The Quarterly
DIS 2017 10-K

Walt Disney Co (DIS) SEC Quarterly Report (10-Q) for Q4 2017

DIS Q1 2018 10-Q
DIS 2017 10-K DIS Q1 2018 10-Q



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended

Commission File Number 1-11605

December 30, 2017

Incorporated in Delaware

I.R.S. Employer Identification

No. 95-4545390

500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California 91521

(818) 560-1000

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

x

Accelerated filer

¨

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

¨

Smaller reporting company

¨

Emerging growth company

¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

There were 1,503,675,479 shares of common stock outstanding as of January 31, 2018 .




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited; in millions, except per share data)

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Revenues:

Services

$

12,984


$

12,406


Products

2,367


2,378


Total revenues

15,351


14,784


Costs and expenses:

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

(7,334

)

(7,020

)

Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

(1,403

)

(1,386

)

Selling, general, administrative and other

(2,079

)

(1,985

)

Depreciation and amortization

(742

)

(687

)

Total costs and expenses

(11,558

)

(11,078

)

Restructuring and impairment charges

(15

)

-


Other income, net

53


-


Interest expense, net

(129

)

(99

)

Equity in the income of investees

43


118


Income before income taxes

3,745


3,725


Income taxes

728


(1,237

)

Net income

4,473


2,488


Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(50

)

(9

)

Net income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney)

$

4,423


$

2,479


Earnings per share attributable to Disney:

Diluted

$

2.91


$

1.55


Basic

$

2.93


$

1.56


Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

Diluted

1,521


1,603


Basic

1,512


1,592


Dividends declared per share

$

0.84


$

0.78


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


2



THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited; in millions)

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Net income

$

4,473


$

2,488


Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:

Market value adjustments for investments

(1

)

(11

)

Market value adjustments for hedges

18


280


Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments

61


46


Foreign currency translation and other

87


(290

)

Other comprehensive income

165


25


Comprehensive income

4,638


2,513


Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including redeemable noncontrolling interests

(50

)

(9

)

Other comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(41

)

99


Comprehensive income attributable to Disney

$

4,547


$

2,603


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements






3


THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited; in millions, except per share data)

December 30,
2017

September 30,
2017

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,677


$

4,017


Receivables

9,886


8,633


Inventories

1,307


1,373


Television costs and advances

846


1,278


Other current assets

558


588


Total current assets

17,274


15,889


Film and television costs

7,937


7,481


Investments

3,206


3,202


Parks, resorts and other property

Attractions, buildings and equipment

54,617


54,043


Accumulated depreciation

(29,647

)

(29,037

)

24,970


25,006


Projects in progress

2,355


2,145


Land

1,259


1,255


28,584


28,406


Intangible assets, net

6,930


6,995


Goodwill

31,430


31,426


Other assets

2,373


2,390


Total assets

$

97,734


$

95,789


LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

$

9,574


$

8,855


Current portion of borrowings

6,009


6,172


Deferred revenue and other

4,292


4,568


Total current liabilities

19,875


19,595


Borrowings

20,082


19,119


Deferred income taxes

2,826


4,480


Other long-term liabilities

6,726


6,443


Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)





Redeemable noncontrolling interests

1,142


1,148


Equity

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized – 100 million shares, Issued – none

-


-


Common stock, $0.01 par value,
Authorized – 4.6 billion shares, Issued – 2.9 billion shares

36,254


36,248


Retained earnings

75,763


72,606


Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(3,404

)

(3,528

)

108,613


105,326


Treasury stock, at cost, 1.4 billion shares

(65,324

)

(64,011

)

Total Disney Shareholders' equity

43,289


41,315


Noncontrolling interests

3,794


3,689


Total equity

47,083


45,004


Total liabilities and equity

$

97,734


$

95,789


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


4



THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited; in millions)

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

$

4,473


$

2,488


Depreciation and amortization

742


687


Deferred income taxes

(1,726

)

(76

)

Equity in the income of investees

(43

)


(118

)

Cash distributions received from equity investees

170


203


Net change in film and television costs and advances

34


440


Equity-based compensation

94


97


Other

139


187


Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Receivables

(1,378

)

(1,160

)

Inventories

65


102


Other assets

(29

)

311


Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

(1,160

)

(2,763

)

Income taxes

856


1,047


Cash provided by operations

2,237


1,445


INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investments in parks, resorts and other property

(981

)

(1,040

)

Other

(62

)

5


Cash used in investing activities

(1,043

)

(1,035

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Commercial paper borrowings, net

1,140


732


Borrowings

1,025


42


Reduction of borrowings

(1,330

)

(194

)

Repurchases of common stock

(1,313

)

(1,465

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

50


65


Other

(156

)

(167

)

Cash used in financing activities

(584

)

(987

)

Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

21


(112

)

Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

631


(689

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

4,064


4,760


Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

4,695


$

4,071


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


5



THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(unaudited; in millions)

Quarter Ended

December 30, 2017

December 31, 2016

Disney

Shareholders

Non-

controlling

Interests (1)

Total

Equity

Disney

Shareholders

Non-

controlling

Interests (1)

Total

Equity

Beginning balance

$

41,315


$

3,689


$

45,004


$

43,265


$

4,058


$

47,323


Comprehensive income/(loss)

4,547


97


4,644


2,603


(90

)

2,513


Equity compensation activity

6


-


6


48


-


48


Dividends

(1,266

)

-


(1,266

)

(1,237

)

-


(1,237

)

Common stock repurchases

(1,313

)

-


(1,313

)

(1,465

)

-


(1,465

)

Distributions and other

-


8


8


(4

)

(1

)

(5

)

Ending balance

$

43,289


$

3,794


$

47,083


$

43,210


$

3,967


$

47,177


(1)

Excludes redeemable noncontrolling interest


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements




6



THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)

1.

Principles of Consolidation

These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. We believe that we have included all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period. Operating results for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 29, 2018 . Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior-year financial statements to conform to the current-year presentation.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company enters into relationships or investments with other entities that may be a variable interest entity (VIE). A VIE is consolidated in the financial statements if the Company has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant (as defined by ASC 810-10-25-38) to the VIE. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort (collectively the Asia Theme Parks) are VIEs in which the Company has less than 50% equity ownership. Company subsidiaries (the Management Companies) have management agreements with the Asia Theme Parks, which provide the Management Companies, subject to certain protective rights of joint venture partners, with the ability to direct the day-to-day operating activities and the development of business strategies that we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of the Asia Theme Parks. In addition, the Management Companies receive management fees under these arrangements that we believe could be significant to the Asia Theme Parks. Therefore, the Company has consolidated the Asia Theme Parks in its financial statements.

The terms "Company," "we," "us," and "our" are used in this report to refer collectively to the parent company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted.

2.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

December 30,
2017

September 30,
2017

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,677


$

4,017


Restricted cash included in:

Other current assets

13


26


Other assets

5


21


Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows

$

4,695


$

4,064


3.

Segment Information

The operating segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which separate financial information is available and for which results are evaluated regularly by the Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

Segment operating results reflect earnings before corporate and unallocated shared expenses, restructuring and impairment charges, other income, interest expense, income taxes and noncontrolling interests. Segment operating income includes equity in the income of investees. Corporate and unallocated shared expenses principally consist of corporate functions, executive management and certain unallocated administrative support functions.


7

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



Equity in the income of investees is included in segment operating income as follows:

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Media Networks

$

50


$

119


Parks and Resorts

(7

)

(2

)

Consumer Products & Interactive Media

-


1


Equity in the income of investees included in segment operating income

$

43


$

118


Segment revenues and segment operating income are as follows:

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Revenues (1) :

Media Networks

$

6,243



$

6,233


Parks and Resorts

5,154



4,555


Studio Entertainment

2,504



2,520


Consumer Products & Interactive Media

1,450



1,476


$

15,351


$

14,784


Segment operating income (1) :

Media Networks

$

1,193


$

1,362


Parks and Resorts

1,347


1,110


Studio Entertainment

829


842


Consumer Products & Interactive Media

617


642


$

3,986


$

3,956


(1)

Studio Entertainment revenues and operating income include an allocation of Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenues, which is meant to reflect royalties on sales of merchandise based on film properties. The increase to Studio Entertainment revenues and operating income and corresponding decrease to Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenues and operating income was $171 million and $181 million for the quarters ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

A reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes is as follows:

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Segment operating income

$

3,986


$

3,956


Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

(150

)

(132

)

Restructuring and impairment charges

(15

)

-


Other income, net

53


-


Interest expense, net

(129

)

(99

)

Income before income taxes

$

3,745


$

3,725


4.

Acquisitions

BAMTech

On September 25, 2017, the Company acquired an additional 42% interest in BAMTech, a streaming technology and content delivery business, from an affiliate of Major League Baseball (MLB) for $1.6 billion (paid in January 2018). The acquisition increased our interest from 33% to 75% , and as a result, we began consolidating BAMTech during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The estimated acquisition date fair value of BAMTech is $3.9 billion .


8

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



BAMTech's noncontrolling interest holders, MLB and the National Hockey League (NHL), have the right to sell their shares to the Company in the future. MLB can generally sell their shares to the Company starting five years from and ending ten years after the September 25, 2017 acquisition date at the greater of fair value or a guaranteed floor value ( $563 million accreting at 8% annually for eight years). The NHL can sell their shares to the Company in fiscal 2020 for $300 million or in fiscal 2021 for $350 million . Accordingly, these interests are recorded as "Redeemable noncontrolling interests" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company has the right to purchase MLB's interest in BAMTech starting five years from and ending ten years after the acquisition date at the greater of fair value or the guaranteed floor value. The Company has the right to acquire the NHL interest in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 for $500 million .

The acquisition date fair value of the noncontrolling interests was estimated at $ 1.1 billion and calculated using an option pricing model. The MLB noncontrolling interest fair value generally reflects the net present value of MLB's guaranteed floor value, while the NHL noncontrolling interest reflects their share of the $3.9 billion BAMTech value.

As a result of the MLB and NHL sale rights, the noncontrolling interests will generally not be allocated BAMTech losses. Prospectively, the Company will record the noncontrolling interests at the greater of (i) their acquisition date fair value adjusted for their share (if any) of earnings, losses, or dividends or (ii) an accreted value from the date of the acquisition to the earliest redemption date. The accretion of the MLB interest to the earliest redemption value in five years after the acquisition date will be recorded using an interest method. As of December 30, 2017 , the redeemable noncontrolling interest subject to accretion would have had a redemption amount of $574 million if it were redeemed at that time. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests will increase or decrease income available to Company shareholders through an adjustment to "Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests" on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

The Company is negotiating to provide the noncontrolling interest holder in ESPN a portion of the Company's share of the BAMTech direct-to-consumer sports business at a price that is consistent with the amount the Company invested. If such transaction is finalized, their investment would be recorded as a noncontrolling interest transaction when consummated.

We have preliminarily allocated $3.6 billion of the purchase price to goodwill (approximately half of which is deductible for tax purposes) with the remainder primarily allocated to identifiable intangible assets. We are in the process of finalizing the valuation of the acquired assets, assumed liabilities, and noncontrolling interests.

The revenue and costs of BAMTech included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 were both approximately $0.1 billion .

