant to Section 301 ofon Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the AmendedSecurities and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented, among the Company and the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.*
4.2Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 23, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, the Guarantors listed therein and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.*

4.3Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and the Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities.*
4.4Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2005, by and among News America Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and the Bank of New York, as Trustee, with respect to senior debt securities.*
10.1Non-Executive Director Compensation Summary Sheet.*
10.2Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of August 15, 2005, between News America Incorporated and Roger Ailes.1Exchange Commission on April 13, 2006).
12.1  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Charges.*
31.1  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
31.2  Chief Financial Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
32.1  Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.*


*Filed herewith.
1Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission of December 20, 2005.herewith

SIGNATURE

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.

 

NEWS CORPORATION

(Registrant)

By:

 

/S/    DAVID F. DEVOE


 

David F. DeVoe

Senior Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 10, 2006

Date:February 8, 2006

 

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