Twenty-First Century Fox

On December 14, 2017, the Company and Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. ("21CF") announced a definitive agreement (the "Merger Agreement") for the Company to acquire 21CF. Prior to the acquisition, 21CF will separate certain of its businesses, most notably, the FOX Broadcasting network and stations, FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FS1, FS2 and Big Ten Network into a newly listed company ("New Fox") that will be spun off to 21CF shareholders. Prior to the spin-off, New Fox will pay a dividend to 21CF in the amount of $8.5 billion . Following the spin-off, the significant remaining businesses will include the 21CF film and television studios, certain cable networks (including FX and National Geographic) and 21CF's international TV businesses.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, shareholders of 21CF will receive 0.2745 of a Company share for each 21CF share they hold subject to a two-way adjustment based on an estimate at closing of certain tax liabilities arising from the spin-off and certain other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. In the event that the final estimate of tax liabilities is lower than the estimate used to set the exchange ratio, the first $2.0 billion of that adjustment will be made by a net reduction in the amount of cash dividend to 21CF from New Fox. Based upon 21CF shares outstanding as of September 30, 2017, the Company would be required to issue approximately 515 million new shares, a value of approximately $52.4 billion at the time the exchange ratio was agreed. The value at which the Company will record the equity consideration will be based upon the stock price on the date the transaction closes. In addition, the Company will assume 21CF's net debt, which was approximately $13.7 billion as of September 30, 2017 (approximately $20.0 billion of debt less approximately $6.3 billion in cash).

The Boards of Directors of the Company and 21CF have approved the transaction, which is also subject to approval by 21CF and the Company's shareholders, clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, a number of other non-United States merger and other regulatory reviews, the receipt of a tax ruling from the Australian Taxation Office and certain tax opinions with respect to the treatment of the transaction under U.S. and Australian tax laws, and other customary closing conditions.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Disney will pay 21CF $2.5 billion if the merger is not consummated under certain circumstances relating to the failure to obtain approvals, or if there is a final, non-appealable order preventing the


9

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



transaction, in each case, relating to antitrust laws, communications laws or foreign regulatory laws. If the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain other circumstances relating to changes in board recommendations and/or alternative transactions, the Company or 21CF may be required to pay the other party approximately $1.5 billion .

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 are as follows:

Media

Networks

Parks and

Resorts

Studio

Entertainment

Consumer

Products & Interactive Media

Unallocated (1)

Total

Balance at Sept. 30, 2017

$

16,325


$

291


$

6,817


$

4,393


$

3,600


$

31,426


Acquisitions

-


-


-


-


-


-


Dispositions

-


-


-


-


-


-


Other, net

7


-


7


2


(12

)

4


Balance at Dec. 30, 2017

$

16,332


$

291


$

6,824


$

4,395


$

3,588


$

31,430


(1)

Goodwill will be allocated to the segments once the BAMTech purchase price allocation is finalized.

5.

Borrowings

During the quarter ended December 30, 2017 , the Company's borrowing activity was as follows:

September 30,
2017

Borrowings

Payments

Other

Activity

December 30,
2017

Commercial paper with original maturities less than three months (1)

$

1,151


$

2,047


$

-


$

-


$

3,198


Commercial paper with original maturities greater than three months

1,621


712


(1,619

)

(1

)

713


U.S. and European medium-term notes

19,721


-


(1,300

)

6


18,427


BAMTech acquisition payable

1,581


-


-


-


1,581


Asia Theme Parks borrowings

1,145


-


-


30


1,175


Foreign currency denominated debt and other (2)

72


1,025


(30

)

(70

)

997


Total

$

25,291


$

3,784


$

(2,949

)

$

(35

)

$

26,091


(1)

Borrowings and payments are reported net.

(2)

The other activity is primarily market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges.

The Company has bank facilities with a syndicate of lenders to support commercial paper borrowings as follows:

Committed

Capacity

Capacity

Used

Unused

Capacity

Facility expiring March 2018

$

2,500


$

-


$

2,500


Facility expiring March 2019

2,250


-


2,250


Facility expiring March 2021

2,250


-


2,250


Total

$

7,000


$

-


$

7,000


All of the above bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread depending on the credit default swap spread applicable to the Company's debt, subject to a cap and floor that vary with the Company's debt rating assigned by Moody's Investors Service and Standard and Poor's. The spread above LIBOR can range from 0.23% to 1.63%. The Company also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in March 2019, which if utilized, reduces available borrowings under this facility. As of December 30, 2017 , the Company has $190 million of outstanding letters of credit, of which none were issued under this facility. The facilities specifically exclude certain entities, including the Asia Theme Parks and Disneyland Paris, from any representations, covenants, or events of default and contain only one financial covenant relating to interest coverage, which the Company met on December 30, 2017 by a significant margin.


10

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



Cruise Ship Credit Facilities

In October 2016 and December 2017 the Company entered into credit facilities to finance three new cruise ships, which are expected to be delivered in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The financings may be used for up to 80% of the contract price of the cruise ships. Under the agreements, $1.0 billion in financing is available beginning in April 2021, $1.1 billion is available beginning in May 2022 and $1.1 billion is available beginning in April 2023. If utilized, the interest rates will be fixed at 3.48% , 3.72% and 3.74% , respectively, and the loan and interest will be payable semi-annually over a 12-year period from the borrowing date. Early repayment is permitted subject to cancellation fees.

Interest expense, net

Interest and investment income and interest expense are reported net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and consist of the following (net of capitalized interest):

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Interest expense

$

(146

)

$

(121

)

Interest and investment income

17


22


Interest expense, net

$

(129

)

$

(99

)

Interest and investment income includes gains and losses on the sale of publicly and non-publicly traded investments, investment impairments and interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and certain receivables.

6.

International Theme Parks

The Company has a 47% ownership interest in the operations of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and a 43% ownership interest in the operations of Shanghai Disney Resort (together, the Asia Theme Parks with Disneyland Paris are collectively referred to as the International Theme Parks).

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the International Theme Parks' assets and liabilities included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 :

December 30, 2017

September 30, 2017

Cash and cash equivalents

$

844


$

843


Other current assets

397


376


Total current assets

1,241


1,219


Parks, resorts and other property

9,449


9,403


Other assets

110


111


Total assets (1)

$

10,800


$

10,733


Current liabilities

$

1,061


$

1,163


Borrowings - long-term

1,175


1,145


Other long-term liabilities

390


371


Total liabilities (1)

$

2,626


$

2,679


(1)

At December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 , total assets of the Asia Theme Parks were $8.1 billion and primarily consist of parks, resorts and other property of $7.3 billion . At December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 , total liabilities of the Asia Theme Parks were $2.1 billion .     


11

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



The following table summarizes the International Theme Parks' revenues and costs and expenses included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 :

December 30, 2017

Revenues

$

905


Costs and expenses

(870

)

Equity in the loss of investees

(7

)

Asia Theme Parks' royalty and management fees of $40 million for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 are eliminated in consolidation but are considered in calculating earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests.

International Theme Parks' cash flows for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows were $167 million generated from operating activities, $158 million used in investing activities and $8 million generated from financing activities. The majority of cash flows used in investing activities were for the Asia Theme Parks.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Company have 53% and 47% equity interests in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, respectively.

As part of financing the construction of a third hotel, which opened April 30, 2017, the Company and HKSAR have provided loans with outstanding balances of $139 million and $93 million , respectively, which bear interest at a rate of three month HIBOR plus 2% and mature in September 2025. The Company's loan is eliminated upon consolidation.

The Company has provided Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with a revolving credit facility of HK $2.1 billion ( $269 million ), which bears interest at a rate of three month HIBOR plus 1.25% and matures in December 2023. There is no outstanding balance under the line of credit at December 30, 2017 .

In August 2017, the Company and HKSAR entered into an agreement for a multi-year expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland that will add a number of new guest offerings, including two new themed areas, by 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, the HK  $10.9 billion  ( $1.4 billion ) expansion will be funded by equity contributions made by the Company and HKSAR on an equal basis.

Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Shendi (Group) Co., Ltd (Shendi) and the Company have 57% and 43% equity interests in Shanghai Disney Resort, respectively. A management company, in which the Company has a 70% interest and Shendi a 30% interest, is responsible for operating Shanghai Disney Resort.

The Company has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with loans totaling $789 million , bearing interest at rates up to 8% and maturing in 2036, with early repayment permitted. In addition, the Company has an outstanding balance of $322 million due from Shanghai Disney Resort related to development costs, pre-opening expense and royalties and management fees. The Company has also provided Shanghai Disney Resort with a $157 million line of credit bearing interest at 8% . There is no outstanding balance under the line of credit at December 30, 2017 . These balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

Shendi has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with loans totaling 6.8 billion yuan (approximately $1.0 billion ), bearing interest at rates up to 8% and maturing in 2036, with early repayment permitted. Shendi has also provided Shanghai Disney Resort with a 1.4 billion yuan (approximately $209 million ) line of credit bearing interest at 8% . There is no outstanding balance under the line of credit at December 30, 2017 .

7.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, new federal income tax legislation, the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (Tax Act), was signed into law. The most significant impacts on the Company are as follows:

Effective January 1, 2018, the U.S. corporate federal statutory income tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 21.0% . Because of our fiscal year end, the Company's fiscal 2018 statutory federal tax rate is 24.5% , which is applicable to each quarter of the fiscal year, and will be 21.0% thereafter.

The Company remeasured its existing U.S. federal deferred tax assets and liabilities at the rate that the Company expects to be in effect when those deferred taxes will be realized (either 24.5% if in 2018 or 21.0% thereafter). The


12

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



Company recognized a one-time benefit from the deferred tax remeasurement of approximately $1.9 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

A one-time tax is due on certain accumulated foreign earnings (Deemed Repatriation Tax), which is payable over eight years. The tax rate is generally 15.5% on the portion of the earnings held in cash and cash equivalents and 8% on the remainder. The Company recognized a charge for the Deemed Repatriation Tax of approximately $0.3 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Generally there will no longer be a U.S. federal income tax cost arising from the repatriation of foreign earnings.

The Company will be eligible to claim an immediate deduction for investments in qualified fixed assets and film and television productions placed in service in fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2022. This provision phases out through fiscal 2027.

The domestic production activity deduction was eliminated effective for the Company's fiscal 2019.

Certain foreign derived income will be taxed in the U.S. at an effective rate of approximately 13% (which increases to approximately 16% in 2025) rather than the general statutory rate of 21% . This will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2019.

Certain foreign earnings will be taxed at a minimum effective rate of approximately 13% . This will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2019.

The amounts that the Company has recorded are provisional estimates of the impact the Tax Act will have on the Company's financial statements in fiscal 2018. Additional information and analysis is required to finalize the impact that the Tax Act will have on our full year financial results including the following:

Filing the fiscal 2017 U.S. federal income tax return, which could impact our estimated foreign earnings and deferred income tax assets and liabilities,

Finalizing the determination of foreign cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 2018, which is required to calculate the Deemed Repatriation Tax, and

Receiving additional information with respect to the income tax attributes of our equity method investments.

Although the Company does not anticipate material adjustments to the provisional amounts, final results could vary from these provisional amounts.

Additionally, potential further guidance may be forthcoming from the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as regulations, interpretations and rulings from federal and state tax agencies, which could result in additional impacts.

During the quarter ended December 30, 2017, the Company increased its gross unrecognized tax benefits by $0.1 billion to $0.9 billion . In the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could change due to resolutions of open tax matters. These resolutions would reduce our unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $258 million , of which $100 million would reduce our income tax expense and effective tax rate if recognized.

8.

Pension and Other Benefit Programs

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

Pension Plans

Postretirement Medical Plans

Quarter Ended

Quarter Ended

December 30, 2017

December 31, 2016

December 30, 2017

December 31, 2016

Service costs

$

88


$

91


$

3


$

3


Interest costs

123


112


15


14


Expected return on plan assets

(225

)

(219

)

(13

)

(12

)

Amortization of prior-year service costs

3


3


-


-


Recognized net actuarial loss

87


101


3


4


Net periodic benefit cost

$

76


$

88


$

8


$

9


During the quarter ended December 30, 2017 , the Company did not make any material contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans and currently does not expect to make any material contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans during the remainder of fiscal 2018 . However, final funding amounts for fiscal 2018 will be assessed based on our January 1, 2018 funding actuarial valuation, which will be available by the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 .


13

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



9.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share amounts are based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period and are calculated using the treasury stock method for equity-based compensation awards (Awards). A reconciliation of the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding and the number of Awards excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as they were anti-dilutive, are as follows:

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Shares (in millions):

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (basic)

1,512


1,592


Weighted average dilutive impact of Awards

9


11


Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (diluted)

1,521


1,603


Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share

16


16


10.

Equity

The Company paid the following dividends in fiscal 2018 and 2017 :

Per Share

Total Paid

Payment Timing

Related to Fiscal Period

$0.84

$1.3 billion

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2018

Second Half 2017

$0.78

$1.2 billion

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2017

First Half 2017

$0.78

$1.2 billion

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2017

Second Half 2016

During the quarter ended December 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased 13 million shares of its common stock for $1.3 billion . As of December 30, 2017 , the Company had remaining authorization in place to repurchase approximately 179 million additional shares. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

The following tables summarize the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) including our proportional share of equity method investee amounts:

Unrecognized
Pension and 
Postretirement
Medical 
Expense

Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other

AOCI

Market Value Adjustments

AOCI, before tax

Investments

Cash Flow Hedges

Balance at September 30, 2017

$

15


$

(108

)

$

(4,906

)

$

(523

)

$

(5,522

)

Quarter Ended December 30, 2017:



Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

(1

)

19


-


62


80


Reclassifications of realized net (gains) losses to net income

-


20


96


-


116


Balance at December 30, 2017

$

14


$

(69

)

$

(4,810

)

$

(461

)

$

(5,326

)

Balance at October 1, 2016

$

44


$

(38

)

$

(5,859

)

$

(521

)

$

(6,374

)

Quarter Ended December 31, 2016:

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

(18

)

506


-


(141

)

347


Reclassifications of realized net (gains) losses to net income

-


(70

)

108


-


38


Balance at December 31, 2016

$

26


$

398


$

(5,751

)

$

(662

)

$

(5,989

)


14

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



Unrecognized
Pension and 
Postretirement
Medical 
Expense

Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other

AOCI

Market Value Adjustments

Tax on AOCI

Investments

Cash Flow Hedges

Balance at September 30, 2017

$

(7

)

$

46


$

1,839


$

116


$

1,994


Quarter Ended December 30, 2017:



Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

-


(13

)

-


(16

)

(29

)

Reclassifications of realized net (gains) losses to net income

-


(8

)

(35

)

-


(43

)

Balance at December 30, 2017

$

(7

)

$

25


$

1,804


$

100


$

1,922


Balance at October 1, 2016

$

(18

)

$

13


$

2,208


$

192


$

2,395


Quarter Ended December 31, 2016:



Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

7


(182

)

(22

)

(50

)

(247

)

Reclassifications of realized net (gains) losses to net income

-


26


(40

)

-


(14

)

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

(11

)

$

(143

)

$

2,146


$

142


$

2,134


Unrecognized
Pension and 
Postretirement
Medical 
Expense

Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other

AOCI

Market Value Adjustments

AOCI, after tax

Investments

Cash Flow Hedges

Balance at September 30, 2017

$

8


$

(62

)

$

(3,067

)

$

(407

)

$

(3,528

)

Quarter Ended December 30, 2017:

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

(1

)

6


-


46


51


Reclassifications of realized net (gains) losses to net income

-


12


61


-


73


Balance at December 30, 2017

$

7


$

(44

)

$

(3,006

)

$

(361

)

$

(3,404

)

Balance at October 1, 2016

$

26


$

(25

)

$

(3,651

)

$

(329

)

$

(3,979

)

Quarter Ended December 31, 2016:

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

(11

)

324


(22

)

(191

)

100


Reclassifications of realized net (gains) losses to net income

-


(44

)

68


-


24


Balance at December 31, 2016

$

15


$

255


$

(3,605

)

$

(520

)

$

(3,855

)


15

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



Details about AOCI components reclassified to net income are as follows:

Gains/(losses) in net income:

Affected line item in the

  Condensed Consolidated

  Statements of Income:

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Cash flow hedges

Primarily revenue

$

(20

)

$

70


Estimated tax

Income taxes

8


(26

)

(12

)

44


Pension and postretirement

  medical expense

Costs and expenses

(96

)

(108

)

Estimated tax

Income taxes

35


40


(61

)

(68

)

Total reclassifications for the period

$

(73

)

$

(24

)

At December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 , unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments were not material.

11.

Equity-Based Compensation

Compensation expense related to stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units (RSUs) is as follows:

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Stock options

$

23


$

20


RSUs

71


77


Total equity-based compensation expense (1)

$

94


$

97


Equity-based compensation expense capitalized during the period

$

19


$

21


(1)

Equity-based compensation expense is net of capitalized equity-based compensation and excludes amortization of previously capitalized equity-based compensation costs.

Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and RSUs was $222 million and $858 million , respectively, as of December 30, 2017 .

The weighted average grant date fair values of options granted during the quarter ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $28.01 and $25.78 , respectively.

During the quarter ended December 30, 2017 , the Company made equity compensation grants consisting of 4.0 million stock options and 4.1 million RSUs.

12.

Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in various legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its businesses. Management does not believe that the Company has incurred a probable material loss by reason of any of those actions.

Contractual Guarantees

The Company has guaranteed bond issuances by the Anaheim Public Authority that were used by the City of Anaheim to finance construction of infrastructure and a public parking facility adjacent to the Disneyland Resort. Revenues from sales, occupancy and property taxes from the Disneyland Resort and non-Disney hotels are used by the City of Anaheim to repay the bonds. In the event of a debt service shortfall, the Company will be responsible to fund the shortfall. As of December 30, 2017 , the remaining debt service obligation guaranteed by the Company was $306 million , of which $48 million was principal. To the extent that tax revenues exceed the debt service payments in subsequent periods, the Company would be reimbursed for any previously funded shortfalls. To date, tax revenues have exceeded the debt service payments for these bonds.


16

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



The Company has guaranteed $113 million of Hulu LLC's $338 million term loan, which expires in August 2022, and is committed to make a capital contribution of approximately $450 million to Hulu in calendar 2018. Hulu is a joint venture in which the Company has a 30% ownership interest.

Long-Term Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company has accounts receivable with original maturities greater than one year related to the sale of television program rights and vacation ownership units. Allowances for credit losses are established against these receivables as necessary.

The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from the sale of television programs based upon a number of factors, including historical experience and the financial condition of individual companies with which we do business. The balance of television program sales receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of an immaterial allowance for credit losses, was $0.8 billion as of December 30, 2017 . The activity in the current period related to the allowance for credit losses was not material.

The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from sales of its vacation ownership units based primarily on historical collection experience. Estimates of uncollectible amounts also consider the economic environment and the age of receivables. The balance of mortgage receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of a related allowance for credit losses of approximately 4% , was approximately $0.7 billion as of December 30, 2017 . The activity in the current period related to the allowance for credit losses was not material.

13.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and is generally classified in one of the following categories of the fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable

The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables by fair value measurement Level:

Fair Value Measurement at December 30, 2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets

 Investments

$

32


$

-


$

-


$

32


Derivatives

Foreign exchange

-


416


-


416


Other

-


13


-


13


Liabilities

Derivatives

Interest rate

-


(188

)

-


(188

)

Foreign exchange

-


(459

)

-


(459

)

Total recorded at fair value

$

32


$

(218

)

$

-


$

(186

)

Fair value of borrowings

$

-


$

23,935


$

2,793


$

26,728



17

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets

 Investments

$

36


$

-


$

-


$

36


Derivatives

Interest rate

-


10


-


10


Foreign exchange

-


403


-


403


Other

-


8


-


8


Liabilities

Derivatives

Interest rate

-


(122

)

-


(122

)

Foreign exchange

-


(427

)

-


(427

)

Total recorded at fair value

$

36


$

(128

)

$

-


$

(92

)

Fair value of borrowings

$

-


$

23,110


$

2,764


$

25,874


 The fair values of Level 2 derivatives are primarily determined by internal discounted cash flow models that use observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign currency exchange rates. Counterparty credit risk, which is mitigated by master netting agreements and collateral posting arrangements with certain counterparties, did not have a material impact on derivative fair value estimates.

Level 2 borrowings, which include commercial paper and U.S. medium-term notes, are valued based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets.

Level 3 borrowings include the Asia Theme Park borrowings and the Company's other foreign currency denominated borrowings, and generally are valued based on the current borrowing cost and credit risk of the Asia Theme Parks and the Company, respectively, as well as historical market transactions and prevailing market interest rates.

The Company's financial instruments also include cash, cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate the fair values.

14.

Derivative Instruments

The Company manages its exposure to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations according to a risk management policy. The primary risks managed with derivative instruments are interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.

The Company's derivative positions measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables:

As of December 30, 2017

Current

Assets

Other Assets

Other Current Liabilities

Other Long-

Term

Liabilities

Derivatives designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

$

152


$

237


$

(187

)

$

(184

)

Interest rate

-


-


(161

)

-


Other

11


2


-


-


Derivatives not designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

24


3


(64

)

(25

)

Interest rate

-


-


-


(27

)

Gross fair value of derivatives

187


242


(412

)

(236

)

Counterparty netting

(141

)

(238

)

204


175


Cash collateral (received)/paid

(12

)

(1

)

35


-


Net derivative positions

$

34


$

3


$

(173

)

$

(61

)


18

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



As of September 30, 2017

Current

Assets

Other Assets

Other Current Liabilities

Other Long-

Term

Liabilities

Derivatives designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

$

175


$

190


$

(192

)

$

(170

)

Interest rate

-


10


(106

)

-


Other

6


2


-


-


Derivatives not designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

38


-


(46

)

(19

)

Interest rate

-


-


-


(16

)

Gross fair value of derivatives

219


202


(344

)

(205

)

Counterparty netting

(142

)

(190

)

188


144


Cash collateral (received)/paid

(20

)

(7

)

19


-


Net derivative positions

$

57


$

5


$

(137

)

$

(61

)

Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through its borrowing activities. The Company's objective is to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and on the market value of its borrowings. In accordance with its policy, the Company targets its fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between a minimum and maximum percentage. The Company primarily uses pay-floating and pay-fixed interest rate swaps to facilitate its interest rate risk management activities.

The Company designates pay-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate borrowings effectively converting fixed-rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings indexed to LIBOR. As of December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 , the total notional amount of the Company's pay-floating interest rate swaps was $7.8 billion and $8.2 billion , respectively. The following table summarizes adjustments related to fair value hedges included in " Interest expense, net " in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps

$

(64

)

$

(232

)

Gain (loss) on hedged borrowings

64


232


In addition, the Company realized net benefits of $7 million and $12 million for the quarters ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, in " Interest expense, net " related to pay-floating interest rate swaps.

The Company may designate pay-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of interest payments on floating-rate borrowings. Pay-fixed swaps effectively convert floating-rate borrowings to fixed-rate borrowings. The unrealized gains or losses from these cash flow hedges are deferred in AOCI and recognized in interest expense as the interest payments occur. The Company did not have pay-fixed interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest payments at December 30, 2017 or at September 30, 2017 and gains and losses related to pay-fixed swaps recognized in earnings for the quarters ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were not material.

To facilitate its interest rate risk management activities, the Company sold an option in November 2016 to enter into a future pay-floating interest rate swap indexed to LIBOR for $0.5 billion in future borrowings. The fair value of this contract as of December 30, 2017 was not material. In October 2017, the Company sold an additional option for $0.5 billion in future borrowings with the same terms. The options are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting; accordingly, changes in their fair value are recorded in earnings.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

The Company transacts business globally and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. The Company's objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow fluctuations associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes, enabling management to focus on core business issues and challenges.


19

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



The Company enters into option and forward contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change to protect the value of its existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, firm commitments and forecasted but not firmly committed foreign currency transactions. In accordance with policy, the Company hedges its forecasted foreign currency transactions for periods generally not to exceed four years within an established minimum and maximum range of annual exposure. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of the related forecasted transaction, asset, liability or firm commitment. The principal currencies hedged are the euro, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar and British pound. Cross-currency swaps are used to effectively convert foreign currency denominated borrowings into U.S. dollar denominated borrowings.

The Company designates foreign exchange forward and option contracts as cash flow hedges of firmly committed and forecasted foreign currency transactions. As of December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 , the notional amounts of the Company's net foreign exchange cash flow hedges were $6.7 billion and $6.3 billion , respectively. Mark-to-market gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting changes in the value of the foreign currency transactions. Gains and losses recognized related to ineffectiveness for the quarter s ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were not material. Net deferred losses recorded in AOCI for contracts that will mature in the next twelve months totaled $ 64 million .

Foreign exchange risk management contracts with respect to foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. The notional amounts of these foreign exchange contracts at December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 were $2.9 billion and $3.6 billion , respectively. The following table summarizes the net foreign exchange gains or losses recognized on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and the net foreign exchange gains or losses on the foreign exchange contracts we entered into to mitigate our exposure with respect to foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities for the quarter s ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by the corresponding line item in which they are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

Costs and Expenses

Interest expense, net

Income Tax expense

Quarter Ended:

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Net gains (losses) on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

$

17


$

(233

)

$

3


$

7


$

3


$

23


Net gains (losses) on foreign exchange risk management contracts not designated as hedges

(14

)

221


(1

)

(7

)

(1

)

(31

)

Net gains (losses)

$

3


$

(12

)

$

2


$

-


$

2


$

(8

)

Commodity Price Risk Management

The Company is subject to the volatility of commodities prices and the Company designates certain commodity forward contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted commodity purchases. Mark-to-market gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting changes in the value of commodity purchases. The notional amount of these commodities contracts at December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and related gains or losses recognized in earnings for the quarter s ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were not material.

Risk Management – Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges

The Company enters into certain other risk management contracts that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. These contracts, which include certain swap contracts, are intended to offset economic exposures of the Company and are carried at market value with any changes in value recorded in earnings. The notional amount and fair value of these contracts at December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 were not material. The related gains or losses recognized in earnings for the quarter s ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were not material.

Contingent Features and Cash Collateral

The Company has master netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to certain derivative financial instrument contracts. The Company may be required to post collateral in the event that a net liability position with a counterparty exceeds limits defined by contract and that vary with the Company's credit rating. In addition, these contracts may require a counterparty to post collateral to the Company in the event that a net receivable position with a counterparty exceeds limits defined by contract and that vary with the counterparty's credit rating. If the Company's or the counterparty's credit ratings were to fall below investment grade, such counterparties or the Company would also have the right to terminate our derivative contracts, which could lead to a net payment to or from the Company for the aggregate net value by counterparty of our derivative contracts. The aggregate fair values of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features in a net


20

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



liability position by counterparty were $269 million and $217 million on December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 , respectively.

15.

Restructuring and Impairment Charges and Other Income

The Company recorded $15 million of restructuring and impairment charges in the current quarter primarily consisting of severance costs.

The Company recorded a $53 million gain in the current quarter on the sale of property rights.

16.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance to improve certain aspects of the hedge accounting model including making more risk management strategies eligible for hedge accounting and simplifying the assessment of hedge effectiveness. We do not expect the adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as our historical hedging ineffectiveness has been immaterial. The new guidance is effective beginning with the Company's 2020 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted in any interim period) and requires prospective adoption with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption for existing hedging relationships.

Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance that requires presentation of all components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, other than service costs, in an income statement line item outside of a subtotal of income from operations. The service cost component will continue to be presented in the same line items as other employee compensation costs. In addition, the guidance allows only service costs to be eligible for capitalization, for example, as part of a self-constructed fixed asset or a film production. The new guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of the Company's 2019 fiscal year. The guidance is required to be adopted retrospectively with respect to income statement presentation and prospectively for the capitalization requirement. We do not expect the change in capitalization requirement to have a material impact on our financial statements. See Note 8 of this filing and Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the amount of each component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs we have reported historically. These amounts of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are not necessarily indicative of future amounts that may arise in years following implementation of the new accounting pronouncement.

Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory

In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory to be recognized when the transfer occurs instead of when the asset is sold to an outside party. The new guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of the Company's 2019 fiscal year. The guidance requires prospective adoption with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the adoption period. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements. We currently estimate that we will record approximately $0.1 billion as an increase to retained earnings upon adoption. Our assessment may change if we enter into new transactions between now and the date of adoption.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard, which requires the present value of committed operating lease payments to be recorded as right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had an estimated $3.3 billion in undiscounted future minimum lease commitments. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new guidance on its financial statements. The guidance is required to be adopted retrospectively, and is effective beginning in the first quarter of the Company's 2020 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted). The FASB has recently proposed guidance that would allow adoption of the standard as of the effective date without restating prior periods.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that replaces the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition with a single comprehensive five-step model, eliminating industry-specific accounting rules. The core principle is to recognize revenue upon the transfer of control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received. Since its issuance, the FASB has amended several aspects of the new guidance, including provisions that address revenue recognition associated with the licensing of intellectual property (IP). The new guidance, including the amendments, is effective at the beginning of the Company's 2019 fiscal year.


21

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited; tabular dollars in millions, except for per share data)



We have reviewed our significant revenue streams and identified required changes to our revenue recognition policies. Based on our existing customer contracts and relationships, we do not expect the implementation of the new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The Company's evaluation of the impact could change if we enter into new revenue arrangements in the future or interpretations of the new guidance further evolve.

While not expected to be material, the more significant changes to the Company's revenue recognition policies are in the following areas:

For television and film content licensing agreements with multiple availability windows with the same licensee, the Company will defer more revenues to future windows than is currently deferred.

For licenses of character images, brands and trademarks subject to minimum guaranteed license fees, we currently recognize the difference between the minimum guaranteed amount and actual royalties earned from licensee merchandise sales ("shortfalls") at the end of the contract period. Under the new guidance, projected guarantee shortfalls will be recognized straight-line over the remaining license period once an expected shortfall is identified.

For licenses that include multiple television and film titles subject to minimum guaranteed license fees that are recoupable against the licensee's aggregate underlying sales from all titles, the Company will allocate the minimum guaranteed license fee to each title and recognize the allocated license fee as revenue when the title is made available to the customer. License fees in excess of the allocated by-title minimum guarantee are deferred until the aggregate contractual minimum guarantee has been exceeded and thereafter recognized as earned based on the licensee's underlying sales. Under current guidance, an upfront allocation of the minimum guarantee is not required as license fees are recognized as earned based on the licensee's underlying sales with any shortfalls recognized at the end of the contract period.

For renewals or extensions of license agreements for television and film content, we will recognize revenue when the licensed content becomes available under the renewal or extension, instead of when the agreement is renewed or extended.

We are continuing our assessment of potential changes to our disclosures and internal controls under the new guidance.

The guidance may be adopted either by restating all years presented in the Company's financial statements for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 (full retrospective method) or by recording the impact of adoption as an adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of fiscal 2019 (modified retrospective method). The Company currently expects to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method.

The Company's equity method investees are considered private companies for purposes of applying the new guidance and are not required to adopt the new standard until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We have not yet assessed the impact of the new rules on our equity investees.


22



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION

Management's Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative of the Company's financial performance and condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. It includes the following sections:

Consolidated Results and Non-segment Items

Seasonality

Business Segment Results

Impact of U.S. tax reform

Financial Condition

Commitments and Contingencies

Other Matters

Market Risk

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS AND NON-SEGMENT ITEMS

Our summary consolidated results are presented below:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions, except per share data)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/

(Worse)

Revenues:

Services

$

12,984


$

12,406


5

 %

Products

2,367


2,378


-

 %

Total revenues

15,351


14,784


4

 %

Costs and expenses:

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

(7,334

)

(7,020

)

(4)

 %

Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

(1,403

)

(1,386

)

(1)

 %

Selling, general, administrative and other

(2,079

)

(1,985

)

(5)

 %

Depreciation and amortization

(742

)

(687

)

(8)

 %

Total costs and expenses

(11,558

)

(11,078

)

(4)

 %

Restructuring and impairment charges

(15

)

-


nm


Other income, net

53


-


nm


Interest expense, net

(129

)

(99

)

(30)

 %

Equity in the income of investees

43


118


(64)

 %

Income before income taxes

3,745


3,725


1

 %

Income taxes

728


(1,237

)

nm


Net income

4,473


2,488


80

 %

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(50

)

(9

)

>(100)

 %

Net income attributable to Disney

$

4,423


$

2,479


78

 %

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney

$

2.91


$

1.55


88

 %



23

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Quarter Results

Revenues for the quarter increased 4% , or $0.6 billion , to $15.4 billion ; net income attributable to Disney increased 78% , or $1.9 billion , to $4.4 billion ; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) increase d 88% from $1.55 to $2.91 . The net income and EPS increase for the quarter was due to the benefit of new federal income tax legislation, the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (Tax Act) (See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). EPS for the quarter also benefited from a decrease in weighted average shares outstanding as a result of our share repurchase program. Segment operating income in the current quarter was comparable to the prior-year quarter, as growth at our Parks and Resorts segment was largely offset by lower results at our Media Networks segment.

Revenues

Service revenues for the quarter increased 5% , or $578 million , to $13.0 billion due to higher guest spending and attendance at our parks and resorts, higher theatrical distribution revenue, an increase in affiliate fees and revenue from BAMTech, which is now consolidated. These increases were partially offset by lower advertising revenue.

Product revenues for the quarter were flat at $2.4 billion as higher guest spending and attendance at our parks and resorts were offset by lower volumes at our home entertainment business.

Costs and expenses

Cost of services for the quarter increased 4% , or $314 million , to $7.3 billion primarily due to higher costs at our parks and resorts, increased production cost write-downs and higher film cost amortization due to higher theatrical revenue. The increase at parks and resorts was driven by cost inflation, higher volumes and new guest offerings.

Cost of products for the quarter increased 1% , or $17 million , to $1.4 billion driven by higher volumes and inflation at our parks and resorts, partially offset by lower home entertainment volumes.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased 5% , or $94 million , to $2.1 billion due to the consolidation of BAMTech, costs incurred in connection with our agreement to acquire Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. and higher marketing spend.

Depreciation and amortization increased 8% , or $55 million , to $0.7 billion , primarily due to depreciation of new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts and the consolidation of BAMTech.

Restructuring and impairment charges

The Company recorded $15 million of restructuring and impairment charges in the quarter primarily consisting of severance costs.

Other income, net

The Company recorded a $53 million gain in the quarter on the sale of property rights.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net is as follows: 

Quarter Ended


(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

% Change

Better/(Worse)

Interest expense

$

(146

)

$

(121

)

(21)

 %

Interest and investment income

17


22


(23)

 %

Interest expense, net

$

(129

)

$

(99

)

(30)

 %

The increase in interest expense was due to higher average debt balances and an increase in average interest rates. The decrease in interest and investment income was due to an investment write-down in the current quarter.

Equity in the income of investees

Equity in the income of investees decreased $75 million to $43 million for the quarter due to higher losses from our investment in Hulu and lower operating results from A+E Television Networks (A+E), partially offset by the absence of equity losses from BAMTech, which is now consolidated and reported in the Media Networks segment. The decrease at Hulu was due to higher programming and labor costs, partially offset by subscription and advertising revenue growth. The decrease at A+E was due to lower advertising revenue, higher marketing costs and increased programming costs.


24

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Effective Income Tax Rate

Quarter Ended

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Change

Better/(Worse)

Effective income tax rate (benefit) / expense

(19.4

)%

33.2

%

52.6


ppt

For the current quarter, we recognized an income tax benefit compared to expense in the prior-year quarter. The 52.6 percentage point change in our effective tax rate compared to the prior-year quarter reflected two significant impacts of the Tax Act:

A one-time net benefit of approximately $1.6 billion, which reflected an approximate $1.9 billion benefit from remeasuring our deferred tax balances to the new statutory rate, partially offset by a charge of approximately $0.3 billion from accruing a Deemed Repatriation Tax. This net benefit had an impact of approximately 41.8 percentage points on the effective income tax rate.

A reduction in the Company's fiscal 2018 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to 24.5% from 35.0% in the prior year. Net of state tax and other effects, the reduction in the statutory rate had an impact of approximately 9.2 percentage points on the effective income tax rate.

Refer to Note 7 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the impacts of the Tax Act on the Company.

Noncontrolling Interests

Quarter Ended

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

% Change

Better/(Worse) 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

$

50


$

9


>(100)

 %

The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was driven by lower tax expense at ESPN, largely due to the one-time benefit from the Tax Act.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties and management fees, financing costs and income taxes.


SEASONALITY

The Company's businesses are subject to the effects of seasonality. Consequently, the operating results for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 for each business segment, and for the Company as a whole, are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

Media Networks revenues are subject to seasonal advertising patterns, changes in viewership levels and timing of program sales. In general, advertising revenues are somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer months.

Parks and Resorts revenues fluctuate with changes in theme park attendance and resort occupancy resulting from the seasonal nature of vacation travel and leisure activities. Peak attendance and resort occupancy generally occur during the summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday periods.

Studio Entertainment revenues fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including competition and the timing of vacation and holiday periods.

Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenues are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing behavior, which generally results in increased revenues during the Company's first and fourth fiscal quarter, and the timing and performance of theatrical and game releases and cable programming broadcasts.


25

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS

The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, which is shown below along with segment revenues:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Revenues:

Media Networks

$

6,243


$

6,233


-

 %

Parks and Resorts

5,154


4,555


13

 %

Studio Entertainment

2,504


2,520


(1)

 %

Consumer Products & Interactive Media

1,450


1,476


(2)

 %

$

15,351


$

14,784


4

 %

Segment operating income:

Media Networks

$

1,193


$

1,362


(12)

 %

Parks and Resorts

1,347


1,110


21

 %

Studio Entertainment

829


842


(2)

 %

Consumer Products & Interactive Media

617


642


(4)

 %

$

3,986


$

3,956


1

 %

The following table reconciles segment operating income to income before income taxes:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Segment operating income

$

3,986


$

3,956


1

 %

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

(150

)

(132

)

(14)

 %

Restructuring and impairment charges

(15

)

-


nm


Other income, net

53


-


nm


Interest expense, net

(129

)


(99

)

(30)

 %

Income before income taxes

$

3,745



$

3,725


1

 %

Depreciation expense is as follows:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Media Networks

Cable Networks

$

39


$

36


(8)

 %

Broadcasting

24


21


(14)

 %

Total Media Networks

63


57


(11)

 %

Parks and Resorts



Domestic

357


328


(9)

 %

International

177


156


(13)

 %

Total Parks and Resorts

534


484


(10)

 %

Studio Entertainment

13


12


(8)

 %

Consumer Products & Interactive Media

13


15


13

 %

Corporate

54


68


21

 %

Total depreciation expense

$

677


$

636


(6)

 %


26

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Amortization of intangible assets is as follows:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Media Networks

$

20


$

2


>(100)

 %

Parks and Resorts

-


1


-

 %

Studio Entertainment

17


16


(6)

 %

Consumer Products & Interactive Media

28


32


13

 %

Total amortization of intangible assets

$

65


$

51


(27)

 %


Media Networks

Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Revenues

Affiliate fees

$

3,205


$

3,075


4

 %

Advertising

2,320


2,529


(8)

 %

TV/SVOD distribution and other

718


629


14

 %

Total revenues

6,243


6,233


-

 %

Operating expenses

(4,370

)

(4,298

)

(2)

 %

Selling, general, administrative and other

(647

)

(633

)

(2)

 %

Depreciation and amortization

(83

)

(59

)

(41)

 %

Equity in the income of investees

50


119


(58)

 %

Operating Income

$

1,193


$

1,362


(12)

 %

Revenues

The increase in affiliate fees was due to growth of approximately 7% from higher contractual rates, partially offset by an approximately 3% decrease from fewer subscribers.

The decrease in advertising revenues was due to a decrease of $124 million at Cable Networks, from $1,407 million to $1,283 million and a decrease of $85 million at Broadcasting, from $1,122 million to $1,037 million . The decrease at Cable Networks was due to decreases of 8% from lower average viewership and 1% from lower rates, both of which were negatively impacted by the shift of College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl games between the first and second fiscal quarters. The current quarter included three "host" bowl games, whereas the prior-year quarter included one host game and two semi-final games. Semi-final games generally generate more advertising revenue than host games. Broadcasting advertising revenues reflected decreases of 8% from lower network impressions and 5% from the owned television stations, partially offset by an increase of 6% from higher network rates. The decrease in network impressions was due to lower average viewership, partially offset by an increase in units delivered. The decrease at the owned television stations was due to lower political advertising.

TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $89 million due to the consolidation of BAMTech and, to a lesser extent, higher sales of Freeform programs. On September 25, 2017, the Company increased its ownership in BAMTech and began consolidating their results. The Company's share of BAMTech's results was previously reported in equity in the income of investees.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $47 million , from $4,011 million to $4,058 million . At Broadcasting, programming and production costs increased $36 million due to higher cost write-downs. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $11 million due to the consolidation of BAMTech, partially offset by lower sports programming costs at ESPN. Lower sports programming costs reflected the shift of CFP games as host games generally have lower costs than semi-final games. This decrease was partially offset by contractual rate increases for college sports and NFL programming.


27

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $14 million , from $633 million to $647 million due to the consolidation of BAMTech, partially offset by lower marketing costs at the Disney Channels and Freeform.

Depreciation and amortization increased $24 million , from $59 million to $83 million due to the consolidation of BAMTech.

Equity in the Income of Investees

Income from equity investees decreased $69 million , from $119 million to $50 million due to higher losses from our investment in Hulu and lower operating results from A+E, partially offset by the absence of equity losses from BAMTech, which is now consolidated. The decrease at Hulu was due to higher programming and labor costs, partially offset by subscription and advertising revenue growth. The decrease at A+E was due to lower advertising revenue, higher marketing costs and increased programming costs.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased $169 million , to $1,193 million due to lower income from equity investees, a decrease at the owned television stations, the consolidation of BAMTech, lower income from ABC program sales and decreases at ESPN and the ABC Network. These decreases were partially offset by increases at the Disney Channels and Freeform.

The following table provides supplemental revenue and segment operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Revenues

Cable Networks (1)

$

4,493


$

4,428


1

 %

Broadcasting

1,750


1,805


(3)

 %

$

6,243


$

6,233


-

 %

Segment operating income

Cable Networks (1)

$

858


$

864


(1)

 %

Broadcasting

285


379


(25)

 %

Equity in the income of investees (1)

50


119


(58)

 %

$

1,193


$

1,362


(12)

 %

(1)

Cable Networks results in the current quarter include the consolidated results of BAMTech, whereas in the prior-year quarter the Company's share of BAMTech's results was reported in equity in the income of investees.


Parks and Resorts

Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Revenues

Domestic

$

4,169


$

3,740


11

 %

International

985


815


21

 %

Total revenues

5,154


4,555


13

 %

Operating expenses

(2,811

)

(2,547

)

(10)

 %

Selling, general, administrative and other

(455

)

(411

)

(11)

 %

Depreciation and amortization

(534

)

(485

)

(10)

 %

Equity in the loss of investees

(7

)

(2

)

>(100)

 %

Operating Income

$

1,347


$

1,110


21

 %


28

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Revenues

Parks and Resorts revenues increased 13% , or $599 million , to $5.2 billion due to increase s of $429 million at our domestic operations and $170 million at our international operations. Domestic revenue growth benefited from the comparison to the impact of Hurricane Matthew, which occurred in the prior-year quarter.

Revenue growth at our domestic operations was due to increases of 6% from higher average guest spending and 4% from higher volumes. Guest spending growth was primarily due to higher average ticket prices at our theme parks, increased food, beverage and merchandise spending and an increase in average daily hotel room rates. Higher volumes were due to attendance growth, an increase in passenger cruise ship days and higher vacation club unit sales, partially offset by lower occupied hotel room nights. Higher passenger cruise ship days reflected the impact of the Disney Wonder dry-dock in the prior-year quarter. The increase in vacation club unit sales was driven by sales at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins. At Walt Disney World Resort, available room nights decreased due to conversions to vacation club units.

Revenue growth at our international operations was due to increases of 9% from higher volumes, 6% from higher average guest spending and 6% from a favorable foreign currency impact. The increase in volumes was due to higher attendance and occupied room nights at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Guest spending growth was driven by higher average ticket prices and increased food, beverage and merchandise spending at Disneyland Paris. The increases at Disneyland Paris reflected the benefit of the 25th Anniversary celebration.

The following table presents supplemental park and hotel statistics: 

Domestic

International (2)

Total

Quarter Ended

Quarter Ended

Quarter Ended

Dec. 30,
2017

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 30,
2017

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 30,
2017

Dec. 31,
2016

Parks

Increase/(decrease)

Attendance

6

%

(5)

 %

10

%

50

 %

7

%

6

%

Per Capita Guest Spending

7

%

7

 %

9

%

(3)

 %

7

%

2

%

Hotels (1)

Occupancy

91

%

91

 %

84

%

79

 %

89

%

88

%

Available Room Nights (in thousands)

2,516


2,569


799


731


3,315


3,300


Per Room Guest Spending


$344



$324



$293



$286



$332



$316


(1)

Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate, as well as food, beverage and merchandise sales at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.

(2)

Per capita guest spending growth rate is stated on a constant currency basis. Per room guest spending is stated at the fiscal 2017 first quarter average foreign exchange rate.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $112 million , from $1,202 million to $1,314 million , infrastructure costs, which increased $50 million , from $462 million to $512 million , and cost of sales, which increased $40 million , from $419 million to $459 million . The increase in operating labor was driven by inflation, higher volumes and an unfavorable foreign currency impact. Higher infrastructure costs were primarily due to increased technology spending, higher maintenance expense and inflation. The increase in cost of sales was due to higher volumes and inflation. Other operating expenses, which include costs for such items as supplies, commissions, and entertainment offerings, increased primarily due to new guest offerings, volume growth and inflation.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $44 million , from $411 million to $455 million primarily due to higher marketing spend and inflation.

The increase in depreciation and amortization was driven by new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts.

Equity in the Loss of Investees

Loss from equity investees increased $5 million to $7 million due to a higher operating loss from Villages Nature, in which Disneyland Paris has a 50% interest.


29

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 21% , or $237 million , to $1,347 million due to growth at our domestic and international operations.


Studio Entertainment

Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Revenues

Theatrical distribution

$

1,169


$

961


22

 %

Home entertainment

390


547


(29)

 %

TV/SVOD distribution and other

945


1,012


(7)

 %

Total revenues

2,504


2,520


(1)

 %

Operating expenses

(996

)

(1,007

)

1

 %

Selling, general, administrative and other

(649

)

(643

)

(1)

 %

Depreciation and amortization

(30

)

(28

)

(7)

 %

Operating Income

$

829


$

842


(2)

 %

Revenues

The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was due to the performance of Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Thor: Ragnarok in the current quarter compared to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Doctor Strange in the prior-year quarter. Other significant releases in the current quarter included Coco , while the prior-year quarter included Moana .

Lower home entertainment revenue was due to decreases of 23% from lower unit sales and 3% from lower average net effective pricing, which reflected the performance of Cars 3 in the current quarter compared to Finding Dory in the prior-year quarter. Net effective pricing is the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales incentives and returns.

The decrease in TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was due to decreases of 5% from TV/SVOD distribution and 1% from lower revenue share with the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment. The decrease from TV/SVOD distribution was primarily due to a decrease at our pay television business driven by the domestic availability of two key titles in the prior-year quarter compared to one key title in the current quarter. The prior-year quarter included Captain America: Civil War and Jungle Book , while the current quarter included Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 .

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include an increase of $10 million in film cost amortization, from $666 million to $676 million as the impact of higher theatrical revenues was largely offset by the impact of lower home entertainment revenues. Operating expenses also include cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which decreased $21 million , from $341 million to $320 million due to lower home entertainment unit sales.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 2% , or $13 million , to $829 million as an increase in theatrical distribution results was more than offset by decreases in home entertainment and TV/SVOD distribution results and lower income from Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment revenue share.



30

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Consumer Products & Interactive Media

Operating results for the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment are as follows:

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Revenues

Licensing, publishing and games

$

904


$

936


(3)

 %

Retail and other

546


540


1

 %

Total revenues

1,450


1,476


(2)

 %

Operating expenses

(560

)

(554

)

(1)

 %

Selling, general, administrative and other

(232

)

(234

)

1

 %

Depreciation and amortization

(41

)

(47

)

13

 %

Equity in the income of investees

-


1


-

 %

Operating Income

$

617


$

642


(4)

 %

Revenues

Lower licensing, publishing and games revenue was driven by a decrease of 3% from our merchandise licensing business, partially offset by a 1% increase from our games business. The decrease at merchandise licensing was due to unfavorable timing of minimum guarantee shortfall recognition and lower licensing revenues from merchandise based on Frozen and Finding Nemo/Dory, partially offset by increases from merchandise based on Cars and Star Wars. Star Wars licensing revenue included the recognition of revenue from merchandise based on Star Wars: The Last Jedi that was deferred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. Higher revenue at our games business was due to licensing revenue from Star Wars Battlefront II , which was released in the current quarter, whereas there was no comparable release in the prior-year quarter. Minimum guarantee shortfalls are generally recognized at the end of the contract period. For contracts that ended on December 31, minimum guarantee shortfalls were recognized in the prior-year first quarter compared to the second quarter of the current year.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include a $6 million increase in cost of goods sold and distribution costs, from $342 million to $348 million , a $9 million increase in other operating expenses, from $151 million to $160 million and a $9 million decrease in product development expense, from $61 million to $52 million . The increase in cost of goods sold and distribution costs was due to an unfavorable foreign currency impact at our retail business. The increase in other operating expenses, which include occupancy costs, labor at our retail stores and other direct costs, was driven by an unfavorable foreign currency impact. The decrease in product development expense was driven by fewer games in development.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 4% , or $25 million , to $617 million , due to decreases at our merchandise licensing and retail businesses, partially offset by higher results at our games business.


CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED SHARED EXPENSES

Quarter Ended

% Change

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Better/
(Worse)

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

$

(150

)

$

(132

)

(14)

 %

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses increased $18 million to $150 million for the quarter due to costs incurred in connection with our agreement to acquire Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.


31

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



IMPACT OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX REFORM

As discussed in Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Tax Act resulted in the following impacts to the Company (the amounts recorded in the quarter are provisional and will be refined during fiscal 2018):

The Company's federal statutory income tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 24.5% for fiscal 2018 and to 21.0% in following years.

The current quarter includes a one-time net benefit of approximately $1.6 billion, which reflected an approximate $1.9 billion benefit from remeasuring our deferred tax balances to the new statutory rate, partially offset by a charge of approximately $0.3 billion from accruing a Deemed Repatriation Tax.

Generally, there will no longer be a U.S. federal income tax cost on the repatriation of foreign earnings.

The Company will be eligible to claim an immediate deduction for investments in qualified fixed assets and film and television productions placed in service during fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2022. This provision phases out through fiscal 2027.

Certain provisions of the Act are not effective for the Company until fiscal 2019 including:

The elimination of the domestic production activities deduction.

The taxation of certain foreign derived income in the U.S. at an effective rate of approximately 13% (which increases to approximately 16% in 2025) rather than the general statutory rate of 21%.

A minimum effective tax on certain foreign earnings of approximately 13%.

We are continuing to assess the impacts of these provisions, but do not currently anticipate that the net impact will be material to our fiscal 2019 effective income tax rate.

We expect a cash tax benefit similar to the reduction in the statutory rate, as well as a benefit from the immediate deduction for investments in qualified fixed assets and film and television productions.


FINANCIAL CONDITION

The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

Quarter Ended

% Change
Better/
(Worse)

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Cash provided by operations

$

2,237


$

1,445


55

 %

Cash used in investing activities

(1,043

)

(1,035

)

(1)

 %

Cash used in financing activities

(584

)

(987

)

41

 %

Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

21


(112

)

nm


Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

631


$

(689

)

nm


Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased 55% to $2.2 billion for the current quarter compared to $1.4 billion in the prior-year quarter due to a decrease in pension plan contributions and higher operating cash flow at Parks and Resorts partially offset by lower operating cash flow at Studio Entertainment and Media Networks. Parks and Resorts cash flow reflected higher operating cash receipts due to increased revenues, partially offset by higher labor and other costs. Lower operating cash flow at Studio Entertainment and Media Networks was due to higher film and television spending.

Film and Television Costs

The Company's Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments incur costs to acquire and produce feature film and television programming. Film and television production costs include all internally produced content such as live-action and animated feature films, animated direct-to-video programming, television series, television specials, theatrical stage plays or other similar product. Programming costs include film or television product licensed for a specific period from third parties for airing on the Company's broadcast and cable networks and television stations. Programming assets are generally recorded when the programming becomes available to us with a corresponding increase in programming liabilities. Accordingly, we analyze our programming assets net of the related liability.


32

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



The Company's film and television production and programming activity for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Quarter Ended

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Beginning balances:

Production and programming assets

$

8,759


$

7,547


Programming liabilities

(1,108

)

(1,063

)

7,651


6,484


Spending:

Television program licenses and rights

2,114


2,031


Film and television production

1,687


1,275


3,801


3,306


Amortization:

Television program licenses and rights

(2,728

)

(2,728

)

Film and television production

(1,107

)

(1,018

)

(3,835

)

(3,746

)

Change in film and television production and programming costs

(34

)

(440

)

Other non-cash activity

(143

)

(36

)

Ending balances:

Production and programming assets

8,783


7,393


Programming liabilities

(1,309

)

(1,385

)

$

7,474


$

6,008


Investing Activities

Investing activities consist principally of investments in parks, resorts and other property and acquisition and divestiture activity. The Company's investments in parks, resorts and other property for the quarters ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Quarter Ended

(in millions)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Media Networks

Cable Networks

$

81


$

46


Broadcasting

36


22


Total Media Networks

117


68


Parks and Resorts

Domestic

641


609


International

147


291


Total Parks and Resorts

788


900


Studio Entertainment

22


27


Consumer Products & Interactive Media

7


6


Corporate

47


39


$

981


$

1,040


Capital expenditures for the Parks and Resorts segment are principally for theme park and resort expansion, new attractions, cruise ships, capital improvements and systems infrastructure. The decrease at our international parks and resorts was due to lower spending for Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The increase at our domestic parks and resorts was due to higher spending on new attractions.


33

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Capital expenditures at Media Networks primarily reflect investments in facilities and equipment for expanding and upgrading broadcast centers, production facilities and television station facilities. The increase at Cable Networks was due to technology spending at BAMTech.

Capital expenditures at Corporate primarily reflect investments in corporate facilities, information technology infrastructure and equipment.

The Company currently expects its fiscal 2018 capital expenditures will be approximately $1 billion higher than fiscal 2017 capital expenditures of $3.6 billion due to increased investments at our domestic parks and resorts.


Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $0.6 billion in the current quarter which reflected repurchases of common stock of $1.3 billion , partially offset by net cash inflows from borrowings of $0.8 billion.

Cash used in financing activities of $0.6 billion was $0.4 billion lower than the $1.0 billion used in the prior-year quarter . The decrease from the prior-year quarter was due to higher borrowings in the current quarter compared to the prior-year quarter ($0.8 billion vs. $0.6 billion, respectively) and lower repurchases of common stock ($1.3 billion vs. $1.5 billion, respectively).

See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the Company's borrowing activities during the quarter ended December 30, 2017 and information regarding the Company's bank facilities. The Company may use commercial paper borrowings up to the amount of its unused bank facilities, in conjunction with term debt issuance and operating cash flow, to retire or refinance other borrowings before or as they come due.

See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the Company's dividends in fiscal 2018 and 2017 and share repurchases during the quarter ended December 30, 2017 .

We believe that the Company's financial condition is strong and that its cash balances, other liquid assets, operating cash flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken together, provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements and future capital expenditures related to the expansion of existing businesses and development of new projects. However, the Company's operating cash flow and access to the capital markets can be impacted by macroeconomic factors outside of its control. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the Company's borrowing costs can be impacted by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by nationally recognized rating agencies, which are based, in significant part, on the Company's performance as measured by certain credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. As of December 30, 2017 , Moody's Investors Service's long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company were A2 and P-1, respectively, with stable outlook and Fitch's long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company were A and F1, respectively, with stable outlook. On December 14, 2017, Standard & Poor's placed the Company's long-term and short-term debt ratings of A+ and A-1+, respectively, on Creditwatch with negative implications. The Company's bank facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating to interest coverage, which the Company met on December 30, 2017 by a significant margin. The Company's bank facilities also specifically exclude certain entities, including the International Theme Parks, from any representations, covenants or events of default.


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Matters

As disclosed in Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has exposure for certain legal matters.

Guarantees

See Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company's guarantees.

Tax Matters

As disclosed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has exposure for certain tax matters.

Contractual Commitments

See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding the Company's contractual commitments.


34

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



OTHER MATTERS

Accounting Policies and Estimates

We believe that the application of the following accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and results of operations require significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Film and Television Revenues and Costs

We expense film and television production, participation and residual costs over the applicable product life cycle based upon the ratio of the current period's revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each production. If our estimate of Ultimate Revenues decreases, amortization of film and television costs may be accelerated. Conversely, if our estimate of Ultimate Revenues increases, film and television cost amortization may be slowed. For film productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of the initial theatrical release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later.

With respect to films intended for theatrical release, the most sensitive factor affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues (and therefore affecting future film cost amortization and/or impairment) is theatrical performance. Revenues derived from other markets subsequent to the theatrical release (e.g., the home entertainment or television markets) have historically been highly correlated with the theatrical performance. Theatrical performance varies primarily based upon the public interest and demand for a particular film, the popularity of competing films at the time of release and the level of marketing effort. Upon a film's release and determination of the theatrical performance, the Company's estimates of revenues from succeeding windows and markets are revised based on historical relationships and an analysis of current market trends. The most sensitive factor affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues for released films is the level of expected home entertainment sales. Home entertainment sales vary based on the number and quality of competing home entertainment products, as well as the manner in which retailers market and price our products.

With respect to television series or other television productions intended for broadcast, the most sensitive factors affecting estimates of Ultimate Revenues are program ratings and the strength of the advertising market. Program ratings, which are an indication of market acceptance, directly affect the Company's ability to generate advertising revenues during the airing of the program. In addition, television series with greater market acceptance are more likely to generate incremental revenues through the licensing of program rights worldwide to television distributors, SVOD services and in home entertainment formats. Alternatively, poor ratings may result in cancellation of the program, which would require an immediate write-down of any unamortized production costs. A significant decline in the advertising market would also negatively impact our estimates.

We expense the cost of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs based on the number of times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Amortization of those television programming assets being amortized on a number of airings basis may be accelerated if we reduce the estimated future airings and slowed if we increase the estimated future airings. The number of future airings of a particular program is impacted primarily by the program's ratings in previous airings, expected advertising rates and availability and quality of alternative programming. Accordingly, planned usage is reviewed periodically and revised if necessary. We amortize rights costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value of each year in the arrangement. The estimated value of each year is based on our projections of revenues over the contract period, which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to each season approximate each season's estimated relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the applicable season. If planned usage patterns or estimated relative values by year were to change significantly, amortization of our sports rights costs may be accelerated or slowed.

Costs of film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated fair values with the unamortized costs. The net realizable values of television broadcast program licenses and rights are reviewed using a daypart methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of day or programs of a similar type. The Company's dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes broadcast and cable networks). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated basis for each cable network. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program. Estimated values are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than our projections, film, television and programming cost write-downs may be required.


35

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Revenue Recognition

We reduce home entertainment revenues for estimated future returns of merchandise and for customer programs and sales incentives. These estimates are based upon historical return experience, current economic trends and projections of customer demand for and acceptance of our products. If we underestimate the level of returns or sales incentives in a particular period, we may record less revenue in later periods when returns or sales incentives exceed the estimated amount. Conversely, if we overestimate the level of returns or sales incentives for a period, we may have additional revenue in later periods when returns or sales incentives are less than estimated.

We recognize revenues from advance theme park ticket sales when the tickets are used. Revenues from annual pass sales are recognized ratably over the period for which the pass is available for use.

Pension and Postretirement Medical Plan Actuarial Assumptions

The Company's pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using a number of actuarial assumptions. Two critical assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement, which we evaluate annually. Refer to the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for estimated impacts of changes in these assumptions. Other assumptions include the healthcare cost trend rate and employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and rate of compensation increase.

The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash payments for benefits as a present value on the measurement date. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. The guideline for setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. The Company's discount rate was determined by considering yield curves constructed of a large population of high-quality corporate bonds and reflects the matching of the plans' liability cash flows to the yield curves.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. A lower expected rate of return on pension plan assets will increase pension expense.

Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets, Long-Lived Assets and Investments

The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, and to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment of goodwill is recognized for the excess up to the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flows) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. The discounted cash flow analyses are sensitive to our estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses. We include in the projected cash flows an estimate of the revenue we believe the reporting unit would receive if the intellectual property developed by the reporting unit that is being used by other reporting units was licensed to an unrelated third party at its fair market value. These amounts are not necessarily the same as those included in segment operating results. We believe our estimates of fair value are consistent with how a marketplace participant would value our reporting units.

In times of adverse economic conditions in the global economy, the Company's long-term cash flow projections are subject to a greater degree of uncertainty than usual. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record impairment charges.

The Company is required to compare the fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets to their carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess. Fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as appropriate.

The Company tests long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once a triggering event has occurred, the impairment test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. The impairment test for assets held for use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the


36

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



useful life of an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and could include assets used across multiple businesses or segments. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group's long-lived assets and the carrying value of the group's long-lived assets. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its fair value. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset's fair value less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Determining whether a long-lived asset is impaired requires various estimates and assumptions, including whether a triggering event has occurred, the identification of the asset groups, estimates of future cash flows and the discount rate used to determine fair values. If we had established different asset groups or utilized different valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record impairment charges.

The Company has cost and equity investments. The fair value of these investments is dependent on the performance of the investee companies as well as volatility inherent in the external markets for these investments. In assessing the potential impairment of these investments, we consider these factors, as well as the forecasted financial performance of the investees and market values, where available. If these forecasts are not met or market values indicate an other-than-temporary decline in value, impairment charges may be required.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimate collectability of accounts receivable based on our analysis of historical bad debt experience in conjunction with our assessment of the financial condition of individual companies with which we do business. In times of domestic or global economic turmoil, our estimates and judgments with respect to the collectability of our receivables are subject to greater uncertainty than in more stable periods. If our estimate of uncollectible accounts is too low, costs and expenses may increase in future periods, and if it is too high, costs and expenses may decrease in future periods.

Contingencies and Litigation

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued estimates of the probable and estimable losses for the resolution of these proceedings. These estimates are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies, and have been developed in consultation with outside counsel as appropriate. From time to time, we may also be involved in other contingent matters for which we have accrued estimates for a probable and estimable loss. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to legal proceedings or our assumptions regarding other contingent matters. See Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information on litigation exposure.

Income Tax Audits

As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. From time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments. Our determinations regarding the recognition of income tax benefits are made in consultation with outside tax and legal counsel, where appropriate, and are based upon the technical merits of our tax positions in consideration of applicable tax statutes and related interpretations and precedents and upon the expected outcome of proceedings (or negotiations) with taxing and legal authorities. The tax benefits ultimately realized by the Company may differ from those recognized in our future financial statements based on a number of factors, including the Company's decision to settle rather than litigate a matter, relevant legal precedent related to similar matters and the Company's success in supporting its filing positions with taxing authorities.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, commodity fluctuations and changes in the market values of its investments.


37

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - (continued)



Policies and Procedures

In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodities using a variety of financial instruments.

Our objectives in managing exposure to interest rate changes are to limit the impact of interest rate volatility on earnings and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we primarily use interest rate swaps to manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to the Company's portfolio of borrowings. By policy, the Company targets fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between minimum and maximum percentages.

Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flow in order to allow management to focus on core business issues and challenges. Accordingly, the Company enters into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent value of its existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, commitments and forecasted foreign currency revenues and expenses. The Company utilizes option strategies and forward contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies to hedge probable, but not firmly committed, transactions. The Company also uses forward and option contracts to hedge foreign currency assets and liabilities. The principal foreign currencies hedged are the euro, British pound, Japanese yen and Canadian dollar. Cross-currency swaps are used to effectively convert foreign currency denominated borrowings to U.S. dollar denominated borrowings. By policy, the Company maintains hedge coverage between minimum and maximum percentages of its forecasted foreign exchange exposures generally for periods not to exceed four years. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of the related exposures. The economic or political conditions in a country could reduce our ability to hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from the country.

Our objectives in managing exposure to commodity fluctuations are to use commodity derivatives to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flows arising from commodity price changes. The amounts hedged using commodity swap contracts are based on forecasted levels of consumption of certain commodities, such as fuel oil and gasoline.

It is the Company's policy to enter into foreign currency and interest rate derivative transactions and other financial instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as stated above. The Company does not enter into these transactions or any other hedging transactions for speculative purposes.


38


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures – We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and made known to the officers who certify the Company's financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on their evaluation as of December 30, 2017 , the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



39


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

As disclosed in Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is engaged in certain legal matters, and the disclosure set forth in Note 12 relating to certain legal matters is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) provides a safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" made by or on behalf of the Company. We may from time to time make written or oral statements that are "forward-looking," including statements contained in this report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in reports to our shareholders. All forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update its disclosure relating to forward-looking matters. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, including restructuring or strategic initiatives (including capital investments or asset acquisitions or dispositions), as well as from developments beyond the Company's control, including: changes in domestic and global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences; adverse weather conditions or natural disasters; health concerns; international, political or military developments; and technological developments. Such developments may affect entertainment, travel and leisure businesses generally and may, among other things, affect the performance of the Company's theatrical and home entertainment releases, the advertising market for broadcast and cable television programming, demand for our products and services, expenses of providing medical and pension benefits and performance of some or all company businesses either directly or through their impact on those who distribute our products. Additional factors are discussed in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

Risk Factors Related to the Acquisition of Twenty-First Century Fox ("21CF")

The proposed Acquisition of 21CF may cause disruption in our business.

The merger agreement related to the acquisition of 21CF (the "Acquisition") restricts us from taking certain specified actions without 21CF's consent until the Acquisition is completed or the merger agreement is terminated, including making certain acquisitions and paying dividends in excess of certain thresholds. These restrictions may affect our ability to execute our business strategies and attain our financial and other goals and may impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The proposed Acquisition could cause disruptions to our business or business relationships, which could have an adverse impact on results of operations. Parties with which we have business relationships may experience uncertainty as to the future of such relationships and may delay or defer certain business decisions, seek alternative relationships with third parties or seek to alter their present business relationships with us. Parties with whom we otherwise may have sought to establish business relationships may seek alternative relationships with third parties.

The pursuit of the Acquisition and the preparation for the integration of 21CF may place a significant burden on our management and internal resources. The diversion of management's attention away from day-to-day business concerns and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could adversely affect our financial results.

We have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services and other transaction costs in connection with the Acquisition. We may also incur unanticipated costs in the integration of the businesses of 21CF and Disney. The substantial majority of these costs will be non-recurring expenses relating to the Acquisition, and many of these costs are payable regardless of whether or not the Acquisition is consummated. We also could be subject to litigation related to the proposed Acquisition, which could result in significant costs and expenses.

Failure to complete the Acquisition in a timely manner or at all could negatively impact the market price of our common stock, as well as our future business and our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We currently anticipate the Acquisition will be completed within 12 to 18 months after December 13, 2017, but we cannot be certain when or if the conditions for the Acquisition will be satisfied or (if permissible under applicable law) waived. The Acquisition cannot be completed until the conditions to closing are satisfied or (if permissible under applicable law) waived, including (i) the adoption of the merger agreement by the requisite vote of the 21CF stockholders and the approval of the stock issuance by the requisite vote of Disney stockholders, (ii) receipt of certain required governmental approvals and consents, (iii) receipt by 21CF of a surplus and solvency opinion with respect to the separation of the 21CF assets and liabilities that we are not acquiring in the Acquisition, referred to as the separation, and the cash dividend in connection with the Acquisition, (iv) effectiveness of registration statements with respect to the issuance of Disney shares in connection with the Acquisition and the


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registration of the common stock of a newly formed subsidiary of 21CF, referred to as New Fox, that is contemplated to own the 21CF assets and liabilities that we are not acquiring in the Acquisition and which will be spun off to 21CF stockholders, (v) authorization of Disney and New Fox shares for listing on NYSE or NASDAQ, as applicable, (vi) the consummation of the separation and spin off of New Fox to 21CF stockholders, (vii) receipt by Disney of a tax ruling from the Australian Taxation Office, (viii) receipt of certain tax opinions by each of 21CF and Disney, including a tax opinion regarding the tax-free treatment of the Acquisition to the 21CF stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and (ix) the accuracy of the representations and warranties made by 21CF or Disney, as applicable, in the merger agreement. Our obligation to complete the Acquisition is also subject to, among other conditions, the absence of regulatory authorities requiring certain actions on our part.

The satisfaction of the required conditions could delay the completion of the Acquisition for a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring. Further, there can be no assurance that the conditions to the closing of the Acquisition will be satisfied or waived or that the Acquisition will be completed.

If the Acquisition is not completed in a timely manner or at all, our ongoing business may be adversely affected as follows:

we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, and our stock price could decline to the extent that the current market price reflects an assumption that the transaction will be completed;

we may experience negative reactions from employees, customers, suppliers or other third parties;

management's focus may have been diverted from pursuing other opportunities that could have been beneficial to Disney; and

our costs of pursuing the Acquisition may be higher than anticipated.

In addition to the above risks, we may be required, under certain circumstances, to pay 21CF a termination fee equal to $1.525 billion, or in connection with a termination under certain specified circumstances in connection with the failure to obtain regulatory approvals, $2.5 billion. If the Acquisition is not consummated, there can be no assurance that these risks will not materialize and will not materially adversely affect our stock price, business, financial conditions, results of operations or cash flows.

The Acquisition may not be accretive, and may be dilutive, to our earnings per share, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

We currently expect the Acquisition to be accretive to our earnings per share, excluding the impact of purchase accounting, for the second fiscal year after closing. This expectation, however, is based on preliminary estimates that may materially change. In addition, we could fail to realize all of the benefits anticipated in the Acquisition or experience delays or inefficiencies in realizing such benefits. Such factors could, combined with the issuance of 0.2745 shares of our common stock for each share of the common stock of 21CF, subject to adjustment for certain tax liabilities, result in the Acquisition being dilutive to our earnings per share, which could negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

In order to complete the Acquisition, Disney and 21CF must obtain certain governmental approvals, and if such approvals are not granted or are granted with conditions, completion of the Acquisition may be jeopardized or the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition could be reduced.

Although Disney and 21CF have agreed to use reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to make certain governmental filings and obtain the required governmental approvals or expiration or earlier termination of relevant waiting periods, as the case may be, there can be no assurance that the relevant waiting periods will expire or be terminated or that the relevant approvals will be obtained. As a condition to approving the Acquisition, these governmental authorities may impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of our business after completion of the Acquisition. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying or preventing completion of the Acquisition or imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of the combined company following the Acquisition, or otherwise adversely affecting, including to a material extent, our businesses and results of operations after completion of the Acquisition. If we or 21CF are required to divest assets or businesses, there can be no assurance that we or 21CF will be able to negotiate such divestitures expeditiously or on favorable terms or that the governmental authorities will approve the terms of such divestitures. We can provide no assurance that these conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the abandonment of the Acquisition.

Although we expect that the Acquisition will result in synergies and other benefits to us, we may not realize those benefits because of difficulties related to integration, the achievement of synergies, and other challenges.

Disney and 21CF have operated and, until completion of the Acquisition, will continue to operate, independently, and there can be no assurances that our businesses can be combined in a manner that allows for the achievement of substantial


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benefits. If we are not able to successfully integrate 21CF's businesses with ours or pursue our direct-to-consumer strategy successfully, the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Acquisition may not be realized fully or may take longer than expected to be realized. Further, it is possible that there could be loss of key Disney or 21CF employees, loss of customers, disruption of either company's or both companies' ongoing businesses or unexpected issues, higher than expected costs and an overall post-completion process that takes longer than originally anticipated. Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in combining the operations of Disney and 21CF in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition so the combined company performs as the parties hope:

combining the companies' corporate functions;

combining the businesses of Disney and 21CF in a manner that permits us to achieve the synergies anticipated to result from the Acquisition, the failure of which would result in the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition not being realized in the time frame currently anticipated or at all;

maintaining existing agreements with customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors and avoiding delays in entering into new agreements with prospective customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors;

determining whether and how to address possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies;

integrating the companies' administrative and information technology infrastructure;

developing products and technology that allow value to be unlocked in the future; and

effecting potential actions that may be required in connection with obtaining regulatory approvals.

In addition, at times the attention of certain members of our management and resources may be focused on completion of the Acquisition and integration planning of the businesses of the two companies and diverted from day-to-day business operations, which may disrupt our ongoing business and the business of the combined company.

Consummation of the Acquisition will increase our exposure to the risks of operating internationally.

We are a diversified entertainment company that offers entertainment, travel and consumer products worldwide. Although many of our businesses increasingly depend on acceptance of our offerings and products by consumers outside of the U.S., the combination with 21CF will increase the importance of international operations to our future operations, growth and prospects. The risks of operating internationally that we already face may therefore be exacerbated upon completion of the Acquisition.

Our consolidated indebtedness will increase substantially following completion of the Acquisition. This increased level of indebtedness could adversely affect us, including by decreasing our business flexibility.

Our consolidated indebtedness as of September 30, 2017 was approximately $25 billion. Upon completion of the Acquisition, we will assume an estimated $20 billion of additional outstanding debt of 21CF if the Sky acquisition is completed. The increased indebtedness could have the effect of, among other things, reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions. In addition, the amount of cash required to pay interest on our increased indebtedness levels will increase following completion of the Acquisition, and thus the demands on our cash resources will be greater than prior to the Acquisition. The increased levels of indebtedness following completion of the Acquisition could also reduce funds available for capital expenditures, share repurchases and dividends, and other activities and may create competitive disadvantages for us relative to other companies with lower debt levels. Our funds on hand will be further constrained by the issuance of shares of our common stock in the acquisition, because of dividend payments on our common stock, which, as of the date of this filing, were $0.84 per share of our common stock on a semi-annual basis.



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ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a) The following table provides information about Company purchases of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended December 30, 2017 :

Period

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased  (1)

Weighted

Average

Price Paid

per Share

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced

Plans or

Programs

Maximum

Number of

Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the

Plans or

Programs (2)

October 1, 2017 - October 31, 2017

4,847,957


$

98.82


4,820,000


187 million

November 1, 2017 - November 30, 2017

4,308,205


101.77


4,283,745


183 million

December 1, 2017 - December 30, 2017

3,733,222


107.99


3,707,600


179 million

Total

12,889,384


102.46


12,811,345


179 million

(1)

78,039 shares were purchased on the open market to provide shares to participants in the Walt Disney Investment Plan (WDIP). These purchases were not made pursuant to a publicly announced repurchase plan or program.


(2)

Under a share repurchase program implemented effective June 10, 1998, the Company is authorized to repurchase shares of its common stock. On January 30, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors increased the share repurchase authorization to a total of 400 million shares as of that date. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.




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ITEM 6. Exhibits

See Index of Exhibits.


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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.

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

(Registrant)

By:

/s/ CHRISTINE M. MCCARTHY

Christine M. McCarthy,

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

February 6, 2018

Burbank, California


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INDEX OF EXHIBITS

Number and Description of Exhibit

(Numbers Coincide with Item 601 of Regulation S-K)

Document Incorporated by Reference from a Previous Filing or Filed Herewith, as Indicated below

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 2017, among Twenty-First Century Fox Inc., The Walt Disney Company, TWC Merger Enterprises 2 Corp. and TWC Merger Enterprises 1,  LLC


Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A of the Company filed December 14, 2017


3.1

Amended and Restated Bylaws of The Walt Disney Company as of December 13, 2017


Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed December 14, 2017


10.1

Voting Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2017, among The Walt Disney Company, Murdoch Family Trust and Cruden Financial Services LLC


Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed December 14, 2017


10.2

Amendment dated December 13, 2017 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Robert A. Iger, dated as of October 6, 2011


Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed December 14, 2017


10.3

Performance-Based Stock Unit Award (Four-Year Vesting subject to Total Shareholder Return Test/Section 162(m) Vesting Requirements) for Robert A. Iger dated as of December 13, 2017


Filed herewith

10.4

Performance-Based Stock Unit Award (Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement) for Robert A. Iger dated as of December 13, 2017


Filed herewith

12.1

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Filed herewith

31(a)

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Filed herewith

31(b)

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Filed herewith

32(a)

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

Furnished

32(b)

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

Furnished

101

The following materials from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity and (vi) related notes

Filed


*

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


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